Category: Transport

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to Myanmar earthquake

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

March 28, 2025

Scientists comment on a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has hit central Myanmar.

Prof Bill McGuire, Professor Emeritus of Geophysical & Climate Hazards, University College London (UCL), said:

“Myanmar is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, so this quake is not a surprise. It looks to have occurred on the major Sagaing Fault, which marks the boundary between two tectonic plates, and which runs north – south close to a number of large population centres.

“This is probably the biggest earthquake on the Myanmar mainland in three quarters of a century, and a combination of size and very shallow depth will maximise the chances of damage. It is highly likely that build quality will generally not be high enough to survive this level of shaking, and casualty numbers will almost certainly climb significantly as more becomes known of the scale of the disaster.

“There has already been one sizeable aftershock and more can be expected. This will threaten the collapse of weakened buildings and make the jobs of rescue workers that much more challenging”

Prof Joanna Faure Walker, Professor of Earthquake Geology and Disaster Risk Reduction, University College London (UCL), said:

“Myanmar is no stranger to earthquakes. The plate boundary between the India Plate and Eurasia Plate runs approximately north-south, cutting through the middle of the country. These two plates move past each other as they are moving at different rates along a transform plate boundary (a bit like the San Andreas Fault in the south west of the United States). Although such strike slip earthquakes are of smaller magnitude than the largest earthquakes seen in subduction zones, like to the south in Sumatra, they can still reach magnitudes 7 to 8 and cause severe destruction, as we are seeing in the March 2025 earthquake.”

Dr Roger Musson, Honorary Research Fellow, British Geological Survey (BGS), said:

“Large earthquakes in this region are rare but not unknown, the last similar event being in 1956, more or less beyond living memory. This means that buildings are unlikely to be designed against seismic forces, and therefore are more vulnerable when an earthquake like this occurs, resulting in more damage and higher casualties. The ultimate cause of the earthquake is the northward movement of the Indian Plate, which produces a tearing effect along N-S trending vertical faults.”

Prof Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health, Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR), University College London (UCL), said:

“Getting humanitarian relief into the worst-affected areas of Burma / Myanmar might not be politically easy. In 2008, Cyclone Nargis killed over 130,000 people in the country. The government took days to accept significant aid and then inhibited its delivery.

“For ‘disaster diplomacy’ to work – supporting disaster-affected people in areas with violent or political conflict – the world and the disaster-struck authorities must cooperate. Many governments running Burma / Myanmar have been highly controlling, including since the February 2021 military coup. Helping people in need without helping an oppressive government is a tricky situation for aid donors to navigate, not helped by the reported damage to transportation and communication systems.

“The usual mantra is that ‘Earthquakes don’t kill people; collapsing infrastructure does’. Governments are responsible for planning regulations and building codes. This disaster exposes what governments of Burma / Myanmar failed to do long before the earthquake which would have saved lives during the shaking.”

Declared interests

Prof Bill McGuire “No interests to declare”

Prof Joanna Faure Walker “None to declare”

Prof Ilan Kelman “Ilan has been researching disaster diplomacy since 1999.”

For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 28, 2025

MIL-OSI: Katapult Delivers Double-Digit Gross Originations Growth in the Fourth Quarter, Above Outlook

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Strong Holiday Season Performance; Momentum Continuing into 2025
Establishes 2025 Outlook; Expects Growth to Continue in Q1 2025

PLANO, Texas, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Katapult Holdings, Inc. (“Katapult” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KPLT), an e-commerce-focused financial technology company, today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024.

“We had a great fourth quarter, which included stronger-than-expected gross originations growth and 50% growth in application volume,” said Orlando Zayas, CEO of Katapult. “The fourth quarter holiday season is an incredibly important time for many of our merchant-partners and the Katapult marketplace delivered, including more than 100% year-over-year gross originations growth during the Cyber 5 period in 2024. This growth was driven by a number of initiatives including targeted and co-branded marketing campaigns and the launch of new app features that enhance the customer experience. Given our high repeat customer rate and the incremental sales we’re generating for our merchant-partners, we are confident that retailers, partners and consumers alike understand the value Katapult brings to the table.”

“Prior to the launch of our app, we relied on direct and waterfall merchants to send us consumers and we developed a consistent track record for converting this traffic to the benefit of our merchant-partners. When we launched the Katapult app two years ago, we believed we could transform our operating model from a single-input driven business to a two-sided marketplace with a multidimensional growth engine. Our fourth quarter results demonstrated the progress we are making toward this goal. Customers are engaging more and more frequently with our marketplace, and during the fourth quarter, this led to approximately 61% of our gross originations starting in the Katapult app marketplace. The two-sided Katapult app marketplace, powered by KPay (Katapult Pay (R)), has become a reliable shopping destination for consumers across the US and a growth partner for durable goods merchants. We are excited about our potential and are looking forward to a great 2025.”

Operating Progress: Recent Highlights

Successfully transitioning business model to two-sided marketplace and increasing platform velocity
- ~61% of fourth quarter gross originations started in the Katapult app marketplace, making it the single largest customer referral source
- Customer satisfaction remained high and Katapult had a Net Promoter Score of 58 as of December 31, 2024
- 61.5% of gross originations for the fourth quarter of 2024 came from repeat customers¹
Grew consumer engagement by adding app functionality and features and executing targeted marketing campaigns
- Lease applications grew 50% year-over-year in the fourth quarter driven by new and existing customers
- KPay gross originations grew approximately 52% year-over-year in the fourth quarter; 41% of total gross originations were transacted using KPay
- Launched Metro by T-Mobile(R) (December 2024), Zales(R) (January 2025) and Rooms to Go(R) (February 2025) in the Katapult app marketplace, bringing the total number of merchants in our ecosystem to 33.
Strong progress against merchant engagement initiatives
- Direct and waterfall gross originations, which represented 68% of total fourth quarter originations, grew approximately 44%, excluding the home furnishings and mattress category
- Continued to expand our waterfall partnerships by onboarding 11 new merchants, including eight that are new to the Katapult app marketplace and three that already had a direct integration with Katapult
- Together with several merchant-partners, we launched co-branded, co-promoted marketing campaigns that helped drive gross originations during the Cyber 5 period higher by more than 100% compared with the same period of last year
Entered new partnerships focused on expanding our applicant pool and providing consumers with more reasons to engage with the Katapult app marketplace

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights

(All comparisons are year-over-year unless stated otherwise.)

Gross originations were $75.2 million, an increase of 11.3%. Excluding the home furnishings and mattress category within our direct/waterfall channel, gross originations grew 50% year-over-year.
Total revenue was $63.0 million, an increase of 9.4%
Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter decreased 37.4%. Our fixed cash operating expenses², which exclude litigation settlement expenses, decreased approximately 7.1%.
Net loss was $9.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, an improvement compared with net loss of $14.6 million reported for the fourth quarter of 2023.
Adjusted net loss² was $8.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to an adjusted net loss of $6.3 million reported for the fourth quarter of 2023
Adjusted EBITDA² loss was $1.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to Adjusted EBITDA² loss of $0.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The year-over-year performance was driven largely by higher cost of sales related to rapid, faster-than-expected gross originations growth in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Katapult ended the quarter with total cash and cash equivalents of $16.6 million, which includes $13.1 million of restricted cash. The Company ended the quarter with $82.8 million of outstanding debt on its credit facility.
Write-offs as a percentage of revenue were 9.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and are within the Company’s 8% to 10% long-term target range. This compares with 8.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023.

2024 Financial Highlights

(All comparisons are year-over-year unless stated otherwise.)

Gross originations were $237 million, an increase of 4.7%
Total revenue was $247 million, an increase of 11.6%
Total operating expenses decreased 11.0%. Excluding litigation settlement expenses, total operating expenses decreased 17.0%. Our fixed cash operating expenses², which exclude litigation settlement expenses, decreased approximately 7.1%.
Net loss was $26 million, an improvement compared with net loss of $37 million for 2023
Adjusted net loss² was $17 million, an improvement compared to an adjusted net loss of $23 million for 2023
Adjusted EBITDA² was $5 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA² loss of $2 million in 2023
Write-offs as a percentage of revenue were 9.2% in 2024 and are within the Company’s 8% to 10% long-term target range. This compares with 9.2% in 2023.

[1] Repeat customer rate is defined as the percentage of in-quarter originations from existing customers.
[2] Please refer to the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measure and Certain Other Data” section and the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation tables below for more information.

First Quarter and Full Year 2025 Business Outlook

The Company is continuing to navigate a challenging macro environment particularly within the home furnishings category. Given the current breadth of our merchant selection as well as our plans to introduce new merchants to the Katapult App Marketplace during 2025, our strategic marketing and our strong consumer offering, we believe we are well positioned to deliver continued growth in 2025. We continue to believe that we have a large addressable market of underserved, non-prime consumers, and it’s important to note that lease-to-own solutions have historically benefited when prime credit options become less available.

Given our quarter-to-date progress, Katapult expects the following results for the first quarter of 2025:

Approximately 11% year-over-year increase in gross originations
Approximately 10% year-over-year increase in revenue
Approximately $3 million of positive Adjusted EBITDA

Based on the macroeconomic assumptions above and the operating plan in place for the full year 2025, Katapult expects to deliver the following results for full year 2025:

We expect gross originations to grow at least 20%
This outlook does not include any material impact from prime creditors tightening or loosening above us and assumes that there are no significant changes to the macro environment.

Both our first quarter and full year outlooks assume that the gross originations for the home furnishings and mattress category does not improve materially from our 2024 performance.

We also expect to maintain strong credit quality in our portfolio. This will be driven by ongoing enhancements to our risk modeling, onboarding high quality new merchants through integrations, and repeat customers engaging with Katapult Pay
Revenue growth is expected to be at least 20%
Finally with the continued execution of our disciplined expense management strategy combined with our growing top-line, we expect to deliver at least $10 million in positive Adjusted EBITDA

“During 2024, we delivered strong top-line growth while continuing to lean into fiscal discipline and as a result, we were able to generate our first full year of Adjusted EBITDA profitability since 2021,” said Nancy Walsh, CFO of Katapult. “Since we have a two-sided marketplace business model, we can continue to scale our revenue without adding commensurate expenses. This means that in times of rapid revenue growth, as we are expecting in 2025, we can meaningfully accelerate our Adjusted EBITDA flow-through. We are executing well across the breadth of our two-sided marketplace and we expect to build on this momentum throughout 2025.”

Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 8:00 AM ET on Friday, March 28, 2025, to discuss the Company’s financial results. Related presentation materials will be available before the call on the Company’s Investor Relations page at https://ir.katapultholdings.com. The conference call will be broadcast live in listen-only mode and an archive of the webcast will be available for one year.

About Katapult

Katapult is a technology driven lease-to-own platform that integrates with omnichannel retailers and e-commerce platforms to power the purchasing of everyday durable goods for underserved U.S. non-prime consumers. Through our point-of-sale (POS) integrations and innovative mobile app featuring Katapult Pay(R), consumers who may be unable to access traditional financing can shop a growing network of merchant partners. Our process is simple, fast, and transparent. We believe that seeing the good in people is good for business, humanizing the way underserved consumers get the things they need with payment solutions based on fairness and dignity.

Contact

Jennifer Kull
VP of Investor Relations
ir@katapult.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this Press Release and on our quarterly earnings call that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “design,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potentially,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: in this Press Release and on our associated earnings call, statements regarding our first quarter of 2025 and full year 2025 business outlook and underlying assumptions, the expectation that the home furnishings category will not materially improve in the first quarter or throughout 2025, statements regarding our expectations for 2025, the impact of KPay on customer acquisition and our relationship with existing customers, the durability and timing of macroeconomic headwinds, the impact of our integrations within third-party waterfalls and our relationships with new merchant-partners on gross originations and financial expectations beyond 2025. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this Press Release, and on the current expectations of our management and are not predictions of actual performance.

These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, our ability to refinance our indebtedness and continue as a going concern, the execution of our business strategy and expanding information and technology capabilities; our market opportunity and our ability to acquire new customers and retain existing customers; adoption and success of our mobile application featuring Katapult Pay; the timing and impact of our growth initiatives on our future financial performance; anticipated occurrence and timing of prime lending tightening and impact on our results of operations; general economic conditions in the markets where we operate, the cyclical nature of customer spending, and seasonal sales and spending patterns of customers; risks relating to factors affecting consumer spending that are not under our control, including, among others, levels of employment, disposable consumer income, inflation, prevailing interest rates, consumer debt and availability of credit, consumer confidence in future economic conditions, political conditions, and consumer perceptions of personal well-being and security and willingness and ability of customers to pay for the goods they lease through us when due; risks relating to uncertainty of our estimates of market opportunity and forecasts of market growth; risks related to the concentration of a significant portion of our transaction volume with a single merchant partner, or type of merchant or industry; the effects of competition on our future business; meet future liquidity requirements and complying with restrictive covenants related to our long-term indebtedness; the impact of unstable market and economic conditions such as rising inflation and interest rates; reliability of our platform and effectiveness of our risk model; data security breaches or other information technology incidents or disruptions, including cyber-attacks, and the protection of confidential, proprietary, personal and other information, including personal data of customers; ability to attract and retain employees, executive officers or directors; effectively respond to general economic and business conditions; obtain additional capital, including equity or debt financing and servicing our indebtedness; enhance future operating and financial results; anticipate rapid technological changes, including generative artificial intelligence and other new technologies; comply with laws and regulations applicable to our business, including laws and regulations related to rental purchase transactions; stay abreast of modified or new laws and regulations applying to our business, including with respect to rental purchase transactions and privacy regulations; maintain and grow relationships with merchants and partners; respond to uncertainties associated with product and service developments and market acceptance; the impacts of new U.S. federal income tax laws; material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting which, if not identified and remediated, could affect the reliability of our financial statements; successfully defend litigation; litigation, regulatory matters, complaints, adverse publicity and/or misconduct by employees, vendors and/or service providers; and other events or factors, including those resulting from civil unrest, war, foreign invasions (including the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict), terrorism, public health crises and pandemics (such as COVID-19), trade wars, or responses to such events; our ability to meet the minimum requirements for continued listing on the Nasdaq Global Market; and those factors discussed in greater detail in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 that we filed with the SEC.

If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this Press Release or on our quarterly earnings call. All forward-looking statements contained herein or expressed on our quarterly earnings call are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we do not assume any obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events, except as required by law. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be made that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

Key Performance Metrics

Katapult regularly reviews several metrics, including the following key metrics, to evaluate its business, measure its performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate financial projections and make strategic decisions, which may also be useful to an investor: gross originations, total revenue, gross profit, adjusted gross profit and adjusted EBITDA.

Gross originations are defined as the retail price of the merchandise associated with lease-purchase agreements entered into during the period through the Katapult platform. Gross originations do not represent revenue earned. However, we believe this is a useful operating metric for both Katapult’s management and investors to use in assessing the volume of transactions that take place on Katapult’s platform.

Total revenue represents the summation of rental revenue and other revenue. Katapult measures this metric to assess the total view of pay through performance of its customers. Management believes looking at these components is useful to an investor as it helps to understand the total payment performance of customers.

Gross profit represents total revenue less cost of revenue, and is a measure presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). See the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section below for a description and presentation of adjusted gross profit and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures utilized by management.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the financial measures presented in this press release and related conference call or webcast in accordance with GAAP, the Company also presents the following non-GAAP and other measures of financial performance: adjusted gross profit, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income/(loss) and fixed cash operating expenses. The Company believes that for management and investors to more effectively compare core performance from period to period, the non-GAAP measures should exclude items that are not indicative of our results from ongoing business operations. The Company urges investors to consider non-GAAP measures only in conjunction with its GAAP financials and to review the reconciliation of the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures to its comparable GAAP financial measures, which are included in this press release.

Adjusted gross profit represents gross profit less variable operating expenses, which are servicing costs, and underwriting fees. Management believes that adjusted gross profit provides a meaningful understanding of one aspect of its performance specifically attributable to total revenue and the variable costs associated with total revenue.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that is defined as net loss before interest expense and other fees, interest income, change in fair value of warrants and loss on issuance of shares, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization on property and equipment and capitalized software, provision of impairment of leased assets, loss on partial extinguishment of debt, stock-based compensation expense, and litigation settlement and other related expenses.

Adjusted net loss is a non-GAAP measure that is defined as net loss before change in fair value of warrants and loss on issuance of shares, stock-based compensation expense, and litigation settlement and other related expenses.

Fixed cash operating expenses is a non-GAAP measure that is defined as operating expenses less depreciation and amortization on property and equipment and capitalized software, stock-based compensation expense, litigation settlement and other related expenses, net and variable lease costs such as servicing costs and underwriting fees. Management believes that fixed cash operating expenses provides a meaningful understanding of non-variable ongoing expenses.

Adjusted gross profit, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net loss are useful to an investor in evaluating the Company’s performance because these measures:

Are widely used to measure a company’s operating performance;
Are financial measurements that are used by rating agencies, lenders and other parties to evaluate the Company’s credit worthiness; and
Are used by the Company’s management for various purposes, including as measures of performance and as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting.

Management believes that the use of non-GAAP financial measures, as a supplement to GAAP measures, is useful to investors in that they eliminate items that are not part of our core operations, highly variable or do not require a cash outlay, such as stock-based compensation expense. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures when evaluating operating performance and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures help indicate underlying trends in the business, are important in comparing current results with prior period results and are useful to investors and financial analysts in assessing operating performance. However, these non-GAAP measures exclude items that are significant in understanding and assessing Katapult’s financial results. Therefore, these measures should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to revenue, net loss, gross profit, cash flows from operations or other measures of profitability, liquidity or performance under GAAP. You should be aware that Katapult’s presentation of these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

KATAPULT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (amounts in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
		2024			2023			2024			2023

Revenue
Rental revenue	$	62,031		$	56,735		$	243,978		$	218,347
Other revenue		932			823			3,216			3,241
Total revenue		62,963			57,558			247,194			221,588
Cost of revenue		55,557			48,657			201,423			179,881
Gross profit		7,406			8,901			45,771			41,707
Operating expenses:
Servicing costs		1,156			1,118			4,589			4,311
Underwriting fees		814			549			2,304			1,919
Professional and consulting fees		631			1,247			5,201			6,694
Technology and data analytics		1,740			1,642			7,170			6,905
Compensation costs		4,376			5,396			20,076			22,732
General and administrative		3,208			2,594			10,866			10,938
Litigation settlement, net		314			7,000			3,666			7,000
Total operating expenses		12,239			19,546			53,872			60,499
Loss from operations		(4,833	)		(10,645	)		(8,101	)		(18,792	)
Loss on partial extinguishment of debt		—			—			—			(2,391	)
Interest expense and other fees		(4,849	)		(4,271	)		(18,851	)		(17,822	)
Interest income		148			363			1,163			1,697
Change in fair value of warrant liability		(5	)		36			17			807
Loss before income taxes		(9,539	)		(14,517	)		(25,772	)		(36,501	)
Provision for income taxes		(30	)		(112	)		(143	)		(165	)
Net loss	$	(9,569	)	$	(14,629	)	$	(25,915	)	$	(36,666	)

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted		4,518			4,130			4,347			4,088

Net loss per common share – basic and diluted	$	(2.12	)	$	(3.54	)	$	(5.96	)	$	(8.97	)

KATAPULT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	December 31,
		2024			2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,465		$	21,408
Restricted cash		13,087			7,403
Property held for lease, net of accumulated depreciation and impairment		67,085			59,335
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		6,731			4,491
Litigation insurance reimbursement receivable		—			5,000
Total current assets		90,368			97,637
Property and equipment, net		253			327
Security deposits		91			91
Capitalized software and intangible assets, net		2,076			1,919
Right-of-use assets, non-current		383			888
Total assets	$	93,171		$	100,862
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1,491		$	903
Accrued liabilities		17,372			24,146
Accrued litigation settlement		2,199			12,000
Unearned revenue		4,823			4,949
Revolving line of credit, net		82,582			—
Term loan, net, current		30,047			—
Lease liabilities		179			297
Total current liabilities		138,693			42,295
Revolving line of credit, net		—			60,347
Term loan, net, non-current		—			25,503
Other liabilities		828			95
Lease liabilities, non-current		444			614
Total liabilities		139,965			128,854
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Common stock, 0.0001 par value– 250,000,000 shares authorized; 4,446,540 and 4,072,713 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively		—			—
Additional paid-in capital		101,657			94,544
Accumulated deficit		(148,451	)		(122,536	)
Total stockholders’ deficit		(46,794	)		(27,992	)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit	$	93,171		$	100,862

KATAPULT HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (dollars in thousands)

	Year Ended December 31,
		2024			2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(25,915	)	$	(36,666	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		140,636			126,533
Depreciation for early lease purchase options (buyouts)		29,061			25,784
Depreciation for impaired leases		24,962			22,019
Change in fair value of warrants and other non-cash items		(256	)		(807	)
Stock-based compensation		5,759			7,034
Loss on partial extinguishment of debt		—			2,391
Amortization of debt discount		3,104			2,760
Amortization of debt issuance costs, net		220			277
Accrued PIK interest expense		1,440			1,555
Amortization of right-of-use assets		318			355
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Property held for lease		(201,189	)		(183,695	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(2,053	)		3,610
Litigation insurance reimbursement receivable		5,000			(5,000	)
Accounts payable		588			(361	)
Accrued liabilities		(6,775	)		4,419
Accrued litigation settlement		(7,055	)		12,000
Lease liabilities		(288	)		(387	)
Unearned revenues		(126	)		765
Net cash used in operating activities		(32,569	)		(17,414	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(54	)		(20	)
Additions to capitalized software		(1,249	)		(954	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(1,303	)		(974	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving line of credit		34,421			14,297
Principal repayments on revolving line of credit		(12,406	)		(11,551	)
Principal repayment on term loan		—			(25,000	)
Payments of deferred financing costs		—			(34	)
Repurchases of restricted stock		(613	)		(355	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		211			1
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		21,613			(22,642	)
Net (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		(12,259	)		(41,030	)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period		28,811			69,841
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$	16,552		$	28,811
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$	13,709		$	13,014
Cash paid for income taxes	$	270		$	206
Deferred financing costs included in accrued liabilities	$	—		$	481
Issuance of warrants to purchase common stock in connection with debt refinancing	$	—		$	4,060
Issuance of common stock in connection with litigation settlements	$	1,756		$	—
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities	$	—		$	471
Cash paid for operating leases	$	359		$	513

KATAPULT HOLDINGS, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES AND CERTAIN OTHER DATA (UNAUDITED)
(amounts in thousands)

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
		2024			2023			2024			2023

Net loss	$	(9,569	)	$	(14,629	)	$	(25,915	)	$	(36,666	)
Add back:
Interest expense and other fees		4,849			4,271			18,851			17,822
Interest income		(148	)		(363	)		(1,163	)		(1,697	)
Change in fair value of warrants		5			(36	)		(17	)		(807	)
Provision for income taxes		30			112			143			165
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment and capitalized software		287			454			1,219			1,133
Provision for impairment of leased assets		1,921			1,508			2,227			1,727
Loss on partial extinguishment of debt		—			—			—			2,391
Stock-based compensation expense		1,331			1,356			5,759			7,034
Litigation settlement and other related expenses, net		226		$	7,000			3,666			7,000
Adjusted EBITDA	$	(1,068	)	$	(327	)	$	4,770		$	(1,898	)

	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
		2024			2023			2024			2023

Net loss	$	(9,569	)	$	(14,629	)	$	(25,915	)	$	(36,666	)
Add back:
Change in fair value of warrants		5			(36	)		(17	)		(807	)
Stock-based compensation expense		1,331			1,356			5,759			7,034
Litigation settlement and other related expenses, net		226			7,000			3,666			7,000
Adjusted net loss	$	(8,007	)	$	(6,309	)	$	(16,507	)	$	(23,439	)

	Three Months Ended December 31,				Year Ended December 31,
		2024		2023		2024		2023

Total operating expenses	$	12,239	$	19,546	$	53,872	$	60,499
Less:
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment and capitalized software		287		454		1,219		1,133
Stock-based compensation expense		1,331		1,356		5,759		7,034
Servicing costs		1,156		1,118		4,589		4,311
Underwriting fees		814		549		2,304		1,919
Litigation settlement and other related expenses, net		226		7,000		3,666		7,000
Fixed cash operating expenses	$	8,425	$	9,069	$	36,335	$	39,102

	Three Months Ended December 31,				Year Ended December 31,
		2024		2023		2024		2023

Total revenue	$	62,963	$	57,558	$	247,194	$	221,588
Cost of revenue		55,557		48,657		201,423		179,881
Gross profit		7,406		8,901		45,771		41,707
Less:
Servicing costs		1,156		1,118		4,589		4,311
Underwriting fees		814		549		2,304		1,919
Adjusted gross profit	$	5,436	$	7,234	$	38,878	$	35,477

CERTAIN KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS

(in thousands)	Three Months Ended December 31,				Year Ended December 31,
		2024		2023		2024		2023
Total revenue	$	62,963	$	57,558	$	247,194	$	221,588

KATAPULT HOLDINGS, INC.
GROSS ORIGINATIONS BY QUARTER

	Gross Originations by Quarter
($ millions)	Q1		Q2		Q3		Q4
FY 2024	$	55.6	$	55.3	$	51.2	$	75.2
FY 2023	$	54.7	$	54.7	$	49.6	$	67.5
FY 2022	$	46.7	$	46.4	$	44.1	$	59.8
FY 2021	$	63.8	$	64.4	$	61.0	$	58.9

The MIL Network –

March 28, 2025

MIL-OSI: Enlight Wins Israel’s First Ever Land Tender for an Integrated Data Center and Renewable Energy Facility in the Ashalim Region

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TEL AVIV, Israel, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enlight Renewable Energy (“Enlight”, “the Company”, NASDAQ: ENLT, TASE: ENLT.TA), a leading renewable energy platform, announced today that it won an Israel Land Authority (ILA) tender to develop a state-of-the-art integrated data center and renewable energy complex on a 50-acre site in Ashalim, southern Israel. The Company plans to invest up to $1.1 billion in the project, which marks a major milestone in the expansion of data centers to southern Israel, contributing to the strategic national goal of relocating large electricity consumers to regions with renewable energy production.

There is enormous demand for new data centers in Israel, but most of them are concentrated in the central region, where there is a severe shortage of suitable land and power infrastructure. This region requires the costly transmission of electricity produced in the south to meet its growing energy needs. Ashalim, home to Israel’s largest renewable energy hub with existing high-voltage transmission and communication networks, offers an ideal solution for large-scale data centers. Enlight views the ILA tender as a visionary step forward for Israel, and sees the award as a significant opportunity for the Company.

The solar generation and energy storage facility planned adjacent to the data center will help meet part of its electricity demand and reduce operating costs. By integrating a renewable energy facility with the data center, Enlight will leverage its expertise in energy development, construction, financing, and management, marking another milestone in Israel’s energy revolution. The integrated data, generation, and storage complex, which Enlight plans to build in accordance with the tender’s terms, will feature a 100 MW AC hourly consumption capacity.

Enlight is actively exploring additional opportunities in the expanding market of combined renewable energy and data center facilities, both in Israel and Europe.

Gilad Peled, GM of Enlight MENA: “Enlight is leading the integration of renewable energy into the growing data center sector. We believe that powering data centers with renewable energy is the right path to take, both as a national initiative and for us as a developer. Winning this tender will allow us to leverage our expertise in renewable energy and lead a national effort to develop data centers in southern Israel. This represents both an economic growth engine as well as a solution to the challenges and costs of electricity production and transmission into the country’s central region.”

About Enlight Renewable Energy

Founded in 2008, Enlight develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects. Enlight operates across the three largest renewable segments today: solar, wind and energy storage. The company’s portfolio is 30.2 FGW, out of which the mature portfolio is 8.6 FGW, and the operational portfolio is 3 FGW. A global platform, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 10 European countries. Enlight has been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 2010 (TASE: ENLT) and completed its U.S. IPO (Nasdaq: ENLT) in 2023. Learn more at www.enlightenergy.co.il.

Contacts:

Yonah Weisz

Director IR

investors@enlightenergy.co.il

Erica Mannion or Mike Funari

Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC

+1 617 542 6180

investors@enlightenergy.co.il

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations relating to the Project, the PPA and the related interconnection agreement and lease option, and the completion timeline for the Project, are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “forecasts,” “aims” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to site suitable land for, and otherwise source, renewable energy projects and to successfully develop and convert them into Operational Projects; availability of, and access to, interconnection facilities and transmission systems; our ability to obtain and maintain governmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits; construction delays, operational delays and supply chain disruptions leading to increased cost of materials required for the construction of our projects, as well as cost overruns and delays related to disputes with contractors; our suppliers’ ability and willingness to perform both existing and future obligations; competition from traditional and renewable energy companies in developing renewable energy projects; potential slowed demand for renewable energy projects and our ability to enter into new offtake contracts on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake contracts expire; offtakers’ ability to terminate contracts or seek other remedies resulting from failure of our projects to meet development, operational or performance benchmarks; various technical and operational challenges leading to unplanned outages, reduced output, interconnection or termination issues; the dependence of our production and revenue on suitable meteorological and environmental conditions, and our ability to accurately predict such conditions; our ability to enforce warranties provided by our counterparties in the event that our projects do not perform as expected; government curtailment, energy price caps and other government actions that restrict or reduce the profitability of renewable energy production; electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including the effects of climate change, could adversely affect wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; our dependence on certain operational projects for a substantial portion of our cash flows; our ability to continue to grow our portfolio of projects through successful acquisitions; changes and advances in technology that impair or eliminate the competitive advantage of our projects or upsets the expectations underlying investments in our technologies; our ability to effectively anticipate and manage cost inflation, interest rate risk, currency exchange fluctuations and other macroeconomic conditions that impact our business; our ability to retain and attract key personnel; our ability to manage legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk across our global corporate structure; our ability to protect our business from, and manage the impact of, cyber-attacks, disruptions and security incidents, as well as acts of terrorism or war; the potential impact of the current conflicts in Israel on our operations and financial condition and Company actions designed to mitigate such impact; changes to existing renewable energy industry policies and regulations that present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to renewable energy projects; the reduction, elimination or expiration of government incentives for, or regulations mandating the use of, renewable energy; our ability to effectively manage our supply chain and comply with applicable regulations with respect to international trade relations, tariffs, sanctions, export controls and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; our ability to effectively comply with Environmental Health and Safety and other laws and regulations and receive and maintain all necessary licenses, permits and authorizations; our performance of various obligations under the terms of our indebtedness (and the indebtedness of our subsidiaries that we guarantee) and our ability to continue to secure project financing on attractive terms for our projects; limitations on our management rights and operational flexibility due to our use of tax equity arrangements; potential claims and disagreements with partners, investors and other counterparties that could reduce our right to cash flows generated by our projects; our ability to comply with tax laws of various jurisdictions in which we currently operate as well as the tax laws in jurisdictions in which we intend to operate in the future; the unknown effect of the dual listing of our ordinary shares on the price of our ordinary shares; various risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel; the costs and requirements of being a public company, including the diversion of management’s attention with respect to such requirements; certain provisions in our Articles of Association and certain applicable regulations that may delay or prevent a change of control; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and our other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC.

These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The MIL Network –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Enerflex Ltd. Announces Approval of Normal Course Issuer Bid

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

All amounts presented are in U.S. Dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise stated.

CALGARY, Alberta, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enerflex Ltd. (TSX: EFX) (NYSE: EFXT) (“Enerflex” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) has approved its application to implement a normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”) for a portion of its common shares (“Common Shares”).

Enerflex believes that: (1) the repurchase of Common Shares would be an effective use of its cash resources and in the best interests of Enerflex and its shareholders; (2) that the current market price of its Common Shares does not fully reflect their underlying value; and (3) that current market conditions provide opportunities for the Company to acquire Common Shares at attractive prices.

Pursuant to the NCIB notice filed with and accepted by the TSX, the Company has been authorized to acquire up to a maximum of 6,159,695 Common Shares, or approximately 5% of the public float as of March 18, 2025, for cancelation. As of March 18, 2025, Enerflex had 124,150,067 Common Shares issued and outstanding and a public float of 123,193,902 Common Shares.

The NCIB will commence on April 1, 2025 and will terminate no later than March 31, 2026. Purchases under the NCIB will be made in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements through the facilities of the TSX, the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), other designated exchanges and/or alternative trading systems in Canada or the United States or by such other means as may be permitted by the applicable securities regulator at a price per Common Share representative of the market price at the time of acquisition.

The number of Common Shares that can be purchased pursuant to the NCIB is subject to a current daily maximum of 109,475 Common Shares (which is equal to 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX of 437,902 Common Shares for the six full calendar months ended January 31, 2025), subject to the Company’s ability to make one block purchase of Common Shares per calendar week that exceeds such limits. The price per Common Share will be based on the market price of such shares at the time of purchase in accordance with regulatory requirements and all Common Shares purchased under the NCIB will be canceled upon their purchase. The Company intends to fund the purchases out of its available resources.

The Company has entered into an automatic share purchase plan (“ASPP”) with its designated broker. Such purchases will be determined by the broker at its sole discretion, based on the purchasing parameters set out by the Company in accordance with the rules of the TSX, applicable securities laws and the terms of the ASPP.

The ASPP will terminate on the earliest of the date on which: (i) the NCIB expires; (ii) the maximum number of Common Shares have been purchased under the NCIB; and (iii) the Company terminates the ASPP in accordance with its terms. Concurrent with the establishment of the ASPP, the Company has confirmed to the broker that it was then not aware of any material undisclosed or non-public information with respect to the Company or any securities of the Company. During the term of the ASPP, the Company will not communicate any material undisclosed or non-public information to the trading staff of the broker; accordingly, the broker may make purchases regardless of whether a trading blackout period is in effect or whether there is material undisclosed or non-public information about the Company at the time that purchases are made under the ASPP. If the ASPP is materially varied, suspended or terminated, the Company will issue a news release advising of such variation, suspension or termination, as applicable.

Advisory Regarding Forward-looking Information
This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and “forward-looking statements” (and together with “forward-looking information”, “FLI”) within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are FLI. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “future”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “potential”, “predict”, “should”, “will” and similar expressions, (including negatives thereof) are intended to identify FLI. In particular, this news release includes (without limitation) forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the anticipated benefits of the NCIB. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Although the FLI contained in this news release are based upon assumptions which management believes to be reasonable, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements.

With respect to FLI contained in this news release, Enerflex has made assumptions regarding, among other things, the ability of the Company to achieve the benefits of the NCIB. The FLI included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and are based on the information available to the Company at such time and, other than as required by law, Enerflex disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FLI, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. This news release and its contents should not be construed, under any circumstances, as investment, tax, or legal advice.

ABOUT ENERFLEX
Enerflex is a premier integrated global provider of energy infrastructure and energy transition solutions, deploying natural gas, low-carbon, and treated water solutions – from individual, modularized products and services to integrated custom solutions. With over 4,600 engineers, manufacturers, technicians, and innovators, Enerflex is bound together by a shared vision: Transforming Energy for a Sustainable Future. The Company remains committed to the future of natural gas and the critical role it plays, while focused on sustainability offerings to support the energy transition and growing decarbonization efforts.

Enerflex’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “EFX” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EFXT”. For more information about Enerflex, visit www.enerflex.com.

For investor and media enquiries, contact:

Preet S. Dhindsa
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
E-mail: PDhindsa@enerflex.com

Jeff Fetterly
Vice President, Corporate Development and Capital Markets
E-mail: JFetterly@enerflex.com

The MIL Network –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft volunteers conduct a lesson in courage for schoolchildren from Novy Urengoy

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, employees of ROSPAN INTERNATIONAL (part of the Rosneft gas block) held a lesson in courage for students of Rosneft Classes and the Movement of the First in Novy Urengoy.

The schoolchildren watched the documentary film “War of Motors”, which was created with the support of Rosneft. The film tells about the role of oil in the Great Patriotic War, as well as about the heroic work of oil workers in the rear, thanks to which the Red Army was supplied with fuel without interruption. During the discussion, the volunteers also spoke about the contribution of oil workers to the restoration of the country’s oil and gas industry in the post-war years.

To immerse themselves in history, volunteers organized an intellectual game for the children in the form of a quiz “War and Peace”, the concept of which was developed specifically for the anniversary of the Great Victory. The children guessed songs of the war years performed by modern artists and quickly assembled a puzzle with an image of military equipment.

The lesson ended with a performance by participants of the corporate festival “Energy of Talents”, who sang songs of the war years. The company’s volunteers conduct educational events and lessons that are aimed at preserving historical memory and help children not only learn about the heroism of their ancestors, but also teach them to value peace and care for the future.

As part of the volunteer program “Platform of Good Deeds”, which is actively developing in Rosneft, and in honor of the anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, meetings with veterans, patriotic events and creative competitions are planned throughout the year.

Reference:

ROSPAN INTERNATIONAL produces gas and gas condensate at the Vostochno-Urengoysky and Novo-Urengoysky license areas located in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft March 28, 2025

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Opens First Filling Station in the Republic of Tyva

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Rosneft has opened the first multifunctional filling station of the Zerno format in the city of Kyzyl, the capital of the Republic of Tuva. The complex is equipped with modern equipment that allows comfortably filling about a thousand cars per day with popular types of fuel – AI-92, AI-95 and Euro-5 diesel fuel.

The new filling station is located in a dynamically developing area of the city. The convenient location of the facility, high-quality fuel, customer-oriented service and 24-hour operation will allow residents and visitors of the city to refuel their cars, have a snack and buy related products for the road at any time. The complex is equipped with a store and a cafe under the Zerno brand, where the emphasis is on technology and comfort. The premises are divided into functional zones, which increases the speed and convenience of customer service, and digital services, including the Rosneft Gas Station mobile application, allow you to remotely refuel your car and make payments in various ways.

From the first days of the filling station’s operation, customers will have access to the Rosneft network of filling stations’ loyalty program, “Family Team”, which makes refueling a car more profitable. For example, program participants will have access to an attractive offer on fuel until the end of April. In addition, motorists can accumulate bonus points when paying at filling stations and with program partners. Accumulated points can be used to pay for fuel, goods in stores and cafes in the Rosneft retail network.

The development of multifunctional filling stations is one of Rosneft’s key priorities in the retail business. The company is introducing modern digital technologies and expanding various types of service for fast and comfortable customer service.

Reference:

The retail network of NK Rosneft is the largest in the Russian Federation in terms of geographic coverage and number of stations. It covers 62 regions of Russia. The Company’s network of petrol stations includes about 3,000 stations.

JSC Khakasnefteprodukt VNK manages Rosneft filling stations and gas stations in the Republics of Khakassia and Tyva.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft March 28, 2025

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Myanmar

Source:

There’s been a magnitude 7.7 earthquake near Mandalay in Myanmar. There’s also been several large aftershocks, with reports of significant damage to buildings, roads and infrastructure. Avoid affected areas and monitor media for updates. (See ‘Safety’). Australians needing emergency consular assistance should contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.

We continue to advise do not travel to Myanmar. Violence, including explosions and attacks, can occur anywhere and anytime, including in Yangon. Attacks may be planned against locations that foreigners frequent, including public spaces and civilian infrastructure. Attacks are unpredictable in their location and intensity. Remain aware of the security environment at all times. Minimise movement, especially on anniversaries and days of national significance, and monitor media closely. There’ve been widespread detentions, including of foreigners.

Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention. If local authorities consider you are a citizen of Myanmar, you may be required to serve in the armed forces. In response to the global Mpox public health emergency, you’re required to complete a health declaration form on arrival. If you are an Australian-Myanmar dual national holding an Australian passport, you may not be exempt from this law. Be aware of offers of employment that appear ‘too good to be true’. Foreign nationals have been trafficked into Myanmar (either directly into Yangon or via a neighbouring country) and forced to work in fraudulent activity, with poor pay and living conditions, restrictions on movement, and severe mistreatment. (See Safety).

MIL OSI News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: 10 people killed in powerful earthquake in Myanmar

Source: China State Council Information Office

This photo taken on March 28, 2025 shows damage to the walled fort of Mandalay Palace after the earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar. [Photo/Xinhua]

At least 10 people were killed when a mosque collapsed in Mandalay after a strong earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, according to local media outlet Khit Thit.

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7, jolted 16 km NNW of Sagaing, Myanmar earlier in the day, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The epicenter, with a depth of 10.0 km, was initially determined to be at 22.01 degrees north latitude and 95.92 degrees east longitude.

The quake caused “considerable damage” to some buildings, including the walled fort of Mandalay Palace.

Multiple structures in Mandalay Region suffered collapses, while several roads linking Mandalay and Yangon were damaged or blocked, disrupting transportation.

Xinhua reporters in Yangon reported that the tremors were strongly felt in the capital of Nay Pyi Taw and the largest city of Yangon. Some schools and office buildings in Nay Pyi Taw were also reported to have crumbled.

The Myanmar Fire Service Department said that a rescue operation has been conducted in response to the earthquake.

Following the earthquake, Xinhua reporters in Vientiane, capital of Laos, Bangkok, capital of Thailand, and Hanoi, capital of Vietnam reported that strong tremors were felt in those areas as well.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced a state of emergency in Bangkok.

A 30-story building under construction collapsed in the Thai capital, resulting in one death and leaving 43 others missing.

In Vientiane, buildings above three stories experienced noticeable shaking, with residents in high-rise buildings feeling intense swaying indoors.

In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, residents living in high-rise buildings also experienced noticeable shaking while at home.

MIL OSI China News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A cocktail to keep the elderly well: scientists hunt for ideal microbial mix to maintain gut health Can “good bacteria” be used to maintain good health as we grow older? Scottish biotech company NCIMB has teamed-up with the pioneering Rowett Institute at the University of Aberdeen, to address this question in a new research project, funded by Innovate UK.

Source: University of Aberdeen

Patricia Rimbi, Professor Karen Scott and Dr Silvia GratzCan “good bacteria” be used to maintain good health as we grow older? Scottish biotech company NCIMB has teamed-up with the pioneering Rowett Institute at the University of Aberdeen, to address this question in a new research project, funded by Innovate UK.
Scientists have been exploring the role of gut bacteria in human health for many years and it has now been established that microbes within our gut not only aid the digestion of food, but also play an important role in protecting us from disease and promoting health. Good gut health requires a diverse community of microbes, but as we age, the diversity within our gut microbiota changes, and this change has been associated with increased susceptibility to disease in the elderly, and other health conditions such as low-grade chronic inflammation.
Increased awareness of the links between the gut microbiome and human health has led to increased demand for supplements and foods containing species of bacteria known to be present in a healthy gut, and a better understanding of the mechanisms involved is allowing scientists to focus on the creation of more tailored products with specific health-related properties.
Julie MacKinnon, microbiome services manager at NCIMB explains more: “The bacteria in our gut play an important role in our ability to fight disease, and the mix of bacteria present is a key factor in maintaining a strong immune system. Different species of bacteria perform different functions within the gut – for example an important group of bacteria are those that produce a metabolite called butyrate. This is a short chain fatty acid, produced from digestion of dietary fibre, that is both anti-inflammatory and anti-infective. These butyrate-producing bacteria thrive best in a mixed community with other bacterial species in close proximity.
“This project will focus on elevating the production of butyrate in the gut using a bacterial consortia approach. We plan to screen panels of different bacterial species, already proven to be beneficial, and blend into a cocktail for superior performance. The goal is to be able to colonise the gut and restore gut health in the elderly with an associated improvement in longevity and quality of life”.

Development of a safe and low-cost supplement that can restore or retain a healthy gut microbiome in elderly people would provide healthier ageing for individuals and have huge societal benefits.” Professor Karen Scott

The research project will draw on the extensive resources and expertise of the two organisations to evaluate and characterise strains for their therapeutic potential. NCIMB has been supporting the probiotic and microbial therapeutic research community for many years through supply, storage and characterisation of bacteria. The Rowett Institute, which played a major role in establishing the link between diet and health, and is renowned for its pioneering work on the gut microbiome, has built a large collection of beneficial gut bacteria that will be screened during the project.
Commenting on the project, Professor Karen Scott from the Rowett Institute said: “The changes in our microbiome that occur with ageing can have a significant impact on quality of life, and associated health complications are putting healthcare and social care services under increasing pressure. Development of a safe and low-cost supplement that can restore or retain a healthy gut microbiome in elderly people would provide healthier ageing for individuals and have huge societal benefits.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Peter Kyle’s speech at the Space-Comm Expo 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Speech

Peter Kyle’s speech at the Space-Comm Expo 2025

A speech delivered by Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle, at the Space-Comm Expo 2025 on Tuesday 11 March.
The British Space programme began in the same year that our late queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, ascended to the throne.

Sixty-three years ago, the launch of Ariel One, the first British-American satellite, made Britain only the 3rd country to launch into orbit.

In little more than a decade, we went from a nation with space ambition to one of the few countries with a satellite operation.

Then, as I was enjoying my first birthday, Prospero became the first British satellite to be launched by a British rocket.

All those years ago, deciding to have a space programme, designing, building and launching a spacecraft, took decades of planning.

Fast-forward to today:

When, somewhere around the world, there is a rocket launching every 34 hours.

When the UK’s space economy is outpacing the growth of our economy as a whole.

And when, just this month, the second-ever private spacecraft touched down successfully on the surface of the moon. Powered by British engines, engineered in Buckinghamshire.

An international effort, with British expertise, contributing to a successful lunar mission.

There is no mistaking the increasing pace of change.

Or just how much the people in this room – and the businesses you lead – now contribute towards the growing the British economy.

So, to begin with, it’s my job to say thank you to all of you.

Britain’s space sector is not just safe in your hands. It is thriving under your stewardship.

And with the British economy, it’s felt increasingly, and it’s felt day by day.

This is a government that has economic growth as our number one mission.

And for us, growth isn’t just a soundbite.

It is our very purpose.

Growth rates are more than an indicator of the state of the economy…

…They are an indication of this government’s state of mind.

We are:

ambitious for Britain

determined to build the wealthier, fairer nation for everyone.

And we are impatient for the increased wealth and opportunities that economic growth brings to communities, businesses and to people alike.

With 16% of UK GDP depending on satellite services, there’s no doubt that the space sector is important to that.

Because Britain has never had a space flight with our own crew on board, it is too easy for some ‘armchair astronauts’ to dismiss the UK space programme.

I believe we are approaching a space tipping point. At which it becomes simply impossible for even the most determined science-cynic to ignore.

From how we message family and friends or check the weather, to how our country protects itself from climate change and national security threats that we increasingly face – space technologies simply underpin our lives.

From the everyday, right through to the extraordinary.

As heavy launches into low orbit become less costly – 95% cheaper than 40 years ago – and the barriers to entry are more easily overcome, the space tipping point now brings with it new risks that we have to face up to:

Hundreds of millions of pieces of space junk that threaten the satellites that support almost every part of our interconnected world.

As that figure rises, so does the chance of an accidental collision of catastrophic consequences.

And at the same time, space is becoming more and more accessible to hostile actors as well, eventually, possibly seeking to do Britain harm.

The severity of these risks cannot be overstated.

But neither should we be blind to the extraordinary opportunities that space technologies offer to our country and to us.

To embed innovation in every part of our economy…

…and open the doors to a new era of high productivity and growth.

To secure our nation for the century ahead…

…and make discoveries that will transform citizens’ lives.

We reach this tipping point, and we have a narrow window to secure our stake in space.

We sometimes talk about scientific progress as if it were inevitable.

But there is nothing inevitable about progress as every one of you knows well.

If we and our allies stand still, whilst our competitors stride ahead – or hostile actors get a foot in the door – we will find ourselves locked out of the opportunities space can bring.

And left exposed further to the risks.

That’s why space is a strategic priority for this Labour government as we deliver our Plan for Change.

That requires strategic partnerships with our allies in Europe and around the globe, and between the public and the private sectors.

And it also means being clear about the roles and responsibilities of each.

There are some activities – like national security – which only governments can and should do.

Others, where the creativity, the ingenuity and the enterprise of the private sector will suffice.

And then there is a third way, where the power of partnership of governments and enterprise is the route to discovery, prosperity and to greater growth as well.

Since we took office in July, I’ve met many of the players behind Britain’s burgeoning space economy.

Businesses like Astroscale and ClearSpace, designing new missions to remove dangerous space clutter from orbit.

And Space Forge, who are finding ways to manufacture semiconductors in microgravity.

The success of businesses like these depends on world-leading research and an ambitious, entrepreneurial mindset.

The UK is well placed to lead in both.

These businesses also need a government that understands and appreciates their potential, has their back, and gives them the foundations to keep pushing the frontiers forward.

Since 2015, the UK has attracted more private investment in space than any other country outside of the United States.

We cherish Britain as a beacon for innovation, investment, stability and the rule of law.

And we are determined to keep that beacon burning brightly in the increasingly competitive and uncertain international environment.

Space is one of the first 4 areas singled out for attention by the new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO).

That Office will cut the burden of bureaucracy, freeing up your time and your resources to invest and innovate further and faster.

Government must, always must, continue to fulfil our side of the bargain, backing British space with the support the sector needs.

That means grant funding for innovation; direct investment into strategically significant projects; and procuring from the UK firms from government contracts.

Take our £20 million investment into Orbex, to fund the first British-made, British-launched rocket, set for orbit later this year.

Prime is designed to take small satellites into the polar orbits, to improve our understanding of a region right at the frontline of climate change.

The launch will transform the UK space industry.

It will bring highly-paid jobs to the Shetland Islands, whilst boosting Europe’s ability to access space from our own continent.

The UK space sector is further bolstered by Britain’s membership of the European Space Agency.

Indeed, Britain does better because of that key partnership.

From inspiring the nation with Tim Peake’s flight to the International Space Station, to our instrumental role in the James Webb Space Telescope, our partnership with the ESA means British firms winning in this unique global marketplace.

In the last quarter of 2024, UK businesses’ net revenues from the ESA were £80 million higher than our contribution.

That’s a record for any member state.

And this success is a direct result of public and private sectors working closer together to make sure the UK sees the great return on our collective investment.

The knock-on effects of these contract wins will add up to a £1 billion of boost across our economy.

They’ll create 3,800 highly skilled jobs, from Stevenage right up to the Shetland Isles.

And they will ensure that British businesses have the power and investment to continue making discoveries that will transform people’s lives:

Like Airbus, selected to build a spacecraft to help us weather violent solar storms.

Thales Alenia Space, which will propel crucial cargo and scientific instruments right up to the moon’s surface.

And Open Cosmos, granted contracts to study the magnetic field, and using what they learn to bolster our satellites and better fight climate change.

The immense contribution British businesses make to our island’s space story shows ambition, integrity, and leadership.

It is testament to these traits, alongside the determination and dedication of our people.

As we stand in this space tipping point, the government’s commitment to economic growth demands that we support science and we invest in innovation.

We also champion the critical technologies to maximise the power and potential of the British economy.

Your contribution and the commitment to our economic growth mission is profoundly important.

So, I want to finish exactly where I started:

By acknowledging your efforts and extending our appreciation for them, as you help to make Britain more productive, more prosperous, and more pioneering.

On this planet and beyond.

Thank you very much.

Updates to this page

Published 11 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Turtle Creek Asset Management UCITS fund surpasses US$100m in AUM

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LONDON, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Turtle Creek Asset Management Inc. (‘Turtle Creek’), a Canadian independent investment management firm with a 26-year history, is pleased to announce that assets for its UCITS fund, Turtle Creek North American Equity Fund, an Irish ICAV fund, surpassed US$100m in January 2025.

The fund also has a new administrator, US Bank Global Fund Services (Ireland) and from March 10^th there has been daily dealing.

Turtle Creek’s North American mid-cap value strategy has a track record of over 25 years, and is both rigorous and repeatable. The UCITS fund portfolio targets to own shares in 30 companies between US$2 billion – US$20 billion at the time of purchase, and is constructed from the 100+ companies that the firm actively follows. It is managed according to the same cash flow based value investing strategy and continuous optimization process that has been successful for over 25 years.

Andrew Brenton, Turtle Creek’s CEO, said: “This is a very significant landmark in AUM to have reached for the UCITS fund, and is indicative of the importance to Turtle Creek of it. North American mid-caps represent excellent opportunities for European investors seeking quality companies that are underappreciated by the market and offer diversification beyond a highly concentrated U.S. large-cap market. The current environment means the portfolio is trading at a favorable discount to its intrinsic value, offering an attractive entry point.”

Michael Bowen, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Relationship Management, said: “We think long-term value investing in North American equities with a well-considered, consistent and nuanced investment approach represents a primary portfolio building block. Given the current volatility and uncertainty in markets we believe allocators understand the importance of a very active approach to stock selection and portfolio optimization, and also appreciate why our mid-cap focus is particularly attractive in these circumstances.”

Turtle Creek was established in 1998 by Andrew Brenton, Jeffrey Cole and Jeffrey Hebel who have worked together continuously for over 30 years. Prior to Turtle Creek, they founded and ran the private equity investment subsidiary of The Bank of Nova Scotia. While successful at generating strong returns for the bank, they pivoted to public equity investing on account of routinely observing better run, profitable companies trading at irrational prices, and concluded that improved risk-adjusted-returns could be achieved. Today, Turtle Creek manages mid-cap public equity portfolios totalling more than US$4 billion. There is a 12 person investment team based in Toronto.

Turtle Creek’s strategy has an open-ended, publicly available track record via a Canadian vehicle. The UCITS is very similar in overall exposure to the existing strategy. The UCITS Fund has been available for qualified investors in the UK, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Poland, and Turtle Creek is actively considering registration in other jurisdictions.

About Turtle Creek Asset Management Inc.

Turtle Creek Asset Management Inc. was founded in 1998 by Andrew Brenton, Jeffrey Cole and Jeffrey Hebel. Based in Toronto, Turtle Creek is comprised of twelve investment team members and sixteen additional employees, offering a different kind of value investing focused on long-term capital growth for a clientele of high-net-worth families, institutions and wealth advisors.

For further information, please visit:
https://www.turtlecreek.ca/
https://funds.carnegroup.com/turtlecreekucitsicav

Contacts:

The MIL Network –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: CORRECTION: Billions in Investment Opportunities Presented by Premier Invest at Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

Financial services provider Premier Invest has announced a series of investment opportunities in the African energy and oil and gas sectors. covering a range of four energy projects across Benin, Zambia and South Africa and five oil and gas projects across Nigeria and Ghana, as well as Guyana.

The announcement was made on March 26 by Rene Awambeng, Founder and Managing Partner of Premier Invest during a dedicated deal-room session – Showcasing Upstream Oil and Gas Transactions in Africa – at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville.

“The deal-room sessions on the sidelines of the Congo Energy & Investment Forum are an opportunity to provide a platform for sponsors, developers and project promoters to showcase significant upstream, midstream, downstream and power transactions in Africa to potential investors,” stated Awambeng.

The first opportunity, a 43 MW clean gas project in Benin, is seeking $84 billion in project finance. Currently in the commercial close stage of development, the project will help reduce the cost of energy in the country while bolstering economic growth, job creation and improving Benin’s energy security.

Meanwhile, Zambia features a $92 million investment opportunity in a 71 MW hybrid solar PV and wind project. The project will feature a power purchase agreement over a period of 25 years and is estimated to feature an annual production of 232 GWh per year.

In South Africa, a 100 MW solar PV project has an $87 million investment opportunity. The project will feature an offtake agreement with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa and a power purchase agreement of 20 years. The project will boast an annual production rate of 195 GWh per year.

Concluding the energy investment opportunities South Africa is also seeking $100 million in investment to finance a 100 MW clean-gas project to complement intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, while offering a cleaner solution to the country’s reliance on coal. The project features a proposed capital structure of 70:30 and is in the active implementation stage.

Phase 1 of the project will feature a commitment of $140 million to develop inland facilities, pipelines and site works while the second phase will feature an investment of $60 million focusing on engineering, procurement and construction contracts for tanks, instrumentation and commissioning.

Meanwhile, a state-of-the-art gas-to-liquids plant – the details of which are subject to a non-disclosure agreement – is seeking interested parties to participate in an upcoming formal investment process. The project will have a validated production capacity of 1,850 barrels of oil per day and will feature an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization measure of approximately $50 million.

Ghana is seeking $759 million in financing to develop four offshore production wells. Financing will be used to develop tie-back infrastructure to existing FPSO infrastructure, targeting 57.8 million standard barrels of oil. The project aims to produce 5 million barrels of oil per year, with potential investors set to receive 84% of the total project net present value.

An indigenous oil development company in Nigeria is seeking an experienced management team to invest $18 million to drill additional wells and increase production at a field with a projected production rate of 2,300 barrels per day. The field area covers 46km² and is covered by 3D seismic surveys.

Finally, Awambeng also announced a $25 million investment opportunity in Guyana. The project will be adjacent to one of the most productive offshore oil fields in the region and boasts recoverable reserves of approximately 400 million barrels. Investment will be used to support conventional offshore drilling and FPSO tie-up.

The companies involved in the investment opportunities will be disclosed upon inquiry, with financing options subject to non-disclosure agreements.

The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, taking place March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.

MIL OSI Africa –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Journey to Work: A game-changer for young people and employers

Source: City of Derby

The Journey to Work Programme is an exciting opportunity for young people to gain real-world work experience, develop crucial employability skills, and take their first steps towards a successful career. Following a highly successful pilot, Derby City Council is proud to roll out this impactful programme for 2025-2026, providing even more young people with the chance to unlock their potential and build a brighter future.

The Journey to Work Programme is designed for young individuals who want to get a fantastic boost to the start of their careers. Over the course of five weeks, participants engage in meaningful work placements, receive tailored 1-2-1 support, and build the confidence needed to thrive in the workplace.

The results of the programme speak for themselves; two out of ten participants from the pilot have already secured apprenticeships with their placement providers at Derby City Council. This not only showcases the programme’s success in equipping young people with the right skills but also highlights the benefits for employers. By taking part, businesses can trial and nurture young talent before making hiring decisions, ensuring they find the right fit for their teams.

Paul McGinty, a Livewell Coordinator involved in the programme, said:

The Journey to Work programme is a fantastic way to give young people experience of being in a workplace and helping them develop key skills such as supporting customers and working as part of a team, while building their confidence. The process was straightforward, and the support from the team was great. We are very keen to provide more opportunities in the future!”

Councillor Ged Potter, Mayor of Derby, said:

The Journey to Work Programme has been a resounding success, providing young people with the skills, confidence, and experience they need to take those vital first steps in their careers. Seeing these young individuals grow and secure opportunities like apprenticeships is truly inspiring.

This initiative not only empowers our young people but also strengthens our local workforce, creating lasting benefits for our community. I am incredibly proud of everyone involved and excited to see the programme expand in the future.”

Now, we are inviting more businesses, organisations, and young people to get involved. Whether you are a young person looking for an opportunity to gain experience and kickstart your career, or an employer eager to support and develop emerging talent, this programme is your chance to make a difference.

To find out more or get involved, visit our Employment and Skills webpage or contact the Employment and Skills team by emailing employmentandskills@derby.gov.uk today!

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnicians performed triumphantly on the stage of the Mariinsky Theatre

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

The youth choir “Polyhymnia” of SPbPU received the Grand Prix of the All-Russian open choral festival-competition “Raduga” named after I.V. Roganova.

Every choir strives to get into this prestigious choral competition every year, since the performances take place at the best acoustic concert venues in St. Petersburg, and the jury consists of leading specialists in choral art.

The youth choir “Polyhymnia” of SPbPU successfully passed the auditions in its category and was nominated by the jury for the Grand Prix of the entire competition. In the Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theatre, the Polytechnicians performed the Latvian folk song “Father Thunder” so well that they were unconditionally awarded the highest prize of the competition, in which more than 50 children’s, youth and adult choirs competed, including groups from music schools in Russia and neighboring countries.

And the second main award went to the Polytechnicians – the artistic director of “Polyhymnia” Anna Podgornova received the title of “Best Conductor”. Anna herself began singing in “Polyhymnia”, graduated from the IPMET SPbPU, then the N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov Music College in the specialty “Choral Conducting”, and is now studying at the St. Petersburg State University of Culture.

“I am delighted that our students and graduates who chose a profession not related to music are able to devote themselves to it so much and show high results,” shared Anna Podgornova. “The guys put so much work, time, and emotion into this victory that for me they would have been winners even without the Grand Prix. I am incredibly happy that our future will be built by these goal-oriented, strong, talented, and caring people!”

These victories are very significant for the university. It is no coincidence that SPbPU is gathering its student community for the ninth time for the choir competition “Blagovest”. Choirs and ensembles from 15 Russian universities will gather at the Polytechnic University on April 4-6 to demonstrate the unifying power of music.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: All-Russian school TIM-Championship of SPbGASU: results summed up

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

The All-Russian School TIM Championship of SPbGASU has ended: on March 26 for its participants, on the 27th – for the jury. The works have been checked, the results have been summed up.

As Denis Nizhegorodtsev, Deputy Director of the Educational Center for Digital Competencies at SPbGASU, explained, the students solved two problems: creating a digital information model and drawing up drawings based on it.

“Of course, the level of their work with drawings is lower than with the modeling functionality. Nevertheless, if we consider that the tasks were completed by students in grades eight through eleven, the quality of the work performed can be considered very good. Participants from all regions demonstrated a decent level of proficiency in building information modeling tools. Having received the appropriate professional knowledge in the construction industry, they would be able to successfully complete tasks in real design,” Denis Nizhegorodtsev noted.

Evgeny Alimpiev was declared the winner of the TIM Championship. Sergey Alshevsky took second place, and Roman Andrievsky took third place.

Sergey Alshevsky, a student at School No. 347 in the Nevsky District of St. Petersburg, believes that participation in the TIM-Classes project is good preparation for this Olympiad; in addition, experience helped – Sergey participated for the second time.

“Last year, the tasks seemed easy because all the formulas and calculations were given. This time, I had to calculate the area of the premises myself, including the walls and doors, and it was difficult. But I like participating in these kinds of competitions: it develops skills and prepares for further activities. True, I have not yet decided on a profession, but I think that I will go to college or university with the aim of obtaining a working specialty – where you need to work with your hands, on the road, so as not to sit at the computer,” explained Sergey.

Participants of the TIM Championship talk about it

In preparation for the TIM Championship, tenth-grader of the Surgut Scientific Lyceum Maria Nikitenko took a preparatory week-long course in Khanty-Mansiysk, where she learned to work in two programs: Renga and QGIS. After that, she continued to prepare independently, including using educational videos.

“There were tasks at the qualifying stage of the TIM Championship that I easily completed. But when I saw the three-dimensional drawings at the final stage, I was even scared at first. In about fifteen minutes I figured out the process and realized: you don’t need to panic, but just look closely at every detail of the projects and build systematically. I like doing this so much that I plan to enroll in the architecture department of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. For this purpose, I will continue to participate in such competitions in order to seriously immerse myself in the topic,” said Maria.

Valery Selivanov, a tenth-grader at School No. 20 in the Nevsky District of St. Petersburg, is a participant in the TIM-Classes project, so he contacted his supervisor, a student at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, to clarify some questions about participating in the TIM Championship. He also completed the university’s educational video courses.

“In the TIM class, we also make a project of an individual residential house, but it is much easier there, because you choose the house yourself, build it according to the prescribed requirements and declared parameters. Here I saw a huge drawing, which was quite difficult to navigate. For example, to clarify each criterion, it was necessary to turn over many pages, the task was voluminous. But I am happy, although at first it seemed that I did not have time. It was nice to meet the guys: I came alone and was worried about how I would be in an unfamiliar place with strangers, but I immediately joined the general company of interesting participants from different cities. Most likely, after finishing school, I will choose a technical specialty, but I will think about the profile for now: perhaps it will be innovative technologies,” concluded Valery.

Karim Khalitov, an eighth-grade student at the Specialized Educational and Scientific Center “IT Lyceum of Kazan Federal University”, admits that two months ago he had not even heard of information modeling technologies. A friend introduced him to this field.

“A friend is keen on architecture, plans to enter SPbGASU, but unfortunately couldn’t come. He suggested that I study TIM and take a three-week preparatory course at the Kazan University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. After that, I took part in my first TIM competition among professionals and took third place at the regional stage. The result inspired me to participate in the TIM Championship of SPbGASU. The most difficult moment was reading the drawings. I read such drawings on paper, and their electronic format was unusual for me. I managed to do something, but I tried to do everything. At the same time, reading these drawings and interpreting them into a 3D model is very interesting. The process itself is fascinating!” – shared Karim.

He does not yet plan to connect his future profession with architecture, but he considers participation in the TIM Championship important for self-development and finding his own direction of activity.

Championship results

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget Expands Institutional Lending Services to Support All Spot Trading Pairs

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, announced a major upgrade to its Institutional Lending service, enabling institutional clients to borrow funds for trading across all spot trading pairs available on the platform. This strategic enhancement empowers institutional users with greater flexibility and capital efficiency as they explore diversified trading strategies.

The Institutional Lending program offers customized loan packages for professional clients, allowing them to access large-scale liquidity with competitive interest rates. With the latest upgrade, borrowed assets can now be applied to over 800 listed spot tokens on Bitget, significantly expanding the scope of trading and hedging opportunities.

“Institutions play a crucial role in enhancing the liquidity and stability of the crypto market. Expanding our reach among institutional traders is one of Bitget’s core strategies for 2025,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “To navigate the fast-paced nature of crypto, institutions need flexible, scalable, and efficient access to capital. By extending our lending support to all spot pairs, we’re removing operational barriers and empowering institutions to execute sophisticated strategies, hedge risks, and seize opportunities without limitations on asset coverage.”

Bitget offers a seamless and secure institutional lending process. Clients can apply directly through Bitget’s institutional portal, where customized credit lines and terms are determined based on individual profiles and trading history. Currently, Bitget supports USDT as the lending currency, with over 50 types of collateral assets accepted, including BTC, ETH, and USDC. The maximum leverage available is 5x, with loan terms of up to 12 months. In the coming months, Bitget will also expand institutional lending support to include derivatives trading.

This move follows Bitget’s broader commitment to serving institutional clients with world-class infrastructure. Earlier this year, the platform rolled out dedicated OTC services and upgraded custodial solutions in collaboration with licensed partners such as Cobo and Fireblocks, aiming to create a full-stack institutional offering.

More details on Bitget’s Institutional Lending program, will be shared shortly.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f9cc1c0-7a38-4b1c-a1c1-834b8c6a6921

The MIL Network –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: MEXC Announces Listing of Kinto (K) with Massive 12,800 K & 50,000 USDT Prize Pool
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is excited to announce the upcoming listing of Kinto (K) on March 31, 2025. To celebrate, MEXC is launching exclusive events with a combined prize pool of 12,800 K & 50,000 USDT in bonuses, offering traders the opportunity to earn substantial rewards while engaging with the Kinto ecosystem.

Kinto is a modular exchange (MEX) that combines the advantages of both centralized (CEX) and decentralized exchanges (DEX), offering users a secure, compliant, and seamless trading experience. Founded by a team of blockchain developers and financial experts, Kinto operates on a strong community governance model that enables users to actively shape the platform’s future.

The K token ($K) serves as both the governance and utility token within the Kinto ecosystem, granting holders governance rights, staking opportunities, and rewards for participation.

To celebrate the listing of Kinto (K), MEXC has launched a series of exciting events with low entry requirements and a simple participation process, ensuring that users with different needs can easily join and share generous rewards.

Below are the key details of the events:
- Event 1: Kinto (K) Launchpool – Stake USDT, MX & K to Share 10,100 K
- Event Period: March 28, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) – March 31, 2025, 10:00 (UTC)
- Event 2: Join Airdrop+ to Share 2,700K & 50,000 USDT bonus
- Event Period: March 28, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) – April 7, 2025, 10:00 (UTC)
- Event 3: Spread the Word & Win
- Event Period: March 28, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) – April 3, 2025, 23:59 (UTC)
MEXC has established itself as an industry leader by consistently providing users with early access to promising Web3 projects. In 2024, MEXC introduced 2,376 new tokens, with 1,716 of those being initial listings. According to the latest TokenInsight report, MEXC leads the industry with the highest number of spot listings, at 461, and the fastest listing speed. Additionally, the exchange consistently adds new tokens in bi-weekly cycles, showcasing its exceptional ability to capture market trends quickly.

Looking ahead, MEXC will continue to enhance its platform by providing advantages such as low fees, deep liquidity, a wide selection of trending tokens, and daily airdrops, enabling traders to access high-potential projects early, receive generous rewards, and enjoy an optimal trading experience.

For full event details and participation rules, visit here.

About MEXC
Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 34 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

Risk Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

Source

Contact:
Lucia Hu
PR Manager
lucia.hu@mexc.com

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bdd074d0-6d90-42f8-a153-79bda20526ff

The MIL Network –
March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: Empowering Women in Tourism: The Key to a Healthy, Resilient Industry

Source: Asia Development Bank

Empowering women in tourism through targeted policies can overcome barriers like limited finance and caregiving burdens, unlocking their potential to drive job creation, sustainable innovation, and economic and health resilience in times of crisis.

Tourism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in Asia and the Pacific, with international arrivals reaching 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2024. Women are a significant driving force in the tourism sector in Asia and the Pacific, constituting a majority of the workforce (52%). Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises led by women are pivotal to generating jobs in tourism and spurring local development.

For instance, in Cambodia, the women’s labor force participation rate was 80% in 2019, and women constituted 60% of the tourism workforce, with many employed in small enterprises and involved in designing tours to promote culture, art, tradition, religion, food, souvenirs, and tourist attractions.

By contrast, the Maldives presents a stark contrast: home to over 160 island resorts, it has only 10% female resort employees and a mere 3% local women in 2019. In Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, women are predominantly employed in hospitality, tours and artisanal crafts. The tourism industries in these countries are also male dominated, with Tajikistan’s employing 31% women.

Despite this diversity in national contexts, women workers and women-led small businesses face similar challenges in the tourism industry across Asia’s developing countries.

Even in countries with higher female participation, such as Cambodia, women are overrepresented in low-paid, low-skilled, and often temporary or part-time jobs that heighten job insecurity, financial instability, and a wage gap. This is a common phenomenon across developing Asian countries with lower female participation in tourism.

One of the reasons is societal expectations on women’s role as the primary caregivers at home. The significant burden on female entrepreneurs and workers to balance paid work with unpaid, domestic responsibilities restricts their ability to take more business risks and expand their networks.

A report from the International Labour Organization shows that women in Asia and the Pacific spend 4.1 times more time in unpaid care work than men. The resulting time scarcity and mobility constraints faced by women impact their ability to participate in the labor market, grasp opportunities for career advancement, invest in and expand their businesses, and achieve financial independence.

These barriers also reinforce women’s lack of collateral required for loans that are essential to access to finance. Data shows that only 17%, 36%, and 49% of women own a house alone or jointly in Maldives, Tajikistan, and Cambodia, respectively. This not only restricts their ability to borrow, invest, and grow tourism businesses but also affects broader aspects of their well-being, including nutritional security and access to healthcare.

By offering diverse cultural insights and authentic travel experiences, women-led businesses enrich the global tourism landscape.

Structural discrimination from financial institutions further limits women’s access to finance. These, in turn, reinforce women’s concentration in low-paying or less secure positions, while men tend to dominate managerial and leadership roles, intensifying these inequalities in tourism.

In addition to financial exclusion, women in tourism often face unsafe and precarious working conditions. The seasonal nature of tourism, poor working conditions faced by women in tourism, such as workplace safety and harassment, and insufficient social protection, including mental health support on overworking and childcare support, exacerbate these issues. Many women also work in the informal sector and family-owned tourism businesses with no employment benefits or safety nets.

Health and hygiene-related risks also disproportionately affect women in tourism. The lack of access to proper sanitation facilities, clean water supply, and hygiene amenities at tourism workplaces could pose risks to women’s health and safety, such as their vulnerability to reproductive and urinary tract infections, privacy and violence concerns when using shared facilities, and challenges in managing menstrual hygiene.

These vulnerabilities were worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused an economic shock in the tourism industry that led to business closures and job losses. Also, it has increased unpaid care work and exposed the vulnerability of women entrepreneurs who often do not have sufficient financial reserves and support mechanisms to weather such crises.

Despite these challenges, women in the tourism industry have demonstrated resilience and innovation. In Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, women-led guesthouses, tour companies, and handicraft cooperatives have gained recognition for promoting personalized services and cultural heritage, attracting both domestic and international tourists and contributing to local economies.

Women can be agents of change for sustainable tourism, promoting culturally sensitive and innovative solutions. Examples of empowerment that help address inequalities and improve health and economic outcomes include:

Increasing opportunities for women in national tourism, health, and economic policies: A multisector approach to policymaking may ensure that women have equal opportunities, compensation, and support to thrive in the industry. Enhanced maternal, sexual, and reproductive health services are needed. The Tajikistan National Development Strategy 2030, which explicitly calls for the equal treatment of women in the labor market, is a promising initiative.

Creating a safe and healthy work environment for women: Addressing workplace safety, harassment, and discrimination in both public and private sectors can help women feel secure and supported. Improving health and security standards may also attract more solo and group female travelers.

Reducing barriers to obtaining loans and credit: Microfinance programs and financial products tailored to women may promote women’s access to finance for investing in and expanding their businesses, adopting new technologies, bolstering marketing efforts, and keeping businesses afloat when visitor numbers decline.

Targeted training programs and capacity-building initiatives: Networks, mentorship, legal aid, counselling services, and digital training may provide support and resources for women to navigate challenges and enhance their business skills.

Improved sex-disaggregated data for real-time, evidence-based policymaking: Women in tourism contribute to a large sector.

By accurately quantifying the scope of female entrepreneurship in tourism, officials can craft targeted interventions that bolster women’s rights, strengthen community resilience, and safeguard the natural assets that underpin local economies.

In the end, empowering women entrepreneurs in tourism benefits not only the individuals who own and operate these businesses, but also entire communities seeking inclusive, healthy, and resilient growth.

By offering diverse cultural insights and authentic travel experiences, women-led businesses enrich the global tourism landscape—while underscoring that economic development is most sustainable when it lifts everyone.

Maria Gisela Orinion, Kyi Thar, and Marjorie van Strien contributed to this blog post.

MIL OSI Economics –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the General Assembly on the International Day of Zero Waste [as delivered]

Source: United Nations – English

r. President, Madame First Lady, Excellencies, Dear Friends,

The waste crisis is an issue that goes to the heart of how we produce, and how we consume.

And one that requires action at every level – local, national, and global.

This year’s International Day focuses on fashion and textiles.

And rightly so.

Unless we accelerate action, dressing to kill could kill the planet.

Textile production often uses thousands of chemicals – many of them harmful to people and the environment.

It devours resources like land and water – putting pressure on ecosystems.

And it belches out greenhouse gases – inflaming the climate crisis.

Clothes are being produced and discarded at a staggering rate – driven by business models that prioritize newness, speed, and disposability.

Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothing is incinerated or sent to landfill.

Excellencies, Dear Friends,

Fashion is just the tip of a toxic iceberg.

Waste is an issue in every sector.

Every year, humanity produces over two billion tonnes of garbage.

If you pack all that into shipping containers stacked end to end, they would stretch to the moon and back.

Here on Earth, toxin-filled waste is seeping into our soil, our water, and our air. And ultimately into us.

As usual, the poorest pay the highest price.

More than one billion people live in slums and informal urban settlements, where waste management is non-existent and disease runs rampant.

The rich world is flooding the Global South with garbage, from obsolete computers to single-use plastic and more.

Many nations do not have the infrastructure to process even a fraction of what is dumped on their shores.

As a result, materials that could be recycled are burned or sent to landfill.

And waste pickers are exposed to toxic chemicals as they sift through potentially hazardous materials, including broken electronics, in appalling conditions.

Excellencies, Dear Friends,

We need a different approach: one that delivers on the commitment in the Sustainable Development Goals for sustainable production and consumption.

And there are signs of hope.

Change is possible. And it presents exciting opportunities.

In fashion, for example, designers are experimenting with recycled materials.

Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability.

In many countries, resale markets are booming.

And important initiatives are bringing together large and small businesses, industry associations, civil society and many others to drive sustainability across the sector.

They include the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, and the Fashion Pact.

We must celebrate the power of these innovations to transform the industry.

But we need more.

And we need change in every sector.

I welcome the work of the Chair and the First Lady and members of the United Nations Advisory Board on Zero Waste to raise awareness, and help meet the SDGs.

The fight against waste requires us all.

Governments must act:

Through policies, regulations and subsidies:

That promote sustainability, and zero waste initiatives…

That encourage businesses to adopt positive practices…

That provide decent jobs…

And that empower everyone – not just the wealthy – to afford products that last.

The current negotiations for a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution – due in August this year – are a key opportunity for governments to drive progress.

I urge them to take it…

And to translate any treaty into action to support consumers to make environmentally friendly choices, and into a clear roadmap across industries.

Addressing plastic pollution must be at the core of corporate responsibility.

There is no space for greenwashing.

Businesses must increase circularity, waste reduction and resource efficiency across their supply chains.

We need accountability for corporate sustainability commitments.

We need transparency for customers.

And we need consumers to use their purchasing power to encourage change:

Reducing excessive consumption, valuing products that last, and embracing exchanges and resales.

And we need young people and civil society to keep using their voices and power to demand change through advocacy.

Excellencies, Dear Friends,

We must build on progress, to end the waste practices wasting our planet.

On this International Day, let us commit to do our part to clean up our act, and build a healthier, more sustainable world for us all.

And I thank you.

MIL OSI Africa –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor launches ambitious new London policing plan for 2025-2029
Source: Mayor of London
- Sadiq’s new Police and Crime Plan will help revitalise neighbourhood policing teams with City Hall working with Government to help put more officers in the heart of communities over the next four years
- The Plan re-commits to being tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime, and places partnership working with the Met Police, Government, Transport for London, London Councils and other agencies at the heart of work to tackle Londoners’ priorities
- Detailed plan has been developed in consultation with more than 4,000 Londoners and key partners including police, local councils, justice agencies and voluntary groups
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today launched his new London Police and Crime Plan1 which will focus on revitalising high-visibility policing in our neighbourhoods and high streets to deal with local priorities and make London safer for everyone.

The detailed plan for 2025-2029 sets out Sadiq’s priorities to build on crime reductions already achieved in the capital2 and is focused on working with Government throughout the four-year period of the plan to strengthen neighbourhood policing in London so that more officers are in the heart of communities to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour.

Comparing statistics for the financial year before the Mayor’s previous Police and Crime Plan and the 12 months from January-December 2024, violence with injury in the Met Police area fell by 11%, domestic homicide by 28%, non-domestic homicide by 8%, teen homicide by 43%, lethal barrel discharges by 25% and the number of people under 25 admitted to hospital due to assault with a sharp object by 13%.

Latest ONS figures show the rate of violence in London is lower than the rest of England and Wales. Last year there were fewer homicides of people under-25 than any year since 2003 and the number of teenage homicides in London in 2024 was also at its lowest total since 2012.

The plan comes as the Mayor has welcomed the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, announced at the end of last year, to have 13,000 additional neighbourhood policing officers, Police Community Support Officers and special constables in dedicated neighbourhood policing roles nationally to help tackle and prevent crime in high streets and town centres.

As Mayor, Sadiq has gone above and beyond to ensure the capital’s police have the resources to continue tackling crime locally. Directly funding 1,300 extra police officers, backing the Met with a record £1.16bn in City Hall funding in this year’s budget alone.

The Mayor’s new plan has been developed following consultation with more than 4,000 Londoners, the Met Police and other key partners including local authorities, and voluntary groups. The key priorities are: reducing violence and criminal exploitation; building safer, more confident communities; supporting and overseeing reform of the Met Police; and improving the criminal justice system and supporting victims.

The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) will bring partners and agencies together to help address community concerns and bear down effectively on crime and anti-social behaviour. This will include looking at ways to improve best practice in the sharing of data, cross-boundary working and developing critical partnership skills.

Neighbourhood policing remains the bedrock of community confidence and safety in London. Against the backdrop of 14 years of Government austerity and its continued impact on the Met, record investment from City Hall3 is empowering the Met to deliver its new Met for London plan, which prioritises local high-visibility policing and taking officers out of back-office roles to deliver on the issues that matter most to Londoners including tackling robbery, theft and anti-social behaviour.

The Mayor is clear that one violent crime is one too many and his new plan will build on reductions already achieved to further drive down serious violence in line with the Government’s national mission to halve knife crime in a decade. Sadiq has always been clear that the police alone cannot reduce violence and the plan is focused on enhanced and effective working with partners including the Met Police, Government, Transport for London, London Councils and other agencies.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Nothing is more important to me than keeping Londoners safe and I’m determined to do all I can to tackle violence and crime in our city. My new Police and Crime Plan is about putting communities first and over the next four years we will work with the Government and the Met to improve visible neighbourhood policing and strengthen partnership working to deal with the violence, crime and anti-social behaviour issues that matter to Londoners.

“This plan is about tackling the issues that matter most for our city and it has been created in consultation with thousands of Londoners, partners and local organisations. I want to thank everyone who took the time to give their views – and all of those who continue to work day-in, day-out to make our city safer.

“My new plan will build on crime reductions already achieved in the capital where we have seen fewer young people being injured with knives and the number of teenage homicides in London in 2024 being at its lowest total since 2012. But clearly there is still much more work to do. At City Hall we are fully focused on that, and I will continue to do everything in my power to make London a safer city for all.”

The Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) will continue to tackle the complex causes of violence through prevention and early intervention, building on 400,000 diversionary activities and opportunities for young Londoners through youth work and access to youth clubs, and interventions to tackle school exclusions.

His VRU will oversee the Government’s Young Futures Prevention Partnerships in London, which aim to provide support for young people at risk of crime.

The plan also highlights the continued commitment of the Mayor and the Met Commissioner to crack down on mobile phone robberies – a key driver of violence in London. Over the next four years, the Met will continue to take tough enforcement action against robbery offenders and City Hall will continue to work in partnership with the Government, leading mobile phone companies, manufacturers and the tech industry to design out the theft of their products.

The Mayor has committed to publishing a refreshed strategy to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), building on the pioneering work done in London over the last eight years to tackle the perpetrators of these crimes, support victims and survivors and educate young men and boys about the dangers posed by misogynistic attitudes and behaviours – backed with £233 million investment from the Mayor.

Sadiq has been clear that police reform is a critical part of his Mayoralty, and he will not be satisfied until Londoners have the police service they deserve – one that is trusted, puts communities first, is representative of London and delivers the highest possible service to every community in our city. Important steps forward have been made, including the Met coming out of HMICFRS special measures earlier this year. The plan sets out how Sadiq will continue to support and oversee the work of the Met to embed reform and deliver more trust, less crime and higher standards.

Victims of crime will remain at the heart of everything City Hall does, and the plan sets out how the Mayor will continue to invest in innovative, high-quality services for victims through the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). The plan also sets out how London’s Independent Victim’s Commissioner, Claire Waxman OBE, will continue her vital work to champion the rights of victims of crime and press for improvements in the services they receive at every stage of their journey.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “It has been so valuable to hear from so many Londoners, partner organisations and community groups as we’ve developed this plan who contribute daily to keeping London safe. I’m grateful to everyone who has helped us to shape the strategy we publish today so that we can continue delivering for Londoners.

“After years of chronic underfunding by the previous Government and huge cuts to policing, the Mayor and I are determined to drive this plan forward and working with partners is at the heart of my approach to build on the progress that has already been made to reduce serious violence in the capital.

“Strong partnerships make communities safer, and that’s why this plan focuses so much on strengthening joint working between police, Government, local authorities, justice agencies and key partner organisations like TfL and the NHS. I look forward to working with all of our partners to make London a safer city for all.”

London’s Independent Victims’ Commissioner, Claire Waxman OBE, said: “I’m glad to see a focus within this new Police and Crime Plan on investing in high-quality services to support victims of crime. It’s critical victims and bereaved families remain at the heart of the Mayor’s work at City Hall.

“Our Criminal Justice System is in crisis and in need of serious reform following years of underfunding by the previous government. That’s why, in my role, I’m determined to continue standing up for victims’ rights, ensuring that their voices are heard, and work closely with the Government to lobby for adequate funding and improved policies to support victims.

“I look forward to continuing to collaborate with MOPAC to better understand the specific points within the system where victims are being failed. Underpinned by MOPAC research, my London Rape Reviews and Stalking Review have respectively helped to shape national policy and I am keen to build on their successes. Through this work, I hope to effect changes that will improve victims’ experiences and keep them at the heart of all decision and policy making.”

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, said: “The safety and security of our customers and staff is our top priority. We are committed to working alongside the Mayor, police and other partners to ensure that everyone travelling in London can do so safely. We welcome this new plan which will see visible local policing in communities supporting the transport network across the capital. It is vital we continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that our transport network remains a welcoming environment to work and travel.”
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Polytech presents the project

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

Did you want to know more about the Polytechnic University Master’s program? And you will find out about it! The SPbPU Public Relations Department and educational departments have launched a new project

The idea is to make it easier for bachelor’s degree graduates to choose a program to continue their education at the Polytechnic University. The university currently has 166 master’s programs. And new ones open every year, including in collaboration with the university’s industrial partners. So that students can understand this diversity, evaluate the advantages of each direction and choose the right one for themselves, videos about master’s programs are now released on the Polytechnic University’s social networks every week.

In these video business cards, the head of the educational program or its curator from the industrial partner briefly and succinctly explains what the student will be taught, what specialty he will receive, who and where he will be able to work after completing his master’s degree.

Bachelor’s degree graduates often face the question: is it worth continuing their education in a master’s degree program, what can it give them in terms of professional growth and what additional competitive advantages will they receive in the labor market? An equally important problem is the choice of a master’s program. Project

In the future, video presentations will be integrated into the official program descriptions on the university website, which will make choosing a master’s degree even more transparent and convenient.

“With this project, we wanted to show that a master’s degree is not only a path to science, but also employment in a large company,” said Marianna Dyakova, Head of the Public Relations Department. “We launched the project in the spring, which is an important time for fourth-year students when they make a choice whether to leave the university or continue their education. To begin with, we selected several outstanding master’s programs that were implemented jointly with Gazprom Neft, Power Machines, and other partners. In the future, we will add outstanding, interesting master’s programs from each institute. We invite directors to cooperate!”

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Consumer expo expected to be biggest ever

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

The upcoming fifth China International Consumer Products Expo, to be held from April 13 to 18 in Haikou, Hainan province, is expected to attract the highest number of participants compared with past editions, which points to the confidence of global consumer enterprises in China, the Ministry of Commerce said.

The event, the largest consumer goods expo in the Asia-Pacific region, will become China’s first significant international expo this year, and an important platform for the country to further boost consumption and expand high-quality development, said the ministry, the co-organizer of the expo.

In the recently delivered Government Work Report, boosting consumption was listed as a top priority among this year’s tasks.

“This year, the expo is expected to attract the participation of more than 1,700 companies and over 4,100 brands from 71 countries and regions. This scale far exceeds the previous four editions,” said Sheng Qiuping, vice-minister of commerce, at a news conference in Beijing on Thursday.

Hainan Free Trade Port is a pioneer in China’s opening-up efforts. An FTP system focused on trade and investment liberalization as well as facilitation will be “basically established” in Hainan by 2025, according to the plan.

The holding of the consumer expo, coupled with the policies of the FTP, is expected to help drive the growth of duty-free shopping, catering, accommodation, and tourism consumption in Hainan, promoting its development into a globally influential tourism and consumption destination, the ministry said.

This year, the United Kingdom will serve as the guest of honor, and the UK, France, Switzerland and Slovakia will showcase their products in the form of national exhibition groups, according to the local government of Hainan.

In addition, different provinces and cities across the country will showcase popular domestic products and time-honored brands. In addition to the exhibition of products, services consumption — such as healthcare and wellness, sporting events and artificial intelligence — will also be highlights of the event this year.

“With the hosting of four editions of the consumer expo, international consumer enterprises have increasingly felt the charm of the Hainan FTP and felt that the door of China’s reform and opening-up is opening increasingly wider,” said Gu Gang, vice-governor of Hainan.

In the first two months, total retail sales of consumer goods in China reached 8.37 trillion yuan ($1.15 trillion), up 4 percent year-on-year, and the growth rate was 0.5 percentage point higher than the whole year figure of last year, the ministry said.

MIL OSI China News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Initiative for boosting sustainable development via digital sci-tech released at Zhongguancun Forum

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

Initiative for boosting sustainable development via digital sci-tech released at Zhongguancun Forum

BEIJING, March 28 — Participants at a parallel forum of the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing unveiled an initiative on Thursday, calling for global collaboration to leverage digital science and technology to accelerate sustainable development and address global challenges.

Nearly 200 representatives from international organizations, as well as domestic and foreign scholars, attended the International Forum on Sciences for Sustainable Development, which is one of the activities of UNESCO’s “International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033).”

The Beijing Initiative on Digital Science and Technology for Sustainable Development released at the forum outlines key objectives, including promoting innovative applications of digital sci-tech in sustainable development, and expanding the use of big data, artificial intelligence, space technology and the Internet of Things to address challenges — such as biodiversity conservation, climate change, disaster risk reduction and poverty alleviation.

The initiative emphasizes the development of digital tools to optimize energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and enhance natural resource management capabilities.

The initiative also proposes building global platforms for sharing digital resources and technologies, strengthening the role of digital tools in policy formulation, and promoting public engagement and education concerning sustainability through digital means.

A highlight of the initiative is the proposal to launch international big-science programs on digital sustainable development — aiming to unite global research institutions, governments and private sectors to establish collaborative platforms for cross-border technology R&D, data sharing and standard-setting. These programs will prioritize technology transfer and capacity-building, particularly for developing nations, to ensure equitable and inclusive global cooperation.

Guo Huadong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and director-general of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals, said that digital technologies and open data are pivotal to solving sustainability challenges.

Highlighting data-sharing achievements, Guo noted that China launched SDGSAT-1, the world’s first satellite dedicated to serving the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, on Nov. 5, 2021. Since its launch, the satellite has captured over 420,000 data scenes — which were freely shared worldwide.

According to Guo, China had met the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 52 percent of its environmental indicators by 2022 — well ahead of schedule. Beijing, China’s capital, ranks first nationwide in terms of environmental SDG indicators, with average PM2.5 concentration showing an annual average reduction rate of 7.56 percent from 2015 to 2023, according to satellite observations.

Scientists from 104 countries have utilized the data supplied by SDGSAT-1 to inform research efforts and in policy making. Applications span urban planning, environmental monitoring, agricultural monitoring and disaster response. Notable projects enabled by this satellite include the development of sustainability data products for BRICS nations, the conducting of SDG assessments for African countries, and analysis of light pollution on the Iberian Peninsula.

“In the future, a satellite constellation is expected to be built to serve as a sharper ‘eye in space’ for global sustainable development,” Guo added.

MIL OSI China News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues a USD 1 billion benchmark under its MTN programme

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Municipality Finance Plc
Stock exchange release
28 March 2025 at 9:00 am (EET)

Municipality Finance issues a USD 1 billion benchmark under its MTN programme

Municipality Finance Plc issues a USD 1 billion benchmark on 31 March 2025. The maturity date of the benchmark is 1 April 2030. The benchmark bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.250% per annum.

The benchmark is issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and the final terms of the benchmark are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

MuniFin has applied for the benchmark to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 31 March 2025.

Bank of Montreal Europe plc, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and Nomura International plc acts as the Joint Lead Managers for the issue of the benchmark.

MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

Further information:

Joakim Holmström
Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
tel. +358 50 444 3638

MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the State of Finland.
The Group’s balance sheet is over EUR 53 billion.

MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, corporate entities under their control, and non-profit organisations nominated by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

Important Information

The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

The MIL Network –

March 28, 2025

MIL-OSI: Diversified Energy Announces Successful Placement of 4-year Senior Secured Notes

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE: DEC) (NYSE: DEC) (“Diversified” or the “Company”), an independent energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transportation, marketing and well retirement, today announces that it has successfully placed $300 million of new senior secured notes. The new notes are due to mature in April 2029 and will pay a fixed coupon of 9.75% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears.

The net proceeds from the senior secured notes will be used for repayment of existing debt and for general corporate purposes. The new class of debt provides increased liquidity, which currently stands at approximately $440 million inclusive of the proceeds of the note offering, is leverage-neutral, and will enhance cash flow, allowing flexibility for continued investment in high rate of return opportunities.

DNB Markets, a part of DNB Bank ASA, acted as Manager and Bookrunner in the bond offering.

For further information, please contact:

Diversified Energy Company PLC	+1 973 856 2757
Doug Kris	dkris@dgoc.com
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations &

FTI Consulting	dec@fticonsulting.com
U.S. & UK Financial Public Relations

About Diversified
Diversified is a leading publicly traded energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing, and well retirement. Through our unique differentiated strategy, we acquire existing, long-life assets and invest in them to improve environmental and operational performance until retiring those assets in a safe and environmentally secure manner. Recognized by ratings agencies and organizations for our sustainability leadership, this solutions-oriented, stewardship approach makes Diversified the Right Company at the Right Time to responsibly produce energy, deliver reliable free cash flow, and generate shareholder value.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning Diversified and the Contemplated Bond Offering. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect Diversified’s beliefs and expectations, are based on numerous assumptions regarding Diversified’s present and future business strategies and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. No representation is made that any of these statements will come to pass. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond Diversified’s ability to control or estimate precisely. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement include the risk factors described in the “Risk Factors” section in Diversified’s Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of their date and neither Diversified nor any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or advisers expressly disclaim any obligation to supplement, amend, update or revise any of the forward-looking statements made herein, except where it would be required to do so under applicable law. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Important Notice to UK and EU Investors
This announcement is directed at and is only being distributed to persons: (a) if in member states of the European Economic Area, “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus Regulation”) (“Qualified Investors“); or (b) if in the United Kingdom, “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the UK version of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, who are (i) persons who fall within the definition of “investment professionals” in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order“), or (ii) persons who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order; or (c) persons to whom they may otherwise lawfully be communicated (each such person above, a “Relevant Person“). No other person should act or rely on this announcement and persons distributing this announcement must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so. This announcement must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons, if in the United Kingdom, or Qualified Investors, if in a member state of the EEA. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement or the the Contemplated Bond Offering relates is available only to Relevant Persons, if in the United Kingdom, and Qualified Investors, if in a member state of the EEA, and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons, if in the United Kingdom, and Qualified Investors, if in a member state of the EEA.

The MIL Network –

March 28, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Brownley Remarks at Planned Parenthood California Central Coast’s Power of Love

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Camarillo, CA – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) was proud to join Planned Parenthood California Central Coast at its annual Power of Love Brunch to celebrate the organization’s work in Ventura County. Below are Congresswoman Brownley’s remarks as prepared.

“After the week we’ve all had, I can say it is truly a pleasure to be among friends!

“It’s an honor to be here today to celebrate the incredible work of Planned Parenthood – and to recognize the transformative impact all of you do everyday – especially here in Ventura County.

“From opening the new health center in Oxnard to expanding access to primary care and mental health services, your work is fundamental to the health and well-being of people – from all walks of life – across our region.

“Now, more than ever, we must ensure Planned Parenthood can not only continue its vital work – but continue to grow.

“Because we are all clear – we are facing an evil, relentless, coordinated assault on our fundamental freedoms.

“We have all lived through the Trump administration’s all-out war on reproductive rights – a campaign of utter cruelty driven by right-wing extremists who are hell-bent on turning back the clock.

“They tried to dismantle Planned Parenthood at every turn.

“They pushed gag rules, defunded critical programs, and used the full power of the federal government to attack our rights, our bodies, and our dignity.

“And I think we are all clear – they are not done.

“House Republicans are once again gearing up to try to defund Planned Parenthood – but this fight isn’t new to any of us.

“For decades, you have stood strong in the face of these relentless threats, fighting not just for reproductive freedom, but for all vulnerable communities – immigrants, LGBTQ people including trans youth, low-income families, and communities of color.

“When our country has failed to provide essential health care – when our federal safety net has fallen short – Planned Parenthood has always stepped up.

“You’ve opened your doors to all who need care, no matter who they are, where they come from, or how much money they have.

“And in doing so, you have saved lives!

“That’s why keeping the doors to Planned Parenthood health centers open – no matter what – is not just a priority. It is an act of resistance.

“Planned Parenthood has always been at the forefront of the fight for what is right.

“For reproductive freedom, for bodily autonomy, for dignity and justice – not just for some, but for everyone.

“Last Wednesday, I met with Alexis McGill Johnson to talk about how we move forward together in this fight.

“And I want to be clear – this is not just my fight, and it’s not just Alexis’ fight.

“This is the fight of the entire Reproductive Freedom Caucus, the Democratic Women’s Caucus, House Democrats, and every single person in this room.

“We will stand shoulder to shoulder with Planned Parenthood on the front lines – every step of the way.

“I had the privilege of knowing Cecile Richards, and her passing this year was a profound loss for all of us who care about reproductive rights and justice.

“Cecile was a fearless advocate, a champion, and a visionary. As these attacks intensify, we must honor her legacy – and the legacy of all those who have stood for justice and equality – by continuing the fight for reproductive freedom and the right to access essential care.

“This is a fight for our lives – but we are not backing down. Not now. Not ever.

“Together, we will keep fighting at every level of government to protect and expand access to the life-saving care that millions rely on.

“And together, we will fight for a future where everyone – no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they have – has the freedom to make the best decisions for their bodies, their lives, their families, and their futures.

“Thank you and thank you for everything you do.”

###

Issues: 119th Congress, Healthcare, Local Issues

MIL OSI USA News –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: ATAGS procurement to strengthen India’s firepower capabilities, says GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

Following the news that India has signed a contract for the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS);

Harsh Deshmukh, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

“The procurement of 307 ATAGS and 327 towing vehicles signed with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems for Rs. 6,900 crore ($820 million) will significantly expand India’s fleet of indirect firepower delivery platforms. Capable of delivering precise long-range strikes at a rate of 5 rounds per minute, these indigenous 155mm howitzers will substantially enhance the Indian Army’s firepower, while bolstering the country’s autonomy in defense manufacturing. The towing vehicles, which are part of the current procurement program, will enable swift deployment of the ATAGS units.

“The escalating tensions along India’s northern borders, particularly with China which deployed advanced artillery like the PCL-181 in the high-altitude regions, highlight the need for India to strengthen its land-based firepower. China’s rapid military modernization, particularly its emphasis on mobile and long-range artillery systems, has heightened the urgency for India to address threats of potential conflicts in regions such as Ladakh, which has already witnessed deadly skirmishes in the past. Similarly, along the Pakistan border, where sporadic fire exchanges between the two sides are not uncommon, ATAGS offers a decisive edge. Its long-range capability ensures deeper strikes into enemy territory, enhancing the Indian Army’s operational reach.

“According to GlobalData’s “Artillery Systems Market Size and Trend Analysis Including Segments, Programs, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2034,” India is expected to invest over $5.3 billion on procuring various types of towed artillery systems over the next ten years, reflecting its focus on enhancing its land-based combat capabilities through indigenous procurement.

“The ATAGS will be complementing the in-service airlift capable M777s and the self-propelled K9 Vajras. This mix of artillery deployment enhances the Indian Army’s flexibility in a dynamic mission environment along the borders. With ATAGS already exported to Armenia, India will also continue to look to for export opportunities for this potent platform in international markets in order to keep the production cost down through economies of scale.”

MIL OSI Economics –

March 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Ultra-portable mini C-arms poised to transform point-of-care imaging, but face adoption hurdles, says GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

Ultra-portable mini C-arms poised to transform point-of-care imaging, but face adoption hurdles, says GlobalData

Posted in Medical Devices

The latest generation of ultra-portable mini C-arms are reshaping point-of-care imaging by offering compact, standalone solutions suited for tight spaces and mobile use. Recently showcased at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting 2025, these lightweight systems enable real-time diagnostics outside traditional settings. However, their success will depend on balancing portability with image quality and integration into clinical workflows to meet growing demand for accessible, cost-effective imaging, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Leading companies in this space showcased their latest devices at the recently concluded AAOS 2025, in San Diego. Ziehm-OrthoScan debuted the Versa and Turner Imaging presented the Smart-C, which is distributed in partnership with Siemens.

Ashley Clarke, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Ultra-portable systems do not have the same physical constraints of traditional bulky imaging equipment. This makes them particularly well-suited for environments where space is limited or mobility is critical, such as emergency departments, remote healthcare facilities, and small outpatient clinics. They can provide on-the-spot imaging without complex setup or dedicated imaging suites, allowing for rapid diagnoses in non-traditional settings like sideline assessments in sports medicine or mobile units for emergency care”

According to GlobalData, mini C-arms show potential for growth as healthcare providers seek more compact and cost-effective imaging solutions. However, while they are valuable for extremity imaging and quick diagnostic assessments, they are not expected to replace full-size C-arms. Procedures requiring deeper radiation penetration or broader anatomical coverage cannot be fully assessed using mini C-arms.

Clarke continues: “Their value lies in complementing the existing imaging tools rather than replacing them entirely. The challenge for manufacturers will be balancing portability with image quality while expanding use cases to remain competitive with other mobile units. Factors such as cost, battery life, radiation dose optimization, and integration with digital health systems will influence how widely these devices are adopted.”

Currently, mini C-arm competition is limited, with no known pipeline products from other major C-arm manufacturers, GE Healthcare or Philips. These companies may view the market as too niche or low margin to warrant entry, or they may be focusing on advancing other imaging technologies. Other technologies, such as Adaptix’s Digital Tomosynthesis Orthopaedic imaging system, are also emerging as point-of-care extremity imaging solutions. As the demand for cost- and space-effective imaging solutions continues increasing, market dynamics may change.

Clarke concludes: “Diagnostic imaging is increasingly driven by the need for faster, more accessible point-of-care solutions. While ultra-portable mini C-arms may remain a complementary innovation, their continued development could drive broader shifts in fluoroscopy technology, influencing future designs of both compact and full-size C-arms. As the market evolves, future advancements may include AI-assisted imaging, better software integration, and expanded clinical applications to attract a wider customer base. Proving long-term value will be key to widespread adoption and improving accessibility in healthcare.”

MIL OSI Economics –

March 28, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Tobacco excise revenue has tanked amid a booming black market. That’s a diabolical problem for the government

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fei Gao, Lecturer in Taxation, Discipline of Accounting, Governance & Regulation, The University of Sydney, University of Sydney

Tuesday night’s federal budget revealed a sharp drop in what was once a major source of revenue for the government – the tobacco excise.

This financial year, the government expects to earn revenue from the tobacco excise of A$7.4 billion. That’s down sharply from $12.6 billion in 2022–23, and an earlier peak of $16.3 billion in 2019–20.

The government expects this downward trend to continue. Australia’s heavy tobacco taxation has driven many consumers towards illicit cigarettes.

But this is more than just a problem for government coffers accustomed to revenue from the tobacco tax.

It presents a major challenge for a public health policy that has long relied on increasing tobacco excise duty as its primary tool to reduce smoking.

Read more:
The 2025 budget has few savings and surprises but it also ignores climate change

Climbing tax rates, falling revenue

If government revenue from tobacco is falling, it isn’t because we aren’t trying to tax it. Cigarette prices in Australia are among the highest in the world, with taxes making up a substantial chunk of the price.

About $1.40 of the cost of each cigarette represents excise duty. GST is payable on top of that.

Australia’s tobacco excise is indexed every March and September, in line with average weekly ordinary-time earnings.

On top of indexation, the excise rate is currently being increased by
an additional 5% each year, for a period of three years that began in September 2023.

This policy is grounded in the principle that higher costs deter smoking.
And smoking rates have fallen in recent decades. About 8% of Australians aged 14 and over still smoke daily, down from almost 20% in 2001.

Some of that fall has been offset by the rapid ascent of vaping. About 7% of Australians use e-cigarettes – about half of whom vape daily.

But while legal cigarette prices are prohibitively high for some, illegal alternatives are widely available and significantly cheaper. That’s because these unregulated products bypass excise and GST entirely.

Vaping has soared in popularity as an alternative to smoking.
Natali Brillianata/Shutterstock

Unintended consequences

The estimated value of illicit tobacco entering the Australian market has soared, from $980 million in 2016–17 to more than $6 billion in 2022–23. Of this $6 billion, almost $3 billion entered the market undetected.

The actual decline in tobacco excise revenue, as exposed in the latest budget papers, has been much more significant than previously forecast.

To make things worse, the cost of enforcement is rising. The 2025–26 federal budget allocates an additional $156 million over the next two years to combat illicit tobacco — on top of the $188 million committed in the previous budget.

There are other broader impacts on overall tax revenue. Convenience stores lose legitimate sales to illegal tobacco vendors, resulting in less corporate tax income.

Holding back broader public health efforts

On other measures, Australia has long been a global leader in tobacco control. The first health warnings on cigarette packets appeared in 1973.

In 2006, graphic health warnings were introduced. And in 2011, Australia pioneered plain packaging laws.

Such public health measures are set to get even stronger this year, with new requirements for every individual cigarette sold to have an “on-product” health warning such as “causes 16 cancers” or “shortens your life”.

These new regulations come into effect on April 1 2025, but retailers will have a three-month transition period to phase out existing stock.

The tight transition period may prove challenging for the legitimate cigarette trade.

But it is unlikely those who ply the unlawful trade in illegal tobacco – or their customers – will be particularly bothered by this latest attempt to wean the public off the habit.

No easy solution

The increasing heavy tobacco excise and the new law requiring warning messages on individual cigarettes have the potential to reduce tobacco consumption among those who purchase the product legally.

However, suppliers of black-market cigarettes – who now comprise an estimated 18% of market share – are unlikely to allow this initiative to affect their illegal trade.

The widespread move to vaping, with poor regulation, has further fuelled the black market for both products.

It is going too far to draw parallels with the prohibition era in the United States, when the manufacture, transportation and sale of alcohol was illegal. This was a brief but disastrous experiment in social engineering with unfortunate and, in retrospect, arguably predictable consequences.

But there are some unfortunate similarities when it comes to Australia’s tobacco tax policy, which has inadvertently encouraged black markets, criminality and organised crime.

Yet for the government, lowering the excise tax to encourage smokers back to legal cigarettes would be completely out of step with its public health objectives. Legal or illegal, black-market cigarettes and vapes still contribute to health risks, undermining the public health goals behind regulatory controls.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Tobacco excise revenue has tanked amid a booming black market. That’s a diabolical problem for the government – https://theconversation.com/tobacco-excise-revenue-has-tanked-amid-a-booming-black-market-thats-a-diabolical-problem-for-the-government-253329

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 28, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: The Coalition has promised $400m for youth mental health. Young people told us what they need

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bridianne O’Dea, Little Heroes Professor of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Flinders University

Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has promised a Coalition government would spend an extra A$400 million on youth mental health services.

This is in addition to raising the number of subsidised psychology sessions from ten to 20, which had been previously announced.

While extra funding for youth mental health is welcome, it’s important to target this in ways that will make a real difference to young people.

In our recent research, we asked young people about their experiences of waiting for mental health support, how they coped in the meantime, and what would really make a difference while they waited.

Rates of mental illness rising

An estimated one in seven Australian children and adolescents had a mental illness in the past 12 months. Rates of mental illness have also increased over time, particularly among younger generations.

The COVID pandemic led to a rapid rise in the number of children and young people seeing their GP for mental health problems. Visits for depression rose by 61% and eating disorders by 56% compared with before the pandemic.

The number of visits to the emergency department in New South Wales for self-harm, or plans or thoughts about suicide, have also increased since COVID.

The annual Mission Australia Survey reveals young Australians see mental health as one of their biggest challenges, with thousands calling for more support.

But there are long waits for care

Despite the greater demand for mental health treatment in Australia, there is very little information on how long young people wait to access it.

The Australian Psychological Society reported that during the pandemic, 88% of psychologists increased their wait times and one in five were not taking on new clients. This meant about half of people waited more than three months to begin psychological treatment. But this is for clients of all ages.

There is also little information on how young people experience the wait for treatment.

We asked young people about the wait for care

We recently published research on the wait times for mental health treatment for Australian teens.

We asked 375 young people aged 13–17 about the mental health care they have tried to access for their anxiety and depression and how long they waited to start treatment. We also asked them about their mental health while they waited, what helped them cope, and the types of support they received.

We found that on average, teens were waiting more than three months for their first session of treatment. Most teens waited to access psychologists and psychiatrists after a GP referral.

While their wait times varied, nearly all teens felt they waited “too long”.

Longer wait times were linked to poorer mental health, with more than 90% of teens reporting high distress while they waited. Many of the teens felt their feelings of worry and sadness had worsened and they had used risky and unhealthy ways to cope, such as spending more time alone, sleeping more, self-harming, and using alcohol and other drugs.

Most teens did not receive any support from their health-care providers during the wait time, despite wanting it.

One female 17-year-old had waited six months for treatment and told us:

It felt like I was hanging over a cliff and was just told to hold on.

Teens also felt their parents would benefit from greater support during the wait time. But we need more research to better understand how to help families.

Together, these findings show we desperately need to address wait times for young people’s mental health treatment.

Teens know the support they need

If teens are to wait for mental health treatment, they told us they need support while they do so.

Young people wanted more regular contact and “check-ins” from their service providers, someone to talk to during the wait, as well as more useful information on positive ways to cope.

Most teens in our study used digital mental health tools – such as mental health websites, online mental health checks, mobile apps, online chat services and forums – while they waited.

We’re developing digital mental health tools, in consultation with young people and GPs, to support doctors to care for their teen patients when treatment isn’t available right away. We’re testing the system of short digital mental health programs, supportive text messages and peer support in NSW this year.

But not all teens we surveyed found digital mental health tools helpful. So we need to offer teens a range of supports – from their family, their GP, and from their referred service provider – to help them cope while they wait for treatment.

What can governments do?

We must carefully consider when, where and how mental health funds are invested. If governments wish to see more young people treated for their mental health problems, then we need to look at how our health-care system will cope with the growing demand.

We also need national, transparent benchmarks for how long young Australians wait for mental health treatment. Only some health services in Australia have this. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, have something similar to minimise the health risks of young people waiting too long for care.

Ultimately, though, we need to prevent mental health issues from starting in the first place. That would reduce the need for treatment, the very type young Australians are waiting too long for.

If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Bridianne O’Dea is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Investigator Fellowship (1197249) and a MRFF Millions Minds Mental Health Grant (2035416). Bridianne O’Dea received funding from the Buxton Family Foundation, Australian Unity, the Frontiers Technology Clinical Academic Group Industry Connection Seed Funding Scheme and the UNSW Medicine, Neuroscience, Mental Health and Addiction Theme and SPHERE Clinical Academic Group Collaborative Research Funding to conduct this research. Bridianne O’Dea is a member of the Australian Society for Mental Health Research and the International Society for Research on Internet Interventions. Bridianne O’Dea’s current work has received pro bono support from Deloitte Digital Australia.

– ref. The Coalition has promised $400m for youth mental health. Young people told us what they need – https://theconversation.com/the-coalition-has-promised-400m-for-youth-mental-health-young-people-told-us-what-they-need-253328

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 28, 2025

Category: Transport

March 28, 2025

Peter Kyle’s speech at the Space-Comm Expo 2025

Updates to this page

Participants of the TIM Championship talk about it

Climbing tax rates, falling revenue

Unintended consequences

Holding back broader public health efforts

No easy solution

Rates of mental illness rising

But there are long waits for care

We asked young people about the wait for care

Teens know the support they need

What can governments do?