Category: Transport

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research (CTDDR-2022): The 9th MahaKumbh for Drug Research

Source: Government of India

Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research (CTDDR-2022): The 9th MahaKumbh for Drug Research

Day one was dedicated to “New strategies in synthetic and medicinal chemistry”

Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 1:30PM by PIB Delhi

The 9th “International Symposium on Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research” inaugurated yesterday at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow. Dr. Radha Rangrajan, Director CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow, welcomed all the dignitaries present in this mega event. She briefed about the details of this very important Drug discovery conference and set the tone for the participants that how they can utilize this opportunity for learning, networking and upgrading their research skills

“Science has no borders”: Dr. N. Kalaiselvi

The Chief Guest of the program, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary DSIR addressed the audience. Dr. Kalaiselvi highlighted the event’s significance as a platform for knowledge exchange. She stressed that such gatherings provide a great opportunity for researchers, industry leaders, and young minds to collaborate, fostering innovation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare.”Science has no borders, and this program is a gateway for global collaboration,” she remarked, underlining the importance of international cooperation in research and development. She urged students to take inspiration from these discussions and work towards making India a global leader in science and technology by 2047.

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary DSIR addressing the audience at the inauguration of “Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research (CTDDR-2022)” at CSIR-CDIR, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolution in drug discovery: Prof. Balram Bhargava

The Guest of Honour the program, Prof. Balram Bhargava, Dean and Senior Consultant, Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi & Former Director General, ICMR also addressed the audience. Dr. Balram Bhargava, emphasizes that India’s strength in drug discovery stems from its rich heritage in chemistry, making it a global hub for pharmaceutical advancements.The country has consistently demonstrated its ability to produce high-quality, affordable medicines, ensuring healthcare accessibility worldwide. However, challenges such as the availability of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and the need for new drug discoveries remain key areas of focus. Further he said that the integration of Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize drug discovery, accelerating research and reducing costs. Also he said that Collaboration has been a cornerstone of India’s pharmaceutical success, as seen in the development of vaccines. Market shaping is equally important, ensuring that innovations reach the masses while maintaining India’s leadership in cost-effective healthcare solutions.

Journey towards the development of drugs for pain treatment

(Prof. Christopher Robert McCurdy)

In the inaugural program, Prof. Christopher Robert McCurdy, Professor and The Frank A. Duckworth Eminent Scholar Chair, University of Florida, USA, has delivered the inaugural talk on “Seeing Pain: from the lab to the clinic, a medicinal chemist’s journey.” In his oration, he brought up the role of Sigma-1 receptors in pain processing. He further talked about the journey of the discovery and development of a tracer molecule FTC146, which acts as a selective ligand for Sigma-1 receptors. This tracer can locate sites of nerve damage in peripheral nerves, which can result in better pain management and, in certain situations, cured pain. This tracer has completed Phase 1 human clinical trials and can be a breakthrough in pain management strategies.

Targeting cofactor biosynthesis for the development of new antimicrobial agents with novel mechanism of action

(Prof. Courtney C. Aldrich)

Later in the Session II today, Prof. Courtney C. Aldrich from the University of Minnesota, USA, He online discussed about the novel approaches in targeting cofactor biosynthesis in order to develop new antimicrobial agents with novel mechanisms. He shared his efforts to design novel anti-tubercular agents against two elusive targets for which there are no effective small molecules. They discovered promising inhibitor chemotypes and optimized them for bioactivity and drug disposition characteristics using complementary techniques. He also discussed the difficulties he encountered during the optimization campaign and how he overcame them through the integration of mechanism of action studies. He also shared his most recent research to develop next-generation Rifamycin derivatives that overcome multiple resistance mechanisms.

Eliciting agonism-antagonism in endosomal toll-like receptor modulators via convoluted interplay of chemical subunits

(Dr. ArindamTalukdar)

Dr. ArindamTalukdar from CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), Kolkata, shared his research findings on the stimulation of agonism-antagonism in TLR7 modulators via complex interactions between chemical subunits. The TLR7 is an endosomal TLR protein that helps the body to recognize and respond to viruses and bacteria. He noted in his presentation that agonists and antagonists frequently have overlapping binding sites in their target molecules. Therefore, agonistic chemical scaffolds can be used as a template for designing antagonists. Starting from the agonistic purine scaffold, by rationally dissecting, they identified a singular ‘chemical switch’ at C-2 that could make a potent purine scaffold TLR7 agonist to lose agonism and acquire antagonist activity. He further mentioned the most unprecedented outcome of his study as the convoluted interplay of “chemical subunits”, to venture into the agonist-partial agonist-antagonist-agonist circle through sequential single-point change. He further proposed these new class of TLR7 modulators as promising precursor for therapeutic development.

The eminent speakers ignited the spark of scientific temperament in the participants of CTDDR-2025 with their vibrant talks filled with the latest information. The flooding of current information would be continued in further sessions which will dissipate the new energy and new direction for research and development among the participants sharing this platform from all around.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Correctional Services Department Annual Review 2024 (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Correctional Services Department Annual Review 2024 (with photos)
Correctional Services Department Annual Review 2024 (with photos)
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The following is the translation of the speech given by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, at the annual press conference today (February 20): Foreword The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance officially came into effect upon gazettal in 2024, reflecting the determination of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to safeguard national security and building momentum for stable social development. Shouldering the missions of safeguarding national security and maintaining social stability, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) was committed to ensuring the effective delivery of its custodial and rehabilitation work in the past year. At the same time, the CSD has been actively extending its reach beyond the prison walls to proactively promote support for offender rehabilitation and conduct crime prevention education in the community through utilising the CSD’s unique resources, with a view to nurturing young people into law-abiding social leaders. (1) Overview of penal population In 2024, the number of admissions to correctional institutions (including convicted persons, remands and detainees) increased 7 per cent to 18 438 as compared with 2023. In addition, the average daily penal population at correctional institutions also increased significantly to 9 550 persons in 2024 from 8 498 persons in 2023, representing an increase of 12 per cent. The average daily occupancy rate also rose from 75 per cent to 85 per cent. The year-on-year rate of increase in the average daily number of remands has been over 15 per cent since 2021. The respective number of persons stood high at 3 650 in 2024, representing an increase of 18 per cent as compared with 3 096 persons in 2023, which hit a new record high since 2000. On the other hand, since 2021, the CSD has assisted to detain adult detainees who are non-Hong Kong residents detained under the Immigration Ordinance. The number of detainees increased by 36 per cent, from 580 in 2023 to 787 in 2024, while the average daily number of detainees substantially increased by 72 per cent from 185 in 2023 to 318 in 2024. In 2024, the number of admissions to correctional institutions owing to their involvement in offences relating to the black-clad violence (including riots, unlawful assembly) and their contravention of the Hong Kong National Security Law/Safeguarding National Security Ordinance was 410 (64 of them were involved in the contravention of the Hong Kong National Security Law/Safeguarding National Security Ordinance). Compared to 950 in 2023, the number of such admissions dropped by 540, representing a decrease of 57 per cent. As at December 31, 2024, the number of persons in custody involved in offences relating to the black-clad violence and those contravening the Hong Kong National Security Law/Safeguarding National Security Ordinance was 591, representing a decrease of 24 per cent as compared to 776 in 2023. In response to the ever-changing penal population, especially the increasing population of remands, the CSD has deployed part of the capacity of individual correctional institutions to admit remands in order to alleviate the overcrowding situation of the reception centre. Moreover, the Department has already commenced the in-situ partial redevelopment of Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, which will increase its capacity for admitting adult male remands in the long run. The Department will continue to closely monitor the changes in penal population and flexibly redeploy resources having regard to the actual operational needs to adjust the capacity for persons on remand in a timely manner. (2) Custodial work Despite the increasing number of admissions and the growing penal population in the past year, which posed formidable challenges to both the governance and security of correctional institutions, correctional officers continued to stay united and stand fast to their posts. With the continued adoption of the nip-in-the-bud strategy, under which intelligence collection and search operations were stepped up, coupled with the application of technology and the upgrading of facilities and equipment, we strived to combat illicit activities and acts of indiscipline, thereby maintaining the good order and discipline of correctional institutions. With regard to intercepting the smuggling of dangerous drugs into institutions, under the intensive measures by the Department, there were only six seizure cases of suspected dangerous drugs last year, representing a significant decrease of over 60 per cent as compared with 16 cases in 2023. Five of the cases were found in body-cavity concealment of newly admitted persons in custody; and the remaining one case was found in the mail sent to a person in custody. In addition, the Department continued to take a proactive approach by conducting a total of 12 547 joint search/special search/night raid operations in correctional institutions last year, covering 20 589 locations. Mobile X-ray scanners were also introduced to enhance the efficacy of search operations and strengthen the deterrent effect. In 2024, as the number of admissions to and the penal population of correctional institutions kept increasing, the number of cases involving acts of indiscipline and violent acts among persons in custody also rose. In 2024, the number of disciplinary charges against persons in custody was 6 393. Counted against the penal population, there were 669 disciplinary cases per 1 000 persons in custody, representing an increase of 7 per cent as compared with 628 cases in 2023. The top three charges were “offending good order and discipline”, “possession of any unauthorised article” and “disobeying the orders of correctional officers”, which accounted for 35 per cent, 28 per cent and 18 per cent of the total number of disciplinary charges respectively. In 2024, a total of 3 412 persons in custody were subject to disciplinary charges, representing an increase of 401 persons or 13 per cent as compared with 3 011 persons in 2023. Among them, 618 committed disciplinary offences three or more times, involving 2 837 disciplinary charges, which accounted for 44 per cent of the total number of disciplinary charges. In 2024, a total of 382 cases involving violent acts were recorded, representing an increase of 9 per cent as compared with 351 cases in 2023. These cases mainly involved fighting among persons in custody and assaulting others. Among these cases, 26 cases of a more serious nature were referred to the Police for follow-up, representing an increase of 18 per cent as compared to 22 cases in 2023. The number of correctional officers who were injured after being attacked or while stopping violent acts was 20, representing an increase of 33 per cent as compared to 15 in 2023. In 2024, five cases of concerted acts of indiscipline among persons in custody were recorded, representing an increase of one case over 2023. The number of participants involved in the above incidents was 49 in total. To maintain the good order and discipline of correctional institutions, apart from combating various kinds of acts of indiscipline through strict law enforcement by institutional staff, the Regional Response Team carried out a total of four operations in 2024 to support the security work of correctional institutions, which involved the handling of incidents like collective actions against the institutional management and group fights among persons in custody. Apart from combating illicit activities and acts of indiscipline among persons in custody, correctional officers must stay vigilant at all times to detect and prevent any self-harm acts by persons in custody. Under the concerted efforts of correctional officers, a total of 18 self-harm cases were recorded in 2024, representing a significant decrease of 40 per cent as compared with 30 cases in 2023. (3) Rehabilitation In 2024, the Department enhanced its rehabilitation work on all fronts by fully implementing various measures, including strengthening the determination of persons in custody to rehabilitate, extending the reach of rehabilitation programmes beyond the prison walls, and making an all-out effort to seek participation in and support for rehabilitation work from all sectors of the community, with a view to assisting persons in custody to turn over a new leaf and reintegrate into society. To address the special rehabilitation needs of persons in custody involved in the black-clad violence and contravening the Hong Kong National Security Law/ Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the Department continued to launch a number of diversified rehabilitation programmes under the Project PATH to enhance their knowledge of the Chinese traditional culture, foster good character and moral education, and teach them to appreciate and pass down Chinese culture. A flag-raising and foot drill competition was held for the first time with an aim to enhance their sense of national identity. Furthermore, to enable persons in custody to obtain more opportunities for upward mobility, the CSD launched “Project JET” in October 2022 to provide one-stop training and career development opportunities for persons in custody, encouraging them to make life planning early, make full use of their talents and contribute to society. The project includes life planning, in-centre training, post-release internship, formal employment and a mentoring scheme. “Project JET” was awarded the Community Corrections Award, an excellence award by the International Corrections and Prisons Association last year. The CSD launched the Rehabilitation Dog Services in early 2024 at Lo Wu Correctional Institution and Phoenix House to provide animal-assisted therapies to persons in custody in need, with a view to improving their depression and anxiety and reducing their violent tendencies. Moreover, the Rehabilitation Dog Services Internship Programme implemented at Phoenix House helps halfway house trainees build self-confidence and develop a sense of responsibility through caring for rehabilitation dogs. Trainees and rehabilitation dogs were arranged to visit elderly service centres to conduct caring visits, thereby giving back to society. In 2024, the Department also set up two family therapy centres at the Multi-purpose Family and Rehabilitation Service Centres in Tuen Mun and Sheung Shui to organise different kinds of treatment programmes for rehabilitated drug addicts under statutory supervision and rehabilitated persons with violent tendencies or radical thoughts. By extending the in-prison psychological and family counselling services to the community, the Department aims to help them resolve family problems so that they can rebuild family relationships smoothly. In 2024, the Department set up the Correctional Rehabilitation Research Unit to envision evidence-informed rehabilitation services through promoting research and making reference to the latest international research findings. Last year, the Unit published two issues of “Insight”, a research bulletin, with contents covering “the effect of education programmes on the psychological conditions and rehabilitation motives of persons in custody”, “how rehabilitation dogs enhance psychological health”, and “the application of sports activities on male persons in custody”. Moreover, the Unit has also endeavoured to enhance professional exchanges and its network with overseas, Mainland and local research consultants and practitioners, so that they can consider collaborative research issues on rehabilitation services. On education, to further enable the inaugural graduates of the Ethics College who have obtained the Diploma of Applied Education to pursue higher qualifications, a two-year full-time Associate of General Studies distance programme was organised in the Ethics College in September 2024 to provide persons in custody with an option for further studies. Meanwhile, the CSD has also extended the Ethics College to Pik Uk Prison to provide a half-day Associate of General Studies programme and half-day vocational training for graduates of the Ethics College who are unable to complete the associate degree programme during the remainder of their sentences. This allows them to receive short-term educational and vocational training and continuously equip themselves in preparation for reintegration into society for academic and career pursuits upon their imminent release. The overall passing rate of public examinations taken by persons in custody was 88.4 per cent last year (85.3 per cent and 90.6 per cent for adult and young persons in custody respectively), representing an increase of 5.7 percentage points over 2023. One person in custody obtained a total of 25 marks in six papers under the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination. Four additional persons met the general entrance requirements for local universities. Moreover, one person in custody was awarded a doctoral degree, and 11 others were awarded bachelor’s degrees. On vocational training, the Department provides 13 market-oriented vocational training courses to young persons in custody, and 43 vocational training courses with more than 1 700 training places, an increase of 300 places as compared with 2023, for lawfully residing adult persons in custody who are due for discharge within 24 months and eligible for employment to enrol on a voluntary basis. Last year, the overall passing rate of vocational training examinations taken by persons in custody was 99.5 per cent (99.3 per cent and 100 per cent for adult and young persons in custody respectively). Their employment rates after six months of employment follow-up period upon release were 87.3 per cent and 78.4 per cent respectively.　　 Moreover, the Department has endeavoured to establish close partnerships with organisations and individuals from different sectors of the community, with a view to providing comprehensive rehabilitation services. The Department held in June last year the first Rehabilitation Partners Award Scheme Presentation Ceremony to honour 120 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charitable institutions, commercial organisations, post-secondary institutions, etc, in recognition of their active support for persons in custody and rehabilitated persons over the past two years, as well as to encourage different sectors of the community to become Rehabilitation Partners and support rehabilitation work.　　 Over the past 20 years and so, based on the year of discharge, Hong Kong’s recidivism rate (the percentage of readmission of local persons in custody to correctional institutions following conviction for a new offence within two years after discharge) has recorded a significant decrease from 39.9 per cent in 2000 to 21.8 per cent in 2022. The hard-earned result reflects the perseverance and hard work of correctional officers, the firm determination of persons in custody and rehabilitated offenders to turn over a new leaf, as well as the support for offender rehabilitation from all sectors of the community. (4) Community education The CSD’s Rehabilitation Pioneer Project (RPP) provides a series of community education activities to disseminate to young people the four key messages of safeguarding our country and home, leading a law-abiding and drug-free life as well as supporting offender rehabilitation. Last year, the Department strengthened its patriotic education for young people to enhance their sense of national identity and raise their understanding of our country. A total of 45 133 participants joined various RPP activities last year, representing an increase of 2.5 per cent as compared with 44 015 in 2023. To further promote the coverage of the Rehabilitation Pioneer Leaders (RPL) in the community, the Department continued a school-based programme to provide on-campus training. Currently, a total of six schools have joined the school-based programme, and the total number of RPL trainees has exceeded 600, representing an increase of 49 per cent as compared to that at the end of 2023. The Department also continued to enhance the diverse training programmes for RPL to help them develop their potential, including organising two certificate courses in 2024, namely Foundation Certificate in Correctional Studies and Criminal Legal Studies and Foundation Certificate in Moral and Personal Management, both pitched at Level 2 under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework for Secondary One to Three RPL trainees to strengthen their awareness of making joint effort to build a society underpinned by the rule of law, foster positive thinking and establish good virtues. Upholding the principle of sustainable development, the Department launched an initiative called “Captain Gor Union” and its mobile application last December, establishing a membership system for the RPP to recruit primary and secondary students as members. The members will then be arranged to join different activities promoting national security, national education, crime prevention, anti-drug and support for offender rehabilitation messages, as well as cultural exchange activities. The new membership system not only makes youth development work more systematic and sustainable but also helps recruit young people with great potential to join the RPL, with a view to continuously bringing in new blood to the Department’s youth uniformed group. The Department organised different types of exchange activities under the theme “exploring our country ･ caring the community” last year. RPL trainees were arranged to visit different places on the Mainland, such as Wuhan, Beijing, Tianjin and Urumqi, and participate in volunteer activities. In addition, at the end of last year, the Department implemented a comprehensive co-operation programme with the charitable organisation, Long Caring, and arranged for RPL trainees to be the first uniformed youth group to join a tour to the Hong’an Hope Town in Hubei to enable them to learn about our country’s poverty alleviation work and the road to great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Furthermore, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Department organised the first 3×3 Basketball Invitation Game for Hong Kong Uniformed Youth Groups in celebration of National Day last October to unite different uniformed youth groups in Hong Kong, aiming to promote patriotism through positive sport games, enhance young people’s sense of national identity and nurture them into a new generation with an affection for our country and Hong Kong and a positive mindset. (5) Human resources In 2024, a total of 30 Officers and 344 Assistant Officers II were recruited. As at December 31, 2024, there were 674 vacancies for disciplined staff, accounting for 10.3 per cent of the overall establishment of the Department. The Department continued to implement the Post-retirement Service Contract Scheme last year to relieve the manpower strain. As at December 31, 2024, a total of 127 retirees were recruited. About 45 Officers are expected to be recruited this year, and the year-round recruitment for the post of Assistant Officer II will continue to fill the relevant vacancies. Multipronged recruitment strategies were adopted last year to attract more talents who aspire to serve the community to join the Department, which achieved remarkable overall results. The total number of Assistant Officers II recruited in 2024 saw an increase of 18.6 per cent as compared with 290 in 2023. In addition, the Department continued to work closely with different support service centres for ethnic minorities and schools last year. A variety of activities were organised to attract non-ethnic Chinese to apply for the vacancies of the CSD. In 2024, an additional 13 non-ethnic Chinese correctional officers were appointed. As at December 31, 2024, a total of 66 non-ethnic Chinese correctional officers were employed by the Department. On staff training, to enhance patriotism and national security awareness among correctional officers, the Department continued to include training elements of national security, national education and patriotic education in the recruit training and training courses for serving staff, including inviting legal professionals and renowned scholars to host talks and sharing sessions, and arranging for correctional officers to visit the National Security Exhibition Gallery, the Patriotic Education Centre and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Center at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks, as well as organising study and exchange visits to the Mainland for correctional staff. In 2024, 130 related activities were organised by the Department with over 2 600 staff members participating in the activities. (6) Application of innovation and technology Last year, the Department continued to introduce innovation and technology projects to correctional facilities to assist the institutional management in enhancing management and operational efficiency and raising the security level of facilities. For example, the Department introduced the Second Generation Automatic Drone Patrol and Monitoring System to Tong Fuk Correctional Institution and implemented the Artificial Intelligence Coastal Surveillance System on Hei Ling Chau. In addition, the Department continued its efforts to tie in with the Government’s Smart City Blueprint by digitising its public services. The Approved Hand-in Articles e-Ordering Service was implemented in all correctional institutions last December, enabling relatives and friends of persons in custody to purchase approved hand-in articles for them via an online platform. The articles are directly delivered to the correctional institutions concerned by the supplier. The service not only reduces the time visitors spend sourcing the articles in the market and the inconvenience of carrying them to the correctional institutions, but also shortens the time for correctional officers to conduct security checks and handle the articles, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of correctional institutions. Meanwhile, the CSD launched two new technology projects, namely Digital Incarceration Proof and Chatbot Service, at the end of last year to bring convenience to the public. Members of the public may apply for the Digital Incarceration Proof through the “iAM Smart” mobile application, instead of having to visit the CSD Headquarters in person as in the past. Furthermore, the Chatbot Service is provided on the CSD website and its mobile application. Through the use of chatbot “Ching Ching” to handle public enquiries, the efficiency of the public enquiry service can be raised. (7) Deepening collaboration with the Mainland and international partners The CSD has been fostering professional collaboration with the Mainland and overseas correctional institutions to establish close partnerships and create opportunities for co-operation on issues of mutual concern, making its best endeavours to tell good correctional stories and to tell good stories of Hong Kong. The Department held the first Greater Bay Area Correctional Services Tactical Skills Competition in January this year, with the participation of seven teams from correctional organisations in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The event effectively facilitated the exchange of experiences in crisis management between the CSD and correctional organisations in the GBA, with a view to enhancing the tactical skills of the response teams and their emergency response capabilities. Apart from fostering exchanges and connections within the GBA, the Department has also actively integrated into our country’s Belt and Road Initiative. In March last year, the Department and the Hungarian Prison Service (with Hungary being the first European country to sign the Belt and Road co-operation agreement) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Through formulating and promoting co-operation programmes including experience sharing in correctional services, personnel exchanges and joint research, the development of the two correctional authorities could be enhanced, and long-term co-operation relationship could be established, thereby deepening professional exchanges about international correctional services. In November last year, the Department further enhanced its role as an international link by hosting the 42nd Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators. About 140 correctional chiefs and representatives from 30 Asia-Pacific countries and regions (including 16 Belt and Road countries) attended the Conference, themed “Collaboration for Sustainable and High-quality Development”, to conduct professional exchanges about correctional services and the future development, with a view to strengthening and facilitating regional co-operation and further enabling counterparts from different places to gain a better understanding of the unique advantages and latest developments of Hong Kong’s correctional system. (8) Priorities in the coming year Concluding its efforts made in 2024, the CSD achieved significant progress in various areas of its work. Looking forward, the Department will build on its success and seek changes while maintaining stability. We will continue to make innovations with professionalism in the three major areas of work, namely custodial work, rehabilitation and community education, with a view to making the CSD an internationally acclaimed correctional services institution. On custodial work, following the successful organisation of the Greater Bay Area Correctional Services Tactical Skills Competition early this year, the CSD plans to set up the Hong Kong Correctional Services Response Tactics Training Base at Cape Collinson Correctional Institution to provide professional tactical skills training courses for officers of correctional institutions on the Mainland and overseas as well as local law enforcement officers to facilitate in-depth exchanges of response tactics and related skills between correctional institutions and professional law enforcement agencies in different jurisdictions and the CSD’s response teams, thereby enhancing their professionalism and response capabilities to deal with prison emergencies. The Department will continue to introduce elements of innovation and technology into correctional facilities to raise operational efficiency, enhance institutional security and strengthen the self-management ability of persons in custody. These include the installation of the Persons in Custody Integrated Intelligent Communication System, the Electric Locks Security System, the Movement and Location Monitoring System, the Smart Visitor Management System, etc, in different institutions progressively. Moreover, the Department plans to set up a Penal Lab at Cape Collinson Correctional Institution jointly with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation in the first half of this year, where tailor-made innovative solutions can be tested, so that more smart initiatives tailored for penal settings can be introduced to enhance operational efficacy and service quality of the Department. Following the launch of the Social Visit e-Booking Service, the Department plans to introduce a new e-booking option for video social visits to enable relatives and friends of persons in custody to make appointments via the Department’s webpage or its mobile application for video visits at the five Multi-purpose Family and Rehabilitation Service Centres located in the urban area. The new service can not only enhance the operational efficiency of the Department but also bring convenience to relatives and friends of persons in custody. As for rehabilitation work, the Correctional Rehabilitation Research Unit will continue to carry out research studies in collaboration with local universities to promote evidence-informed rehabilitation services. The Unit plans to share its research findings with stakeholders and the public this year, including rehabilitated persons’ desistance from re-offending, and the use of social media of young persons in custody before incarceration and its impact on their mental health, in the hope of providing guidance on the formulation of future strategies for rehabilitation and crime prevention work. Moreover, to address the rehabilitation needs of persons in custody serving short-term prison sentences, the Department is in discussion with an NGO to provide with them one-stop rehabilitation support services during imprisonment and after release, which include assessments made by professional social workers, participation in personal growth sessions, and the establishment of a positive social network after release. Such services can help rehabilitated persons establish positive values, develop law-abiding awareness, explore personal strengths, build self-confidence and set life goals, thereby reducing their recidivism risk. Under the collaborative project, the Correctional Rehabilitation Research Unit will carry out a three-year research project in collaboration with a local university and an NGO to track the rehabilitation situation of service users after release. Furthermore, in view of the remarkable results of the Rehabilitation Dog Services Programme launched last year, the Department plans to conduct further studies with local universities and extend the programme to institutions for adult male persons in custody, with a view to benefitting more persons in custody in need. As regards community education, the Department will strengthen youth education in terms of its breadth and depth to nurture young people into a new generation with law-abiding awareness and affection for our country and Hong Kong. With regard to expanding the breadth of youth education, the Department will make greater effort to enhance its connection with schools in various districts to further increase the number of schools joining the school-based RPL programme to recruit more RPL trainees. The Department will extend its collaboration with other departments to jointly organise more publicity activities to promote crime prevention and anti-drug messages. For example, in view of an escalating trend of taking “space oil drug”, the Department will join hands with the Narcotics Division to organise the Creation and Rehabilitation Programme under the theme of “space oil drug” at Stanley Prison next month to disseminate anti-drug messages to participating students. With regard to expanding the depth of youth education, to encourage young people to obtain an in-depth understanding of our country’s overall development trend, the Department will provide RPL trainees with job tasting opportunities on the Mainland to enable them to establish Mainland networking and raise their understanding of the Mainland market to assist them in realising their life planning and seizing national development opportunities. A microfilm premiere on national security will be held this April to deepen the dissemination of messages about national security and the importance of the rule of law among participating secondary students and members of youth uniformed groups. Lastly, in order to enhance the promotion of correctional work and the dissemination of the message of support for offender rehabilitation to the general public, since January this year, the Correctional Services Department Sports Association (CSDSA) has operated an online gift sales platform for charity named “Made in Prison” (MIP), which aims to foster a caring heart in the community through the sale of handcraft products made by persons in custody to the public. The charity online gift sales platform is operated by the charity fund under the CSDSA. All proceeds from the sale, after deducting necessary costs, will be donated to various local registered charities, thereby promoting the development of the local charity industry as well as providing persons in custody with opportunities to contribute to society. In its future development, the MIP will introduce more innovative green elements. The Department and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in early February this year, under which PolyU’s patented technology for making 3D printing material with spent coffee grounds will be applied to the industrial production work performed by persons in custody. PolyU will also provide vocational training in product design for persons in custody to assist them in designing more environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products, which will be available for sale on the MIP platform. The development of the platform signifies the CSD’s sheer determination to care for the underprivileged, the environment and the community in an innovative way.

Ends/Thursday, February 20, 2025Issued at HKT 15:40

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Health Bureau launches new eHealth registration channel and time-limited gift redemption campaign to encourage citizens to establish lifelong electronic health records for their children early

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Health Bureau launches new eHealth registration channel and time-limited gift redemption campaign to encourage citizens to establish lifelong electronic health records for their children early
Health Bureau launches new eHealth registration channel and time-limited gift redemption campaign to encourage citizens to establish lifelong electronic health records for their children early
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The Health Bureau (HHB) announced that citizens are able to open eHealth accounts for their children aged under 16 via the one-stop platform on the eHealth mobile application (eHealth App) from today (February 20), making it more convenient to manage health records of their children. The HHB also introduced a time-limited gift redemption campaign on the same day to encourage parents to register eHealth for their children and to promote public participation in the health challenges on the “e+ Life” platform under eHealth and build healthy habits. Starting today, citizens registered with eHealth can log into the eHealth App to register eHealth for their children aged under 16 and verify their identities through the one-stop “My Family” function. Parents can create eHealth accounts for their children easily and conveniently by just taking a photo of their children’s Hong Kong Birth Certificate, verifying and filling in the relevant information. Upon successful registration, their children can start building a personal lifelong electronic health record from an early age and receive coherent healthcare services as they grow up. Through the “My Family” function, parents can also access and manage their children’s health records, including vaccination, allergy or adverse drug reaction and growth records. For further details of the new registration channel, please visit the eHealth thematic website (app.ehealth.gov.hk/caregiver). From today until May 31, children aged under 16 will earn health coins on their eHealth App account for gift redemption, after successful eHealth registration by their parents. Moreover, from today until July 31, parents who register their newborns aged under 1 with eHealth will also receive an extra limited edition Newborn Gift Box, which includes a multipurpose baby stroller bag, a mini soft tape measure, an eHealth picture book and other exquisite gifts. Eligible parents will be notified of the Newborn Gift Box redemption via their registered communication means on eHealth. To receive the Gift Box, they simply need to log into the “My Family” function of the eHealth App and select the delivery address in accordance with the instructions. For details of the collection of the Newborn Gift Box, please visit the eHealth thematic website (app.ehealth.gov.hk/gifts-redemption). The Government has been promoting the use of eHealth to assist citizens in managing health records of their own and their family members, as well as developing a healthier lifestyle. Among other things, the HHB launched the “e+ Life” health challenge platform under eHealth in September 2024 to encourage citizens to participate in different health challenges, including the “e+ Go to the Park” and the concluded “10 000 Steps a Day Walking Challenge 2024”, allowing them to work out while gaming as well as accumulate health coins. From today until May 31, citizens can use the health coins earned from the “e+ Life” health challenges or eHealth registration of their children to redeem rewards. By scanning the redemption QR code on the eHealth App at designated self-service gift redemption machines located at the following locations, they can redeem a variety of gifts, such as eco umbrella pouches, eco portable cutlery sets and portable picnic mats.1. Harbour Road Sports Centre 2. Victoria Park Swimming Pool 3. Kwun Tong Swimming Pool 4. Kowloon Park Sports Centre5. Sham Shui Po Sports Centre6. Tiu Keng Leng Sports Centre 7. Che Kung Temple Sports Centre 8. Tsuen Wan Sports Centre 9. Yuen Long Sports Centre In addition, the HHB will launch a two-week promotional campaign at Times Square, Causeway Bay, in mid-March to assist members of the public to register for eHealth, download the eHealth App and gain a better understanding of its functions. The campaign will feature various interactive activities and on-site giveaways to enhance public understanding of eHealth. A self-service gift redemption machine will also be set up for citizens to redeem gifts with their health coins. For more information of the gift redemption and self-service gift redemption machines, as well as updates of the eHealth promotional events, please visit the eHealth thematic website (app.ehealth.gov.hk/elife-redemption) or call the hotline at 3467 6300 for inquiries. The hotline service runs from 9am to 9pm from Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays).

Ends/Thursday, February 20, 2025Issued at HKT 14:55

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong to expand

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong to expand
Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong to expand
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The Social Welfare Department (SWD) announced today (February 20) that starting from March 1, four additional residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) located in Jiangmen, Foshan and Shenzhen will become Recognised Service Providers under the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong (the Scheme) to provide subsidised care and attention places for participating elderly persons. The information of the additional RCHEs is as follows:

Name of RCHEs
Location of RCHEs

Jiangmen

1.
Jiangmen Xinhui Elderly Care Center
68 Nanan Road Lane 3, Huicheng Street, Xinhui District, Jiangmen

Foshan

2.
Foshan Nanhai Taoyuan Welfare Centre Co., Ltd(Operated under the partnership formed by Sing Yan Nursing Home Limited and a Mainland elderly service operator)
1 Zhuangyuan Road, Luocun Village, Shishan Town, Nanhai District, Foshan

Shenzhen

3.
Shenzhen Foresea Life Insurance Warm Home(Operated under the partnership formed by Beijing Elder Centre Limited and a Mainland elderly service operator)
1099 Xinan Sixth Road, Haibin Community, Xinan Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen

4.
Shenzhen Expressway Shengao Lekang Health Service (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd (Guangming Social Welfare Institute)(Operated under the partnership formed by E.T. Investment Limited and a Mainland elderly service operator)
101 Guangming Social Welfare Institute, Biming Road, Guangming Street, Guangming District, Shenzhen

Together with the existing 11 RCHEs, the total number of RCHEs registered under the Scheme will increase to 15, located in six Mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) (i.e. Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhaoqing, Zhongshan and Jiangmen), providing more choices for elderly persons who are interested in retiring in the Mainland cities in the GBA. Details of the Scheme are available at the SWD website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/pubsvc/elderly/cat_residentcare/subrcheplace/guangdong/index.html).

Ends/Thursday, February 20, 2025Issued at HKT 14:30

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Health Ministry launches Intensified Special NCD Screening Drive to ensure 100% coverage of all individuals aged 30 years and above
Source: Government of India (2)

Union Health Ministry launches Intensified Special NCD Screening Drive to ensure 100% coverage of all individuals aged 30 years and above

Key Highlights of the NCD Screening Campaign include Door-to-Door Comprehensive Outreach, Multi-Agency Collaboration and Real-Time Monitoring for Effective Implementation

Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 12:01PM by PIB Delhi

In view of the escalating burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has launched an Intensified Special NCD Screening Campaign today. Running from 20th February to 31st March 2025, this ambitious initiative aims to achieve 100% screening of all individuals aged 30 years and above for prevalent NCDs, including Diabetes, Hypertension, and three common cancers—Oral, Breast, and Cervical.

The campaign will be executed across Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and various healthcare facilities nationwide, under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).

Key Highlights of the Campaign are as under:
- Door-to-Door Outreach: Trained ASHAs, ANMs, and frontline workers will conduct community visits to ensure maximum screening coverage, reaching individuals in their homes.
- Essential Supplies: States and Union Territories (UTs) will guarantee the availability of essential medical supplies, including BP monitors, glucometers, and necessary medications at all healthcare centers.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Data on screening, treatment, and follow-ups will be uploaded daily on the NP-NCD Portal, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Multi-Level Coordination: Nodal officers will be appointed at facility, block, district, and state levels to facilitate seamless execution of the campaign.
- Daily Progress Review: States and UTs will provide updates to the Ministry by 6 PM daily, allowing for continuous monitoring and technical support.
The Intensified Screening Campaign aims to achieve the following:
- 100% Screening Coverage: The campaign aims to ensure early detection and timely intervention for NCDs.
- Improved Linkage to Care: By establishing structured treatment and follow-up protocols, the campaign seeks to reduce complications associated with NCDs.
- Better Health Outcomes: The initiative is expected to lower healthcare costs and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals across the nation.
The Government of India is steadfast in its commitment to strengthening preventive healthcare and ensuring universal access to quality health services under the Ayushman Bharat initiative. This special drive marks a significant step toward a healthier and NCD-free India, empowering citizens to take charge of their health and well-being.

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MV

HFW/Launch of NCD Screening Drive/20 February 2025/1

(Release ID: 2104884) Visitor Counter : 43

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government welcomes passage of Road Tunnels (Government) (Amendment) Bill 2024

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government welcomed the passage of the Road Tunnels (Government) (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the Legislative Council today (February 20), which lays the foundation for the Government to smoothly take over the Tai Lam Tunnel (TLT) and implement new tolls at a suitably reduced level.

     The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, said, “The TLT is vital to the well-being of the 1 million residents in Yuen Long and North Districts who travel through the Tunnel, as well as being the lifeblood of transport and logistics trades to the road-based land crossings, airport, cargo terminals, etc. The Bill seeks to make the TLT, which is an important land infrastructure, more accessible and convenient for the public. The new tolls, which are devised based on scientific and traffic data, will enable the flow of people and freight between the Northwest New Territories and the urban area. The new tolls are a comprehensive proposal that takes into account both public opinion and holistic policy considerations.”

     The Government has appropriately reduced the tolls of the TLT to achieve a number of policy objectives: ensure that the TLT remains smooth and its spare capacity is utilised to alleviate the heavy traffic on its alternative routes (i.e. Tuen Mun Road and Tolo Highway); ensure smooth public transport services through the tunnel, thereby enabling the public’s commuting; embody the principle of “efficiency first” to attract commercial vehicles to use the Tunnel in support of the operation and development of the logistics industry; and the adherence to the principles of “user pay” and “cost-recovery”.

     The Government will implement a time-varying toll at the TLT. The tolls for all types of vehicles will be substantially reduced from the current levels, i.e. the toll for private cars is between $18 and $45; the toll for motorcycles (including motor tricycles) is between $7.2 and $18; the toll for taxis is charged at an all-day fixed rate of $28, while other commercial vehicles including goods vehicles and buses are charged an all-day fixed toll of $43. The above tolls will come into force on May 31 this year when the Government takes over the TLT. The HKeToll will also be implemented at the TLT, and the Transport Department will announce the details in due course.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ombudsman announces results of direct investigation operation into Government’s arrangements for recovery, refurbishment and reallocation of public rental housing flats (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

     The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (February 20) announced the completion of a direct investigation operation into the Government’s arrangements for the recovery, refurbishment and reallocation of public rental housing (PRH) flats, and has made 19 major recommendations for improvements to the Housing Department (HD) and the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS).

     The current-term Government has been making every effort to increase the PRH supply, and its efforts are delivering tangible results. In addition, the HD and the HKHS recover a number of PRH flats each year for various reasons such as tenants purchasing private flats in the market or subsidised sale flats, moving into residential care homes, passing away or voluntarily surrendering their flat for other reasons. In the past five years (note), the HD and the HKHS have recovered 15 700 and 1 100 PRH flats respectively on average each year. Efficient recovery and refurbishment of PRH flats is essential to speed up the reallocation of flats, thereby shortening the waiting time for public housing.

     Mr Chan said, “The current-term Government has diligently identified sites and built housing estates to solve the pressing housing problem. It endeavours to enhance quantity, speed, efficiency and quality, and adopts a proactive and positive attitude in enhancing the sense of happiness of the public. In combating abuse of public housing, the Government has spared no effort and implemented enhancement measures. Its efforts are delivering tangible results.

“Subsequent to the launch of our direct investigation operation, the HD proactively introduced several enhancement measures to expedite the process of refurbishing recovered flats for reallocation to PRH applicants. Starting from November 2024, relevant measures have been put into practice in phases. For instance, the HD has set up a mechanism to provide contractors with information about the housing estates where there will be vacant flats in advance so that the contractors can make prior arrangements for the materials and manpower required for refurbishment works. The Department will also request that contractors give priority to refurbishment of vacant flats accepted by prospective tenants. It has also revised its Vacant Flat Refurbishment Allowance Scheme to extend the coverage to all vacant units regardless of the age of the property so that those who choose to join the scheme can move in as soon as possible. We consider such efforts of the HD laudable. In our view, the HD and the HKHS should take further steps forward to make reforms in recovery, refurbishment and reallocation arrangements to achieve a quicker turnover of PRH flats and ensure optimal utilisation of precious public housing resources.”

     The Office of The Ombudsman (the Office) has made 19 recommendations for improvements to the HD and the HKHS regarding exploring improvement of workflows to speeding up recovery of PRH flats, improving the procedures for handling items left in PRH flats by previous tenants, enhancing arrangements for refurbishment and reallocation of PRH flats, and reviewing relevant measures. The Office is pleased to learn that the HD and the HKHS have generally accepted all the Ombudsman’s recommendations for improvement.

     The Ombudsman’s major recommendations for improvement to the HD are:

improve the procedures for recovering the flats of deceased singleton tenants and revise the relevant guidelines;
strengthen staff training on recovery of flats of deceased singleton tenants to enhance staff’s understanding of the revised workflow;
explore how the procedures for handling cases involving tenants’ failure to vacate and surrender their flat upon expiry of the deadline prescribed in the Notice-to-Quit can be improved;
maintain close communication with members of the Appeal Panel (Housing) and give due consideration to various proposals for improvement to facilitate the smooth decision-making process of the Appeal Tribunal;
explore the setting of targets for reallocation arrangements after recovery of PRH flats where feasible;
enhance the computer system to add functions of data collection, statistics compilation and analysis to improve the efficiency of refurbishment and reallocation of recovered PRH flats; and
improve communication with tenants and their emergency contact persons, requesting that tenants provide an email address to facilitate communication.

     The major recommendations for improvement made to the HKHS are:

make reference to the HD’s procedures for recovering the flats of deceased singleton tenants and revise the relevant guidelines;
arrange staff training after revising the guidelines on handling the tenancy matters of deceased singleton tenants;
re-examine the procedures for handling items left in PRH flats by previous tenants;
to be more proactive and decisive in handling cases of failure to surrender PRH flats;
explore appropriate revisions of relevant arrangements to shorten the time frame for issuance of refurbishment work orders after recovery of a flat to less than 14 days to enhance efficiency and create a monitoring mechanism;
re-examine the process of reallocation of recovered flats and explore setting of targets for reallocation arrangements after recovery of PRH flats where feasible;
improve the computer system for statistical analysis to effectively collate information on refurbishments and reallocations of recovered PRH flats for better efficiency;
review the workflow and standards of refurbishment works of vacant PRH flats to speed up work progress and shorten the refurbishment period;
consider introducing a scheme similar to the HD’s Vacant Flat Refurbishment Allowance Scheme and study the feasibility;
consider following the HD’s example in issuing a Letter of Assurance to offer PRH accommodation to tenants who surrender their flat due to admission to residential care homes or imprisonment, when they have housing needs in future;
re-examine the arrangements for tenants’ surrender of their PRH flats after acquiring other forms of subsidised housing; and
request that tenants and their emergency contact persons provide an email address to facilitate communication.

     The full investigation report is available on the website of the Office of The Ombudsman at www.ombudsman.hk for public information.

Note: HD uses a financial year while HKHS uses a calendar year in compilation of statistics.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: Fairfax India Completes Acquisition of an Additional 10% Interest in Bangalore International Airport Limited

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

(Note: All dollar amounts in this news release are expressed in U.S. dollars, except as otherwise noted).

TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fairfax India Holdings Corporation (“Fairfax India” or the “Company”) (TSX: FIH.U) announces that, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, it has completed the acquisition of an additional 10% equity interest in Bangalore International Airport Limited (“BIAL”) from Siemens Project Ventures GmbH, part of Siemens Financial Services for, in aggregate, $255.0 million (the “Purchase Price”). As previously announced, the Purchase Price is payable in three installments, with the initial installment paid on closing of the transaction and the balance to be paid on August 31, 2025 and July 31, 2026.

As a result of the closing of the transaction, Fairfax India’s aggregate share ownership in BIAL has increased to 74.0% (30.4% held by its wholly-owned subsidiary and 43.6% held by its indirect subsidiary, Anchorage Infrastructure Investments Holdings Limited) from 64.0% last year. The equity interest in BIAL owned by the Indian state promoters, Airports Authority of India and Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited remains unchanged at 13% each.

BIAL is a private company located in Bengaluru, India. BIAL, under a concession agreement with the Government of India until the year 2068, has the exclusive rights to carry out the development, design, financing, construction, commissioning, maintenance, operation and management of the Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (“KIAB”) through a public-private partnership. KIAB is the first greenfield airport in India built through a public-private partnership.

About Fairfax India

Fairfax India is an investment holding company whose objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation, while preserving capital, by investing in public and private equity securities and debt instruments in India and Indian businesses or other businesses with customers, suppliers or business primarily conducted in, or dependent on, India.

For further information, contact: John Varnell, Vice President, Corporate Affairs
(416) 367-475

The MIL Network –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Thales, Milrem Robotics, and EM&E Group sign a MoU for strategic cooperation in the United Arab Emirates

Source: Thales Group

Headline: Thales, Milrem Robotics, and EM&E Group sign a MoU for strategic cooperation in the United Arab Emirates

20 Feb 2025

Share this article

February 18, 2025 — Abu Dhabi, UAE: Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, EM&E Group, a prominent defence technology provider, and Thales in Belgium, a subsidiary of Thales a global tech leader in defence, aerospace and cyber have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly address commercial cooperation in the United Arab Emirates.

This MoU provides a framework that focuses on joint innovation and robotics capability integration projects. One of the main goals of this partnership is to integrate EM&E Group’s SECUTOR Remote Weapon Station together with Thales in Belgium’s 70mm rocket systems into Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS modular unmanned ground vehicle. This integration will enhance the operational capabilities of this platform, making it more versatile and suited to meet the specific needs of the UAE, particularly in terms of drones countermeasures (C-UAS).

This system will be displayed by the EDGE Group at IDEX 2025, which will be held in Abu Dhabi from 17-21 February.

The agreement also outlines opportunities for further collaborative development projects that combine the expertise of all three parties to advance cutting-edge defence solutions.

“Milrem Robotics, EM&E Group, and Thales in Belgium share a vision of leveraging our combined technological strengths to address the evolving needs for robotic systems and to build efficient defence capabilities. Through this partnership, we aim to drive innovation, strengthen regional security, and contribute to the UAE’s defence and technological capabilities,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“We are excited to enter into this strategic partnership, bringing together cutting-edge technologies to meet defence needs in a rapidly evolving landscape. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing security and technological excellence, in keeping with the UAE’s vision for innovation in defence,” said Alain Quevrin, CEO of Thales in Belgium

“It is an honour to participate in this strategic project, which will bring together the capabilities and technologies necessary for the development of a cutting-edge system such as the Secutor Rocket. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to respond to the needs of the ever-changing Defence sector”, said Javier Escribano, President of EM&E Group.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

About Thales in Belgium

Thales Belgium, a subsidiary of the Thales Group, has operated in Belgium for over 50 years, serving three core markets — Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space and Digital Identity & Security — and developing products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

Thales employs over 1,200 people in Belgium at nine sites (Herstal, Tubize, Brussels, Charleroi, Hasselt, Leuven, Zaventem and Hasselt). Thales Belgium consistently contributes to the country’s research and development programmes, in particular in key sectors of innovation such as quantum technologies, edge computing, 6G and cybersecurity.

About Milrem

milremrobotics.com

About EM&E Group

www.eme-es.com

Media contacts

Thales in Belgium

Lou Uniak – lou.uniack@thalesgroup.com

Thales Group

Camille Heck – Camille.heck@thalesgroup.com

MIL OSI Economics –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: EU/Israel: Ministers should not ‘roll out the red carpet’ for Israeli foreign minister

Source: Amnesty International –

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar to visit Brussels on Monday

EU leaders will welcome Sa’ar whose prime minister and former defense minister are subject to arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity

Israel’s military is actively engaged in committing crimes under international law, including genocide

Commenting on EU foreign ministers hosting Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s foreign minister, in Brussels for the EU-Israel Association Council on Monday 24 February, Eve Geddie, Amnesty International’s Director at European Institutions Office, said:

“It is unconscionable that the EU is rolling out the red carpet for Foreign Minister Sa’ar whose boss, Prime Minister Netanyahu, is wanted by the ICC.

“Discussions on the EU’s future relationship with Israel should above all be premised on an insistence that Netanyahu and former defence minister Gallant face justice at the ICC for the crimes they are alleged to have committed, as well as on Israel’s adherence to international law and an end to apartheid.

“EU leaders must put their commitments to international law, human rights and the ICC above carefully choreographed diplomatic conferences with Israel.

“The EU’s shameful silence on threats to the ICC and lack of urgent practical mitigating measures gives the firm impression that the EU has prioritised relations with a government implicated in the commission of genocide and war crimes, over support to an institution which is pursuing individual accountability for these crimes.

“EU leaders should be deciding what measures to take to prevent the EU from aiding Israeli genocide, apartheid and unlawful occupation instead of brushing these under the carpet for a diplomatic handshake in Brussels.”

Israeli settlements

Despite the International Court of Justice clearly laying out the responsibility of third states to prevent trade and investment that contributes to maintaining the unlawful occupation, the EU continues to trade and invest in Israeli settlements.

Amnesty calls on the EU with over 160 civil society organisations and in our letter on 10 February urging leaders to use the meeting to present Israel with clear requests to address its grave violations of international law and ensure justice and reparation for crimes under international law, while laying out the consequences for the relationship between the EU and Israel if no action is taken.

MIL OSI NGO –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Police forces ‘supercharging racism’ with crime predicting tech – new report
Source: Amnesty International –

Amnesty’s new report ‘Automated Racism’ reveals dangerous discrimination in police prediction tools

Almost three-quarters of police forces attempt to predict crime by racially profiling communities across the UK

‘These systems have been built with discriminatory data and serve only to supercharge racism’ – Sacha Deshmukh

A new 120 – page report from Amnesty International UK ‘Automated Racism – How police data and algorithms code discrimination into policing’ has exposed the grave dangers to society from ‘predictive policing’ systems and technology used across almost three quarters of the UK’s police forces.

This is the first report to demonstrate how these systems are in flagrant breach of the UK’s national and international human rights obligations

Amnesty found that at least 33 police forces – including the Met Police, West Midlands, Avon and Somerset, Manchester and Essex police – across the UK have used predictive profiling or risk prediction systems. Of these forces, 32 have used geographic crime prediction, profiling, or risk prediction tools, and 11 forces have used individual prediction, profiling, or risk prediction tools.

Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive at Amnesty International UK, said:

“No matter our postcode or the colour of our skin, we all want our families and communities to live safely and thrive.

“The use of predictive policing tools violates human rights. The evidence that this technology keeps us safe just isn’t there, the evidence that it violates our fundamental rights is clear as day. We are all much more than computer-generated risk scores.

“These technologies have consequences. The future they are creating is one where technology decides that our neighbours are criminals, purely based on the colour of their skin or their socio-economic background.

“These tools to “predict crime” harm us all by treating entire communities as potential criminals, making society more racist and unfair.

“The UK Government must prohibit the use of these technologies across England and Wales as should the devolved governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Right now, they can demand transparency on how these systems are being used. People and communities subjected to these systems must have the right to know about them and have meaningful routes to challenge policing decisions made using them.

“These systems have been built with discriminatory data and only serve to supercharge racism.”

There are two main types of racist predictive policing systems that raise several human rights concerns:

Location: make predictions about the likelihood of crimes being committed in geographic locations in the future. The systems in all locations specifically targeted racialised communities. The chair of the National Police Chiefs Council has publicly admitted that policing is ‘institutionally racist’. In the year ending March 2023 there were 24.5 stops and searches for every 1,000 Black people, 9.9 stops and searches for every 1,000 people with mixed ethnicity, 8.5 for every 1,000 Asian people – and 5.9 for every 1,000 white people. Racialised people are over-represented in stop and search compared to both their representation in the population and even their involvement in police records of crime.

The vast majority of stops and searches in the UK – 69 per cent – lead to no further action

Profiling: individuals placed in a secret database and profiled as someone at risk of committing certain crimes, in the future.

Areas such as London, West Midlands, and Manchester with high populations of Black and racialised people are repeatedly targeted by police and therefore crop up in those same police records. Black people and racialised people are also repeatedly targeted and therefore over-represented in police intelligence, stop-and-search or other police records.

Forces using racist and failing systems

The Metropolitan Police Service’s Violence Harm Assessment profiles people based on intelligence reports and about people who are ‘suspects’ and an individual can be profiled without ever having offended or committed a crime.

An initial period of Risk Terrain Monitoring-influenced policing targeted the north of the boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark from September 2020 onwards. Between December 2020 and October 2021 Lambeth had the second highest volume of stop and search of all London boroughs. In the same period, people of ‘black ethnic appearance’ (as defined by the Metropolitan Police Service) had the highest rate of stop and search encounters per 1,000 population of any ethnic group: they were stopped and searched more than four times, than people of white ethnic appearance. 80 per cent of these stops and searches resulted in no further action. In the same period, Lambeth had the second highest volume of police uses of force in all London boroughs, and police used force most against people recorded as ‘black or black British’.

In Southwark in the year ending March 2021, Black people were stopped and searched 3.3 times more than white people. Police used force against people in Southwark at least 8,924 times between September 2020 and September 2021, and 45 per cent of those times it was against ‘black or black British’ people. (p67)

West Midlands Police has deployed predictive crime mapping tools to predict knife crime and serious violence since 2021 and 2022, respectively. These tools have been funded by the Home Office Grip ‘hotspot’ policing programme and are part of West Midlands Police’s ’Project Guardian’ team, which focuses on youth violence and knife crime. 8 times out of 10 the system got it wrong.

Influenced by the knife crime and prediction tool, West Midlands Police continues to conduct racial profiling and discriminatory policing. In the force area in 2024 white people were stopped and searched 2.3 times out of every 1,000, while Black or Black British people were stopped and searched 10.3 times out of every 1,000, almost five times as much. (p44)

Essex Police’s Knife Crime and Violence Model’s use of data on criminal associates criminalises people by association, without any evidence of criminality. The use of data on people’s mental health and drug use is another way in which health issues are taken to be markers of criminality. In other words, people are being criminalised for health issues. In the Essex Police force area in 2024 Black people were on average almost three times more likely to be stopped than white people, and in some areas of Essex as much as six and seven times more likely.

There is no conclusive evidence from the Essex Police pilot or subsequent studies of the implementation that the use of so-called hotspot mapping had any impact on crime. There is, however, evidence that the use of the system reinforced and contributed to racial profiling and racist policing. (p38)

Greater Manchester Police’s gang profiling is based on suspicion or even ‘perception’ without objective evidence of offending, or even any evidence of offending.

The disproportionate representation of Black and racialised people on the ‘gang profiling’ XCalibre database is discriminatory and evidences the racial profiling that XCalibre conducts. This police tactic is also clear infringement of these young people’s right to freedom of association. It continues the targeting of black cultural and music events, as with the Metropolitan Police’s Form, which required events spaces to provide details to the police about the type of music played and the ethnic background of attendees.

The Greater Manchester Police tactic of banning people from events in Manchester because they were perceived to be linked with gangs is one element of their so-called gang profiling. The XCalibre Task Force sought to exclude people from a cultural event based on its data-based profiling of their alleged involvement in gangs. (p91)

Human rights violations exposed

Racial profiling: The use of these systems by police results in, directly and indirectly, racial profiling, and the disproportionate targeting of Black and racialised people and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This in turn leads to their increased criminalisation, punishment, and exposure to violent policing.

There’s no right to a fair trial: Predictive systems target people and groups before they have actually offended, which risks infringing on the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.

Mass surveillance: This is indiscriminate and can never be proportionate interference with the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, freedom of association and of peaceful assembly.

Zara Manoehoetoe, Kids of Colour and Northern Police Monitoring Project3, said:

“The way in which these systems work is that you’re guilty until you can prove yourself innocent. Criminalisation is a justification for their existence. There is the presumption that people need to be surveilled and that they need to be policed.”

Chilling effect

People who live and reside in areas targeted by predictive policing will seek to avoid those areas as a result, leading to a chilling effect. Participants in the Essex discussion group said that if police were targeting certain areas, they would avoid those areas.

Recommendations
- A prohibition on predictive policing systems
- Transparency obligations on data-based and data-driven systems being used by authorities, including a publicly accessible register with details of systems used.
- Accountability obligations including a right and a clear forum to challenge a predictive, profiling, or similar decision or consequences leading from such a decision.
Secrecy, scare tactics and surveillance – the view from those affected

Anon contributor to the report said:

“It’s not fair to over-police areas that have these challenges because of intentional underfunding, and to now [be] adding police to a situation that you’ve created as a part of the state system, is just adding to the problems of the community that you claim you want to protect.”

John Pegram, Bristol Copwatch, said:

“It doesn’t matter if you offended 13 or 14 years ago for something, you’re known to us for this, and therefore we’re going to assign a score to you. It’s risk scoring, it’s profiling, often racist profiling.”

Hope Chilokoa-Mullen from the 4Front Project, said:

“We’ve had members who have been stopped and told: ‘You’ve been stopped because you’re on a database.’ They don’t know what database it is. I suppose that’s the point of it, you’re not really meant to know how it’s used.”

Anon contributor said:

“It targets and profiles entire areas. It targets you based on the community you live in. It’s a clear example of how racism structures policing.”

See full report here
MIL OSI NGO –
February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: EU/Israel: Stop supporting Israel’s genocide, occupation and apartheid in Palestine and start upholding international law

Source: Amnesty International –

On Monday 24 February, EU foreign ministers will host Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s foreign minister, in Brussels for the EU-Israel Association Council. It is the first time in the EU’s history that its leaders will welcome the foreign representative of a state whose prime minister and former defense minister are subject to arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity and whose military is actively engaged in committing crimes under international law, including genocide.

“It is unconscionable that the EU is rolling out the red carpet for foreign minister Sa’ar whose boss, Prime Minister Netanyahu, is wanted by the ICC. Discussions on the EU’s future relationship with Israel should above all be premised on an insistence that Netanyahu and Gallant face justice at the ICC for the crimes they are alleged to have committed, as well as on Israel’s adherence to international law and an end to apartheid. EU leaders must put their commitments to international law, human rights and the ICC above carefully choreographed diplomatic conferences with Israel,” said Eve Geddie, Director at Amnesty International European Institutions Office.

“The EU’s shameful silence on threats to the ICC and lack of urgent practical mitigating measures which it should have already taken following President Trump’s egregious sanctions on the ICC, gives the firm impression that the EU has prioritized relations with a government implicated in the commission of genocide and war crimes, over support to an institution which is pursuing individual accountability for these crimes.

“EU Leaders should be deciding what measures to take to prevent the EU from aiding Israeli genocide, apartheid and unlawful occupation instead of brushing these under the carpet for a diplomatic handshake in Brussels.”

Background

Despite the International Court of Justice clearly laying out the responsibility of third states to prevent trade and investment that contributes to maintaining the unlawful occupation, the EU continues to trade and invest in Israeli settlements.

For more information, see Amnesty International’s calls on the EU with over 160 civil society organizations and our letter on 10 February urging leaders to use the meeting to present Israel with clear requests to address Israel’s grave violations of international law and ensure justice and reparation for crimes under international law, while laying out the consequences for the relationship between the EU and Israel if no action is taken.

MIL OSI NGO –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: ‘They said that I should die if I can’t stop being trans’

Source: Amnesty International –

Manun Wongmasoh, known as “Noon”, is a 26-year-old Muslim Thai transgender woman and an LGBTI activist. Raised in a religious family in Nakhon Nayok province, central Thailand, Noon was inspired to become a human rights activist to address certain interpretations of Islamic principles that she believed had been misused to discriminate against LGBTI individuals in Thailand.

Her advocacy and lived experiences, including the significant challenges she faced as a transgender woman in Thailand’s conservative Muslim community, were recently featured in an Amnesty International report highlighting the effects of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TfGBV) against women and LGBTI activists in Thailand. She has been sharing her story of resilience while actively raising awareness about online harassment.

My father was a religious teacher and I was raised in a Muslim family. I used to practise reading the Qur’an and Islam is actually very kind to people in general. I still think it’s good that I have learned Islam and remain a practising Muslim, but I disagree with how it is commonly interpreted.

Many people in my religion perceive being transgender as a sin. This is why I decided to stand up for myself, for my identity. I’m transgender, and I’m also a human. God is the only one who is entitled to judge me in the afterlife. This is what I’m fighting for.

I started this struggle because of my family. They have hurt me the most. I can take what other people say to me but when my family talks about me behind my back, that is the most painful thing. I was kicked out of the family home when I was in high school. I found a way to support myself, but it still hurts. Because of my gender, they decided not to support me. 

My family tried conversion therapy for me. At the time, I was still in school. They sent me to a religious school. It was the saddest time of my life. I was bullied. I received a lot of verbal abuse. It was a very tough time for me. Being trans is not like having a flu that can be treated. Religion is not the problem but the people who use it to oppress other people. 

Since my dad passed away, my mum has started to accept who I am — but not my siblings. My siblings do not accept me.

I went to my grandmother’s funeral. I had just finished my breast surgery. My elder brother beat me up and kicked me. My mum couldn’t protect me. It became very difficult for her as well. And I feel deeply scared. I can only see her when no one else is at home. It’s the only time I can spend time with my mum, when other people are not around.

I want to create a safe zone for LGBTI people, including in the Muslim society. I’ve been affected a lot because I don’t have a comfort zone or safe space. I used to live in Thailand’s Deep South during my undergraduate studies. It’s a Malay Muslim-majority area and I have seen a lot of gender inequalities in how LGBTI people in this region faced mistreatment and discrimination.

When I started speaking out about safe spaces for LGBTI people in Muslim society, someone printed my photo and distributed it to certain police forces. They said they would hurt me and even kill me if they see me in person. “You’ll get to see your death before the time comes”, they told me. I filed a complaint with the police, but they couldn’t do much, they just logged a record. I have been sexually harassed as well because of how I dress. Friends from middle school attacked me through my Facebook account. The comments are so harsh. My friend from the Deep South told me they had seen my photo being posted in Muslim Facebook groups.

Most of them are men and super religious. Only a few women attacked me online, but it was mild, I could handle it. But the men — it was unbelievable. It was abusive.

[embedded content]
Manun Wongmasoh is one of the activists featured in this video highlighting women and LGBTI activists in Thailand who have face technology-facilitated gender-based violence

There should also be a law to protect people from online harassment. I think it will be useful to protect marginalized people, ethnic groups and LGBTI people who are more vulnerable to online abuse. That’s why I want to see this law. 

Government agencies have not helped. We have the Gender Equality Act. When I received death threats online, I would have wanted to file a complaint, but the law has a clause that allows for using religion to justify gender-based violence. We have been left with no option to seek any remedies or justice.

We must talk about intersectionality and also safe spaces for LGBTI people. Online spaces are very important because it’s the easiest way to reach a lot of people and give them information. The challenge is that you cannot talk about anything online because we could face endless harassment and even death threats like I did.

On top of such online abuse, we have the Computer Crimes Act and national security laws that have been used to silence activists and the public for expression and online protest. Criminal defamation, too, so you can’t talk about the people who violate your rights. For example, there is a case about another LGBTI activist, who assisted a survivor of sexual assault committed by a politician. The politician filed a defamation charge against her.

These problems are the reasons why I work with human rights organizations. I strongly believe that everyone’s rights must be respected, and I really hope one day that all LGBTI people, including those of us in the Muslim community, can have a safe space — both offline and online.

MIL OSI NGO –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: The Right To Seek Asylum Does Not Exist at U.S.-Mexico Border

Source: Amnesty International –

Amnesty International has found that the right to seek asylum in the United States is non-existent at the U.S.-Mexico border, in violation of U.S. human rights national and international obligations. The organization outlined its findings in a new briefing released today, which documents the treatment of people seeking safety in the United States interviewed between February 3-9 at the border.

These alarming findings stem from the Trump administration’s executive actions and the increased militarization of the border by the Mexican government.

The briefing, Lives in Limbo: Devastating Impacts of Trump’s Migration and Asylum Policies, outlines the complete gutting of the right to seek asylum by the U.S. government at the U.S.-Mexico border, with virtually no way for people seeking safety to go through the legal process. According to U.S. immigration law, asylum seekers must apply at a port of entry.

The organization concluded in its research findings that while the mandatory use of the CBP One App to seek asylum was unlawful, the end of its usage has ultimately left tens of thousands of people stranded in Mexico with nowhere to go – even unaccompanied minors are stuck without a way to seek safety.

Without CPB One appointments, people are trapped in risky and precarious situations on the southern side of the border, which is especially dangerous for Mexican asylum seekers. Amnesty conducted interviews with dozens of people experiencing the impact of this change in border policies and those testimonies are provided in the briefing.

Along with targeted ICE enforcement across the U.S., the Trump administration has dismantled the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and ended rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution like birthright citizenship, along with other anticipated actions rooted in racism and white supremacy.

“The Trump administration has made the U.S.-Mexico border a zone that is overtly hostile to human rights and displays utter disregard for the humanity and dignity of people on the move,” said Amy Fischer, Director of the Refugee and Migrant Rights Program at Amnesty International USA. “The right to seek asylum simply does not exist at the border, and vulnerable people are stranded with border organizations—who themselves could now be subject to retaliation and criminalization from the U.S. government— struggling to prevent an even bigger humanitarian disaster.”

The Trump administration has made the U.S.-Mexico border a zone that is overtly hostile to human rights and displays utter disregard for the humanity and dignity of people on the move

-Amy Fischer, Director of the Refugee and Migrant Rights Program at Amnesty International

This timely research comes within the broader context of the Trump administration’s stripping of funding for crucial humanitarian organizations working at the border that received money from USAID and other government programs whose funding is now frozen.

Humanitarian and immigration organizations that operate on the border to provide shelter, legal orientation, and humanitarian care to people seeking safety are also now facing a crisis as they are left with no financial means to continue to operate and carry on their life-saving work.

“Shelters at the border struggle to tell children that they have no options left,” added Mary Kapron, Amnesty International’s Researcher. “Many of the kids barely understand what is happening to them in the first place. And those who do are left with an impossible decision: either go back to where they fled and understand that they may not survive or put their lives in the hands of traffickers.”

Shelters at the border struggle to tell children that they have no options left. Many of the kids barely understand what is happening to them in the first place. And those who do are left with an impossible decision: either go back to where they fled and understand that they may not survive or put their lives in the hands of traffickers

-Mary Kapron, Amnesty International’s Researcher

In Mexico, the government deepened the militarization at the border by sending 10,000 new members of the Mexican military, fueling a climate of fear among people seeking safety and leading to mass detention and deportation.

“The fact that it is now impossible to seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border places Mexicans seeking safety at particular risk,” said Mónica Oehler Toca, Amnesty International’s Researcher. “Unlike individuals of other nationalities, they are fleeing persecution in Mexico and now have no way of seeking international protection in the United States.”

Amnesty International continues to call on the United States to urgently adopt solutions that abide by human rights obligations and to stop playing politics and stoking fear with people’s lives to facilitate the adoption of increasingly draconian border and immigration policies that violate the human rights of people seeking safety, fuel violence against Black, brown, and Indigenous communities, and exacerbate the dysfunction of an already-beleaguered immigration system.

The fact that it is now impossible to seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border places Mexicans seeking safety at particular risk. Unlike individuals of other nationalities, they are fleeing persecution in Mexico and now have no way of seeking international protection in the United States

-Mónica Oehler Toca, Amnesty International’s Researcher

The organization also calls on the Mexican government to cease collaboration with the U.S. on harmful immigration policies and immediately implement measures to ensure the safety and security of asylum seekers transiting through Mexico.

Finally, Amnesty International will continue to document human rights abuses, advocate for the human rights of all immigrants and people seeking safety in the United States and hold U.S. and Mexican government officials accountable.

MIL OSI NGO –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Tomb of Egyptian pharaoh is first found in Luxor since Tutankhamun – here’s how we know who lay inside

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Claire Isabella Gilmour, PhD Candidate, Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol

Thutmose II was the fourth ruler of the illustrious ancient Egyptian 18th dynasty, which included Tutankhamun. Now, the location of his long-lost tomb, one of the last missing royal tombs, has been confirmed by the New Kingdom Research Foundation, a British-Egyptian archaeological team led by Piers Litherland. It’s the first pharaoh’s tomb to be discovered in Luxor for over a century.

Thutmose II had a relatively short and uneventful reign, but his enduring legacy is his family. He was husband and half-brother of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, and father of Thutmose III, arguably ancient Egypt’s greatest military leader.

Thutmose was himself of royal blood as a biological son of Thutmose I. But as his mother was only a minor wife, his marriage to Hatshepsut (also a daughter of Thutmose I, by his principal wife Ahmose) cemented his position in line to the throne.

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Around 500 years after Thutmose II’s death, ancient Egyptian officials of the 21st dynasty realised that his tomb (and that of other royals from the New Kingdom) had become vulnerable to damage from flooding and the attentions of tomb robbers. They chose a secret place in the Theban cliffs to relocate the royal remains to.

The mummified bodies of kings, queens and other significant people were interred in their new resting place near Hatshepsut’s temple. The entrance was well disguised by sand and rocks, and was inaccessible by foot. There they lay there until the late 19th century.

Read more:
The scent of the ancient Egyptian afterlife has been recreated – here’s what it smelled like

When the area became known to Egyptologists in 1881, the cache was found to contain the bodies of, among others, Ramesses II, Seti I, Thutmose III and, of course, Thutmose II.

They were moved from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, Cairo, in a spectacular, globally broadcast parade to the newly opened National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in 2021. But the search for Thutmose II’s original tomb continued.

Stone block relief showing Thutmose II, found at Karnak Temple in Luxor.
WikiCommons, CC BY

This tomb, designated C4, is located in a relatively inaccessible position. It is next to the magnificent mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, Thutmose’s principal wife and later pharaoh in her own right, at the site of Deir el-Bahri on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor.

Discovered in 2022, the site is some 1.2 miles away from the Valley of the Kings, where tombs for Thutmose I and III and Hatshepsut were planned. Women of the royal family had been found there, so the initial theory was that this newly found tomb belonged to one of Thutmose’s lesser wives.

The tomb was also blocked by flood debris. The excavation team had to work through a deep entrance staircase, collapsed ceilings, corridors filled with flooding debris, and tonnes of limestone fragments.

What was in the tomb?

Further exploration by the excavation team has now brought to light evidence that confirms the tomb is that of Thutmose II himself.

Initial observations showed that the form of the entrance bore a strong resemblance to that of Hatshepsut’s KV20 tomb in the Valley of the Kings. It features a wide staircase, doorway and descending corridor, and therefore a significant space lay beyond.

As the ceilings and walls were cleared, beautiful decoration of a starred sky and extracts from a funerary text known as the Amduat emerged, strongly suggesting that this was a king’s burial. Sifting through the limestone fragments revealed broken alabaster vessels bearing the king’s name and – crucially – that of Hatshepsut, reducing the list of potential candidates to just one.

Even though C4 has otherwise been emptied of funerary goods such as sarcophagi, this is actually good news. It indicates that the tomb contents were moved elsewhere, perhaps due to the flooding. These items were not found with Thutmose II’s relocated body, so the search is still on to find them.

Hatshepsut’s original tomb has not yet been found.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC BY-SA

Contrary to many reports, C4 is not the first royal tomb to be found since that of Tutankhamun in 1922 by Howard Carter. Pierre Montet’s excavations at the third intermediate period (1069–664BC) capital city of Tanis in the 1930s revealed the royal necropolis of the 21st and 22nd dynasties, with some undisturbed. However, C4 is the first since Tutankhamun in Luxor, and it is the last missing king’s tomb of the 18th dynasty.

Still up for discovery are a handful of tombs belonging to other rulers of Egypt: Nefertiti; Ramesses XIII; the 21st-dynasty high priest of Amun, Herihor; Cleopatra VII; and Alexander the Great. Other significant tombs which may yet come to light are Ankhesenamun, wife of Tutankhamun, and the great architect Imhotep.

Some of these tombs may never be found. But the New Kingdom Research Foundation are now looking to find the next stage in Thutmose II’s postmortem journey – where was he taken after C4, but before the royal cache in the Theban cliffs?

Claire Isabella Gilmour 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. Tomb of Egyptian pharaoh is first found in Luxor since Tutankhamun – here’s how we know who lay inside – https://theconversation.com/tomb-of-egyptian-pharaoh-is-first-found-in-luxor-since-tutankhamun-heres-how-we-know-who-lay-inside-250433

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Libya: Dream of a democratic and prosperous country is unfulfilled – DPPA Briefing | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Briefing the Security Council, UN chief of political affairs Rosemary DiCarlo said, “The fragile stability in Libya is increasingly at risk. The country’s leaders and security actors are failing to put the national interest ahead of their competition for political and personal gain.”

The ongoing delay of Libya’s national elections, which were supposed to take place in December 2021, has deepened the country’s political deadlock. Today (Feb 19) DiCarlo noted progress on the electoral front, highlighting that “following successful local elections in 56 municipalities in November 2024, the High National Elections Commission has begun preparations for the next group of 63 municipal council elections.” She said the nomination phase had concluded with over 4,900 candidates, including 1,345 women.

However, violence remains a significant concern. DiCarlo condemned a recent attack on a government official, saying, “On 12 February, the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Mr. Adel Juma, was injured in an armed attack on his car in Tripoli. We call for a full and transparent investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Human rights abuses continue to escalate, particularly against migrants and asylum seekers. DiCarlo warned that many face “serious human rights violations across Libya, including torture and cruel and inhumane treatment.” She described recent discoveries of mass graves, “On 7 February, a mass grave was discovered on a farm in Jikharra in northeastern Libya and a day later another mass grave in Al-Kufra in the southeast. To date, 93 bodies have been exhumed in Jikharra and Al-Kufra district.”

Calling for accountability, DiCarlo urged authorities to launch a “full and independent investigation” into the mass graves.

Taher El Sonni of Libya attributed lack of judicial progress in his country “to direct or indirect foreign interference.” He said, “My country has become a ground for settlement of disputes.” Sonni also welcomed a round of the municipal elections in the country. “This was a demonstration, a good example as to Libya’s ability to ensure electoral processes where there is support and a political will,” he noted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OszUB0GaW-M

MIL OSI Video –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova: Comprehensive prosthetics and rehabilitation centers will appear in the regions

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Tatyana Golikova visited the Center for Prosthetics and Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Participants in a Special Military Operation. With Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Defense Anna Tsivileva

February 20, 2025

Tatyana Golikova visited the Center for Prosthetics and Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Participants in a Special Military Operation. With Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin

February 20, 2025

Tatyana Golikova visited the Center for Prosthetics and Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Participants in a Special Military Operation

February 20, 2025

Previous news Next news

Tatyana Golikova visited the Center for Prosthetics and Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Participants in a Special Military Operation. With Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Defense Anna Tsivileva

On the eve of Defender of the Fatherland Day, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Defense Anna Tsivileva visited the Center for Prosthetics and Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Participants in a Special Military Operation, operating on the basis of the Voronovskoye MMCC.

“Today, gathered here, I’m not afraid to say it, are the best multidisciplinary teams that give children the opportunity to receive comprehensive medical care, from admission to what we see today,” said Tatyana Golikova. “And I want to sincerely thank the Moscow government. We will replicate this practice in other regions of the country.”

The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that 25 new rehabilitation and habilitation standards will come into force on March 1; they were prepared taking into account feedback from SVO participants.

“Together with the Fatherland Defenders Foundation and the Ministry of Defense, we are preparing and implementing a program to make medical rehabilitation and habilitation assistance available to guys who suffered during the Second World War. We are currently making a whole plan that will ensure the availability of such assistance in as many regions of the country as possible, to bring it closer to where they live,” noted Tatyana Golikova.

The recently opened comprehensive center for the treatment, rehabilitation and prosthetics of fighters in Voronovsky has become the largest in the country.

“On the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, we have organized a large center in Voronovskoye for the treatment, comprehensive rehabilitation and prosthetics of servicemen who were wounded during the SVO. Here we are doing everything necessary to ensure that our defenders have the opportunity to return to a full life,” said Sergei Sobyanin.

The Voronovskoye Medical and Clinical Center has created a closed-loop system for providing assistance, including comprehensive treatment, prosthetic and orthopedic care, rehabilitation, as well as psychological support and social adaptation.

The hospital employs highly qualified specialists with experience in treating combat trauma. Each patient is assigned a personal doctor, a multidisciplinary team works (surgeons, neurosurgeons, traumatologists-orthopedists, rehabilitation specialists, psychologists, etc.). They have at their disposal the latest medical equipment for providing specialized, including high-tech, medical care to patients with multiple, combined and combined injuries. A total of seven operating rooms have been deployed.

Upon hospitalization, the patient undergoes a basic check-up, which includes:

• examination by the attending physician and the head of the department;

• consultations with medical specialists – surgeon, urologist, ophthalmologist, traumatologist-orthopedist, otolaryngologist, neurologist, etc.;

• consultation with a medical psychologist;

• screening by a psychologist and psychiatrist;

• necessary laboratory and instrumental studies.

An individual treatment plan is then drawn up. If there are medical indications, specialized specialists are involved, and additional studies are conducted. If necessary, the patient is referred for specialized treatment or rehabilitation.

Patients are accommodated in comfortable two- and three-bed wards.

Currently, the main specialization of Voronovsky is the provision of comprehensive medical prosthetic and orthopedic care to military personnel with amputated limbs.

All assistance is provided in one place – without transporting the patient to other medical organizations.

The time required for prosthetics is reduced to a minimum and ranges from 4 to 12 weeks thanks to the use of post-operative compression therapy Post-Op and the work of a multidisciplinary team (surgeons, traumatologists-orthopedists, psychologists, rehabilitation specialists, prosthetists, etc.).

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 –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: NAMRU San Antonio Soldiers received Quarterly, Yearly Recognition within NMR&D

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (Feb. 6, 2025) – Three Soldiers assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio have been recognized for their outstanding support and leadership throughout Navy Medical Research and Development (NMR&D) during 2024.

The following Soldiers assigned to the Research Services Directorate (RSD) were recognized:

• Sgt. Samantha Salas, of Mission, Texas: Solider of the Quarter (3rd Quarter)
• Sgt. Gabriela Saldana, of Austin, Texas: Soldier of the Quarter (4th Quarter)
• Sgt. Carols Torres, of Jacksonville, N.C., Soldier of the Year

“Our Solders’ professionalism, unwavering commitment, and hard charging attitudes set the standard for excellence across the enterprise,” said NAMRU San Antonio Commanding Officer, Capt. Jennifer J. Buechel, Nurse Corps. “They have consistently demonstrated high levels of spirit de corps and inspire those around them to elevate their own performance. Their leadership, work ethic, and positive impact on the RSD team does not go unnoticed.”

In early 2024, Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC), headquartered in Silver Spring, Md., established the NMR&D Solider of the Quarter and Year Program.

The primary purpose of the program is to recognize sustained superior performance, leadership, self-improvement, command and community involvement, military bearing, and appearance as the key facets of the best all-around Soldier.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and professionalism each Soldier demonstrates every day in support of Navy Medicine R&D and Navy Medicine as a whole,” said Capt. Franca Jones, commander, NMRC and NMR&D. “Congratulations on their well-deserved selections!”

The NMRC command master chief selects the NMR&D Soldier of the Quarter and Year after the conclusion of the respective boards.

The Soldiers competed against other nominees attached to NMRC, Naval Health Research Center, Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, and Naval Medical Research Units Dayton, EURAFCENT, INDO PACIFIC, and South.

Each Soldier of the Quarter will receive a Flag Letter of Commendation, and the Soldier of the Year will be awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

NAMRU San Antonio is one of eight research laboratories within NMR&D. Its mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.

MIL Security OSI –

February 21, 2025

MIL-OSI: CoreCard Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NORCROSS, Ga., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CoreCard Corporation (NYSE: CCRD) (“CoreCard” or “the Company”), the leading provider of innovative credit technology solutions and processing services to the financial technology and services market, announced today its financial results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

“Overall revenue of $14.8 million in the fourth quarter was above our expectations due to unexpected license revenue in the quarter and in-line with our expectations excluding the license revenue. Services revenue during the quarter was in-line with our expectations, reflecting continued year-over-year growth in processing and maintenance revenue of 11%. Additionally, our full year processing and maintenance revenue grew by 7% compared to full year 2023,” said Leland Strange, CEO of CoreCard Corporation. “We continue to invest in our platform and processing capabilities, which are showing encouraging results. CoreCard is a best-in-class platform that is extremely well positioned to capture the growing demand for next-generation card management platforms by large and complex modern card issuers.”

“For the first quarter of 2025, we expect total revenue between $14.4 and $15.0 million and earnings per share between $0.15 and $0.19. For fiscal year 2025, we reaffirm the guidance set forth last quarter and continue to expect total revenue between $60 million and $64 million and earnings per share between $0.88 and $0.94. We expect full-year 2025 revenue growth, excluding our largest customer, to be 30-40%,” said Matt White, CFO of CoreCard Corporation.

Financial Highlights for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024

Total revenue in the three-month period ended December 31, 2024, was $14.8 million which represents an increase of 22% compared to the comparable period in 2023. Revenue of $57.4 million for full year 2024 was up 2% from full year 2023.

In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by type of revenue for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:

	Three Months Ended				Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,				December 31,
(in thousands)	2024		2023		2024		2023
License	$	1,420	$	—	$	2,840	$	1,794
Professional services		6,210		6,111		26,015		28,237
Processing and maintenance		6,122		5,506		24,034		22,439
Third party		1,071		540		4,510		3,534
Total	$	14,823	$	12,157	$	57,399	$	56,004

Income from operations was $2.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to income from operations of $0.4 million for the comparable period in 2023. Full year 2024 income from operations was $6.5 million compared to $5.3 million in the comparable prior year.

Net income was $1.9 million for the fourth quarter compared to net income of $0.5 million in the comparable prior year quarter. Full year 2024 net income was $5.4 million compared to $3.4 million in the comparable prior year.

Earnings per diluted share was $0.24 for the fourth quarter compared to $0.06 in the comparable prior year quarter. Full year 2024 earnings per diluted share was $0.67 compared to $0.40 in the comparable prior year.

Adjusted earnings per diluted share was $0.28 for the fourth quarter compared to $0.06 in the comparable prior year quarter. Full year adjusted earnings per diluted share was $0.79 compared to $0.53 in the comparable prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA was $3.3 million for the fourth quarter compared to $1.6 million in the comparable prior year quarter. Full year adjusted EBITDA was $11.4 million compared to $11.7 million in the comparable prior year.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial results as determined in accordance with GAAP are included at the end of this press release following the accompanying financial data. For a description of these non-GAAP financial measures, including the reasons management uses each measure, please see the section of the tables titled “Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

Investor Conference Call

The company is holding an investor conference call today, February 20, 2025, at 11 A.M. Eastern Time. Interested investors are invited to attend the conference call by accessing the webcast at https://www.webcast-eqs.com/register/corecard022025/en or by dialing 1-877-407-0890. As part of the conference call CoreCard will be conducting a question-and-answer session where participants are invited to email their questions to questions@corecard.com prior to the call. A transcript of the call will be posted on the company’s website at investors.corecard.com as soon as available after the call.

The company will file its Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2024, with the Securities and Exchange Commission in early March. For additional information about reported results, investors will be able to access the Form 10-K on the company’s website at investors.corecard.com or on the SEC website, www.sec.gov.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial results as determined in accordance with GAAP are included at the end of this press release following the accompanying financial data. For a description of these non-GAAP financial measures, including the reasons management uses each measure, please see the section below titled “Information Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

About CoreCard Corporation

CoreCard Corporation (NYSE: CCRD) provides the gold standard card issuing platform built for the future of global transactions in an embedded digital world. Dedicated to continual technological innovation in the ever-evolving payments industry backed by decades of deep expertise in credit card offerings, CoreCard helps customers conceptualize, implement, and manage all aspects of their issuing card programs. Keenly focused on steady, sustainable growth, CoreCard has earned the trust of some of the largest companies and financial institutions in the world, providing truly real-time transactions via their proven, reliable platform operating on private on-premise and leading cloud technology infrastructure.

Forward-Looking Statements

The forward-looking statements in this press release are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements because of various risks and uncertainties including those listed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company’s other filings and reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All of the risks and uncertainties are beyond the ability of the Company to control, and in many cases, the Company cannot predict the risks and uncertainties that could cause its actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “will,” “intends,” “continue,” “outlook,” “progressing,” and “anticipates” and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or its management are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company is not obligated to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect the events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

CoreCard Corporation CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended December 31,							Twelve Months Ended December 31,
			2024			2023			2024			2023
Revenue
Services		$	13,403		$	12,157		$	54,559		$	54,210
Products			1,420			—			2,840			1,794
Total net revenue			14,823			12,157			57,399			56,004
Cost of revenue
Services			8,182			8,191			35,770			36,571
Products			—			—			—			—
Total cost of revenue			8,182			8,191			35,770			36,571
Expenses
Marketing			98			73			407			310
General and administrative			1,513			1,114			5,769			5,334
Development			2,953			2,384			8,914			8,478
Income from operations			2,077			395			6,539			5,311
Investment loss			(12	)		(38	)		(427	)		(1,579	)
Other income			147			272			792			765
Income before income taxes			2,212			629			6,904			4,497
Income taxes			286			143			1,456			1,102
Net income		$	1,926		$	486		$	5,448		$	3,395
Earnings per share:
Basic		$	0.25		$	0.06		$	0.68		$	0.40
Diluted		$	0.24		$	0.06		$	0.67		$	0.40
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding			7,830,266			8,374,606			8,027,077			8,457,714
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding			8,035,936			8,388,927			8,146,394			8,474,123

CoreCard Corporation CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

As of December 31,		2024			2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	19,481		$	26,918
Marketable securities		5,410			5,230
Accounts receivable, net		10,235			7,536
Other current assets		5,048			4,805
Total current assets		40,174			44,489
Investments		3,776			4,062
Property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation		12,282			11,319
Other long-term assets		6,106			3,956
Total assets	$	62,338		$	63,826
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	823		$	1,557
Deferred revenue, current portion		2,033			2,310
Accrued payroll		2,856			2,172
Accrued expenses		723			971
Other current liabilities		2,017			2,530
Total current liabilities		8,452			9,540
Deferred revenue, net of current portion		118			265
Other long-term liabilities		255			196
Long-term lease obligation		1,816			1,121
Total noncurrent liabilities		2,189			1,582
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares – 20,000,000;
Issued shares – 9,026,940 and 9,016,140 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively;
Outstanding shares – 7,786,679 and 8,295,408 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively		91			90
Additional paid-in capital		17,928			16,621
Treasury stock, 1,240,261 and 720,732 shares as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, at cost		(27,997	)		(20,359	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(93	)		32
Accumulated income		61,768			56,320
Total stockholders’ equity		51,697			52,704
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	62,338		$	63,826

For further information, call
Matt White, 770-564-5504 or
email to matt@corecard.com

Reconciliation of GAAP to NON-GAAP Measures

Information Regarding Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. CoreCard considers Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted earnings per diluted share (“Adjusted EPS”) as supplemental measures of the company’s performance that is not required by, nor presented in accordance with GAAP.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income adjusted to exclude depreciation and amortization; share-based compensation expense; income tax expense (benefit); investment income (loss); and other income (expense), net. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an important measure of operating performance because it allows management and our board of directors to evaluate and compare our core operating results from period to period.

We define Adjusted EPS as diluted earnings per share adjusted to exclude the impact of share-based compensation expense and non-operating investment gains or losses. We believe that Adjusted EPS is an important measure of operating performance because it allows management and our board of directors to evaluate and compare our core operating results from period to period.

Adjusted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation, or construed as an alternative to net income, or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities or as a measure of the company’s liquidity. In addition, other companies may calculate Adjusted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA differently than CoreCard, which limits its usefulness in comparing CoreCard’s financial results with those of other companies.

The following table shows CoreCard’s GAAP results reconciled to non-GAAP results included in this release:

	Three Months Ended						Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,						December 31,
(in thousands)	2024			2023			2024			2023
GAAP net income	$	1,926		$	486		$	5,448		$	3,395
Investment loss		—			—			—			1,000
Share-based compensation		449			—			1,308			150
Income tax benefit		(112	)		—			(327	)		(38	)
Adjusted net income	$	2,263		$	486		$	6,429		$	4,507
Adjusted Diluted EPS	$	0.28		$	0.06		$	0.79			0.53
Weighted-average shares		8,036			8,389			8,146			8,474
	Three Months Ended						Twelve Months Ended
	December 31,						December 31,
(in thousands)	2024			2023			2024			2023
GAAP net income	$	1,926		$	486		$	5,448		$	3,395
Depreciation and amortization		790			1,245			3,566			6,256
Share-based compensation		449			—			1,308			150
Investment loss		12			38			427			1,579
Other income, net		(147	)		(272	)		(792	)		(765	)
Income tax expense		286			143			1,456			1,102
Adjusted EBITDA	$	3,316		$	1,640		$	11,413		$	11,717
Total Revenue	$	14,823		$	12,157		$	57,399		$	56,004
Adjusted EBITDA Margin		22.4	%		13.5	%		19.9	%		20.9	%

The MIL Network –

February 21, 2025

MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Expands Yield Shares Lineup with Seven New ETFs, Offering Enhanced Income Opportunities

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is excited to announce the addition of seven new ETFs to its industry-leading Yield Shares Suite – the world’s first yield-focused single-stock ETFs designed to provide investors with the long-term growth potential and enhanced^* monthly yield from their favourite stock. Among the new additions is the Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF (Ticker: YMAG), which brings together all the Mag7 companies along with Broadcom in a one-ticket solution. These new ETFs (described in the table below) begin trading on Cboe Canada today.

Yield Shares ETF	Ticker	Underlying Company
Costco (COST) Yield Shares Purpose ETF	YCST	Costco
Palantir (PLTR) Yield Shares Purpose ETF	YPLT	Palantir
UnitedHealth (UNH) Yield Shares Purpose ETF	YUNH	UnitedHealth Group
Coinbase (COIN) Yield Shares Purpose ETF	YCON	Coinbase
Netflix (NFLX) Yield Shares Purpose ETF	YNET	Netflix
Broadcom (AVGO) Yield Shares Purpose ETF	YAVG	Broadcom
Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF	YMAG	Broadcom, Alphabet, Tesla, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and NVIDIA

A Smarter Approach to Income and Growth

Since launching in 2022, Purpose Yield Shares has established itself as a leading solution for investors seeking monthly income while maintaining exposure to leading global companies. These innovative ETFs generate tax-efficient, enhanced monthly distributions by investing directly in the underlying stock and employing a covered call strategy with moderate leverage – delivering a unique balance of income and growth.

“The Yield Shares lineup is committed to giving investors access to high-quality companies with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential. With these new ETFs, investors can tap into market leaders at the forefront of innovation and economic progress – all while earning enhanced monthly income,” said Nick Mersch, Yield Shares portfolio manager. “From technology and consumer staples to financial services and healthcare, our Yield Shares suite offers a powerful combination of income and growth, allowing investors to participate in the success of industry leaders.”

Key Benefits

Monthly Income: Investors receive an enhanced monthly distribution while maintaining exposure to the growth of the underlying stock.
Growth Potential: Participate in the long-term growth of companies like Costco or Netflix, two powerhouse brands redefining consumer spending and media consumption.
Lower Volatility: A built-in options strategy helps cushion against stock price declines.
Tax Efficiency: The covered call strategy aims to generate tax-efficient income.

“These new offerings are more than just investment products – they reinforce our belief that Yield Shares represent a distinct asset class, uniquely designed to help investors achieve their financial goals while complementing their existing portfolios,” said Yuan Gao, Vice President, Product. “This expansion reflects Purpose’s commitment to evolving with investor needs and navigating an ever-changing market landscape.”

Not Your Typical Yield Shares ETF: A Bold New Offering

The Tech Innovators Yield Shares Purpose ETF (Ticker: YMAG) offers investors a one-ticket solution for exposure to a powerhouse group of technology and innovation leaders while generating monthly income. Known as “BATMMAAN,” this elite group – Broadcom, Alphabet, Tesla, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and NVIDIA – represents the Nasdaq’s trillion-dollar market cap club, shaping the future of AI, cloud computing, digital services, and next-generation infrastructure.

“The Tech Innovators Yield Shares is an exciting evolution of our suite, bringing together industry giants with a sophisticated strategy that allows investors to participate in their growth while generating enhanced, diversified income. This powerful blend of innovation and yield is designed to meet the needs of today’s investors,” said Mersch.

To view the full suite of Yield Shares ETFs, please visit our suite page.

About Purpose Investments

Purpose Investments is an asset management company with over $23 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

For further information, please email us at info@purposeinvest.com

Media inquiries:
Keera Hart
keera.hart@kaiserpartners.com
905-580-1257

*Yield Shares funds provide “enhanced” or higher yields in the form of additional monthly distributions compared with the underlying common stock, which pays a relatively lower or no distribution yield.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses may all be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Fund distribution levels and frequencies are not guaranteed and may vary at the Purpose Investment’s sole discretion.

Certain statements in this document may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements (“FLS”) are statements that are predictive in nature, depend on or refer to future events or conditions, or include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate” or other similar expressions. Statements that look forward in time or include anything other than historical information are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results, actions or events could differ materially from those set forth in the FLS. FLS are not guarantees of future performance and are, by their nature, based on numerous assumptions. Although the FLS contained in this document are based upon what Purpose Investments believes to be reasonable assumptions, Purpose Investments cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these FLS. The reader is cautioned to consider the FLS carefully and not to place undue reliance on the FLS. Unless required by applicable law, it is not undertaken, and specifically disclaimed, that there is any intention or obligation to update or revise FLS, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The MIL Network –

February 21, 2025

MIL-OSI: Codere Online Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Total revenue was €50.0 mm in Q4 2024, while net gaming revenue¹ was €52.6 mm in the period, 5% above Q4 2023.
Net income excluding the non-cash variation in fair value of public warrants² was €6.8 mm in 2024 versus a net loss of €4.0 mm in 2023.
Total cash position of €40.5 mm as of December 31, 2024.
Providing full year 2025 net gaming revenue outlook of €220-230 mm and Adj. EBITDA³ outlook of €10-15 mm.
The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a share buyback plan of up to $5.0 mm, subject to shareholder approval.

Madrid, Spain and Tel Aviv, Israel, February 20, 2025 – (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Codere Online (Nasdaq: CDRO / CDROW, the “Company”), a leading online gaming operator in Spain and Latin America, has released its preliminary unaudited⁴ financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

Below are the main financial and operating metrics of the period.

	Quarter ended December 31			Year ended December 31
	2023	2024	Chg. %	2023	2024	Chg. %

Net Gaming Revenue (EUR mm)¹
Spain	20.8	22.8	10%	75.7	87.7	16%
Mexico	25.1	25.1	–	81.7	106.6	30%
Other	4.2	4.6	10%	14.5	17.3	19%
Total	50.1	52.6	5%	171.9	211.6	23%

Avg. Monthly Active Players (000s)⁵
Spain	47.4	48.7	3%	42.3	49.7	17%
Mexico	59.1	68.9	17%	52.5	64.4	23%
Other	32.6	29.8	(9%)	33.5	30.8	(8%)
Total	139.2	147.5	6%	128.3	144.9	13%

Aviv Sher, CEO of Codere Online, stated, “We delivered another solid quarter, with net gaming revenue reaching €52.6 million, a 5% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. In Mexico, net gaming revenue was flat at €25.1 million, driven by the significant devaluation of the Mexican peso. On a constant currency basis, our growth in Mexico would have been 14%. Meanwhile, Spain continued to perform well, with net gaming revenue rising 10% to €22.8 million.”

Oscar Iglesias, CFO of Codere Online, commented, “Our strong fourth-quarter performance brought our full-year net gaming revenue to nearly €212 million, 10% above the midpoint of our initial €185-200 million outlook from early 2024. More importantly, we delivered a fourth consecutive quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA, allowing us to reach €6.4 million for the full year, at the higher end of our outlook of €2.5-7.5 million.”

Mr. Iglesias added, “We are very encouraged by our 2024 results and our ability to meet our commitment to investors despite the headwinds faced, mostly on the currency front. For 2025, we anticipate net gaming revenue of €220-230 million and Adj. EBITDA of €10-15 million. Also, we are pleased to announce an up to $5.0 million share buyback plan, subject to shareholder approval, which reflects our confidence in the business and future cash flow generation.”

Recent Events

Listing Extension from Nasdaq

Following a hearing on January 16, 2025, at which the Company presented its plan to regain compliance, the Nasdaq Hearings Panel granted the Company’s request to continue its listing on Nasdaq on February 12, 2025;
The extension is subject to the Company filing its 2023 annual report on or before May 12, 2025;
The Company continues to work diligently to complete and file its 2023 annual report as soon as possible and expects to do so within the extension period it has been granted.

Implementation of a Share Buyback Plan

The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized (subject to obtaining shareholder approval) the repurchase of up to $5.0 million of the Company’s ordinary shares over a one-year period;
A general meeting of shareholders will be convened today and held on March 3, 2025 to approve the plan and the conditions under which it may be executed;
The share buyback plan does not require the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time. Repurchases of shares pursuant to the share buyback plan will be conducted in accordance with applicable law, including U.S. securities laws.

New Tax in Colombia

On February 14, 2025, Colombia’s Ministry of Finance introduced, through executive decree, a value added (i.e. indirect) tax of 19% on all online deposits;
The tax will be effective on February 21, 2025, and will remain in effect through December 31, 2025, though we expect legal challenges from the industry with respect to its constitutionality;
The Company is currently assessing how it will respond from a legal and operating perspective to this tax and potential impacts on its business in Colombia.

Conference Call Information

Codere Online’s management will host a conference call to discuss the results and provide a business update at 8:30 am US Eastern Time today, February 20, 2025. Dial-in details as well as the audio webcast and presentation will be accessible on Codere Online’s website at www.codereonline.com. A recording of the webcast will also be available following the conference call.

Reconciliation of Revenue (IFRS) to Net Gaming Revenue (non-IFRS)

	Quarter ended December 31			Year ended December 31
Figures in EUR mm	2023	2024	Chg. %	2023	2024	Chg. %

Total

Revenue	46.9	50.0	7%	162.6	201.4	24%
(+) Accounting Adjustments⁶	3.1	2.6	(16%)	9.2	10.2	11%
Net Gaming Revenue	50.1	52.6	5%	171.9	211.6	23%

Spain

Revenue	20.8	22.8	10%	75.7	87.7	16%
(+) Accounting Adjustments⁶	–	–	n.m.	–	–	n.m.
Net Gaming Revenue	20.8	22.8	10%	75.7	87.7	16%

Mexico

Revenue	22.6	22.3	(1%)	73.3	95.7	31%
(+) Accounting Adjustments⁶	2.5	2.8	12%	8.4	10.9	30%
Net Gaming Revenue	25.1	25.1	–	81.7	106.6	30%

Other

Revenue	3.6	4.9	36%	13.7	17.9	31%
(+) Accounting Adjustments⁶	0.6	(0.2)	(133%)	0.8	(0.7)	n.m.
Net Gaming Revenue	4.2	4.6	10%	14.5	17.3	19%

Reconciliation of Net Income (IFRS) to Adj. EBITDA (non-IFRS)⁷

	Quarter ended December 31			Year ended December 31
Figures in EUR mm	2023	2024	Chg.	2023	2024	Chg.

Net Income (Loss)	(1.0)	6.7	7.7	(3.1)	3.7	6.8
(+/-) Provision for Corporate Income Tax	(4.5)	(1.0)	3.5	(7.2)	2.0	9.2
(+/-) Interest Expense / (Income)	5.0	(1.6)	(6.6)	(4.9)	(4.4)	0.5
(+/-) Var. In Fair Value of Public Warrants	(0.2)	(2.7)	(2.5)	(0.9)	3.1	4.0
(+) D&A	0.0	0.3	0.2	0.1	0.4	0.3
EBITDA	(0.7)	1.7	2.4	(16.0)	4.8	20.8
(+) Employee LTIP Expense	0.9	0.1	(0.8)	3.5	1.7	(1.8)
(+/-) Other Accounting Adjustments	(4.3)	0.0	4.4	0.4	(0.1)	(0.4)
Adj. EBITDA (Pre Non-Recurring Items)	(4.1)	1.9	6.0	(12.2)	6.4	18.6
(+) Non-Recurring Items	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.5	0.0	(0.5)
Adj. EBITDA	(4.1)	1.9	6.0	(11.7)	6.4	18.1

About Codere Online

Codere Online refers, collectively, to Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries. Codere Online, launched in 2014 as part of the renowned casino operator Codere Group, offers online sports betting and online casino through its state-of-the art website and mobile applications. Codere Online currently operates in its core markets of Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and Argentina; this online business is complemented by Codere Group’s physical presence in Spain and throughout Latin America, forming the foundation of the leading omnichannel gaming and casino presence.

About Codere Group
Codere Group is a multinational group devoted to entertainment and leisure. It is a leading player in the private gaming industry, with four decades of experience and with presence in seven countries in Europe (Spain and Italy) and Latin America (Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay).

Note on Rounding. Due to decimal rounding, numbers presented throughout this report may not add up precisely to the totals and subtotals provided, and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this document may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Codere Online”) or Codere Online’s or its management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, for example, statements about Codere Online’s financial performance and, in particular, the potential evolution and distribution of its net gaming revenue; any prospective and illustrative financial information; and changes in Codere Online’s strategy, future operations and target addressable market, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans as well as he Company’s expectations about the timing of completion and filing of the Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Annual Report”), and statements related to the Company’s plan, timing and actions taken to regain compliance with the Listing Rule 5250(c)(1).

These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this document and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Codere Online’s or its management team’s views as of any subsequent date, and Codere Online does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, Codere Online’s actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Codere Online does not presently know or that Codere Online currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include (i) changes in applicable laws or regulations, including online gaming, privacy, data use and data protection rules and regulations as well as consumers’ heightened expectations regarding proper safeguarding of their personal information, (ii) the impacts and ongoing uncertainties created by regulatory restrictions, changes in perceptions of the gaming industry, changes in policies and increased competition, and geopolitical events such as war, (iii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and identify and realize additional opportunities, (iv) the risk of downturns and the possibility of rapid change in the highly competitive industry in which Codere Online operates, (v) the risk that Codere Online and its current and future collaborators are unable to successfully develop and commercialize Codere Online’s services, or experience significant delays in doing so, (vi) the risk that Codere Online may never achieve or sustain profitability, (vii) the risk that Codere Online will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, (viii) the risk that Codere Online experiences difficulties in managing its growth and expanding operations, (ix) the risk that third-party providers, including the Codere Group, are not able to fully and timely meet their obligations, (x) the risk that the online gaming operations will not provide the expected benefits due to, among other things, the inability to obtain or maintain online gaming licenses in the anticipated time frame or at all, (xi) the risk that Codere Online is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property, (xii) the risk that Codere Online’s securities may be delisted from Nasdaq and (xiii) the possibility that Codere Online may be adversely affected by other political, economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Additional information concerning certain of these and other risk factors is contained in Codere Online’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Codere Online or other matters and attributable to Codere Online or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.

Financial Information and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Codere Online’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”), which can differ in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

This document includes certain financial measures not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS (“non-GAAP”), such as, without limitation, net gaming revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and constant currency information. These non-GAAP financial measures are not measures of financial performance in accordance with U.S. GAAP or IFRS and may exclude items that are significant in understanding and assessing Codere Online’s financial results. Therefore, these measures should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to revenue, net income, cash flows from operations or other measures of profitability, liquidity or performance under U.S. GAAP or IFRS. You should be aware that Codere Online’s presentation of these measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies. In addition, the audit of Codere Online’s financial statements in accordance with PCAOB standards, may impact how Codere Online currently calculates its non-GAAP financial measures, and we cannot assure you that there would not be differences, and such differences could be material.

Codere Online believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends in comparing Codere Online’s financial measures with other similar companies, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. These non-GAAP financial measures are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgments by management about which expense and income are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable measure under IFRS are included herein.

This document may include certain projections of non-GAAP financial measures. Codere Online is unable to quantify certain amounts that would be required to be included in the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP or IFRS financial measures without unreasonable effort, due to the inherent difficulty and variability of accurately forecasting the occurrence and financial impact of the various adjusting items necessary for such comparable measures or such reconciliation that have not yet occurred, are out of our control, or cannot be reasonably predicted, ascertained or assessed, which could have a material impact on its future IFRS financial results. Consequently, no disclosure of estimated comparable U.S. GAAP or IFRS measures is included and no reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures is included.

Use of Projections
This document contains financial forecasts with respect to Codere Online’s business and projected financial results, including net gaming revenue and adjusted EBITDA. Codere Online’s independent auditors have not audited, reviewed, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to the projections for the purpose of their inclusion in this document, and accordingly, they did not express an opinion or provide any other form of assurance with respect thereto for the purpose of this document. These projections should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results. The assumptions and estimates underlying the prospective financial information are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the prospective financial information. See “Forward-Looking Statements” above. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the prospective results are indicative of the future performance of Codere Online or that actual results will not differ materially from those presented in the prospective financial information. Inclusion of the prospective financial information in this document should not be regarded as a representation by any person that the results contained in the prospective financial information will be achieved.

For further information on the limitations and assumptions underlying these projections, please refer to Codere Online’s filings with the SEC.

Preliminary Information
This document contains figures, financial metrics, statistics and other information that is preliminary and subject to change (the “Preliminary Information”). The Preliminary Information has not been audited, reviewed, or compiled by any independent registered public accounting firm. This Preliminary Information is subject to ongoing review including, where applicable, by Codere Online’s independent auditors. Accordingly, no independent registered public accounting firm has expressed an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect to the Preliminary Information. During the course of finalizing such Preliminary Information, adjustments to such Preliminary Information presented herein may be identified, which may be material. Codere Online undertakes no obligation to update or revise the Preliminary Information set forth in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. The Preliminary Information may differ from actual results. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance upon this Preliminary Information. The Preliminary Information is not a comprehensive statement of financial results, and should not be viewed as a substitute for full financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, the Preliminary Information is not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved in any future period.

No Offer or Solicitation
This document does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities will be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom.

Trademarks
This document may contain trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights of Codere Online or other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, some of the trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights referred to in this document may be listed without the TM, SM, © or ® symbols, but Codere Online will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, the rights of the applicable owners, if any, to these trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights.

Industry and Market Data
In this document, Codere Online relies on and refers to certain information and statistics obtained from publicly available information and third-party sources, which it believes to be reliable. Codere Online has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of any such publicly-available and third-party information, does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of such data and does not undertake any obligation to update such data after the date of this document. You are cautioned not to give undue weight to such industry and market data.

Contacts:

Investors and Media
Guillermo Lancha
Director, Investor Relations and Communications
Guillermo.Lancha@codere.com
(+34) 628.928.152

1 Net Gaming Revenue is a non-IFRS measure; please see reconciliation of Net Gaming Revenue to Revenue at the end of the report.

2 Net income excluding the non-cash variation in fair value of public warrants is a non-IFRS measure and reflects a net income of €3.7 mm (€3.1 mm net loss in 2023) excluding a €3.1 mm loss (€0.9 mm gain in 2023) from the variation in fair value of public warrants. Figures presented for illustrative purposes and do not include any potential impacts on the provision for corporate income taxes.

3 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure; please see reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income at the end of the report. Net gaming revenue and Adjusted EBITDA outlooks are forward-looking non-IFRS measures; please see important disclaimers at the end of the report.

4 See “Preliminary Information” below.

5 Average Monthly Active Players include real money (i.e. exclude free bets) sports betting and casino actives.

6 Figures primarily reflect differences in recognition of revenue related to certain partner and affiliate agreements in place in Colombia, VAT impact from entry fees in Mexico and the impact from the application of inflation accounting (IAS 29) in Argentina.

7 Please refer to page 26 of our Q4 2024 Earnings Presentation for further details regarding this reconciliation.

The MIL Network –

February 21, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s video message to the 19th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean

Source: United Nations – English

strong>Download the video: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+31+Jan+25/3334563_MSG+SG+19TH+PLENARY+PAM+ROME+31+JAN+25.mp4

Excellencies,

Dear Parliamentarians,

I am pleased to convey my warm greetings as you gather for this 19th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean.

Your region is an extraordinary bridge between continents, cultures and traditions. And your collective voice resonates far beyond Mediterranean shores.

As a former Parliamentarian myself, I greatly value that voice in addressing shared challenges. I know you are focusing on a number of those challenges at your Plenary Session.

As I look around the world, four tests stand out because they represent, at best, threats that could disrupt every aspect of our agenda and, at worst, upend our very existence:

Rampant inequalities.

The raging climate crisis.

Out-of-control technology, including Artificial Intelligence without guardrails.

And, of course, runaway conflicts.

As you know so well, the Middle East is in a period of profound transformation – rife with uncertainty, but also possibility.

It is clear the region is being re-shaped. But it is not clear what will emerge.

We have a responsibility to help make sure the people of the Middle East come out with peace, dignity and a horizon of hope grounded in action.

In Gaza – that means – as we have long been calling for – the release of all hostages, a permanent ceasefire and irreversible progress towards a two-State solution.

In Lebanon – we are working to consolidate the cessation of hostilities, support a government where all Lebanese will feel represented, and a State that will be able to guarantee security to all its citizens.

And in Syria – we are stand behind an inclusive process in which the rights of all are fully respected, and that paves the way towards a united and sovereign Syria with its territorial integrity fully reestablished.

Finally, I want to thank you for your support for the implementing the UN Pact for the Future.

You understand that this ties directly to advancing trust – which you have rightly defined as a strategic issue – and to shaping global governance institutions fit for the 21st century.

Once again, thank you for your vital voice and leadership.

Let’s keep working for peace, sustainable development and human rights for the people of the Mediterranean region and our world.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Africa –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Opening remarks by Commissioner Jørgensen at the ITRE Committee Structured Dialogue

Source: EuroStat – European Statistics

European Commission Statement Brussels, 20 Feb 2025 Thank you Mr Chairman!
This is the first time I am back in a big Plenary room since the hearing. Thank you for being nice to me! People ask me if I could sleep at night in the preparation phase, and I always answered, ‘yes I sleep like a baby’. I sleep for a few hours, I wake up and cry a little bit, then I sleep for a few more hours and then I wake up and cry a little bit.

Thank you so much and thank you for the collaboration, both before and after the hearing.

Now of course, we have started the actual work and I really cherish, both the bilateral collaboration I have with many of you, but also with the groups and with the Committee.

I am looking forward for the exchange of views today. Obviously, it’s also a possibility for me to highlight some of the things that are coming up and that we are presenting from the Commission’s side in the weeks and months to come, just as it is an opportunity for you to ask me questions, but obviously also give me some input.

A lot has happened since December, there is an old, I think it’s a Chinese curse, that goes ‘may you live in interesting times’. I think it’s pretty fair to say we are living in interesting times.

I think it’s also fair to say that this is for me a very, very clear sign that we should all be happy that we have the European Union. No country, not even the biggest ones of us, have a chance of solving the challenges that we face right now alone.

We need to really stand by each other’s shoulders and we need to work with each other closer, together. And therefore, I think it is also extremely important that we send a very clear signal to our own citizens, our own companies but also of course to the world, that in the European Union, the way that we face challenges like the ones we face right now, is not by polarising but standing together.

This certainly also goes for the energy part of our collaboration. We already working very closely together on this, compared to any other region of the planet, we are better interconnected and more rational and greener than any other region.

This is obviously not to say that we don’t have many challenges, we have a lot. But I just think it’s worth reminding each other, when standing in challenging times, it’s also necessary to remember what are our strengths and to build on our strengths. And when facing challenges you have to be very careful, when you find the solutions, that you don’t undermine the position of strength that you actually have, by choosing to go in completely different directions.

For me that means, looking at our Energy Union, we need to make that stronger.

It really is a little bit of a paradox, when walking around this building and looking at all the historic photos, the buildings and rooms named after great personalities that helped shape the European Union, that it all started as a Coal and Steel Community. So coal, basically energy.

Yet today, there is many other issues we are much more integrated than we are on the energy side.

So, we have a lot of potential. I will also say that we need to do better in that part of our integration.

Now, if we look at our electricity infrastructure and how it is connected in Europe. Again, I would find it difficult to point to any other places in the world that are doing as well as we are. But at the same time, we are not at all where we need to be and we are not even exploiting the possibilities that we have of doing better right now.

An analogy that you could use, if you thought about our more traditional physical transport infrastructure and, let’s just take an arbitrary number, say that what we needed was 100 big highways to connect Europe and we would be perfectly connected, it’s just an arbitrary number but let’s say it’s 100. Then say, that those highways are energy, electricity, then right now we are at a stage where we have 100 highways but we need 200. What makes it even more challenging, but also gives us possibilities, is that out of the 100 we are only using 50. So out of the infrastructure that we already have, the interconnectedness and maintenance that we already have, we are only utilising a part of it. And we have a lot of potential for utilising it better. And even if we did that 100 per cent, that still would not be enough.

So, what does that mean? It means we need to be better connected, both physically, so physical infrastructure, but also in a more regulatory sense.

Countries need to implement better legislation that we already have, this means exploiting the possibilities of having the benefits of having neighbours that produce energy at certain times and also being solidaire, providing them the energy to them, when they don’t.

If all countries fulfilled our obligation of the 70% transmission target, then already there, we would be much better off that we are today.

If we were better at exploiting the grid we have, and we can be, via digitalization and AI, and better planning and better coordination of maintenance, small things they might seem like, but they can really make a difference. Then we could avoid a lot of curtailment. In Germany alone, the curtailment every year equals the lost revenue of 4 billion euros.

When we have the big crisis last Summer, in many of the Southern European countries because of the heat wave, one of the reasons why the crisis became so big was because there was a lot of maintenance going on and it wasn’t being coordinated. This is not to blame anybody, because there were probably good reasons why it had to happen there, but had we coordinated better, we could have avoided these things.

So this is just to say there are actually quite a few low hanging fruits, quite a few things that can work, even in the short term. But I will also be honest with you and say there are also some fruits at the top of the tree, that we need to pick. There is also a lot of things that we need to do that are more structural, long-term decisions.

Something that lies in between there, I would say, is our ability to move swiftly with the deployment of more renewables.

We need to, in my opinion, take a good and hard look at our rules for permitting. Now, during the crisis we had some change in the rules that we have and emergency measures, that were also implemented and that meant that in some countries things were actually speeding up.

But still, as a general rule, it is going way too slow and I think that is probably the message that I am getting most often from industry, from local communities, from green NGOs from people that are more concerned about prices. It’s not going fast enough.

And this is even in a period of time when we are actually deploying more renewables faster than ever, so last year it was 78 new Gw of renewables, this is a huge number. Last year for the first time ever, we produced more electricity by solar than by coal. This is fantastic, it’s going in the right direction, it’s going fast. But not fast enough.

This will be at the core also of the Affordable Energy Action Plan that I will be presenting, the Commission will be presenting, next week as a part of the Clean Industrial Deal.

We will look at every issue separately, that is right now hindering us from becoming more independent of fossil fuels and thereby also Russian energy imports, decarbonising our economy and of course first and foremost, which the title also reflects, bringing down the prices.

Renewable energy is not something that is making our competitiveness worse as some will have you believe. I am sure probably not many in this room but sometimes outside of this room you will hear this.

It is the opposite. From 2021 to 2023, the International Energy Agency, [IEA Executive Director] doctor Fatih Birol, has calculated that we in Europe saved 100 billion euro because of the deployment of new renewable energy. 100 billion euro that we would have bad to pay more, had we not been on the transition path that we are in.

We are working hard to rectify where there is barriers, and the plan that I will be presenting will not be a plan with one big silver bullet that will solve all the problems. But it will be a lot of very targeted things, of course interconnected, but targeted things that we can do, that when you add them all up, will make a lot of difference both on the short term and on longer and more structural term.

I will also say that the question of Russian energy, in my opinion, has not become smaller, I think you will agree.

When the war escalated and Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022 we were at 45% of our gas coming from Russia. Last year we brought that down to 15%, but then the LNG imports went up, so we ended up at 19%. Now we are at approximately 13% because the transit via Ukraine ended the 1 January.

So on the one hand, I guess you can argue that this is a huge success of Europe. I would like you to point to any other region of the world that could that fast, fundamentally change such as important part of the energy system. It is actually a tremendous accomplishment on one hand. On the other hand, we are still importing 13% from our gas from Russia. This is billions of euros filling up Putin’s war chest. So, we need to do more.

Some of the things that I have already talked about, that will be a part of the Action Plan on Affordable Energy will obviously also help us in that regard. But we will need to, in my opinion, take even further steps and, therefore, next month, the Commission will propose a Roadmap for independence on Russian fuel.

Obviously we have a lot of other things planned, but my time is already more than up, so I hope I’ll get an opportunity to speak about them in connection with your questions. They are all interrelated obviously, so the Electrification Action Plan is also connected to the Affordable Energy Action Plan and so forth.

On housing, which I know is also important for many in this Committee, we will be presenting the Affordable Housing Action Plan next year. The reason why I decided and we decided in the Commission to not do it before, was also to make sure that we have a process that is parallel to yours, here in the Parliament, the Committee on Housing. I would not feel comfortable putting forward my plan without having also taken into account the result of your work and your recommendations.

But this does not mean that I will not act before that. We are already acting. So you could put it all together in one fine plan in a year, but since it’s probably wiser to wait with that plan, I will start doing some of the things already now. That is probably not the way we normally or actually often work, but I think it’s the smart way of doing it so.

On the State aid rules, we are working on them, [Executive Vice President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition] Teresa Ribera and myself, on making, creating a pan-European investment platform, I am working with the EiB on that. On making sure we spend more money from the cohesion funds on housing, going from 7.5 billion euros to 15 billion euro, I am working with Vice-President [for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele], Fitto on that and of course also on other issues.

But I would be interested to hear your comments and answer any questions also!

Thank you!

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The government will continue to support citizens within the framework of the social gasification program in 2025

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The provision of subsidies to preferential categories of citizens for partial payment for the purchase and installation of gas equipment within the framework of the social gasification program will continue in 2025. The resolution introducing the corresponding changes to the state program “Energy Development” was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Speaking about the decision taken onGovernment meeting on February 20, Mikhail Mishustin recalled that the state compensates privileged categories of citizens for part of the costs of purchasing and installing the necessary equipment, as well as for the construction of a gas network to residential premises. A subsidy of at least 100 thousand rubles is provided for these purposes. Such support is received by parents with many children and people with low incomes, disabled people of group I, as well as people caring for disabled children, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, participants in a special military operation and their family members.

“In order to continue to provide support to these categories of citizens, we will extend the rules for providing subsidies for the current year. And we will allocate another 1 billion rubles,” the Prime Minister said.

The social gasification program was launched on the instructions of the President in 2021. In total, over 1.4 million contracts for the connection of communications were concluded during its implementation.

The document will be published…

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 –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mable Chan visits GZ

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan today visited Guangzhou, meeting government officials there to discuss issues of mutual concern.

Ms Chan held separate meetings with Guangdong’s Department of Transport Director Lin Feiming and Public Security Department Deputy Director Guo Xiangyang.

She also met representatives from the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee’s Hong Kong & Macao Work Office and Guangdong’s Development & Reform Commission.

The representatives and Ms Chan exchanged views on matters including the operation of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and promoting the flow of people and goods between Hong Kong and Guangdong. Ms Chan also visited local transportation facilities to learn about their operations.

The transport chief highlighted that Hong Kong maintains close ties with Guangdong, and is striving to pursue innovation in cross-boundary transport policies and to promote a “one-hour living circle” in the Greater Bay Area.

She mentioned that the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles policy launched by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in 2023 has been well received. Around 80,000 Hong Kong private cars had obtained valid permits for travelling to Guangdong as of mid-February this year, meaning that one in every six eligible private cars has joined the scheme, she said.

Ms Chan expressed gratitude to various authorities in Guangdong for their ongoing and strong support for the scheme, and said the Hong Kong SAR Government will work with Mainland authorities to explore arrangements allowing Guangdong private cars to travel to Hong Kong.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Navy Career Counselor Recognized for Excellence in Sailor Development

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Hospital Corpsman First Class (FMF/SW/AW) Megan Sanford assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Rota, has been recognized as the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) Career Counselor of the Year for her exceptional leadership in guiding Sailors towards professional growth and operational readiness.

“The Career Counselor is arguably one of the most important positions supporting the Sailor and the command,” said NMRTC Rota’s commanding officer, Capt. William Scouten. “Sanford is a highly reliable and trusted leader, who ensures every Sailor has the necessary training and career progression opportunities. She has made a lasting impact on the talent management and retention for our command.”

Navy Career Counselors provide individualized guidance and mentorship to Sailors and help them set and achieve career goals. This ensures they are properly trained and equipped to meet the demands of their assigned duties which in turn strengthens the naval force. Career Counselors also help identify and develop future leaders, to ensure the Navy has a capable workforce to meet all its operational needs. These efforts also enhance the overall readiness and effectiveness of Navy Medicine personnel world-wide.

Naval Medical Force Atlantic (NMFL) Command Master Chief Lamar Bethel said, “Sanford has exemplified the highest standard of dedication, professionalism, and leadership within our ranks. Career Counselors like her embody the principles of our Navy.”

“It is an honor to support my fellow Sailors and help them navigate their careers,” said Sanford. “Their success strengthens our Navy, and I’m proud to be part of that process.”

Navy Medicine and Readiness Training Commands strategic location in the Iberian Peninsula makes it a critical asset in supporting global medical missions throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, ensuring readiness and expertise for any contingency.

Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.

MIL Security OSI –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Challenges in applying reuse targets for transport packaging in the fisheries sector – E-002857/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)[1] was adopted by the co-legislators on 16 December 2024 and has entered into force on 11 February 2025.

Paragraph 18 of Article 29 on reuse targets empowers the Commission to adopt delegated acts supplementing the reuse targets established in that Article with new exemptions, under strict legal conditions, and if this is necessary to take account of the latest scientific and economic developments.

In particular, the Commission is empowered to establish exemptions for economic operators due to particular economic constraints encountered in a sector related to the compliance with the regulation, can establish exemptions for specific packaging in case of hygiene, food safety and environmental issues, and establish exemptions for specific packaging formats, where environmental issues prevent the achievement of those targets.

With regard to Article 29(18), the Commission intends to interpret it objectively and take action when the necessity to act is demonstrated via substantiated, sound evidence.

[1] Regulation (EU) 2025/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC, OJ L, 2025/40, 22.1.2025.
Last updated: 20 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – H4 expressway works in Slovenia: ensuring smooth flows to protect logistics and territory – E-003052/2024(ASW)

Source: European Parliament

Maintenance works and structural works are needed in particular to ensure sufficient road safety levels on the road infrastructure. Those works can have an impact on traffic which requires the imposition of road traffic restrictions.

Road safety may be considered an overriding reason of public interest that can justify the restriction of free movement as set out in Articles 34 and 35 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

The Commission does not have any information at this stage indicating that road traffic restrictions related to Slovenia’s H4 expressway are manifestly discriminatory or inappropriate to the purpose of ensuring the necessary road safety level.

Last updated: 20 February 2025

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Planned revision of the EU Return Directive – 20-02-2025

Source: European Parliament

According to Directive 2008/115/EC (the Return Directive, RD), third-country nationals (TCNs) staying illegally on the territory of a Member State should, as a general rule, be issued a return decision obliging them to leave the EU. However, available data suggest that among those who receive such a decision, only about a quarter actually leave the EU (see Figure 1). Data on irregular migration, as well as returns statistics, should be used carefully, as they are often incomplete, inconsistent and insufficient. For example, statistics on return decisions may contain duplicates, whereas data on certain voluntary returns are not collected systematically. In 2018, the European Commission proposed a targeted revision of the RD aimed at updating the rules and streamlining procedures across Member States. As progress on the proposal stalled, the Commission sought to improve return rates through enhanced operational cooperation (e.g. an operational strategy on returns and a recommendation on mutual recognition of return decisions). The pact on migration and asylum, adopted in May 2024, introduced several changes on return. These include a new return border procedure applicable to TCNs rejected in the asylum border application, and the obligation for Member States to issue a common or joint decision for the rejection of an asylum claim and return. In her political guidelines for 2024-2029, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced her intention to develop a new common approach on returns, which would include a new legislative proposal on return. The European Parliament has reiterated the need to improve the effectiveness of the EU’s return policy, highlighting also the need to reconcile the sustainability of returns and respect for fundamental rights.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Exchange of views on the Strategic report of the Critical Medicines Alliance – Committee on Public Health

Source: European Parliament

On 3 March, Members of the SANT Committee will hold an exchange of views with the representatives of two working groups who focused on work of the Strategic Report.

The Critical Medicines Alliance was launched in April 2024 by the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), working with the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Alliance brings together national authorities, industry, healthcare organisations, civil society representatives, the Commission and EU agencies to identify the best measures to prevent and address shortages of critical medicines.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 21, 2025

Category: Transport

Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research (CTDDR-2022): The 9th MahaKumbh for Drug ResearchDay one was dedicated to “New strategies in synthetic and medicinal chemistry”

What was in the tomb?

Tatyana Golikova visited the Center for Prosthetics and Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Participants in a Special Military Operation. With Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Defense Anna Tsivileva

Tatyana Golikova visited the Center for Prosthetics and Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Participants in a Special Military Operation. With Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin

Tatyana Golikova visited the Center for Prosthetics and Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Participants in a Special Military Operation

Current Trends in Drug Discovery Research (CTDDR-2022): The 9th MahaKumbh for Drug Research

Day one was dedicated to “New strategies in synthetic and medicinal chemistry”