NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Global: Who’s who at the Vatican?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel Speed Thompson, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Dayton

    Deacons take part in a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica that was supposed to be presided over by Pope Francis. AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

    For more than two weeks, eyes have been on the Vatican, awaiting news about Pope Francis’ health. The pope has been at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14, 2025, being treated for double pneumonia and other complications.

    When a pope is ill, resigns or passes away, who steps in? And who else helps lead the Holy See? The Conversation U.S. asked Daniel Speed Thompson, a theologian at the University of Dayton, for some insight into Vatican City.

    Who are the most powerful people at the Vatican, besides the pope?

    The Vatican houses the central government of the Catholic Church and is also an independent city-state. The pope is both the head of the Catholic Church and head of state.

    In order to govern both, he has the Roman Curia, meaning “court.” In modern terms, the Curia is the papal bureaucracy. It is an extension of the pope’s authority.

    In Catholic doctrine, the pope has the highest authority in the church. He can exercise it alone or with the College of Bishops, made up of all the bishops in the world. Bishops named by the pope to the office of “cardinal” can, if under 80 years old, vote to elect a new pope. Some cardinals, but by no means all, serve in the papal Curia in Rome.

    Besides the pope, curial officials who oversee important aspects of the church’s political and religious life are often powerful figures. For example, the secretariat of state, headed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, oversees relations with other countries and international organizations. It also oversees the Vatican’s diplomatic corps.

    Pope Francis smiles as he walks alongside Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, left, and Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi at the Vatican in 2014.
    AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

    The Dicastery – “department” – for the Doctrine of the Faith, led by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, addresses questions about correct Catholic teaching on faith and morals. The Dicastery of Bishops, headed by Cardinal Robert Prevost, coordinates the nominations of new bishops around the world.

    All these officials work under the authority of the pope, advocating for and implementing his agenda. For example, Prevost has suggested that all Catholics should be involved in the selection of bishops. This idea is linked with Francis’ call for a more “synodal” church: one that is less hierarchical and shaped by lay Catholics’ concerns and challenges.

    If a pope can’t fulfill his duties, who steps in?

    When a pope dies – or resigns, like Benedict XVI did in 2013 – the governance of the Catholic Church formally falls to the College of Cardinals. However, the authority of the college is very limited. On their own, cardinals cannot make any significant decisions concerning faith, morals and worship. Nor can they undo previous papal decisions or change church laws about electing a new pope.

    All the heads of the dicasteries lose their office upon the death or resignation of a pope. The College of Cardinals serves as a caretaker government whose primary purpose is to prepare for the election of the new pope and oversee day-to-day workings of the Vatican.

    One cardinal, known as the “camerlengo,” is responsible for confirming the pope’s death or resignation. He then assumes control over the pope’s residence and coordinates the funeral, if needed. The camerlengo also takes custody of the Vatican’s property in Rome and supervises details for the upcoming conclave.

    Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell talks with The Associated Press in his office in Rome in 2018.
    AP Photo/Paolo Santalucia

    The day-to-day business of the Catholic Church continues, but no big decisions can be made in the absence of a pope. The church cannot appoint new bishops, and the Vatican cannot start new diplomatic efforts.

    Are officials at the Vatican often nominated to be pope?

    Sometimes. Francis was a cardinal from Argentina before his election as pope and had not served in the Roman Curia. However, Benedict XVI, Francis’ predecessor, did serve as the prefect of the Congregation – now called Dicastery – for the Doctrine of the Faith. Some recent popes served in the Curia earlier in their career but not immediately before their election.

    What do you wish more people understood about the Vatican?

    Three things. First, the Vatican is unlike any organization in the world. Its religious mission and political status rest on nearly 2,000 years of history. This complicated story provides a unique tradition that anchors the institution of the Catholic Church, but can also block the church from critical self-examination and renewal.

    Second, the Vatican is like every organization in the world. Vatican officials can be faithful to the highest standards of their religion, truly wishing to serve the church and the common good of humanity. But they can also be flagrantly immoral, even criminals, and careerist seekers of status or luxury. Francis has consistently called out priests and bishops who see themselves as somehow superior by virtue of their office or their ordination.

    Finally, compared with the massive bureaucracies of modern governments and corporations, the Vatican is relatively small and not as wealthy as it is often portrayed.

    Although the Curia manages a vast international organization, its resources are far closer to my own midsize Catholic university than to the U.S. government or Apple. Vatican City and the Holy See employ about 2,000 people, with an operating budget of about US$835 million.

    Yes, the Catholic Church has wealth – and the ongoing problem of deficits and financial corruption. But the Vatican’s resources pale in comparison with what a modern state or large company can muster.

    Daniel Speed Thompson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Who’s who at the Vatican? – https://theconversation.com/whos-who-at-the-vatican-250874

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government and Nuffield Health support NHS staff to get back to work

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Government and Nuffield Health support NHS staff to get back to work

    Thousands of frontline NHS staff to benefit from a free rehabilitation programme with Nuffield Health to get them back to work.

    • The partnership will support thousands of NHS workers suffering from chronic joint conditions like arthritis or back pain
    • Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are second leading cause of absence among NHS staff and this initiative will help them regain quality of life
    • Programme will help deliver Plan for Change’s ambition to build an NHS fit for the future and shift healthcare from hospitals to community

    Four thousand frontline NHS staff will benefit from a free rehabilitation programme Nuffield Health are rolling out in partnership with the government to get them back to work, the Health and Social Care Secretary announced today.

    Nuffield Health’s Joint Pain Programme will support NHS workers with chronic and long-term joint conditions like arthritis, helping them regain their quality of life and focus on bringing down waiting lists. 

    It will work with NHS teams to identity staff suitable for the programme and initially offer it at 10 trusts in London, Birmingham and the North West before a national rollout later this year.

    MSK conditions are the second leading cause of absence among NHS staff and this groundbreaking partnership will help them recover and focus on supporting patients.

    Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting said:

    NHS staff cannot treat patients if they’re in debilitating pain themselves.

    This partnership with Nuffield Health will help get thousands of NHS staff back to work, improve their quality of life and allow them to continue to cut waiting lists.

    We’ll care for them so they can care for us and deliver our Plan for Change’s goal to build an NHS fit for the future.

    Alex Perry, CEO, Nuffield Health said:

    Nuffield Health’s mission is to build a healthier nation and our free-to-access Joint Pain Programme is a key part of that. This unique programme has helped over 35,000 people to date improve their health and quality of life.

    By offering this free programme directly to NHS staff – including nurses, porters and paramedics – we are providing them with support to recover, return to work and continue delivering essential care.

    This not only improves their health but also reduces pressure on the NHS by lowering sickness absence and keeping skilled staff where they are needed most.

    In August 2024, more than 2 million days were lost due to NHS staff sickness.

    Back and MSK problems led to over 314,000 lost days and over 10,000 members of staff off work.

    Nuffield Health’s programme has already benefitted 35,000 people and participants experienced 35% improvement in joint pain and 37% improvement in joint function after taking part in 2024.

    On top of this, it prevented 86,226 sick days and resulted in a 29% reduction in GP appointments in 2024.

    The programme will deliver the Plan for Change’s ambition to build an NHS fit for the future as part of a decade of national renewal.

    It provides 12 weeks of exercise and support led by a personal trainer who has been upskilled to deliver rehabilitation programmes, followed by 12 weeks of access to Nuffield Health fitness facilities – all at no cost.

    It will help keep NHS staff healthy and fulfil one of the 10 Year Health Plan’s key ambitions of shifting care from hospital into the community.

    Keeping more NHS staff at work will boost productivity – ensuring they can focus on delivering the highest-quality care for patients and continue to cut waiting lists.

    Between July and November last year, the NHS carried out almost 2.2 million more elective care appointments compared to the same period the previous year – delivering on the government’s mission to fix the NHS. 

    The government reached the target 7 months earlier than promised – with 100,000 more treatments, tests and scans for patients each week, and more than half a million extra diagnostic tests delivered.

    It follows figures published this month which showed the waiting list has been cut by almost 160,000 since the government took office, compared to a rise of almost 33,000 over the same period the previous year. 

    The Health and Social Care Secretary announced the partnership at an event attended by 100 NHS staff in Peterborough earlier this week to gather their views on how to fix the health service.

    The public engagement event will help shape the government’s 10 Year Health Plan and forms part of a nationwide series of debates about how to make the NHS fit for the future.

    Ministers and NHS clinicians have carried out engagement events with NHS workers throughout this month – while thousands of NHS staff and the wider public have already submitted a range of ideas on Change NHS. These ideas will inform the government’s Plan for Change, which will drive a decade of national renewal and transform the health service.

    A new survey was recently launched on Change NHS, focusing on patient choice, how to support staff to care for patients and using technology to improve people’s experiences of the NHS.

    Further information

    Find out more on the Nuffield Health website or on their Instagram and LinkedIn pages.  

    The Joint Pain Programme will be available to NHS staff in the following Nuffield Health locations:

    • Wandsworth
    • Wandsworth Southside
    • City
    • Covent Garden
    • Shoreditch
    • Paddington
    • Battersea
    • Chiselhurst
    • Fulham
    • Wimbledon
    • Twickenham
    • Brondesbury Park
    • Stoke Poges
    • Friern Barnet Hendon
    • Birmingham Central
    • Preston
    • Bolton

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Occidental Announces Offer to Exercise Warrants at a Temporarily Reduced Price

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Occidental (NYSE: OXY) today announced an offer to exercise its outstanding publicly traded warrants (the “Warrants”) at a temporarily reduced price (the “Offer”).

    The Offer is available to holders of the Warrants, each representing the right to purchase one share of Occidental’s common stock, $0.20 par value per share, at an exercise price of $22.00. The Warrants were initially distributed by Occidental on August 3, 2020 in the form of a dividend to the holders of record of Occidental’s common stock as of July 6, 2020 and are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OXY WS”. Warrant holders (the “Holders”) have the opportunity to exercise each of their Warrants at a temporarily reduced exercise price of $21.30. There is no minimum participation requirement with respect to the Offer.

    The Offer is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Exercise Warrants to Purchase Common Stock of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, dated March 3, 2025 (the “Offer to Exercise”), filed as an exhibit to Occidental’s Schedule TO filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

    To participate in the Offer and exercise the Warrants at the temporarily reduced exercise price, Holders must elect to participate prior to the expiration of the Offer at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 31, 2025, which may be extended by Occidental in its sole discretion (the “Expiration Date”), and must deliver payment and the required documentation in accordance with the Offer to Exercise prior to the Expiration Date. Holders who elect to participate in the Offer and do not withdraw their validly tendered Warrants will receive the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants promptly after the Expiration Date. Any Holder that tenders Warrants prior to the Expiration Date but changes their mind may withdraw their tender of Warrants at any time prior to the Expiration Date. 

    The purpose of the Offer is to encourage the exercise of the Warrants by temporarily reducing the exercise price. If all of the outstanding Warrants are exercised at the temporarily reduced exercise price, Occidental would receive gross proceeds of approximately $1.6 billion. Occidental intends to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include the redemption or repayment of certain of its outstanding indebtedness.

    For additional information or assistance, please contact D.F. King & Co., Inc., which is acting as Information Agent for the Offer, at:

    D.F. King & Co., Inc.
    48 Wall St, 22nd Floor
    New York, NY 10005
    Toll-Free: (888) 628-8208
    Email: OXY@dfking.com

    Additional Information

    The discussion of the Offer contained in this press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. Holders should read the Schedule TO filed with the SEC and the exhibits attached thereto carefully because they contain important information, including the various terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Exercise. The Schedule TO, including the Offer to Exercise and other related materials, will also be available to Holders at no charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or from D.F. King & Co., Inc., Occidental’s Information Agent for the Offer. Holders are urged to read those materials carefully prior to making any decisions with respect to the Offer.

    Occidental has filed with the SEC a registration statement that includes a prospectus (as supplemented by a prospectus supplement, the “Prospectus”) relating to the offering of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, and has further filed with the SEC a prospectus supplement relating to such registration statement and Prospectus in respect of the exercise of the Warrants at the reduced exercise price. Copies of the Prospectus, as further supplemented by the prospectus supplement, may be obtained from the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by contacting D.F. King & Co., Inc.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the common stock, nor shall there be any sale of the common stock in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Occidental

    Occidental is an international energy company with assets primarily in the United States, the Middle East and North Africa. We are one of the largest oil and gas producers in the U.S., including a leading producer in the Permian and DJ basins, and offshore Gulf of America. Our midstream and marketing segment provides flow assurance and maximizes the value of our oil and gas, and includes our Oxy Low Carbon Ventures subsidiary, which is advancing leading-edge technologies and business solutions that economically grow our business while reducing emissions. Our chemical subsidiary OxyChem manufactures the building blocks for life-enhancing products. We are dedicated to using our global leadership in carbon management to advance a lower-carbon world.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about Occidental’s expectations, beliefs, plans or forecasts. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including, but not limited to: any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items or future financial position or sources of financing; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations or business strategy; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “expect,” “aim,” “goal,” “target,” “objective,” “commit,” “advance,” “likely” or similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes are generally indicative of forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release unless an earlier date is specified. Unless legally required, Occidental does not undertake any obligation to update, modify or withdraw any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Forward-looking statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual outcomes or results may differ from anticipated results, sometimes materially. Factors that could cause results to differ from those projected or assumed in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions, including slowdowns and recessions, domestically or internationally; Occidental’s indebtedness and other payment obligations, including the need to generate sufficient cash flows to fund operations; Occidental’s ability to successfully monetize select assets and repay or refinance debt and the impact of changes in Occidental’s credit ratings or future increases in interest rates; assumptions about energy markets; global and local commodity and commodity-futures pricing fluctuations and volatility; supply and demand considerations for, and the prices of, Occidental’s products and services; actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC oil producing countries; results from operations and competitive conditions; future impairments of Occidental’s proved and unproved oil and gas properties or equity investments, or write-downs of productive assets, causing charges to earnings; unexpected changes in costs; inflation, its impact on markets and economic activity and related monetary policy actions by governments in response to inflation; availability of capital resources, levels of capital expenditures and contractual obligations; the regulatory approval environment, including Occidental’s ability to timely obtain or maintain permits or other government approvals, including those necessary for drilling and/or development projects; Occidental’s ability to successfully complete, or any material delay of, field developments, expansion projects, capital expenditures, efficiency projects, acquisitions or divestitures; risks associated with acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures, such as difficulties integrating businesses, uncertainty associated with financial projections or projected synergies, restructuring, increased costs and adverse tax consequences; uncertainties and liabilities associated with acquired and divested properties and businesses; uncertainties about the estimated quantities of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas reserves; lower-than-expected production from development projects or acquisitions; Occidental’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits from prior or future streamlining actions to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes and improve Occidental’s competitiveness; exploration, drilling and other operational risks; disruptions to, capacity constraints in, or other limitations on the pipeline systems that deliver Occidental’s oil and natural gas and other processing and transportation considerations; volatility in the securities, capital or credit markets, including capital market disruptions and instability of financial institutions; government actions (including geopolitical, trade, tariff and regulatory uncertainties), war (including the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East) and political conditions and events; health, safety and environmental (HSE) risks, costs and liability under existing or future federal, regional, state, provincial, tribal, local and international HSE laws, regulations and litigation (including related to climate change or remedial actions or assessments); legislative or regulatory changes, including changes relating to hydraulic fracturing or other oil and natural gas operations, retroactive royalty or production tax regimes, and deep-water and onshore drilling and permitting regulations; Occidental’s ability to recognize intended benefits from its business strategies and initiatives, such as Occidental’s low-carbon ventures businesses or announced greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets or net-zero goals; potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation, government investigations and other proceedings; disruption or interruption of production or manufacturing or facility damage due to accidents, chemical releases, labor unrest, weather, power outages, natural disasters, cyber-attacks, terrorist acts or insurgent activity; the scope and duration of global or regional health pandemics or epidemics, and actions taken by government authorities and other third parties in connection therewith; the creditworthiness and performance of Occidental’s counterparties, including financial institutions, operating partners and other parties; failure of risk management; Occidental’s ability to retain and hire key personnel; supply, transportation and labor constraints; reorganization or restructuring of Occidental’s operations; changes in state, federal or international tax rates; and actions by third parties that are beyond Occidental’s control.

    Additional information concerning these and other factors that may cause Occidental’s results of operations and financial position to differ from expectations can be found in Occidental’s filings with the SEC, including Occidental’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

    Contacts

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool Calling: The Results Are In

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Ground-breaking research has found that hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 delivered a £54million economic boost to the Liverpool City Region. 

    In a first for any Eurovision Song Contest host city, a Multi-Agency Evaluation Steering Group led by Liverpool City Council, has commissioned five in-depth, independent evaluations – the interim results of which will be announced today (Thursday 26 October) by Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson and Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram.

    The reports looked at the economic and social impact of staging the event on behalf of Ukraine, as well as the influence on cultural relations; the impact on wellbeing in the city and the wider city region; the visitor experience and the effectiveness of the strategic collaboration between delivery agencies. 

    Key data highlights include:

    The Big Numbers

    • Eurovision boosted the Liverpool City Region economy by £54.8million (net) with restaurants, accommodation providers, shops, bars and transport networks all benefitting.
    • In total 473,000 people attended Eurovision events in the city, with 306,000 additional visitors heading to Liverpool to be part of the celebrations.
    • In May, 175,000 city centre hotel rooms were sold  – the best month on record since 2018. (STEAM data)   

    Culture Counts

    • The education and community programmes, EuroStreet and EuroLearn, engaged with 367 organisations and directly with 50,000 people, young and old. The overall programme is estimated to have reached 2 million people.
    • EuroFestival – the Culture Liverpool curated two-week culture festival – presented 24 brand new commissions, 19 of which were in collaboration with Ukrainian artists. A huge 328,346 people engaged with this programme – 557 artists, 1,750 participants involved in a commission and an audience number of 326,039.
    • The official Eurovision Village, located at the Pier Head attracted 250,000 visitors across the ten days it was open, with the ticketed final selling out within hours.

    Visitor’s Views

    • Visitors to Liverpool reported an overwhelmingly positive experience. In a survey, 89 per cent of those questioned, felt it was a safe event and 88 per cent praised its inclusivity. A whopping 96 per cent of those surveyed would recommend Liverpool as a destination to visit and 42 per cent of overseas visitors said the city’s staging of the event had a positive impact on how they viewed the UK.
    • The official Eurovision Fan Club – the OGAEs – carried out a survey and found that 99 per cent of their members felt welcomed in the city and 98 per cent loved the undeniable festival atmosphere.

    Resident’s Reaction

    • There was a huge amount of pride around Liverpool being the host city, with 80 per cent of residents noting how important it was for Liverpool and a further 93 per cent saying they were pleased with how the city delivered the event.
    • Of those questioned, 74 per cent were enthusiastic about Liverpool hosting on behalf of Ukraine and 71 per cent felt that the city’s leading role promoted positive feelings across all of the participating nations.

    People Power

    • An impressive 475 people provided 12,000 hours of volunteering, covering 350 shifts. The majority (90 per cent) were from the North West of England, and 30 were Ukrainian.
    • A Eurovision job recruitment fair saw 394 jobs offered in one day.
    • A partnership between the BBC and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts saw 145 students become part of the Eurovision production – in roles such as on stage dancers in the live shows, costume makers or in the TV production team.

    Read all about it

    • Between the period of October 2022, when Liverpool was announced as host city, until end of May 2023, more than 280,000 pieces of global news coverage were generated.
    • The three live BBC shows were watched by 162 million people.

    Keep Liverpool Tidy

    • More than 50,000 tonnes of waste was collected throughout the Eurovision period, 80 per cent of which could be recycled.

    The independent reports were:

    • Economic Impact – Commissioned by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and funded by Arts and Humanities Research Council. The research was compiled by AMION Consulting.
    • Community and Wellbeing – Commissioned by Liverpool City Council and funded by Spirit of 2012 and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The research was carried out by University of Liverpool.
    • Cultural Diplomacy – Commissioned by Liverpool City Council and funded by British Council and DCMS. The British Council led on the research along with the University of Hull, and consultants from Universities of Brighton, Southampton and Royal Holloway (University of London).
    • Nightlife – Funded and compiled by Liverpool John Moores University.
    • Multi–Agency Working – Led by Edge Hill University.  

    Along with these reports, the BBC has commissioned its own Eurovision Highlights Report.

    To bring together the findings of the reports, Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team commissioned The Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place to compile the headline findings. This comprehensive overview can be found at the Heseltine Institute website. 

    The interim findings of these reports will be discussed at a special one-day Eurovision event taking place at ACC Liverpool today (Thursday 26 October).

    Head to the official Liverpool Calling website for full details of the day which will include panels with the Liverpool Host City team who will give an insight into the complexities of staging an event of this scale. This is a Liverpool City Council event supported by the Liverpool BID Company and The ACC Liverpool Group.

    Follow @CultureLpool on Twitter, @CultureLiverpool on Facebook and @culture_liverpool on Instagram for the latest updates as well as using #LiverpoolCalling on social media.

    Reaction

    Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said:

    “The whirlwind that was Eurovision, gave this city an unparalleled stage where it could showcase not just its organisational prowess, but also its heart and soul.

    “From the outset, we put plans in place to evaluate everything we programmed in order to have a thorough understanding of the impact of major events.

    “The visitor and economic figures speak for themselves – jobs were created, local businesses were on the receiving end of a much-needed boost and hundreds of thousands of people came to the city, had a great time and are more than likely to return again.

    “My mantra is proud but never satisfied. These comprehensive reports give us the opportunity to reflect on what was achieved over an incredibly short period of time, but more importantly we can look at lessons learnt for the next time we host a major event. And this is Liverpool, so there will definitely be a next time.

    “Knowing the financials and the visitor numbers is always a great indicator of success, but with Eurovision we wanted to do more. As the first host city ever to introduce a school and community programme dedicated to Eurovision, we needed to drill into what that really meant for people – did it make a positive difference to their lives and as a result to our city? Never before has any other location commissioned such a detailed analysis, and it goes without saying that our methodology can be adopted by locations across the world which is a real badge of honour for Liverpool.

    “This collective research proves that events like Eurovision can transcend boundaries, leaving a legacy of inspiration and goodwill. It was a milestone moment in our city’s history, and now we’re more than ready for the next one.”

    Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:
    “There was never a doubt in my mind as to whether our region was up to the challenge of hosting a global spectacle like Eurovision on behalf of our friends in Ukraine – because nowhere does culture bigger or better than the Liverpool City Region. From the hundreds of thousands of visitors who flocked to our region for a fortnight of fun and frivolity, to the tens of millions around the world who tuned in, we gave millions of people a Eurovision they will never forget.

    “While that’s an incredible result in itself, the contest was also a vital shot in the arm for our local economy, bringing in more than £54m, creating thousands of jobs and opportunities for local people and showcasing our brand to an international audience. None of this would have been possible without the hard work of everyone who truly embraced the Eurovision spirit and made our visitors feel so welcome. I said all along that nowhere can throw a party quite like us – and now we have the results to prove it!”

    Liverpool’s Director of Culture, Claire McColgan CBE, said:

    “We experienced this Eurovision-high as a result of cultural back catalogue.

    “We have spent years working towards what we all experienced in May – we cut our teeth during our European Capital of Culture year and from that point we have grown exponentially in confidence and ability as year-on-year we continue to deliver events that rival any other on the world stage.

    “The pandemic was a real line in the sand for us, and undoubtedly Liverpool’s role in leading the charge on the reopening of venues nationwide made us stand out from the crowd – we are recognised as a city that can deliver unforgettable moments, safely, quickly and with a scouse panache that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else.

    “Quite simply, it was an honour to deliver Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine and the UK. I’ve never known time move so fast as it did across those seven months and it has been a real pleasure to digest these impact reports and relive the experience once again and reassure myself it wasn’t just a crazy dream! They underline the fact Liverpool has the skill, agency-wide teamwork and the creativity to deliver time and time again.

    “So I’d like to say to everyone – whether you worked on the event, donned those iconic yellow hoodies and volunteered, performed on stage or on our streets, danced at the Village, sang along at the arena or perhaps you discovered more about Ukraine in the classroom or even helped evaluate the event – thank you. You made Eurovision. Liverpool made Eurovision. We were all united by music.”

    Eurovision Minister Stuart Andrew said: 

    “It is fantastic to see the impact that hosting the Eurovision Song Contest has had on Liverpool. The city put on a fantastic display of culture and creativity, showing solidarity with our friends in Ukraine and highlighting what unites us all. 

    “This research demonstrates the positive impact of hosting major events and I hope that we can continue to build on this success.” 

    Tim Jones, the University of Liverpool’s Vice-Chancellor said:

    “Today’s announcement gives us much to be proud of. It was the University’s Heseltine Institute that compiled the data that this success is judged on and it was our academics who played an important role in carrying out a key strand of research. But as a civic institution, we are immensely proud of the city of Liverpool. Our city put on a show like no other and I am delighted to see these positive results that I’m sure will have a lasting legacy for those who live, work, study and do business here.”

    Rhiannon Corcoran, Professor of Psychology and Public Mental Health University of Liverpool said:

    “Our survey was designed to understand Eurovision’s impact on the wellbeing and sense of community of local residents. The data we collected shows overwhelmingly positive feelings of pride in the city. I’m sure many people will recognise and understand how this is hugely beneficial to wellbeing.” 

    Sue Jarvis, Co-Director at the Heseltine Institute said:

    “At the Heseltine Institute we were delighted to work with partners across the city to publish this summary of the comprehensive evaluation of what Eurovision achieved for our city.

    “Liverpool has a long history of hosting and learning from major events, and these evaluations will help developing understanding of the key lessons from Eurovision 2023.

    “While the full legacy will emerge over time, it was fantastic to see that the positive impacts of Eurovision exceeded expectations. Eurovision not only brought immense financial and cultural benefits to the city but also enhanced the view of Liverpool across the UK, Europe and the world.”

    Phil Harrold, BBC Chief of Staff and Chair of 2023 City Selection Group, said:
    “When the BBC selected Liverpool to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 we knew that the city would deliver with a passion and enthusiasm that was second to none. The incredible numbers proven in this research, coupled with our own record-breaking audience figures, demonstrate that 2023 was indeed the most successful Eurovision ever and is testament to all who played a part in bringing this year’s Song Contest to life.”

    Amy Finch – Head of Policy & Influencing, Spirit of 2012, said:

    “We are proud to see the headline statistics from the Eurovision evaluations show tremendous benefits for Liverpool. Particularly, we are delighted to see the amazing reach of EuroLearn and the effects of cultural engagement inspiring civic pride in Liverpool residents. Liverpool has once again proven itself to be a world class host city and we must ensure that the impact of Eurovision in communities will endure for years to come.”

    Dr Rebecca Phythian, Reader in Policing at Edge Hill University, said:

    “Having behind the scenes access to see first-hand the partnership working that goes into staging multi-agency operations like Eurovision was incredible. Since then, we’ve been working with practitioners from Merseyside Police, Culture Liverpool, BBC and many of the other organisations involved to identify what worked well and what could be done differently, all to inform future large-scale operations.”

    Mike Smith, Edge Hill University’s Senior Lecturer in Policing, said:

    “We found that trust and co-location were key to effective information sharing and multi-agency working. This was supported by building new, and strengthening existing, relationships, and ensured a joint understanding of risk and situational awareness.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council housing scheme opens door to local green space improvements

    Source: City of Leeds

    Green space in a Leeds community has been given a new and attractive lease of life thanks to a local council housing development.

    The Leeds City Council development, currently nearing completion at Brooklands Avenue in Seacroft, will provide a total of 33 high-quality homes for affordable rent.

    But the scheme – part of Leeds’s Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) – will not just have a positive impact on the lives of the people who move into the finished homes.

    Funding made available through the development has also been used to carry out improvements to existing green space close to Brooklands Avenue. Key elements of this work include:

    • The tidying of a woodland area that sits between Brooklands Avenue and Seacroft Village Green;
    • The planting of trees, shrubs and bulbs on two pieces of land next to The Green, a road which leads off Brooklands Avenue;
    • Enhancements to a footpath that runs between The Green and Redmire Drive.

    The improvements were carried out in partnership between the council and environmental charity Groundwork Yorkshire following consultation with residents and other regular users of the green space.

    And the difference that has been made to the area left two senior councillors hugely impressed when they paid a recent visit to Brooklands Avenue.

    Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, and Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, helped out with the planting of a tree during their visit.

    Funds generated by the Brooklands Avenue scheme and another council housing development in the Ambertons area of Gipton are also being used to improve the biodiversity of 1.14 hectares of amenity grassland near the Denbigh Heights and Denbigh Croft flats, off Wykebeck Valley Road. Work here has included the planting of native scrub, providing a variety of food sources and shelter for wildlife.

    Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said:

    “The Brooklands Avenue development illustrates how our successful Council Housing Growth Programme is continuing to deliver the kind of high-quality, affordable homes that can change lives for the better.

    “Homes are more than just bricks and mortar, they can add social value and vibrancy to existing communities. I was really pleased, therefore, to see the positive difference that this particular scheme has made to green space in the surrounding area.”

    Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said:

    “The work that has taken place at Brooklands Avenue and Wykebeck Valley Road is a great example of how the council, with support from residents and partners, can provide and enhance local green space.

    “Making our parks, fields, woods and footpaths as attractive and accessible as possible will encourage more and more people to use them and enjoy the benefits for health and wellbeing that come with spending time outdoors.”

    The Brooklands Avenue development will comprise 25 one-bedroom apartments – in a five-storey building named after Doris Storey, a Leeds swimming champion of the 1930s – and eight two and three-bedroom houses.

    The council is meeting most of the cost of the development, with additional support coming from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund.

    Around 700 homes have been built or acquired via Leeds’s CHGP since 2018, supporting ongoing efforts to ease local affordable housing pressures.

    By increasing the number of appropriate properties available to tenants looking to downsize, the programme has also helped free up some homes that are best suited to larger families.

    Places where new housing has recently been delivered by the CHGP include Barncroft Close in Seacroft and Scott Hall Drive in Chapel Allerton as well as a site in Middleton formerly occupied by Throstle Recreation Ground and Middleton Skills Centre.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Heroes of the SVO met with students of the Polytechnic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On February 28, the Polytechnic University hosted a “Conversation on the Important” on the topic “Heroes are not born – heroes become heroes”, dedicated to the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland in Russia. At a meeting with Polytechnic students, SVO participants, Heroes of Russia Andrei Sergeevich and Eduard Vadimovich told why they decided to become military men, shared their combat experience and answered questions.

    I am sure that this dialogue is very important for our youth, because it is in communication with real Heroes that an understanding of such values as love for the Motherland and the duty of a defender of the Fatherland is formed. This is also important for each of us, because this is how our national memory, our cultural code and “what no one can take away from us in any trials” are preserved and transmitted, – commented the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy.

    The meeting was attended by students from various SPbPU institutes, cadets of the Military Training Center and volunteers. The conversation was moderated by veteran of the unit Dmitry Vladimirovich. First, he introduced the guests – fighters of special forces units.

    Andrei Sergeevich and Eduard Vadimovich were awarded the gold Stars of Heroes of the Russian Federation. This is not their first award. During their combat path, they have repeatedly demonstrated courage, determination and were awarded state awards, – said Dmitry Vladimirovich.

    The participants of the meeting discussed the reasons for the start of the SVO, discussed in detail one of the recent offensive operations and its significance, and watched archival videos for better understanding. Active servicemen spoke about the work of the unit, the tasks that they faced, and shared their experience of working in the combat zone.

    Polytechnic students were interested in how to deal with fear and quickly make the right decisions in extreme circumstances.

    In such situations, the head works especially quickly, makes non-standard, maximally effective decisions based on some analytical and intuitive feelings. The relationship in the group is important, sometimes we understand each other without words, – the servicemen shared.

    The guys asked about weapons during missions, about how supplies and communications are provided when the military is surrounded by enemies, about helping comrades. Many questions were related to the operation of UAVs, their importance on the battlefield. The servicemen especially noted that technology is of great importance in modern conflicts.

    The students discussed with the military the importance of patriotic education and the preservation of traditional values. They asked what the main quality of a real man is.

    A cold mind and kindness. When, in any difficulties, you pull yourself together and do what you must, without thinking about your own interests, Andrey Sergeevich is sure.

    The participants discussed the importance of humanitarian aid in the SVO zone. The moderator of the meeting, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Social Sciences Ivan Kolomeitsev said that from the very beginning of the special military operation, the university has been actively supporting its participants, and also collecting and sending humanitarian aid to residents of new regions. The guests noted that the support of volunteers and caring people helps them a lot.

    We are very grateful to everyone for their contribution. The guys always greet the vehicles with humanitarian aid with enthusiasm, they are even happy about condensed milk, – said Eduard Vadimovich.

    The guys smiled when they heard about funny situations from the military personnel’s practice. And they became sad when the conversation turned to the wounded and the dead.

    Losing a comrade in arms is like losing a brother. You become imbued with his life, his family. It is very difficult to survive such a loss. But you have to continue to carry out the task, and you pull yourself together, – shared Andrei Sergeyevich.

    Those gathered honored the memory of the fallen with a minute of silence.

    After the conversation, the Polytechnic students got acquainted with samples of captured enemy UAVs, as well as ammunition and equipment. At the end of the meeting, the guests were presented with memorable gifts from the university as a sign of respect and gratitude for their invaluable contribution to the common cause.

    Photo archive

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Unlocking Investment for Greener, Resilient Cities

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Many of the positive impacts of urban trees and forests serve as vital public goods. However, the lack of traditional revenue streams and the indirect nature of their economic benefits make them challenging to fund through conventional project finance mechanisms.

    Join us on 13 March 2025 for our latest webinar: “Unlocking Investment for Greener, Resilient Cities.”

    In this session, we will:

    • Explore the economic, social, and environmental benefits that urban trees and forests contribute to sustainable development, climate action, biodiversity, and land restoration.
    • Examine the financing needs to support these benefits throughout the entire lifecycle of urban forests, from planning and tree planting to long-term maintenance and monitoring.
    • Introduce actionable financing mechanisms, including green bonds, carbon credits, biodiversity credits, municipal finance instruments, and public-private partnerships, that can be utilized to fund the maintenance, restoration, and expansion of urban trees and forests.
    • Discuss how to design innovative financing concepts for urban forests and explore opportunities to integrate these concepts into broader urban development initiatives.

    This webinar will provide:

    • Insights into how urban trees and forests can be meaningfully integrated into urban development projects.
    • Examples of financing approaches and mechanisms that can support the planning, implementation, and long-term management of urban trees and forests.

    This webinar is designed for:

    • Investors, funders, project developers, national and city leaders, planners, and all stakeholders interested in financing urban nature-based solutions.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Volatus Aerospace and Draganfly Expand Collaboration to Service High-Value Geospatial Power Utility Customers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Toronto, ON and Saskatoon, SK, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSXV: FLT) (OTCQX:TAKOF) (Frankfurt: ABB) (“Volatus”) and Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly”) announced today a strategic collaboration to address rapidly growing global demand for the automation and digitization of geospatial data collection and analysis solutions for Utility Infrastructure. This teaming agreement builds on the previously announced collaboration agreement, harnessing Volatus’ operational and regulatory capabilities, advanced sensor technology and Draganfly’s advanced product, engineering, and integration capabilities.

    This expanded collaboration will engage high-profile global power and infrastructure providers to enhance efficiency and safety in power utility solutions. By combining Volatus’ extensive experience in power utility inspections and right of way management with Draganfly’s product and engineering capabilities, the partnership is positioned to offer a strong competitive advantage to support large Enterprise clients looking for an advanced end to end solution.

    “As the demand for drone-based solutions continues to increase in multiple sectors, strategic collaborations are a key enabler to meet the diverse needs of clients without introducing unnecessary commercial risk,” Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, stated. “Industries need more than products, they need solutions. By combining Draganfly’s advanced product platform with Volatus’ deep domain expertise and operational and regulatory capabilities, we can provide clients with a complete solution to their challenges.”

    “Partnering with Volatus Aerospace allows us to incorporate our advanced product platform of multiple interoperable drones into a complete solution for power utilities,” Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly, commented. “The power utility industry is increasingly seeking advanced, safe, and efficient data acquisition methods, something we have designed from the ground up. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the complex demands of today’s power utilities while enhancing our market reach.”

    In a recent report, MarketsandMarkets estimates that the global market for utility asset management, which includes inspection services among other components, is projected to grow to USD 4.09 billion by 2026. This growth is driven by the increasing investments in grid modernization activities, the need for efficient and reliable power supply, and the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.

    The collaboration is expected to deliver enhanced value to an identified client(s) that will ultimately contribute to the modernization of infrastructure management.

    About Volatus Aerospace Inc.

    Volatus Aerospace is a leader in innovative global aerial solutions for intelligence and cargo. With a strong foundation of over 100 years of combined institutional knowledge in aviation, Volatus provides comprehensive solutions using both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). We serve industries such as oil and gas, utilities, healthcare, and public safety. Our mission is to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability through cutting-edge, real-world solutions.

    About Draganfly Inc.

    Draganfly Inc. is a pioneer in drone technology and systems, providing quality, cutting-edge UAV solutions, software, and AI systems to revolutionize operations across public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections, defense, and surveying. With over 24 years of innovation, Draganfly is recognized for its commitment to ingenuity, first-class service, and the ability to save time, money, and lives.

    For more information on Draganfly, please visit www.Draganfly.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding: (i) the anticipated benefits of, and estimated revenue to be generated by, the collaboration agreement; (ii) the business plans and expectations of the Company; and (iii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial, and economic data and operating plans, strategies, or beliefs of management as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Company, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the anticipated benefits and revenues of the agreement to Draganfly; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV and Draganfly meeting the continued listing requirements of the Canadian Securities Exchange and the Nasdaq; and including, but not limited to, those factors set forth in the Company’s Annual Information Form under the section “Risk Factors” and Draganfly’s most recent filings in accordance with securities regulations in Canada on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

    None of the Canadian Securities Exchange, TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) or the Nasdaq accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    TSXV: FLT

    Media Contacts

    Danielle Gagne
    Head of Marketing and Communications, Volatus Aerospace
    +1 833-865-2887
    Danielle.gagne@volatusaerospace.comErika Racicot
    Public Relations, Draganfly
    media@draganfly.com
    Company Contact Email: info@draganfly.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC – 28 02 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 28 FEBRUARY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.375p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 8,998,005 1.1354    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 8,998,005 1.1354    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.375p ORDINARY SALE 2,500 99.2182p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 03 MARCH 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/THAILAND – Apostles among Burmese refugees, the Capuchin Friars bring food and spiritual comfort

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Ofm cap Thailand

    Chiang Mai (Agenzia Fides) – In the Thai parish of Mae Teng, in the diocese of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, 350 Burmese Catholics belonging to the Kayaw, Kayah and Kayan tribes have found refuge. In recent days, the death of a little girl from the Kayaw tribe, whose parents did not know who to turn to for her funeral, has drawn the attention of the Capuchin Franciscan friars who work there. Brother Denchai, Brother Alshem Anuchit Sombunpoolpeume and Brother André Thaweedet Sawanphaophan welcomed the family, celebrated the funeral rite, and offered them comfort and support in their grief. Now, the Capuchin friars have established a bond with the refugees and begun to visit their villages and settlements to better understand their needs and offer them material and spiritual support.The men of these tribes, the brothers report, are engaged in training elephants, while the women sell crafts to visitors. However, their economic situation remains precarious: they are mostly illegal immigrants, without official residence and work permits, and they lack rights, like thousands of other Burmese refugees who have fled the conflict and are not recognized by the Thai government.The Franciscans are committed to providing food, medicine and other essential goods, but they also guarantee a supportive presence that is not secondary: spiritual, through liturgical celebrations, sacraments and human closeness, based on authentic fraternity. These elements are as important as material food, sometimes even more so, as they bring peace and hope to afflicted hearts.Now, the friars plan to organize an educational course for 45 children and young people who cannot pay school fees. At the same time, they are looking for resources to buy medicines and cover medical care, something these families cannot afford with the little they manage to earn. To respond to their needs, the Capuchin Missionary Centre in Milan has also been mobilized, with its director, Friar Giovanni Cropelli, who wants to take advantage of the favourable time of Lent to raise awareness among the faithful about charity and to support these needs. “These refugees – he notes – are part of the so-called “ghost towns”, which are not recognized in any way by the State. Without civil identity, they have no access to medical care, education or any public service. They are in a state of extreme need”. He adds that “among them, there is an even more disadvantaged minority, the community of Catholic refugees, who, fleeing the civil war, have left behind their home, their relatives, their memories and their roots”. Forced emigration is a consequence of the deep political, social, economic and humanitarian crisis that followed the military coup in February 2021, aggravated by the civil war, which has created more than 3.5 million internally displaced persons and thousands of people crossing the border into neighbouring Thailand.The Thai government has tried to curb this phenomenon through repatriation policies, creating detention camps for migrants or refugee camps guarded by the police, without allowing refugees to integrate into society. In 2024, the repatriation policy resulted in the detention of nearly 200,000 Myanmar citizens. As the war in Burma continues, with the compulsory recruitment law enacted by the Burmese junta, many young people continue to try to leave the country, choosing Thailand as their destination. Some enroll in schools, universities and study courses, applying for residence visas as students; for others, the only way is clandestinely, in the hope of finding work and regularizing their situation. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 3/3/2025)

    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – Rebel movement M23 is said to be responsible for the attack in Bukavu

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “According to credible witnesses, the two explosions that hit the crowd in Bukavu are attributable to the M23,” a local source from the capital of the Congolese province of South Kivu tells Fides.On February 27, at the end of a rally organized by Corneille Nanga, coordinator of the Congo River Alliance (the political wing of the M23), two hand grenades exploded on the Place de l’Indépendance, leaving 13 dead and a hundred injured. The double attack was attributed by the M23 on the authorities in Kinshasa, but there were at least three versions of who was supposedly responsible for the massacre (see Fides, 27/2/2025). Now our source, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, reconstructs the events as follows: “According to a witness who was wounded in the double attack, at the end of the speech by the ‘new authorities’ on the Place de l’Indépendance, an invitation was made to the young people to join the M23; then, while most of the bystanders left the square, some young people began to shout: ‘Rwandans, go back to your homes’. This angered the M23 militiamen who were present to guard the event. In particular, militiamen were positioned in two small trucks on opposite sides of the square. A hand grenade was thrown from one of the trucks, causing the first victims. On the other side of the square, a second grenade was thrown from the other truck, causing more deaths and injuries. At least one person was hit in the head and is now in a coma.””The fact that the M23 was responsible for the massacre,” our source continues, “is confirmed by the fact that the area of the two explosions was immediately surrounded by militiamen who prevented the fragments from being collected. The next day, the square was perfectly clean, without any trace of the bombs or the blood of the victims.” The Fides source adds that the security situation in Bukavu remains precarious. “There are still many deaths in the city because, in the absence of the police and the prison (which was set on fire when the city was taken, see Fides, 20/2/2025), people resort to the so-called ‘popular justice’ to defend themselves against crimes. This has already happened before with thieves and robbers; Fearing that if they were handed over to the police they would be released and then return to take revenge on those who had denounced them, some preferred to resort to a quicker form of justice by killing and burning thieves and robbers. On February 27 alone, five people accused of various robberies were found murdered in a district of the city. This is the situation of a population left to its own devices.” Finally, according to our source, “the so-called ‘Wazalendo’, the local self-defense militias, are reorganizing themselves after the regular army soldiers fled.” “According to the testimonies collected, on March 1, an M23 formation was ambushed by the Wazalendo near Minova. There are reports of around 50 deaths among the M23. The fighting these days is concentrated in the Nyangesi area, a strategic point on the road from Bukavu to the plain. However, the M23 is located in Kamaniola, while the Wazalendo are stationed in a nearby town.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 3/3/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Magadh Central Co-operative Bank Limited, Bihar

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 27, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.00 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on The Magadh Central Co-operative Bank Limited, Bihar (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and examination of additional submissions made by it, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had failed to put in place a system of carrying out periodic review of risk categorisation of accounts at least once in six months.

    This action is based on deficiency in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2292

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SLC announces new Glasgow apprenticeships during Scottish Apprenticeship Week

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    SLC announces new Glasgow apprenticeships during Scottish Apprenticeship Week

    SLC announces 12 new Glasgow apprenticeships during Scottish Apprenticeship Week

    To mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3-7 March), the Student Loans Company (SLC) has announced it is recruiting 12 new apprentices in Glasgow.

    Applications for the Student Finance Officer (SFO) Apprenticeships are now open, and successful candidates will be based in the Hillington office within the Customer Operations team.

    The 12–18-month programme will start on 30th June and is being delivered in conjunction with education provider, Babbington. Apprentices will work towards will work towards a SCQF level 6 in Business and Administration.

    SLC supports students across the UK to invest in their futures and unlock their potential by administering loans and grants to students in universities and colleges across the UK. The new SFO apprentices will be at the heart of this operation, supporting customers through their student finance journeys and helping to process around 1.5million applications each year.

    Jackie Currie, Executive Director of Customer Operations at SLC said: “It’s fantastic to be launching our latest apprentice search during Scottish Apprenticeship Week. The theme for the week is ‘Made for Business’ and I’m proud of the role that SLC plays in developing the talent of the future, through our apprenticeship programmes. 

    “I’m looking forward to welcoming our new apprentices to the Customer Operations Team this summer and would urge people across Glasgow and the surrounding area to apply. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work and gain experience within a large public sector organisation and achieve a recognised qualification at the same time.”

    SLC currently has 29 apprentices working across all areas of the organisation, with many former apprentices continuing to progress their careers with SLC after completing their qualification.

    For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/student-loans-company-hub/.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bridge Specialty Group completes the acquisition of NBS Insurance Agency, Inc., announces new brand name—introducing LocalEdge

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bridge Specialty Group (“BSG”) today announced the completion of the previously announced acquisition of the insurance operations of NBS Insurance Agency, Inc. (operating as “Nationwide Brokerage Solutions” or “NBS”). The acquisition only includes NBS Insurance Agency, Inc. and no other Nationwide affiliated companies.

    In conjunction with the close of this transaction, Bridge Specialty Group is pleased to announce that NBS is beginning a new chapter by introducing its new brand name, LocalEdge, ushering in a new chapter in excellence and custom solutions.

    Ted Stuckey, president of LocalEdge, shared, “This change represents more than just a rebranding; it underscores our commitment to delivering unmatched service and customized solutions that our agents have come to expect. Under the LocalEdge banner, agents will continue to benefit from the same great team, specialization and resources they rely on, now enhanced as we join the Bridge Specialty Group team.”

    “It is a very exciting time for our collective Bridge Specialty Group and LocalEdge team. This is only the start of our journey together, and we look forward to further introducing our new teammates to our culture and leveraging the added and enhanced specializations of LocalEdge alongside our existing capabilities,” stated Anurag Batta, chief operating officer for BSG.

    The LocalEdge name will be implemented across communications, tools and resources in the coming weeks and months. Despite these changes, the team’s dedication to serving customers and helping them grow their businesses seamlessly remains steadfast.

    About Bridge Specialty Group, LLC

    Bridge Specialty Group is a leading global insurance wholesaler with access to over 230 admitted, excess and surplus lines and Lloyd’s markets that support our nearly $7 billion premium book. With more than 50 locations and 2,000+ teammates throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Asia, Bridge Specialty Group holds market recognition that enables us to connect retail partners with tailored insurance solutions through our specific practice groups including property, casualty, environmental, executive risk, farm & ranch, personal lines, public entity, transportation and workers’ compensation.

    This press release may contain certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements, including those associated with this acquisition. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only Brown & Brown’s current belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Brown & Brown’s control. It is possible that Brown & Brown’s actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Further information concerning Brown & Brown and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect Brown & Brown’s financial results and condition, as well as its other achievements, is contained in Brown & Brown’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such factors include those factors relevant to Brown & Brown’s consummation and integration of the announced acquisition, including any matters analyzed in the due diligence process and material adverse changes in the business and financial condition of the seller, the buyer, or both, and their respective customers. All forward-looking statements made herein are made only as of the date of this release, and Brown & Brown does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur or of which Brown & Brown hereafter becomes aware.

    For more information:

    Steve Boyd
    President, Bridge Specialty Group
    (760) 710-6865

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitfarms Provides February 2025 Production and Operations Update  

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Operational hashrate of 16.1 EH/s –
    – Acquisition of Stronghold Digital Mining & sale of Yguazu site on track for Q1 2025 close –
    -Appoints Craig Hibbard to SVP of Infrastructure-

    This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s second amended and restated prospectus supplement dated December 17, 2024, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated November 10, 2023.

    TORONTO, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (NASDAQ/TSX: BITF), a global Bitcoin and vertically integrated data center company, today issued its latest monthly production report. All financial references are in U.S. dollars.

    CEO Ben Gagnon stated, “We are on track to close our acquisition of Stronghold Digital Mining (“Stronghold”) following the recent successful shareholder vote which Stronghold shareholders voted overwhelmingly in support. Combined with the strategic sale of our 200 MW Yguazu, Paraguay data center, also on track for a Q1 2025 close, these accretive transactions will improve our energy portfolio and transform Bitfarms into a North American energy and compute infrastructure company with lower-cost energy and high-quality assets, suitable for both HPC/AI and Bitcoin mining.

    “In addition, I am thrilled to welcome our new SVP of Infrastructure, Craig Hibbard. Craig joins us from Mawson Infrastructure Group where he was Chief Development Officer. He has over 25 years of experience leading large-scale real estate development projects, including the recent rapid design and construction of over 200 MW of digital infrastructure for a U.S. firm specializing in digital assets and HPC/AI. Based in Pennsylvania, Craig will play a critical role in managing infrastructure development for our rapidly expanding PJM portfolio and advancing our HPC/AI business.”

    SVP of Global Mining Operations Alex Brammer said, “During February we grew our operational hashrate 6% to 16.1 EH/s and grew our average operational hashrate 20% to 13.4 EH/s, achieving new all-time highs in three out of four countries. This growth will continue as we deploy miners in the U.S. and Argentina and optimize performance across all of our data centers.”

    February 2025 Select Operating Highlights

    Key Performance Indicators February 2025 January 2025
    Total BTC earned 213 201
    Month End Operating EH/s 16.1 15.2
    BTC/Avg. EH/s 16 18
    Average Operating EH/s 13.4 11.2
    Energized Capacity (MW) 437 437
    Hydropower (MW) 256 256
    Watts/Terahash Efficiency (w/TH) 20 20
    BTC Sold 75 42
    • 16.1 EH/s operational at February 28, 2025, up 6% M/M.
    • 13.4 EH/s average operational, up 20% M/M.
    • 16 BTC/average EH/s, 11% lower M/M.
    • 213 BTC earned, 6% higher M/M.
    • 7.6 BTC earned daily on average, equal to ~$638,400 per day based on a BTC price of $84,000 at February 28, 2025.

    February 2025 Financial Update

    • Sold 75 of the 213 BTC earned as part of the Company’s regular treasury management practice for total proceeds of $6.5 million.
    • Added 108 BTC, bringing Treasury to 1,260 BTC, up from 1,152 BTC last month and representing $105.8 million based on the Bitcoin price of $84,000 at February 28, 2025. This includes the transfer of 30 BTC to a third party as collateral for active option contracts during the month.

    Upcoming Conferences and Events

    • March 12, 2025: Cantor Fitzgerald Global Technology Conference (NYC)
    • March 17-18, 2025: 37th Annual ROTH Conference (Dana Point, CA)

    About Bitfarms Ltd.

    Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a global vertically integrated Bitcoin data center company that sells its computational power to one or more mining pools from which it receives payment in Bitcoin. Bitfarms develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated mining facilities with in-house management and company-owned electrical engineering, installation service, and multiple onsite technical repair centers.

    Bitfarms currently has 13 operating Bitcoin data centers, as well as hosting agreements with two data centers, in four countries: Canada, the United States, Paraguay, and Argentina. Powered predominantly by environmentally friendly hydro-electric and long-term power contracts, Bitfarms is committed to using sustainable and often underutilized energy infrastructure.

    To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:

    www.bitfarms.com
    https://www.facebook.com/bitfarms/
    https://twitter.com/Bitfarms_io
    https://www.instagram.com/bitfarms/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitfarms/

    Glossary of Terms

    • Y/Y or M/M= year over year or month over month
    • BTC or BTC/day = Bitcoin or Bitcoin per day
    • EH or EH/s = Exahash or exahash per second
    • MW or MWh = Megawatts or megawatt hour
    • GW or GWh= Gigawatts or gigawatt hour
    • w/TH = Watts/Terahash efficiency (includes cost of powering supplementary equipment)
    • HPC/AI = High Performance Computing / Artificial Intelligence
    • Energized capacity= Power available
    • Operational capacity= Power and infrastructure being used for current operations
    • PJM= Pennsylvania- New Jersey- Maryland Interconnection LLC

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are covered by safe harbors under Canadian and United States securities laws. The statements and information in this release regarding projected growth, target hashrate, opportunities relating to the Company’s geographical diversification and expansion, the merits of the rebalancing operations to North America and projected growth, the North American energy and compute infrastructure strategy, deployment of miners as well as the timing therefor, closing of the Stronghold acquisition on a timely basis and on the terms as announced, the positive impact of the Stronghold acquisition and the ability to gain access to additional electrical power and grow hashrate of the Stronghold business, the sale of the Yguazu, Paraguay Site and the reinvestment of the proceeds of the sale for growth, opportunities relating to the potential of the Company’s data centers for HPC/AI, performance of the plants and equipment upgrades and the impact on operating capacity including the target hashrate and multi-year expansion capacity, the opportunities to leverage Bitfarms’ proven expertise to successfully enhance energy efficiency and hashrate, the benefits of diversification and other statements regarding future growth, plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking information. Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “prospects”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information.

    This forward-looking information is based on assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time they were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to: the construction and operation of the Company’s facilities may not occur as currently planned, or at all; there is no guarantee that the Company will be able to complete the acquisition of Stronghold Digital Mining, Inc. or the sale of the Yguazu, Paraguay Site on the terms as announced, or at all; expansion may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; the anticipated merits of the HPC/AI strategy, the benefits and programs of the PJM deregulated market and the objectives of diversification in general may not be realized as planned; efforts to improve and optimize the performance of equipment may not be successful; the digital currency market; the ability to successfully mine digital currency; revenue may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; it may not be possible to profitably liquidate the current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on operations; an increase in network difficulty may have a significant negative impact on operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; the anticipated growth and sustainability of hydroelectricity for the purposes of cryptocurrency mining in the applicable jurisdictions; the inability to maintain reliable and economical sources of power for the Company to operate cryptocurrency mining assets; the risks of an increase in the Company’s electricity costs, cost of natural gas, changes in currency exchange rates, energy curtailment or regulatory changes in the energy regimes in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates and the adverse impact on the Company’s profitability; future capital needs and the ability to complete current and future financings, including Bitfarms’ ability to utilize an at-the-market offering program ( “ATM Program”) and the prices at which securities may be sold in such ATM Program, as well as capital market conditions in general; share dilution resulting from an ATM Program and from other equity issuances; the risk that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting could result in a misstatement of the Company’s financial position that may lead to a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements if not prevented or detected on a timely basis; any regulations or laws that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business; historical prices of digital currencies and the ability to mine digital currencies that will be consistent with historical prices; and the adoption or expansion of any regulation or law that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business, or make it more costly to do so. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca (which are also available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov), including the restated MD&A for the year-ended December 31, 2023, filed on December 9, 2024. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including factors that are currently unknown to or deemed immaterial by the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law . Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any other securities exchange or regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Additional Information about the Stronghold Acquisition and Where to Find It

    This communication relates to a proposed merger between Stronghold and Bitfarms. In connection with the proposed merger, Bitfarms has filed the registration statement with the SEC. After the registration statement is declared effective, Stronghold will mail the proxy statement/prospectus to its shareholders. This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus or any other relevant documents Bitfarms and Stronghold has filed or will file with the SEC. Investors are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus (including all amendments and supplements thereto) and other relevant documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety if and when they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed merger and related matters.

    Investors may obtain free copies of the registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed by Bitfarms and Stronghold with the SEC, when they become available, through the website maintained by the SEC at www sec.gov. Copies of the documents may also be obtained for free from Bitfarms by contacting Bitfarms’ Investor Relations Department at investors@bitfarms.com and from Stronghold by contacting Stronghold’s Investor Relations Department at SDIG@gateway-grp.com.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, sell or solicit any securities or any proxy, vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be deemed to be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

    Participants in Solicitation Relating to the Stronghold Acquisition

    Bitfarms, Stronghold, their respective directors and certain of their respective executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Stronghold’s shareholders in respect of the proposed merger. In connection with the proposed merger, Bitfarms has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 on December 19, 2024, which includes a proxy statement of Stronghold that also constitutes a prospectus of Bitfarms. This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed merger. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants, including their respective interests by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed merger if and when they become available. These documents are available free of charge on the SEC’s website and from Bitfarms using the sources indicated above.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Bitfarms
    Tracy Krumme
    SVP, Head of IR & Corp. Comms.
    +1 786-671-5638
    tkrumme@bitfarms.com

    Media Contact: 

    Bitfarms
    Caroline Brady Baker 
    Director, Communications   
    cbaker@bitfarms.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. Announces Changes to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. (TSXV: NXH, OTC: NXHSF) (“Next Hydrogen” or the “Company”), announced today the appointment of Adarsh Mehta to the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). Ms. Mehta will fill the vacancy on the Board resulting from the resignation of Mr. Matthew Fairlie, who resigned from the Board effective January 15, 2025.

    Ms. Mehta is VP of Business Development for Jenner Renewable Consulting. For the past 22 years Ms. Mehta has played a pivotal role in the growth of renewable energy, leading technical reviews, due diligence, and development for over 2,500 megawatts of wind and solar energy projects across North and South America. She served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) from 2008 to 2015, becoming Chairperson in 2011, where she was instrumental in advancing Canada’s wind energy sector.

    “As Next Hydrogen accelerates its position as a large-scale green hydrogen solution provider, we are excited to welcome Adarsh to our board,” said Allan MacKensie, Chairperson of Next Hydrogen. “Her extensive experience in renewable energy, project development, and industry advocacy will be invaluable as we scale our technology and commercialization efforts.”

    “I am thrilled to join Next Hydrogen at such a transformative time,” said Adarsh Mehta. “Green hydrogen is a critical pillar in the global transition to clean energy, and Next Hydrogen is well-positioned to be a leader in this space. I look forward to contributing to the company’s growth and impact.”

    About Next Hydrogen

    Founded in 2007, Next Hydrogen is a designer and manufacturer of electrolyzers that use water and electricity as inputs to generate clean hydrogen for use as an energy source. Next Hydrogen’s unique cell design architecture supported by 40 patents enables high current density operations and superior dynamic response to efficiently convert intermittent renewable electricity into green hydrogen on an infrastructure scale. Following successful pilots, Next Hydrogen is scaling up its technology to deliver commercial solutions to decarbonize transportation and industrial sectors.

    Contact Information

    Raveel Afzaal, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc.
    Email: rafzaal@nexthydrogen.com
    Phone: 647-961-6620

    www.nexthydrogen.com

    Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Notice regarding forward-looking statements:

    Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “continue”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Forward-looking statements in this press release are based on the current expectations of management of Next Hydrogen. Actual events and conditions could differ materially from those expressed or implied in this press release as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Next Hydrogen, including risks regarding the industry in which Next Hydrogen operates, economic factors, the equity markets generally and risks associated with growth and competition. Additional risk factors are also set forth in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis and other filings available via the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR Plus) under Next Hydrogen’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify certain factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be taken as guaranteed. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, readers should not place any undue reliance on forward looking information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CareCloud Reignites Acquisition Strategy with MesaBilling Acquisition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOMERSET, N.J., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CareCloud, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CCLD, CCLDO, CCLDP), a leader in healthcare technology and AI-driven solutions, is back in acquisition mode— and ready to redefine the future of revenue cycle management.

    The Company today announced the successful acquisition of Mesa, LLC, d/b/a MesaBilling, marking its first deal in a renewed push for aggressive expansion. Finalized on February 28, 2025, this acquisition, though very small, sets the stage for a dynamic new era of strategic growth, reinforcing CareCloud’s position at the forefront of the healthcare billing industry.

    “Partnering with CareCloud presents an incredible opportunity for our clients to access a broader range of services and cutting-edge AI-powered technology,” said Marc Dobberstein, Managing Member of MesaBilling. “I have no doubt this collaboration will unlock significant value and drive even greater success for our clients.”

    CareCloud’s Co-CEO Stephen Snyder echoed this enthusiasm, “Strategic acquisitions have been a cornerstone of CareCloud’s success, and today, we’re reigniting that momentum. The healthcare industry is evolving at lightning speed, and we’re positioning CareCloud to lead the charge. This acquisition, though very modest in size, marks the beginning of what we envision as an exciting wave of strategic acquisitions, impactful partnerships, and unprecedented growth.”

    Between 2012 and 2022, CareCloud built an empire, executing more than 20 acquisitions and achieving a staggering >30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). After a brief pause in deal-making since Q2 2021, the Company is now shifting back into high gear—starting with MesaBilling.

    CareCloud’s renewed focus on acquisitions comes at a time when medical practices are increasingly seeking streamlined, tech-enabled solutions for financial management. By leveraging its proprietary technology, including AI-powered revenue cycle management and automation tools, CareCloud plans to scale its platform to serve an even broader network of healthcare providers. 

    About CareCloud

    CareCloud brings disciplined innovation to the business of healthcare. Our suite of AI and technology-enabled solutions helps clients increase financial and operational performance, streamline clinical workflows and improve the patient experience. More than 40,000 providers count on CareCloud to help them improve patient care, while reducing administrative burdens and operating costs. Learn more about our products and services, including revenue cycle management (RCM), practice management (PM), electronic health records (EHR), business intelligence, patient experience management (PXM) and digital health at www.carecloud.com.

    To listen to video presentations by CareCloud’s management team, read recent press releases and view our latest investor presentation, please visit https://ir.carecloud.com/videos.

    Follow CareCloud on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of operations or future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “could,” “intends,” “expects,” “plans,” “goals,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “predicts,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.

    Our operations involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially affect our results of operations and whether the forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements reflecting management’s expectations for future financial performance and operating expenditures, expected growth, profitability and business outlook, the impact of pandemics on our financial performance and business activities, and the expected results from the integration of our acquisitions.

    These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our (or our industry’s) actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of the risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s ability to manage growth, migrate newly acquired customers and retain new and existing customers, maintain cost-effective global operations, increase operational efficiency and reduce operating costs, predict and properly adjust to changes in reimbursement and other industry regulations and trends, retain the services of key personnel, develop new technologies, upgrade and adapt legacy and acquired technologies to work with evolving industry standards, compete with other companies’ products and services competitive with ours, and other important risks and uncertainties referenced and discussed under the heading titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligations to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

    SOURCE CareCloud

    Company Contact:

    Norman Roth
    Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller
    CareCloud, Inc.
    nroth@carecloud.com

    Investor Contact:

    Stephen Snyder
    Co-Chief Executive Officer
    CareCloud, Inc.
    ir@carecloud.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Schools agreement provides NSW $4.8 billion extra for public schools over a decade

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The Albanese government has signed up New South Wales to its new schools funding agreement, with an extra A$4.8 billion in funding for the state’s public schools over ten years.

    Queensland remains the only state still to join the agreement, which ties federal funding to schools to specific measures, such as phonics checks and teacher training. The federal government is working hard to finalise a deal with that state before going into caretaker mode for the election.

    The federal government has been negotiating with states and territories over a new schools funding deal for more than 12 months.

    NSW has been among states asking for a 5% increase in funds, while the federal government was initially only offering 2.5%. In January 2025, Victoria and South Australia successfully negotiated for a 5% increase from the federal government, leaving NSW and Queensland as the only two states without a deal ahead of a new school year.

    The Commonwealth and NSW governments said in a statement that under the NSW deal, the federal government will provide an extra 5% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS).

    This would lift the federal contribution from 20% to 25% of the SRS by 2034. It follows the NSW government delivering an election commitment to reach 75% of the SRS by 2025.

    The 2011 Gonski review recommended all schools receive a minimum level of funding, called the SRS, with additional funds based on need. In 2025 the estimated SRS amounts are $13,977 for primary school students and $17,565 for secondary school students.

    Under the new national agreement all states would reach the full SRS funding in a decade, although at different paces. A lot of the fine print has still to be negotiated.

    NSW has committed to removing the 4% provision of indirect school costs such as capital depreciation, so NSW schools would be fully funded over the life of the agreement.

    This national agreement ties the funding to teaching and other reforms. These include more individualised support for students, continuing evidence-based teaching practices, and more mental health and wellbeing support for schools.

    The two governments said: “This is not a blank cheque. The agreement will be accompanied by a NSW Bilateral Agreement, which ties funding to reforms that will help students catch up, keep up and finish school”.

    These include

    • Year 1 phonics and early years of schooling numeracy checks to identify those needing more help

    • evidence-based teaching and targeted and intensive supports such as small-group or catch-up tutoring

    • wellbeing initiatives, including greater access to mental health professionals

    • access to high-quality and evidence-based professional learning, and

    • initiatives to attract and retain teachers.

    The federal-state agreements incorporate national targets. These include improving NAPLAN reading and numeracy proficiency; increasing NAPLAN outcomes for priority equity cohorts; boosting student attendance; increasing the engagement rate of teacher education students, and raising the proportion of students successfully completing year 12.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “every dollar of this funding will go into helping children learn”.

    Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said: “This will help more than 780,000 kids in more than 2,200 public schools. This is real funding tied to real reforms to help students catch up, keep up and finish school.”

    Premier Chris Minns said: “We’ve seen a 40% reduction in teacher vacancies since we came to government, but we know there’s still more to do. This investment is vital as we work to lift education standards across the state by ensuring there is a qualified, dedicated teacher at the front of the classroom.”

    The Coalition has been critical of the time it has taken for the Albanese government to finalise the funding deal.

    In January, opposition education spokeswoman Sarah Henderson said Clare had “failed to get the job done”. She noted students in NSW and Queensland “continue to pay the price”.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Schools agreement provides NSW $4.8 billion extra for public schools over a decade – https://theconversation.com/schools-agreement-provides-nsw-4-8-billion-extra-for-public-schools-over-a-decade-251255

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Message from the Director of World Heritage, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, for World Wildlife Day 2025

    Source: United Nations

    Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre (WHC), shares a message for World Wildlife Day 2025.

    Today, World Wildlife Day is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect and conserve biodiversity. Around the globe, countless plant and animal species face unprecedented threats, with many on the brink of extinction. This includes some of the rarest and most extraordinary species that inhabit sites protected under the World Heritage Convention.

    UNESCO World Heritage sites exemplify our cultural treasures and the most outstanding natural places. They protect over a fifth of the planet’s mapped species richness.

    World Heritage sites include the mangrove ecosystems of the Sundarbans in Bangladesh and India, home to the largest remaining population of the Bengal tiger. The Rainforests of the Atsinanana in Madagascar and Manú National Park in Peru, are among the most biodiverse places on Earth. World Heritage sites also show how wildlife conservation supports livelihoods and promotes sustainable socio-economic development.

    However, the extraordinary biodiversity found in UNESCO World Heritage sites must be protected from threats such as overexploitation and illegal wildlife trade. To combat these threats, UNESCO and site managers work closely with CITES and other key actors. We need all hands on deck. To protect these irreplaceable places, it is crucial to give site managers the financial resources they need to sustain the rich life these sites support.

    On this World Wildlife Day, I urge everyone to look for innovative financial solutions that will allow wild species of plants and animals to thrive for generations to come. Together, we can ensure the survival of wildlife and the preservation of the planet’s natural wonders.

    Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of World Heritage

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Public help sought to identify Summer 2024 disorder suspects

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Police are working with Crimewatch Live to help identify those suspected of taking part in last year’s summer disorder.

    Two episodes of the famous BBC produced programme will feature videos and images of suspects committing the most serious offences, with the first airing today (Monday 3 March).

    Members of the public can also visit a new website to look through the images themselves, and submit information that they may have to the relevant police force: https://www.police.uk/disorder-appeal

    As always, those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111or give information online.

    Police forces across the country remain committed to delivering swift justice to those involved in the summer disorder, and as of 22 January 2025, 1,804 arrests have been made, and with the Crown Prosecution Service, 1,072 charges brought so far, with the highest volume occurring in the north and centre of England, primarily for serious public order offences.

    This work has seen criminal justice outcomes delivered across all types of criminality, including arson, riot and assault, with prison sentences for some of the most serious cases, some as long as nine years.

    Suspects who have not yet been identified have not escaped justice; we are not stopping in our pursuit of them, and forces are consistently finding new ways to ascertain who they are, and to bring them in for questioning.

    If you were at any of these incidents and recognise yourself in any of the images, it is in your interest to do the right thing and contact the police. 

    ACC Ian Drummond-Smith of Operation Navette, the national policing response to the summer disorder, said:

    “I’m grateful for the support shown by everyone at BBC Crimewatch Live in seeing this appeal come to fruition. We have selected the most violent and serious offences to feature in the program, alongside a larger gallery of wanted people published today on our website. Partnership work like this is a great example of how the public can help us to progress investigations and ensure that offenders face justice.

    “I would urge everyone to watch these episodes of Crimewatch Live, and to carefully explore our website to see if you recognise any of the suspects.  We know some people travelled great distances to take part in the disorder, so I’d urge you to review the images even if there was no disorder in your area.

    “Working with the CPS, and others in the criminal justice system, we are committed to bringing these offenders to justice keep our communities kept safe”.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Message of the Holy Father to participants in the General Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life

    Source: The Holy See

    Message of the Holy Father to participants in the General Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life, 03.03.2025
    The following is the Message sent by the Holy Father Francis to the participants in the General Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life, on the theme: “The End of the World? Crises, Responsibilities, Hopes”, taking place from 3 to 5 March at the Conference Centre of the Augustinianum:
     
    Message of the Holy Father
    The End of the world? Crises, Responsibilities, Hopes
    Dear Academicians,
    It is always a pleasure for me to address the women and men of science, as well as those in the Church who cultivate dialogue with the scientific world. Together you can serve the cause of life and the common good. And I warmly thank Archbishop Paglia and the collaborators for their service to the Pontifical Academy for Life.
    In this year’s general Assembly, you have proposed to consider the question that is today defined as “polycrisis”. It relates to some fundamental aspects of your research activity in the field of life, health and care. The term “polycrisis” evokes the dramatic nature of the historical juncture we are currently witnessing, in which wars, climate changes, energy problems, epidemics, the migratory phenomenon and technological innovation converge. The intertwining of these critical issues, which currently touch on various dimensions of life, lead us to ask ourselves about the destiny of the world and our understanding of it.
    A first step to be taken is that of examining with greater attention to our representation of the world and the cosmos. If we do not do this, and we do not seriously analyze our profound resistance to change, both as people and as a society, we will continue to do what we have always done with other crises, even very recent ones. Think of the Covid pandemic: we have, so to speak, “squandered” it; we could have worked more deeply in the transformation of consciences and social practices (cf. Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum, 36).
    And another important step to avoid remaining immobile, anchored in our certainties, habits and fears, is to listen carefully to the contribution of areas of scientific knowledge. The theme of listening is decisive. It is one of the key words of the entire synodal process we have undertaken, and which is now in its implementation phrase. I therefore appreciate that your way of proceeding reflects its style. I see in it the attempt to practice in your specific sphere that “social prophecy” to which the Synod was dedicated (Final Document, 47). In the encounter with people and their stories, and in listening to scientific knowledge, we realize that our parameters regarding anthropology and culture require profound revision. This was also the origin of the intuition of the study groups on certain topics that emerged during the synodal process. I know that some of you are part of them, also valuing the work done by the Academy for Life over the past years, work for which I am very grateful.
    Listening to the sciences continually offers us new knowledge. Consider what we are told about the structure of matter and the evolution of living beings: there emerges a far more dynamic view of nature compared to what was thought in Newton’s time. Our way of understanding “continuous creation” must be re-elaborated, in the knowledge that it will not be technology that saves us (cf. Encyclical Letter Laudato si’, 101): endorsing utilitarian deregulation and global neoliberalism means imposing the law of the strongest as the only rule; and it is a law that dehumanizes.
    We can cite as an example of this type of research Fr. Teilhard de Chardin and his attempt – certainly partial and unfinished, but daring and inspiring – to enter seriously into dialogue with the sciences, practising an exercise in trans-disciplinarity. It is a risky path, which leads us to wonder: “I ask whether it is necessary for someone to throw the stone into the pond – indeed, to end up being ‘killed’ – to open the way”.1 Thus he launched his insights that focused on the category of relationship and interdependence between all things, placing homo sapiens in close connection with the entire system of living things.
    These ways of interpreting the world and its evolution, with the unprecedented forms of relatedness that correspond to it, can provide us with signs of hope, which we are seeking as pilgrims during this Jubilee year (cf. Bull Spes non confundit, 7). Hope is the fundamental attitude that supports us on the journey. It does not consist of waiting with resignation, but of striving with zeal towards true life, which leads well beyond the narrow individual perimeter. As Pope Benedict XVI reminded us, hope “is linked to a lived union with a ‘people’, and for each individual it can only be attained within this ‘we’” (Encyclical Letter Spe salvi, 14).
    It is also because of this community dimension of hope, faced with a complex and planetary crisis, that we are urged to value instruments with a global reach. We must unfortunately note a progressive irrelevance of international bodies, which are also undermined by short-sighted attitudes, concerned with protecting particular and national interests. And yet we must continue to commit ourselves with determination for “more effective world organizations, equipped with the power to provide for the global common good, the elimination of hunger and poverty, and the sure defence of fundamental human rights” (Encyclical Letter Fratelli tutti, 172). In such a way, a multilateralism is promoted that does not depend on changing political circumstances or the interests of the few, and which has stable effectiveness (cf. Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum, 35). It is an urgent task which regards the whole of humanity.
    This vast scenario of motivations and objectives is also the scope of your Assembly and of your work, dear members of the Academy for Life. I entrust you to the intercession of Mary, Seat of Hope and Mother of Hope, “as we, the pilgrim people, the people of life and for life, make our way in confidence towards ‘a new heaven and a new earth’ (Rev 21:1)” (Saint John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Evangelium vitae, 105).
    For all of you and for your work, I impart my heartfelt blessing.
    Rome, from “Gemelli” Hospital, 26 February 2025
    FRANCIS
    ____________________
    1Quotation from B. DE SOLANGES, Teilhard de Chardin. Témoignage et étude sur le développement de sa pensée, Toulouse 1967, 54

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Hut 8 Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fortified balance sheet, optimized operations, disciplined growth initiatives, and strategic hires set foundation for 2025

    12,300 MW development pipeline with 2,800 MW under exclusivity as of December 31, 2024

    Earnings Release Highlights

    • Full year 2024 revenue of $162.4 million, net income of $331.4 million, and Adjusted EBITDA of $555.7 million.
    • Fourth quarter 2024 energy cost per megawatt-hour (“MWh”) of $31.63, a 30% decrease from the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Total energy capacity under management of 1,020 megawatts (“MW”) as of December 31, 2024.
    • 12,300 MW development pipeline with 2,800 MW of capacity under exclusivity as of December 31, 2024.
    • Strategic Bitcoin reserve of 10,171 Bitcoin with a market value of $949.5 million as of December 31, 2024.

    MIAMI, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hut 8 Corp. (Nasdaq | TSX: HUT) (“Hut 8” or the “Company”), an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024.

    “In 2024, we delivered on our commitment to operational excellence and bottom-line economics, setting the foundation for disciplined growth in 2025,” said Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8. “In the fourth quarter, we fortified our capital strategy and balance sheet—converting our Anchorage loan to equity, launching ATM and stock repurchase programs, and expanding our strategic Bitcoin reserve. Today, we operate from a position of strength as we focus on advancing our 12.3-gigawatt development pipeline.”

    “We believe our platform model will enable us to strategically allocate capital as we aim to optimize returns, mitigate sector-specific volatility, accelerate speed to market, and deliver innovation at every stage of the development value chain. To align our reporting structure with this model as we enter this next phase of growth, we have realigned our operating segments around the three layers of our platform: Power, Digital Infrastructure, and Compute, as reflected in our results.”

    “Looking ahead, we believe our application-agnostic approach to digital infrastructure development and experience in greenfield development will reinforce a structural advantage over peers reliant on single-market exposure or more complex commercialization models. Together with our robust development pipeline and strengthened team, we believe we are well-positioned to meet the continued and rising demand for energy capacity from applications like AI while building a platform positioned to fuel the world’s most transformative technologies for decades to come.”

    2024 Highlights

    Power

    • Generated $56.6 million in full-year revenue, consisting of revenue from Power Generation and Managed Services.
    • Secured Vega, a 205 MW behind-the-meter site in Texas, which is expected to be energized in Q2 2025, less than one year after acquisition, through the Company’s greenfield development capabilities, which enables rapid deployment low-cost Bitcoin mining infrastructure.
    • Advanced three large-scale AI data center development projects, which, if secured, would collectively add over 430 MW of capacity. After the quarter, Hut 8 secured 592 acres of land for its River Bend campus, a project from this subset of its development pipeline.

    Digital Infrastructure

    • Generated $17.5 million in full-year revenue, consisting of revenue from CPU Colocation and ASIC Colocation services.
    • Completed the greenfield development and energization of Salt Creek, a 63 MW Bitcoin mining facility, just over three months after breaking ground for an all-in cost of approximately $240,000 per MW.
    • Developed custom data center architecture for Bitcoin mining ASIC compute. Set for deployment at Vega, the architecture enables rack-based ASIC compute utilizing a custom-designed direct-to-chip (“DTC”) liquid cooling system at densities of up to 180 kilowatts per rack, helping bridge the gap to traditional HPC architecture.
    • Secured a major colocation contract with BITMAIN Technologies Ltd. (“BITMAIN”), the world’s leading manufacturer of digital currency mining servers. The ASIC colocation contract is expected to generate ~$125 million in annualized revenue upon full ramp and includes a purchase option at Hut 8’s discretion for the full ~15 exahash-per-second (“EH/s”) deployment.

    Compute

    • Generated $80.7 million in full-year revenue, consisting of revenue from Bitcoin Mining, GPU-as-a-Service, and Data Center Cloud operations.
    • Partnered with BITMAIN to develop and launch a next-generation ASIC miner. The U3S21EXPH will be the first model mass-commercialized by BITMAIN with DTC cooling within a U form factor.
    • Launched Highrise AI, Inc. (“Highrise”), a wholly-owned subsidiary providing GPU-as-a-Service through an initial five-year customer agreement with an AI cloud services provider. Hut 8 intends to leverage operational data and insights from Highrise to optimize the design, development, and operations of its digital infrastructure as it expands into AI data center development.
    • Executed a purchase agreement for BITMAIN Antminer S21+ miners for the Company’s initial ASIC fleet upgrade, which is expected to increase self-mining hashrate to ~10.3 EH/s while driving average fleet efficiency down to 20.5 joules per terahash (“J/TH”). If the Company were to execute its purchase option under the aforementioned BITMAIN colocation agreement, it anticipates total self-mining hashrate of ~25.1 EH/s with average fleet efficiency of 16.0 J/TH.

    Operations

    • Appointed Asher Genoot as CEO on February 7, 2024.
    • Executed a comprehensive restructuring program to strengthen bottom-line economics, delivering a ~30% reduction in energy cost per MWh and an approximately eight-point increase in gross margin per Bitcoin mined from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024.
    • Expanded team with strategic hires, including Sean Glennan as CFO and Victor Semah as CLO.

    Capital Strategy and Balance Sheet

    • Closed a $150 million strategic investment from Coatue to partner in building AI infrastructure.
    • Converted our $37.9 million Anchorage Digital loan balance to shares of our common stock at a 51% premium to the 20-Day VWAP through the day prior to the signing of the Debt Repayment Agreement.
    • Launched a $500 million ATM program and a $250 million stock repurchase program.
    • Surpassed 10,000 Bitcoin held in reserve with the purchase of approximately 990 Bitcoin, of which 968 were pledged as collateral to BITMAIN as part of an innovative financing model for the purchase of Antminer S21+ miners for our initial fleet upgrade.

    Key Performance Indicators

      Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Cost to mine a Bitcoin (excluding hosted facilities)(1)   $ 37,958   $ 17,171   $ 27,959   $ 13,198
    Cost to mine a Bitcoin(2) $ 37,958   $ 20,051   $ 28,161   $ 16,570
    Weighted average revenue per Bitcoin mined(3) $ 82,412   $ 37,313   $ 60,834   $ 29,913
    Bitcoin mined(4)   236     852     1,466     2,789
    Energy cost per MWh $ 31.63   $ 45.47   $ 32.52   $ 40.80
    Hosting cost per MWh $ N/A   $ 65.84   $ 68.72   $ 62.57
    Energy capacity under management (mining)(5)   665 MW     839 MW     665 MW     839 MW
    Total energy capacity under management(6)   1,020 MW     842 MW     1,020 MW     842 MW
    Number of Bitcoin in strategic reserve(7)   10,171     9,195     10,171     9,195
    (1) Cost to mine a Bitcoin (excluding hosted facilities) is equivalent to the all-in electricity cost to mine a Bitcoin at owned facilities and includes our net share of the King Mountain JV.
    (2) Cost to mine a Bitcoin (or weighted average cost to mine a Bitcoin) is calculated as the sum of total all-in electricity expense and hosting expense divided by Bitcoin mined during the respective periods and includes our net share of the King Mountain JV.
    (3) Weighted average revenue per Bitcoin mined is calculated as the sum of total self-mining revenue divided by Bitcoin mined during the respective periods and includes our net share of the King Mountain JV.
    (4) Bitcoin mined includes our net share of the King Mountain JV. Bitcoin mined excluding our net share of the King Mountain JV was 190 and 690 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Bitcoin mined excluding our net share of the King Mountain JV was 1,184 and 2,138 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    (5) Energy capacity under management (mining) represents the total power capacity related to Bitcoin mining infrastructure, including self-mining sites, colocation agreements, and managed services agreements.
    (6) Total energy capacity under management includes (i) energy capacity under management (mining) and (ii) all energy-related assets including power generation, non-operational sites, and traditional data centers.
    (7) Number of Bitcoin in strategic reserve includes Bitcoin held in custody, pledged as collateral, and pledged for a miner purchase under an agreement with BITMAIN.
       

    Select Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    U.S. Data Mining Group, Inc. dba US Bitcoin Corp (“USBTC”) and Hut 8 Mining Corp. completed an all-stock merger of equals (the “Business Combination”) on November 30, 2023. USBTC was deemed the accounting acquirer in the transaction and, as a result, the historical figures in the Company’s income statement for the three months ended December 31, 2023 reflect two months of USBTC’s standalone performance and one month of the combined company’s performance. Results for the three months ended December 31, 2024 reflect the performance of the combined company. All financial results are reported in US dollars.

    Revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $31.7 million compared to $38.9 million in the prior year period, and consisted of $9.9 million in Power revenue, $2.5 million in Digital Infrastructure revenue, $19.2 million in Compute revenue, and $0.1 million in Other revenue. Other consists primarily of equipment sales and repairs.

    Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $152.0 million compared to $10.6 million for the prior year period. This included gain on digital assets of $308.2 million and $32.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $310.6 million compared to $48.6 million for the prior year period. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most comparable GAAP measure, net income (loss), and an explanation of this measure has been provided in the table included below in this press release.

    Select Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    As a result of the Business Combination, the historical figures in the Company’s income statement for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 reflect eleven months of USBTC’s standalone performance and one month of the combined company’s performance. Results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 reflect the performance of the combined company. With respect to the balance sheet, the ending balance for year-end 2024 is being compared to year-end 2023, both of which reflect the combined company’s performance.

    Revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $162.4 million compared to $96.0 million in the prior year, and consisted of $56.6 million in Power revenue, $17.5 million in Digital Infrastructure revenue, $80.7 million in Compute revenue, and $7.6 million in Other revenue. Other consists primarily of equipment sales and repairs.

    Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $331.4 million compared to $21.9 million for the prior year period. This included gain on digital assets of $509.3 million and $32.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $555.7 million compared to $85.7 million for the prior year period. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most comparable GAAP measure, net income (loss), and an explanation of this measure has been provided in the table included below in this press release.

    Conference Call

    The Hut 8 Corp. Full-Year 2024 Conference Call will commence today, Monday, March 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET today. Investors can join the live webcast here.

    Supplemental Materials and Upcoming Communications

    The Company expects to make available on its website materials designed to accompany the discussion of its results, along with certain supplemental financial information and other data. For important news and information regarding the Company, including investor presentations and timing of future investor conferences, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, https://hut8.com/investors, and its social media accounts, including on X and LinkedIn. The Company uses its website and social media accounts as primary channels for disclosing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information.

    Analyst Coverage

    A full list of Hut 8 Corp. analyst coverage can be found at https://hut8.com/investors/analyst-coverage/.

    Upcoming Conferences & Events

    • March 11–12, 2025: Cantor Crypto, Digital Assets & AI Infrastructure Conference, Miami
    • March 16–18, 2025: 37th Annual ROTH Conference, Dana Point
    • March 25–27, 2025: Mining Disrupt, Fort Lauderdale
    • April 7–8, 2025: Jones Healthcare and Technology Innovation Conference, Las Vegas
    • May 13–15, 2025: J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference, Boston
    • May 19–20, 2025: Barclays 15th Annual Emerging Payments and FinTech Forum, New York

    About Hut 8

    Hut 8 Corp. is an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-potential computing. We take a power-first, innovation-driven approach to developing, commercializing, and operating the critical infrastructure that underpins the breakthrough technologies of today and tomorrow. Our platform spans 1,020 megawatts of energy capacity under management across 15 sites in the United States and Canada: five Bitcoin mining, hosting, and Managed Services sites in Alberta, New York, and Texas, five high performance computing data centers in British Columbia and Ontario, four power generation assets in Ontario, and one non-operational site in Alberta. For more information, visit www.hut8.com and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @Hut8Corp.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward–Looking Information

    This press release includes “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and United States securities laws, respectively (collectively, “forward-looking information”). All information, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events, or developments that Hut 8 expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including statements relating to the Company’s foundation for disciplined growth; its position of strength; its development pipeline, including the three large-scale AI data center development projects and the expected capacity assuming these projects are secured; its platform model; its ability to strategically allocate capital; its goal of optimizing returns, mitigating sector volatility, accelerating speed to market, and delivering innovation across the development value chain; its next phase of growth; its structural advantage over peers; its ability to meet demand for energy capacity; its expected energization of Vega, including the expected timing and site capabilities; its colocation contract with BITMAIN, including the anticipated revenue and expected hashrate and average fleet efficiency improvements if the Company executes its purchase option under the agreement; the commercialization of the U3S21EXPH miner from BITMAIN, including the expected timing and miner capabilities; the initial Highrise customer agreement; the operational data and insights derived from Highrise for the Company’s planned expansion into AI data center development; its expected ASIC fleet upgrade, including the expected timing and anticipated hashrate and average fleet efficiency improvements; and the Company’s future business strategy, competitive strengths, expansion, and growth of the business and operations more generally, and other such matters is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words “may”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “allow”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “predict”, “can”, “might”, “potential”, “predict”, “is designed to”, “likely,” or similar expressions.

    Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts, but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events based on certain material factors and assumptions at the time the statement was made. While considered reasonable by Hut 8 as of the date of this press release, such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, failure of critical systems; geopolitical, social, economic, and other events and circumstances; competition from current and future competitors; risks related to power requirements; cybersecurity threats and breaches; hazards and operational risks; changes in leasing arrangements; Internet-related disruptions; dependence on key personnel; having a limited operating history; attracting and retaining customers; entering into new offerings or lines of business; price fluctuations and rapidly changing technologies; construction of new data centers, data center expansions, or data center redevelopment; predicting facility requirements; strategic alliances or joint ventures; operating and expanding internationally; failing to grow hashrate; purchasing miners; relying on third-party mining pool service providers; uncertainty in the development and acceptance of the Bitcoin network; Bitcoin halving events; competition from other methods of investing in Bitcoin; concentration of Bitcoin holdings; hedging transactions; potential liquidity constraints; legal, regulatory, governmental, and technological uncertainties; physical risks related to climate change; involvement in legal proceedings; trading volatility; and other risks described from time to time in Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see the Company’s recent and upcoming annual and quarterly reports and other continuous disclosure documents, which are available under the Company’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov and SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Adjusted EBITDA

    In addition to results determined in accordance with GAAP, Hut 8 relies on Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate its business, measure its performance, and make strategic decisions. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss), adjusted for impacts of interest expense, income tax provision or benefit, depreciation and amortization, gain on debt extinguishment, gain on derivatives, gain on bargain purchase, our share of unconsolidated joint venture depreciation and amortization, foreign exchange gains or losses, the removal of non-recurring transactions, impairment on assets, gain or loss on sale of property and equipment, loss from discontinued operations, net loss attributable to non-controlling interests, and stock-based compensation expense in the period presented. You are encouraged to evaluate each of these adjustments and the reasons the Company’s board of directors and management team consider them appropriate for supplemental analysis.

    The Company’s board of directors and management team use Adjusted EBITDA to assess its financial performance because it allows them to compare operating performance on a consistent basis across periods by removing the effects of capital structure (such as varying levels of interest expense and income), asset base (such as depreciation and amortization), and other items (such as non-recurring transactions mentioned above) that impact the comparability of financial results from period to period.
    Net income (loss) is the GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA. In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future the Company may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in such presentation. The Company’s presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that its future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. There can be no assurance that the Company will not modify the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA in the future, and any such modification may be material. Adjusted EBITDA has important limitations as an analytical tool and you should not consider Adjusted EBITDA in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of results as reported under GAAP. Because Adjusted EBITDA may be defined differently by other companies in the industry, the Company’s definition of this non-GAAP financial measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing its utility.

     
    Hut 8 Corp. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
    (Unaudited, in USD thousands, except share and per share data)
     
      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
          December 31,       December 31,
      December 31,   2023   December 31,   2023
    (in USD thousands) 2024      (Unaudited)      2024      (Unaudited)
    Revenue:                      
    Power $ 9,949     $ 7,818     $ 56,602     $ 22,794  
    Digital Infrastructure   2,520       4,455       17,482       8,291  
    Compute   19,159       26,519       80,701       64,851  
    Other   66       110       7,600       110  
    Total revenue   31,694       38,902       162,385       96,046  
                           
    Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below):                  
    Cost of revenue – Power   7,465       1,944       21,538       7,263  
    Cost of revenue – Digital Infrastructure   2,929       3,048       15,556       4,321  
    Cost of revenue – Compute   9,781       15,764       44,977       42,592  
    Cost of revenue – Other   138       20       4,584       18  
    Total cost of revenue   20,313       20,776       86,655       54,194  
                           
    Operating (income) expenses:                      
    Depreciation and amortization   14,308       6,134       47,773       17,537  
    General and administrative expenses   18,844       33,380       72,917       49,133  
    Gains on digital assets   (308,157 )     (32,811 )     (509,337 )     (32,626 )
    Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment   —       443       (634 )     888  
    Realized gain on sale of digital assets   —       —       —       (2,376 )
    Impairment of digital assets   —       —       —       1,431  
    Impairment – other   4,472       —       4,472       —  
    Legal settlement   —       —       —       (1,531 )
    Total operating (income) expenses   (270,533 )     7,146       (384,809 )     32,456  
    Operating income (loss)   281,914       10,980       460,539       9,396  
                           
    Other (expense) income:                      
    Foreign exchange (loss) gain   (4,042 )     1,002       (5,000 )     1,002  
    Interest expense   (9,563 )     (5,980 )     (29,794 )     (24,933 )
    Gain on debt extinguishment   —       —       5,966       23,683  
    (Loss) gain on derivatives   (13,143 )     —       6,780       —  
    Gain on bargain purchase   3,060       —       3,060       —  
    Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint venture   1,902       4,098       10,359       12,815  
    Total other (expense) income   (21,768 )     (880 )     (8,629 )     12,567  
                           
    Income from continuing operations before taxes   260,146       10,100       451,910       21,963  
                           
    Income tax (provision) benefit   (110,482 )     482       (113,457 )     (190 )
                           
    Net income from continuing operations $ 149,664     $ 10,582     $ 338,453     $ 21,773  
                           
    Income (Loss) from discontinued operations   2,320             (7,044 )     77  
                           
    Net income   151,984       10,582       331,409       21,850  
    Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests   241       —       473       —  
    Net income attributable to Hut 8 Corp. $ 152,225     $ 10,582     $ 331,882     $ 21,850  
                           
    Net income $ 151,984     $ 10,582     $ 331,409     $ 21,850  
    Other comprehensive loss:                      
    Foreign currency translation adjustments   (46,011 )     10,761       (56,390 )     10,761  
    Total comprehensive income   105,973       21,343       275,019       32,611  
    Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest 387       —       549       —  
    Comprehensive income attributable to Hut 8 Corp. $ 106,360     $ 21,343     $ 275,568     $ 32,611  


    Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

      Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
      December 31,   December 31,      December 31,   December 31,
    (in USD thousands) 2024      2023   2024      2023
    Net income $ 151,984     $ 10,582     $ 331,409     $ 21,850  
    Interest expense   9,563       5,980       29,794       24,933  
    Income tax provision (benefit)   110,482       (482 )     113,457       190  
    Depreciation and amortization   14,308       6,134       47,773       17,537  
    Gain on debt extinguishment   —       —       (5,966 )     (23,683 )
    Loss (gain) on derivatives   13,143       —       (6,780 )     —  
    Gain on bargain purchase   (3,060 )     —       (3,060 )     —  
    Share of unconsolidated joint venture depreciation and amortization (1)   3,120       2,887       21,792       21,016  
    Foreign exchange loss (gain)   4,024       (1,002 )     5,000       (1,002 )
    Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment   —       443       (634 )     888  
    Non-recurring transactions (2)   327       12,044       (9,882 )     10,513  
    Impairment – other   4,472       —       4,472       —  
    (Income) loss from discontinued operations   (2,320 )     77       7,044       (77 )
    Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests   241       —       473       —  
    Stock-based compensation expense   4,342       11,912       20,783       13,563  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 310,626     $ 48,575     $ 555,675     $ 85,728  
    (1) Net of the accretion of fair value differences of depreciable and amortizable assets included in equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint venture in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in accordance with ASC 323. See Note 10. Investment in unconsolidated joint venture of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.
    (2) Non-recurring transactions for the three months ended December 31, 2024 represent approximately $0.2 million of restructuring costs and $0.1M of Far North related costs. Non-recurring transactions for the three months ended December 31, 2023 represent approximately $9.6 million related to a sales tax accrual and $2.4 million of transaction costs related to the Business Combination. Non-recurring transactions for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 represent approximately $4.0 million of restructuring costs and $1.9 million related to the Far North transaction costs, offset by a $13.5 million contract termination fee received from MARA, and a $2.2 million tax refund. Non-recurring transactions for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 represent approximately $9.6 million related to a sales tax accrual and $2.4 million of transaction costs related to the Business Combination, partially offset by a gain from a legal settlement of $1.5 million.
       

    Contacts

    Hut 8 Investor Relations
    Sue Ennis
    ir@hut8.com

    Hut 8 Media Relations
    media@hut8.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Investigators help ensure jail time for former Brookside actor

    Source: City of York

    A total of 23 years in prison for a former Brookside actor and his associates has been awarded this afternoon.

    Former Brookside actor Philip Foster and 8 associates have today (28 February 2025) been sentenced for their part in a £13.6 million fraud that ran for over 8 years.

    The sentences handed down at Sheffield Crown Court today are the result of an over 6-year investigation by National Trading Standards, whose work uncovered an extensive network of sham modelling agencies that cruelly exploited the dreams of aspiring young models and their parents.

    Foster was the ringleader of the operation. He orchestrated the fraud from Spain, using a network of associates based in England who operated a string of sham modelling agencies and photography studios in cities across the country, including London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Coventry, and Nottingham.

    More than 6,000 victims were deceived by the group – mainly young people and mothers – who ended up parting with substantial amounts of money under the false promise of securing paid modelling work.

    The fraud worked by setting up a photographic studio in the area and running a social media advertising campaign. People who responded were given the false impression that a model agency was interested in them, with emails telling them they had potential. Victims were then invited to a ‘free’ test shoot at the photographic studio, which turned out to be a ruse to try to extort money out of them.

    At the test shoot, victims were given a studio experience, handed glossy brochures and told how successful other people had been. They would then be told that they passed their studio test and that modelling agencies were interested, but they needed to purchase their portfolio photographs from the studio in order to join an agency and become an agency model.

    Victims were duped by the group who, between them, gave a good impression of running successful model businesses and lied to them about their potential. Millions of pounds were taken from aspiring models, with some coerced into financing the upfront payment through credit deals arranged by the fraudsters or taking out expensive payday loans.

    Instead, victims received poor quality digital photographs that stood no real chance of landing them professional jobs. Virtually none of the victims received any paid modelling work.

    The sham agencies were often dissolved after short periods, rebranded repeatedly to avoid detection, and paid no tax. Money from the scam was laundered through UK bank accounts before being transferred to Spain or carried in cash on commercial flights by co-conspirators.

    The investigation traced substantial sums to Foster, who lived in luxury abroad and purchased high-end watches and cars with the proceeds of the fraud. The investigation heard how many victims, left financially and emotionally devastated, described feeling humiliated and betrayed. Some experienced lasting distress that affected their confidence, wellbeing and their ability to trust others.

    The sentences, which were handed down today in the absence of Philip Foster, who is currently living in Spain, are as follows:

    • Philip Foster, aged 49, Edificio Marina Mariola, Marbella, Spain, sentenced to 8.5 years for conspiracies to defraud
    • Michael Foster, aged 27, Snowdon Lane, Liverpool, sentenced to 3.5 years for conspiracy to defraud
    • Paul Evans, aged 39, no known address, sentenced to 3.5 years for offences related to money laundering
    • Jamie Peters, aged 52, Pentland Place, Warrington, sentenced to 24 months, suspended for 2 years, for conspiracy to defraud
    • Lisa Foster, aged 42, Manchester Road, Astley, sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud
    • Emily Newall, aged 29, Bolton Road, Kearsley, Greater Manchester, sentenced to 10 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud
    • Atif Qadar, aged 44, Larkswood Drive, Crowthorne, sentenced to 12 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud
    • Paul Fleury, aged 57, Manchester Road, Swinton, Manchester, sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud
    • Aslihan Foster aged 39, Tredington Road, Coventry, sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 12 months, for an offence related to money laundering

    Today’s sentencing follows over 6 years of investigative work by the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, hosted by North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council, including forensic analysis of financial transactions, thousands of consumer complaints, and witness testimony from victims. The team was supported by the National Trading Standards South West Regional Investigations Team, hosted by Bristol City Council.

    Judge Dixon, said: 

    The business worked on the basis of greed taking what they could where they could. Some people were so convinced by the level of deception that they took out payday loans, which gives a clear indication as to how manipulative and cynical the fraud was. It was horrible, despicable, dishonest behaviour and every single one of you deserves to go to prison. 

    “The officers have carried out an exceptional job to bring these defendants to justice. It was not straightforward or easy. This investigation was conducted with particular skill.  A commendation should be made on the basis of the skill deployed.”

    Lord Bichard, Chair of the National Trading Standards, said:

    Foster’s cruel exploits left thousands of victims in serious debt, causing lasting emotional distress and significant financial pressures.

    “Today’s sentences are an important reminder to would-be criminals that Trading Standards officers across the country are determined to clamp down on fraud, protecting victims and bringing criminals to justice.

    “I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of similar scams to report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.”

    Councillor Jenny Kent, Executive Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:

    Today’s sentencing follows years of highly effective trading standards investigative work. Mr Foster and his associates made millions by exploiting the hopes of young people, leaving a trail of broken dreams and financial hardship. I urge everyone to question any modelling contract which demands money up front, and hope that the young people and families affected can now move on to a brighter future, whichever path they choose.”

    North Yorkshire Council’s executive member Councillor Greg White, whose responsibilities include Trading Standards, said:

    Foster and his fellow scammers cruelly exploited young hopefuls trying to break into one of the most competitive industries. In some cases, parents borrowed money or sacrificed savings, believing they were investing in their children’s futures.

    “I urge anyone searching online for modelling opportunities to remember that legitimate agencies don’t ask for money upfront, it’s often only scam agencies who push expensive photoshoots as a pre-requisite to getting work.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Potentially life-saving bleed kits installed in the Coalfield Area

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Ten new potentially lifesaving bleed kits have been installed across Copt Hill, Hetton, Houghton and Shiney Row

    Sunderland City Council’s Coalfield Area Committee has funded the bleed kits in partnership with the Connor Brown Trust set up by the parents of 18-year-old Connor Brown following his tragic death in 2019.

    Tanya and Simon Brown are actively supporting the community to prevent knife crime and raising awareness of its impact. The kits were installed six years on from the fatal knife attack on Connor Brown in the city. 

    The Coalfield Area Committee allocated £5,400 from its neighbourhood fund budget towards the kits.

    Bleed kits could be used to give vital care and attention to a patient in those first few minutes before the emergency services arrive, potentially saving their life. These kits are part of the wider fight against knife crime across the city with over 50 installed so far by the Connor Brown Trust.

    Councillor Mel Speding, Chair of Sunderland City Council’s Coalfield Area Committee, said: “As a group, the Coalfield Committee aims to support and improve our communities in Houghton, Hetton, Shiney Row and Copt Hill. We were keen to provide funding for these kits which could make a big difference in an emergency.

    “We appreciated the opportunity to partner with the Connor Brown Trust which does such fantastic work across Sunderland. While we hope these kits are never needed, it is reassuring to know that they are there for our residents. We are taking the necessary steps to keep our communities safe.”

    The Coalfield Area Committee is one of five area committees across Sunderland. Made up of local councillors, area committees provide residents with a greater say by working closely with their communities and drawing on local knowledge to identify priorities for their area. They also create Area Plans to support the City Plan, focusing on local needs. These plans help fund and deliver projects in partnership with local voluntary and community sector organisations.

    This is one of 11 grants awarded by the Coalfield Area Committee since April 2024 to support community groups and voluntary organisations with various projects. These include social inclusion and wellbeing activities, Clean It, Green It, and holiday activities for children and young people. 

    Tanya Brown from The Connor Brown Trust said: “If there is an incident, doing nothing means a patient has less chance of survival, but using the kit gives anyone a better chance, before paramedics get to the scene. It’s important to have these bleed kits in as many places as possible simply because they could save lives.

    “The kits have been designed so that little to no training is needed and they can be used by the public or a first responder to any accident where there is a catastrophic bleed. The cabinets contain easy to read instructions and illustrations for each part of equipment showing where and how to use it.”

    In the event of the bleed kits being needed, the 999 operators will direct the caller to the nearest mobile kit or fixed unit and give them the combination code to unlock the unit. The kits are designed for catastrophic bleeding and the caller will be guided on how to use the equipment.

    The kits are now registered and ready to use if needed at:

    • Colliery Inn, Hetton, DH5 9JQ
    • Easington Lane Workmens Club, DH5 0JR
    • Houghton Sports and Wellness Centre, DH4 5AF
    • New Herrington Bowling Club, DH4 4UG
    • Penshaw Community Centre, DH4 7HU
    • Queensway Pharmacy, Houghton, DH5 8EL
    • Shiney Resource and Advice Centre (ShARP), Shiney Row, DH4 4QW
    • Springboard Adventure, Hetton Lyons Country Park, DH5 0RH
    • St John’s Methodist Church, Fencehouses, DH4 6HN
    • St Matthews Youth and Community Centre, Newbottle, DH5 8EL

    For more information about other kits across the city, visit: Connor Brown Trust

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Passengers to enjoy greener air travel as UK backs sustainable fuel production

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Passengers to enjoy greener air travel as UK backs sustainable fuel production

    Have your say on how the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) revenue certainty mechanism could be funded.

    • air travel to become greener as government introduces industry-led price guarantee to boost sustainable aviation fuel supply while keeping ticket fares down
    • investment in low carbon fuels could support up to 15,000 new jobs and £5 billion for the UK economy by 2050 – delivering economic growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change
    • plans will turbocharge investment in UK SAF, bolster expansion plans and cut carbon emissions while minimising the impact on industry and passengers

    Passengers will enjoy greener plane journeys thanks to new support for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry helping to tackle emissions, establish Britain as a clean energy superpower and allow the UK to go further and faster with expansion plans.   

    The government has today (3 March 2025) published a consultation setting out how it intends to support the green fuels sector and provide certainty for SAF producers, in the latest step in the government’s plan to support the aviation sector to kickstart economic growth.

    The SAF industry is crucial for the future of aviation, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional jet fuels. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% compared to fossil fuels, SAF will play a vital role in delivering our clean energy mission as part of our Plan for Change and allow the UK to back airport expansion in line with climate commitments.

    Backing investment in the low carbon sector also has huge potential for driving economic growth, as it’s expected to support up to 15,000 new jobs and deliver £5 billion to the UK economy by 2050.

    As this is still a new and emerging industry, today’s proposals will tackle the current uncertainty in the sector by introducing an industry funded price guarantee – known as the revenue certainty mechanism (RCM) – to ensure a steady income flow for producers, even if the price of SAF fluctuates, helping to keep down costs for airlines and holidaymakers.   

    The proposals will help to reduce risk, give investors the confidence they need to invest in UK SAF plants and help the sector secure the supply it needs to bolster the SAF industry in the UK. The mechanism is also designed to limit costs and protect holidaymakers and working people against significant cost increases, with any rises expected to be in line with the usual variation of ticket prices.

    The revenue certainty comes alongside the introduction of the SAF Mandate in January 2025, which requires a growing percentage of aviation fuel to come from sustainable sources to support the industry by securing demand and driving production in the UK. The mandate was one of the first in the world to be put into law, once again putting the UK at the forefront of decarbonising air travel.

    The revenue certainty mechanism combined with the mandate will contribute to our net zero goals, enabling the aviation sector to continue to grow, including through airport expansion. This is also expected to drive significant investment into the SAF sector, creating green jobs, fostering innovation and driving growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said:    

    We are committed to building the technology and fuel supply that will see greener flying become a reality in a way that protects consumers.    

    As part of our Plan for Change, these proposals will power up SAF production in the UK, support thousands of green jobs and bolster expansion plans.

    Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:

    UK airlines support the RCM as a means of driving production in SAF and ensuring the industry can comply with the mandate.

    We look forward to working with government on its design with a particular focus on encouraging a competitive market and supporting FOAK plants. The goal must be the production of as much SAF at the cheapest possible price for consumers, to help the industry get to net zero, support growth in UK aviation whilst minimising the impact on passengers.

    Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said: 

    SAF will play a key role in decarbonising aviation and a revenue certainty mechanism will not only ensure the UK can access enough supply but also that we can benefit from thousands of jobs and billions in investment.

    Airports will work with government as part of the aviation sector to develop the right solution that will give the market the confidence it needs to bring investment forward, enabling a new UK industry producing homegrown SAF to emerge.

    This, in turn, will allow the UK’s global air connectivity to expand sustainably within our net zero targets and play an increasing role in growing our economy, something the government is prioritising to drive up the prosperity of the whole country.

    Gaynor Hartnell, Chief Executive of the Renewable Transport Fuel Association, said: 

    The RCM is essential if SAF is to be manufactured here in the UK rather than imported. Home produced SAF leads to more jobs and improved fuel security, plus it’s a better way of dealing with household and commercial waste than burning it for electricity generation.

    The consultation will run from 3 March to 31 March, with the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Revenue Support Mechanism) Bill being laid in Parliament in the spring. This support will build on the £63 million recently announced by the Chancellor in her growth speech to boost production of alternative fuels in the UK.

    Last month, the Chancellor also invited Heathrow Airport to bring forward expansion plans for consideration by the summer. The government will then review the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) to ensure that any scheme is delivered in line with our legal, environmental and climate obligations.

    In September last year, the department announced a refreshed and rejuvenated Jet Zero taskforce, which is serving as the driving force to transform how people fly – aligning with the government’s missions to make the UK a clean energy superpower and kickstart the economy.

    In a further boost for sustainable aviation, the UK led the charge for new carbon limits on aircrafts at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which will see all new aircraft types become 10% more efficient from 2031. This will help cut emissions and fuel costs, benefitting passengers as well as the planet. Regulations on aircraft noise will also be strengthened from 2029 to make planes quieter when taking off and landing.

    The RCM will help deliver certainty in the green fuels market, supporting stable production of the SAF needed for aviation decarbonisation. The scheme is similar to that used in the UK’s world-leading renewables sector and could now boost domestic sustainable fuel production, driving investment in the UK SAF industry and boosting the economy through more green jobs. 

    This is a temporary measure, while SAF market prices are uncertain, to help scale early technologies while supporting a competitive market for SAF production. The government will monitor its impacts and can manage liabilities by capping the support to a pre-agreed volume of SAF, as well as agreeing the strike price within contracts.

    Aviation, Europe and technology media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: Multi-Stakeholder Solutions Needed for Women Entrepreneurs in South Asia

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Gender-inclusive entrepreneurship in South Asia remains hindered by financial, social, and structural barriers. A holistic approach—combining access to finance, business development services, and multi-stakeholder partnerships—can accelerate women’s entrepreneurship and foster inclusive growth.

    While gender-inclusive entrepreneurship is a significant enabler of economic growth, only 18% of firms in South Asia are owned by women, compared to 34% globally. Women in the region lack capital and finance, as well as opportunities to access business networks and effectively market products and services. They have limited engagement in trade activities and with innovative solutions. 

    These challenges are compounded by structural barriers, such as social and customary norms and disproportionate household and care responsibilities that limit women’s opportunities as entrepreneurs and hinder their economic participation. 

    The following approaches, which should be tailored to distinct contexts, cultures, and levels of development, can help boost women’s entrepreneurship in South Asia:

    Create an inclusive business ecosystem: Accelerating women’s entrepreneurship in South Asia, a region with complexities and inequalities intertwined, requires development of an ecosystem of inclusive interventions and investments, policies, private sector engagement, and promoting resources that give women access to capital, skills, innovation, services and new markets.

    Access to finance for women has positive direct and indirect impact on business and economic empowerment, reducing poverty, and achieving good health and well-being. 

    Addressing only one issue in the chain of challenges cannot produce a sustainable effect; rather, adopting a holistic approach that creates an enabling environment by explicitly addressing constraints of women and promoting women’s entrepreneurship through specific actions is essential for long-term strategic changes that can support inclusive economic growth and development in South Asia. 

    Providing access to finance for women can be life changing: Limited financial resources confine women to smaller-scale business operations at the micro level in countries such as Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Challenges related to capital are often rooted in gender biases, lack of tailored financial products, absence of collateral, and limited understanding of financial institutions.

    Applying innovations in finance, more targeted approaches, including for women in more vulnerable positions, can help overcome the barriers related to social norms, mobility, and control of resources and assets. While 65% of women-led small and medium enterprises in developing countries are unserved financially, access to finance for women has positive direct and indirect impact on business and economic empowerment, reducing poverty, and achieving good health and well-being. 

    Providing targeting approaches and giving access to finance has been done in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan and has helped women to expand and grow their businesses. Targeting women as clients has a business case as well, offering opportunities for the private sector to capitalize on this important segment by providing tailored financial products and services.

    Offer comprehensive business development services: Because women-owned enterprises are under-financed and under-resourced in South Asia, offering non-financial services can be a driver of business growth. Business development services, such as mentoring, financial advisory, legal support, skills training, and accessing new markets and networks can be key drivers for women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian countries. 

    Providing tailored services for women in start-ups is equally important as challenges at this stage are intertwined with a lack of confidence, social norms, and expectations towards women with limited resources. While also facing other forms of discrimination (particularly, in India and Nepal), supplying women with these services can lead to more equitable access to non-financial resources and significant economic growth on local and regional levels. 

    Leverage multi-stakeholder partnerships: Development partners, governments, and private sector companies – all can play role in advancing women’s entrepreneurship in South Asia. Gender-inclusive investments by development partners, improving policy frameworks by governments, and fostering bold actions by the private sector through targeted investments and financial products can all address the gender divide in entrepreneurship. Moreover, partnerships across stakeholders can only enhance these actions. 

    The path to advancing women’s entrepreneurship and engagement of stakeholders needs to be deepened to also address often discriminatory underlying social norms and practices that hold women back. This is particularly so in South Asia, where gender disparities are intertwined with religion, caste, ethnicity, and other social exclusions that exacerbate gender inequalities.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: Harnessing Youth and Infrastructure for Timor-Leste’s Sustainable Future

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Timor-Leste presents a unique mix of strengths and weaknesses that shape its development trajectory.

    Youth and labor supply. The country’s youthful population is part of its strength, with a median age of 20.7 years and 64.6% of its citizens under 30. By 2037, the labor forces is expected to grow by 34.8% compared to the 2022 population. Depending on various population growth scenarios, the labor force will increase by at least 26% to 27% over the next 15 years based on the latest population census (Figure 1). This increase in the working-age labor force presents a significant opportunity to boost employment prospects and sustain higher economic growth.

    Figure 1: Supply of Labor Force

    Source: The National Institute of Statistics (INETL). 2023. Timor-Leste Population and Housing Census 2022; Author’s estimate.

    Strategic location and vibrant democracy. Geographically situated in Southeast Asia, Timor-Leste holds a strategic position at the intersection of key sea lines in the Indo-Pacific region—giving it an advantage in terms of regional investments, maritime trade, and security. Benefitted from a robust electoral process, pluralism, and civil liberties, Timor-Leste is ranked 45th out of 167 countries in the 2023 Democracy Index, surpassing the average indices of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia and the Pacific, and the world (Figure 2).

    Figure 2: Democracy Index

    Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). 2024. Democracy Index 2023-Age of Conflict.

    Resource endowment and savings. The country boasts significant oil and gas reserves in the Timor Sea, especially in the Greater Sunrise gas and condensate field. In 2005, it established a petroleum fund as a sovereign wealth fund, primarily sourced from petroleum revenues from the Bayu-Undan field and investment income from the petroleum fund. By the end of 2024, the petroleum fund’s balance has reached nearly $18.3 billion, exceeding the non-petroleum gross domestic product (GDP) by more than tenfold (Figure 3).

    Figure 3: The Petroleum Fund

    Source: The Central Bank of Timor-Leste (BCTL). 2024. The Petroleum Fund Reports; Author’s estimate.

    High poverty and food and nutrition insecurity. Despite its strengths, Timor-Leste faces significant challenges with poverty and food insecurity. Issues—such as poverty rate standing at 41.8% based on the national poverty line and 48.3% when measured using the multidimensional poverty, over 62.5% of the population experiencing food insecurity, 42% of households dealing with acute food insecurity, and half of the children under five years old are stunted—represent major barriers to development. Malnutrition, reduced cognitive development, impaired learning ability, and low productivity have limited human capital development.

    Narrow economic base and high dependence on the petroleum fund. The economy remains undiversified and highly susceptible to domestic and external shocks, including disasters from natural hazards and trade fluctuations. GDP growth has been low and volatile, heavily reliant on public expenditures and the petroleum fund, projected to be depleted by 2035 based on current spending. From 2009 to 2023, the average annual real GDP growth was 2.9%, but it decelerated to just 1% over the past decade, highly correlated with the growth in budget expenditure and withdrawals from the petroleum fund (Figure 4).[1]

    Figure 4: GDP Growth and Public Spending

    Source: Ministry of Finance of Timor-Leste. 2009-2024. Budget Transparency Portal; Author’s estimate.

    Lack of competitiveness and budget deficit. The high cost of doing business stems from challenges related to connectivity, land title issues, limited electricity and clean water supply, and low labor productivity—contributing to lack of competitiveness. The underdeveloped private sector contributes to a low domestic revenue base, averaging only 12.3% over the past 15 years. In contrast, total spending has been exceedingly high, averaging 90.5% of GDP. This imbalance has resulted in a significant government budget deficit, averaging 35.4% of GDP over the same period, primarily financed through persistent and excessive withdrawals from the petroleum fund (Figure 5).[2] As of 2023, GDP per capita and gross national income per capita remained low at $1,324 and $1,294 respectively. This current economic structure underscores the urgent need for economic diversification and development of a robust private sector to ensure sustainable growth and resilience against economic shocks.

    Figure 5: Government Budget

    ESI = estimated sustainable income, GDP = gross domestic product, PF = petroleum fund.
    Source: Ministry of Finance of Timor-Leste. 2009-2024. Budget Transparency Portal; Author’s estimate.

    Infrastructure gaps and limited basic services. In addition to underdeveloped human, institutional, and private sector capacities, Timor-Leste faces significant gaps and challenges in infrastructure development and provision of basic services. The country was ranked 46th out of 50 in terms of facilities supporting regulatory compliance and institutions and infrastructure enabling business activities. Due to inadequate infrastructure connectivity, access to markets and essential services—such as healthcare, education, and clean water—is limited, particularly in rural areas where 71.4% of the population resides. Significant investment in human capital, institutional strengthening, and infrastructure and logistics is crucial to support development and improve living standards.

    Lack of policy continuity. New administrations often bring changes in policies and program orientations, along with high staff turnover in the public sector. To advance ongoing priority initiatives and achieve development goals, it is crucial to strengthen institutions and ensure policy continuity and certainty.

    Suboptimal allocation of government resources to social sectors. Over the past 15 years, the compound annual growth rate of current budget expenditures in Timor-Leste was 8.9%, significantly outpacing the 4.2% compound annual growth rate of capital expenditures. Consequently, the share of current spending in the total budget has risen to 79% in 2024 from 65% in 2009. Despite the increase, there remains a persistent misallocation of resources, particularly in health and education. This misallocation leads to intergenerational human capital issues and economic disparity. Notably, the planned spending from the veterans’ fund for 2025 is nearly double the annual healthcare budget. Education spending has remained low at 7.6% of total government expenditure, significantly below the ASEAN historical average of 13.8%. Similarly, healthcare expenditure per capita in Timor-Leste is only $59, starkly contrasted with the ASEAN average of $630.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: University science in dialogue with industrial partners

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The series of seminars on artificial intelligence, which are held at SPbPU, continued with a meeting of scientists and students of the university with research staff of the industrial partner.

    The Director of Science, Professor Mars Khasanov, told the seminar participants about the strategy for developing artificial intelligence technologies at Gazprom Neft. According to Mars Magnavievich, digital oil engineering is based on engineering artificial intelligence (AI), which is a multi-agent system of the Narrow AGI type with a modular structure. Each module carries some cognitive function – from memorization and learning to planning and explanation.

    Professor Khasanov outlined the engineering tasks in which AI has the greatest competitive advantages, including complex processing of large volumes of data from multiple sources of heterogeneous information, as well as overcoming the cognitive limitations of people, integrated modeling and optimization of large complex systems, ensuring the sustainability of solutions through multivariate modeling, and optimization of large hierarchical project portfolios.

    Maxim Okunev and Nikolai Markov, heads of the company’s product development programs, spoke about current tasks in applying AI in Gazprom Neft products. The speakers outlined the directions for the development of hybrid AI in the industry and introduced the tasks of hybrid modeling. Polytechnic University scientists were interested in specific company projects, the implementation of which will require their competencies in the field of artificial intelligence.

    Experts noted that industry needs, for example, the use of LLM – the creation of AI assistants for working with data and making decisions.

    As emphasized by the Vice-Rector for Research at SPbPU, Yuri Fomin, who initiated the involvement of industrial partners in the seminars, such meetings will help science and business to better understand each other and more effectively solve the problems of technological development of the country.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 13th Rosneft Winter Sports Games have ended in Krasnoyarsk

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The award ceremony for the winners of the XIII Rosneft Winter Sports Games, which took place in Krasnoyarsk over five days, was held. The company dedicated the competition to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, which the entire country is celebrating this year.

    Sports development is one of the main areas of Rosneft’s social policy. The company supports amateur sports and carries out large-scale work to popularize a healthy lifestyle among both its employees and the population in the regions where it operates. Rosneft also finances the construction of ice arenas, sports complexes, and multifunctional sports grounds in the regions where it operates.

    During the five days of the Winter Games, about 650 oil industry athletes from 41 teams of the Company’s subsidiaries competed in the three most popular winter disciplines – hockey, cross-country skiing and biathlon. For skiers, there were men’s and women’s distances, as well as a relay race.

    The winner of the XIII Winter Sports Games in the overall team standings was the Ufaorgsintez team, silver went to the athletes of Samaraneftegaz, and RN-Vankor came in third.

    The ice squad of the Ufaorgsintez team became the strongest in the hockey tournament, winning the Super League division. Silver went to athletes from RN-Vankor, third place was won by the RN-Purneftegaz team. In the Major League, the first place went to the Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha team, silver was won by athletes from RN-BashNIPIneft, third place went to Bashneft-Stroy. The winner in the First League was SIBINTEK, the hockey team of Ryazan NPK took second place, and third place went to athletes from RN-Nyaganneftegaz.

    Traditionally, the biathlon competitions attracted increased interest from spectators. The competitions in this sport were held for the third time – they were included in the Winter Games program only in 2023. The winners of the men’s and women’s races were the RN-Yuganskneftegaz team, the second and third places were won by RN-Uvatneftegaz and Udmurtneft. In the biathlon relay, the RN-Uvatneftegaz and RN-Yuganskneftegaz teams swapped places (first and second, respectively), and Vostsibneftegaz won bronze.

    In cross-country skiing, the Samaraneftegaz team won both individual and relay races. The top three also included Ufaorgsintez and Udmurtneft (races), as well as Udmurtneft and RN-Uvatneftegaz (relay).

    The jury did not limit itself to counting points in the main nominations. The teams were rewarded for discipline, original approach, and persistence. Thus, the RN-Nyaganneftegaz team was named the most disciplined. The most united was Angara (Angarsk NHK), the most progressive – TomskNIPIneft. The best debutant was recognized as SIBINTEK, and the diploma “For the Will to Win” was awarded to the RN-Transport team.

    All participants of the competition received awards and memorable prizes. The award ceremony was attended by multiple Russian Sambo Champion Alexander Matays.

    We congratulate the winners and participants of the Rosneft Winter Games and wish them new achievements and victories!

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft March 3, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Roundup: February 28, 2025

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    For Immediate Release:
    February 28, 2025

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency:

    On Thursday, the FDA approved Odactra to include use in individuals 5 through 11 years of age to treat house dust mite induced nasal inflammation (allergic rhinitis), with or without eye inflammation (conjunctivitis). Odactra is an allergen extract immunotherapy that is administered under the tongue (sublingual) and had been approved for use in individuals 12 through 65 years of age. The prescribing information includes a boxed warning to inform that Odactra can cause severe allergic reactions that may be life-threatening. As with other FDA-approved allergen extracts administered sublingually, patients receiving Odactra should be prescribed epinephrine.
    On Monday, the FDA updated the outbreak advisory: Outbreak Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes: Frozen Supplemental Shakes (February 2025) to include that Lyons Magnus LLC recalled 4 oz. Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes. As of February 24, 2025, a total of 38 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 21 states. Of the 38 people for whom information is available, 37 people have been hospitalized, and 12 deaths have been reported.
    On Monday, the FDA cleared Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.’s Control-IQ+ technology, an interoperable automated glycemic controller (iAGC) that is a software-only, prescription use, device. The device is intended for use with compatible integrated continuous glucose monitors (iCGM) and alternate controller enabled (ACE) pumps to automatically increase, decrease, and suspend delivery of basal insulin based on iCGM readings and predicted glucose values. It can also deliver certain insulin doses (correction boluses) necessary when the glucose value is predicted to exceed a predefined target, which is typically calculated based on carbohydrate intake, exercise, and sleep schedule.  This clearance allows the device to be used for the management of type 1 diabetes in individuals two years and older and for the management of type 2 diabetes in individuals 18 years and older, where the prior version was only for type 1 diabetes. This is the latest example of the FDA’s ongoing commitment to help advance the development of products that can improve the management of diabetes.
    On Friday, February 21, the FDA approved for marketing a software update to Medtronic Inc.’s Activa, Percept and SenSight Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy System, an implantable device that delivers low-intensity electrical pulses to nerve centers in the brain as part of deep brain stimulator (DBS) therapy for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This first-of-its-kind software update will provide the user with an option for adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS), which individualizes the DBS therapy by adjusting the stimulation level based on detected brain signals surrounding the DBS electrode of the implant. The new programming option is intended to reduce some of the symptoms in patients diagnosed with levodopa-responsive PD, specifically those with symptoms not been adequately controlled with medicine for at least four years.

    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    Content current as of:
    02/28/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –