Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI: Micron Innovates From the Data Center to the Edge With NVIDIA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GTC 2025 — Secular growth of AI is built on the foundation of high-performance, high-bandwidth memory solutions. These high-performing memory solutions are critical to unlock the capabilities of GPUs and processors. Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), today announced it is the world’s first and only memory company shipping both HBM3E and SOCAMM (small outline compression attached memory module) products for AI servers in the data center. This extends Micron’s industry leadership in designing and delivering low-power DDR (LPDDR) for data center applications.

    Micron’s SOCAMM, a modular LPDDR5X memory solution, was developed in collaboration with NVIDIA to support the NVIDIA GB300 Grace Blackwell Ultra Superchip. The Micron HBM3E 12H 36GB is also designed into the NVIDIA HGX B300 NVL16 and GB300 NVL72 platforms, while the HBM3E 8H 24GB is available for the NVIDIA HGX B200 and GB200 NVL72 platforms. The deployment of Micron HBM3E products in NVIDIA Hopper and NVIDIA Blackwell systems underscores Micron’s critical role in accelerating AI workloads.

    Think AI, think memory, think Micron
    At GTC 2025, Micron will showcase its complete AI memory and storage portfolio to fuel AI from the data center to the edge, highlighting the deep alignment between Micron and its ecosystem partners. Micron’s broad portfolio includes HBM3E 8H 24GB and HBM3E 12H 36GB, LPDDR5X SOCAMMs, GDDR7 and high-capacity DDR5 RDIMMs and MRDIMMs. Additionally, Micron offers an industry-leading portfolio of data center SSDs and automotive and industrial products such as UFS4.1, NVMe® SSDs and LPDDR5X, all of which are suited for edge compute applications.

    “AI is driving a paradigm shift in computing, and memory is at the heart of this evolution. Micron’s contributions to the NVIDIA Grace Blackwell platform yields significant performance and power-saving benefits for AI training and inference applications,” said Raj Narasimhan, senior vice president and general manager of Micron’s Compute and Networking Business Unit. “HBM and LP memory solutions help unlock improved computational capabilities for GPUs.”

    SOCAMM: a new standard for AI memory performance and efficiency
    Micron’s SOCAMM solution is now in volume production. The modular SOCAMM solution enables accelerated data processing, superior performance, unmatched power efficiency and enhanced serviceability to provide high-capacity memory for increasing AI workload requirements.

    Micron SOCAMM is the world’s fastest, smallest, lowest-power and highest capacity modular memory solution,1 designed to meet the demands of AI servers and data-intensive applications. This new SOCAMM solution enables data centers to get the same compute capacity with better bandwidth, improved power consumption and scaling capabilities to provide infrastructure flexibility.

    • Fastest: SOCAMMs provide over 2.5 times higher bandwidth at the same capacity when compared to RDIMMs, allowing faster access to larger training datasets and more complex models, as well as increasing throughput for inference workloads.2
    • Smallest: At 14x90mm, the innovative SOCAMM form factor occupies one-third of the size of the industry-standard RDIMM form factor, enabling compact, efficient server design.3
    • Lowest power: Leveraging LPDDR5X memory, SOCAMM products consume one-third the power compared to standard DDR5 RDIMMs, inflecting the power performance curve in AI architectures.4
    • Highest capacity: SOCAMM solutions use four placements of 16-die stacks of LPDDR5X memory to enable a 128GB memory module, offering the highest capacity LPDDR5X memory solution, which is essential for advancements towards faster AI model training and increased concurrent users for inference workloads.  
    • Optimized scalability and serviceability: SOCAMM’s modular design and innovative stacking technology improve serviceability and aid the design of liquid-cooled servers. The enhanced error correction feature in Micron’s LPDDR5X with data center-focused test flows, provides an optimized memory solution designed for the data center.

    Industry-leading HBM solutions
    Micron continues its competitive lead in the AI industry by offering 50% increased capacity over the HBM3E 8H 24GB within the same cube form factor.5 Additionally, the HBM3E12H 36GB provides up to 20% lower power consumption compared to the competition’s HBM3E 8H 24GB offering, while providing 50% higher memory capacity.6

    By continuing to deliver exceptional power and performance metrics, Micron aims to maintain its technology momentum as a leading AI memory solutions provider through the launch of HBM4. Micron’s HBM4 solution is expected to boost performance by over 50% compared to HBM3E.7

    Complete memory and storage solutions designed for AI from the data center to the edge
    Micron also has a proven portfolio of storage products designed to meet the growing demands of AI workloads. Advancing storage technology in performance and power efficiency at the speed of light requires tight collaboration with ecosystem partners to ensure interoperability and a seamless customer experience. Micron delivers optimized SSDs for AI workloads such as: inference, training, data preparation, analytics and data lakes. Micron will be showcasing the following storage solutions at GTC:

    • High-performance Micron 9550 NVMe and Micron 7450 NVMe SSDs included on the GB200 NVL72 recommended vendor list.
    • Micron’s PCIe Gen6 SSD, demonstrating over 27GB/s of bandwidth in successful interoperability testing with leading PCIe switch and retimer vendors, driving the industry to this new generation of flash storage.
    • Storing more data in less space is essential to get the most out of AI data centers. The Micron 61.44TB 6550 ION NVMe SSD is the drive of choice for bleeding-edge AI cluster exascale storage solutions, by delivering over 44 petabytes of storage per rack,8 14GB/s and 2 million IOPs per drive inside a 20-watt footprint.

    As AI and generative AI expand and are integrated on-device at the edge, Micron is working closely with key ecosystem partners to deliver innovative solutions for AI for automotive, industrial and consumer. In addition to high performance requirements, these applications require enhanced quality, reliability and longevity requirements for application usage models.

    • One example of this type of ecosystem collaboration is the integration of Micron LPDDR5X on the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin platform. This combined solution provides increased processing performance and bandwidth while also reducing power consumption.
    • By utilizing Micron’s 1β (1-beta) DRAM node, LPDDR5X memory meets automotive and industrial requirements and offers higher speeds up to 9.6 Gbps and increased capacities from 32Gb to 128Gb to support higher bandwidth.
    • Additionally, Micron LPDDR5X automotive products support operating environments from -40 degrees Celsius up to 125 degrees Celsius to provide a wide temperature range that meets automotive quality and standards.

    Micron will exhibit its full data center memory and storage product portfolio at GTC, March 17 – 21, in booth #541.

    A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

    Additional Resources: 

    About Micron Technology, Inc.
    Micron Technology, Inc. is an industry leader in innovative memory and storage solutions, transforming how the world uses information to enrich life for all. With a relentless focus on our customers, technology leadership, and manufacturing and operational excellence, Micron delivers a rich portfolio of high-performance DRAM, NAND, and NOR memory and storage products through our Micron® and Crucial® brands. Every day, the innovations that our people create fuel the data economy, enabling advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and compute-intensive applications that unleash opportunities — from the data center to the intelligent edge and across the client and mobile user experience. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), visit micron.com. 

    © 2025 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information, products, and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. Micron, the Micron logo, and all other Micron trademarks are the property of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    Micron Media Relations Contact 
      Kelly Sasso 
      Micron Technology, Inc. 
      +1 (208) 340-2410 
      ksasso@micron.com

    ___________________
    1 Calculations based on comparing one 64GB 128-bit bus SOCAMM to two 32GB 64-bit bus RDIMMs.

    2 Calculated using transfer speeds comparing 64GB 2R 8533MT/s SOCAMM and 64GB 2Rx4 6400MT/s RDIMMs. ​

    3 Calculated area between one SOCAMM and one RDIMM​.

    4 Calculated based on power used in watts by one 128GB, 128-bit bus width SOCAMM compared to two 128GB, 128-bit bus width DDR5 RDIMMs​.

    5 Comparison based on HBM3E 36GB capacity versus HBM3E 24GB capacity when both are at the 12x10mm package size.

    6 Based on internal calculations, and customer testing and feedback for Micron HBM3E versus the competition’s HBM3E offerings.

    7 Calculated bandwidth by comparing HBM4 and HBM3E specifications.

    8 Assumes 20x 61.44TB E3.S SSDs in a 1U server with 20x E3.S slots available for storage and that 36 rack units are available for the servers in each rack.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Various measures have been taken by the government to strengthen cyber security in the financial sector

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Various measures have been taken by the government to strengthen  cyber security in the financial sector

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) based tool ‘MuleHunter’ for identification of money mule has been launched by RBI

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 4:55PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has been constantly engaging with the financial sector regulators and other concerned stakeholders to strengthen the cyber security. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (l4C) as an attached office to provide a framework and eco-system for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to deal with cybercrimes in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. The MHA has also launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting portal(https://cybercrime.gov.in) to enable the public to report all types of cyber crimes. Cyber crime incidents reported on this portal are routed automatically to the respective State/UT LEAs for further handling as per the provisions of law. The ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System’ has been launched for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off fund by the fraudsters. So far, an amount of Rs. 4386 Crore (approx..) has been saved involving 13.36 lakh complaints. Further suspect registry of identifiers of cyber criminals has been launched by MHA in collaboration with Banks/Financial institutions.

    In order to reinforce the security of digital transactions, various initiatives have been taken by the Government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) from time to time. RBI has issued Master Directions on Digital Payment Security Controls in February, 2021 to combat web and mobile app threats. These guidelines mandate the banks to implement a common minimum standards of security controls for various payment channels like internet, mobile banking, card payment etc. RBI has also launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based tool ‘MuleHunter’ for identification of money mule and advised the banks and financial institutions for its uses.

    Similarly, NPCI has also implemented device binding between customer mobile number and the device, two factor authentication through PIN, daily transaction limit, limits and curbs on use cases etc to secure UPI transactions. NPCI also provides a fraud monitoring solution to all the banks to generate alerts and decline transactions by using AI/ML based models. RBI and Banks have also been taking up awareness campaigns through short SMS, radio campaign, publicity on prevention of ‘cyber-crime’ etc.

    This information was given by Minister of State For Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha  today.

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    NB/AD

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rajya Sabha MP Thiru Ilaiyaraaja meets Prime Minister

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 4:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Rajya Sabha MP Thiru Ilaiyaraaja met Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in New Delhi today.

    Shri Modi lauded Ilaiyaraaja’s first-ever Western classical symphony, Valiant, which was recently performed in London with the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Recognizing the maestro’s monumental impact on Indian and global music, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi hailed Ilaiyaraaja as a “musical titan and a trailblazer,” whose work continues to redefine excellence on a global scale.

    Shri Modi said in a X post;

    “Delighted to meet Rajya Sabha MP Thiru Ilaiyaraaja Ji, a musical titan whose genius has a monumental impact on our music and culture. 

    He is a trailblazer in every sense and he made history yet again by presenting his first-ever Western classical symphony, Valiant, in London a few days ago. This performance was accompanied by the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This momentous feat marks yet another chapter in his unparalleled musical journey—one that continues to redefine excellence on a global scale.

    @ilaiyaraaja”

     

     

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    MJPS/ST

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, a fixed amount of subsidy is provided on subsidized P&K fertilizers depending on their nutrient content

    Source: Government of India

    Under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, a fixed amount of subsidy is provided on subsidized P&K fertilizers depending on their nutrient content

    The Government has provided special packages on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) over and above the NBS subsidy rates on need basis to ensure smooth availability of DAP at affordable prices to farmers

    Urea is provided to the farmers at a statutorily notified Maximum Retail Price; MRP of 45 kg bag of urea is Rs. 242 per bag (exclusive of charges towards neem coating and taxes as applicable) which  has remained unchanged since 01.03.2018 to till date

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 4:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has implemented Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme w.e.f. 01.04.2010 for Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) fertilizers. Under the NBS scheme, a fixed amount of subsidy, decided on an annual/bi-annual basis, is provided on subsidized P&K fertilizers depending on their nutrient content including Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP). Under NBS scheme, The P&K sector is decontrolled, fertilizer companies are allowed to fix MRP at reasonable levels which is monitored by the Government. The fertilizer companies manufacture/import fertilizers as per the market dynamics.

    Further, in order to ensure smooth availability of DAP at affordable prices to farmers, the Government has provided special packages on DAP over and above the NBS subsidy rates on need basis. Recently, in 2024-25, due to geo-political situation, adversely affecting the viability of procurement of DAP by the fertilizer companies, the Government has approved One-time special package on DAP beyond the NBS rates on actual PoS (Point of Sale) sale of DAP for the period from 01.04.2024 till 31.12.2024 @ ₹ 3500 per MT which has now been extended till 31.03.2025 to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable price to the farmers. Further, the guidelines on evaluation of reasonableness of MRPs fixed by the P&K Fertilizer companies also ensure availability of fertilizers at affordable prices to farmers across the country including Odisha.

    Urea, is provided to the farmers at a statutorily notified Maximum Retail Price (MRP). The MRP of 45 kg bag of urea is Rs.242 per bag (exclusive of charges towards neem coating and taxes as applicable) and the MRP has remained unchanged since 01.03.2018 to till date. The difference between the delivered cost of urea at farm gate and net market realization by the urea units is given as a subsidy to the urea manufacturer/importer by the Government of India. Accordingly, all farmers are being supplied urea at subsidized rates.

    The Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR) under the All India Coordinated Research Project on  ‘Long-term Fertilizer Experiments’ has assessed the impact of long-term use of chemical fertilizers in different soil types (fixed locations) under dominant cropping systems. Investigations carried out over five decades at fixed sites have indicated that there is no harmful effect of chemical fertilizers on soil fertility with balanced and judicious use. However, imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers coupled with low addition of organic matter over years may cause multi nutrient deficiencies vis-à-vis decline in soil health. Continuous use of nitrogenous fertilizer alone had deleterious effects on soil health and crop productivity showing deficiencies of other nutrients. The investigation over the last few decades indicated that even in the NPK fertilized system, nutritional disorders in terms of deficiency of micro and secondary nutrients surfaced after a few years affecting soil health and crop productivity. Highest decline in crop yield was observed in plots receiving only urea. In case of drip irrigation (fertigation), comparable crop yield can be obtained with less amount of water and fertilizers due to higher water and nutrient use efficiencies.

    ICAR recommends soil test based balanced and integrated nutrient management through conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources (manure, bio-fertilizers etc.) of plant nutrients for judicious use of chemical fertilizers and to improve soil health. The ICAR also imparts training, organizes FLDs etc. to educate farmers on all these aspects. All these measures reduce chemical fertilizer use in the country.

    Further, the Government has approved the Market Development Assistance (MDA) @ Rs. 1500/MT to promote organic fertilizers, i.e. manure produced at plants under GOBARdhan initiative covering different Biogas/CBG support schemes/programmes of stakeholder Ministries/Departments such as Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), ‘Waste to Energy’ programme of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) of Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), etc. with total outlay of Rs. 1451.84 crore (FY 2023-24 to 2025-26), which includes a corpus of Rs. 360 crore for research gap funding, etc.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in written reply to a question today.

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    MV/AKS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs worth over $2.8 million (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs worth over $2.8 million  
    Through risk assessment, Customs on March 11 inspected two air parcels, declared as bottle openers and arriving in Hong Kong from Italy. Upon inspection, Customs officers found that the batch of suspected ketamine was concealed inside 24 packaging boxes of bottle openers.
     
    After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday in Kwai Chung and arrested a male consignee, aged 31, who was suspected to be connected with the case. Later, Customs further seized about 34g of suspected ketamine and about 8g of suspected methamphetamine from his vehicle and in his possession respectively. 
     
    The arrested person has been charged with two counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of dangerous drug. He will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (March 19).
     
    Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
     
    Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
     
    Customs reminds people to pay attention to the fact that drug trafficking is a serious criminal offence. Criminal conviction will result in grave repercussions for their future and they should not take risks in the hope that they may not be caught.
     
    Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:52

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: SoftServe Prepares Enterprises for Next AI Stages with New Agentic AI Solution at NVIDIA GTC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SoftServe, a premier IT consulting and digital services provider, today introduced the SoftServe QA Agent, an agentic AI solution aiming to accelerate quality and assurance (QA) processes with AI test automation. Launched during NVIDIA’s annual conference, GTC 2025, this new offering is SoftServe’s latest development on AI agents, preparing enterprises for a future where agentic AI and physical AI converge to redefine automation, robotics, and decision-making in real-world environments.

    Agentic AI

    The SoftServe QA Agent will boost developers’ productivity by automating repetitive code and testing tasks. It was built with a custom reasoning model to transform manual test creation, execution, and validation for dramatically reduced overhead, enhanced inference, and increased coverage. The new solution would support the newly launched NVIDIA Llama Nemotron Reason open reasoning models, as well as the DeepSeek-R1 model available as an NVIDIA NIM microservice, to drive intelligent automation and decision-making with greater transparency and control.

    “As applications become more complex, organizations struggle to keep pace with ever-growing test requirements,” said Volodymyr Karpiv, Research & Development Director at SoftServe. “The SoftServe QA Agent is a game-changer. All of our AI agents are specialized, task-driven systems built on pre-trained language models and integrated with infrastructure to deliver three-times the efficiency gains in software modernization and testing. These agents will automate well-defined repetitive tasks and bridge skill gaps with efficiency and intelligence, generating market disruptions with lower costs and shorter time to market.”

    The SoftServe QA Agent focuses on training models that observe screens, build internal knowledge graphs of the application’s structure, and then acts on the information to simplify deployments and maximize security and data privacy across any infrastructure, such as cloud, data center, and edge environment.

    Whether businesses are maintaining legacy systems or rolling out new features, SoftServe QA Agent adapts to specific needs while delivering higher-quality software at lower costs.

    Physical AI

    The SoftServe QA Agent is one step in the direction of the next stage in AI development: building agentic AI systems beyond the enterprise to prepare facilities for physical AI. Throughout a facility, multiple AI agents can automate processes, assist operators, and enforce proper safety precautions.

    During GTC, SoftServe and Bright Machines discuss smarter manufacturing design and how digital twins serve as the first step – or a bridge – to preparing for physical AI in a live demo developed on NVIDIA Omniverse at booth #1009 March 18-20 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. PT.

    ABOUT SOFTSERVE
    SoftServe is a premier IT consulting and digital services provider. We expand the horizon of new technologies to solve today’s complex business challenges and achieve meaningful outcomes for our clients. Our boundless curiosity drives us to explore and reimagine the art of the possible. Clients confidently rely on SoftServe to architect and execute mature and innovative capabilities, such as digital engineering, data and analytics, cloud, and AI/ML.

    Our global reputation is gained from more than 30 years of experience delivering superior digital solutions at exceptional speed by top-tier engineering talent to enterprise industries, including high tech, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, retail, energy, and manufacturing. Visit our websiteblogLinkedInFacebook, and X (Twitter) pages for more information.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Aterian Reports Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Introduces Annual Guidance for 2025
    Announces $3 Million Share Repurchase Program

    SUMMIT, N.J., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aterian, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATER) (“Aterian” or the “Company”), a technology-enabled consumer products company, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    “Aterian’s results for 2024 reflect our team’s success in executing a strategy to focus, stabilize, and simplify our operations in preparation for a resumption of growth and improved operating performance, ” said Arturo Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer.

    “Our decision to rationalize SKUs and focus on the Company’s six foundational brands generated material improvements in gross margin and contribution margin, and narrowed our losses significantly compared to 2023,” continued Mr. Rodriguez. “We improved our cash flow and working capital profile, reduced debt by more than $4.0 million, and right sized our inventory to focus on Aterian’s most profitable products. These initiatives created a momentum that we believe will carry into 2025. Despite tariffs, we are confident that in 2025, especially with our experienced and tenacious team, we will be able to generate higher revenues, achieve greater operating efficiency, and further improve our profit profile. Our growth will be driven by new product introductions beginning in the second quarter of 2025 and access to a broader base of consumers through our sales channel initiatives.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights
    All comparisons are to the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023

    • Net revenue was $24.6 million compared to $32.8 million, primarily reflecting the previously announced SKU rationalization designed to focus on the Company’s most profitable products, lower liquidation levels of high-cost inventory, and initial contributions from new product introductions.
    • Gross margin improved to 63.4% from 51.0%, reflecting the success of the above-referenced SKU rationalization and improved inventory profile.
    • Contribution margin improved to 19.4% from (0.8%).
    • Operating loss narrowed to ($1.6) million from an operating loss of ($8.2) million. Fourth quarter 2024 operating loss included ($1.1) million of non-cash stock compensation, while fourth quarter 2023 operating loss included ($1.6) million of non-cash stock compensation, a non-cash loss on impairment of an intangible of ($0.3) million and a reserve for barter credits of ($0.3).
    • Net loss improved to ($1.3) million from ($7.7) million. Fourth quarter 2024 net loss included ($1.1) million of non-cash stock compensation and a gain on fair value of warrant liability of $0.2 million, while fourth quarter 2023 net loss included a reserve for barter credits of ($0.3) million, ($1.6) million of non-cash stock compensation, a non-cash loss on impairment of an intangible of ($0.3) million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA loss improved to ($0.1) million from a loss of ($5.6) million.
    • Total cash balance at December 31, 2024 was $18.0 million, up from $16.1 million at September 30, 2024.
    • Cash flow from operations improved to break-even from cash used in operations of ($4.9) million for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

    Full Year 2024 Highlights
    All comparisons are to the full year ended December 31, 2023

    • Net revenue declined to $99.0 million from $142.6 million, reflecting the success of the SKU rationalization, improved inventory profile, and new product introductions.
    • Gross margin improved to 62.1% compared to 49.3% in 2023, primarily reflecting the success of the above-referenced SKU rationalization and improved inventory profile.
    • Contribution margin rose to 17.1% from 1.2% in 2023.
    • Operating loss improved to ($11.8) million from ($76.2) million in 2023. Full year 2024 operating loss included ($7.5) million of non-cash stock compensation, and restructuring costs of ($0.6) million, while full year 2023 operating loss included ($8.3) million of non-cash stock compensation, a non-cash loss on impairment of intangibles of ($39.7) million, restructuring costs of ($1.6) million and a reserve for barter credits of ($0.3).
    • Net loss narrowed to ($11.9) million from ($74.6) million in 2023. Full year 2024 net loss includes ($7.5) million of non-cash stock compensation, restructuring costs of ($0.6) million, and a gain on fair value of warrant liability of $0.9 million, while full year 2023 net loss included ($8.3) million of non-cash stock compensation, a non-cash loss on impairment of intangibles of ($39.7) million, restructuring costs of ($1.6) million, a gain on fair value of warrant liability of $2.4 million, and a reserve on barter credits of ($0.3) million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA loss improved to ($2.1) million from a loss of ($22.3) million in 2023.
    • Total cash balance at December 31, 2024 was $18.0 million, down from $20.0 million at December 31, 2023.
    • Cash flow from operations improved to $2.2 million from cash used in operations of ($13.4) million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

    2025 Outlook

    For fiscal year 2025, taking into account the current global environment and impact of recently announced tariffs, the Company believes that net revenue will be between $104 million and $106 million, an increase of between 5% and 7% from net revenue of $99.0 million 2024. When considering approximately $4 million of net sales in 2024 related to discontinued SKUs, net revenue in 2025 is expected to increase on a pro forma basis by 9% to 12%.

    The Company expects 2025 annual Adjusted EBITDA to be essentially break-even compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $(2.1) million in 2024, reflecting the success of the Company’s business improvement initiatives, offset by the impacts of recently announced tariffs.

    Josh Feldman, Chief Financial Officer commented, “We continue to monitor the tariff situation and its potential impact on our operations and outlook. We have already taken steps that we believe will mitigate the negative effects of tariffs in 2025, and are prepared to take further action as necessary. With the support of an exceptional team, an inherent agility, and strong balance sheet, we remain confident in our ability to successfully and proactively navigate these challenges while remaining focused on long-term growth and profitability.”

    Share Repurchase Plan
    As announced earlier today, the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program of up to $3.0 million of the Company’s common stock for a period of two years ending March 18, 2027.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    For more information on our non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures, please see the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section below. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA is net loss and we expect to report a net loss for the years ending December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025 due primarily to our operating losses, which includes stock-based compensation expense, and interest expense. We are unable to reconcile the forward-looking statements of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in this press release to their nearest GAAP measures because the nearest GAAP financial measures are not accessible on a forward-looking basis and reconciling information is not available without unreasonable effort.

    Webcast and Conference Call Information
    Aterian will host a live conference call to discuss financial results today, March 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, which will be accessible by telephone and the internet. To access the call, participants from within the U.S. should dial (800) 715-9871 and participants from outside the U.S. should dial (646) 307-1963 and ask to be joined into the Aterian, Inc. call or use conference ID 3432648. Participants may also access the call through a live webcast at https://ir.aterian.io. The archived online replay will be available for a limited time after the call in the investors section of the Aterian corporate website.

    About Aterian, Inc.
    Aterian, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATER) is a technology-enabled consumer products company that builds and acquires leading e-commerce brands with top selling consumer products, in multiple categories, including home and kitchen appliances, health and wellness and air quality devices. The Company sells across the world’s largest online marketplaces with a focus on Amazon, Walmart and Target in the U.S. and on its own direct to consumer websites. Our primary brands include Squatty Potty, hOmeLabs, Mueller Living, Pursteam, Healing Solutions and Photo Paper Direct.

    Forward Looking Statements
    All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements including, in particular, the statements regarding our projected net revenue and adjusted EBITDA for 2025, our guidance for 2025 and the current global environment and inflation. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control and could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, those related to our ability to continue as a going concern, our ability to meet financial covenants with our lenders, our ability to maintain and to grow market share in existing and new product categories; our ability to continue to profitably sell the SKUs we operate; our ability to maintain Amazon’s Prime badge on our seller accounts or reinstate the Prime badge in the event of any removal of such badge by Amazon; our ability to create operating leverage and efficiency when integrating companies that we acquire, including through the use of our team’s expertise, the economies of scale of our supply chain and automation driven by our platform; those related to our ability to grow internationally and through the launch of products under our brands and the acquisition of additional brands; those related to consumer demand, our cash flows, financial condition, forecasting and revenue growth rate; our supply chain including sourcing, manufacturing, warehousing and fulfillment; our ability to manage expenses, working capital and capital expenditures efficiently; our business model and our technology platform; our ability to disrupt the consumer products industry; our ability to generate profitability and stockholder value; international tariffs and trade measures; inventory management, product liability claims, recalls or other safety and regulatory concerns; reliance on third party online marketplaces; seasonal and quarterly variations in our revenue; acquisitions of other companies and technologies and our ability to integrate such companies and technologies with our business; our ability to continue to access debt and equity capital (including on terms advantageous to the Company) and the extent of our leverage; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), all of which you may obtain for free on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not know whether our expectations will prove correct. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, even if subsequently made available by us on our website or otherwise. We do not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

    Investor Contact:

    The Equity Group

    Devin Sullivan
    Managing Director
    dsullivan@equityny.com

    Conor Rodriguez
    Associate
    crodriguez@equityny.com

     
    ATERIAN, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
        December 31,
    2023
      December 31,
    2024
    ASSETS        
    Current assets:        
    Cash   $ 20,023     $ 17,998  
    Accounts receivable, net     4,225       3,782  
    Inventory     20,390       13,749  
    Prepaid and other current assets     4,998       3,190  
    Total current assets     49,636       38,719  
    Property and equipment, net     775       685  
    Intangibles, net     11,320       9,757  
    Other non-current assets     138       381  
    Total assets   $ 61,869     $ 49,542  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
    Current liabilities:        
    Credit facility   $ 11,098     $ 6,948  
    Accounts payable     4,190       3,080  
    Seller notes     1,049       466  
    Accrued and other current liabilities     9,110       8,804  
    Total current liabilities     25,447       19,298  
    Other liabilities     391       227  
    Total liabilities     25,838       19,525  
    Commitments and contingencies        
    Stockholders’ equity:        
    Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized and 7,508,246 and 8,750,741 shares outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, respectively(*)     9       9  
    Additional paid-in capital     736,675       742,591  
    Accumulated deficit     (699,815 )     (711,677 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (838 )     (906 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     36,031       30,017  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 61,869     $ 49,542  

    (*) The number of shares and per share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the one for twelve (1 for 12) reverse stock split, which was effective on March 22, 2024. 

     
    ATERIAN, INC. 
    Consolidated Statements of Operations 
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Year Ended
    December 31,
        2023   2024   2023   2024
    Net revenue   $ 32,754     $ 24,607     $ 142,566     $ 99,045  
    Cost of goods sold     16,045       9,000       72,281       37,550  
    Gross profit     16,709       15,607       70,285       61,495  
    Operating expenses:                
    Sales and distribution     20,207       13,692       81,911       55,979  
    Research and development     808             4,616        
    General and administrative     3,654       3,527       20,220       17,339  
    Impairment loss on intangibles     283             39,728        
    Total operating expenses     24,952       17,219       146,475       73,318  
    Operating loss     (8,243 )     (1,612 )     (76,190 )     (11,823 )
    Interest expense, net     345       209       1,421       949  
    Change in fair value of warrant liabilities     (30 )     (194 )     (2,440 )     (924 )
    Other expense, net     158       (215 )     260       61  
    Loss before income taxes     (8,716 )     (1,412 )     (75,431 )     (11,909 )
    Benefit for income taxes     (1,009 )     (113 )     (867 )     (47 )
    Net loss   $ (7,707 )   $ (1,299 )   $ (74,564 )   $ (11,862 )
    Net loss per share, basic and diluted   $ (1.16 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (11.43 )   $ (1.68 )
    Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, basic and diluted(*)     6,622,540       7,343,880       6,524,589       7,069,404  

    (*) The number of shares and per share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the one-for-twelve (1-for-12) reverse stock split, which was effective on March 22, 2024.

     
    ATERIAN, INC. 
    Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
        Year Ended December 31,
        2023   2024
    OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
    Net loss   $ (74,564 )   $ (11,862 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:        
    Depreciation and amortization     3,886       1,689  
    (Recovery) provision for sales returns     (413 )     57  
    Amortization of deferred financing cost and debt discounts     429       198  
    Stock-based compensation     8,336       7,510  
    Change in deferred tax expense     (1,153 )     (5 )
    Change in inventory provisions     (3,149 )     (2,738 )
    Change in fair value of warrant liabilities     (2,440 )     (924 )
    Impairment loss on intangibles     39,728        
    Provision for barter credits     323        
    Allowance for credit losses     85       16  
    Changes in assets and liabilities:        
    Accounts receivable     205       427  
    Inventory     26,426       9,378  
    Prepaid and other current assets     2,597       762  
    Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities     (13,684 )     (2,343 )
    Cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (13,388 )     2,165  
    INVESTING ACTIVITIES:        
    Purchase of fixed assets     (119 )     (42 )
    Purchase of Step and Go assets     (125 )      
    Purchase of minority equity investment           (200 )
    Cash used in investing activities     (244 )     (242 )
    FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
    Repayments on seller notes     (668 )     (633 )
    Borrowings from MidCap credit facilities     79,806       60,866  
    Repayments for MidCap credit facilities     (90,190 )     (65,165 )
    Insurance obligation payments     (1,042 )     (682 )
    Insurance financing proceeds     986       700  
    Cash used in financing activities     (11,108 )     (4,914 )
    Foreign currency effect on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash     306       (61 )
    Net change in cash and restricted cash for the year     (24,434 )     (3,052 )
    Cash and restricted cash at beginning of year     46,629       22,195  
    Cash and restricted cash at end of year   $ 22,195     $ 19,143  
    RECONCILIATION OF CASH AND RESTRICTED CASH:        
    Cash     20,023       17,998  
    Restricted cash—Prepaid and other current assets     2,043       1,015  
    Restricted cash—Other non-current assets     129       130  
    TOTAL CASH AND RESTRICTED CASH   $ 22,195     $ 19,143  
             
    SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION        
    Cash paid for interest   $ 1,718     $ 1,141  
    Cash paid for taxes   $ 94     $ 152  
    NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
    Non-cash consideration paid to contractors   $ 321     $ 620  
    Non-cash minority equity investment   $     $ 50  

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    We believe that our financial statements and the other financial data included in this press release have been prepared in a manner that complies, in all material respects, with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”). However, for the reasons discussed below, we have presented certain non-GAAP measures herein.

    We have presented the following non-GAAP measures to assist investors in understanding our core net operating results on an on-going basis: (i) Contribution Margin; (ii) Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue; (iii) EBITDA (iv) Adjusted EBITDA; and (v) Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue. These non-GAAP financial measures may also assist investors in making comparisons of our core operating results with those of other companies.

    As used herein, Contribution margin represents gross profit less amortization of inventory step-up from acquisitions (included in cost of goods sold), reserve on barter credits and e-commerce platform commissions, online advertising, selling and logistics expenses (included in sales and distribution expenses). As used herein, Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue represents Contribution margin divided by net revenue. As used herein, EBITDA represents net loss plus depreciation and amortization, interest expense, net and provision for income taxes. As used herein, Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA plus stock-based compensation expense, changes in fair-market value of warrant liability, impairment on intangibles, restructuring expenses, reserve on barter credits, and other expenses, net. As used herein, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue represents Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenue. Contribution margin, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not represent and should not be considered as alternatives to loss from operations or net loss, as determined under GAAP.

    We present Contribution margin and Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue, as we believe each of these measures provides an additional metric to evaluate our operations and, when considered with both our GAAP results and the reconciliation to gross profit, provides useful supplemental information for investors. Specifically, Contribution margin and Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue are two of our key metrics in running our business. All product decisions made by us, from the approval of launching a new product and to the liquidation of a product at the end of its life cycle, are measured primarily from Contribution margin and/or Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue. Further, we believe these measures provide improved transparency to our stockholders to determine the performance of our products prior to fixed costs as opposed to referencing gross profit alone.

    In the reconciliation to calculate contribution margin, we add e-commerce platform commissions, online advertising, selling and logistics expenses (“sales and distribution variable expense”), and the reserve for barter credits to gross profit to inform users of our financial statements of what our product profitability is at each period prior to fixed costs (such as sales and distribution expenses such as salaries as well as research and development expenses and general administrative expenses). By excluding these fixed costs, we believe this allows users of our financial statements to understand our products performance and allows them to measure our products performance over time.

    We present EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue because we believe each of these measures provides an additional metric to evaluate our operations and, when considered with both our GAAP results and the reconciliation to net loss, provide useful supplemental information for investors. We use these measures with financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, such as sales and gross margins, to assess our historical and prospective operating performance, to provide meaningful comparisons of operating performance across periods, to enhance our understanding of our operating performance and to compare our performance to that of our peers and competitors. We believe EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue are useful to investors in assessing the operating performance of our business without the effect of non-cash items.

    Contribution margin, Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net loss, loss from operations or any other measure of financial performance calculated and prescribed in accordance with GAAP. Neither EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue should be considered a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. Our Contribution margin, Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue may not be comparable to similar titled measures in other organizations because other organizations may not calculate Contribution margin, Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue in the same manner as we do. Our presentation of Contribution margin and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by the expenses that are excluded from such terms or by unusual or non-recurring items.

    We recognize that EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue, have limitations as analytical financial measures. For example, neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA reflects:

    • our capital expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or mergers and acquisitions;
    • the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest expense or principal payments, associated with indebtedness;
    • depreciation and amortization, which are non-cash charges, although the assets being depreciated and amortized will likely have to be replaced in the future, or any cash requirements for the replacement of assets;
    • changes in cash requirements for our working capital needs; or
    • changes in fair value of warrant liabilities

    Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash expense for stock-based compensation, which is and is expected to remain a key element of our overall long-term incentive compensation package.

    We also recognize that Contribution margin and Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue have limitations as analytical financial measures. For example, Contribution margin does not reflect:

    • general and administrative expense necessary to operate our business;
    • research and development expenses necessary for the development, operation and support of our software platform;
    • the fixed costs portion of our sales and distribution expenses including stock-based compensation expense; or
    • changes in fair value warrant liabilities

    Contribution Margin

    The following table provides a reconciliation of Contribution margin to gross profit and Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue to gross profit as a percentage of net revenue, which are the most directly comparable financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP.

        Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended
    December 31.
     
        2023   2024   2023   2024  
        (in thousands, except percentages)  
    Gross Profit   $ 16,709     $ 15,607     $ 70,285     $ 61,495    
    Less:                  
    Reserve on barter credits     323             323          
    E-commerce platform commissions, online advertising, selling and logistics expenses     (17,293 )     (10,844 )     (68,864 )     (44,553 )  
    Contribution margin   $ (261 )   $ 4,763     $ 1,744     $ 16,942    
    Gross Profit as a percentage of net revenue     51.0   %   63.4   %   49.3   %   62.1   %
    Contribution margin as a percentage of net revenue     (0.8 ) %   19.4   %   1.2   %   17.1   %

    Adjusted EBITDA

        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
      Year Ended
    December 31,
     
        2023   2024   2023   2024  
        (in thousands, except percentages)  
    Net loss   $ (7,707 )   $ (1,299 )   $ (74,564 )   $ (11,862 )  
    Add:                  
    Benefit for income taxes     (1,009 )     (113 )     (867 )     (47 )  
    Interest expense, net     345       209       1,421       949    
    Depreciation and amortization     469       410       3,886       1,689    
    EBITDA     (7,902 )     (793 )     (70,124 )     (9,271 )  
    Other expense, net     158       (215 )     260       61    
    Impairment loss on intangibles     283             39,728          
    Change in fair market value of warrant liabilities     (30 )     (194 )     (2,440 )     (924 )  
    Reserve on barter credits     323             323          
    Restructuring expense                 1,633       565    
    Stock-based compensation expense     1,564       1,116       8,336       7,510    
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ (5,604 )   $ (86 )   $ (22,284 )   $ (2,059 )  
    Net loss as a percentage of net revenue     (23.5 ) %   (5.3 ) %   (52.3 ) %   (12.0 ) %
    Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue     (17.1 ) %   (0.3 ) %   (15.6 ) %   (2.1 ) %

    Each of our products typically goes through the Launch phase and depending on its level of success is moved to one of the other phases as further described below:

    i.        Launch phase: During this phase, we leverage our technology to target opportunities identified using AIMEE (Artificial Intelligence Marketplace e-Commerce Engine) and other sources. This phase also includes revenue from new product variations and relaunches. During this period of time, due to the combination of discounts and investment in marketing, our net margin for a product could be as low as approximately negative 35%. Net margin is calculated by taking net revenue less the cost of goods sold, less fulfillment, online advertising and selling expenses. These primarily reflect the estimated variable costs related to the sale of a product.

    ii        Sustain phase: Our goal is for every product we launch to enter the sustain phase and become profitable, with a target of positive 15% net margin for most products, within approximately three months of launch on average. Net margin primarily reflects a combination of manual and automated adjustments in price and marketing spend.

    iii.        Liquidate phase: If a product does not enter the sustain phase or if the customer satisfaction of the product (i.e., ratings) is not satisfactory, then it will go to the liquidate phase and we will sell through the remaining inventory. Products can also be liquidated as part of inventory normalization especially when steep discounts are required.

    The following tables break out our fourth quarter and full year 2023 and 2024 results of operations by our product phases (in thousands):

      Three months ended December 31, 2023
      Sustain Launch Liquidation/
    Other
    Fixed Costs Stock Based
    Compensation
    Total
    Net revenue $ 25,175 $ 390 $ 7,189 $ $ $ 32,754
    Cost of goods sold   10,457   114   5,474       16,045
    Gross profit   14,718   276   1,715       16,709
    Operating expenses:            
    Sales and distribution expenses   12,973   263   4,056   2,567   348   20,207
    Research and development         528   280   808
    General and administrative         2,717   937   3,654
    Impairment loss on intangibles         283     283
                 
      Three months ended December 31, 2024
      Sustain Launch Liquidation/
    Other
    Fixed Costs Stock Based
    Compensation
    Total
    Net revenue $ 23,332 $ 347 $ 928 $ $ $ 24,607
    Cost of goods sold   8,536   143   321       9,000
    Gross profit   14,796   204   607       15,607
    Operating expenses:            
    Sales and distribution expenses   9,965   309   570   2,767   81   13,692
    General and administrative         2,492   1,035   3,527
                 
      Year-ended December 31, 2023
      Sustain Launch Liquidation/
    Other
    Fixed Costs Stock Based
    Compensation
    Total
    Net revenue $ 114,919 $ 959 $ 26,688 $ $ $ 142,566
    Cost of goods sold   53,139   455   18,687       72,281
    Gross profit   61,780   504   8,001       70,285
    Operating expenses:            
    Sales and distribution expenses   53,442   603   14,820   10,607   2,439   81,911
    Research and development         3,202   1,414   4,616
    General and administrative         15,737   4,483   20,220
    Impairment loss on intangibles         39,728     39,728
                 
      Year-ended December 31, 2024
      Sustain Launch Liquidation/
    Other
    Fixed Costs Stock Based
    Compensation
    Total
    Net revenue $ 92,542 $ 1,829 $ 4,674 $ $ $ 99,045
    Cost of goods sold   35,012   651   1,887       37,550
    Gross profit   57,530   1,178   2,787       61,495
    Operating expenses:            
    Sales and distribution expenses   40,353   1,087   3,113   9,643   1,783   55,979
    General and administrative         11,612   5,727   17,339

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Waldencast Reports Q4 2024 and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q4 Net Revenue of $72.1 million, 29.4% Comparable Net Revenue Growth and $11.2 million of Adjusted EBITDA, doubling from Q4 2023

    FY 2024 Net Revenue of $273.9 million, 27.5% Comparable Net Revenue Growth and $40.3 million of Adjusted EBITDA

    Obagi Medical is the fastest growing professional skincare brand1 in the US in 2024

    Milk Makeup expands its distribution to Ulta Beauty

    Waldencast secures a new $205 million credit facility, replacing the current one, enhancing flexibility and extending debt maturity

    LONDON, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waldencast plc (NASDAQ: WALD) (“Waldencast” or the “Company”), a global multi-brand beauty and wellness platform, today reported operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2024 (“Q4 2024”) and the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Year Ended 2024”) on Form 6-K to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are also available on our investor relations site at http://ir.waldencast.com/.

    Michel Brousset, Waldencast Founder and CEO, said: “We closed a transformative year for the Group, achieving outstanding growth, expanding our brands’ communities, and making significant progress on our strategic priorities. Our business model is driven by a powerful flywheel effect of growth and profitability. This begins with the unique strength of our brands, which is amplified by our ability to enhance operational efficiency. As a result, we can effectively increase investments in sales and marketing to drive profitable growth. In 2024, we achieved a 27.5% increase in Comparable Net Revenue and a 65.1% rise in Adjusted EBITDA, demonstrating our proven ability to expand gross margins and optimize our cost base as we grow.”

    “Our proven ability to innovate significantly contributed to our brands’ growth. This year, Milk Makeup introduced several exciting new products, including the viral and award-winning Cooling Water Jelly Tint Blush + Lip Stain. Obagi Medical also launched a range of successful innovations aimed at both consumers and the professional skincare medical community, most notably the ELASTIderm Lift Up & Sculpt Facial Moisturizer and Elastiderm Advanced Filler Concentrate.”

    “Building on our momentum, we are excited to announce that Milk Makeup will launch in over 600 Ulta Beauty locations this spring, further highlighting the growing demand for our cult-favorite brand. Additionally, Obagi Medical expanded the Suzan Obagi MD® collection with groundbreaking new products, including the Super Antioxidant Serum and the Moisture Restore Hydration Replenishing Cream.”

    ____________________________________

    1 Among the top 10 brands. Kline & Company. (2024). 2024 Kline Professional Skincare: United States market analysis and opportunities.

    “Overall, we are excited about the year ahead and expect another year of significant milestones toward achieving our ambition to build a global best-in-class beauty and wellness multi-brand platform by creating, acquiring, accelerating, and scaling the next generation of high-growth, purpose-driven brands,” concluded Mr. Brousset.

    Q4 2024 Results Overview

    Please refer to the definitions and reconciliations set out further in this release with respect to certain adjusted non-GAAP measures discussed below which are included to provide an easier understanding of the underlying performance of the business, but should not be seen as a substitute for the U.S. GAAP numbers presented in this release.

    For the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023:

    Net Revenue increased 30.8% to $72.1 million, a 29.4% increase in Comparable Net Revenue Growth that was attributable to Milk Makeup channel expansion, Obagi Medical accelerated growth in the Physician Dispense channel, and continued success in Obagi Medical e-commerce channels.

    Gross Profit was $49.4 million. Adjusted Gross Profit was $52.6 million, or 73.0% of net revenue, compared to $40.3 million in Q4 2023.

    Net Loss improved from $32.7 million in Q4 2023 to $22.6 million in Q4 2024, driven by operational growth and a reduction in non-recurring costs associated with the restatement and SEC investigation.

    Adjusted EBITDA doubled to $11.2 million (15.5% of net revenue), reflecting a 530 basis point expansion from Q4 2023. This growth was driven by strong top-line performance and operational leverage, as both Obagi Medical and Milk Makeup continued to scale and reinvest in business drivers while maintaining G&A discipline.

    Liquidity: The business maintained strong cash conversion in Q4 2024, driven by effective working capital management and minimal capital expenditure thanks to our asset-light business model. While the Company continues to incur significant non-recurring legal and advisory costs, the level of expenditures has been gradually reducing. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $14.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and $154.2 million of Net Debt.

    New Credit Facility: Waldencast has entered into a new $205 million five-year credit facility, comprising a $175 million Term Loan and a $30 million RCF, that replaces its existing facility. This agreement supports the Company’s strategic priorities by enhancing financial flexibility and extending its debt maturity profile well ahead of the current facilities expiration in July 2026.

    Outstanding Shares: As of February 28, 2025, we had 122,720,911 ordinary shares outstanding, consisting of 112,054,383 Class A shares and 10,666,528 Class B shares. As of December 31, 2024, we had 122,692,968 ordinary shares outstanding, consisting of 112,026,440 Class A shares and 10,666,528 Class B shares.

    (In $ millions, except for percentages)   Q4 2024   % Sales   % Growth   % Comparable
    Net Revenue
    Growth
        Q4 2023   % Sales
    Waldencast                          
    Net Revenue   72.1   100.0%   30.8%   29.4%     55.1   100.0%
    Adjusted Gross Profit   52.6   73.0%   30.7%         40.3   73.1%
    Adjusted EBITDA   11.2   15.5%   99.3%         5.6   10.2%
                               
    Obagi Medical                          
    Net Revenue   42.2   100.0%   30.0%   27.7%     32.5   100.0%
    Adjusted Gross Profit   33.2   78.7%   28.0%         26.0   80.0%
    Adjusted EBITDA   9.8   23.3%   23.7%         8.0   24.5%
                               
    Milk Makeup                          
    Net Revenue   29.9   100.0%   31.9%         22.6   100.0%
    Adjusted Gross Profit   19.4   64.9%   35.6%         14.3   63.1%
    Adjusted EBITDA   4.8   16.1%   248.0%         1.4   6.1%
     

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Brand Highlights:

    Obagi Medical:

    • Net Revenue reached $42.2 million, from $32.5 million in Q4 2023 with Comparable Net Revenue Growth of 27.7%.
    • Obagi Medical’s strong net revenue growth continued to be driven by increased brand awareness, stronger selling and marketing investments, and continued innovation. The brand continued expanding its international footprint and growing e-commerce sales through its direct website and the move to a first party model with its main e-commerce distributor, implemented in late 2023, with benefits tapering off by Q1 2025.
    • Notably, Obagi Medical was the fastest-growing professional skin care brand among the top 10 in the US in 20241. This historic achievement underscores the strength of our enhanced go-to-market strategy which successfully balances growth in the Physician Dispense channel, our historic stronghold, with the acceleration of our digital channels.
    • Adjusted Gross Margin of 78.7% contracted 130 basis points from Q4 2023 due to a higher weight of inventory liquidations.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $9.8 million, an increase of 23.7% from Q4 2023 with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.3%, a decline of 120 basis points from Q4 2023 reflecting the brands continued strategic investment in marketing to drive top-line growth and improved leverage of fixed costs.

    Milk Makeup:

    • Net Revenue reached $29.9 million, up 31.9% from $22.6 million in Q4 2023.
    • Milk Makeup’s Q4 2024 growth reflected the initial shipments to Ulta Beauty in support of the brand’s spring 2025 launch along with increased demand driven by our growing awareness, the continued delivery of sought-after innovation, and international expansion.
    • Adjusted Gross Margin increased by 180 basis points versus Q4 2023, primarily reflecting the positive impact of channel and product mix, as well as margin accretive innovation.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $4.8 million an increase of $3.4 million from Adjusted EBITDA of $1.4 million in Q4 2023. Adjusted EBITDA Margin improved 1,000 basis points to 16.1% versus 6.1% in Q4 2023 as robust sales growth and gross margin expansion drove significant operational leverage despite increased brand investment.

    Year Ended 2024 Results Overview

    For the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023:

    Net Revenue was $273.9 million, a 27.5% increase in Comparable Net Revenue Growth.

    Gross Profit was $191.7 million. Adjusted Gross Profit was $203.6 million, or 74.3% of net revenue, a margin improvement of 530 basis points versus 2023.

    Net Loss was $48.6 million, down from $106.0 million in the Year Ended 2023. The improvement was primarily driven by strong operational growth in the business, a fair value adjustment of the warrants, and reduced non-recurring costs.

    Adjusted EBITDA was $40.3 million, an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 14.7%, compared to 11.2% in the Year Ended 2023.

    Fiscal 2025 Outlook:

    We expect to deliver mid-teens Net Revenue growth and further expansion of Adjusted EBITDA Margin into the mid-to-high teens.

    Net revenue growth is expected to accelerate throughout the year, starting with relatively flat growth in Q1 due to the anniversary of the highly successful Milk Makeup “Jellies” launch from Q1 2024, as well as inventory adjustment in some of our retail partners.

    Growth is expected to accelerate progressively in the following quarters, driven by our innovation pipeline and the continued expansion of our distribution footprint in the U.S. and internationally, including the launch of Milk Makeup at Ulta Beauty in March 2025.

    Year Ended 2024 Highlights

    (In $ millions, except for percentages)   Year
    Ended
    2024
      % Sales   % Growth   % Comparable
    Net Revenue
    Growth
        Year
    Ended
    2023
      % Sales
    Waldencast                          
    Net Revenue   273.9   100.0%   25.5%   27.5%     218.1   100.0%
    Adjusted Gross Profit   203.6   74.3%   35.3%         150.4   69.0%
    Adjusted EBITDA   40.3   14.7%   65.1%         24.4   11.2%
                               
    Obagi Medical                          
    Net Revenue   149.3   100.0%   26.9%   30.7%     117.7   100.0%
    Adjusted Gross Profit   118.6   79.4%   41.6%         83.7   71.2%
    Adjusted EBITDA   30.5   20.4%   46.4%         20.8   17.7%
                               
    Milk Makeup                          
    Net Revenue   124.6   100.0%   24.0%         100.5   100.0%
    Adjusted Gross Profit   85.0   68.2%   27.4%         66.7   66.4%
    Adjusted EBITDA   29.1   23.3%   58.0%         18.4   18.3%
     

    Conference Call and Webcast Information

    Waldencast will host a conference call to discuss its year-end and fourth quarter results on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 8:30 AM EDT for the period ended December 31, 2024. Those interested in participating in the conference call are invited to dial (877) 704-4453. International callers may dial (201) 389-0920. A live webcast of the conference call will include a slide presentation and will be available online at https://ir.waldencast.com/. A replay of the webcast will remain available on the website until our next conference call. The information accessible on, or through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this release.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to the financial measures presented in this release in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Waldencast separately reports financial results on the basis of the measures set out and defined below which are non-GAAP financial measures. Waldencast believes the non-GAAP measures used in this release provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to its financial condition and results of operations. Waldencast believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends. These non-GAAP measures also provide perspective on how Waldencast’s management evaluates and monitors the performance of the business.

    There are limitations to non-GAAP financial measures because they exclude charges and credits that are required to be included in GAAP financial presentation. The items excluded from GAAP financial measures such as net income/loss to arrive at non-GAAP financial measures are significant components for understanding and assessing our financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered together with, and not alternatives to, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Please refer to definitions set out in the release and the tables included in this release for a reconciliation of these metrics to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

    Comparable Net Revenue is defined as Net Revenue excluding sales related to the former Obagi Medical China business (the “Obagi Medical China Business”), which was not acquired by Waldencast at the time of the business combination with Obagi Medical and Milk Makeup (the “Business Combination”) as was presented in previous earnings releases. The sales to the Obagi Medical China Business have a below market sales price for a defined period of time after the acquisition of Obagi Medical pursuant to the Business Combination. As a result of the Business Combination, a below market contract liability was recognized and is amortized based on sales. This adjustment is shown in the Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Gross Profit reconciliations. Management of the Company believes that this non-GAAP measure provides perspective on how Waldencast’s management evaluates and monitors the performance of the business. See reconciliation to U.S. GAAP Net Revenue in the Appendix.

    Comparable Net Revenue Growth is defined as the growth in Comparable Net Revenue period over period expressed as a percentage.

    Adjusted Gross Profit is defined as GAAP gross profit excluding the impact of inventory fair value adjustments, amortization of the supply agreement and formulation intangible assets, discontinued product write-off, and the amortization of the fair value of the related party liability from the Obagi Medical China Business. The Adjusted Gross Profit reconciliation by Segment for each period is included in the Appendix.

    Adjusted Gross Margin is defined as Adjusted Gross Profit divided by GAAP Net Revenue.

    Adjusted EBITDA is defined as GAAP net income (loss) before interest income or expense, income tax (benefit) expense, depreciation and amortization, and further adjusted for the items as described in the reconciliation below. We believe this information will be useful for investors to facilitate comparisons of our operating performance and better identify trends in our business. Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain expenses that are required to be presented in accordance with GAAP because management believes they are non-core to our regular business. These include non-cash expenses, such as depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, inventory fair value adjustments, the amortization and release of fair value of the related party liability to the Obagi Medical China Business, change in fair value of financial instruments, loss on impairment of goodwill and leases, and foreign currency translation loss (gain). In addition, adjustments include expenses that are not related to our underlying business performance including (1) legal, advisory and consultant fees related to the financial restatement of previously issued financial statements and associated regulatory investigation, and the Business Combination; (2) costs to recover and the value of the inventory recovered from the acquisition of the SA distributor, and the associated discontinued products; and (3) other non-recurring costs, primarily legal settlement costs and restructuring costs. The Adjusted EBITDA by Segment for each period is included in the Appendix.

    Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue. The Adjusted EBITDA Margin reconciliation by Segment for each period is included in the Appendix.

    (In thousands, except for percentages)   Three
    Months
    Ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Three
    Months
    Ended
    December 31,
    2023
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2023
    Net Loss   $ (22,597 )   $ (32,731 )   $ (48,648 )   $ (105,968 )
    Adjusted For:                
    Depreciation and amortization     15,013       14,863       60,015       60,498  
    Interest expense, net     4,088       4,276       17,155       18,888  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     4,113       (976 )     110       (6,975 )
    Stock-based compensation expense     2,993       1,677       9,392       9,235  
    Legal and advisory non-recurring costs(1)     3,029       12,949       21,493       32,783  
    Change in fair value of warrants and interest rate collar     443       2,473       (23,679 )     10,443  
    Amortization and release of related party liability(2)     (4,169 )           (5,678 )     (4,058 )
    Loss on impairment of goodwill     5,031             5,031        
    Other costs(3)     3,241       3,083       5,093       9,549  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 11,185     $ 5,613     $ 40,284     $ 24,395  
    Net Revenue   $ 72,083     $ 55,117     $ 273,868     $ 218,138  
    Net Loss % of Net Revenue     (31.3 )%     (59.4 )%     (17.8 )%     (48.6 )%
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin     15.5 %     10.2 %     14.7 %     11.2 %
     
    (1) Includes mainly legal, advisory and consultant fees related to the financial restatement 2020-2022 periods and associated regulatory investigation, and the Business Combination.
    (2) Relates to the fair value of the related party liability for the unfavorable discount to the Obagi Medical China Business as part of the Business Combination.
    (3) Other costs include legal settlements, foreign currency translation losses, product discontinuation costs related to advanced purchases for the SA Distributor, the write-down and subsequent recovery of inventory from the SA Distributor, restructuring costs, amortization of the fair value step-up as a result of the business combination, lease impairments, restructuring and contract termination fees.
       

    Net Debt Position is defined as the principal outstanding for the 2022 Term Loan and 2022 Revolving Credit Facility minus the cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024.

    (In thousands)   Reconciliation of
    Net Carrying
    Amount of debt to
    Net Debt
    Current portion of long-term debt   $ 29,479  
    Long-term debt     137,137  
    Net carrying amount of debt     166,616  
    Adjustments:    
    Add: Unamortized debt issuance costs     2,339  
    Less: Cash & cash equivalents     (14,802 )
    Net Debt   $ 154,153  
             

    About Waldencast plc

    Founded by Michel Brousset and Hind Sebti, Waldencast’s ambition is to build a global best-in-class beauty and wellness operating platform by developing, acquiring, accelerating, and scaling conscious, high-growth purpose-driven brands. Waldencast’s vision is fundamentally underpinned by its brand-led business model that ensures proximity to its customers, business agility, and market responsiveness, while maintaining each brand’s distinct DNA. The first step in realizing its vision was the Business Combination. As part of the Waldencast platform, its brands will benefit from the operational scale of a multi-brand platform; the expertise in managing global beauty brands at scale; a balanced portfolio to mitigate category fluctuations; asset light efficiency; and the market responsiveness and speed of entrepreneurial indie brands. For more information please visit: https://ir.waldencast.com.

    Obagi Medical is an industry-leading, advanced skin care line rooted in research and skin biology, refined with a legacy of over 35 years’ experience. First known as leaders in the treatment of hyperpigmentation with the Obagi Nu-Derm® System, Obagi Medical products are designed to address the appearance of premature aging, photodamage, skin discoloration, acne, and sun damage. More information about Obagi Medical is available on the brand’s website at www.obagi.com.

    Founded in 2016, Milk Makeup quickly became a cult-favorite among the beauty community for its values of self-expression and inclusion, captured by its signature “Live Your Look”, its innovative formulas, and clean ingredients. The brand creates vegan, cruelty-free, clean formulas and has its Milk Makeup HQ in Downtown NYC. Currently, Milk Makeup offers over 250 products through its U.S. website www.MilkMakeup.com, and retail partners including Sephora globally, Ulta Beauty in the U.S., Lyko in Scandinavia, Space NK and Boots in the United Kingdom and many more.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements in this release that are not historical, are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about: Waldencast’s outlook and guidance for 2025; our ability to deliver financial results in line with expectations; expectations regarding sales, earnings or other future financial performance and liquidity or other performance measures; our long-term strategy and future operations or operating results; expectations with respect to our industry and the markets in which it operates; future product introductions; developments relating to the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” and “will” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

    These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: (i) the impact of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, including associated investigations, our efforts to remediate such material weakness and the timing of remediation and resolution of associated investigations; (ii) our ability to recognize the anticipated benefits from any acquired business, including the Business Combination; (iii) our ability to successfully implement our management’s plans and strategies; (iv) the overall economic and market conditions, sales forecasts and other information about our possible or assumed future results of operations or our performance; (v) the general impact of geopolitical events, including the impact of current wars, conflicts or other hostilities; (vi) the potential for delisting, legal proceedings or existing or new government investigation or enforcement actions, including those relating to the restatement or the subject of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors’ review further described in our annual report filed on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022, (vii) our ability to manage expenses, our liquidity and our investments in working capital; (viii) any failure to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals related to our business and products; (ix) the impact of any international trade or foreign exchange restrictions, increased tariffs, foreign currency exchange fluctuations; (x) our ability to raise additional capital or complete desired acquisitions; (xi) our ability to comply with financial covenants imposed by the new 2025 credit agreement we entered into referenced in the section entitled “New Credit Facility” above and the impact of debt service obligations and restricted debt covenants; (xii) volatility of Waldencast’s securities due to a variety of factors, including Waldencast’s inability to implement its business plans or meet or exceed its financial projections and changes; (xiii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and identify and realize additional opportunities; (xiv) the ability of Waldencast to implement its strategic initiatives and continue to innovate Obagi Medical’s and Milk Makeup’s existing products and anticipate and respond to market trends and changes in consumer preferences, (xv) any shifts in the preferences of consumers as to where and how they shop; (xvi) the impact of any unfavorable publicity on our business or products; (xvii) changes in future exchange or interest rates or credit ratings; (xviii) changes in, and uncertainty with respect to, laws, regulations, and policies, including as a result of the change in the U.S. administration; and (xix) social, political and economic conditions. These and other risks, assumptions and uncertainties are more fully described in the Risk Factors section of our 2023 20-F (File No. 01-40207), filed with the SEC on April 30, 2024, and in our other documents that we file or furnish with the SEC, which you are encouraged to read.

    Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Waldencast expressly disclaims any current intention, and assumes no duty, to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the distribution of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

    Contacts:

    Investors
    ICR
    Allison Malkin
    waldencastir@icrinc.com

    Media
    ICR
    Brittney Fraser/Alecia Pulman
    waldencast@icrinc.com

    Appendix

    Comparable Net Revenue Growth

        Group   Obagi Medical
    (In thousands, except for percentages)   Three
    months
    ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Three
    months
    ended
    December 31,
    2023
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2023
      Three
    months
    ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Three
    months
    ended
    December 31,
    2023
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2023
    Net Revenue   $ 72,083     $ 55,117   $ 273,868     $ 218,138   $ 42,211     $ 32,470   $ 149,266     $ 117,651
    Obagi Medical China Business     735           2,804       5,619     735           2,804       5,619
    Comparable Net Revenue   $ 71,348     $ 55,117   $ 271,064     $ 212,519   $ 41,476     $ 32,470   $ 146,462     $ 112,032
    Comparable Growth     29.4 %         27.5 %         27.7 %         30.7 %    
                                                     

    Adjusted Gross Profit

        Group
    (In thousands, except for percentages)   Three months
    ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Three months
    ended
    December 31,
    2023
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2023
    Net Revenue   $ 72,083     $ 55,117     $ 273,868     $ 218,138  
    Gross Profit     49,450       37,476       191,744       141,577  
    Gross Profit Margin     68.6 %     68.0 %     70.0 %     64.9 %
    Gross Margin Adjustments:                
    Amortization of the fair value of the related party liability(1)     (750 )           (2,260 )     (4,058 )
    Amortization of the inventory fair value adjustment(2)                       1,691  
    Discontinued product write-off(3)     1,139             2,864        
    Amortization impact of intangible assets(4)     2,801       2,801       11,205       11,205  
    Adjusted Gross Profit   $ 52,639     $ 40,277     $ 203,553     $ 150,415  
    Adjusted Gross Margin %     73.0 %     73.1 %     74.3 %     69.0 %
                                     

     

    (1) Relates to the fair value of the related party liability for the unfavorable discount to the Obagi Medical China Business as part of the Business Combination.
    (2) Relates to the amortization of the inventory fair value step-up as a result of the Business Combination.
    (3) Relates to the advance purchase of specific products for the market in Vietnam sold through the SA Distributor that became obsolete when the distribution contract was terminated.
    (4) The Supply Agreement and Formulations intangible assets are amortized to cost of goods sold.
       
        Obagi Medical   Milk Makeup
    (In thousands, except for percentages)   Three
    months
    ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Three
    months
    ended
    December 31,
    2023
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2023
      Three
    months
    ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Three
    months
    ended
    December 31,
    2023
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2023
    Net Revenue   $ 42,211     $ 32,470     $ 149,266     $ 117,651     $ 29,872     $ 22,647     $ 124,602     $ 100,487  
    Gross Profit     30,050       23,175       106,760       76,582       19,395       14,301       84,984       64,995  
    Gross Profit Margin     71.2 %     71.4 %     71.5 %     65.1 %     64.9 %     63.1 %     68.2 %     64.7 %
    Gross Margin Adjustments:                                
    Amortization of the fair value of the related party liability     (750 )           (2,260 )     (4,058 )                        
    Amortization of the inventory fair value adjustment                                               1,691  
    Discontinued product write-off     1,139             2,864                                
    Amortization impact of intangible assets     2,801       2,801       11,205       11,205                          
    Adjusted Gross Profit   $ 33,239     $ 25,976     $ 118,569     $ 83,729     $ 19,395     $ 14,301     $ 84,984     $ 66,686  
    Adjusted Gross Margin %     78.7 %     80.0 %     79.4 %     71.2 %     64.9 %     63.1 %     68.2 %     66.4 %
                                                                     

    Adjusted EBITDA Margin by Segment

        Obagi Medical   Milk Makeup
    (In thousands, except for percentages)   Three
    months
    ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Three
    months
    ended
    December 31,
    2023
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2023
      Three
    months
    ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Three
    months
    ended
    December 31,
    2023
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2023
    Net Loss   $ (12,114 )   $ (8,305 )   $ (31,524 )   $ (32,214 )   $ 230     $ (3,959 )   $ 8,803     $ (5,655 )
    Adjusted For:                                
    Depreciation and amortization     10,397       10,425       41,591       41,984       4,616       4,457       18,424       18,514  
    Interest expense, net     3,068       3,341       12,391       12,644       (3 )     4       (1 )     590  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     3,933       (990 )     (141 )     (6,997 )     25       9       32       10  
    Stock-based compensation expense     465       (317 )     (328 )     726       (338 )     444       1,167       2,352  
    Legal and advisory non-recurring costs     1,061       1,119       5,054       1,702                         27  
    Amortization and release of related party liability     (4,169 )           (5,678 )     (4,058 )                        
    Loss on impairment of goodwill     5,031             5,031                                
    Other costs     2,166       2,682       4,120       7,027       285       428       639       2,566  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 9,838     $ 7,956     $ 30,516     $ 20,814     $ 4,814     $ 1,383     $ 29,064     $ 18,404  
    Net Revenue   $ 42,211     $ 32,470     $ 149,266     $ 117,651     $ 29,872     $ 22,647     $ 124,602     $ 100,487  
    Net Loss % of Net Revenue     (28.7 )%     (25.6 )%     (21.1 )%     (27.4 )%     0.8 %     (17.5 )%     7.1 %     (5.6 )%
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin     23.3 %     24.5 %     20.4 %     17.7 %     16.1 %     6.1 %     23.3 %     18.3 %
                                                                     
        Central costs
    (In thousands, except for percentages)   Three months
    ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Three months
    ended
    December 31,
    2023
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2024
      Year ended
    December 31,
    2023
    Net Loss   $ (10,714 )   $ (20,467 )   $ (25,927 )   $ (68,099 )
    Adjusted For:                
    Depreciation and amortization           (20 )            
    Interest expense, net     1,024       931       4,765       5,654  
    Income tax expense     155       4       219       12  
    Stock-based compensation expense     2,866       1,549       8,553       6,157  
    Legal and advisory non-recurring costs     1,968       11,830       16,439       31,054  
    Change in fair value of warrants and interest rate collar     443       2,473       (23,679 )     10,443  
    Other costs     789       (26 )     334       (44 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ (3,468 )   $ (3,727 )   $ (19,296 )   $ (14,823 )
    Net Revenue   $     $     $     $  
    Net Loss % of Net Revenue     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin     N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MITIGATING THE IMPACT OF EXTREME CLIMATE

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 6:06PM by PIB Delhi

    As per the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM), the primary responsibility for disaster management, including disbursal of relief assistance on ground level, rests with the State Governments concerned. The State Governments undertake relief measures in the wake of natural calamities, from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) already placed at their disposal, in accordance with Government of India’s approved items and norms. The Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments and provides requisite logistics and financial support. Additional financial assistance is provided from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), as per laid down procedure, in case of disaster of ‘severe nature’, which includes an assessment based on the visit of an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT).

    Further, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) along with weather index based Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) provide a comprehensive insurance cover against failure of the crop to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen natural calamities.

    The PMFBY/RWBCIS scheme is being implemented on Area Approach basis and claims are worked out as per designated formula based on the season end yield data submitted by the concerned State Government irrespective of reasons of crop loss/ claims. Claims are required to be paid within 21 Days from calculation of claims on NCIP irrespective of whether Insurance Companies have raised the demand for 2nd or final tranche of premium subsidy and whether the verification and Quality Check has been completed by Insurance Companies. Failing which, penalty shall be auto calculated and levied as per relevant provisions through NCIP.

    Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme improves water use efficiency through Micro Irrigation technologies i.e. drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Rainfed Area Development (RAD) scheme focuses on Integrated Farming System (IFS) for enhancing productivity and minimizing risks associated with climatic variability. Under RAD, crops/ cropping system is integrated with activities like horticulture, livestock, fishery, agro-forestry, apiculture etc. to enable farmers, not only in maximizing farm returns for sustaining livelihood but also to mitigate the impacts of drought, flood or other extreme weather events.  Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Agroforestry & National Bamboo Mission also aim to increase climate resilience in agriculture.

    The Government has set up National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in 2008, which provide an overarching policy framework for climate action in the country. The NAPCC outlines a national strategy to enable the country to adapt to climate change and enhance ecological sustainability. One of the National Missions under NAPCC is the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) which evolves and implements strategies to make agriculture more resilient to the changing climate.

    The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched a flagship network project namely National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). The project conducts studies on the impact of climate change on agriculture including crops, livestock, horticulture and fisheries and also develops and promotes climate resilient technologies in agriculture for vulnerable areas of the country. The outputs of the project help the regions to cope with extreme weather conditions like droughts, floods, frost, heat waves, etc. During last 10 years (2014-2024), a total of 2593 varieties have been released by ICAR, out of these 2177 varieties have been found tolerant to one or more biotic and/or abiotic stresses. Risk and vulnerability assessment of agriculture to climate change has been carried out at district-level for 651 predominantly agricultural districts as per Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) protocols. Out of 310 districts identified as vulnerable, 109 districts have been categorized as ‘very high’ and 201 districts as ‘highly vulnerable. District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACPs) for these 651 districts have also been prepared to address weather aberrations and recommending location specific climate resilient crops and varieties and management practices for use by the State Departments of Agriculture. For enhancing the resilience and adaptive capacity of farmers to climate variability, the Concept of “Climate Resilient Villages” (CRVs) has been initiated under NICRA. Location-specific climate resilient technologies have been demonstrated in 448 CRVs of 151 climatically vulnerable districts covering 28 states/UTs for adoption by farmers. ICAR through its NICRA project, creates awareness about impact of climate change in agriculture among farmers. Capacity building programmes are being conducted to educate the farmers on various aspects of climate change for wider adoption of climate resilient technologies.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ******

     MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2112402) Visitor Counter : 23

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESENT STATUS OF PEST RESISTANT SEEDS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 5:59PM by PIB Delhi

    Development of location specific high yielding varieties/ seeds is a continuous process and regularly carried out by the crop based All India Co-ordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) as per the norms and guidelines across the National Agricultural Research System (NARES) under the aegis of India Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The varieties/ seeds thus developed are notified in the Gazette of India after thorough examination by the Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards, Notification and Release of Varieties for Agricultural Crops. During the last 10 years (2014 – 2024) a total of 2900 location specific high yielding field crop varieties have been developed and out of these notified varieties / seeds, crop-wise varieties / seeds developed along with the pest /disease resistant/tolerant varieties / seeds (in parenthesis) are as follows: rice 668 (588); wheat 178 (168); barley 21 (13); maize 239 (229); sorghum 78 (68); pearl millet 81 (75); other millets 115 (95); pulses 437 (402); oilseeds 412 (342); fiber crops 376 (345); forage crops 178 (147); sugarcane 88 (83) and other crops 29 (19). These seeds are included in the seed chain for further supply of quality seed to the farmers.

    Further, to minimize the losses due to insect-pests infestation, various package of practices for control of insect-pests have been recommended, through which farmers are controlling the insect-pests.

    Government of India supports the efforts of States through appropriate policy measures, budgetary allocation and various schemes/ programmes like awareness campaign at village level through crop demonstration and training programmes. The various schemes/ programmes of the Government of India like PM Fasal Bima Yojana, NAMO Kisan Yojana and adoption of integrated crop management practices are meant for the welfare of farmers by increasing production, remunerative returns and income support to farmers. The Government of India has substantially enhanced the budget allocation of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare from Rs. 21933.50 crore (BE) during 2013-14 to Rs. 1,22,528.77 crore (BE) during 2024-25. The data/details related to suicides Committee by farmers is maintained by respective State Government

    Out of these 2900 developed field crop varieties, 2661 varieties (cereals 1258; oilseeds 368; pulses 410; fibre crops 358; forage crops 157, sugarcane 88 and other crops 22) are tolerant to one or more biotic and/or abiotic stresses.  Of these 537 varieties have been developed specially for extreme climate using the precision phenotyping tools.

    Systematic efforts have been undertaken to produce breeder and quality seeds of these varieties as per the indents received from different agencies.  Breeder seed production in sufficient quality has been planned from Rabi 2024-25 and processing for Kharif 2025 for expediting delivery of seed to the farmers. Since 2014, total 11.85 lakh quintals of breeder seed have been produced and supplied to the various public and private sector seed agencies for its donwstream multiplication to foundation and certified seeds. The share of less than 10 years old varieties in total seed supply is more than 70%.

    All possible efforts are made for creating awareness about these varieties among the seed production agencies and farmers through Doordarshan channels, All India Radio, print, electronic and social media. Frontline demonstrations of these improved crop cultivars are regularly conducted throughout the country by ICAR institutions and SAUs. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) demonstrates these improved crop cultivars to farmers. Varieties developed are disseminated among farmers for large scale adoption though KVKs, State Department of Agriculture, Doordarshan, ICT tools like mobile apps, etc.

    The Government of India is implementing Seed Village Programme component of the Sub-Mission on Seed & Planting Material (SMSP) under National Food Security & Nutrition Mission. The objective of this scheme is to make available the seeds of climate resilient, biofortified and high-yielding varieties to the farmers at the village. Under this programme, the financial assistance for distribution of foundation/ certified seeds is 50% of seed cost in cereals and 60% in oilseeds, fodder and green manure crops for production of quality seeds for one acre per farmer. National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) has been approved for boosting domestic oilseed production and achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in edible oils during 2024-25 to 2030-31.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ******

     MG/KSR

    (Release ID: 2112392) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Election Commission will take action as per Article 326, RP act, 1950 and relevant Supreme Court judgements, for linking EPIC with Aadhaar

    Source: Government of India

    Election Commission will take action as per Article 326, RP act, 1950 and relevant Supreme Court judgements, for linking EPIC with Aadhaar

    Technical consultations between UIDAI and experts of ECI are to begin soon

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 5:47PM by PIB Delhi

    The Election Commission of India led by CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar along with ECs Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi held a meeting with the Union Home Secretary, Secretary Legislative Department, Secretary MeitY and CEO, UIDAI and technical experts of the ECI in Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi today.

    While, as per the Article 326 of the constitution of India, voting right can only be given to a citizen of India; Aadhaar card only establishes the identity of a person.

    Therefore, it was decided that the linking of EPIC with Aadhaar will be done only as per the provisions of Article 326 of the constitution, Section 23(4), 23(5) and 23(6) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and in line with the Supreme Court judgement in WP (civil) No. 177/2023.

    Accordingly, technical consultations between UIDAI and the technical experts of ECI are to begin soon.

    ******

    PK/RP

    (Release ID: 2112377) Visitor Counter : 22

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DG – International Atomic Energy Agency Inaugurates S N Bose Building at Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership

    Source: Government of India

    DG – International Atomic Energy Agency Inaugurates S N Bose Building at Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership

    IAEA Introduces Six-Month Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering to Foster Future Experts

    India Strengthens Role in Global Nuclear Research with New GCNEP Facility

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 5:24PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 18th March 2025

    The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, inaugurated S N Bose Building at Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in New Delhi today. He also introduced the Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering during the event.

    Speaking on the occasion, DG, IAEA, Grossi, highlighted the importance of global collaboration in nuclear science and capacity-building. Secretary, DAE & Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing nuclear technology and global cooperation for societal and economic development using nuclear energy.

    The newly inaugurated S N Bose Building, named in honour of the eminent Indian physicist Dr. Satyendra Nath Bose will serve as an advanced hub for research and training in nuclear science and technology. The facility houses state-of-the-art laboratories catering to GCNEP’s specialised schools, enhancing its capabilities in nuclear security, reactor technology, radiation safety, nuclear material characterisation, and radioisotope applications.

    The Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering, introduced during the event, is a six-month programme designed to provide in-depth knowledge on reactor physics, nuclear fuel cycle, radiological safety, nuclear safeguards, and emerging applications of nuclear technology. The course is planned to be opened to all the signatories of GCNEP globally and would cater to 40 international and 10 national participants in a batch. The course aims to foster a new generation of nuclear professionals equipped to contribute to the safe, secure, and sustainable use of nuclear energy.

    GCNEP Member countries reaffirmed their commitment to global nuclear collaboration, emphasising advanced reactor technologies, workforce development, education and training, and public outreach. Discussions highlighted international partnerships, non-proliferation, and expanding bilateral cooperation. The role of nuclear energy in ensuring energy security while mitigating climate change was underscored, alongside its contributions to healthcare, cancer care, technical cooperation, and global health research.

    Diplomats of GCNEP partner countries, senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) were present at the event.

    The Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership continues to strengthen India’s role as a global leader in nuclear research, innovation, and capacity-building, supporting the broader vision of achieving Net Zero and fostering sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

     

    PIB Mumbai | DL/EC/PM

     

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai     /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com   /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

     

    (Release ID: 2112360) Visitor Counter : 64

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ICGS Saksham makes port call at Antsiranana, Madagascar

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 5:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Saksham made a port call at Antsiranana, Madagascar on March 18, 2025 as part of its overseas deployment to friendly countries in the Indian Ocean Region. During the visit, ICGS Saksham’s crew will engage with the Madagascar Coast Guard in joint training sessions and knowledge exchange programs focused on Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), and Maritime Law Enforcement. The schedule includes cross-deck training, cultural engagements and friendly sporting events, further strengthening the camaraderie between the two maritime forces. 

    ICG personnel will also conduct specialised training on Marine MPR, focusing on handling oil spills, chemical spills and marine pollution incidents to enhance Madagascar’s preparedness for environmental emergencies. Additionally, 10 NCC cadets and 10 Assam Rifles personnel onboard the ship will participate in beach clean-up drives and awareness programs in collaboration with local youth organisations as part of the ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’, reinforcing the importance of marine conservation. 

    ICGS Saksham’s visit to Madagascar aligns with India’s broader maritime vision, ‘SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region’, emphasising regional stability, security, and sustainability. The deployment reflects India’s proactive engagement with Indian Ocean nations, highlights its shipbuilding capabilities under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, and fosters stronger diplomatic & security ties.

     ***

    VK/MR/KB

    (Release ID: 2112329) Visitor Counter : 32

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Convenes International Business Leaders near Northern Border to Discuss Impacts of Trump’s Trade War 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch: “I’m very disturbed about what is happening…how it’s affecting our families here in Vermont, how it’s affecting our businesses here in Vermont, and how it’s affecting the mutual cooperation that we had the blessing of enjoying for generations—between us and Canada. I am opposed to tariffs against our Canadian allies.”
    NEWPORT, VT — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, convened Vermont and Canadian business leaders for a roundtable in Newport, Vermont —near the U.S.-Canada border—to discuss President Trump’s Trade War and how the Trump Administration’s reckless tariffs are hurting workers, families, and farmers.
    Senator Welch’s remarks from the beginning of the roundtable are included in-full below:  
    “We in Vermont really value both our friendship with Canadians, and our economic partnerships with Canada. I believe what’s happening here with the rhetoric from the Trump Administration and from these tariffs is very destructive—for you and for us.  
    “I don’t want to be a part of it. I want to be a part of doing everything we can to maintain the very cordial, friendly, economically mutually-beneficial relationships that we have. I can understand an appropriate place for a tariff, and Canada can make its own decisions about where it would be appropriate for you to have a tariff. I cannot think of why we would be having a tariff or trade war with our best neighbor. Your environmental standards — your labor standards — match or exceed ours, and that’s really important to you and it’s important to us.  
    “What I’m seeing with the tariffs is that they’re being imposed in a very arbitrary way. Not to mention that they’re on again, they’re off again.  
    “Every time I speak to any anybody in business on our side (and it’s really nice that we’re going to hear from the Canadian side of the border) one of the things that’s really essential is stability. No business, and frankly no family, can deal with, ‘yes, we’re on no, we’re off.’ Nobody can do that. And it is not, in my view, good for international relationships. It’s not good for business relationships. And it’s not even good for family, where there’s constant instability. You don’t know what the rules are—they keep changing.  
    “I’m very disturbed about what is happening from [the Trump] Administration and I’m disturbed from the perspective of how it’s affecting our families here in Vermont, how it’s affecting our businesses here in Vermont and how it’s affecting the mutual cooperation that we had the blessing of enjoying for generations, between us and Canada. I am opposed to tariffs against our Canadian allies. 
    “That’s just to set the stage of where I’m coming from, and it’s why I am so grateful that we have this joint meeting where we can talk about the real problems that are caused as a result of these tariffs. And mobilize as much support as we can to renewing that friendship, that business relationship, that economic relationship that we’ve had. So, thank you all for coming and [the Hon. Marie-Claude] Bibeau, I’m so, so delighted that you’re here. I want to turn it over to you after I expressed my gratitude for all the work you’ve done and your willingness to be here deep in the south reaches of Newport, Vermont.”
    Photos of the event are included below:
    Senator Welch was joined by the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead, and Vermont and Canadian business owners. Attendees included representatives from Newport Downtown Development; Built By Newport; Columbia Forest Products; Kingdom Brewing; Morrison Custom Feeds, Inc.; Kingdom Trails Association; Hill Farmstead Brewery; Vermont Brewers Association; Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development; Northeastern Vermont Development Association; Caledonia Spirits; Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association; Judd’s Wayeeses Farm; Khrome Product-Transport; Weidmann Electrical Technology; TRACK, Inc.; Larue; Motrec International; UTV Internationale; Ville de Sherbrooke; and the Sherbrooke Chamber of Commerce.  
    Nearly half of all U.S. imports—more than $1.3 trillion—come from Canada, China, and Mexico. Canada is the largest trading partner for 34 U.S. states, including Vermont. In 2024 alone, trade with Canada accounted for 35% of Vermont exports, 67% of our imports, and 56% of its total trade. One in four businesses in Vermont relies on trade with Canada.  
    In many cases, Vermont manufacturers buy imports from Canada to manufacture into products. Tariffs on Canada threaten business closures and job layoffs, higher homebuilding costs, increased costs of grain for farmers, and more expensive equipment for maple producers—among other costs that will get passed on to working families. 
    Senator Welch has blasted Trump’s tariffs and trade war, and shared stories from constituents about how President Trump’s economic policies have impacted their businesses, farms, and communities. This event follows a roundtable Senator Welch held in St. Albans in January and virtually in February where he heard from businesses and state and local leaders about the President’s threats to reignite a trade war. 
    Vermonters are invited to share how these tariffs will impact their lives and businesses by sharing their story on Senator Welch’s website. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom continues supporting Los Angeles business, fire recovery workers with funding, educational workplace safety outreach

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 18, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom and Los Angeles community-based organizations (CBOs) today announced $25 million to advance educational outreach to workers and businesses about vital health, safety, and workplace protections.

    LOS ANGELES — As rebuilding in the Los Angeles area continues at record speed, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state is awarding $25 million and strengthening partnerships with local communities to ensure fire recovery workers and businesses have access to additional workplace safety information through a California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP).

    “We’re helping ensure that brave fire recovery workers and businesses have vital workplace safety information.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), California State Labor Commissioner, and representatives from Los Angeles Community Based Organizations (CBOs) will issue $25 million in funding for the CWOP to support 89 community-based organizations across the state.

    CWOP is a DIR partnership with CBOs to provide critical information about workplace protections, labor rights, and health and safety measures for workers in high-risk industries. The outreach work will help notify workers and businesses about vital health and safety protections, hazard prevention, and other worker protections for people and businesses helping Los Angeles cleanup and rebuild.

    Today’s actions build on multiple efforts across the state to support workers and businesses who are helping the Los Angeles community recover and rebuild.

    And California has worked with local communities and federal and local providers to help businesses and workers in many ways, including:

    • Supporting workers and employers: The Employment Development Department (EDD) supports workers with unemployment, disability insurance, or Paid Family Leave benefits, including Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for those who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. The Governor took action to extend payroll tax deadlines and reporting requirements—a move that has helped thousands of businesses in the Los Angeles area. Employers can request a 60-day extension on payroll reports and taxes, or participate in the Work Sharing program.
    • On-the-ground advisors for small businesses: Over 200 business advisors from Small Business Support Centers help answer questions about economic recovery, loan application processes, insurance, employee and workforce support, and business planning. 
    • Providing resources for recovery: CalOSBA launched a Resource Guide for small businesses impacted by the wildfires through its Outsmart Disaster website.
    • Financial assistance for businesses: The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) loan programs help businesses from one to 750 employees affected by the LA wildfires. Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program (DRLGP) issues loan guarantees up to 95%.  
    • Expediting contractor licensing: The Contractor State Licensing Board (CSLB) is rapidly processing licensing applications to continue expediting efforts to rebuild homes and businesses. 
    • Helping fire survivors rebuild safely: CSLB is also partnering with state agencies to promote California-licensed contractors for repairs or to rebuild their homes or businesses. CSLB’s Disaster Hotline 1-800-962-1125 and online Disaster Help Center also provided valuable support to survivors.
    • Protecting against unlicensed contractors: Investigation teams notified the public that it is a felony to contract without a license in a California disaster area, urged consumers to always check licenses before hiring a contractor, and recommended reporting any unlicensed activity immediately by filing complaints at www2.cslb.ca.gov.
    • Helping licensees rebuild their businesses: The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, the Board of Accountancy, and other DCA boards rescheduled licensing examinations at no charge and are issuing duplicate licenses for original licenses lost in the fires.
    • Governor Newsom also issued multiple executive orders to help speed rebuilding and recovery, create more temporary housing, and protect survivors.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: With the release of a new draft working report by leading artificial intelligence experts, California continues to lead in advocating for the responsible use of emerging AI technology and the study of its impacts and opportunities.  SAN…

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr.:“Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Deputy Cuevas. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his…

    News Lo que necesita saber: California tiene un nuevo compañero en Sonora, México para impulsar el desarrollo de recursos energéticos renovables, la resiliencia de la cadena de suministro y el transporte limpio. To read this release in English, click here. Sacramento,…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: California strengthens its position as the global AI leader with new working report issued by experts and academics

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 18, 2025

    What you need to know: With the release of a new draft working report by leading artificial intelligence experts, California continues to lead in advocating for the responsible use of emerging AI technology and the study of its impacts and opportunities. 

    SAN FRANCISCO – California’s leadership in the AI industry is helping to guide the world in the responsible implementation and use of this emerging technology. Today, a group of world-leading AI academics and experts, convened at the request of Governor Newsom, released a new draft report on workable guardrails based on an empirical, science-based analysis of the capabilities and attendant risks of frontier models — which will help pave the way for the use of AI for the benefit of all Californians. 

    “The future happens in California first – including the development of powerful AI technology. As home to over half of the world’s top AI companies, our state carries a unique responsibility in leading the safe advancement of this industry in a way that improves our communities, maintains our economic dominance, and ensures that this fast-moving technology benefits the public good.” 

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    AI is already changing the world, and California will play a pivotal role in defining that future. As the fifth-largest economy in the world and the birthplace of the tech industry, California continues to dominate this sector as the leader in AI. The state is home to 32 of the 50 top AI companies worldwide. In addition to championing responsible use of this emerging industry, California is harnessing its potential to increase efficiency and support state operations.  

    Studying AI’s risk and opportunities 

    Today’s working report is a result of the Governor’s convening of leading experts on artificial intelligence and policy to help California develop workable guardrails for deploying generative AI (GenAI), focusing on developing an empirical, science-based trajectory analysis of frontier models and their capabilities and attendant risks. Authors include the  “godmother of AI,” Dr. Fei-Fei Li, Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University and Founding Co-Director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute;  Mariano-Florentino “Tino” Cuéllar, President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Social and Ethical Implications of Computing Research; and Dr. Jennifer Tour Chayes, Dean of the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society at UC Berkeley.

    The working report includes recommendations on ensuring evidence-based policymaking, balancing the need for transparency with considerations such as security risks, and determining the appropriate level of regulation in this fast-evolving field.  As a working white paper, the authors invite public participation. Academics, experts, and other stakeholders can submit comments or suggestions regarding their recommendations here

    California’s AI global leadership 

    California has launched efforts to help the state take advantage of this emerging technology, while also creating responsible policy guardrails to protect Californians, businesses, and workers. In 2023, Governor Newsom signed an executive order laying out California’s measured approach to state GenAI procurement. That EO has shaped the future of ethical, transparent, and trustworthy GenAI deployment, all while California remains the world’s GenAI leader. 

    Harnessing the power of AI

    In 2024, Governor Newsom announced the state’s efforts to help utilize GenAI technologies to solve challenges, everything from reducing traffic to helping address homelessness.

    Governor Newsom also co-hosted a GenAI summit in May 2024 with leaders across academia, industry, civil society, and government to discuss how the state can best use this transformative technology on behalf of Californians.  

    First-of-its-kind effort with NVIDIA 

    In August 2024, the state partnered with NVIDIA to launch a first-of-its-kind AI collaboration. The initiative, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and NVIDIA founder & CEO Jensen Huang, aims to:

    • Train students, educators and workers
    • Support job creation and promote innovation
    • Use AI to solve challenges that can improve the lives of Californians

    Among other goals, it strives to bring new AI resources into community colleges from NVIDIA – including curriculum and certifications, hardware and software, AI labs and workshops, and more – to open new pathways for students, educators, and workers to learn new skills and advance their careers.

    Staying ahead of threats 

    Last year, Governor Newsom also signed a series of bills to crack down on sexually explicit deepfakes and require AI watermarking, protect performers’ digital likenesses, and combat deepfake election content

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr.:“Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Deputy Cuevas. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his…

    News Lo que necesita saber: California tiene un nuevo compañero en Sonora, México para impulsar el desarrollo de recursos energéticos renovables, la resiliencia de la cadena de suministro y el transporte limpio. To read this release in English, click here. Sacramento,…

    News What you need to know: California has a new partner in Sonora, Mexico to boost the development of renewable energy resources, supply chain resilience, and clean transportation. Para leer este comunicado en español, haga clic aquí. Sacramento, California –…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Tobacco track and trace systems – E-000122/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU tobacco traceability system established by Directive (EU) 2014/40/EU[1] and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/574[2] allows for the monitoring of the movements of all tobacco products through their entire supply chain within the EU.

    Thanks to the information stored in the system, Member States are able to determine at which point a product is no longer reported in the supply chain and take appropriate measures as necessary.

    The EU tobacco traceability system fully complies with the requirements of Article 8 of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products[3] to the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control[4]. The Protocol is a legally binding international treaty addressing the issue of illicit trade in tobacco products.

    The Commission is currently carrying out a comprehensive evaluation of the EU legislative framework on tobacco. Following regulatory steps will depend on the findings of that evaluation.

    • [1]  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/40/oj
    • [2]  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2018/574
    • [3]  https://fctc.who.int/protocol#:~:text=The%20Protocol%20to%20Eliminate%20Illicit%20Trade%20in%20Tobacco,it%20is%20a%20global%20solution%20to%20a%20global
    • [4]  https://fctc.who.int/resources/publications/i/item/9241591013
    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Abortion rights in the EU – E-003006/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is strongly committed to upholding and promoting the fundamental rights of women throughout the EU. The Commission is also fully committed to advancing women’s rights and gender equality in all policy areas, including health policies and it recognises that sexual and reproductive health and rights ( SRHR) are an essential part of achieving gender equality.

    This is evident in the Commission’s Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025[1], which stresses that the EU supports women’s human rights, its defenders, SRHR, and efforts to curb sexual and gender-based violence throughout the world.

    However, it is important to note, that regulatory powers regarding health policies and therefore SRHR and sexual education, lie within the competences of the Member States. The EU competence is limited to encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, to lend support to their action.

    The Commission organises exchanges of best practices on gender equality, in the context of its Mutual Learning Programme[2], including on women’s health and SRHR.

    The directive on combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence[3], adopted in May 2024, obliges Member States to ensure that victims of sexual violence have access to healthcare services, including sexual and reproductive healthcare services, in accordance with national law.

    The Commission will continue promoting women’s rights throughout the EU and across policy areas, including SRHR. The Commission presented a Roadmap for Women’s Rights in connection with the International Women’s Day in March 2025 and the principles identified in the roadmap will guide the development of the next Gender Equality Strategy post-2025.

    • [1]  Gender equality strategy — European Commission https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/gender-equality/gender-equality-strategy_en
    • [2]  Mutual learning programme https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/mutual-learning-programme.html#:~:text=The%20mutual%20learning%20programme%20%28MLP%29%20encourages%20EU%20countries,EU%20countries%20at%20national%2C%20regional%20and%20local%20level
    • [3]  Directive (EU) 2024/1385 on Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj/eng

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Training European AI in the health field – E-002742/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In its decision referred to by the Honourable Member, the Conseil d’État acknowledges that the health data concerned will be hosted in data centres located in the EU and that no transfers of health data to a third country are foreseen.

    The necessity and proportionality safeguards, put in place by Executive Order 14086[1] in the context of the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF), apply to surveillance under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)[2].

    Those safeguards and the reauthorisation of FISA Section 702 have recently been assessed in the first DPF review report and are continuously monitored by the Commission[3].

    Transfers of personal data to third countries outside the European Economic Area may only be carried out in compliance with the rules laid down in the General Data Protection Regulation[4].

    In upcoming initiatives on data use and storage, such as the Data Union Strategy and the Cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development Act, the Commission will aim at strengthening the position of Europe’s cloud industry and preventing any misuse of our most sensitive data[5].

    The Commission is supporting the development of infrastructure to foster innovation and the deployment of digital technologies in health and care allowing for the development and testing of AI-based technologies for diagnosis and treatment.

    The Commission has also put forward the European Health Data Space[6], to support the development of AI by ensuring that electronic health data can be made available for purposes of ‘scientific research related to health or care sectors […] including in […] AI systems’[7] under relevant safeguards[8].

    • [1] Executive Order on ‘Enhancing Safeguards for United States Signals Intelligence Activities’ — https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-10-14/pdf/2022-22531.pdf
    • [2] See recitals 124 and 125 of Commission Implementing Decision EU 2023/1795 of 10 July 2023 pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the adequate level of protection of personal data under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework; 50 US Code §1881a.
    • [3] Commission r eport of 9 October 2024 to the European Parliament and the Council on the first periodic review of the functioning of the adequacy decision on the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, COM(2024) 451 final. It is further recalled that under the GDPR, all adequacy decisions are subject to continuous monitoring and all the necessary tools are in place to react to any possible developments. In particular, the Commission has the power to suspend, amend or repeal the adequacy decision if it concludes that the required level of protection is no longer ensured (see Article 3(5) of Commission Implementing Decision EU 2023/1795 and Article 45(5) GDPR.
    • [4] Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation); OJ L 119, 04/05/2016, p. 1-88.
    • [5] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A Competitiveness Compass For The EU, 29 January 2025, COM(2025) 30 final — https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/10017eb1-4722-4333-add2-e0ed18105a34_en
    • [6] https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/en/procedure-file?reference=2022/0140(COD) On 21 January 2025 the Act was adopted by Council after Parliament’s 1st reading. On 11 February 2025 the final Act was signed.
    • [7] Article 53(1), point (e)  European Health Data Space (EHDS).
    • [8] It is worth further noting that s everal actions are funded and will continue to be funded under Horizon Europe, Digital Europe and EU4Health, to enable AI-driven breakthroughs in biomedical research and clinical care. This includes disease prevention, which is one of the priorities of this Commission.
    Last updated: 18 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Hungarian national card – E-002275/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. With the exception of the determination of the volume of admission of third-country nationals, which remains the exclusive competence of the Member States, the common immigration policy is a shared competence between the EU and the Member States. As regards the admission of non-EU workers, Member States retain the right to apply national rules if those have not been harmonised at EU level. These national rules cannot, however, jeopardise the security and the well-functioning of an area of freedom, security and justice without internal frontiers, as holders of residence permits (like holders of the Hungarian ‘National Cards’) can move in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

    2. The Commission continues to condemn in the strongest possible terms the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression of Ukraine by Russia. In this context, all actions taken at EU and Member States’ levels need to consider the security of the Schengen area as a whole. The Commission adopted specific guidance[1] in 2022 to ensure additional scrutiny as this is a matter of European internal security. Against this background, the Commission maintains its deep concern regarding national schemes covering Russian and Belarusian nationals.

    3. The fact that Hungary has put in place a facilitated scheme to admit Russian and Belarusian nationals for the purpose of work, without considering the security concerns of the other Schengen States raises concerns. This increases the common risks and undermines mutual trust.

    • [1] C (2022) 7111 final.
    Last updated: 18 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Credit card fees – E-000413/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is not aware of a substantial increase in the issuing and use of commercial cards in the EEA (the 2020 Commission Report[1] on the impact of Regulation 2015/751 has notably shown there was no evidence of an increase in the market shares of commercial cards) but is available to further discuss with stakeholders evidence that they may have.

    Commercial cards fall under the scope of Regulation (EU) 2015/751 on interchange fees for card-based payment transactions; however the caps on interchange fees are limited to consumer cards, the most widely used cards, and do not apply to transactions with commercial cards.

    However, a ccording to Article 2§6 of this regulation, commercial cards are only those cards that are issued to undertakings, public sector entities or self-employed natural persons, that can only be used for business expenses, and that are charged directly to the account of the undertaking, public sector entity or self-employed natural person.

    As set out under Article 10§1, merchants accepting consumer cards of a given brand are free to decide not to accept commercial cards of this brand .

    In addition, under Article 11, they are allowed to steer cardholders to use another payment instrument through rebates, surcharges when allowed at national level, and conditional acceptance above a given amount.

    Under Article 10§5, issuers must ensure that commercial cards are electronically and visibly identifiable, enabling payees and payers to unequivocally identify a commercial card.

    The National Competent Authorities are in charge of addressing possible implementation issues with this regulation.

    • [1] Report on the application of Regulation (EU) 2015/751 on interchange fees for card-based payment transactions, Commission Staff Working Document of 29.6.2020 SWD(2020) 118. d8055968-b4c2-424b-b281-c4c6959df19b_en

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Delegation of competences in the area of immigration and border control to Catalonia – E-001003/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001003/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dolors Montserrat (PPE), Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez (PPE)

    The agreement between the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and the Junts per Catalunya party on the delegation of competences in the area of immigration to Catalonia provides that the community is to play a role in monitoring the security of ports, airports and ‘critical areas’, as well as in the management of residence permits for migrants and the issuing of documents for foreigners.

    Immigration policy is a shared competence between the European Union and the Member States, governed by the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the Schengen Acquis, with binding rules such as the Visa Code, the Dublin Regulation and the Return Directive.

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that the transfer of competences to Catalonia is carried out in accordance with the EU’s legal framework and the correct application of EU law?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider that administrative fragmentation in border control, the granting of visas or the management of residence permits could jeopardise security and migration control within the Schengen area?
    • 3.How would the European Union collaborate with the regional government in the context of the police coordination efforts carried out in Europol or Frontex?

    Submitted: 7.3.2025

    Last updated: 18 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Drone Federation India launch National Innovation Challenge for Drone Research (NIDAR) under SwaYaan initiative

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Drone Federation India launch National Innovation Challenge for Drone Research (NIDAR) under SwaYaan initiative

    NIDAR Launch Boosts Talent, R&D, and Skill Development in India’s Growing Drone Ecosystem

    NIDAR offers INR 40 lakhs prize pool and startup incubation, cloud Credits, software support and internship opportunities for student teams

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 8:56PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Drone Federation India (DFI), launched the National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR) under the ‘SwaYaan – Capacity Building for Human Resource Development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems’ initiative. The event was held at Electronics Niketan, MeitY government representatives, industry experts, and students from across the nation through online video-conferencing mode.

    The challenge was formally inaugurated by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, who unveiled the official concept video, launched the website and registration portal (https://nidar.org.in)and released the NIDAR Poster and RuleBook. In his address, Shri Krishnan emphasized the pivotal role of drones in transforming various sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, logistics, healthcare, and infrastructure and the need for taking the NIDAR program at a larger scale to contribute to India’s vision of becoming a global drone hub by 2030.

    Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE highlighted the need for taking the NIDAR challenges to engineering colleges across the country. He emphasized that academic institutions, startups and industries need to collaborate. He highlighted the need for innovative collaboration and leading the way in drone technology.

    NIDAR under the project SwaYaan aims to inspire and engage India’s student and research communities to develop collaborative autonomous drones, addressing real-world challenges across two critical domains:

    • Disaster Management (Scout & Deliver Drones): Identifying and assisting survivors in disaster-affected areas using autonomous drones for scouting, communication, and parcel delivery.
    • Precision Agriculture (Scan & Spray Drones): Enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture through targeted interventions like crop health monitoring and precise pesticide/nutrient delivery.

    The challenge offers a total prize pool of INR 40 Lakhs along with opportunities for startup incubation, cloud credits, software support, and internships with India’s leading drone companies. Over 100 student teams from higher education institutions across the country are expected to participate, presenting innovative solutions aimed at addressing pressing challenges in agriculture and disaster response.

    The initiative is part of the Government of India’s broader effort to enhance entrepreneurship in academia and encourage applied research in drone technology. The Drone Federation India (DFI), a premier industry body representing over 550 drone companies and 5500 drone pilots, will support participating students by providing mentorship and industry exposure.

    The competition will be conducted in multiple phases, including technology presentation, business case presentation, and final operations, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of students’ technical and entrepreneurial capabilities.

    The event also featured participation from distinguished industry leaders besides students and professors from higher education colleges and technical institutions. Over 100 student teams from these institutions are expected to participate in this competition to build two collaborative autonomous drones for solving image-based detection and autonomous delivery.

    The launch of NIDAR marks a significant step towards nurturing talent and promoting research & development in India’s rapidly growing drone ecosystem. The competition is expected to enhance technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and project management skills among participants, preparing them for impactful careers in emerging technology domains.

    About SwaYaan

    Capacity Building for Human Resource Development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone & Allied Technologies)

    The SwaYaan initiative, approved by MeitY in July, 2022, focuses on capacity building for human resource development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including drones and related technologies. The project aims to train 42,560 participants, combining both formal and non-formal educational programs to create a skilled workforce in drone technology. The initiative is implemented through a hub-and-spoke model involving 30 premium institutions like IISc, IITs, IIITs, NITs, CDAC, and NIELIT. Five key work themes guide the project—Drone Electronics, GNC Algorithms Simulation, Aeromechanics, Drone Applications, and Allied UAS Technologies—ensuring specialized focus areas. To date, over 14,000 beneficiaries have been trained. Notable achievements include the launch of an M.Tech. in UAS Engineering at IIT Kanpur, initiation of multiple minor degree programs, and successful conduction of numerous bootcamps and workshops. SwaYaan engages industry partners through innovation challenges and industry meets, reinforcing the link between academic training and real-world application in drone technology. For further details, refer to https://swayaan.meity.gov.in)

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sarbananda Sonowal Virtually Flags Off Electrolysers for Green Hydrogen Plant in Kandla

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 8:01PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant step towards energy transition and achieving the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, virtually flagged off electrolysers for the upcoming Green Hydrogen plant at Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla port, today.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “This flagging-off marks a key milestone in DPA Kandla’s mission to emerge as India’s leading Green Hydrogen hub. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are driving advanced green energy initiatives, reaffirming our commitment to decarbonising the maritime sector and setting a national benchmark for sustainable port operations.”

    *Key Highlights of the Initiative:*

    – *Indigenous Technology*: The electrolysers were manufactured by L&T under the “Make-in-India” initiative for a 1 MW Green Hydrogen Plant being set up at DPA, Kandla.

    – *Production Capacity*: The Green Hydrogen Plant at DPA Kandla will be operational by July 2025, producing 18 kg of hydrogen per hour, making it India’s first port-based plant using indigenous electrolysers.

    – *Expansion Plans*: DPA plans to expand into Green Ammonia production, advancing India’s Net Zero goals. The initiative aims to establish a port-operated 1 MW Green Hydrogen Plant, with plans to scale it up to 10 MW in the future.

    The flag-off ceremony was attended by Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, DPA; and Shri Derek M. Shah, Senior Vice President & Head, L&T Green Energy. The electrolysers were flagged off from L&T’s Hazira manufacturing facility.

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Despite heavy rush, passenger demand & special trains during Holi, Diwali, Chhath, Summer and Maha Kumbh, Most Railway Divisions Maintain Over 90% Punctuality

    Source: Government of India

    Despite heavy rush, passenger demand & special trains during Holi, Diwali, Chhath, Summer and Maha Kumbh, Most Railway Divisions Maintain Over 90% Punctuality

    Holi Special Trains Surge from 241 in 2021-22 to 1,107 in 2024-25

    Total Number of Trains Operation Now Exceeds Pre-COVID Levels

    Under ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ Indian Railways Exports Rolling Stock, Including Vande Bharat Components, to Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 7:36PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressed the Lok Sabha today. He highlighted various aspects of Indian Railways, including infrastructure development, punctuality, environmental sustainability, exports, employment and financial position. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Indian Railways a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable transport system, enhancing both passenger experience and economic growth.

    While speaking about punctuality of trains operation in the Lok Sabha today, the Union Railway Minister stated that Indian Railways has achieved an on-time performance of over 90% through the adoption of advanced signaling systems, real-time monitoring, AI-driven scheduling, and predictive maintenance. As highlighted by the Minister, out of 68 railway divisions, 49 have already surpassed 80% punctuality, while 12 divisions have impressively reached 95%. This enhanced efficiency has resulted in smoother train operations, benefiting both passengers and freight services. Currently, Indian Railways operates more than 13,000 passenger trains, including 4,111 Mail and Express trains, 3,313 Passenger trains, and 5,774 Suburban trains. Notably, the total number of trains in operation has now exceeded pre-COVID levels, reflecting the railway’s commitment to reliability and improved service delivery.

    To manage passenger demand during peak festive seasons, Indian Railway has operated a record number of special trains. Last year, during Holi, 604 special trains were operated to accommodate the surge in travelers. During the summer vacation period, around 13,000 special trains were introduced to facilitate smooth travel. Similarly, for Chhath and Diwali, 8,000 special trains were deployed. A remarkable effort was made during the Mahakumbh, with 17,330 special trains running to ensure seamless travel for devotees from across the country. This year, for Holi alone, 1,107 special trains have been arranged, reflecting the unwavering commitment of Indian Railways to passenger convenience and efficient travel management.

    The list of Special trains for Holi festival for the last four years.

    Year

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    Holi spl No

    241

    527

    604

    1,107

    While talking about historic infrastructure expansion taking place across the railway network, the Minister emphasized the fulfillment of long-standing projects, such as connecting Jammu to Srinagar through engineering marvels like the Anji and Chenab bridges, with the latter standing 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. With the completion of the CRS inspection and implementation of recommendations, train services between Jammu and Srinagar will soon commence. He also underscored the transformation of the Dedicated Freight Corridor, which has gone from being a mere proposal to an operational reality under the present government. Today, 350 freight trains run daily, reducing transit time from 24 to just 12 hours, significantly improving logistics. The Gati Shakti initiative has further bolstered freight operations, with 97 cargo terminals completed and 257 more under development. Tunnel construction in the railway network has seen a fourfold increase since 2014, with 460 km of new tunnels built, and innovations such as the Himalayan Tunneling Method and domestic production of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) in Tamil Nadu showcasing India’s growing self-reliance in infrastructure technology.

    The Minister also highlighted the modernization of railway stations, with 129 stations already completed and many more to be operational by 2025-26 as part of the world’s largest station redevelopment program. Bridges across major rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Kosi have been constructed, improving connectivity in key regions. The Northeast has witnessed unprecedented rail expansion, with new lines in Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Indian Railways has also taken steps to address waterlogging in underpasses through extensive corrective measures. Shri Vaishnaw reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable development, emphasizing record budget allocations for all states, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ However, he pointed out challenges such as slow land acquisition in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, which continue to hinder progress. He further highlighted the significant expansion of the Kolkata Metro, where 38 km of metro lines have been added in just a decade, compared to 28 km in the previous 42 years. He also emphasized on the ambitious Bullet Train project as a transformative step toward modern, high-speed rail connectivity, ensuring world-class infrastructure for future generations.

    In line with the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Indian Railways has taken several initiatives towards environmental sustainability with its ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon Emission (Scope 1) by 2025. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions through electrification, afforestation, and modal shift strategies. Net Zero for Indian Railways means offsetting or eliminating carbon emissions across various sectors, including railway traction, non-traction operations, vehicle fleets, and infrastructure such as Railway colonies and hospitals. A major step in this direction has been the transition from diesel to electric traction, with 97% of railway operations already electrified, and the remaining 3% nearing completion. To further support this goal, Indian Railways has undertaken massive afforestation efforts, planting 9 crore trees between 2014-15 and 2023-24, which contribute to offsetting 5 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Additionally, the shift from road to rail freight has led to an emission reduction of 17 lakh tonnes between 2021-22 and 2023-24. With projected emissions for 2024-25 estimated at 20 lakh tonnes and available offsets reaching 22 lakh tonnes, Indian Railways is well-positioned to meet its Net Zero target ahead of schedule. Beyond direct emissions, the railway is also shifting to non-fossil fuel-based power sources, further reducing indirect emissions. As the largest contributor to India’s green transportation sector, Indian Railways not only provides a low-carbon alternative to road transport but is also driving the transition to sustainable energy sources, reinforcing its role as a leader in the country’s journey toward environmental sustainability.

    Shri Vaishnaw also outlined the steps taken to boost exports, positioning Indian Railways as a global player in railway technology and manufacturing. Under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, Indian Railways has successfully exported rolling stock, including Vande Bharat train components, to countries in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. India has also emerged as a key supplier of locomotives and coaches to international markets, strengthening its role in global railway infrastructure development.

    The Minister highlighted the significant employment opportunities created through railway projects, benefiting millions across the country. Over three lakh direct jobs have been generated through station redevelopment, track expansion, and new railway projects, alongside large-scale recruitment drives for loco pilots, technicians, station masters, and track maintenance workers. Other initiatives like the Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana have played a crucial role in skilling thousands of young Indians in railway-related trades, enhancing their employability. A total of 1.26 crore candidates participated in the recruitment examination, which was conducted over 68 days in 133 shifts across 211 cities and 726 centers in 15 languages, with complete transparency and no incidents of paper leaks. More recently, 18.4 lakh candidates appeared over five days in 15 shifts across 156 cities and 346 centers, also in 15 languages,in the ALP exam and it was conducted smoothly without any issues. Regarding Exam centers being located outside candidates’ hometowns, the Minister clarified that this is a nationwide policy implemented uniformly to ensure smooth execution and maintain the integrity of the exams. In response to concerns about reservations, he reaffirmed that all reservation policies and regulations have been strictly adhered to in the recruitment of these five lakh jobs without any deviation. For the first time in 60 years, an annual recruitment calendar has been introduced in the railways to ensure a structured and timely hiring process, which is being effectively implemented for both 2024 and 2025, he added.

    While speaking about the financial position of Indian Railways, the Minister stated that despite the challenges faced during COVID, the Railways has now reached a healthy financial state. Currently, almost all expenses are being met through its own revenue. The major components of railway expenditure include staff costs of ₹1,16,000 crore, pensions for around 15 lakh pensioners amounting to ₹66,000 crore, energy costs of ₹32,000 crore, and financing costs of ₹25,000 crore. The total expenditure stands at ₹2,75,000 crore, while the total income is around ₹2,78,000 crore. Since COVID, the Railways has been covering its expenses from its revenue every year, and efforts will continue to further strengthen this financial position.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on elimination of Trachoma and Malaria

    Source: Government of India

    Update on elimination of Trachoma and Malaria

    WHO declares Trachoma eliminated from India as a public health problem

    India becomes third country in Southeast Asia Region to eliminate Trachoma as a public health problem

    India exits high burden to high impact group with comprehensive disease management strategies for Malaria

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 7:36PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken various steps under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) to eliminate Trachoma. As suggested by World Health Organization (WHO) Neglected tropical disease team, WHO SAFE strategy was implemented throughout the country, wherein WHO SAFE stands for adoption of surgery, antibiotics, facial hygiene and environmental cleanliness.

    Since 2019 onwards, the NPCBVI has developed continuous surveillance setup for trachoma cases by collecting case reports from all the districts in the country via specific WHO shared format. National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT only) survey was done in 200 endemic districts of the country under NPCBVI during 2021-24, which was a mandate set by WHO.

    The prevalence was found to be much lesser than WHO elimination criteria. On 8th October, 2024 World Health Organization declared that Government of India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem. In addition, India has become the third country in the South East Asia region to reach this important public health milestone. Eliminating Trachoma symbolizes the improvement of public healthcare system in the country along with better hygiene and sanitation practices in the population. Furthermore, previously Trachoma has been among leading cause of blindness and discomfort in the country.

    The Government of India has implemented the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) which is a comprehensive framework established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare aimed at ensuring and enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided at public health facilities. Initially, the Standards were applied for District Hospitals, aiming to ensure that services provided through public health facilities are safe, patient-centric, and of assured quality. Subsequently, these standards were extended to Sub-District Hospitals (SDH), Community Health Centers (CHCs), Ayushman Arogya Mandir -Urban Primary Health Centre (AAM- UPHCs), Ayushman Arogya Mandir- Primary Health Centre (AAM-PHC), and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Sub-Health Centers (AAM-SHCs). For ease of compliance in assessment, digital technology was leveraged and ‘Virtual Assessment for National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS) Certification of Ayushman Arogya Mandir- Sub Health Centers (AAM-SHCs)’ was launched on 28th June, 2024. On June 28, 2024, the NQAS for Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs) were launched to enhance the accuracy and precision of testing processes and results. As on 31st December 2024, total 22,786 number of health facilities have received NQAS certification in the country.

    Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) are essential benchmarks that ensure the delivery of minimum essential services through public healthcare facilities, including District Hospitals, Sub-District Hospitals, Community Health centers, Primary Health Centers, and Sub Health Centres. Developed in 2007 and revised in 2012 and 2022, these standards align with recent public health initiatives are fundamental to our healthcare system. The IPHS guidelines help states plan and meet crucial standards, leading to better health outcomes and increased public trust in the healthcare system.

    Strategies that drove India’s Malaria reduction and its exit from the HBHI group:

    • Disease Management involving early case detection with active, passive and sentinel surveillance followed by complete and effective treatment, strengthening of referral services, epidemic preparedness and rapid response.
    • Integrated Vector Management including Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in selected high-risk areas, Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in high malaria endemic areas, use of larvivorous fish, anti-larval measures in urban areas including bio-larvicides and minor environmental engineering and source reduction for prevention of breeding.
    • Supportive Interventions aiming at Behaviour Change Communication (BCC), Inter-Sectoral Convergence and Human Resource Development through capacity building.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Steps taken under TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

    Source: Government of India

    Steps taken under TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

    100 days-intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is ongoing to combat Tuberculosis in 347 priority districts

    National Health Mission allocates resources for state/UTs to meet diagnostic needs

    New Drug-Resistant TB treatment regimens introduced as part of national efforts to eliminate Tuberculosis

    826 Drug Resistant TB treatment centres established across all districts for decentralized care

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 7:34PM by PIB Delhi

    National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) under the aegis of National Health Mission (NHM) is implemented across the country with the objective of early detection of TB cases, appropriate management and prevent new TB cases. Specific measures taken by the Government to ensure successful treatment completion for all TB patients including multidrug-resistant TB cases are as under:

    • Track all TB patients through Ni-kshay portal for the entire duration of treatment.
    • Monitoring of treatment adherence through Ayushman Arogya Mandir and peripheral health workers like ASHAs.
    • Link TB patients with community-based treatment supporters like ASHAs community volunteers and provision for incentives to treatment supporters.
    • Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST) is implemented to ensure every diagnosed TB patient is tested for drug resistance at the time of diagnosis.
    • 826 Drug Resistant TB treatment centres have been established across all districts for decentralized care
    • In 2021, shorter, safer, all oral drug-resistant TB treatment regimen has been introduced.
    • In 2024, a newer, shorter and more efficacious treatment regimen consisting of four-drug combination – Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid and Moxifloxacin has been introduced for management of drug-resistant TB

    TB awareness campaign are organised in all State/UTs with involvement of various local non-government organisations. Further, the Government has launched a 100 days intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in identified 347 priority districts across 33 State/UTs, to accelerate the endeavour to achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to TB, wherein Jan Bhaghidari activities are implemented with involvement of elected representatives, line ministries, schools, panchayati raj institutions, self-help groups, anganwadis, local non-government organisations  and civil society organizations to increase awareness on TB to combat stigma and to encourage early health seeking behaviour among the citizen.

    To enhance the availability of hand-held X-rays in high burden areas, the government has approved procurement for central supplies. In addition, adequate provisions for procurement have been made through National Health Mission for State/UTs as per need.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on Maternal and Child Health Indicators under NHM

    Source: Government of India

    Update on Maternal and Child Health Indicators under NHM

    India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio drops significantly from 130 to 97 per lakh live births

    Neonatal Mortality Rate drops 65%, outpacing global average

    Infant Mortality Rate in India falls by 69%, significantly exceeding global decline of 55%

    Under-5 Mortality Rate plummets 75% in India, surpassing global reduction of 58%

    India’s out-of-pocket expenditure as a share of Total Health Expenditure has fallen from 64.2% in 2013-14 to 39.4% in 2021-22

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 7:32PM by PIB Delhi

    As per the Sample Registration System (SRS) released by the Registrar General of India (RGI), the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of the country has significantly declined by 33 points from 130 in 2014-16 to 97 in 2018-20 per lakh live births.

    Similarly, as per Sample Registration System (SRS) 2020, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of the country has declined from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 28 per 1000 live births in 2020. Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has declined from 26 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 20 per 1000 live births in 2020. Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) has declined from 45 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 32 per 1000 live births in 2020.

    Over the past 30 years, as per United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group report (UN-MMIEG 1990-2020), the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India has declined by 83%, compared to the global reduction of 42%. Similarly, the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) in India has reduced by 65%, compared to 51% globally, Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) declined by 69% in India compared to 55% globally and Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) declined by 75% in India surpassing the global reduction of 58%.

    The key technological advancements introduced under NHM for facilitating patient care are follows:

    • U-WIN (Digital Vaccination Platform): The U-WIN Portal, launched in October 2024, is developed for the complete digitization of vaccination services and maintaining vaccination records for pregnant women and children from birth to 17 years under the Universal Immunization Programme.
    • Tele-MANAS (Mental Health Helpline): The Government has launched a “National Tele Mental Health Programme” on 10th October 2022, to further improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country.
    • MMU Monitoring Portal: Tracks Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) via GPS, enhancing field healthcare services.

    To ensure the availability of essential drugs, diagnostics and to reduce the Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) of the patients visiting the public healthcare facilities including marginalized communities, the Government of India is providing financial support by implementing Free Drugs Service Initiative (FDSI) and Free Diagnostic Service Initiatives (FDSI) under National Health Mission (NHM) across all States and UTs.

    As per the National Health Accounts Estimates, the Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) as percentage of Total Health Expenditure (THE) has declined from 64.2 % in 2013-14 to 39.4% in 2021-22.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Consumer awareness is key to a sustainable and secure digital experience: Shri Pralhad Joshi

    Source: Government of India

    Consumer awareness is key to a sustainable and secure digital experience: Shri Pralhad Joshi

    Department of Consumer Affairs and Meta Strengthen Partnership to Enhance Consumer Protection

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 7:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Ministry for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi along with Mr. Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Meta announced a new collaboration ‘Be an Empowered Consumer’ to empower consumers through digital literacy initiatives under the government’s flagship consumer awareness campaign ‘Jago Grahak Jago’.

    Speaking at the launch of the partnership, Shri Joshi said, “We are pleased to partner with Meta on this crucial initiative to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools that will enable them to navigate the digital landscape and protect themselves online.”

    “Consumer awareness is key to a sustainable and secure digital experience and the campaign will strengthen consumer protection measures and reinforce our commitment to empowering Indian consumers,” he added.

    Shri Joshi emphasised that with the collaboration, the efforts of Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, towards consumer protection will reach to the remote areas of the country.

    The joint campaign ‘Be an Empowered Consumer’ seeks to educate Indians on recognizing online threats and promoting healthy online habits, including the use of strong passwords, verification of online information, and reporting suspicious activity. This was discussed in a meeting before the launch.  

    During the meeting, the Union Minister was also apprised about a joint project commissioned with IIT Bombay by the chair established by the Department at the National Law School of India University Bangalore, and supported by Meta.  The project explores the feasibility of leveraging Llama 2, Meta’s openly available large language model, in creating a citizen-centric chatbot: GrahakNyay. The chatbot will enhance access to consumer rights information, a robust grievance redressal tool that will help individuals file complaints and resolve queries more efficiently. The chatbot is now ready for a closed group beta testing and will be officially launched and integrated into DoCA’s website once its testing is complete.

    Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, present while addressing the event, said that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding and safeguarding consumer rights. To make this commitment effective, it is important that consumers are aware of online threats and are able to perceive the unethical business practices, she said. Also, having right to have their grievances heard and addressed is essential for fostering accountability, transparency, and fairness. The chatbox will make it possible through the process of seamless complaint filing and resolution of queries, she stated.

    Mr. Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Meta during the event said, “With technology progressing so quickly, it can be hard for people to stay up to date with the best ways to keep themselves safe online, which is why we’re pleased to work with the Department of Consumer Affairs and contribute to India’s digital consumer protection efforts. At Meta we think AI can help people protect themselves and be informed online consumers. By making AI more accessible, we hope to improve consumer awareness, streamline redressal processes, and equip people with the knowledge they need to make informed choices online.”

    The above initiatives are steps in direction of Department’s efforts towards consumer protection and empowerment through enactment of progressive legislations and launching of technology driven programmes. With evolution of technology consumer has been rendered vulnerable to new forms of unfair trade and unethical business practices such as misleading advertisements, Tele-marketing, direct selling, e-commerce etc., thereby, requiring appropriate and swift executive interventions to prevent consumer detriment.

    To address the myriad and constantly emerging vulnerabilities of the consumers and to promote, protect and enforce the rights of the consumers, an executive agency, Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has been established under section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 empowers CCPA to protect, promote and enforce the rights of consumers as a class, prevent unfair trade practices, ensure no false or misleading advertisement is made and ensure that no person takes part in the publication of any advertisement which is false or misleading.  Additionally, under section 18 (2) (j) and (l), CCPA can issue safety notices to alert consumers against dangerous or unsafe goods or services and issue necessary guidelines to prevent unfair trade practices and protect consumers’ interest respectively. As per section 19 of the Act, CCPA may, on receiving information or complaint or directions from central government or of its own motion, conduct or cause to be conducted a preliminary inquiry as to whether there exists a prima facie case of violation of consumer rights or unfair trade practice or any false or misleading advertisement and if satisfied, it shall cause investigation to be made by the Director-General. Under section 20 and 21, CCPA has power to impose penalties up to 50 lakh rupees against such practices.

    In this direction, CCPA has passed appropriate orders in the past against companies and online platforms, in addition to issuing advisories against illegal sale and facilitation of wireless jammers, sale of drugs without prescription, sale of car seat belt alarm stopper etc. Further, Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 and Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022 were notified to make e-commerce platforms more transparent and accountable to consumers. The Department also published booklet on “Endorsements know-hows for celebrities, influencers and virtual influencers on social media platforms”. In addition to these, time and again, CCPA has issued guidelines to strengthen the legislative framework against unethical business practices in the form of Guidelines on Prevention of Dark Pattern 2023, Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing, 2024 and Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Misleading Advertisement in Coaching Sector 2024.

    Now, this two-pronged approach – leveraging AI for consumer grievance redressal through GrahakNyay chatbox and enhancing digital literacy through ‘Be an Empowered Consumer’ campaign, marks a significant step in strengthening consumer rights in India.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Expands Joint Damage Assessment Request to Include Dunklin and Madison Counties in Preparation for Major Federal Disaster Declaration Request

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MARCH 18, 2025

     — JEFFERSON CITY – Today, Governor Mike Kehoe expanded his request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) for Individual Assistance to include Dunklin and Madison counties. Yesterday, the Governor requested that FEMA participate in joint PDAs in 23 counties following the March 14-15 severe storms that brought destruction to many parts of the state. The requests begin the process of obtaining federal disaster assistance.

    “As local teams survey, confirm and tally the damage, the scale of the destruction to homes and communities is growing,” Governor Kehoe said. “Damage totals and emergency response costs received and reviewed late yesterday and today have led me to add Dunklin and Madison counties to the request to FEMA for joint preliminary damage assessments. I appreciate the emergency managers, officials and responders who are laboring 24/7 to meet people’s immediate needs while at the same time working to expedite the recovery of their communities.”    

    Joint PDAs have now been requested for the following 25 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Laclede, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Stoddard, Wayne, Webster, and Wright.

    Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and local emergency management officials. Beginning Thursday, March 20, six teams will survey and verify documented damage to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

    Initial damage assessments now estimate approximately 369 houses were destroyed, 366 sustained major damage and over 1,000 have minor damage. Damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, likely resulting in a request for additional PDAs for Public Assistance later this week. Requests for additional PDAs could be made if local officials become aware of significantly more damage.

    Outages continue to decrease as power is restored. As of 11 a.m., fewer than 8,000 customers remained without power. The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated to assist in Missouri’s response and recovery.  

    Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.

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