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Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Executive Secretary in Rome to strengthen cooperation with Italian Government and UN agencies

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean was in Rome on 18-19 March to meet with high-level officials of the Government of Italy and discuss efforts to strengthen development cooperation across multiple areas, as well as to exchange with principals of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP).  

    In discussions with Federico Eichberg, Chef de Cabinet at the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Ms. Molcean focused on cooperation on corporate sustainability reporting, due diligence and digital product passports. She stressed the importance of UNECE’s tools for traceability along value chains, which were piloted with blockchain and other innovative technologies with brands, retailers and manufacturers of the Italian garment and footwear industry. Discussions also addressed gender equality and the promotion of women entrepreneurship and leadership, in particular knowledge sharing and best practices. 

    The Executive Secretary also met with Edoardo Rixi, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, to discuss Italy’s longstanding contribution to UNECE’s work on transport, in particular on road safety, through the Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety (WP.1), chaired by Luciana Iorio, on vehicle regulations, through the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), as well as on the transport of dangerous goods and the carriage of goods by rail. She also encouraged Italy to join the Advisory Board of the UN Road Safety Fund hosted by UNECE.   

    Meeting with Davide La Cecilia, Special Envoy for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and Coordinator of the Ukraine Recovery and Resilience Task Force, as well as with Marco Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and Carlo Batori, Deputy Director General for Development Cooperation, the Executive Secretary discussed preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome (10-11 July).  

    She appreciated Italy’s continued leadership and expected support to UNECE-led UN4UkrainianCities project, which plays a key role in rebuilding Ukraine’s urban centers, in particular Kharkiv and Mykolaiv, with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.   

    The Executive Secretary also visited the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to meet with Director General Qu Dongyu. UNECE and FAO have had a longstanding cooperation since 1947 on forests. Discussions also touched upon UNECE’s contribution to food systems sustainability through its agricultural quality standards, trade facilitation, ESG traceability and circularity. Cooperation with FAO also includes the promotion of the water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus approach to water resource management. 

    In discussions with Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Ms. Molcean underlined the strategic alignment of UNECE’s expertise in sustainable development, trade facilitation and logistics, and particularly agricultural standards, with WFP’s mission in food security and humanitarian aid.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $19.4 Million Project to Rehabilitate Two Aging Bridges

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced work is underway on a $19.4 million project to rehabilitate two aging bridges on the New York State Thruway (I-87/ I-287) in the village of Suffern, Rockland County. Beginning this month, motorists will encounter lane shifts to facilitate construction. Three travel lanes in each direction will be maintained at all times through this critical corridor, with an estimated 120,000 vehicles traveling it daily.

    “My administration is firmly committed to rehabilitating roads and bridges across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “This investment will help enhance safety, ensuring a smoother ride for the tens of thousands of regional travelers who use this vital Thruway corridor each day.”

    Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “The Thruway Authority is dedicated to reinvesting toll dollars to modernize its infrastructure. These bridges have served us reliably over the decades and we are undertaking efforts to ensure they remain safe and dependable for the tens of millions of motorists who use them each year.”

    Contractor crews will repair concrete substructure and steel superstructure, along with completely replacing the concrete deck and parapets with precast concrete deck panels on the bridge over Route 202 (milepost 29.54). Crews will construct new bridge joints on the span over the Mahwah River (milepost 29.41). Both bridges are located on I-87 between exit 14B (Airmont – Montebello – Airmont Road) and Exit 15 (New Jersey – I-287 – NJ Route 17 South).

    Preliminary work began last fall on the bridges, both of which are at least 70 years old and about a tenth of a mile apart. The stretch of Thruway also serves motorists and commercial vehicles traveling to and from New Jersey via I-287 via Exit 15 at milepost 30.17.

    Other project improvements will include rehabilitating median drainage structures, building new median barriers and installing new pavement markings. Signs in the area will advise motorists of lane shifts. Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted speed limits in work zones. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026, by project contractor, DeFoe Corp. of Mount Vernon, N.Y.

    About the Thruway Authority
    The Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway, built in the early 1950s, is one of the oldest components of the National Interstate Highway System and one of the longest toll roads in the nation. The maintenance and operation of the Thruway system is funded primarily by tolls. The Thruway Authority does not receive any dedicated federal, state or local tax dollars and is paid for by those who drive the Thruway, including one-third of drivers from out of state.

    In 2024, the Thruway Authority processed more than 400 million transactions and motorists drove 8.2 billion miles on the Thruway. The Authority’s approved 2025 Budget invests a total of $477.3 million in dedicated funding for capital projects across the Thruway system beginning in 2025, an increase of more than $33 million compared to the approved 2024 budget. The increased investment will lead to work on approximately 61 percent of the Thruway’s more than 2,800 pavement lane miles as well as the replacement or rehabilitation of 20 percent of the Thruway’s 817 bridges.

    The Thruway is one of the safest roadways in the country with a fatality rate far below the nationwide index, and toll rates are among the lowest in the country compared to similar toll roads. The Thruway’s base passenger vehicle toll rate is less than 5 cents per mile, compared to the Ohio Turnpike (6 cents per mile), the New Jersey Turnpike (up to 39 cents per mile) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (16 cents per mile).

    The Thruway Authority’s top priority is the safety of our employees and customers. In 2024, two Thruway Authority employees died and another was seriously injured in separate incidents while working on the Thruway. The lives of Thruway Authority employees, roadway workers and emergency personnel depend on all of those who travel the highway. Motorists should stay alert and pay attention while driving, slow down in work zones and move over when they see a vehicle on the side of the road. The state’s Move Over Law, which was expanded in March 2024, requires drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway. Safety is a shared responsibility.

    For more information, follow the Thruway on Facebook, X and Instagram, or visit the Thruway website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Man sentenced for flytipping offences

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Monday, 24th March 2025

    A man has been sentenced for offences in relation to flytipping in Birmingham.

    Adrian Bivolaru, of Parkhill Road, Smethwick, was charged with: depositing controlled waste; allowing controlled waste to be deposited from his vehicle; and two charges of failing to supply information to a waste enforcement officer.

    He has been sentenced to 13 weeks’ jail, suspended for two years, each for depositing controlled waste and allowing controlled waste to be deposited. These are consecutive sentences. He was fined a total of £200 for failing to supply information.

    Mr Bivolaru dumped plastic bags full of insulation waste in Little Edward Street in Digbeth in March last year from his Mercedes van. When investigated by the city council’s waste enforcement unit he failed to provide information as to how he disposed of his waste.

    Officers searched the dumped waste and found evidence linking it to a business. Enquiries with this business then identified that on 13th March 2024 they paid a waste removals company £160 to remove waste from their premises.  Officers were able to identify the vehicle used to remove the rubbish and checks of the registration plate confirmed that Bivolaru was the insurance policyholder and only named driver on the policy. 

    Checks with the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) team identified that the van had entered an area of the CAZ zone in close proximity to Little Edward Street on six occasions between 13/03/24 and 20/03/24. Bivolaru was issued with notices under S71 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requiring him to provide details of the driver of the van on the 13/03/24. He was also issued with a notice under S34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requiring him to provide proof that he had legitimate arrangements for the disposal of his trade waste. He failed to respond to any of these notices.

    In a separate incident in Weoley Castle, a substantial amount of fly-tipping was discovered on 13th June 2023  in Silvington Close. Evidence within the waste identified an individual who paid a waste removal company to take their waste away. Further enquiries then identified their rubbish had been collected by Adrian Bivolaru who at the time was sole Director of a removal services company named Ady Bivolaru Ltd.

    Cllr Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “This was a terrible case of environment vandalism, with piles of commercial waste left strewn across the road. People who do this have no care for the community or people who live and work in the area. As this case demonstrates, we will prosecute when we have evidence so I would urge people to report this sort of behaviour. Well done to the team that investigated and brought the case to court.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Office Manager of Senior Assisted Living Facility Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for $1.5 Million Embezzlement Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced today that Amy Elizabeth Curry, 48, Waynesville, N.C., was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for embezzling at least $1.5 million from a senior assisted living facility. In addition to the prison term imposed, Curry was ordered to pay the facility $1,469,407.24 in restitution.

    Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina, and Sheriff William Wilke of the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    According to court records and proceedings, Curry worked as an office manager and bookkeeper at Silver Bluff, LLC (Silver Bluff), a senior living and care facility in Canton, N.C. As part of her duties, Curry had access to and control over Silver Bluff’s bank accounts and accounting records. From December 2022 to April 2023, Curry made at least 154 unauthorized bank transfers totaling over $1.5 million from the facility’s bank accounts to bank accounts controlled by Curry and her then-boyfriend, J.C. To avoid detection, Curry deleted the wire transfer history from Senior Bluff’s bank accounts and altered the notification settings to prevent Silver Bluff employees and management from receiving alerts. Curry also made handwritten notes on Senior Bluff’s bank statements, falsely noting that the fraudulent transfers were for payroll. Court records show that Curry used the embezzled funds to pay for personal expenses, including to purchase a pick-up truck. Curry and J.C. also spent over $700,000 of the embezzled funds gambling at casinos.

    On December 11, 2023, Curry pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Curry will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving her sentence upon designation of a federal facility.

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI and the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: ZOOZ Power’s Kinetic Power Booster Powers Ultra-Fast EV Charging at New York Power Authority Work Site in Upstate New York

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tel-Aviv, Israel, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZOOZ Power (Nasdaq and TASE: ZOOZ), a leading provider of flywheel-based power boosters and energy management systems enabling ultra-fast EV charging solutions, is successfully operating its ZOOZTER™-100 kinetic power booster at a New York Power Authority (NYPA) work site in Marcy, N.Y. This, the first deployment of ZOOZ Power’s technology in a power utility in the United States is a significant step toward accelerating the adoption of ultra-fast EV charging in locations with grid constraints.

    The ZOOZTER™-100 system, installed in partnership with NYPA, is now actively boosting the grid power and efficiency at the site’s high-power EV charging station. This enables faster and more accessible charging for NYPA fleet and other electric vehicles, delivers extra power to the grid, and intelligently manages the energy distribution with its energy management solution. By leveraging advanced flywheel technology, the system delivers high-power bursts to chargers without placing excessive strain on the local grid, demonstrating a sustainable and cost-effective solution for expanding charging infrastructure.

    ZOOZ Power and NYPA are closely monitoring the site’s performance to optimize operations and assess the potential for broader implementation at additional locations.

    Launching this first U.S. deployment in the utility market marks an important step in ZOOZ Power’s expansion in North America and its mission to provide high-power, sustainable EV charging solutions worldwide.

    “We are thrilled to see our ZOOZTER™-100 in action at this New York Power Authority site and to be able to contribute to the expansion of ultra-fast charging capabilities in New York,” said Erez Zimerman, CEO at ZOOZ Power. “This successful site showcases our commitment to supporting the transition to cleaner transportation with innovative, energy-efficient solutions. The ZOOZTER100’s operation demonstrates how it can assist companies to deploy ultra-fast charges without gird limitations.”

    Alan Ettlinger, NYPA Senior Director of Research, Technology Development and Innovation said, “The integration of ZOOZ Power’s kinetic power boosting technology at our Marcy site is an example of offsetting grid limitations. As we look to further expand EV fast charging in New York State, it is increasingly important to employ innovative solutions that demonstrate flexibility and reliability.”

    About ZOOZ Power

    ZOOZ is a leading provider of flywheel-based power boosting and energy management solutions, enabling the widespread deployment of ultra-fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) while overcoming existing grid limitations.

    ZOOZ pioneers its unique flywheel-based power-boosting technology, enabling efficient utilization and power management of a power-limited grid at an EV charging site. Its Flywheel technology allows high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective ultra-fast charging infrastructure.

    ZOOZ Power’s sustainable, power-boosting solutions are built with longevity and the environment in mind, helping its customers and partners accelerate the deployment of fast-charging infrastructure, thus facilitating improved utilization rates, better efficiency, greater flexibility, and faster revenues and profitability growth. ZOOZ is publicly traded on NASDAQ and TASE under the ticker ZOOZ

    For more information, please visit: www.zoozpower.com/

    Investor Contact:
    Miri Segal – CEO
    MS-IR LLC
    msegal@ms-ir.com

    Media enquiries:
    Media@zoozpower.com

    Forward-Looking Statement

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of ZOOZ Power. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding ZOOZ Power, and any of ZOOZ Power’s strategy, future operations and statements related to the collaboration between ZOOZ Power and NYPA (including the performance, benefits and potential outcome of the installation and launch of the ZOOZTER™-100 system at the NYPA work site in Marcy, N.Y. and of the collaboration between the parties) are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause ZOOZ Power’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and other risks and uncertainties are more fully discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of ZOOZ’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as well as other documents that may be subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the limited operating history and evolving business model that make it difficult for investors to evaluate ZOOZ Power’s business and future prospects, material weaknesses identified in ZOOZ Power’s internal control over financial reporting and the potential results of ZOOZ Power being unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, ZOOZ Power’s management’s determination that substantial doubt exists about the continued existence of ZOOZ Power as a “going concern”, changes to fuel economy standards or changes to governments’ regulations and policies in relation to environment or the success of alternative fuels which may negatively impact the EVs market and thus the demand for ZOOZ Power’s products, delays in deployment of public ultra-fast charging infrastructure which may limit the need and urgency for ZOOZ Power’s products, the potential outcome of ZOOZ Power’s collaborations with third parties for installation of its flywheel-based power boosting solution, and conditions in Israel and in the Middle East, including the effect of the evolving nature of the ongoing “Swords of Iron” war, may adversely affect ZOOZ Power’s operations. These forward-looking statements are only estimations, and ZOOZ Power may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in any forward-looking statements, so you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in forward-looking statements made in this Press Release. Management of ZOOZ Power has based these forward-looking statements largely on current expectations and projections about future events and trends that such persons believe may affect ZOOZ Power’s business, financial condition and operating results. Forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release are made as of the date hereof, and none of ZOOZ Power or any of its representatives or any other person undertakes any duty to update such information except as may be expressly required under applicable law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NextNRG Delivers Record Growth Amid Surging Energy Demand and AI-Driven Infrastructure Investments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PRISM MarketView has released an exclusive interview with Michael Farkas, CEO of NextNRG Inc. (NASDAQ: NXXT), highlighting the company’s record-breaking growth and its role at the forefront of the AI-powered energy revolution. As global demand for decentralized, sustainable, and intelligent energy solutions increases, NextNRG is pioneering transformative technologies—positioning itself as a key player in the evolving $4 trillion global electricity market. 

    In the interview, Farkas discusses the company’s AI-driven Utility Operating System, scalable smart microgrid technologies, and the explosive growth of EzFill, its mobile fueling division. These innovations address the dual challenge of powering AI infrastructure and achieving U.S. energy independence. 

    “At NextNRG, we’ve created a first-of-its-kind Utility Operating System impacting a nearly $4 trillion market. It integrates AI and ML to create the largest smart grid in the world, reducing generation and distribution costs by more than 10%,” said Farkas. “This grid already serves more than 6 million customer accounts—approximately 12 million people.” 

    The company is also targeting a major industry shift: the recent $25 billion investment by ADQ and ECP into AI-driven power generation, which underscores the urgency for reliable, high-density energy infrastructure. 

    “AI is driving massive growth in energy demand, and securing reliable power for data centers has become a strategic priority,” said Farkas. “Our AI-optimized smart grids and microgrid solutions are designed to meet that demand head-on.” 

    From Blink to NextNRG: Scaling Energy Innovation 

    Farkas, also the founder of Blink Charging, explained the evolution of his vision from vertically integrated EV charging to an all-encompassing energy infrastructure platform: 

    “The future of energy isn’t just about EV charging—it’s about upgrading the grid with smart microgrids and AI-driven solutions that enable a resilient and adaptive power infrastructure. That’s why I founded NextNRG—to build this future and power everything from healthcare campuses to tribal lands and commercial facilities.” 

    EzFill Reports Record Revenue Growth 

    In January 2025, EzFill, NextNRG’s mobile fueling division, reported $5 million in revenue, up 136% year-over-year from January 2024, and 120% growth month-over-month. This surge follows the acquisition of Shell Oil’s mobile fueling assets and the initiation of a long-term fueling contract with the world’s largest e-commerce company. 

    “As we continue to onboard new fleet accounts and optimize our operations, we believe we are well-positioned for sustained profitability and further expansion,” Farkas noted. 

    A Full-Service Energy Transition Strategy 

    NextNRG provides end-to-end solutions that help fleet operators transition from gas-powered vehicles to EVs through a strategic combination of mobile fueling, EV infrastructure, and wireless charging: 

    “NextNRG is the only company positioned to guide large fleet owners through every phase of the EV transition. Our Utility Operating System and smart microgrids enable scalable, cost-effective EV charging infrastructure while minimizing operational disruption,” said Farkas. 

    National Energy Independence and Security 

    Farkas also addressed rising trade tensions and tariffs, particularly Ontario’s 25% surcharge on electricity exports to U.S. states. 

    “This highlights the urgency of reducing reliance on foreign energy. By deploying decentralized energy via smart microgrids, we can ensure stable, cost-effective electricity production within the U.S. The transition to self-sufficient energy production isn’t just a sustainability initiative—it’s a national security priority.” 

    What’s Next for NextNRG

    “Our Utility Operating System is one of a kind, and we are integrating AI/ML, microgrid technology, and wireless EV charging to ensure a more reliable and decentralized energy ecosystem. Our goal is to create an energy system that is more efficient, independent, and accessible for all,” Farkas concluded. 

    Users can read the Full Interview with Michael Farkas https://prismmarketview.com/nextnrg-delivers-record-growth-amid-surging-energy-demand-and-ai-driven-infrastructure-investments/ 

    About NextNRG, Inc. 

    NextNRG Inc. (NextNRG) is Powering What’s Next by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into renewable energy, next-generation energy infrastructure, battery storage, wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging and on-demand mobile fuel delivery to create an integrated ecosystem. 

    At the core of NextNRG’s strategy is its utility operating system, which leverages AI and ML to help make existing utilities’ energy management as efficient as possible, and the deployment of NextNRG smart microgrids, which utilize AI-driven energy management alongside solar power and battery storage to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs and improve grid resiliency. These microgrids are designed to serve commercial properties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, parking garages, rural and tribal lands, recreational facilities and government properties, expanding energy accessibility while supporting decarbonization initiatives. 

    NextNRG continues to expand its growing fleet of fuel delivery trucks and national footprint, including the acquisition of Yoshi Mobility’s fuel division and Shell Oil’s trucks, further solidifying its position as a leader in the on-demand fueling industry. NextNRG is also integrating sustainable energy solutions into its mobile fueling operations. The company hopes to be an integral part of assisting its fleet customers in their transition to EV, supporting more efficient fuel delivery while advancing clean energy adoption. The transition process is expected to include the deployment of NextNRG’s innovative wireless EV charging solutions. 

    To find out more users can visit: www.nextnrg.com 

    Forward-Looking Statements 

    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement describing NextNRG’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions, or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Words such as “expect,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to NextNRG’s business and macroeconomic and geopolitical events. These and other risks are described in NextNRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. NextNRG’s forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NextNRG’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by NextNRG. Except as required by law, NextNRG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. 

    Disclaimer 

    This communication was produced by PRISM MarketView, an affiliate of PCG Advisory Inc., (together “PCG”). PCG is not a registered or licensed broker-dealer nor investment adviser. No information contained in this communication constitutes an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security. PCG may be compensated by respective clients for publicizing information relating to its clients’ securities. See www.pcgadvisory.com/disclosures. 

    Contact

    PRISM MarketView

    info@prismmarketview.com

    646-863-6341

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e990e78a-b12e-4d32-b811-7d26c7ffc5b8

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EV Realty Partners With CALSTART to Scale Fleet Charging Access and Optimize Utilization of Shared Hubs With Demand Aggregation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EV Realty, Inc. (“EV Realty”), an EV infrastructure development platform powering commercial fleets, and CALSTART, a member-driven industry nonprofit focused on clean transportation, today announced a strategic partnership. The partnership will accelerate fleet electrification by aligning fleet charging demand with grid-optimized charging solutions through an innovative demand aggregation approach. The strategy will reduce friction and uncertainty for both fleets and infrastructure developers. This collaboration will leverage CALSTART’s industry expertise and relationships alongside EV Realty’s Powered Properties™ to overcome infrastructure barriers and support the transition to zero-emission freight by aligning charging supply and demand within major freight hubs.

    As fleet operators continue to shift toward electric vehicles, securing access to convenient and cost-effective charging solutions remains a major hurdle—complicated by the high costs of infrastructure deployment, prolonged grid upgrade timelines, and limited access to suitable charging locations. EV Realty’s shared, multi-fleet charging model offers a scalable solution that improves fleet operator economics and provides access to high-power charging for Class 2b through Class 8 vehicles, without the costs and delays associated with utility grid upgrades. CALSTART’s efforts to aggregate the charging needs of multiple fleets will help connect fleet operators with infrastructure solutions tailored to their operational needs from the synergy of this partnership.

    “The path to zero-emission freight relies on scalable, cost-effective charging solutions that fleets can depend on,” said Suncheth Bhat, Chief Commercial Officer of EV Realty. “Partnerships like this not only accelerate deployment but also help shape the broader framework for how fleets, infrastructure providers, and industry leaders work together to enable the transition to clean transportation.”

    The collaboration also emphasizes data-driven infrastructure planning, leveraging EV Realty’s insights into grid-advantaged locations and development readiness alongside CALSTART’s analytics on fleet transition trends and charging demand. This approach will facilitate fleet electrification, boost charger utilization, and reduce overall costs for infrastructure deployment and operations across the freight system.

    “Shared charging infrastructure is one of the more important tools for accelerating fleet electrification,” said Dr. Jasna Tomic, Vice President, CALSTART. “By bringing together EV Realty’s grid-ready charging solutions and CALSTART’s ability to align industry demand, we are helping fleets make the shift to zero-emission vehicles faster and more efficiently.”

    Recent CALSTART analysis highlights the benefits of the shared charging hub model for enabling efficient, cost-effective, and accelerated fleet electrification. EV Realty is currently developing strategically located charging hubs in San Bernardino, Torrance, and Livermore. The company also recently announced the acquisition of a portfolio of assets from Gage Zero, including several additional sites across California and other key freight regions. The CALSTART partnership announced today will maximize the reach of these shared charging hubs for fleet operators looking to electrify.

    About EV Realty

    EV Realty develops, deploys, and owns charging infrastructure critical to electrifying commercial fleets in the U.S. at scale. The company accelerates the adoption of large EV fleets by focusing on the fundamental constraint all electric fleets face: low-cost, reliable, and expandable access to grid-scale power. EV Realty is developing a network of grid-optimized, large-scale EV charging hubs for delivery, logistics, and services fleet customers. Our Powered Properties™ serve multiple commercial fleets in secure, high-power locations with guaranteed charging access and availability, and are located proximate to major logistics corridors. By aggregating multiple fleets with shared private infrastructure in grid-ready locations, EV Realty charging hubs reduce upfront and recurring costs for fleets, optimize charging times and provide high utilization rates. Learn more about EV Realty and how it is transforming fleet charging at www.evrealtyus.com.

    About CALSTART

    A mission-driven industry organization focused on transportation decarbonization and clean air for all, CALSTART has offices in New York, Michigan, Colorado, California, Florida, and Europe. CALSTART is uniquely positioned to build the national clean transportation industry by working closely with its 285 member companies and building on the lessons learned from the major programs it manages for the State of California. CALSTART manages more than $1 billion in vehicle incentive and technical assistance programs in the United States and is leading a global effort to build the zero-emission commercial vehicle market.

    Contact:
    Wes Mangum
    FischTank PR
    wes@fischtankpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fatal accident at Pewsey footpath crossing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Fatal accident at Pewsey footpath crossing

    Investigation into a fatal accident involving a pedestrian at Pewsey footpath crossing, Pewsey, Wiltshire, 26 February 2025.

    Pewsey footpath crossing.

    At around 13:56 on 26 February 2025, a pedestrian was struck by a train and fatally injured while crossing the railway on Pewsey footpath crossing, situated on the outskirts of Pewsey, in Wiltshire.  The train involved was travelling at about 96 mph (154 km/h) at the time of the accident.

    Pewsey footpath crossing provides access for pedestrians between the residential area of Pewsey and countryside to the north of the railway. The crossing has gates on either side of the railway and is provided with signage which instructs users how to cross.  

    Our investigation will determine the sequence of events that led to the accident and will include consideration of:

    • the factors which may have affected the decisions and actions of the pedestrian as they used the crossing
    • any previous incidents at Pewsey footpath crossing and how these may be relevant to this accident
    • the management of risk at this crossing and Network Rail’s wider strategy for assessing and mitigating risks at footpath crossings
    • any relevant underlying factors.

    Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

    We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.

    You can subscribe to automated emails notifying you when we publish our reports.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army collaborates with ride-share companies to improve transportation

    Source: United States Army

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army launched a pilot ride-share access program to improve installation access for over 600,000 military members, their families, retirees and civilians living at six Army installations. Over the next two months, ride-share access will be re-envisioned at Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Fort Shafter, Hawaii; and Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii.

    “This program demonstrates our commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our military communities,” said Dan Driscoll, Secretary of the Army. “Through collaboration with the ride-share industry, we’re able to provide our Soldiers and their families with safe, reliable and convenient transportation options that support their unique needs and enhance their overall quality of life.”

    The ride-share access pilot will standardize access procedures and requirements to safely increase ridership and promote additional transportation options. If successful, the Army plans to expand the program to additional installations across the country.

    In accordance with the Army’s strict security standards, all visitors, including taxi and ride-sharing vehicle drivers, will undergo identity proofing and vetting through the FBI’s National Crime Information Center and Terrorist Screening Database. In addition to this credential vetting, drivers will also be required to establish their purpose for each visit by showing the ride-sharing hail on their smartphones and/or identifying the person and building for the pickup.

    “This pilot is our response to see if we can safely collaborate with the ride-share industry to simplify transportation options for everyone living on, working on or even visiting our camps, posts and installations,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer. “We heard you and agree, it shouldn’t be so hard to coordinate transportation onto our installations, but also in and around some of our larger ones.”

    For more information, please contact U.S. Army Public Affairs at usarmy.pentagon.hqda-ocpa.mbx.mrd-press-desk@army.mil.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister reflects on department’s achievements, challenges in first three months

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister reflects on department’s achievements, challenges in first three months

    Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has commended the department’s team for the work done to realise one of the principles of the Freedom Charter of providing houses, security and comfort.

    This comes as the Minister reflects on the progress made in the three months since her appointment, acknowledging both the achievements and the challenges that lie ahead.

    Progress and achievements

    In a statement on Monday, Simelane said several key strides hace been made by the department, including responding to emergencies such as floods and fires in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

    She highlighted visits to various human settlements projects and a significant meeting held with provincial Members of the Executive Council (MECs) to discuss the five-year Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), and review progress on the implementation of the 2024/2025 priorities and proposed policy changes, among others.

    In collaboration with the Department of Social Development, the Ministry has developed the Special Housing Needs Programme Grant designed to support the implementation of the Special Housing Needs Programme (SHNP).

    “This programme seeks to provide amenities required in human settlements to help those who cannot independently live by themselves. This includes persons with disabilities, victims of domestic violence and the elderly,” the Minister explained.

    Additionally, the department has worked to ensure stability within its entities by appointing and inducting new board members to serve in five of the six department’s entities.

    A White Paper on Human Settlements was also approved in December 2024, focusing on developing a policy and legislative framework for Integrated and Sustainable Human Settlements.

    The framework aims to provide housing, safety, and comfort for all, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable groups, the poor, and the “missing middle” of society.

    Addressing challenges

    Simelane said the period has enabled her to fully understand the challenges faced by the sector. These include budget cuts, poor contract management leading to project abandonment, allegations of fraud and corruption, a trust deficit between the department and its stakeholders, distressed social housing projects, and finding permanent solutions to the country’s informal settlements.

    “These challenges inform us that there is no silver bullet to resolve our challenges. Government alone cannot provide solutions. Partnership with the private sector, the public, and NGOs [non-governmental organisations] will bring us closer to a permanent solution to our country’s housing challenges,” Simelane said.

    The Minister addressed the issue of tenants deliberately boycotting rental agreements in social housing projects. She stressed that social housing is rental accommodation, and that tenants are legally obliged to pay rent.

    “Failure to do so will lead to eviction. Do not blame government. Do the honourable thing, pay rent, and enjoy decent and affordable accommodation closer to economic activities and social amenities,” the Minister said.

    Post Investment Support Programme

    To foster mutually beneficial partnerships with the private sector, contractors and developers, and address issues that have cost the government millions of rands, the Minister announced that the department will launch the Emerging Developer Incubator and Post Investment Support Programme.

    The programme, through the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC), will be launched on 28 March 2025.

    This initiative aims to provide non-financial support to emerging developers, particularly those who have been historically disadvantaged. The programme will assist them in packaging funding proposals, managing construction phases and post-investments, and marketing completed units after construction.

    “Empowered contractors are a vehicle to our success. If contractors and developers were to deliver quality human settlement projects on time and within budget, nothing would stand in our way of achieving our goals,” Simelane said.

    She further outlined some of the department’s immediate priorities, including completing stalled or blocked projects, addressing the backlog of military veterans’ housing, and prioritising housing for vulnerable groups and the destitute.

    Investigation into George building collapse

    Meanwhile, the Minister said she has received the preliminary report of the National Home Builders Regulatory Council (NHBRC) has into the building that collapsed in George, Western Cape, in 2024.

    The final report is expected to be completed shortly.

    Simelane will in the coming months unpack departmental priorities, in line with the 2024-2025 MTDP, and explain how the priorities will contribute to government’s three key goals: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental State. – SAnews.gov.za

    GabiK
    Mon, 03/24/2025 – 12:59

    47 views

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Duos Technologies Group Sets Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Call for Monday March 31, 2025, at 4:30 PM ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (“Duos” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DUOT) will hold a conference call on Monday, March 31, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. Financial results will be issued via press release prior to the call.

    Duos management will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer period.

      Date: Monday, March 31, 2025  
      Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time)  
      U.S. dial-in: 877-407-3088  
      International dial-in: 201-389-0927  
      Confirmation: 13751912  
           

    Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call. An operator will register your name and organization.

    If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact DUOT@duostech.com.

    The conference call will be broadcast live via telephone and available for online replay via the investor section of the Company’s website here.

    About Duos Technologies Group, Inc.
    Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT), based in Jacksonville, Florida, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Duos Technologies, Inc., Duos Edge AI, Inc., and Duos Energy Corporation, designs, develops, deploys and operates intelligent technology solutions for Machine Vision and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) applications including real-time analysis of fast-moving vehicles, Edge Data Centers and power consulting. For more information, visit www.duostech.com , www.duosedge.ai and www.duosenergycorp.com.

    Forward- Looking Statements

    This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding, among other things our plans, strategies and prospects — both business and financial. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “will,” “may,” “intend,” “estimated,” and “potential,” among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents that we file from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements attributable to Duos Technologies Group, Inc. or a person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary language.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/983252a1-554b-47c7-88a7-6ad25bd3a272

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 10 Questions With Women’s Sports Expert Risa Isard

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    In our recurring 10 Questions series, the Neag School of Education catches up with students, alumni, faculty, and others throughout the year to offer a glimpse into their Neag School experience and their current career, research, or community activities.

    Assistant professor Risa Isard is a trailblazer in the sport industry, dedicating her career to advancing equity in women’s sports. A researcher and consultant, she explores how stigma shapes the experiences of athletes, executives, and organizations. Her work sheds light on the economic, historical, and sociocultural forces that impact women’s sports, advocating for marginalized communities, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color.

    Risa Isard at the WNBA All-Star weekend in July 2024. (Contributed photo)

    Isard’s expertise is widely recognized — her insights have been featured by the SXSW festival, MSNBC, the New York Times, ESPN, and more. As a thought leader, she has published in Sports Business Journal, Quartz, and espnW, influencing industry policies and sparking change. Beyond research, Isard is the founder of RISport, consulting for sport organizations on issues that matter to them most. Previously, she played a pivotal role at the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, where she launched national initiatives, hosted leaders such as Michelle Obama and Billie Jean King, and created tools to expand access to sports. She has also held sport industry roles with Duke women’s basketball, the Phoenix Mercury, soccer legend Brandi Chastain’s foundation, national nonprofit KABOOM!, and the Fresno Grizzlies minor league baseball team.

    With a Ph.D. in Management from UMass Amherst and a specialized bachelor’s degree from Duke, Isard and her journey are a testament to the power of sports as a vehicle for social change.

    Q: Can you share examples from your research on how stigma influences the experience of stakeholders in women’s sports?

    A: Despite progress, stigma continues to impact professionals and fans in women’s sports. Employees in women’s sport face condescending remarks, such as being asked if they plan to work for a men’s team next year, suggesting that a role with the women’s team is not an achievement. Fans struggle to access games on TV or convince bars to air matches. These experiences stem from stigmas that affect investment, visibility, and respect, reinforcing the idea that women’s sports are less valuable. Yet, the passion of athletes, employees, and fans remains strong, fueling the fight for recognition and equality.

    Q: What are some effective strategies for advancing equity in sports organizations?

    A: My study on WNBA media coverage revealed that Black athletes, who comprised 80% of the league’s athletes and won 80% of postseason awards, received only half the media coverage of their white teammates. This research led to industry-wide discussions and tangible changes in organizations’ practices, resulting in more coverage for women athletes and Black athletes in women’s sports. By tracking disparities and committing to coverage that reflects the talent on the court, organizations can create systemic change. Intentional strategies like these help level the playing field for all athletes in women’s sports.

    Q: How does intersectional diversity shape decision-making and culture within sports organizations?

    A: That same study from above shows that Black WNBA athletes with a more masculine gender presentation receive the least media coverage, while white athletes with similar gender expressions receive the most. This highlights the need for an intersectional approach to understand practices in the sport industry. Media visibility translates into financial opportunities — endorsement deals depend in part on coverage, making representation crucial for an athlete’s career. Addressing these disparities can help advance social change, like closing the wealth gap.

    By tracking disparities and committing to coverage that reflects the talent on the court, organizations can create systemic change. &#8212 Risa Isard, assistant professor

    Q: What enduring stigmas persist in women’s sports and how can the industry address them?

    A: Women’s sports still battle misconceptions about their value and the athleticism they showcase, which impact player salaries, sponsorships, media coverage, and more. Changing this requires treating women’s sports with the same respect as men’s, which means investing in their growth and recognizing their commercial successes. Supporting women athletes isn’t just about fairness — it’s also a smart business move that drives profitability and advances the industry.

    Q: How should marketing and management strategies differ when promoting women’s sports, as compared to men’s sports?

    A: Women’s sports fans engage differently than men’s sports fans. For example, they tend to be more loyal and supportive of sponsors. They also are far more likely to consume their sports alone. This means marketing approaches should reflect fans’ unique behaviors rather than mimicking men’s sports strategies. Additionally, women’s teams face distinct challenges shaped by historical and societal factors, which can affect employees. Understanding these differences and responding to them are the keys to effective growth and investment in women’s sports.

    Q: How do you balance academic research with actionable insights for the sports industry?

    A: My research is shaped by real-world industry experiences and conversations, ensuring it addresses pressing issues. Once complete, I prioritize making my findings accessible — through op-eds in trade journals and via social media — so that decision-makers can apply research-driven insights. I am also proud to be a member of The Collective Think Tank, an initiative by global sport and entertainment agency Wasserman. This bridge between academia and industry helps sports professionals implement meaningful change.

    Supporting women athletes isn’t just about fairness — it’s also a smart business move that drives profitability and advances the industry. &#8212 Risa Isard, assistant professor

    Q: Why do you think your research is important to the sports industry?

    A: My work aims to encourage the industry to grow in profitability through equity-driven business practices. Women’s sports have long been undervalued, but with research-backed strategies, we can create a future where fairness and commercial success go hand in hand. I hope my contributions help elevate women’s sports and build on the legacy of those fighting for progress.

    Q: Why did you decide to join UConn’s Neag School of Education?

    A: UConn has been a leader in supporting women’s sports, creating an environment where gender equity is normalized. This unique culture provides an ideal setting to study and influence the future of women’s sports while engaging with students who will shape the industry.

    Q: How can UConn positively impact the future of women’s sports?

    A: UConn’s early investment in women’s sports offers a model for other programs. By sharing successful strategies with the NCAA and beyond, UConn can help shape best practices for growing and sustaining women’s sports at all levels.

    Q: What trends in women’s sports do you find most promising and how can stakeholders build upon them?

    A: Women’s sports are expanding rapidly — leagues like the NWSL and WNBA are growing, while new leagues in hockey, volleyball, and softball emerge. Increased media coverage, investment, and purpose-built stadiums contribute to this momentum. With continued financial backing and visibility, women’s sports can reach new heights, solidifying their place in the broader sports industry.

    To learn more about the Neag School of Education’s Sport Management program, visit sport.education.uconn.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3 – ALLIANCE PHARMA PLC – Ordinary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. in its capacity as investment advisor and on behalf its affiliates who are also investment advisors (”Dimensional”). Dimensional expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares described in this form 8.3.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		    
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Alliance Pharma PLC  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 21 March 2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: 1p ordinary (GB0031030819)  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 7,984,842 1.47 %      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 7,984,842 * 1.47 %      
    * Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and/or its affiliates do not have discretion regarding voting decisions in respect of 18,664 shares that are included in the total above.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

    		  
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

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

    		  
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    1p ordinary (GB0031030819) Sale 14,501 .6410 GBP  
    Please note, there were net transfers in of 699 shares of 1p ordinary  
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (c) Attachments  
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 24 March 2025  
    Contact name Thomas Hone  
    Telephone number +44 20 3033 3419  
       

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British exports shine in African infrastructure and renewable energy deal

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 4

    Press release

    British exports shine in African infrastructure and renewable energy deal

    A partnership with UK Export Finance (UKEF) has enabled British firm Dints to secure a £12.5 million contract for infrastructure and renewable energy operations

    Image: Dints International

    • Dints International wins contract to supply Angolan infrastructure and renewable energy operations
    • Contract made possible in part thanks to UK government guarantee
    • Boosting exports plays a vital role in growing the economy, a key part of the Plan for Change

    A partnership with UK Export Finance (UKEF) has enabled British firm Dints to secure a £12.5 million contract as supplier to MCA’s infrastructure and renewable energy operations in Angola.  

    Established 18 years ago, Dints is a London-based project integrator bringing together buyers, suppliers, logistics providers and funding partners.    

    A loan guarantee issued by UKEF to Apple Bank means that the Portuguese contractor operating in Angola, MCA, can now access finance to purchase more than £12.5 million in equipment through Dints. This will create opportunities for UK manufacturers to supply goods and services to the project. 

    Dints will provide vehicles, plant and machinery to support infrastructure and renewable energy projects in Angola. UKEF’s support helps companies like Dints to grow the economy, delivering on the Plan for Change.   

    Recent partnerships with Dints have helped to generate over £21 million in UK exports to markets including Peru, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and Botswana. These projects support jobs across the UK supply chain, as Dints’ suppliers come from regions including Leicestershire, Yorkshire and Humber, Staffordshire, County Armagh, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire.

    Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports, said:  

    This deal opens a wealth of opportunities for UK businesses, helping to increase exports, boost jobs and grow the economy.

    As part of our Plan for Change, we are firmly backing businesses to export around the world and reach new markets, and this deal is a shining example of just that.

    Geoffrey de Mowbray, Dints’ CEO, said:  

    It has been a pleasure to work with MCA on this transaction. By bringing together UK and international suppliers with the support of UKEF, AF Capital and Apple Bank, suppliers are paid as if selling to their domestic markets while unlocking global opportunities. This approach makes UK exports more accessible as well as facilitating critical infrastructure and renewable energy projects and demonstrates the value of a coordinated, transparent export model in driving sustainable development.

    Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, said:

    By providing a loan guarantee to Dints’ overseas client, we’re not only securing a substantial export opportunity for British suppliers but also helping to transform lives in Angola through improved access to critical infrastructure and renewable electricity. This is exactly the kind of win-win outcome we strive to achieve at UK Export Finance.

    Manuel Couto Alves, Founder & Chairman of MCA, said: 

    At MCA, we recognise the critical role that strategic partnerships play in driving meaningful and sustainable change. As we continue to expand our infrastructure operations and deliver world-class projects in Angola, it is clear that collaboration with financial institutions such as UK Export Finance and trusted suppliers like Dints is essential in achieving the ambitious goals of sustainable development.

    Stephen Peal, Group MP of Yorpower, a supplier on the project, said: 

    This has been an exciting opportunity for YorPower from the start. It is an honour to be supporting the energy transition in Angola, which is a new territory for us. Working along Dints has proven to be an outstanding route to new territories and opportunities across the world. We are able to grow and develop our brand without the complication export would normally present, by dealing locally in the UK with the experts at Dints.

    Charlie Style, Business Development Manager at King Trailers, a supplier on the project, said: 

    King Trailers is proud to support Dints in delivering projects contributing to the sustainable development of communities in Angola. Our specialized transport solutions will play a key role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of essential equipment, reinforcing our commitment to supporting global infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

    This collaboration was made possible through the support of UK Export Finance (UKEF), which plays a crucial role in championing British manufacturing. UKEF’s backing not only enables companies like King Trailers to secure international contracts but also drives innovation and strengthens the UK supply chain. By providing financial support and export credit guarantees, UKEF helps safeguard skilled jobs at King Trailers and across the wider UK manufacturing sector, ensuring long-term growth and competitiveness on the global stage.

    UKEF issued the guarantee through its Standard Buyer Loan Guarantee product. By helping buyers to purchase UK exports more easily, loans from or guaranteed by UKEF secure export contracts with good payment terms for British businesses – including small businesses likely to need payment upfront before they can deliver a contract.

    Contact

    Media enquiries:

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Massachusetts Man Admits to Robbing a Rhode Island Bank

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

     

    PROVIDENCE – A Springfield, MA, man has admitted to a federal judge that he robbed a Smithfield, RI, bank branch of more than $2,400, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Radelle Hubbard, 47, admitted that on March 23, 2023, he entered a bank branch located inside a supermarket in Smithfield, RI, and proclaimed to bank tellers, “I have a gun, give me all the large bills from your drawer.” The tellers handed over $2,420 in cash after which Hubbard fled the bank. The tellers told police they did not see a firearm.

    According to information presented to the court, a private citizen followed Hubbard after he left the bank and provided law enforcement with a vehicle description and license plate number. Massachusetts State Police observed the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, at which time the vehicle accelerated. The vehicle was ultimately stopped after spike trips, devices used to stop or impede the movement of vehicles by puncturing their tires, were deployed. Law enforcement seized $2,341 in cash and a high-capacity firearm from inside the vehicle.

    Appearing in U.S. District Court on Friday, Hubbard pleaded guilty to a charge of bank robbery. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White.

    The matter was investigated by the FBI, Smithfield Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: PolarFire® SoC FPGAs Achieve AEC-Q100 Qualification

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHANDLER, Ariz., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Microchip Technology’s (Nasdaq: MCHP) PolarFire® System on Chip (SoC) FPGAs have earned the Automotive Electronics Council (AEC)-Q100 qualification. The AEC-Q standards are a guideline for integrated circuits, using stress tests to measure the reliability of electronic components in vehicles. AEC-Q100 qualified devices have gone through rigorous testing to demonstrate they can withstand extreme conditions in automotive applications. The PolarFire SoC FPGA has been qualified for automotive Grade 1 temperatures, -40°C to 125°C. 

    PolarFire SoC FPGAs feature an embedded 64-bit, quad-core RISC-V® architecture capable of running Linux® and real-time operating systems (RTOS), with mid-range density programmable logic of up to 500K logic elements (LE). The SoC FPGA is designed for complex applications that demand low-power, high-performance, exceptional reliability and an extended operating temperature range. Devices with the same density and package have scalable assurance and share pin-package compatibility across temperature grades, making it appropriate for automotive use as well as aerospace and military applications.

    The SoC FPGAs incorporate embedded security and safety features to protect physical, device, design and data integrity. The SoCs are designed with single event upset (SEU) immunity, which enhances reliability and helps mitigate the risk of data corruption and system failures in demanding environments.

    “Achieving the AEC-Q100 qualification for our PolarFire SoC FPGAs validates that our technology can perform under the most challenging conditions and underscores our commitment to delivering robust solutions to meet the stringent demands of the automotive industry,” said Bruce Weyer, Corporate Vice President of Microchip’s FPGA business unit. “Our low-power design and RISC-V cores empower automotive engineers to create advanced, reliable and energy-efficient solutions for next-generation automotive systems.”

    PolarFire FPGAs and SoCs deliver power and thermal efficiency, eliminating the need for active cooling while ensuring high integration, defense-grade security and reliability. With high levels of scalability, they maintain performance across varying temperature conditions and meet stringent demands of mission-critical environments.

    Development Tools
    PolarFire SoCs are supported by Microchip’s Libero® SoC Design Suite, SmartHLS™, VectorBlox™ and Microchip’s Mi-V ecosystem of partner platforms for rapid RISC-V application development. Additionally, a wide variety of Microchip and partner intellectual property (IP) cores are available to accelerate time-to-market. Libero SoC Design Suite is TÜV Rheinland-certified for functional safety, meeting ISO 26262 ASIL D standards for automotive applications. Compatible development boards are also available.

    Pricing and Availability
    For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.

    Resources
    High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):
    • Application image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/54395159145/sizes/l/

    About Microchip Technology:
    Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control and processing solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve over 100,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

    Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, PolarFire and Libero are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. SmartHLS and VectorBlox are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Automotive industry’s sustainability efforts poised to reshape market dynamics significantly, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Automotive industry’s sustainability efforts poised to reshape market dynamics significantly, says GlobalData

    Posted in Automotive

    As the automotive industry moves towards a more sustainable future, integrating recycled materials into manufacturing processes is emerging as a pivotal strategy. With environmental consciousness becoming a fundamental mandate rather than a fleeting trend, the industry’s commitment to sustainability is poised to reshape market dynamics significantly, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    The automotive sector is witnessing a considerable shift in its approach to material sourcing and production processes. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing the use of recycled and sustainable materials, driven by consumer demand and regulatory pressures. This transition represents a strategic pivot that could redefine competitive advantages in the market. By incorporating recycled materials, automakers can reduce carbon footprints, lower production costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The emphasis on lightweight materials, such as recycled plastics, contributes to improved fuel efficiency while aligning with broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Madhuchhanda Palit, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Leading automotive manufacturers are actively engaging in substantial sustainability initiatives. Notably, companies such as Toyota, Mazda, and Honda have begun integrating recycled plastics into their vehicle production. Ford, for example, incorporates recycled plastic water bottles into the seat cushions of its cars. Similarly, Jaguar features a fabric crafted from nylon waste sourced from ocean debris. Volvo’s XC60 SUV utilizes recycled fibers and plastics derived from fishing nets and ropes in certain interior components, and the company has pledged that by 2025, 25% of all plastics used in its vehicles will be sourced from recycled materials.”

    Additionally, collaborations between automakers and recycling firms are fostering a circular economy, where end-of-life components are repurposed into new products, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.

    Palit adds: “The growing emphasis on recycled materials is expected to have broad implications for the automotive market. As manufacturers adapt to these sustainable practices, we may observe a transformation in consumer preferences, with buyers increasingly favoring brands that prioritize environmental responsibility. This shift could drive demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, further accelerating the transition toward sustainability. Furthermore, as the market for recycled materials expands, new economic opportunities may arise, particularly in job creation within the recycling sector. The integration of recycled materials into automotive manufacturing addresses environmental concerns while positioning the industry for future growth.”

    Palit concludes: “In conclusion, the automotive industry’s commitment to incorporating recycled materials into manufacturing processes is set to reshape the market landscape significantly. As sustainability becomes a core aspect of business strategy, manufacturers that embrace this shift are likely to gain competitive advantages in an evolving marketplace. The potential for growth driven by recycled materials will play a crucial role in the automotive sector, aligning economic viability with environmental stewardship.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: ADB and Shriram Finance Sign Deal to Boost MSME and EV Financing in India

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    NEW DELHI, INDIA (24 March 2025) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Shriram Finance Limited have signed a loan agreement for $150 million to boost access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in India with a focus on business loans and for financing electric vehicles (EVs) and low-emission commercial vehicles for business purposes. The loan will particularly benefit women-owned MSMEs and those in lagging states.

    The transaction is part of a total $306 million financing package led by ADB as the mandated lead arranger and bookrunner, which includes a loan of $150 million from Japan International Cooperation Agency and INR 500 million from Export-Import Bank of India.

    Shriram Finance Limited is the flagship company of the Shriram Group and is one of India’s largest non-banking financial companies specializing in commercial vehicle financing and MSME lending.

    “This project underscores ADB’s commitment to supporting financial inclusion and sustainable development in India while addressing the significant financing gap faced by MSMEs,” said ADB Country Director for India Mio Oka. “By partnering with Shriram Finance Limited, we will empower MSMEs, particularly women entrepreneurs, and accelerate the transition to electric mobility, which is crucial for reducing air pollution and achieving India’s climate goals.”

    MSMEs play a vital role in India’s economy, contributing 30% of India’s GDP and employing over 123 million people. However, they face significant challenges in accessing formal credit, with only a quarter of the MSME market being served by financial institutions. Women entrepreneurs face additional barriers due to social norms and limited access to collateral. ADB’s loan will help bridge this gap by enhancing Shriram Finance’s ability to provide tailored financial solutions to MSMEs, enabling them to reach underserved segments particularly in rural, semi-urban areas and in lagging states, and provide economic opportunities for women-owned MSMEs. ADB’s loan also supports the government’s initiatives to reduce air pollution through the adoption of EVs and low-emission (Bharat Stage-VI compliant) vehicles. The government’s EV30@30 initiative targets 30% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.

    “We value ADB’s support and funding, which will enable us to expand our financing to underserved MSMEs and promote the adoption of electric vehicles,” said Shriram Finance Limited Executive Vice Chairman Umesh Revankar. “Our continued partnership with ADB aligns with our corporate mission to drive inclusive growth and support India’s transition to a greener economy. This facility strengthens our commitment to financial inclusion and economic development.”

    Founded in 1979, Shriram Finance has 3,196 branches and 79,405 employees serving over 9 million customers, with assets under management of INR 2.54 trillion and strong operations in rural and semi-urban areas. It is well-positioned to support underserved MSMEs and drive the adoption of electric and low-emission vehicles.

    ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Ram raids – Greater Darwin Region

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to two ram raids in the Greater Darwin Region overnight.

    About 1:55am this morning, police received reports of a burglary at a licensed premises on Winnellie Road. It is alleged two males used a vehicle to ram the front doors of the premises before they entered and attempted to steal multiple items.

    A short time later at 2:35am, police received further reports that a ram raid occurred at a licenced premises in Humpty Doo where a quantity of alcohol was stolen.

    Strike Force Trident detectives reviewed CCTV and identified that the vehicle used in both ram raids was allegedly stolen from a residence in Roseberry. Police have since recovered the vehicle abandoned in Palmerston.

    Investigations remain ongoing to locate the offenders and police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to make contact on 131 444.

    You can anonymously report on Crimestoppers via 1800 333 000 or online at https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. Please quote reference number P25080487.

    *This media release has been updated since initial release to clarify that two ram raids occurred*

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Illicit substance seizures – Adelaide River

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has seized a quantity of alcohol and cannabis during a traffic and drug detection operation in Adelaide River last week.

    On Thursday, 20 March, police received intelligence that a gold Toyota Prado destined for Wadeye Community was trafficking alcohol.

    The vehicle was intercepted on Stuart Highway where officers conducted a lawful search and located 38 bottles of liquor and 375 grams of cannabis.

    The alcohol and drugs were seized, and the 33-year-old male driver was issued a Notice to Appear in court on 6 May 2025.

    Remote Sergeant Colin Schwartz said, “The impact of this seizure will have significant benefits for the community in terms of harm minimisation.

    “We will continue to disrupt the flow of prohibited products entering protected areas to prevent anti-social behaviour, domestic violence incidents, and alcohol-fuelled violence, particularly when they are bound for remote communities.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Stolen motor vehicles – Katherine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to two stolen motor vehicles that were recovered on Sunday.

    About 4:10am, police received reports of two vehicles, a Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, driving erratically in Katherine CBD. Police attempted a traffic apprehension on the Ford Ranger and a pursuit ensued after the vehicle failed to stop. A short time later the vehicle stopped near the Katherine Sports grounds and all occupants fled from the scene on foot.

    Police recovered the Toyota Hilux abandoned on Victoria Highway a short time later. It has since been identified that the vehicles were stolen from the yard of a business on Gillard Crescent.

    This forms part of a crime series overnight targeting four Katherine commercial premises; it is unknown if the incidents are linked at this time. Strike Force Cerberus has carriage of the investigations.

    Anyone with information or dashcam footage in relation to these incidents is urged to contact police on 131 444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: TRAINING PROGRAMME ON OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF RURAL WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 12:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS) (autonomous institution under the Ministry of Jal Shakti) has organised a five-day training programme on “Operation & Management of Rural Water Supply Schemes” from 24th February 2025 to 28th February 2025 at Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands). The course focused on equipping engineers with the necessary skills and knowledge to address critical issues such as system inefficiencies, non-revenue water (NRW), energy consumption, and inadequate community engagement.

    At present, there is no such proposal under consideration to this Department. However, the capacity building of stakeholders including Engineers in State/ UTs, plays an important role in implementing the vision of Jal Jeevan Mission. It helps in leadership development and equipping the stakeholders with required technical and interpersonal skills including knowledge about latest technologies and innovations. This Department provides financial assistance to States/ UTs out of which States/ UTs may use up to 5% of resources, for support activities including capacity building and IEC activities. The States/ UTs can customize and organize the training courses as per their requirements. To take forward the developments made under the Jal Jeevan Mission, it is essential to further improve the basic training of field level engineers.

    Presently, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is regulating groundwater by industrial, infrastructure and mining projects in 19 States/ UTs including the State of Chhattisgarh in accordance with the guidelines issued by Ministry of Jal Shakti vide notification dated 24.09.2020 (SO 3289) and amendments dated 29.03.2023 thereto (SO 1509).

    Presently, there is no such proposal under consideration to this Department to introduce a mandatory training and certification programme for all engineers involved in water supply management in view of the growing challenges in rural water supply.

    Ministry of Jal Shakti has issued guidelines for groundwater regulation. These guidelines have following provisions for demand-side management of groundwater/ water and optimizing its usage.

    • Industrial projects extracting more than 100 KLD (more than 1 Lakh Litre per day) groundwater have to mandatorily carry out biennial water audit and try to reduce water usage by means of advance technologies, recycle/ reuse.
    • Project Proponents have to pay Groundwater Abstraction/ Restoration Charges for obtaining NOC from Central Ground Water Authority. Levying of charges for extracting groundwater encourages Project Proponents to optimize water usage through recycle/ reuse/ reduce wastage.
    • Infrastructure projects drawing groundwater 20KLD or more are required to install STP and use the treated water for greenbelt development/ washing of cars etc.
    • Conditions in the NOC issued by CGWA include the condition that ‘Wherever feasible, requirement of water for greenbelt (horticulture) shall be met from recycled/ treated waste water’.

    · Though groundwater extraction for agricultural activities is exempted from groundwater regulation, the guidelines advise States/ UTs to review their free/ subsidized electricity policy to farmers, bring suitable water pricing policy and work further towards crop rotation/ diversification/ other initiatives to reduce overdependence on groundwater.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q3229)

    (Release ID: 2114282) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DCR News Release – Work Furlough Inmate Missing from OCCC

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DCR News Release – Work Furlough Inmate Missing from OCCC

    Posted on Mar 21, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION

    KA ‘OIHANA HOʻOMALU KALAIMA A HOʻOPONOPONO OLA

     

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

     

    TOMMY JOHNSON

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

     

     

    WORK FURLOUGH INMATE MISSING FROM OCCC

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 21, 2025

    HONOLULU — O‘ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) work furlough inmate Jason S. Takaki failed to return to Module 20 Friday, March 21, 2025.

    Takaki, 45, left Module 20 on a job-seeking pass this morning and was supposed to return by 2 p.m. today. State Sheriffs and the Honolulu Police Department were notified.

    Takaki is 5 feet, 5 inches tall, and weighs approximately 158 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. He is serving time for unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, forgery and theft.

    He now faces a second-degree escape charge, a Class B felony that is punishable by up to five years in prison, if convicted.

    Takaki is a community custody inmate in the work furlough program with pass privileges. Community custody is the lowest classification status.

    Anyone with information on Takaki’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Sheriffs at 808-586-1352.

     

    # # #

     

    Media Contact:

    Rosemarie Bernardo

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

    Office: 808-587-1358

    Cell: 808-683-5507

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California deploys 125 new CHP officers across the state

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 21, 2025

    What you need to know: 125 new California Highway Patrol officers sworn in to protect the state.

    WEST SACRAMENTO – Marking the successful completion of an intense 26-week training program, today Governor Newsom congratulated 125 cadets who graduated into their new role as California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers and will now be deployed to communities across the state.

    “As we congratulate the newest cohort of CHP officers, we commend their leadership in stepping up and serving communities across California. From combating crime to responding to crises like the LA fires, the men and women of the CHP represent the best of us.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Cadets at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento undergo extensive training in key areas, including traffic enforcement, collision investigation, defensive tactics, firearms proficiency, and emergency vehicle operations. The program also emphasizes legal responsibilities, communication skills, and ethical conduct, ensuring cadets are well-prepared to protect and serve California’s communities effectively.

    Enhancing public safety remains a top priority for the Governor, as California successfully met its multi-year CHP recruitment goal in November 2024 of 1,000 new officers to the force. Since 2019, the state has significantly increased investments in law enforcement resources and personnel, supporting local governments in hiring more police officers and strengthening public safety measures. 

    In 2023, under California’s Real Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest investment in state history to combat organized retail crime, implemented a 310% annual increase in proactive operations targeting such crimes, and launched specialized operations statewide to crack down on criminal activity and enhance community safety.

    Learn more and join today

    The CHP is actively recruiting dedicated individuals to make a difference in communities throughout California. Learn more here about joining the CHP and taking the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: More than 300 arrests as African countries clamp down on cyber threats

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    24 March 2025

    LYON, France — Authorities in seven African countries have arrested 306 suspects and seized 1,842 devices in an international operation targeting cyber attacks and cyber-enabled scams.

    The arrests were made as part of Operation Red Card (November 2024 – February 2025) which aims to disrupt and dismantle cross-border criminal networks which cause significant harm to individuals and businesses. In particular, the operation targeted mobile banking, investment and messaging app scams. The cases uncovered during the operation involved more than 5,000 victims.

    As part of the crackdown, Nigerian police arrested 130 people, including 113 foreign nationals, for their alleged involvement in cyber-enabled scams such as online casino and investment fraud. The suspects, who converted proceeds to digital assets to conceal their tracks, were recruited from different countries to run the illegal schemes in as many languages as possible. Nigerian authorities have established that some of the people working in the scam centres may also be victims of human trafficking, forced or coerced into criminal activities. Overall, the investigation led to the seizure of 26 vehicles, 16 houses, 39 plots of land and 685 devices.

    In a significant case from South Africa, authorities arrested 40 individuals and seized more than 1,000 SIM cards, along with 53 desktops and towers linked to a sophisticated SIM box fraud scheme. This setup, which reroutes international calls as local ones, is commonly used by criminals to carry out large-scale SMS phishing attacks.

    In Zambia, officers apprehended 14 suspected members of a criminal syndicate that hacked into victims’ phones. The scam involved sending a message containing a malicious link which, when clicked, installed malware to the device. This allowed hackers to take control of the messaging account, and ultimately the phone, giving them access to banking apps. The hackers were also able to use the victim’s messaging apps to share the malicious link within conversations and groups, enabling the scam to spread.

    During the operation, Rwandan authorities arrested 45 members of a criminal network for their involvement in social engineering scams that defrauded victims of over USD 305,000 in 2024 alone. Their tactics included posing as telecommunications employees and claiming fake ‘jackpot’ wins to extract sensitive information and gain access to victims’ mobile banking accounts. Another method involved impersonating an injured family member to ask relatives for financial assistance towards hospital bills. Overall, USD 103,043 was recovered and 292 devices were seized.

    Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of the Cybercrime Directorate, said:

    “The success of Operation Red Card demonstrates the power of international cooperation in combating cybercrime, which knows no borders and can have devastating effects on individuals and communities. The recovery of significant assets and devices, as well as the arrest of key suspects, sends a strong message to cybercriminals that their activities will not go unpunished.”

    Ahead of the operation, countries exchanged criminal intelligence on key targets. This intelligence was enriched by INTERPOL with insights into criminal modus operandi using data from its private sector partners—Group-IB, Kaspersky and Trend Micro.

     The seven participating countries were Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo and Zambia.

    The operation was delivered through INTERPOL’s African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC), an initiative funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New recruitment to the driving school of the State University of Management

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The GUU-Auto training center announces new recruitment for groups under the program “Professional training of drivers of category “B” vehicles”.

    The training starts on April 14. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 19:00.

    Hurry, there are still places left!

    Additional information by phone 8 (495) 377 6446, 8 (916) 760 1014 (WhatsApp, Telegram), as well as in the educational department of the UC GUU Auto (room A-219) and on the official page of the UC GUU-Auto

    The GUU-Auto training center is a structural division of the State University of Management, providing paid educational services in professional training programs for drivers of vehicles.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/24/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mass rollout set to begin of smart car technology

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Smart driving is now a must for new vehicles in China, as major carmakers roll out the feature for mass-market models.

    One day last week saw three companies — Chery, GAC and Geely’s premium arm Zeekr — announce ambitious plans for the technology that was reserved for premium vehicles.

    Chery, Chinese partner of Jaguar Land Rover, unveiled its Falcon smart driving system on Tuesday, saying it will be available across all its brands.

    Li Xueyong, Chery’s executive vice-president, said more than 30 models of different powertrains will be equipped with the Falcon system by the end of 2025.

    The most affordable of them will be the Chery Ant, a mini electric car. With a pre-order price of 65,900 yuan ($9,116), it boasts 23 smart driving functions including automatic parking and Navigate on Autopilot on expressways.

    There are three Falcon solutions: the Falcon 500, 700 and 900, with the last one boasting Level 3 capabilities.

    Autonomous driving is rated at six levels, from zero to five, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers. A Level 2 vehicle can steer, brake and accelerate itself in certain situations, but the drivers must be ready to step in at any time.

    Level 3 cars, in certain areas and under certain conditions, will steer, brake and accelerate by themselves, allowing the drivers to take their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road. Chery said its high-level smart driving models will hit the European market in 2026.

    GAC Group unveiled its intelligent driving strategy on Tuesday as well. Feng Xingya, chairman and president of GAC Group, said intelligent driving capabilities will become a critical standard for evaluating automotive products in the future.

    He said GAC will launch China’s first mass-produced Level 3 model by the end of 2025, and it will offer Level 4 vehicles to private car buyers from 2027.

    Earlier this year, Xpeng said it is to launch quasi-L3 software in mid-2025, and full L3 capabilities are to be revealed at the end of the year.

    Changan said it aims to achieve full-scenario L3 driving in 2026, with aspirations to reach L4 capabilities by 2028.

    In terms of Level 2 features, China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, fired the first salvo in February, equipping its entire lineup with advanced intelligent driving systems. Among other things, it enables vehicles to drive on expressways and park automatically.

    The most affordable of its models with the feature on the market is the Seagull, priced at 69,800 yuan. The carmaker said its move aims to offer volume car owners access to intelligent driving features to increase safety.

    It said 21 percent of traffic accidents in China are due to fatigued drivers, which can be prevented by automatic emergency braking or steering.

    “We believe that intelligent driving should not be a luxury but a standard feature for all consumers,” said Wang Chuanfu, chairman and president of BYD. “By making high-level driver assistance available across our range, we are accelerating the transition toward smarter, safer mobility,” said Wang.

    Traditionally, advanced features such as lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking have been reserved for premium vehicles.

    Models with such functions were usually priced from 150,000 yuan, according to consulting firm McKinsey.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Revised rules aim to boost China auto market

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s push to encourage the automotive industry is taking shape through measures including the expansion of trade-in policies, strengthening the used car market and easing purchasing restrictions, boosting confidence among automakers, dealers and consumers.

    An injection of long-term special treasury bonds amounting to 300 billion yuan ($41.4 billion) will be issued in 2025 to support the expansion of consumer goods trade-in programs, notably automobiles, which was outlined in an action plan revealed by the central government in mid-March.

    Compared to 2024’s 150 billion yuan in treasury bonds, it is expected to invigorate market activity, said Lang Xuehong, deputy secretary-general of the China Automobile Dealers Association.

    Driven by these trade-in policies, domestic passenger vehicle retail sales reached 22.89 million units in 2024, a 5.5 percent year-on-year increase, with rapid growth in new energy vehicles penetration.

    In early 2025, China expanded the scope of vehicle scrapping and replacement while improving subsidy standards for trade-ins. With new trade-in policies rolling out regionally, the China Passenger Car Association estimates that 5 million vehicles will be scrapped and 10 million vehicles will be replaced this year.

    Consequently, domestic car retail sales are projected to reach 23.4 million units, a 2 percent year-on-year increase, while NEV retail sales are expected to hit 13.3 million units, growing 20 percent to capture a 57 percent market share, the CPCA predicted.

    The auto consumption chain is set to be extended through pilot reforms in car distribution and an increased focus on the automotive aftermarket, encompassing car modifications, leasing and recreational vehicle camping.

    Lang noted that the action plan emphasizes service-oriented consumption, which aligns with the current state of the auto industry where car supply exceeds demand, yet the need for high-quality services remains unmet.

    While 4S stores still dominate China’s auto aftermarket, third-party brands are growing rapidly, said Xu Haidong, vice-chief engineer of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

    As the market becomes more standardized and diverse in demand, the value of the auto aftermarket will increase, emerging as a key growth area for China’s auto industry, Xu added.

    The rising popularity of RV camping exemplifies this trend. However, challenges such as inadequate facilities, unstable water and electricity supply as well as insufficient sewerage at campsites hinder the development of this sector.

    Addressing these issues and improving infrastructure could significantly boost consumption and promote automotive culture in China.

    The used car market will also receive a boost through enhanced cross-regional transaction measures and the development of third-party platforms to assist secure and convenient trade, according to the action plan.

    According to CADA statistics, there were 19.61 million used cars transacted in 2024, a 6.52 percent year-on-year increase, with a total transaction value of 1.29 trillion yuan. Notably, the transaction volume of secondhand NEVs exceeded 1 million units for the first time, reaching 1.13 million units, an increase of 47.97 percent.

    Zhang Xiang, an auto industry researcher at the Beijing-based North China University of Technology, noted that China’s used car market is still small compared to Europe and the United States. Expanding this market could benefit both used and new car sales by increasing car turnover.

    He suggested establishing an industry database to collect information on each used car, allowing consumers to transparently purchase secondhand vehicles.

    It is noteworthy that the action plan mentioned reducing consumption limits and removing unreasonable restrictions to ensure that long-term non-plate households can purchase cars.

    Guosen Securities stated that gradually easing purchase restrictions will release new car demand, leading to sales growth, with first-time buyers creating an incremental market.

    A report by China Merchants Securities pointed out that relaxing these restrictions is a low-cost, quick-acting stimulus measure.

    Traffic expert Xu Kangming said that the lottery-based vehicle plate application was initially intended as a short-term measure. However, in some major cities it has lasted for over a decade. This policy is increasingly seen as unfair to households without cars and long-term non-plate applicants. As the number of vehicles grows, the restriction’s effectiveness in alleviating traffic congestion diminishes.

    In recent years, various regions have gradually eased car purchase restrictions. Except for Guizhou and Hainan provinces, which have lifted all restrictions on NEVs, cities such as Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Tianjin have relaxed limits by increasing quotas or optimizing rules.

    An expert noted that for megacities like Beijing and Shanghai, lifting all car purchase restrictions is unlikely. Given the severe traffic congestion, completely removing limits would worsen road conditions.

    According to the Ministry of Public Security, by the end of 2024, Beijing and Shanghai had more than 7 million and 5 million vehicles on their roads, respectively.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 4 key changes you may have missed in the new school funding agreement

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Wilson, Professor of Social Impact, University of Technology Sydney

    Queensland and the federal government have reached an agreement on school funding. This means all Australian states and territories are now signed up to new arrangements, which officially began at the start of 2025.

    The agreement follows more than a year of negotiations between the federal and state governments.

    The agreements mean government schools will receive 25% of funding from the federal government, up from 20%. Cash-strapped state and territory governments now only have to find 75% (down from 80%).

    In some good news for schools, it also means there is now a firm plan to “fully fund” public schools by 2034. This means they will get 100% of the funding recommended by the schooling resource standard (or school funding mechanism) – albeit more than a decade after it was first recommended by the Gonski review in 2011.

    Much of the debate about the agreements has understandably focused on the funding split between federal and state governments.

    But the agreements also tie vital funding for schools to specific targets and reforms for the next ten years. There is plenty of fine print.

    Here are four major changes we can expect to see in schools and classrooms around Australia.



    Read more:
    Underfunded? Overfunded? How school funding works in Australia

    1. A ‘unique’ identifier for all students

    The new agreement will see all students receive a “unique student identifier” as part of a national system.

    This is a number all students will have from the time they start school. It would follow them through school to tertiary education or any other further study or training.

    The idea was first agreed to by the former Council of Australian Governments in 2009 and is already in place for university and vocational education students.

    A long time in the planning, it was included in the last school funding agreement, which expired at the end of 2024, despite little progress.

    At the moment, education systems can easily lose track of students. For example, pre-COVID an estimated 50,000 children and young people were not officially tracked by education authorities.

    The identifier number means governments will be able to track students across school systems. For example, if they move from the public system to the private system. Or if they move states or begin homeschooling.

    The identifier will also provide a greater understanding of the pathways taken by young people after school and potentially make it easier to link senior high schooling with TAFE and other vocational studies.

    Introducing a bill to set up architecture for the indentifier last year, federal Education Minister Jason Clare said it would have “robust privacy measures”, including protection under the Privacy Act.



    Read more:
    NSW has finally struck a school funding deal. What does this mean for schools and students?

    2. A new numeracy check

    Along with rolling out a well-publicised national phonics check for Year 1 (which some states are already doing), the new agreements include a numeracy check for young students.

    While numeracy is checked as part of NAPLAN in Year 3, the test was not designed to provide diagnostic data on individual students.

    The new checks will be used to identify students and schools in need of extra support.

    So far, we have few details on the design or time frames. The checks may also need significant research and development to work effectively. But existing programs (such as in South Australia) show screening checks have the potential to provide better monitoring and resourcing for student needs.

    3. A review of how school funding is calculated

    The new agreement also flags two more significant reviews.

    One will be on the way school funding is calculated – the first review since the current system was devised in 2011.

    The schooling resource standard is an estimate of how much total public funding a school needs to meet its students’ educational needs.

    In 2025, the base rates are A$13,977 for primary students and $17,565 for high school students. On top of these, there are six loadings to provide extra funding for students and schools with additional needs. This includes students with disability, Indigenous students and students in remote areas.

    But as a 2023 Productivity Commission review noted, some individual students qualify under multiple categories, and “the effects can be compounding”. This means this level of disadvantage needs more understanding and policy adjustment.

    The review will examine the methodology behind the base rate and loadings. As part of this, it will hopefully look at transparency around school funding arrangements. The Australian National Audit Office identified this as an issue as far back as 2017.

    4. A review of how schools are measured

    There will also be a review of the national Measurement Framework for Schooling in Australia. This details key performance measures for schooling, such as attendance, NAPLAN results and school completion.

    This framework usually has just minor adjustments about every couple of years. But a more significant overhaul is now in the works, with states agreeing a review will look at “possible new and updated measures”.

    These could include indicators for students’ engagement and learning growth, as well as outcomes for students with disability and the teaching workforce.

    An improved national data set holds enormous potential for addressing educational challenges, like declining participation rates, school refusal and teacher shortages.

    Elsewhere in the new agreement, states and territories also agreed to “better understand” how socioeconomic diversity and school attendance are impacting student learning. This can be seen as high-level acknowledgement the current reporting mechanisms and data on students need to improve.

    Now we need to see progress

    The new schools agreement contains some promising new measures to improve outcomes for students and teachers. But we now need to see them implemented.

    As the Productivity Commission and National Audit Office have previously noted, just because something is included in a school funding agreement, does not necessarily mean it will happen on time or as planned.

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

    – ref. 4 key changes you may have missed in the new school funding agreement – https://theconversation.com/4-key-changes-you-may-have-missed-in-the-new-school-funding-agreement-252291

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: Building Healthy Supply Chains While Cutting Carbon

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Decarbonizing healthcare supply chains is essential to reducing emissions, minimizing waste, and strengthening the resilience of health systems, particularly in vulnerable regions.

    More than 70% of healthcare emissions are generated in the supply chain. This includes the production, procurement, transport, and disposal of health goods and services, such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical devices, hospital equipment, food, and other items.

    Advancing low-carbon, resilient supply chains will be essential for achieving universal health coverage and equitable healthcare access in vulnerable hotspots in Asia, the Pacific, and globally.

    With momentum growing to decarbonize health care, lowering supply chain emissions will reduce the sector’s overall environmental impact. As demography and urbanization shifts evolve and environmental challenges intensify, the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases will further strain the region’s health systems.

    Without supply chain decarbonization efforts in place, the risks of disruptions due to inflated prices, commodity shortages, or external shocks like disasters could wreak havoc on health systems. The consequences would be particularly dire for the poorest and most vulnerable populations, putting millions of lives at risk.

    The following four actions are recommended to help countries integrate decarbonization across the supply chain:

    Develop eco-designed medical supplies and products. Single-use plastic supplies, such as syringes, IV bags, surgical gloves, and face masks, significantly reduce infection risks in healthcare settings but their production and disposal contribute substantially to carbon emissions and generate large amounts of waste.

    Applying an environmentally-conscious approach to product design and incorporating circular economy principles, such as reducing material use, reusing components where feasible, and enhancing recyclability, can help mitigate environmental impacts.

    Sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics include plant-based polymers, natural rubber, and other biodegradable or compostable materials, which can lower emissions, reduce waste, and improve resilience across the product lifecycle.

    Innovative materials—such as plant starches with plasticizers for flexible or rigid pharmaceutical packaging, plant-based cellulose derivatives like cellulose acetate for lab and pharmaceutical use, and sustainable insulating options like recyclable plastics or cardboard-based alternatives—are transforming the sector by enabling controlled lifespans, improving insulation efficiency, and reducing reliance on energy-intensive refrigeration.

    Decarbonize and build sustainability into manufacturing processes. As the healthcare market grows, medical supply and equipment manufacturers will continue to generate more emissions and waste during production.

    Building green practices into these processes is imperative for sustainable development and can lower operational costs over the long term. Key strategies include responsibly sourcing local and sustainable raw materials. Reduced waste is also needed in production processes such as reusing materials, repurposing products, and recycling.

    Replacing product packaging with biodegradable, reusable, or multi-use materials is also needed.

    Decarbonizing healthcare supply chains is not just an environmental imperative—it’s essential to building resilient, equitable health systems, especially in vulnerable regions.

    Invest in low-carbon transportation and logistics. Medical supply chains are highly complex, requiring a reliable and efficient flow of medicines, medical supplies, and medical devices from manufacturers to in-country distributors and healthcare providers.

    Ensuring the integrity of these essential products while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth necessitates a transition to resilient, low-carbon transportation and logistics systems.

    Key strategies for decarbonizing medical supply chains include optimizing transportation routes, adopting electric vehicles, and reducing supply-demand distances through localized sourcing and production.

    For instance, shifting away from air freight, approximately 40 times more emissions-intensive than sea, road, or rail transport, offers significant carbon savings. Leading pharmaceutical companies have made substantial progress in this regard—AstraZeneca increased its use of sea freight from 5% in 2012 to 65% in 2022, while Merck reduced its reliance on air transport from 65% in 2018 to just 10% in 2021.

    The electrification of short-distance transportation is another crucial step. Battery-powered electric vehicles are well-suited for most journeys under 400 kilometers, reducing emissions associated with fossil fuel-based trucking. Investing in bio-based or synthetic fuels for long-distance travel can help decarbonize air, sea, and heavy-road transport.

    Successful initiatives highlight the potential for transformation. Adopting compressed natural gas for transportation fleets in India has significantly reduced emissions. Similarly, drone technology has played a vital role in enhancing healthcare supply chains, particularly in remote areas. In the Pacific Islands, drones carrying up to three kilograms (6.6 pounds) have improved last-mile medical delivery while reducing the carbon footprint, traveling up to 130 kilometers (81 miles) per flight.

    Implement sustainable healthcare waste management. Millions of tonnes of waste are generated by healthcare activities each year, due largely to the use of single-use plastics and poor waste management practices.

    The pandemic led to a dramatic increase in the volume of healthcare waste globally, while many health facilities across Asia and the Pacific have limited waste management services. The use of chemical disinfectants and incineration to treat waste can result in the release of pollutants into the environment, causing respiratory and other diseases.

    Replacing carbon-intensive incineration with alternative waste treatment technologies like steam-based disinfection and adopting the principles of circularity to increase the reuse and recycling of healthcare products and materials can ease the burden of waste on health systems, reduce unnecessary emissions and human health, and save costs.

    Ensuring a robust regulatory framework to define, monitor, and enforce health safety standards is also a critical step toward resilient health systems.

    Decarbonizing healthcare supply chains is not just an environmental imperative—it’s essential to building resilient, equitable health systems, especially in vulnerable regions.

    Nansu Isadahl and Avdesh Gupta contributed to this blog post.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –