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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI: Bishop Fox appoints Christopher Martin as Chief Operating Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PHOENIX, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bishop Fox, the leading authority in offensive security, today announced the addition of Christopher Martin as the company’s new COO. Martin has extensive experience as an entrepreneur, scaling operations and driving growth from startups to multi-billion dollar organizations, while safeguarding culture and quality of services. Martin will be responsible for Bishop Fox Service Delivery, Finance, People, Product and R&D, reporting to Bishop Fox Co-Founder and CEO, Vinnie Liu.

    Martin joins Bishop Fox at a time that has seen the company continue its steady growth and maintain its market leadership in continuous offensive security and penetration testing services. Notably, the company saw Annual Recurring Revenues grow by nearly 60 percent, and year-over-year partner bookings increase by more than 200 percent, beating targets by more than 70 percent. Bishop Fox also expanded its European presence, and added former @Stake and Neohapsis CEO, James Mobley to its Advisory Board.

    Martin brings a wealth of experience in overseeing strong organic and inorganic growth for B2B SaaS and applied AI organizations. In particular he co-founded, grew and executed the successful acquisition of digital marketing services & consultancy firm MightyHive, and later served as public Executive Director of S4 Capital. He has held a number of executive positions including his time in the Controllership of Yahoo!’s $6 billion P&L, and later the Mergers and Acquisitions group, guiding acquisitions and operational integrations. Martin is an active investor and advisor in Applied AI and B2B SaaS startups. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Lehigh University, and MBA from The Wharton School.

    “Bishop Fox is at the forefront of the evolving offensive security landscape,” commented Martin. “Our technology-driven approach —combining elite human expertise with automation, AI-driven threat emulation, and deep integrations—delivers adaptive, real-time defense at enterprise scale. As attack surfaces expand and adversaries evolve, our ability to provide continuous, intelligence-led security validation, positions us as a strategic partner in fortifying large enterprises against emerging threats. The opportunity to redefine security resilience and drive measurable impact for our clients has never been greater.”

    “Bishop Fox has always had a focus on all around quality – quality of life, quality of work and quality of our business,” added Liu. “So, as we searched for our next COO, we needed to find someone that respected and excelled at all three. In meeting and talking with Chris, his passion for taking care of people, a focus on collaboration, and a forward-thinking mindset came through as strongly as his many career accomplishments. We’re very happy to have him on the team and look forward to continuing to build great things together.”

    About Bishop Fox

    Bishop Fox is the leading authority in offensive security, providing solutions ranging from continuous penetration testing, red teaming, and attack surface management to product, cloud, and application security assessments. We’ve worked with more than 25% of the Fortune 100, half of the Fortune 10, eight of the top 10 global technology companies, and all of the top global media companies to improve their security. Our Cosmos platform, service innovation, and culture of excellence continue to gather accolades from industry award programs including Fast Company, Inc., SC Media, and others, and our offerings are consistently ranked as “world class” in customer experience surveys. We’ve been actively contributing to and supporting the security community for almost two decades and have published more than 16 open-source tools and 50 security advisories in the last five years. Learn more at bishopfox.com or follow us on Twitter.

    Media Contact:

    Kevin Kosh, Senior Director of Communications

    kkosh@bishopfox.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CW Petroleum Corp (OTCQB: CWPE) Reports Revenues for Q4-2024, Year-End

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Katy, Texas, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CW Petroleum Corp (OTCQB: CWPE) (the “Company”), a leading provider of Specialty Renewable and Hydrocarbon Motor Fuels, today announces to its investors and future investors unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024, Year-End 2024.

    Key Financial Highlights for Three Months Ended December 31, 2024, Compared to Prior Year Period:

    • 2024 Revenues of $1.73 Million vs 2023 Revenues of $1.98 Million
    • 2024 EBITDA of $96,220 vs 2023 EBITDA of $51,567
    • 2024 Net Income of $48,633 vs 2023 Net Income (loss) of ($9,749)

    Key Financial Highlights for Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024, Compared to Prior Year Period:

    • 2024 Revenues of $8.00 Million vs 2023 Revenues of $9.31 Million
    • 2024 EBITDA of $180,850 vs 2023 EBITDA of $732,733
    • 2024 Net Income (loss) of ($44,322) vs 2023 Net Income of $449,293

    Management Commentary:

    Chief Executive Officer Christopher Williams commented, “The Company continues to produce substantial annual revenues between $8MM-$10MM, making it a top-tier company in the OTC Markets space. Despite posting ~$8MM in revenue for 2024, the Company only slightly missed its 2024 volume sales target compared to 2023. The result in the ~$1.0MM revenue drop is due to the lower average cost of renewable and petroleum-based fuels in 2024 compared to the increased average cost of renewable and petroleum-based fuels in 2023. The Company regained OTCQB status in May 2024 and continues to seek an uplisting to Nasdaq or NYSE with a $5MM-$15MM capital raise to execute its growth plan.

    The Company’s 2024 Financial Audit has started and will report its SEC Form 1-K (2024 Annual Report) by 4/30/2025.

    Additional accurate information about the Company can be found on the OTC Markets website at the following links and on the EDGAR filing website provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission:

    CWPE Overview
    CWPE Security Detail
    CWPE Financials
    CWPE News
    CWPE Disclosures

    SEC Filings

    For additional information, visit our website at cwpetroleumcorp.com, email: investor@cwpetroleumcorp.com , or call 281-817-8099

    About CW Petroleum Corp

    CW Petroleum Corp, a Texas corporation, began operations in 2011. CW Petroleum Corp, a Wyoming corporation, was incorporated in April 2018 and has acquired the Texas corporation as a wholly-owned subsidiary. CW Petroleum Corp supplies and distributes Biodiesel, Biodiesel Blends, Renewable Gasoline, and a 92 Octane Reformulated No Ethanol Gasoline to distributors, convenience stores, marinas, and end-users. The EPA licenses the Company to create its proprietary gasoline blends. CW Petroleum Corp is licensed to distribute Diesel Fuel & Gasoline by the States of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, California, Colorado, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release may contain “forward-looking statements” regarding future events and our future results. All statements other than statements of historical facts are statements that could be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the oil and gas markets, energy markets, and other markets in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “endeavors,” “strives,” “may,” or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, estimate, or verify. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include those factors described in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 1-K, which may be amended or supplemented by subsequent semiannual reports on Form 1-SA or other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements. For more information, please refer to the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Thriving and Flourishing Throughout 2024, Plum Sets Sights on Continued Growth in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reflecting on the company’s 18 percent growth over the past year, revolutionary talent assessment provider Plum expects to see the trend accelerate in the coming months. Citing the versatility of its offerings across the employee journey, including talent acquisition, internal mobility and leadership development, Plum secured several new clients, expanded existing relationships and forged significant partnerships throughout 2024.

    Plum CEO Caitlin MacGregor commented, “For Plum, 2024 was marked by the launch of PlumFlourish and PlumThrive, which were driven by the need to address very specific workforce challenges around career development and talent insights. Because of this, Plum is able to ensure that employees and employers can navigate today’s dynamic business environment, and enterprise organizations are looking to us for that guidance.”

    With the availability of PlumFlourish and PlumThrive alongside the company’s other enterprise solutions, Plum began working with Advocate Aurora Health, Scotia Caribbean and Temenos while expanding relationships with a Canadian multinational investment bank and financial services company, Arup, Bloomberg, CMP, Foundever and Hyundai Canada. Through Plum’s continued support for its customer base, the company helped to reimagine hiring processes, improve productivity, fill positions with internal talent, promote team development, maximize team efficiency and allow human potential to drive decision-making.

    On the partnership front, Plum added FairNow, Fountain, HackerRank, North Star Talent and Paylocity to its marketplace and finalized integration experiences with iCIMS and Paylocity. Plum also expanded its partnership with SAP SuccessFactors.

    MacGregor concluded, “By focusing on product and nurturing our relationships, Plum has built a strong foundation and maintained momentum, even through the headwinds observed last year. That’s what sets Plum apart and what makes Plum poised for success in 2025.”

    About Plum

    Revolutionary workforce solutions provider Plum knows that when people flourish, business thrives. Using objective data backed by scientific insights to measure and match human potential to job needs, Plum provides personalized career insights, improves quality of hire and helps create high-performing teams.

    With unmatched scalability, the award-winning Plum platform enhances talent decisions across the employee lifecycle, making it possible to understand skills, quantify job fit and analyze organizational culture. Visit www.plum.io to learn more.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GigaCloud Technology Inc Strengthens Its B2B Marketplace with Leading Furniture Suppliers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EL MONTE, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GigaCloud Technology Inc (Nasdaq: GCT) (“GigaCloud” or the “Company”), a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B ecommerce technology solutions for large parcel merchandise, today announced a strong lineup of new suppliers joining its GigaCloud Marketplace, further solidifying its position as a trusted global B2B wholesale platform.

    New suppliers to the GigaCloud Marketplace include Purple Innovation Inc. (Nasdaq: PRPL), Homestyles, a brand of Flexsteel Industries Inc. (Nasdaq: FLXS), Corsicana Mattress Company, Restonic, Walker Edison, GhostBed, Simpli Home and others. These newly added suppliers have joined the GigaCloud Marketplace as new 3P sellers, encompassing a broad range of home furnishings, including living room furniture, bedroom bedding and furniture, dining room sets, and home office solutions. Many are known for their thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and versatility, appealing to a range of styles from contemporary to traditional.

    “This latest wave of new suppliers highlights the value and trust our platform brings to the evolving B2B market, demonstrating GigaCloud’s commitment to accelerating growth and product diversity,” said Larry Wu, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of GigaCloud. “By welcoming these esteemed suppliers, we continue to enhance our market leadership in large-parcel B2B ecommerce—empowering suppliers with expanded market reach, providing resellers with a broader selection of trusted products, and facilitating seamless global wholesale trade for businesses of all sizes.”

    “Partnering with GigaCloud has opened up exciting new avenues for Purple to extend our market presence,” said Mason Stephens, Vice President, Head of Wholesale at Purple Innovation Inc. “GigaCloud’s robust marketplace provides an efficient way to connect with a broader reseller base, enabling us to further drive our growth and bring Purple’s innovative comfort solutions to more businesses and their customers. We look forward to a promising future of growth and collaboration with GigaCloud.”

    “We are excited to partner with GigaCloud to bring our Homestyles brand to an innovative digital marketplace,” said Andrew Surdyka, VP of Strategic Accounts at Flexsteel Industries Inc. “This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity for us to enhance our digital presence and reach new customers while maintaining the high standards of quality and service that Flexsteel Industries is known for.”

    About GigaCloud Technology Inc 

    GigaCloud Technology Inc is a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B ecommerce technology solutions for large parcel merchandise. The Company’s B2B ecommerce platform, the “GigaCloud Marketplace,” integrates everything from discovery, payments and logistics tools into one easy-to-use platform. The Company’s global marketplace seamlessly connects manufacturers, primarily in Asia, with resellers, primarily in the U.S., Asia and Europe, to execute cross-border transactions with confidence, speed and efficiency. GigaCloud offers a comprehensive solution that transports products from the manufacturer’s warehouse to the end customer’s doorstep, all at one fixed price. The Company first launched its marketplace in January 2019 by focusing on the global furniture market and has since expanded into additional categories, including home appliances and fitness equipment. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://www.gigacloudtech.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements  

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements reflect our current view about future events. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “propose,” “potential,” “continue” or similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC. 

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact: 

    GigaCloud Technology Inc 
    Investor Relations 
    ir@gigacloudtech.com 

    PondelWilkinson, Inc. 
    Laurie Berman (Investors) – lberman@pondel.com 
    George Medici (Media) – gmedici@pondel.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Risking It All: Saving Ukraine’s Soil from War’s Deadly Remnants | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    War leaves scars not only on people but also on the land. In Ukraine, vast fields are littered with explosive remnants, threatening the future of farming. Tiphaine Lucas, a Programme Coordinator for FAO’s Mine Action and Land Rehabilitation Initiative, is on a mission to collect and analyze soil samples, ensuring the land can once again grow wheat and sustain communities. Watch how science and resilience are helping Ukraine rebuild.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bugUjM3hD58

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Modernized polyclinics opened in six more Moscow districts

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Renovated polyclinics have begun accepting patients in six more districts of the capital. Sergei Sobyanin wrote about this in his telegram channel.

    “After reconstruction, buildings in Orekhovo-Borisovo Yuzhny, Khoroshevskoye, Maryino, Yakimanka, Yuzhny Butovo and Yuzhny Medvedkovo opened. All clinics comply with the new Moscow standard, which makes medical care more comfortable and accessible,” the Moscow Mayor said.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    The buildings have been equipped with spacious waiting areas, modern offices and the latest diagnostic equipment.

    Moscow is undergoing the largest modernization program city polyclinics. Over the course of five years, 280 buildings were renovated, nine of them this year.

    Sergei Sobyanin outlined the main directions of healthcare development

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12369050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Principality of Andorra: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    February 11, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Andorra La Vella – February 11, 2025

    The Andorran economy is doing well. This provides a window of opportunity to address substantial long-term challenges. The authorities have consolidated the country’s macro-financial framework and reinforced buffers. However, Andorra’s real GDP per capita—while high in absolute terms—has remained flat over the last 50 years, with growth largely driven by population increases. Going forward, population aging is both an economic and a fiscal concern, and climate change challenges an economic model largely dependent on winter tourism. Ambitious structural reforms are needed to unlock investment and lift productivity.

    Economic Outlook

    The Andorra economy continues to show resilience and to grow above its potential. Growth in 2024 surprised slightly on the upside, at an estimated 2.1 percent, driven by the service, banking and construction sectors. Inflation is subsiding gradually, reaching 2.6 percent at the end of 2024, despite limited economic slack and a still tight labor market. The current account surplus remains very large, estimated at 15.1 percent of GDP in 2024. The strong performance of banks continued in 2024 supported by high interest margins and increased fees and commissions.

    Going forward, GDP is expected to slow to the level of potential growth. Real GDP growth is forecasted at 1.7 percent in 2025 and 1.5 percent from 2027 onwards. Inflation is projected to stabilize at 1.7 percent over the medium term. Short-term risks are balanced: greater uncertainty in the global economy and the potential for adverse shocks such as deepening geoeconomic fragmentation, supply disruptions, recurrent commodity price fluctuations and a reversal of monetary policy loosening are downside risks to growth and inflation. On the upside, Andorra, like other service-oriented economies in Europe, could benefit from stronger demand, and grow faster than projected. Solid buffers mitigate risks.

    Challenges are concentrated over the medium-term, as stagnating income growth makes it challenging to address the impact of population aging and climate change. With long life expectancy and low fertility rates, Andorra’s population is expected to age rapidly—removing an engine for GDP growth and creating fiscal liabilities over the long term. Fiscal costs from pensions and healthcare will be substantial. More frequent climate shocks can affect the economic cycle in an economy largely reliant on winter tourism, and structurally warmer temperatures will require extensive adaptation.

    Policy priorities

    The solid macroeconomic position and the credibility of the policy framework provide Andorra with an opportunity for implementing far-reaching structural reforms. Diversifying the economy to enhance resilience, unlocking investment and lifting productivity to raise income levels, and addressing the costs of aging and climate change should be driving the policy agenda. The recently negotiated EU Association Agreement (EUAA), if approved by referendum, could offer an opportunity to support the reform momentum, but would also bring challenges.

    Maintaining a solid fiscal framework given spending pressures over the medium term

    Maintaining a disciplined fiscal policy within the fiscal framework is important and will provide room for more public investment. In a microstate that needs fiscal buffers against external shocks, entrenching fiscal space is important. In addition, the credibility of the fiscal framework and the primary surplus provide room for higher public investment to support potential growth and mitigate structural bottlenecks.

    • A balanced 2025 budget focused on economic priorities. The 2025 budget finds a welcome balance between maintaining a conservative fiscal stance but building on the authorities’ structural priorities, with a focus on health, housing, maintaining purchasing power, and education. Overall, the 2025 budget foresees a deficit of 0.9 percent of GDP. Given past practice of adjusting expenditures in line with incoming revenues, staff forecasts a small surplus of about 0.3 percent of GDP.
    • Room for growth-enhancing public spending. The fiscal framework, which prescribes an overall deficit limit of 1 percent of GDP and a central government debt ceiling of 40 percent of GDP, provides room for higher public spending targeted towards growth-enhancing investment. Spending should be focused on the structural needs of the economy: social and affordable housing, upskilling the workforce and addressing labor shortages, connectivity to support economic diversification, and investments to lift potential growth. As under-execution of budgeted public investment is customary, delivering on investment plans should be a policy objective.

    Over the medium term, Andorra faces rising spending pressures from aging, as well as a need to adapt to climate change—engaging reforms early is paramount. Staff estimates that by 2050, pension system expenditures will rise by 6.7 percentage points while healthcare expenditures will increase by 2 percentage points. Acting early on pension and healthcare reforms is needed to anticipate and mitigate the fiscal impact of aging.

    • Pension reform has been on the government’s agenda for some time and is overdue. The menu of options to put the system on the sustainable path is well understood, from increasing contribution rates and reducing conversion rates to increasing the retirement age. Concluding the reform in an expeditious and comprehensive manner is needed to ensure the sustainability of the social security fund in the long run.
    • A reform of the healthcare system should aim to contain long-term costs while raising healthcare revenues . Experience from other advanced economies provides a blueprint for potential measures, in 4 areas: (i) enhance cost efficiency, (ii) strengthen preventive care, (iii) increase revenues for healthcare while preserving equity, and (iv) improve governance. The National Pact brought together stakeholders and should continue its work to strengthen the healthcare system.

    · Beyond direct policies in the pension and healthcare areas, broader measures would be helpful to buffer the additional long-term fiscal costs of aging. Domestic revenue mobilization and migration policies can help.

    • Climate change also exposes the government to future contingent liabilities. Public investment needs to increase to meet Andorra’s climate change mitigation targets and to provide adequate support to the adaptation of the private sector. In addition, fiscal space will be increasingly needed to buffer the negative impact of climate shocks.

    Precautionary borrowing and a rapid reduction in public debt provide the authorities with flexibility in managing the debt profile. The authorities are reaping the benefits of an effective debt management strategy that is projected to bring public debt down to 30 percent of GDP by 2026, that lengthened its maturity to 6.3 years and that keeps public debt service low. The authorities should continue to monitor market conditions for an upcoming debt maturity of €500 million public bonds in 2027, including for further diversifying debt and extending its maturity to decrease rollover risks and mitigate consequences from potential increases in interest rates.

    Consolidating banking performance in a changing environment

    Strengthening further the resilience of the banking system during periods of high profitability is appropriate. The banking sector displays solid fundamentals, with large capital and liquidity buffers. However, given the large size of the banking sector, the supervisor should remain vigilant. Available supervisory tools should complement each other, including by supporting the lender of last resort facility introduced in 2022 by continued close supervision and a well-designed resolution framework to ensure that critical problems are identified and addressed early. The activation of a countercyclical capital buffer in 2024 was timely to increase banking system resilience during high bank profitability.

    The changing financial landscape, notably with the continued international expansion of banks and a possible EUAA, brings opportunities and challenges for Andorran banks. Banks have been growing in the EU where they run independent subsidiaries focused on private banking services, and the EUAA would facilitate this expansion, notably in the asset management business. Domestically, the EUAA has the potential to create a more dynamic domestic market but also to open Andorra to greater competition. The authorities should work closely with banks to prepare for the transition and safeguard financial stability.

    Ambitious structural reforms to unlock investment and lift productivity, support the diversification of the economy and help mitigate climate change.

    A comprehensive set of structural measures is important and should focus on the following:

    • Addressing frictions, notably labor and housing shortages. Public investment in education and well-designed immigration policies can improve knowledge capital in Andorra and raise labor productivity. Multiple housing measures were implemented recently—including the extension of existing rental contracts, the creation of a public affordable housing park, tax incentives for owners who offer affordable housing, suspension of tourist accommodation licenses, fees on empty houses and on real estate purchases by foreigners. The authorities should aim at providing market-based incentives for investing in affordable housing while minimizing distortions.
    • Creating a business environment conducive to higher investment. Recommendations encompass reducing administrative rigidities associated with doing business in Andorra, promoting access to financing, and implementing measures to attract and retain talent.
    • Supporting the development of higher value-added sectors, including the digital economy. With limited space for manufacturing, Andorra can look at the experience of peer countries that have successfully diversified towards the digital economy. Government policies, including the 2022 Law on the digital economy, entrepreneurship, and innovation and the Digitalization Strategy 2020-2030 were welcome initial steps.

    The EUAA could provide further momentum for reforms towards diversification, unlock investment, and raise productivity in Andorra, but is not without its own challenges. The agreement signals a strong commitment to deeper integration with the EU and to reinforce Andorran institutions in their coherence with EU standards. Empirical evidence on the benefits of EU membership provides useful lessons for EU association. It suggests that while the impact can be significant and positive, it builds up over time, and is conditional on well-designed domestic reforms during the accession period. While the impact varies with country-specific circumstances, it materializes through a few channels: structural reforms in the period preceding accession/association, greater capital accumulation, notably FDI, and higher productivity. In Andorra, room for increasing investment and productivity is substantial. Transition periods for key sectors such as telecom and banking mitigate the risks of disruption and fiscal space can cover transition costs. Preparedness is essential to realize the benefits of association, and reduce potential downsides, such as greater regional competition.

    The climate adaptation strategy needs to be accelerated given the macrocriticality of global warming for Andorra. Because of its higher altitude, Andorra is less exposed than other winter tourism locations in the region and should use this window of opportunity to enact needed policies, support the development of higher value-added service sectors and diversify away from winter tourism. The authorities should expedite the development and execution of a climate adaptation strategy.

    *

    The mission thanks the authorities and all our counterparts for a constructive and candid policy dialogue, for engaging in a productive and transparent collaboration, and for their hospitality during the official visit of the IMF to Andorra.

    Andorra: Selected Social and Economic Indicators

    I. Social Indicators

    Population (2023)

    85101

    Population at risk of poverty (percent, 2020)

    13

    Per capita income (2023, euros)

    40511

    Human Development Index Rank (2021)

    40 (out of 189)

    Gini Index (2020)

    32

    Life expectancy at birth (2024)

    83.9

    II. Economic Indicators

    Projections

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    NATIONAL ACCOUNTS AND PRICES

    (annual change, percent, unless otherwise indicated)

    Real GDP

    9.6

    2.6

    2.1

    1.7

    1.6

    1.5

    1.5

    1.5

    1.5

    Nominal GDP

    14.2

    9.0

    5.0

    3.7

    3.4

    3.3

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

    GDP deflator

    4.2

    6.3

    2.9

    1.9

    1.8

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    (contribution to nominal GDP growth, percentage points)

    Consumption

    6.5

    7.0

    3.6

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.4

    2.4

    Private

    6.2

    3.5

    1.7

    1.5

    1.5

    1.5

    1.5

    1.4

    1.4

    Public

    0.3

    3.4

    1.9

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    Investment

    6.8

    -2.2

    0.9

    0.5

    0.6

    0.3

    0.3

    0.4

    0.5

    Private 1/

    6.4

    -3.1

    0.2

    0.0

    0.4

    0.1

    0.1

    0.2

    0.3

    Public

    0.4

    0.9

    0.7

    0.5

    0.2

    0.2

    0.2

    0.2

    0.2

    Net exports of goods and services

    0.9

    4.3

    0.7

    0.6

    0.4

    0.4

    0.4

    0.4

    0.4

    Exports

    18.8

    10.4

    4.2

    3.3

    2.8

    2.8

    2.9

    2.9

    2.8

    Imports

    18.0

    6.1

    3.5

    2.7

    2.5

    2.4

    2.5

    2.5

    2.4

    Prices

    Inflation (percent, period average)

    6.2

    5.6

    3.1

    2.2

    1.8

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    Inflation (percent, end of period)

    7.2

    4.6

    2.6

    2.0

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    Unemployment rate (percent)

    2.1

    1.6

    1.6

    1.6

    1.8

    1.8

    1.9

    2.0

    2.0

    EXTERNAL SECTOR

    (percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    Current account

    11.6

    14.2

    15.1

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    Balance on goods and services

    8.8

    12.0

    12.0

    12.2

    12.1

    12.1

    12.1

    12.1

    12.1

    Exports of goods and services

    80.9

    83.7

    83.7

    83.9

    83.8

    83.9

    84.1

    84.2

    84.3

    Imports of goods and services

    72.2

    71.8

    71.6

    71.7

    71.7

    71.8

    71.9

    72.1

    72.2

    Primary income, net

    4.3

    3.5

    4.3

    6.1

    6.1

    6.1

    6.1

    6.1

    6.1

    Secondary income, net

    -1.4

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.3

    Capital account

    0.0

    -0.1

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Financial account

    12.7

    13.5

    15.1

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    Errors and omissions

    1.1

    -0.6

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Gross international reserves (millions of euros) 2/

    338.4

    338.7

    399.0

    399.0

    399.0

    399.0

    399.0

    399.0

    399.0

    FISCAL SECTOR

    (percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    General Government 3/

    Revenue

    39.7

    38.0

    37.9

    37.8

    37.7

    37.8

    37.8

    37.7

    37.8

    Expenditure

    34.9

    35.9

    36.5

    36.7

    36.6

    36.9

    36.9

    37.0

    37.0

    Interest

    0.7

    0.6

    0.6

    0.6

    0.6

    0.8

    0.8

    0.8

    0.8

    Primary balance

    5.6

    2.7

    2.0

    1.7

    1.6

    1.6

    1.7

    1.6

    1.6

    Net lending/borrowing (overall balance)

    4.8

    2.1

    1.5

    1.1

    1.1

    0.8

    0.9

    0.8

    0.8

    Public debt

    38.9

    35.5

    33.7

    32.5

    31.5

    30.5

    30.0

    29.5

    29.0

    Central Government 4/

    Revenue

    21.7

    19.8

    21.3

    20.8

    20.8

    20.8

    20.8

    20.8

    20.9

    Expenditure

    18.7

    19.1

    20.4

    20.5

    20.5

    20.6

    20.7

    20.6

    20.7

    Interest

    0.7

    0.5

    0.5

    0.5

    0.5

    0.7

    0.7

    0.7

    0.7

    Primary balance

    3.6

    1.2

    1.4

    0.8

    0.8

    0.9

    0.8

    0.9

    0.9

    Net lending/borrowing (overall balance)

    2.9

    0.7

    0.9

    0.3

    0.3

    0.2

    0.1

    0.2

    0.2

    Public debt

    37.1

    34.0

    32.3

    31.2

    30.1

    29.2

    28.7

    28.3

    27.9

    BANKING SECTOR5 /

    (percent, unless otherwise indicated)

    Regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets

    20.3

    21.7

    21.2

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Nonperforming loans to total gross loans

    3.3

    2.2

    2.1

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Credit to nonfinancial private sector

    Level (percent of GDP)

    116.4

    101.3

    94.5

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Corporates

    61.8

    55.1

    51.1

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Households

    54.6

    46.2

    43.4

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Growth (nominal)

    -1.7

    -5.2

    -2.0

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Corporates

    2.6

    -2.8

    -2.5

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Households

    -6.1

    -7.8

    -1.3

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Credit to public sector

    Level (percent of GDP)

    2.2

    1.8

    1.5

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Growth (nominal)

    -8.4

    -10.0

    -13.0

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Memorandum items

    Exchange rate (€/USD, period average) 6/

    0.95

    0.92

    0.92

    0.97

    0.97

    0.97

    0.97

    0.97

    0.97

    Nominal GDP (millions of euros)

    3,210

    3,501

    3,676

    3,811

    3,942

    4,070

    4,202

    4,338

    4,478

    Sources: Andorran authorities, Eurostat, and IMF staff calculations.

    1/ The contribution of private investment is derived as a residual and includes investments of state-owned enterprises.

    2/ The increase of gross international reserves in 2022 is due to €100 million deposited at the Bank of Spain, €40 million at the Banque de France, and €60 million at the Nederlandsche Bank as gross international reserves. In 2024, additional €60 million reserves were accounted, mainly deposited at the Bank of Spain.

    3/ The general government comprises the central government, local governments, and the social security fund.

    4/ The central government comprises Govern d’Andorra, as well as nonmarket, nonprofit institutional units.

    5/ 2024 data corresponds to 2024Q3.

    6/ The table reports the exchange rate €/USD because Andorra is a euroized economy.
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/11/andorra-cs-2025

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIH study finds infection-related hospitalizations linked to increased risk of heart failure

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    News Release

    Tuesday, February 11, 2025

    Findings highlight the importance of infection prevention measures and personalized heart failure care.

    A study funded by the National Institutes of Health has found that adults who were hospitalized for a severe infection, such as respiratory infections or sepsis, were more than twice as likely to develop heart failure years later. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, underscore the importance of measures that help prevent severe infections, such as getting up-to-date vaccines and practicing safe hygiene.

    “These are ‘sit-up and take notice’ findings,” said Sean Coady, M.A., deputy branch chief in the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “While there’s already a reasonable body of evidence linking previous infections with heart attack, this study is focused on heart failure, which has been less studied yet affects an estimated six million Americans.”

    The study, part of the NHLBI-funded Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, followed 14,468 adults aged 45-64 for up to 31 years, from 1987 to 2018. None had heart failure when the study began. The researchers found that individuals who experienced an infection-related hospitalization had a 2.35 times higher risk of developing heart failure at an average time of seven years after surviving the hospitalization, compared to those who did not get an infection. The researchers adjusted for sociodemographic and health-related factors and included different infection types, such as respiratory, urinary tract infections, and hospital-acquired in their assessment. They found that the association with heart failure was consistent no matter the type of infection.

    Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body’s organs and tissues. While there are many different kinds, the study focused mainly on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which occurs when the left side of the heart is too stiff to fully relax between heartbeats, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which occurs when the left ventricle is too weak to pump out enough blood to the body. The researchers discovered that infections that required hospitalization were associated with an increased risk of both conditions. Notably, the risk was nearly three times higher for HFpEF, the most common form of heart failure among people over age 65 and the one with the most limited treatment options. Nearly half of participants experienced an infection-related hospitalization emphasizing the potentially large impact of severe infections on the heart health of older adults.

    While the study only found an association between severe infections and heart failure – not a causal link – Ryan Demmer, Ph.D. professor of epidemiology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. and the study’s senior author, said patients still should consider commonsense approaches that keep severe infections at bay. He explained that someone who experiences an infection and are at high risk for cardiovascular disease should speak with their primary care provider to be sure they are receiving guideline directed medical therapies for cardiovascular disease.

    Demmer said future research could build on the current findings by validating a causal link between infections and heart failure development. New research could also explore the potential for incorporating infection history into heart failure risk assessments and patient management strategies.

    About the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): NHLBI is the global leader in conducting and supporting research in heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders that advances scientific knowledge, improves public health, and saves lives. For more information, visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

    Reference

    Molinsky RL, Shah A, Yuzefpolskaya M. Infection-Related Hospitalization and Incident Heart Failure: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2025. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.033877R

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIH-funded clinical trial will evaluate new dengue therapeutic

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    News Release

    Tuesday, February 11, 2025

    A clinical trial supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is testing an experimental treatment designed to help people suffering the effects of dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease. The study is supported by NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and will involve exposing adult volunteers to a weakened strain of dengue virus that causes a mild form of the disease and administering an investigational therapeutic at various doses to assess its safety and ability to lessen symptoms.

    Dengue is transmitted via infected Aedes mosquitoes and sickens as many as 400 million people each year, primarily in tropical and subtropical parts of the world, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2024, dengue cases surged to record levels in the Americas with local U.S. transmission reported in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. Dengue is endemic in Puerto Rico, which reported nearly 1,500 cases last year. Most people with dengue do not develop symptoms, but those who do commonly experience severe headache and body aches, nausea and vomiting, fever and rash. One in 20 people who get sick with dengue progress to severe illness, which may lead to shock, internal bleeding, and death. There is currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for dengue.

    “When caring for a patient who is critically ill with dengue, healthcare providers have few options other than providing supportive care,” said NIAID Director Jeanne Marrazzo, M.D., M.P.H. “We must find safe and effective therapeutics to provide much-needed relief to people suffering from dengue.”

    The new clinical trial will test the ability of AV-1, an investigational human monoclonal antibody therapeutic developed by AbViro (Bethesda, Maryland), to mitigate clinical symptoms when administered before and after dengue virus infection. The results of a previously completed NIAID-supported Phase 1 trial indicated that AV-1 is safe in humans, providing the basis for the new clinical trial to test its safety and efficacy.

    The Phase 2 clinical trial will enroll at least 84 healthy adult volunteers at two sites: the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Immunization Research in Baltimore, and the University of Vermont Vaccine Testing Center in Burlington. Following an initial screening and physical examination, volunteers will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive AV-1 one day prior to being challenged with a mild strain of dengue virus, and the other will receive AV-1 four days after being challenged with the dengue virus. Each group will be further subdivided to receive 100 mg, 300 mg, or 900 mg of AV-1, delivered in a 60-minute intravenous infusion. For each of the three dosage levels, 12 participants will receive the investigational monoclonal antibody, and two will receive a placebo.

    Before or after AV-1 dosing, each volunteer will receive an injection of attenuated (weakened) dengue virus. In earlier studies using this challenge virus, most volunteers developed a rash, and some had other mild dengue symptoms, such as joint and muscle pain or headache. None of the volunteers developed dengue fever or severe dengue.

    Volunteers will participate in regular follow-up visits with study staff for at least 155 days to carefully monitor the effects of the investigational monoclonal antibody. Through physical exams, diary cards and blood samples, researchers will document how the volunteers’ immune systems respond to the dengue virus challenge, how quickly the virus vanishes from their bloodstream and any symptoms they may experience. The researchers will use this information to determine how AV-1 affects the volunteers’ ability to recover from dengue compared to placebo and to determine the dosages at which AV-1 may be effective.

    If AV-1 shows promising results in this clinical trial, researchers may pursue further clinical evaluations of its safety and efficacy against dengue virus. For more information about the study, visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search the identifier NCT05048875.

    NIAID conducts and supports research—at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide—to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website. 

    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese government looking to acquire Rex Airlines if buyer can’t be found

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

    The Albanese government will on Wednesday announce it is willing, as a last resort, to purchase the collapsed Rex Airlines, in its latest bid to prop up aviation services to regional and remote areas.

    As the administrators work on the second attempt to sell Rex, the  government will say that, in the first instance, it will work with shortlisted bidders on potential support to maximise the prospects of a sale. The initial attempt to sell Rex failed last year.

    What support will be offered  will be conditional on bidders committing to provide an “ongoing, reasonable level of service to regional and remote communities”. Assistance must also represent value for taxpayers’ money and there would have to be assurances from the potential buyer of good governance.

    While the government is not a bidder in the sale process now underway and hopes that will be successful, if there is no result, it will go down an alternative route.

    “In the event there is no sale, the Albanese government will undertake necessary work, in consultation with relevant state governments, on contingency options, including preparations necessary for potential Commonwealth acquisition.”

    The government is also providing an extension to the exemption from the “use it or lose it” test for REX regional flight slots at Sydney airport. This will ensure its access to those slots until October 24 next year.

    REX went into voluntary administration last year. An attempt (now abandoned) to compete on capital city routes had proved disastrous for it.

    The Federal government has provided it with extensive support to keep it in the air on regional routes while its future is being determined.

    This has included $80 million in a loan to the administrator to keep regional flights operating until June 30, as well as a buyout of $50 million debt from its biggest creditor, PAGAC Regulus Holdings Limited. The government is now Rex’s largest creditor.

    Prime Minister Albanese said: “We are working collaboratively with the administrators of REX to ensure that regional services continue beyond June 2025, including looking at what support the Commonwealth can provide.

    “Regional Australians can be assured that our government will continue to fight to ensure these regional airfare remain available.”

    Transport minister Catherine King said: “When markets fail or struggle to deliver for regional communities the government has a role to ensure people do not miss out on opportunities, education and critical connections.”

    When speaking about the future of the airline last month, opposition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie declined to say whether the Coalition would support nationalisation of Rex.

    Until the 1990s the federal government owned Qantas and one of the two major domestic airlines.

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

    – ref. Albanese government looking to acquire Rex Airlines if buyer can’t be found – https://theconversation.com/albanese-government-looking-to-acquire-rex-airlines-if-buyer-cant-be-found-249594

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at AI Action Summit [scroll down for english]

    Source: United Nations – English

    em> 
    Excellences,
     
    Permettez-moi tout d’abord de remercier le Président Macron et le Premier ministre Modi d’avoir organisé ce Sommet pour l’action sur l’intelligence artificielle.
     
    Mesdames et Messieurs,
     
    Allons droit au but.
     
    Regardons le monde qui nous entoure au-delà de ceux qui sont dans cette salle.
     
    Notre réunion pose une question fondamentale sur notre rapport à l’intelligence artificielle.
     
    Sommes-nous prêts pour l’avenir ?
     
    La réponse s’impose d’elle-même.
     
    Non.
     
    Nous ne sommes peut-être même pas prêts pour le présent.
     
    En un battement de cils, l’Intelligence Artificielle a quitté l’univers de la science-fiction pour devenir une force puissante qui révolutionne notre monde.
     
    Transformant nos modes de vie, de travail et d’interaction.
     
    Alimentant des avancées majeures dans l’éducation, la santé, l’agriculture…
     
    Mais mettant également à l’épreuve nos valeurs communes et nos droits fondamentaux.
     
    Le pouvoir de l’intelligence artificielle impose d’immenses responsabilités.
     
    Aujourd’hui, ce pouvoir est entre les mains d’une poignée de personnes.  
     
    Tandis que certaines entreprises et certains pays se lancent dans une course effrénée avec des investissements sans précédent, la plupart des nations en développement se retrouvent laissées pour compte.
     
    Cette concentration grandissante des capacités en matière d’intelligence artificielle menace d’aggraver les clivages géopolitiques.
     
    Nous devons empêcher l’émergence d’un monde de “nantis” et de “démunis” de l’Intelligence Artificielle.
     
    Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent combler le fossé entre les pays développés et les pays en développement – et non le creuser.
     
    Elle doit accélérer le développement durable – au lieu de perpétuer les inégalités.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.
     
    And we are working to strengthen that platform.
     
    The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.
     
    It brings the world together around a shared vision:
     
    One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
     
    The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.
     
    By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits and capabilities, and opportunities and help bridge knowledge gaps.
     
    I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.
     
    Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.
     
    Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse.
     
    The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and the Global Partnership on AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe.
     
    And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.
     
    The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.
     
    This is not only about technology diffusion.
     
    We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;
     
    Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;
     
    And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.
     
    A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.
     
    Today’s launch of Current AI, a public interest partnership, is an important contribution.
     
    I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.
     
    Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.
     
    But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.
     
    So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.
     
    From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    I began with a question.  Let me end with a few more. 
     
    Who decides what problems AI should or should not resolve?
     
    Who benefits most from its deployment?
     
    Who bears the cost of its mistakes?
     
    These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.
     
    It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.
     
    The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.
     
    And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.
     
    AI is not standing still.
     
    Neither can we.
     
    Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.
     
    In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.
     
    Thank you.
     
    ***

     
    THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
    —
    REMARKS AT AI ACTION SUMMIT
     
    Paris, 11 February 2025
     
    Excellencies,
     
    Let me begin by thanking President Macron and Prime Minister Modi for convening this AI Action Summit.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Let’s get straight to the point. 
     
    Let’s look at the world around us beyond those who are in this room.
     
    This meeting poses a fundamental question about our relationship with Artificial Intelligence:  
     
    Are we ready for the future?
     
    The answer is easy.
     
    No. 
     
    We may not even be ready for the present.
     
    In what seems like the blink of an eye, AI has gone from the stuff of science fiction to a powerful force that is transforming our world.
     
    Reshaping the way we live, work, and interact.
     
    Fueling breakthroughs in education, healthcare, agriculture…
     
    But also testing our shared values and rights.
     
    The power of AI carries immense responsibilities.
     
    Today, that power sits in the hands of a few.
     
    While some companies and some countries are racing ahead with record investments, most developing nations find themselves left out in the cold.
     
    This growing concentration of AI capabilities risks deepening geopolitical divides.
     
    We must prevent a world of AI “haves” and “have-nots”.
     
    Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent
     
    We must all work together so that artificial can bridge the gap between developed and developing countries – not widen it.
     
    It must accelerate sustainable development – not entrench inequalities.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.
     
    And we are working to strengthen that platform.
     
    The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.
     
    It brings the world together around a shared vision:
     
    One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
     
    The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.
     
    By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits, opportunities and capabilities, and help bridge knowledge gaps.
     
    I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.
     
    Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.
     
    Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse.
     
    The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and the Global Partnership on AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe.
     
    And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.
     
    The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.
     
    This is not only about technology diffusion.
     
    We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;
     
    Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;
     
    And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.
     
    A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.
     
    Today’s launch of the AI Foundation for Public Interest is an important contribution.
     
    I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.
     
    Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.
     
    But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.
     
    So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.
     
    From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    I began with a question.  Let me end with a few more. 
     
    Who decides what problems AI should or should not solve?
     
    Who benefits most from its deployment?
     
    Who bears the cost of its mistakes?
     
    These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.
     
    It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.
     
    The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.
     
    And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.
     
    AI is not standing still.
     
    Neither can we.
     
    Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.
     
    In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.
     
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Multifunctional road service zones have opened on the far western bypass of Krasnodar

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Multifunctional road service area

    Active work on developing comfortable service for road users continues in Russia. In particular, a network of the most modern multifunctional road service zones (MFZ) is being created on high-speed highways. Thus, at the 25th km of the far western bypass of Krasnodar on the M-4 “Don”, two mirror MFZs were opened on both sides of the road. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “We annually update the existing road network and open new sections of expressways, stimulating the dynamic development of the economies of the regions in their area of attraction. With the expansion and improvement of the road network, the number of highway users also increases. In addition, in recent years, more and more people have been going on long trips by car. In order for them to be comfortable, we are building multifunctional road service zones. These facilities have already become an integral part of the road infrastructure. Thus, the first MFS were opened at the 25th km of the far western bypass of Krasnodar. In the direction to Moscow, the MFS includes a petrol station and an operator’s building with a sales area and terraces. On the opposite side (in the direction of Novorossiysk), a petrol station has also been launched, and by the summer season, it is planned to prepare a flagship service building, including a convenience store, a pharmacy, food outlets, as well as a children’s play area, a mother and child room and a sanitary block with a shower and laundry. Thanks to the new MFD, trips to the Black Sea along the M-4 “Don” high-speed highway will become even more comfortable and safer for both families and professional drivers,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The territory of both multifunctional zones provides comfortable parking for passenger and freight vehicles, as well as children’s and sports grounds, and an area for walking pets.

    For passenger cars, fuel dispensers are installed under a canopy, and for trucks and buses – high-speed ones. Mobile payment services are provided, helping to reduce queues during peak holiday season days.

    According to the Chairman of the Board of the state company Avtodor, Vyacheslav Petushenko, stops at the new multifunctional zones will allow for quality rest on the road and recuperation.

    “We are creating a roadside service that becomes a place of attraction for users of our roads. This is due to the fact that we build MFPs taking into account their needs. In this way, we care about the comfort, safety and convenience of drivers and passengers. At roadside service facilities, you can use all the necessary services so that people feel more confident when traveling long distances. MFPs on our highways have become a space where you can fully relax and hit the road with renewed strength. And this significantly increases safety on roads with heavy traffic, such as the M-4 “Don” highway,” noted Vyacheslav Petushenko.

    The road network of the state company Avtodor has innovative multifunctional zones: traffic flows are separated by types of vehicles (passenger and freight) on their territory, a large comfortable pedestrian core and bus infrastructure have been created. Due to zoning and separation of flows in modern multifunctional zones, the safety of drivers and pedestrians is ensured.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at AI Action Summit [scroll down for english]

    Source: United Nations

     
    Excellences,
     
    Permettez-moi tout d’abord de remercier le Président Macron et le Premier ministre Modi d’avoir organisé ce Sommet pour l’action sur l’intelligence artificielle.
     
    Mesdames et Messieurs,
     
    Allons droit au but.
     
    Regardons le monde qui nous entoure au-delà de ceux qui sont dans cette salle.
     
    Notre réunion pose une question fondamentale sur notre rapport à l’intelligence artificielle.
     
    Sommes-nous prêts pour l’avenir ?
     
    La réponse s’impose d’elle-même.
     
    Non.
     
    Nous ne sommes peut-être même pas prêts pour le présent.
     
    En un battement de cils, l’Intelligence Artificielle a quitté l’univers de la science-fiction pour devenir une force puissante qui révolutionne notre monde.
     
    Transformant nos modes de vie, de travail et d’interaction.
     
    Alimentant des avancées majeures dans l’éducation, la santé, l’agriculture…
     
    Mais mettant également à l’épreuve nos valeurs communes et nos droits fondamentaux.
     
    Le pouvoir de l’intelligence artificielle impose d’immenses responsabilités.
     
    Aujourd’hui, ce pouvoir est entre les mains d’une poignée de personnes.  
     
    Tandis que certaines entreprises et certains pays se lancent dans une course effrénée avec des investissements sans précédent, la plupart des nations en développement se retrouvent laissées pour compte.
     
    Cette concentration grandissante des capacités en matière d’intelligence artificielle menace d’aggraver les clivages géopolitiques.
     
    Nous devons empêcher l’émergence d’un monde de “nantis” et de “démunis” de l’Intelligence Artificielle.
     
    Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent combler le fossé entre les pays développés et les pays en développement – et non le creuser.
     
    Elle doit accélérer le développement durable – au lieu de perpétuer les inégalités.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.
     
    And we are working to strengthen that platform.
     
    The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.
     
    It brings the world together around a shared vision:
     
    One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
     
    The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.
     
    By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits and capabilities, and opportunities and help bridge knowledge gaps.
     
    I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.
     
    Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.
     
    Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse.
     
    The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and the Global Partnership on AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe.
     
    And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.
     
    The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.
     
    This is not only about technology diffusion.
     
    We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;
     
    Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;
     
    And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.
     
    A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.
     
    Today’s launch of Current AI, a public interest partnership, is an important contribution.
     
    I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.
     
    Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.
     
    But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.
     
    So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.
     
    From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    I began with a question.  Let me end with a few more. 
     
    Who decides what problems AI should or should not resolve?
     
    Who benefits most from its deployment?
     
    Who bears the cost of its mistakes?
     
    These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.
     
    It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.
     
    The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.
     
    And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.
     
    AI is not standing still.
     
    Neither can we.
     
    Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.
     
    In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.
     
    Thank you.
     
    ***

     
    THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
    —
    REMARKS AT AI ACTION SUMMIT
     
    Paris, 11 February 2025
     
    Excellencies,
     
    Let me begin by thanking President Macron and Prime Minister Modi for convening this AI Action Summit.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Let’s get straight to the point. 
     
    Let’s look at the world around us beyond those who are in this room.
     
    This meeting poses a fundamental question about our relationship with Artificial Intelligence:  
     
    Are we ready for the future?
     
    The answer is easy.
     
    No. 
     
    We may not even be ready for the present.
     
    In what seems like the blink of an eye, AI has gone from the stuff of science fiction to a powerful force that is transforming our world.
     
    Reshaping the way we live, work, and interact.
     
    Fueling breakthroughs in education, healthcare, agriculture…
     
    But also testing our shared values and rights.
     
    The power of AI carries immense responsibilities.
     
    Today, that power sits in the hands of a few.
     
    While some companies and some countries are racing ahead with record investments, most developing nations find themselves left out in the cold.
     
    This growing concentration of AI capabilities risks deepening geopolitical divides.
     
    We must prevent a world of AI “haves” and “have-nots”.
     
    Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent
     
    We must all work together so that artificial can bridge the gap between developed and developing countries – not widen it.
     
    It must accelerate sustainable development – not entrench inequalities.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.
     
    And we are working to strengthen that platform.
     
    The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.
     
    It brings the world together around a shared vision:
     
    One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
     
    The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.
     
    By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits, opportunities and capabilities, and help bridge knowledge gaps.
     
    I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.
     
    Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.
     
    Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse.
     
    The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and the Global Partnership on AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe.
     
    And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.
     
    The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.
     
    This is not only about technology diffusion.
     
    We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;
     
    Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;
     
    And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.
     
    A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.
     
    Today’s launch of the AI Foundation for Public Interest is an important contribution.
     
    I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.
     
    Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.
     
    But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.
     
    So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.
     
    From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    I began with a question.  Let me end with a few more. 
     
    Who decides what problems AI should or should not solve?
     
    Who benefits most from its deployment?
     
    Who bears the cost of its mistakes?
     
    These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.
     
    It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.
     
    The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.
     
    And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.
     
    AI is not standing still.
     
    Neither can we.
     
    Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.
     
    In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.
     
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Declaration made pursuant to Article L. 233-8-II of the French Commercial Code and Article 223-16 of the General Regulation of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Information
    February 11, 2025

    Declaration made pursuant to Article L. 233-8-II of the French Commercial Code and Article 223-16 of the General Regulation of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers

    Information relating to the total number of shares and voting rights comprising the share capital as of January 31, 2025

    Date Total number of shares1comprising the share capital Theoretical number of voting rights2
    01/31/2025 179,577,400 179,577,400

    *

    *        *

    SCOR, a leading global reinsurer

    As a leading global reinsurer, SCOR offers its clients a diversified and innovative range of reinsurance and insurance solutions and services to control and manage risk. Applying “The Art & Science of Risk”, SCOR uses its industry-recognized expertise and cutting-edge financial solutions to serve its clients and contribute to the welfare and resilience of society.

    The Group generated premiums of EUR 19.4 billion in 2023 and serves clients in around 160 countries from its 35 offices worldwide.

    For more information, visit: www.scor.com

    		 Media Relations
    Alexandre Garcia
    media@scor.com

    Investor Relations
    Thomas Fossard
    InvestorRelations@scor.com

    Follow us on LinkedIn
     

    All content published by the SCOR group since January 1, 2024, is certified with Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity of this content at wiztrust.com.

    1 Each at a nominal value of EUR 7.8769723
    2 The gross number of voting rights is calculated on the basis of all shares carrying voting rights, including shares whose voting rights have been suspended (Art. 223-11 of the General Regulation of the AMF)

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NNIT A/S: Publication of financial estimates gathered from equity analysts covering the NNIT share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Today, NNIT has published financial estimates gathered from the four equity analysts covering the NNIT share ahead of the Q4/FY 2024 announcement scheduled for publication on February 18.

    The analyst estimates is available on NNIT’s investor site through this link: https://www.nnit.com/investors-media/investors/share/analyst-coverage/

    NNIT will host its webcast about the Q4/FY 2024 results on February 19 at 9:30 AM CET. Details can be found via this link: https://www.nnit.com/investors-media/investors/calendar/

    For more information, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Carsten Ringius
    EVP & CFO
    Tel: +45 3077 8888
    carr@nnit.com

    Media Relations
    Sofie Mand Steffens
    Senior Communications Consultant
    Tel: +45 3077 8337
    smst@nnit.com

    ABOUT NNIT
    NNIT is a leading provider of IT solutions to life sciences internationally, and to the public and private sectors in Denmark.

    We focus on high complexity industries and thrive in environments where regulatory demands and complexity are high.

    We advise on and build sustainable digital solutions that work for the patients, citizens, employees, end users or customers.

    We strive to build unmatched excellence in the industries we serve, and we use our domain expertise to represent a business first approach – strongly supported by a selection of partner technologies, but always driven by business needs rather than technology.

    NNIT consists of group company NNIT A/S and the subsidiary SCALES. Together, these companies employ more than 1,700 people in Europe, Asia and USA.  

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Calfrac Well Services Ltd. 2024 Fourth Quarter Earnings Release, Conference Call and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calfrac Well Services Ltd. (“Calfrac”) (TSX:CFW) intends to release its 2024 fourth quarter results before the market opens on Thursday, March 13, 2025, and has scheduled a conference call to begin at 10:00 A.M. MT (12:00 P.M. ET) on the same day.

    Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis will be posted onto Calfrac’s website and on SEDAR+ after the press release has been disseminated.

    A webcast of the conference call can be accessed through the link below:

    https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/QReg/ShowUUID=DE553537-723A-44F8-837E-F9A9689F3C2F&LangLocaleID=1033

    A replay of the conference call will also be available on Calfrac’s website for at least 90 days.

    To participate in the Q&A session, you may dial-in (toll free) 1-800-717-1738 (or at 1-646-307-1865 for international participants) fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the call and ask for the Calfrac Well Services Ltd. 2024 Third Quarter Earnings Release Conference Call to register.

    About Calfrac:

    Calfrac’s common shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “CFW”.

    Calfrac provides specialized oilfield services to exploration and production companies designed to increase the production of hydrocarbons from wells with continuing operations focused throughout North America and Argentina. The Company executes on its brand promise of “Do It Safely, Do It Right, Do It Profitably” to generate long-term, sustainable returns for its shareholders.

    Further information regarding Calfrac Well Services Ltd., including the most recently filed Annual Information Form, can be accessed on Calfrac’s website at www.calfrac.com or under the Company’s public filings found at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For further information on this conference call, please contact:

    Michael Olinek
    Chief Financial Officer
    (403) 234-6673

    Suite 500, 407 – 8 Avenue S.W.
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 1E5
    Website: www.calfrac.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Principality of Andorra: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    February 11, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Andorra La Vella – February 11, 2025

    The Andorran economy is doing well. This provides a window of opportunity to address substantial long-term challenges. The authorities have consolidated the country’s macro-financial framework and reinforced buffers. However, Andorra’s real GDP per capita—while high in absolute terms—has remained flat over the last 50 years, with growth largely driven by population increases. Going forward, population aging is both an economic and a fiscal concern, and climate change challenges an economic model largely dependent on winter tourism. Ambitious structural reforms are needed to unlock investment and lift productivity.

    Economic Outlook

    The Andorra economy continues to show resilience and to grow above its potential. Growth in 2024 surprised slightly on the upside, at an estimated 2.1 percent, driven by the service, banking and construction sectors. Inflation is subsiding gradually, reaching 2.6 percent at the end of 2024, despite limited economic slack and a still tight labor market. The current account surplus remains very large, estimated at 15.1 percent of GDP in 2024. The strong performance of banks continued in 2024 supported by high interest margins and increased fees and commissions.

    Going forward, GDP is expected to slow to the level of potential growth. Real GDP growth is forecasted at 1.7 percent in 2025 and 1.5 percent from 2027 onwards. Inflation is projected to stabilize at 1.7 percent over the medium term. Short-term risks are balanced: greater uncertainty in the global economy and the potential for adverse shocks such as deepening geoeconomic fragmentation, supply disruptions, recurrent commodity price fluctuations and a reversal of monetary policy loosening are downside risks to growth and inflation. On the upside, Andorra, like other service-oriented economies in Europe, could benefit from stronger demand, and grow faster than projected. Solid buffers mitigate risks.

    Challenges are concentrated over the medium-term, as stagnating income growth makes it challenging to address the impact of population aging and climate change. With long life expectancy and low fertility rates, Andorra’s population is expected to age rapidly—removing an engine for GDP growth and creating fiscal liabilities over the long term. Fiscal costs from pensions and healthcare will be substantial. More frequent climate shocks can affect the economic cycle in an economy largely reliant on winter tourism, and structurally warmer temperatures will require extensive adaptation.

    Policy priorities

    The solid macroeconomic position and the credibility of the policy framework provide Andorra with an opportunity for implementing far-reaching structural reforms. Diversifying the economy to enhance resilience, unlocking investment and lifting productivity to raise income levels, and addressing the costs of aging and climate change should be driving the policy agenda. The recently negotiated EU Association Agreement (EUAA), if approved by referendum, could offer an opportunity to support the reform momentum, but would also bring challenges.

    Maintaining a solid fiscal framework given spending pressures over the medium term

    Maintaining a disciplined fiscal policy within the fiscal framework is important and will provide room for more public investment. In a microstate that needs fiscal buffers against external shocks, entrenching fiscal space is important. In addition, the credibility of the fiscal framework and the primary surplus provide room for higher public investment to support potential growth and mitigate structural bottlenecks.

    • A balanced 2025 budget focused on economic priorities. The 2025 budget finds a welcome balance between maintaining a conservative fiscal stance but building on the authorities’ structural priorities, with a focus on health, housing, maintaining purchasing power, and education. Overall, the 2025 budget foresees a deficit of 0.9 percent of GDP. Given past practice of adjusting expenditures in line with incoming revenues, staff forecasts a small surplus of about 0.3 percent of GDP.
    • Room for growth-enhancing public spending. The fiscal framework, which prescribes an overall deficit limit of 1 percent of GDP and a central government debt ceiling of 40 percent of GDP, provides room for higher public spending targeted towards growth-enhancing investment. Spending should be focused on the structural needs of the economy: social and affordable housing, upskilling the workforce and addressing labor shortages, connectivity to support economic diversification, and investments to lift potential growth. As under-execution of budgeted public investment is customary, delivering on investment plans should be a policy objective.

    Over the medium term, Andorra faces rising spending pressures from aging, as well as a need to adapt to climate change—engaging reforms early is paramount. Staff estimates that by 2050, pension system expenditures will rise by 6.7 percentage points while healthcare expenditures will increase by 2 percentage points. Acting early on pension and healthcare reforms is needed to anticipate and mitigate the fiscal impact of aging.

    • Pension reform has been on the government’s agenda for some time and is overdue. The menu of options to put the system on the sustainable path is well understood, from increasing contribution rates and reducing conversion rates to increasing the retirement age. Concluding the reform in an expeditious and comprehensive manner is needed to ensure the sustainability of the social security fund in the long run.
    • A reform of the healthcare system should aim to contain long-term costs while raising healthcare revenues . Experience from other advanced economies provides a blueprint for potential measures, in 4 areas: (i) enhance cost efficiency, (ii) strengthen preventive care, (iii) increase revenues for healthcare while preserving equity, and (iv) improve governance. The National Pact brought together stakeholders and should continue its work to strengthen the healthcare system.

    · Beyond direct policies in the pension and healthcare areas, broader measures would be helpful to buffer the additional long-term fiscal costs of aging. Domestic revenue mobilization and migration policies can help.

    • Climate change also exposes the government to future contingent liabilities. Public investment needs to increase to meet Andorra’s climate change mitigation targets and to provide adequate support to the adaptation of the private sector. In addition, fiscal space will be increasingly needed to buffer the negative impact of climate shocks.

    Precautionary borrowing and a rapid reduction in public debt provide the authorities with flexibility in managing the debt profile. The authorities are reaping the benefits of an effective debt management strategy that is projected to bring public debt down to 30 percent of GDP by 2026, that lengthened its maturity to 6.3 years and that keeps public debt service low. The authorities should continue to monitor market conditions for an upcoming debt maturity of €500 million public bonds in 2027, including for further diversifying debt and extending its maturity to decrease rollover risks and mitigate consequences from potential increases in interest rates.

    Consolidating banking performance in a changing environment

    Strengthening further the resilience of the banking system during periods of high profitability is appropriate. The banking sector displays solid fundamentals, with large capital and liquidity buffers. However, given the large size of the banking sector, the supervisor should remain vigilant. Available supervisory tools should complement each other, including by supporting the lender of last resort facility introduced in 2022 by continued close supervision and a well-designed resolution framework to ensure that critical problems are identified and addressed early. The activation of a countercyclical capital buffer in 2024 was timely to increase banking system resilience during high bank profitability.

    The changing financial landscape, notably with the continued international expansion of banks and a possible EUAA, brings opportunities and challenges for Andorran banks. Banks have been growing in the EU where they run independent subsidiaries focused on private banking services, and the EUAA would facilitate this expansion, notably in the asset management business. Domestically, the EUAA has the potential to create a more dynamic domestic market but also to open Andorra to greater competition. The authorities should work closely with banks to prepare for the transition and safeguard financial stability.

    Ambitious structural reforms to unlock investment and lift productivity, support the diversification of the economy and help mitigate climate change.

    A comprehensive set of structural measures is important and should focus on the following:

    • Addressing frictions, notably labor and housing shortages. Public investment in education and well-designed immigration policies can improve knowledge capital in Andorra and raise labor productivity. Multiple housing measures were implemented recently—including the extension of existing rental contracts, the creation of a public affordable housing park, tax incentives for owners who offer affordable housing, suspension of tourist accommodation licenses, fees on empty houses and on real estate purchases by foreigners. The authorities should aim at providing market-based incentives for investing in affordable housing while minimizing distortions.
    • Creating a business environment conducive to higher investment. Recommendations encompass reducing administrative rigidities associated with doing business in Andorra, promoting access to financing, and implementing measures to attract and retain talent.
    • Supporting the development of higher value-added sectors, including the digital economy. With limited space for manufacturing, Andorra can look at the experience of peer countries that have successfully diversified towards the digital economy. Government policies, including the 2022 Law on the digital economy, entrepreneurship, and innovation and the Digitalization Strategy 2020-2030 were welcome initial steps.

    The EUAA could provide further momentum for reforms towards diversification, unlock investment, and raise productivity in Andorra, but is not without its own challenges. The agreement signals a strong commitment to deeper integration with the EU and to reinforce Andorran institutions in their coherence with EU standards. Empirical evidence on the benefits of EU membership provides useful lessons for EU association. It suggests that while the impact can be significant and positive, it builds up over time, and is conditional on well-designed domestic reforms during the accession period. While the impact varies with country-specific circumstances, it materializes through a few channels: structural reforms in the period preceding accession/association, greater capital accumulation, notably FDI, and higher productivity. In Andorra, room for increasing investment and productivity is substantial. Transition periods for key sectors such as telecom and banking mitigate the risks of disruption and fiscal space can cover transition costs. Preparedness is essential to realize the benefits of association, and reduce potential downsides, such as greater regional competition.

    The climate adaptation strategy needs to be accelerated given the macrocriticality of global warming for Andorra. Because of its higher altitude, Andorra is less exposed than other winter tourism locations in the region and should use this window of opportunity to enact needed policies, support the development of higher value-added service sectors and diversify away from winter tourism. The authorities should expedite the development and execution of a climate adaptation strategy.

    *

    The mission thanks the authorities and all our counterparts for a constructive and candid policy dialogue, for engaging in a productive and transparent collaboration, and for their hospitality during the official visit of the IMF to Andorra.

    Andorra: Selected Social and Economic Indicators

    I. Social Indicators

    Population (2023)

    85101

    Population at risk of poverty (percent, 2020)

    13

    Per capita income (2023, euros)

    40511

    Human Development Index Rank (2021)

    40 (out of 189)

    Gini Index (2020)

    32

    Life expectancy at birth (2024)

    83.9

    II. Economic Indicators

    Projections

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    NATIONAL ACCOUNTS AND PRICES

    (annual change, percent, unless otherwise indicated)

    Real GDP

    9.6

    2.6

    2.1

    1.7

    1.6

    1.5

    1.5

    1.5

    1.5

    Nominal GDP

    14.2

    9.0

    5.0

    3.7

    3.4

    3.3

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

    GDP deflator

    4.2

    6.3

    2.9

    1.9

    1.8

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    (contribution to nominal GDP growth, percentage points)

    Consumption

    6.5

    7.0

    3.6

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.4

    2.4

    Private

    6.2

    3.5

    1.7

    1.5

    1.5

    1.5

    1.5

    1.4

    1.4

    Public

    0.3

    3.4

    1.9

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    Investment

    6.8

    -2.2

    0.9

    0.5

    0.6

    0.3

    0.3

    0.4

    0.5

    Private 1/

    6.4

    -3.1

    0.2

    0.0

    0.4

    0.1

    0.1

    0.2

    0.3

    Public

    0.4

    0.9

    0.7

    0.5

    0.2

    0.2

    0.2

    0.2

    0.2

    Net exports of goods and services

    0.9

    4.3

    0.7

    0.6

    0.4

    0.4

    0.4

    0.4

    0.4

    Exports

    18.8

    10.4

    4.2

    3.3

    2.8

    2.8

    2.9

    2.9

    2.8

    Imports

    18.0

    6.1

    3.5

    2.7

    2.5

    2.4

    2.5

    2.5

    2.4

    Prices

    Inflation (percent, period average)

    6.2

    5.6

    3.1

    2.2

    1.8

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    Inflation (percent, end of period)

    7.2

    4.6

    2.6

    2.0

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    Unemployment rate (percent)

    2.1

    1.6

    1.6

    1.6

    1.8

    1.8

    1.9

    2.0

    2.0

    EXTERNAL SECTOR

    (percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    Current account

    11.6

    14.2

    15.1

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    Balance on goods and services

    8.8

    12.0

    12.0

    12.2

    12.1

    12.1

    12.1

    12.1

    12.1

    Exports of goods and services

    80.9

    83.7

    83.7

    83.9

    83.8

    83.9

    84.1

    84.2

    84.3

    Imports of goods and services

    72.2

    71.8

    71.6

    71.7

    71.7

    71.8

    71.9

    72.1

    72.2

    Primary income, net

    4.3

    3.5

    4.3

    6.1

    6.1

    6.1

    6.1

    6.1

    6.1

    Secondary income, net

    -1.4

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.3

    Capital account

    0.0

    -0.1

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Financial account

    12.7

    13.5

    15.1

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    17.0

    Errors and omissions

    1.1

    -0.6

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Gross international reserves (millions of euros) 2/

    338.4

    338.7

    399.0

    399.0

    399.0

    399.0

    399.0

    399.0

    399.0

    FISCAL SECTOR

    (percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    General Government 3/

    Revenue

    39.7

    38.0

    37.9

    37.8

    37.7

    37.8

    37.8

    37.7

    37.8

    Expenditure

    34.9

    35.9

    36.5

    36.7

    36.6

    36.9

    36.9

    37.0

    37.0

    Interest

    0.7

    0.6

    0.6

    0.6

    0.6

    0.8

    0.8

    0.8

    0.8

    Primary balance

    5.6

    2.7

    2.0

    1.7

    1.6

    1.6

    1.7

    1.6

    1.6

    Net lending/borrowing (overall balance)

    4.8

    2.1

    1.5

    1.1

    1.1

    0.8

    0.9

    0.8

    0.8

    Public debt

    38.9

    35.5

    33.7

    32.5

    31.5

    30.5

    30.0

    29.5

    29.0

    Central Government 4/

    Revenue

    21.7

    19.8

    21.3

    20.8

    20.8

    20.8

    20.8

    20.8

    20.9

    Expenditure

    18.7

    19.1

    20.4

    20.5

    20.5

    20.6

    20.7

    20.6

    20.7

    Interest

    0.7

    0.5

    0.5

    0.5

    0.5

    0.7

    0.7

    0.7

    0.7

    Primary balance

    3.6

    1.2

    1.4

    0.8

    0.8

    0.9

    0.8

    0.9

    0.9

    Net lending/borrowing (overall balance)

    2.9

    0.7

    0.9

    0.3

    0.3

    0.2

    0.1

    0.2

    0.2

    Public debt

    37.1

    34.0

    32.3

    31.2

    30.1

    29.2

    28.7

    28.3

    27.9

    BANKING SECTOR5 /

    (percent, unless otherwise indicated)

    Regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets

    20.3

    21.7

    21.2

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Nonperforming loans to total gross loans

    3.3

    2.2

    2.1

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Credit to nonfinancial private sector

    Level (percent of GDP)

    116.4

    101.3

    94.5

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Corporates

    61.8

    55.1

    51.1

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Households

    54.6

    46.2

    43.4

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Growth (nominal)

    -1.7

    -5.2

    -2.0

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Corporates

    2.6

    -2.8

    -2.5

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Households

    -6.1

    -7.8

    -1.3

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Credit to public sector

    Level (percent of GDP)

    2.2

    1.8

    1.5

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Growth (nominal)

    -8.4

    -10.0

    -13.0

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Memorandum items

    Exchange rate (€/USD, period average) 6/

    0.95

    0.92

    0.92

    0.97

    0.97

    0.97

    0.97

    0.97

    0.97

    Nominal GDP (millions of euros)

    3,210

    3,501

    3,676

    3,811

    3,942

    4,070

    4,202

    4,338

    4,478

    Sources: Andorran authorities, Eurostat, and IMF staff calculations.

    1/ The contribution of private investment is derived as a residual and includes investments of state-owned enterprises.

    2/ The increase of gross international reserves in 2022 is due to €100 million deposited at the Bank of Spain, €40 million at the Banque de France, and €60 million at the Nederlandsche Bank as gross international reserves. In 2024, additional €60 million reserves were accounted, mainly deposited at the Bank of Spain.

    3/ The general government comprises the central government, local governments, and the social security fund.

    4/ The central government comprises Govern d’Andorra, as well as nonmarket, nonprofit institutional units.

    5/ 2024 data corresponds to 2024Q3.

    6/ The table reports the exchange rate €/USD because Andorra is a euroized economy.
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Construction begins on £1million new fish pass at chalk stream

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Environment Agency has started construction of a £1million new fish pass at Turf Lock on the River Lark at Mildenhall in Suffolk.

    The River Lark is a chalk stream and one of just over 200 in the world.

    The aim of the work is to enable the free flow of native wild brown trout, eels and coarse fish. This will allow them to access habitat in the River Lark upstream of Mildenhall for spawning and foraging.

    The project is part of the Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme,  supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

    The partnership is hosted by Suffolk County Council and includes local councils, the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Natural England, and many more.

    Work will be carried out to remove two weirs that are currently impeding the fish and eels’ progress at Turf Lock. Once this work is done a new fish passage known as a rip rap rock ramp will be created using natural limestone boulders. A rip rap rock ramp provides shelter to the fish as they go between them. This work will take around three months to complete.

    Chalk streams are a ‘valuable natural resource’

    Lou Mayer, Environment Programme Manager for the Environment Agency said:

    It’s fantastic to see work beginning on this important nature recovery project, as part of the catchment-based approach.

    Chalk streams are an incredibly valuable natural resource which the Environment Agency are working hard to restore and protect through working in partnership.

    Turf Lock is one of three structures in Mildenhall that will need modification for fish passage. Through consultation with Mildenhall Town Council, West Suffolk Council, landowners and local residents we are hopeful that we can continue to work in partnership to improve the biodiversity of the land around the river as well.

    Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality said:

    Suffolk County Council is proud to support excellent partnership projects such as this, that deliver meaningful, and lasting outcomes to protect and enhance Suffolk’s biodiversity through the restoration of our valuable chalk steam habitats.

    Ian Shipp, West Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture said:

    We welcome this work which will benefit the river and support biodiversity in line with our own strategic priority for environmental resilience and thank all of those involved for their hard work in delivering such a complex scheme.

    Whilst this work is carried out the footpath from the path adjacent to the works will be closed, on the North side of the River Lark, from the bridge at Mill Street, to the access track adjacent to the cricket field. An alternative route will be signposted.

    Background

    • The Environment Agency is funding this project from the Water Environment Improvement Fund, which has been used to unlock £3million of Lottery Heritage Fund for the Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers Landscape Partnership scheme, delivering heritage conservation projects on the Breck’s fenland fringe, key freshwater habitats and primary river corridors.  
    • The Catchment based approach is about working together, through engaging people, groups and organisations from across society to help improve our precious water environments. The Environment Agency is a partner organisation of the River Lark Catchment Partnership.
    • The River Lark’s Catchment Partnership objective is to make improvements to habitat and ecological status of the river. The River Lark Catchment Partnership
    • The River Lark has been identified as a flagship river for The Chalk Stream Restoration Project nominated as a Flagship catchment by Anglian Water and supported by the River Lark Catchment Partnership. 
    • One of the ways to do that is by removing restrictions to migratory fish species and unlocking river habitat improvements further upstream as part of a holistic approach to nature recovery.  

    About The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme

    • The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme is a National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) funded Landscape Partnership Scheme for the Brecks.
    • BFER is hosted by Suffolk County Council and has delivered a series of new and exciting community-based landscape and heritage conservation projects, focused on the Brecks’ fen edge and river corridors over a 5 year period (2020-2024). The partnership is made up of regional, national and local organisations with an interest in the area, community groups and members of the community.
    • The Scheme outputs have concentrated on the key Fen Edge and Freshwater habitat areas within the Brecks, with the aim of delivering real understanding of water-based heritage and conservation issues, and positive conservation changes on the ground. This area encompasses a unique landscape in Britain with an incredible and much overlooked heritage and biodiversity.

    About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

    • Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers (BFER) Landscape Partnership scheme has been awarded £1.97 million by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
    • Using money raised by the National Lottery players, the NHLF inspires, leads and resources the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. National Lottery Heritage Fund.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: CapitalRock spreads its wings in the realm of cryptocurrency with the latest solutions and investment plans

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — World-recognized Crypto Asset Management Leader now introduces CapitalRock coin and is ready to start its trading app.

    CapitalRock is one of the leading crypto asset management companies that has come up with a huge plan to redefine the digital finance system through its advanced investment plans, strategic analysis approach, and attractive offers.

    Composed of a competent team of more than 200 experts, CapitalRock is all set to take over the crypto world.

    The prime focus of CapitalRock is to cater to the digital world with its unique crypto investment plans with keen market analysis. The efficient team is dedicated to working most professionally by keeping an eye on the latest trends and risk factors, thus making smart decisions for its Investors. The CapitalRock team involves seasoned analysts, traders, and Blockchain experts from the industry who bring their hands-on experience to make every effort to elevate the graph of CapitalRock coin.

    CapitalRock coin aka CR is the nucleus of CapitalRock’s unique work plan in the world of cryptocurrency. CR has taken the top position in the contemporary exchange market. Its top ranking has increased the company’s reputation in the market in turn, providing the investors a trustworthy platform for carrying out trade activities. Thus, both CR and the company find its way to ace the digital market.

    CapitalRock Coin (CR): A Game-Changer in Crypto

    CapitalRock coin (CR) has been launched to set a foundation for the company’s beneficial monetary plans, to take it high in the brand ranking. After wise investment planning, along with smart strategic management, CR bears the potential to bring innovation to the digital market. CR paves a lucrative path for its users from trade aspects, thus providing them a strong and durable crypto ecosystem.

    The launch of CR is completely aligned with the vision of CapitalRock which claims to provide its users not just with a financially supportive trade coin but also makes them a valuable part of the company’s mission.

    CR, being labelled as the top-ranked coin in the exchange market, has caught the attention of investors worldwide for availing a better trading experience.

    CapitalRock’s Trading Application: A Step Forward in User Experience

    In the coming future, CapitalRock is also ready to launch its highly effective trading application. This up-to-date trading app will allow both retailers and investors to make use of advanced features to increase the functionality of the coin. With the use of this app, the users through their crypto profile, will enjoy a smooth trade experience with CR.

    The application will be designed with an attractive yet easy-to-use interface, precise analysis, and authentic market data. The easy-to-use interface will allow both new traders and old crypto users to enjoy the service in its full bloom. It will enable the users to reach out to important market updates, trading trends, and analytics and will also allow them to maintain their trade portfolio and view the performance graph. These facilities will surely allow them to make wise decisions in terms of trading and investment in the digitally competitive finance market.

    Technology is a reality and it stands at the heart of the crypto asset management and our trading app is the representative of this reality. Our motto is to take crypto investments through a more user-friendly approach and this will be possible via our trading application. The CEO of CapitalRock claimed to be eagerly in the queue to embrace its beneficial impact in the digital world.

    CapitalRock’s Dedicated Team: The Driving Force Behind Success

    The CapitalRock team of over 200 potential minds is one of the leading reasons behind its successful journey. The expert data analysts, competent risk managers, and Blockchain masters put their entire efforts to keep it high in the exchange ranking by continuously devising mindful strategies and keeping a track of the associated risks. Thus CapitalRock has met all the risks and stands high in ua performance.

    The head of CapitalRock’s investment strategy department stated that the CapitalRock team is its backbone. He further mentioned that they take pride in their capabilities to cope with the trends, pinpoint risks timely, and avail the opportunities rightly by being flexible by market fluctuations. He also paid tribute to the team members’ full-time commitment and dedication to their duties and the company’s vision.

    A Vision for the Future

    With the continuous growth of the crypto market, CapitalRock stands firm with its motto to add value to the advanced digital world. The strategic plans of CapitalRock including continuous investment analysis, the launch of CR, and the most useful trading application are all its support systems that speak of its vision. The passionate team of CapitalRock is also striving to extend its global face, making new partnerships and fostering ties with organizational investors. It also has smart plans to work on Blockchain projects and make trading collaborations. The leadership of CapitalRock is giving it’s best in availing more growth opportunities to amplify its digital profile along with bringing more services and facilities for the investors.

    In the coming future, CapitalRock is also quite eager to take part in educational programs, innovative projects, and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications in order to pay back to the Blockchain community in the best way.

    Commitment to Transparency and Security

    Transparency is practiced at its best at CapitalRock. As with the increasing number of users and an upsurge in digital assets, the company is subjected to more seamlessness in providing the data to its partners. Therefore, it ensures that the company’s investors feel rather more trusted while making decisions and being a part of this community.

    CapitalRock makes use of top-notch security tools i-e multi-signature wallets, two-factor authentication, and peer-to-peer encryption to keep all the investments as well as users’ personal data fully safe and secure. With frequently mushrooming crypto assets, CapitalRock has felt the need to maintain its security protocols rather than more.

    Conclusion

    With all its uniqueness, CapitalRock is determined to maintain its pre-eminent position in the crypto world. With it’s crypto coin (CR) and the trendy trading application launched, the company is doing its best to come up to the mark with all competitors and contribute in revamping the digital finance market.

    CapitalRock, with its seasoned team, smart leadership, and dedicated mindset, is laying the foundation to better standards for crypto investments, trade and exchanges. Investors can see a bright future ahead of their way in the contemporary crypto ecosystem where CapitalRock is leading their way.

    For further information regarding CapitalRock coin (CR) and trading app, keep visiting the official website.

    https://www.capitalrock.ch/
    https://t.me/capitalrock1
    https://twitter.com/CapitalRock_AG
    Contact person: Jawwad Ahmed
    Company name: CapitalRock
    Website: capitalrock.ch
    Email: admin@capitalrock.ch

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by CapitalRock. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in cloud mining and related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c8175b0-1282-4ae3-8036-d6168fb13fbe

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Estonian defense industry delegation

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Estonian defense industry delegation

    • Date：2025-02-05
    • Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    No. 032 

    February 5, 2025 

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a welcome luncheon on February 4 for an Estonian defense industry delegation led by Chair of the Estonia-Taiwan Support Group of the Parliament of Estonia Kristo Enn Vaga. The delegation included senior parliamentarian Kalle Laanet—who previously served as minister of defense, minister of the interior, and minister of justice—as well as representatives of the defense industry. During the event, the two sides exchanged views on cooperation in defense industry innovation, whole-of-society resilience, the Russia-Ukraine war, and other issues. 

     

    Minister Lin noted that Taiwan and Estonia had both experienced authoritarian rule and therefore greatly cherished their hard-won freedoms and democracy. Commenting on authoritarian expansionism in recent years, he pointed out that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, China’s recurrent military exercises in the waters around Taiwan, and frequent incidents of sabotage of underwater cables in the Baltic Sea and the waters off Taiwan underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration among democratic nations. Minister Lin also spoke about having led a delegation of the Taiwanese drone industry to Lithuania last November to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to build democratic supply chains together with like-minded nations. He welcomed this visit by the Estonian defense industry delegation, which, he said, would open up additional areas for cooperation. 

     

    Chair Vaga stated that the democratic community had realized that if like-minded partners did not work together to establish supply chains, national security could become susceptible to potential threats. Observing that Taiwan and Estonia were both the targets of massive daily disinformation attacks and that underwater cables serving each had recently been damaged, Chair Vaga urged the democratic community to become more united against all manner of threats and challenges. He also pledged to steadily promote relations between Taiwan and Estonia.

     

    At the luncheon, Minister Lin thanked the representatives of Motex Healthcare and Taiwan Comfort Champ Manufacturing for their joint donation of 1.11 million masks to Ukraine and Estonia during the Estonian delegation’s visit to Taiwan, adding that it highlighted the Taiwanese spirit of humanitarian assistance. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu witnessed the donation ceremony on behalf of Minister Lin. 

     

    Deputy Minister Wu said that, since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan had worked proactively with like-minded countries to support Ukraine. He stated that the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia and the Estonian Centre for International Development had signed a partnership agreement last June, under which Taiwan would donate €1.1 million to support the construction of homes for orphans in Ukraine. Deputy Minister Wu expressed pleasure that Taiwanese companies had shown a commitment to corporate social responsibility and demonstrated that Taiwan could help and that Taiwan was helping. His views were echoed by Chairman of Motex Healthcare Y. C. Cheng and Chairman of Taiwan Comfort Champ Manufacturing Andy Chen, both of whom expressed a willingness to work with the government to assist Ukraine. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding boost to tackle gender-based violence

    Source: Scottish Government

    Delivering Equally Safe Fund increased.

    More than 100 organisations across Scotland working to tackle violence against women and girls will share in a funding uplift of £2.4 million.

    The funding boost will bring the total Scottish Government investment in Delivering Equally Safe, which funds projects to prevent violence and support survivors, up to £21.6 million for the year ahead subject to the 2025-26 Budget being approved.

    Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart announced the funding increase on a visit to SAY Women – a Glasgow charity offering safe accommodation and emotional support for young survivors of sexual abuse who are facing homelessness.

    Ms Stewart said:

    “Grassroots organisations across Scotland are at the heart of tackling violence against women and girls. Their work is fundamental to creating a country free from gender-based abuse.

    “This funding boost will support these organisations, will help prevent abuse occurring and ensure that women and girls who have experienced violence can continue to access the support they deserve.”

    SAY Women CEO Pam Hunter said:

    “SAY Women is delighted to receive the additional funds. This will go towards increasing our investment into projects for the young women within our services.

    “In the face of the rising cost of living, increase in N.I contributions and inflation, the organisation made the challenging executive decision to limit the variety of activities on offer to those in our care so that we may allow the staff to have a fair living wage. This additional funding will reinstate many of the services that were temporarily paused so that SAY Women may continue to do the good work supporting young women affected by sexual violence and homelessness.”

    Background

    The Delivering Equally Safe Fund supports organisations across Scotland in their work to tackle violence against women and girls, and has done since 2021.

    The Delivering Equally Safe fund is the Scottish Government’s funding programme to support third sector organisations and public bodies to contribute to the objectives, priorities and outcomes of the Equally Safe strategy – Scotland’s strategy to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls.

    A £19.2 million funding extension to allow these organisations to continue their work until March 2026 was announced in December 2024, provided the Scottish Budget 2025-26 is approved by parliament: Preventing violence against women and girls – gov.scot

    This funding uplift of £2.4 million brings the fund total for 2025-26 to £21.6 million.

    The organisations funded through Delivering Equally Safe are as follows:

    Organisation

    Aberdeen City Council

    Aberdeen Cyrenians Ltd

    Aberlour Child Care Trust

    Action for Children

    Amina – the Muslim Women’s Resource Centre

    Angus Women’s Aid

    Argyll & Bute Rape Crisis

    Argyll & Bute Violence against Women and Girls Partnership

    Argyll & Bute Women’s Aid SCIO

    ASSIST, Glasgow City Council

    Barnardo’s Tayside

    Barnardo’s Falkirk

    Border Women’s Aid Ltd

    British Red Cross Society

    Caithness & Sutherland Women’s Aid

    CEA Committed To Ending Abuse

    Central Advocacy Partners

    Children 1st

    Clackmannanshire Women’s Aid

    Close the Gap (SCIO)

    Deaf Links

    Dumbarton District Women’s Aid

    Dumfries & Galloway Council

    Dumfries & Galloway Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Support Centre

    Dumfriesshire & Stewartry Women’s Aid

    Dundee City Council

    Dundee International Women’s Centre

    Dundee Women’s Aid

    East Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership

    East Ayrshire Women’s Aid

    East Dunbartonshire Association For Mental Health

    East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid SCIO

    East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee

    Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre

    Edinburgh Women’s Aid Ltd

    Edinburgh Women’s Aid Ltd

    EmilyTest

    Engender

    FENIKS Counselling, Personal Development & Support Service Ltd

    Fife Council

    Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre

    Fife Women’s Aid

    Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre

    GEMAP Scotland Ltd

    Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis

    Glasgow Women’s Aid

    Grampian Women’s Aid

    Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid Limited

    INVERCLYDE WOMEN’S AID SCIO

    Inverness Women’s Aid

    JustRight Scotland SCIO

    Kenyan Women in Scotland Association (CIC)

    Kibble Education and Care Centre

    Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project

    Lanarkshire Rape Crisis Centre

    LGBT Youth Scotland

    Liber8 (Lanarkshire) Ltd

    Lochaber Women’s Aid

    Monklands Women’s Aid

    Moray Rape Crisis

    Moray Women’s Aid

    Motherwell & District Women’s Aid

    Multi-Cultural Family Base

    North Ayrshire Women’s Aid

    North Lanarkshire Council

    Cumbernauld & District Women’s Aid SCIO

    Orkney Rape & Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS) SCIO

    Perth & Kinross Council

    Perthshire Women’s Aid

    Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Perth & Kinross

    Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland

    Rape Crisis Grampian

    Rape Crisis Scotland

    Renfrewshire Council

    Renfrewshire Council, Children’s Services, Women and Children First

    Renfrewshire Women’s Aid SCIO

    Respect

    Ross-Shire Women’s Aid

    Rowan Alba Ltd

    Sacro

    SafeLives

    Saheliya

    Sandyford – NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

    SAY Women

    Scottish Borders Council

    Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre (SBRCC)

    Scottish Commission for Learning Disability

    Scottish Women’s Aid

    Shakti Women’s Aid

    Shetland Rape Crisis

    Shetland Women’s Aid (SCIO)

    South Ayrshire Women’s Aid

    South Lanarkshire Council

    South West Grid for Learning Trust Ltd

    Stirling & District Women’s Aid

    The Highland Council

    The Improvement Service

    The Star Centre

    The Venture Trust

    West Dunbartonshire Council

    Western Isles Rape Crises Centre

    Western Isles Women’s Aid SCIO

    West Lothian Council

    West Lothian Women’s Aid (WLWA)

    White Ribbon Scotland

    Wigtownshire Women’s Aid

    Women’s Aid East and Midlothian Ltd

    Women’s Aid Orkney

    Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire

    Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Dundee and Angus

    Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Dundee and Angus

    Women’s Support Project

    YWCA Scotland

    Zero Tolerance

    The latest Equally Safe Delivery Plan, published in August 2024, sets out next steps to address violence against women and girls.

    Frontline projects funded through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund have supported 67,004 adults, children and young people since 2021.

    SAY Women is a charity that offers safe semi-supported accommodation and emotional support for young women aged 16 to 25 who are survivors of sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault and who are homeless, or threatened with homelessness.

    SAY Women receive funding through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund, and with this uplift this will increase from £52,009 to £58,770 in 2025/26. Funding is in place to support a full Sessional Team to support young women to participate in additional mental health/wellbeing activities contributing to wellbeing improvements aiding in preventing homelessness.

    SAY Women are also supported by the Scottish Government’s Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support (SOCAS) Fund. The fund supports 22 organisations across Scotland who work with adult survivors of childhood abuse. SAY Women have been allocated £190,000 for the period of the Fund (1 October 2024 – 31 March 2026) to provide specialised support to young women survivors of childhood sexual abuse who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Big Brush Club expands to all primary schools in Devon

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A supervised toothbrushing scheme, known as the Big Brush Club, has been running in some areas of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay since 2023. However, the scheme, which is provided for children aged 3 to 5-years old, is now being rolled out to all primary schools in Devon who have an early years nursery, pre-school or reception class provision.

    Children at Ernesettle School with Bob the Badger, mascot of the Big Brush Club

    It is funded by NHS Devon, in partnership with Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council, and delivered by dentist provider At Home Dental.

    Jonathan Bouwer-Davies, Clinical Dental Adviser for NHS Devon said: “We know a quarter of five-year-olds have tooth decay which can, in severe cases, lead to children needing hospital treatment.

    “Understanding how to brush your teeth properly is an important life skill for children. It takes schools five minutes a day and the benefits can be life-long.

    “I am proud that Devon is the first area in the south west to extend the scheme to all primary schools thanks to the collaboration between NHS Devon, Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council.”

    Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Plymouth City Council, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the supervised toothbrushing scheme will now be available to all schools across Plymouth.

    “When it comes to dental health, we know that prevention is better than cure and this is exacerbated by the difficulties our residents are experiencing when they try to access NHS dental care, so it’s absolutely vital that children create healthy habits at a young age.

    “We really hope that all schools across the city take up this offer, as it has such a huge benefit for children.”

    L-R: Clare Foster, Project Manager at At Home Dental, Bob the Badger mascot, Councillor Mary Aspinall, Reena Patel, South West Consultant in Dental Public Health at NHS England and Anna Mansfield, Project Facilitator at At Home Dental.

    Under the scheme, teachers hold short, daily toothbrushing sessions for three- to-five-year-olds alongside lessons about self-care, healthy eating and reducing sugar.

    Chief Operations Officer from At Home Dental, Hayley Beaumont, said: “Our team of dental nurses work closely with teachers, pupils and parents to provide advice, support and training on promoting oral health.

    “Each child is provided with a toothbrush and toothpaste pack to take home, encouraging toothbrushing to be a part of their normal daily routine.

    “The children love doing it with their friends and the teachers report that it not only reduces problems with teeth but also school absence.”

    Rapper and health activist Professor Green is helping the NHS raise awareness among families about the importance of children looking after their teeth, by launching an exciting competition to all primary schools across the south west.

    Every child aged between three – five years old has been invited to take part in a competition with a music category and a colouring category. The competition, which will run until the end of May, will give children the chance to win some fantastic prizes for both themselves and their school. Professor Green will join a judging panel for the competition.

    Professor Green said: “I am chuffed to be able to support the NHS supervised toothbrushing in schools scheme, and to be judging a competition which gives young children a creative outlet, while also teaching them the importance of brushing their teeth at least twice a day.”

    He says he only realised later in life how not brushing properly twice a day affected his own physical and mental health – so now takes this seriously with his own son alongside a healthy diet.

    Oral health is seen as a marker of wider health and social care inequalities including poor nutrition and obesity. 

    Prof. Maggie Rae, South West Deputy Public Health Director at the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, concludes: “The Big Brush Club is a fantastic example of forward-thinking, early intervention work that supports the government’s mission to improve the health of the nation.

    “The NHS in the south west is absolutely committed to tackling the many unfair disparities of health outcomes across our society.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Director of Public Health Report05 February 2025 ​Professor Peter Bradley has today published his second Director of Public Health Report which looks at the evidence for investing in prevention. This year’s Director of Public Health Report considers… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    05 February 2025

    ​

    Professor Peter Bradley has today published his second Director of Public Health Report which looks at the evidence for investing in prevention. 

    This year’s Director of Public Health Report considers the case for prevention in the Jersey context and details: 

    • the current burden of disease faced by Islanders 
    • how that burden is not equally spread across the Island 
    • how the Island’s aging population is likely impact on future health 
    • an estimate of the costs of this aging population 
    • a summary of the evidence of the effectiveness of a preventative approach.

    Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, said: “I am pleased to be publishing this report and raise awareness of the importance of investing in health prevention. This report highlights that prevention is not just about avoiding illness; Investing in prevention means Islanders can enjoy better health and wellbeing, employers have a healthier workforce, and healthcare systems can allocate resources more effectively to those in greatest need.

    “Building on existing work and improvements already made, we can embed prevention into our policies across government, as well as into the community, ensuring our Island remains an attractive place to live, work, and visit.” 

    The full report and executive summary are attached and will be made available online at Public Health reports​.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scientific approaches to reduce methane emissions from farm animals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    In November 2024, a social media storm saw people posting videos of themselves pouring milk down their sinks citing food safety fears. The health scare went viral after an announcement by Arla that they were trialling a new animal feed additive called Bovaer, which is scientifically proven to reduce methane in farm animals. What should have been a good news story about how science and innovation can help agriculture to get to net zero very quickly turned into a health scare complete with conspiracy theories about Bill Gates trying to poison us.

    In fact adding additives to animal feed is just one of a myriad of exciting new science and innovation ideas in the works exploring different approaches to reducing methane emissions from farm animals. This Background Briefing will bring in experts across the agricultural field to explain the science behind some of these techniques, which include genetic breeding approaches, vaccine candidates and ways to alter the ruminant microbiome as well as the feed additives. The FSA’s Chief Scientist will also be with us to answer any remaining questions around Bovaer and the systems in place to test for the safety of dairy products.

    Irish and UK based journalists came to this SMC briefing to hear the science behind some of these approaches.

    Speakers included:

    Prof Robin May, Chief Scientific Advisor, Food Standards Agency (FSA)

    Prof Chris Reynolds, Professor of Animal & Dairy Science, University of Reading

    Prof Richard Dewhurst, Professor of Ruminant Nutrition & Production Systems and Head of the Dairy Research Centre, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)

    Prof John Hammond, Director of Research, The Pirbright Institute

    Dr Sinead Waters, Senior Researcher in Host Microbiome Interactions, University of Galway

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to make a change in your life – and stick to it

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Abigail Parrish, Lecturer in Languages Education, University of Sheffield

    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    Is there a change you’d like to make in your life? Perhaps you’d finally like to write the novel you’ve been thinking about for years. Perhaps you think you should start saving for a holiday or a deposit on a house or flat. Maybe you would like to improve your fitness.

    That’s great. But we all know it can be hard to stick to these kinds of changes. Gym membership figures suggest half of new members quit within six months, and many of us have the evidence of once-loved hobbies scattered around our homes.

    To write that book, for instance, you’re going to have to find time to do it, and stick with it when the going gets tough and initial enthusiasm has worn off.

    Ready to make a change? The Quarter Life Glow-up is a new, six-week newsletter course from The Conversation’s UK and Canada editions.

    Every week, we’ll bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    First, you should ask yourself why you’re doing it.

    My research looks at the psychology of making changes through the lens of what is known as self-determination theory, which proposes that there are different forms of motivation. These range from, for instance, being motivated to do something because someone is making you do it, to being motivated because you think it’s fun.

    Looked at like this, big changes, such as training for a new career, and smaller ones, like joining a weekly fitness class, are all the same. What matters is the reason you have for doing it.

    Find the right reason

    You might have more than one reason for making a change. Perhaps you want to start something because it’s a TikTok trend and everyone else seems to be doing it, or maybe the suggestion is coming from someone in your life. These are external reasons to do something, and this type of motivation is less likely to lead to success.

    Focus on the ones that are “internalised” – that come from within yourself. If you can find a reason why the change is important to you and you have your own motivation to make it, you’re much more likely to stick with it. It needs to be something that is aligned with your values – something you believe in.

    So what you’re doing doesn’t even have to be something you enjoy, as long as it’s something you feel is important to you.

    Think of deciding to save money, for example. This isn’t an activity that is inherently fun for most people, but the act of saving might be important because of what it represents or leads to – the holiday at the end of it, or the house you could buy with the money you put away. When you start to waver in your goal, thinking of that personal reason will help you keep going.

    You don’t necessarily have to enjoy something to be motivated to keep doing it.
    New Africa/Shutterstock

    There are two other important concepts from self-determination theory mixed up in the idea of an action being aligned with personal values. When you do something that comes from your values, you should be acting with autonomy – doing something you want to do, not something other people have made you do.

    That’s a key construct in the theory, but it can be hard to align with things like work or study. Perhaps your goal is to apply yourself at work or to get a good grade in your studies. But most people have a boss, or a supervisor, and their role is to instruct you on what to do.

    If you’re a teacher, you have to work to the school’s timetable, whether you like it or not. But in the jobs where you are most motivated, you will be able to make some choices for yourself. Teaching is an interesting example of when this doesn’t work, because in England this very structured job has become even more so in recent years, coinciding with a recruitment and retention problem in the profession.

    Teacher autonomy is widely studied and considered important even outside of self-determination theory, and a perceived lack of autonomy is likely to be one of the reasons people might want to quit their job.

    Eyes on the goal

    The other really important thing is your goal in making the change. The best kind of goal is an autonomous one, relating to something that is intrinsically important to you. This might be competing at a high level in your sport, because it will give you joy and satisfaction to be the best you can be. This means you will put up with hardships and challenges, and you will keep going even after a bad day.

    By contrast, if your goal is an external one, you might find things more difficult. This includes if you’re doing something for a reward, rather than because something is personally important to you. So if you want to write a bestselling novel to become famous or rich, you may find that as the going gets tough, your motivation slips and work grinds to a halt.

    If you are doing something because other people want you to, even other people who care about you, you will struggle. This may mean that some changes are just not meant to be – or it might mean changing your mindset and how you look at the goals you are aiming for.

    Try to get the support of people who care about you and who you care about, whether this be family and friends, or a new community at your sports club, for example. And finally, keep an eye on your goals. Any change which you are engaging in for yourself because you value it and can see the benefits, is likely to be a lasting one.

    Abigail Parrish 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. How to make a change in your life – and stick to it – https://theconversation.com/how-to-make-a-change-in-your-life-and-stick-to-it-237248

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stand a chance to be High Commissioner for a Day

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The British High Commission is calling for young Malaysian women to participate in its ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ competition where 2 Malaysians will have the unique opportunity to “head” a diplomatic mission, lead meetings, and get involved in a wide range of diplomatic engagements.

    High Commissioner for a Day’

    This competition is held in conjunction with International Women’s Day and Commonwealth Day on 8 and 11 March respectively.

    Eligibility

    Applicants must be Malaysian women residing in Malaysia, between the ages of 18 and 25.

    How to enter competition

    Submit a one-minute video answering the question, “If you were High Commissioner in a Commonwealth country, what issue would you champion and why?”.

    Post the entry video on either X, Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn with the hashtag #HCforADayMY and tag @UKinMalaysia. You can also email the video link to UKinMalaysia@fcdo.gov.uk.

    Follow the British High Commission on X for more details of the competition.

    The deadline for entries is 19 February 2025, and each individual is only permitted one entry.

    Acting British High Commissioner to Malaysia, David Wallace said:

    Our High Commissioner for a Day campaign is back after an overwhelming response last year. We started this programme last year to empower girls, engage young leaders and provide a money-can’t-buy experience to participate in the world of diplomacy. We want to give aspiring women leaders a platform to advocate for the cause of your choice.

    One of last year’s winner, Devana Zamain said:

    Winning the High Commissioner for A Day competition pushed me out of my comfort zone, broadened my horizons, and helped me break into the impact industry in Sabah as a fresh graduate.

    It empowered me to empower others. If you’re doubting yourself, just remember that nobody is a nobody. Your passion and voice matter.

    Take the chance because you never know where it might lead you.

    Another winner, Aqila Alya said:

    It has been a unique experience for me. From a parliamentary meeting with YB Hannah Yeoh, followed by networking lunch and fireside chat, and lastly the Royal Commonwealth Society reception, I learned a lot about diplomatic settings and making genuine connections.

    This programme really acts as an eye-opener for youth that’s still exploring their career paths and those interested in diplomatic relations.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Central Bank of the Russian Federation warns that fraudsters have mastered a new scheme of deception with virtual cards

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Sours: Mainfin Bank –

    How does the new scheme that the Bank of Russia is warning about work?

    Another fraudulent scheme allows you to steal money remotely kart Russians – the fraudsters do not need to have a plastic card in hand. The fraud occurs in stages:

    Fraudsters inform a citizen about an attempt by unidentified persons to steal money from a card. The victim is forced to install the “official application of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation” to protect their finances. The person who launches the application must attach the bank card to the phone and enter the code from the SMS for authorization. The application creates a virtual image of the card (similar to, for example, MirPay), to which the attackers have access. Now the fraudsters will be able to withdraw money from any ATM that operates using contactless technology – just attach your smartphone.

    If the victim has several cards, the attackers may offer to “link” them all – then the volume of thefts will increase. It is also possible to use a combined fraud scheme – first the fraudsters will call, then – allegedly representatives of law enforcement agencies, reporting an attempt at fraud and the need to “save money”.

    What should you do if you receive calls or messages from scammers?

    The Bank of Russia reminded Russians about the ban on transferring personal and banking data to third parties. It is not difficult to recognize a fraudster in the caller – the attackers most often use the following phrases:

    “an application for a loan has been submitted”, the victim gets scared and tries to cancel it; “an employee of the Central Bank” calls, then the legends can be different; the money needs to be transferred to a “safe or special account”, which in fact belongs to the scammers; “a suspicious transaction has been recorded”, for example, a transfer to an unknown person; “SIM card has expired”, “you need to renew your contract with the telecom operator”, the main thing is to provide the code from the SMS.

    “If scammers call, you must hang up and not disclose information. You also cannot install various applications at the request of callers,” the Central Bank of the Russian Federation reminded.

    Russians are informed literally every day about the need to remain vigilant, but this does not stop criminals from stealing funds – in 2024, the volume of thefts increased by 8% compared to the previous year.

    12:30 11.02.2025

    Source:

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //Mainfin.ru/novosti/zb-RF-RF-pre-AMENSIS-OSENNIS-NOT-NOVE-SHEMA-SOCHE-SC-Virtual-Card

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank’s Climate Action Window channels $31m to boost climate resilience in four countries

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

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, February 11, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved over $31 million in funding under its African Climate Action Window (CAW) to strengthen climate resilience in Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Madagascar.

    The Climate Action Window of the Bank Group’s African Development Fund seeks to mobilize $4 billion by 2025 to provide rapid and coherent access to climate finance, support co-financing, and prioritize the most vulnerable countries, fragile states, and those affected by conflict. The African Development Fund is the concessional arm of the Bank Group.

    The funding, approved in November and December 2024,  will support innovative projects that respond to the CAW’s first call for project proposals. Forty-one pioneering climate adaptation projects valued at $321.75 million have been selected in the initial funding wave, with a focus on tackling climate change, bolstering livelihoods of vulnerable communities, including women and youth, and enhancing climate information systems.

    The projects will also benefit from $28.13 million in climate co-financing from sources including the Green Climate Fund.

    In Sierra Leone, the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project will receive $5 million to enhance access to sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services and introduce modernized hydrometeorological observation networks and early warning systems, benefiting approximately 700,000 people. Another key component of the project is the creation of an interactive flood map for the Freetown Peninsula, a crucial tool for disaster risk reduction.

    In South Sudan, the Climate Resilient Agri-Food Systems Transformation Programme has been allocated $9.4 million to expand climate-adaptive technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and food and nutritional security. The program also has a rehabilitation element focusing on 1200 hectares of land as well as rural infrastructure and will provide training to about 8,000 individuals.

    Among expected benefits are a projected reduction of about 720,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. and the creation of 180,000 direct jobs with a strong focus on women and youth; additionally, 90,000 farmers will learn about climate-smart farming practices.

    In Djibouti, the Youth Entrepreneurship for Climate Change Adaptation Project will receive $7.5 million to strengthen the resilience of productivity of agricultural systems, particularly for horticulture and pastoralism, including increasing the self-sufficiency rate of selected market garden crops from 10% to 30%. It is also expected to generate about 3,500 permanent jobs, a significant share of these for youth and women, and create 200 new medium small and micro enterprises.

    The Climate Resilience through Park Biodiversity Preservation Project, in Madagascar, has been allocated $9.4 million for investment in conserving biodiversity by protecting Lokobe, Nozy Hara, and Andringitra national parks.

    The project will restore 100% of these protected areas, sequestering 10 million tonnes of CO2, and creating 1,500 green jobs, with 500 specifically reserved for women. In addition to environmental conservation, it will boost agricultural production in surrounding communities to add 24,000 tonnes of rice and 14,000 tonnes of cereals, legumes and other crops. Further, 24,000 farmers will receive irrigation training, and 12 women-led farmers’ groups will be provided with agricultural kits.

    Dr. Kevin Kariuki, African Development Bank Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth, said: “The Climate Action Window is catalyzing transformative solutions in Africa’s most climate-vulnerable regions. From strengthening water security in Sierra Leone to advancing youth-led agribusiness in Djibouti and restoring biodiversity in Madagascar, these initiatives go beyond adaptation—they drive prosperity. Through investments, we are equipping communities to withstand climate shocks, create jobs, and accelerate inclusive economic growth.”

    Prof Anthony Nyong, the Bank’s Director for Climate Change and Green Growth said, “These initiatives are not just about responding to climate change—they empower communities to take control of their own futures. They show that adaptation finance can and must be directed to those vulnerable communities that need it most. The Climate Action Window is more than just a funding mechanism—it’s a lifeline for communities facing the harsh realities of climate change every day.”

    The CAW has since launched two further calls focusing on mitigation and on technical assistance, respectively.

    For more information about the Climate Action Window, click here (http://apo-opa.co/3WUGQPo).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: OPEC Fund provides a €50 million loan to accelerate Türkiye’s green transformation

    Source: OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund)

    February 11, 2025: The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) has signed a €50 million loan agreement with the Industrial Development Bank of Türkiye (TSKB) to support investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate adaptation, climate-related equipment production, and circular economy initiatives. 

    The financing, provided through an on-lending arrangement with the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Treasury and Finance, marks the first collaboration between the OPEC Fund and TSKB.

    OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “This milestone partnership with TSKB underscores our commitment to advancing climate action and sustainable development in Türkiye. By channeling funding into renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient industries, we aim to support Türkiye’s transition to a low-emission economy and its net zero target by 2053, while fostering inclusive and green economic growth.”

    TSKB CEO Murat Bilgiç said: “We are delighted to establish our first loan partnership with the OPEC Fund, which will help diversify our sustainable funding sources and support Türkiye’s green transformation. This secured loan aligns with national climate goals and the 2053 Long-Term Climate Strategy, contributing to sustainable development and climate adaptation efforts. We aim for this resource to finance low-emission and resilient economy projects, bringing significant benefits to our country.”

    The OPEC Fund has been a longstanding partner to Türkiye since 1976, supporting projects in key sectors including energy, infrastructure, agriculture and health.

    About the OPEC Fund

    The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. 

    The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. 
    The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people.
     Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. 
    To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$29 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of about US$225 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+ (Stable Outlook) by Fitch and S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Jobs on wheels: Mobile Jobcentre vans deliver work support directly to local communities in drive to boost employment 

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    New scheme comes as part of the government’s drive to help people back into work and kickstart economic growth under its Plan for Change

    • New ‘Jobcentre on wheels’ service launched to drive up employment across Great Britain.
    • Any member of the public – as well as DWP customers – can access job support through the mobile Jobcentres being tested in Bolton and parts of Wales.

    New mobile Jobcentres are pulling up to football matches and retail parks to deliver vital employment support directly to local communities.

    The vans have been visiting family hubs, retail car parks and mosques in regions with particularly high levels of unemployment and inactivity as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) tests new and inclusive ways to help people back into work. This includes a van pitching up at Bolton Wanderers Football Club last weekend to provide job support to fans on match day.

    In Bolton alone, nearly 1-in-3 of people are currently inactive, with unemployment significantly higher than the national average. This van and others like it are performing a vital service to areas like Bolton, breaking down barriers to opportunity and bringing the expertise and support of the DWP straight into the heart of the communities that need it most.

    The mobile Jobcentres are staffed by experienced Work Coaches who offer expert support with job searching, training opportunities and can provide information to those with health conditions or disabilities and accessing childcare costs.

    As well as existing customers, the service is open and accessible to all members of the public and forms part of the government’s wider plans to tackle inactivity, support people into jobs and make everyone better off under its Plan for Change.

    With the vans in Bolton, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Wrexham already proving a success, a van in Scotland will launch later this month and cover Moray and the Highlands.  

    The Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern, saw the Bolton mobile Jobcentre in action today (Monday 10 February) as members of the local community received advice outside the Great Lever Family Hub, a Start Well Children’s Centre. 

    Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern, said:

    For too long, people have been denied the opportunity of securing a good job and getting on in their career. Under our major employment reforms, we want to see everyone, in every corner of the country, become better off.

    This mobile Jobcentre is a perfect example of an inclusive and accessible DWP solution that ensures no one misses out on the job support they deserve. Getting more people back into work is a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver economic growth, create better opportunities and put more money into the pockets of working people.

    Sam Ashton, a Work Coach based on the Bolton mobile Jobcentre, added:

    The new Bolton mobile Jobcentre hit the road in January and has already pulled up in various locations across the town including at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. We have been supporting customers with a whole host of needs, whether that is with their job search, or accessing childcare costs.

    We’re really looking forward to helping even more people in harder to reach areas and make it much easier for them to access our services.

    The government is delivering on the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation as set out in the Get Britain Working White Paper. Key measures include overhauling Jobcentres, introducing a Youth Guarantee to ensure all people aged 18 to 21 are earning or learning and connecting local work, health and skills plans. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –