CHARLESTON, S.C. — Three brothers have been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud. Two brothers, William Chan, 40, and Siu Chan, 32, both of Georgia, pleaded guilty to a wire fraud conspiracy. The third brother, Ka Ho Chan, 33, who also resides in Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. The brothers, along with other family members, operate a string of restaurants in the Charleston area.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that beginning in March 2020, the Chan brothers applied for Paycheck Protect Program (PPP) and Emergency Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) funds using false representations and fraudulent documentation.
The evidence presented for William and Siu Chan revealed that at least 22 PPP and EIDL loans were applied for and received totaling more than $2.5 million. The investigation further revealed that a handful of the loans applied for by William and Siu were legitimate applications but the funds we not used for legitimate business purposes once funded. For example, the Government uncovered evidence that the brothers used PPP and EIDL loan funds to make personal car purchases and pay personal credit card expenses.
Ka Ha Chan pleaded to a separate information charging him with wire fraud for an EIDL loan and grant he received. Moreover, in Ka Ha Chan’s plea agreement, he agreed to a restitution figure between $300,000 to $350,000 based on his receipt of fraudulent loan proceeds applied for by his brothers during their conspiracy. The evidence revealed that all the funds received by Ka Ho, though his own wire fraud scheme, and the funds he received from his brothers were not used for legitimate business purposes and were used for personal expenses, such as vehicle purchases and personal credit cards.
“These defendants exploited a program intended to help struggling businesses during a critical time. Their greed led them to defraud the government and taxpayers, diverting millions of dollars intended for legitimate economic relief,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “This sentencing sends a clear message: those who attempt to profit from pandemic aid through fraud will be held accountable.”
“We will not tolerate those who exploit programs designed to support small businesses, and these defendants are now facing the consequences for their actions,” said Steve Jensen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Columbia field office. “The FBI remains committed to identifying, investigating, and holding accountable those who attempt undermine our financial institutions for personal gain.”
United States District Richard M. Gergel sentenced William Chan to 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Siu Chan was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. Ka Ho Chan was sentenced to 12 months and one day imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.
There is no parole in the federal system. The total amount of fraudulent loans and misuse of EIDL and PPP loan funds presented to the court during sentencing exceeded $2.8 million. In advance of sentencing, efforts had been made by the brothers to pay restitution. As a result, the outstanding restitution owed in the amount of $1,268,386.50 was ordered.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and Small Business Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tina Lüdecke, Leader of the Emmy Noether Group for Hominin Meat Consumption (HoMeCo), Max Planck Institute For Chemistry
For decades, scientists have been learning more about the diets of early hominins, particularly their reliance on plants. Yet we still don’t know when these ancestors of humans started eating meat.
This is a frustrating gap in our understanding of human evolution. We think regular meat consumption was one of the main drivers of brain growth and evolution in hominins, because animal products are calorie-dense and easier to digest than unprocessed plant foods. They also contain all the essential amino acids and are rich in biologically important nutrients, minerals and vitamins.
What we do know is that by the time our genus, Homo, emerged over two million years ago, hominins were regularly eating meat. This is clear from their increased reliance at this point on stone tools to butcher and process meat products. We’ve also found fossil bones with cut marks that indicate butchering.
But that doesn’t explain when and where regular meat eating started and which species of our ancestors made that crucial shift.
Now, thanks to fossilised tooth enamel, we’re a step closer to an answer. In a study with several other co-authors, we measured nitrogen isotopes in the enamel from fossilised teeth belonging to the hominin genus Australopithecus, discovered in South Africa’s Sterkfontein Caves. This is one of the oldest known human ancestor species.
Atoms of the same element can have different versions, called isotopes, which have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This makes them slightly heavier or lighter but chemically similar. For example, nitrogen has two stable isotopes: nitrogen-14 (¹⁴N) and nitrogen-15 (¹⁵N). These occur naturally, but their ratio varies in nature. In food webs, nitrogen isotopes become enriched as you move up the chain, meaning predators have higher ¹⁴N/¹⁵N ratios than herbivores.
Identifying these isotopes is a way to reconstruct ancient diets and ecosystems, helping scientists understand how past environments shaped the survival of species – including early humans.
We also tested the isotopic signature of animals that lived in the ecosystem at the same time. We saw that the isotopic signature of Australopithecus was low – similar to that of herbivores.
Our findings suggest that these ape-like, small-brained early hominins were eating mostly plants. There was little to no evidence of meat consumption. They may have snacked on the occasional egg or insect but they were not regularly hunting large mammals like Neanderthals did millions of years later.
A toothy approach
One of us (Dr Lüdecke) began working with fossilised tooth enamel during her PhD. The focus was on measuring stable carbon isotopes in the enamel as a way to uncover the plant-based part of an extant or extinct animal’s diet.
This approach reveals whether a species relied on lush, leafy plants or hardy, grass-like vegetation in African savanna ecosystems. But there was always that small, unsatisfying sentence in the discussion section of her academic papers: “This dataset cannot inform about the meat portion of the diet.”
Then inspiration struck. The co-authors of the latest study, Alfredo Martínez-García and Daniel Sigman, had developed a method with their teams to measure nitrogen isotopes in marine microfossils – tiny creatures that, like fossilised tooth enamel, contain almost no organic material.
When these results aligned with what we expected in terms of their known diets, we knew we had a reliable tool. After more laboratory testing, method tweaking and checking, we felt ready to analyse the fossilised tooth enamel of non-primate fauna found in one of the oldest fossil-bearing deposits of South Africa’s Sterkfontein Caves. This deposit, Member 4, formed about 3.4 million years ago, during the Late Pliocene period.
Again, these analyses gave us the expected results: it was clear at the isotopic level whether we were dealing with the teeth of a herbivore or a carnivore.
Then we finally sampled seven Australopithecus molars from Member 4 to uncover whether these ancient hominins, which lived and died around the Sterkfontein Caves about 3.4 million years ago, were sinking their teeth into meat or sticking to a largely vegetarian menu.
By comparing the nitrogen isotope ratios of these early hominins with those of other animals from the same ecosystem – like antelopes, monkeys and carnivores – we found that the isotopic signature of Australopithecus was low, similar to that of herbivores.
Future plans
This discovery is just the beginning. We’re now expanding our research to other fossil sites across Africa and Asia, hoping to answer bigger questions. When did meat truly enter the hominin diet? Which species of hominins through our evolution consumed meat? Did the behaviour emerge several times and did it coincide with the rise of larger brains, or marked changes in behaviour, like new stone tool technology? And what does this mean for how we understand the evolutionary path that led to our species?
– When did our ancestors start to eat meat regularly? Fossilised teeth get us closer to the answer – https://theconversation.com/when-did-our-ancestors-start-to-eat-meat-regularly-fossilised-teeth-get-us-closer-to-the-answer-249737
HOUSTON – A Nigerian national who is in the U.S. illegally pleaded guilty Feb. 28 to multiple criminal charges related to his role in operating a romance scheme that defrauded more than $3 million from citizens nationwide, many of whom were elderly.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the multi-year investigation that led to the conviction.
Darlington Akporugo, a 47-year-old criminal alien from Nigeria, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud; and wire fraud, aiding and abetting.
“This individual and his co-conspirators preyed on the vulnerability of the elderly and recently widowed to defraud them of their hard-earned life savings,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “Thanks to the victims who bravely came forward to report this matter to law enforcement and the outstanding relationships that we have with our domestic and law enforcement partners abroad; we were able to expose this reprehensible scheme and hold the criminals involved in it accountable.”
In his plea, Akporugo admitted to being a central figure in a long-running romance scheme based in Houston that victimized citizens from Chicago to Kentucky. Akporugo worked with others to lure victims through online romances and then induce them to send money to various bank accounts he controlled.
To further the fraud, Akporugo and his co-conspirators used fake names to contact victims on social media, gain their confidence and then persuade them to invest in non-existent businesses or provide funds for invented personal circumstances.
As part of his plea, Akporugo admitted to approaching potential victims, primarily on social media sites such as Facebook, and then directing them to send money to either his or his associates’ bank accounts. That money was often then directed overseas.
In addition to collecting cash and wire transfers, Akpourgo also admitted to having victims open lines of credit in his name and, in one case, purchasing a luxury vehicle for his personal use.
During the investigation, authorities were able to identify more than 25 victims of the scheme, the majority were either retired or of advanced age.
Akporugo is scheduled to be sentenced June 6. At that time, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.
Left to right: Basel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal and Yuval Abraham pose with their Oscars for ‘No Other Land’ at the 2025 Academy Awards.Maya Dehlin Spach/Getty Images
For many low-budget, independent films, an Oscar win is a golden ticket.
The publicity can translate into theatrical releases or rereleases, along with more on-demand rentals and sales.
However, for “No Other Land,” a Palestinian-Israeli film that just won best documentary feature at the 2025 Academy Awards, this exposure may not translate into commercial success in the U.S. That’s because the film has been unable to find a company to distribute it in America.
“No Other Land” chronicles the efforts of Palestinian townspeople to combat an Israeli plan to demolish their villages in the West Bank and use the area as a military training ground. It was directed by four Palestinian and Israeli activists and journalists: Basel Adra, who is a resident of the area facing demolition, Yuval Abraham, Hamdan Ballal and Rachel Szor. While the filmmakers have organized screenings in a number of U.S. cities, the lack of a national distributor makes a broader release unlikely.
Film distributors are a crucial but often unseen link in the chain that allows a film to reach cinemas and people’s living rooms. In recent years it has become more common for controversial award-winning films to run into issues finding a distributor. Palestinian films have encountered additional barriers.
As a scholar of Arabic who has written about Palestinian cinema, I’m disheartened by the difficulties “No Other Land” has faced. But I’m not surprised.
The role of film distributors
Distributors are often invisible to moviegoers. But without one, it can be difficult for a film to find an audience.
Distributors typically acquire rights to a film for a specific country or set of countries. They then market films to movie theaters, cinema chains and streaming platforms. As compensation, distributors receive a percentage of the revenue generated by theatrical and home releases.
The film “Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat,” another finalist for best documentary, shows how this process typically works. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024 and was acquired for distribution just a few months later by Kino Lorber, a major U.S.-based distributor of independent films.
The inability to find a distributor is not itself noteworthy. No film is entitled to distribution, and most films by newer or unknown directors face long odds.
So why can’t “No Other Land” find a distributor in the U.S.?
There are a couple of factors at play.
Shying away from controversy
In recent years, film critics have noticed a trend: Documentaries on controversial topics have faced distribution difficulties. These include a film about a campaign by Amazon workers to unionize and a documentary about Adam Kinzinger, one of the few Republican congresspeople to vote to impeach Donald Trump in 2021.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, of course, has long stirred controversy. But the release of “No Other Land” comes at a time when the issue is particularly salient. The Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing Israeli bombardment and invasion of the Gaza Strip have become a polarizing issue in U.S. domestic politics, reflected in the campus protests and crackdowns in 2024. The filmmakers’ critical comments about the Israeli occupation of Palestine have also garnered backlash in Germany.
Yet the fact that this conflict has been in the news since October 2023 should also heighten audience interest in a film such as “No Other Land” – and, therefore, lead to increased sales, the metric that distributors care about the most.
Indeed, an earlier film that also documents Palestinian protests against Israeli land expropriation, “5 Broken Cameras,” was a finalist for best documentary at the 2013 Academy Awards. It was able to find a U.S. distributor. However, it had the support of a major European Union documentary development program called Greenhouse. The support of an organization like Greenhouse, which had ties to numerous production and distribution companies in Europe and the U.S., can facilitate the process of finding a distributor.
By contrast, “No Other Land,” although it has a Norwegian co-producer and received some funding from organizations in Europe and the U.S., was made primarily by a grassroots filmmaking collective.
Stages for protest
While distribution challenges may be recent, controversies surrounding Palestinian films are nothing new.
Many of them stem from the fact that the system of film festivals, awards and distribution is primarily based on a movie’s nation of origin. Since there is no sovereign Palestinian state – and many countries and organizations have not recognized the state of Palestine – the question of how to categorize Palestinian films has been hard to resolve.
In 2002, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences rejected the first ever Palestinian film submitted to the best foreign language film category – Elia Suleiman’s “Divine Intervention” – because Palestine was not recognized as a country by the United Nations. The rules were changed for the following year’s awards ceremony.
In 2021, the cast of the film “Let It Be Morning,” which had an Israeli director but primarily Palestinian actors, boycotted the Cannes Film Festival in protest of the film’s categorization as an Israeli film rather than a Palestinian one.
Film festivals and other cultural venues have also become places to make statements about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and engage in protest. For example, at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017, the right-wing Israeli culture minister wore a controversial – and meme-worthy – dress that featured the Jerusalem skyline in support of Israeli claims of sovereignty over the holy city, despite the unresolved status of Jerusalem under international law.
Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev wears a dress featuring the old city of Jerusalem during the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. Antonin Thuillier/AFP via Getty Images
At the 2024 Academy Awards, a number of attendees, including Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo and Mahershala Ali, wore red pins in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, and pro-Palestine protesters delayed the start of the ceremonies.
As he accepted his award, “No Other Land” director Yuval Abraham called out “the foreign policy” of the U.S. for “helping to block” a path to peace.
Even though a film like “No Other Land” addresses a topic of clear interest to many Americans, I wonder if the quest to find a U.S. distributor just got even harder.
This article has been updated to clarify that the film was a collaborative effort between Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers. It has also been updated to reflect the film’s win at the 2025 Academy Awards.
Drew Paul does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
REDMOND, Wash., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In 2024, BCMI Corp. celebrated 10 years in business, and another significant milestone. The technology leader and provider of cloud-based mobile software for concrete and bulk materials producers more than doubled its cloud-based ready-mix dispatch footprint across the U.S.
Industry-leading companies, beginning with Smith Ready Mix in Valparaiso, Indiana, have adopted BCMI’s cloud-based system, including Miles Sand & Gravel, Geneva Rock and Sunroc (both Clyde Companies subsidiaries), BARD Materials and GCC. These producers have added BCMI’s dispatch as part of the end-to-end software platform that includes extensive operational and customer KPIs, quoting and sales tools, and customer invoicing.
This year, large vertical materials producers imi and Titan America will implement BCMI’s cloud-based concrete dispatch system, as well as regional leaders Consumers Concrete and Zignego, to further accelerate its expansion.
“One of the great advantages of BCMI Dispatch is that any change or update from our dispatchers and drivers is instantly shared across our company—and with our customers—through the BCMI mobile apps,” BARD Materials Vice President of Operations Chad Thier says. “BCMI truly partners with producers to shape a concrete dispatch system that leverages the best technology available, ensuring it meets the needs of the industry.”
The BCMI Dispatch system has the advantage of being cloud-native, meaning it is developed using the most current technology rather than retrofitting older dispatch systems with hardware that must be maintained by producers. BCMI integrates with related systems, such as truck GPS and accounting programs, through API (Application Programming Interface) connections entirely in the cloud. This allows materials producers to choose their own best-in-class solution set to meet their business needs.
“After an extensive, six-month evaluation, we concluded that BCMI’s combination of current product offerings, plus the opportunity to take part in the continued development of the product, was the best fit for what imi needs to service our customers and our internal teams,” imi President and CEO Pete Lyons says.
BCMI’s leadership draws on more than 100 years of collective experience in serving the concrete and bulk materials market, making the team uniquely qualified to understand and address the needs of the industry. “We have all experienced the pain of struggling with outdated technology, and it makes us even more passionate about creating better tools for producers and contractors,” BCMI Vice President of Customer Success Janeen O’Dell says. “Things like mobile apps and eTicketing are old news in other industries, and there’s no reason our industry shouldn’t use them to make our day-to-day jobs easier.”
According to BCMI Co-founder and President Craig Yeack and author of the “Tech Trends” column for Concrete Products magazine, “Our product team is laser focused on innovation, including aggressive research and development of AI tools for materials producers. In the next few years, we’ll see accelerated growth in technology, faster than we’ve seen in decades. We look forward to being the industry’s trusted partner as we navigate these changes together.”
About BCMI
BCMI Corp.’s mobile software empowers bulk construction material producers to improve business processes. BCMI’s performance analytics, interactive communication tools and AI-assisted dispatch keep materials producers and contractors aligned with real-time business solutions. For more on our cloud-based BCMI Dispatch, Material Pro and Material Now apps, visit www.bcmicorp.com.
Tel-Aviv, Israel, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZOOZ Power Ltd. (Nasdaq: ZOOZ, TASE: ZOOZ), a leading provider of flywheel-based power boosters and energy management systems for enabling ultra-fast EV charging solutions, announced today that it has shipped its first power-boosting system, the ZOOZTER™-100, to China. The commercial arrangements were made through a related party of ZOOZ Power in China. The site where ZOOZTER™-100 will be installed was developed by Yixiaoju Technology Co., Ltd, a company that operates numerous locations within the Orange Charging (Xiaoju) network. Orange Charging, a sub-brand of DiDi’s energy sector, is China’s largest charging network, operating over 115,000 fast chargers. As the foremost mobility services platform in China and a publicly traded company in the U.S. with a market cap of $24.3 billion, DiDi’s ecosystem offers a significant opportunity for ZOOZ Power to extend its presence in this rapidly growing market.
China’s electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with EVs accounting for nearly 50% of total car sales in 2024(1). This surge highlights the increasing demand for efficient charging solutions. In addition to enhancing the capabilities of Yixiaoju’s charging station, the Shanghai pilot installation will also serve as a vehicle for market penetration of ZOOZ Power’s flywheel-based power-boosting technology coupled with ZOOZ’s proven Energy Management System to the Chinese market. By providing a reliable and highly efficient solution for high-power EV charging, ZOOZ Power aims to support the expansion of ultra-fast charging networks while reducing the strain on local electricity grids.
“Shipping our first system to China is a significant step in ZOOZ Power’s penetration into the Chinese market,” said Erez Zimerman, CEO of ZOOZ Power.“China is the undisputed leader in electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure, and we see tremendous potential for our technology in this market. We are thrilled to have an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of our sustainable power-boosting solution to China’s top EV players. This is just the beginning of our journey in China, and we look forward to further opportunities to contribute to the country’s ambitious electrification goals.”
ZOOZ Power’s innovative flywheel-based technology enables ultra-fast charging even in locations with limited grid capacity, eliminating the need for expensive grid upgrades and while maximizing charging station effectiveness. The company’s solution has already been deployed in multiple locations across Europe and North America, and this latest move signals its strategic focus on expanding into China’s rapidly growing EV market.
About ZOOZ Power
ZOOZ is the 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/
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 “ON” charging network (including any plans to implement ZOOZ Power’s solution and upgrade an additional site of “ON” on Route 6) 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 deployment of public ultra-fast charging infrastructure, the potential outcome of ZOOZ Power’s collaborations with third parties for installation of its flywheel-based power boosting solution, statements regarding the opportunity for ZOOZ Power to extend its presence in China, statements regarding growth in the Chinese market, statements regarding the expansion of ultra-fast charging networks 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.
CAIRO – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a US$6.5 million contribution from the Republic of Korea that will enable the organization to sustain lifesaving assistance for vulnerable communities facing food insecurity across the Middle East.
The funding will be used to support the continued distribution of vital food and cash to communities most in need in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye where WFP plans to provide food assistance to nearly 7.7 million people this year. The contribution will also bolster ongoing recovery efforts for people affected by the deadly earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023.
“WFP is grateful for the Republic of Korea’s donation as the Middle East faces one of its most challenging times,” said Corinne Fleischer, WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. “This support is vital to keep our lifesaving operations going and to reach families in dire need. Food security is not just about meeting urgent needs, it supports national security and helps bring stability to this troubled region.”
The donation comes at a pivotal moment as humanitarian needs are surging across the Middle East driven by a convergence of regional and global challenges. Escalating regional tensions, economic turmoil and climate shocks have pushed millions of people to the brink, unable to access enough food to survive.
The Republic of Korea has generously contributed over US$21 million to support WFP’s activities in the four countriesover the last five years.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies andusing food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
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Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
BEIJING, March 3 — On February 28, local time, the 15th Chinese Peacekeeping Horizontal Engineering Company to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) completed the road maintenance work for the Kuajok-Lunyaker-Warrap main supply route and the road is now fully open to traffic.
In 21 workdays’ maintenance work, the Chinese peacekeeping contingent dispatched more than 800 troops and more than 380 vehicles and machines and transported more than 2,000 cubic meters of soil. They completed the maintenance work with high standards and demonstrated China’s commitment to peacekeeping career.
People in the UK need to adopt heat pumps and electric vehicles as fast as they once embraced refrigerators, mobile phones and internet connection according to a new report by the Climate Change Committee (CCC).
This government watchdog says the next 15 years will be critical for decarbonising the UK, one of the world’s largest (and earliest) carbon polluters. Eighty-seven percent of its climate-heating emissions must be eliminated by 2040 to keep the country on track for net zero emissions by mid-century, per the report. The majority (60%) of these cuts are expected to come via a single source: electricity.
Out of possible alternatives to a fossil fuelled economy, electrification has emerged as the favoured solution of experts at the CCC.
Ran Boydell, an associate professor in sustainable development at Heriot-Watt University, agrees. “Home boilers will very soon move into the realm of nostalgia,” he says.
The reason why heat pumps are increasingly touted as the future of home heating – and not retooled boilers that burn hydrogen instead of methane – is efficiency.
Boydell points out that green hydrogen fuel is made using electricity from solar and wind farms. We could eliminate emissions a lot quicker, he argues, if that electricity went directly to heat pumps instead.
Electricity can be turned into a fuel – or power appliances directly. Piyaset/Shutterstock
“This is because you end up with only two-thirds of the energy in the hydrogen that you started with from the electricity,” he says.
Likewise, battery-powered vehicles have an advantage that has allowed them to race ahead of hydrogen fuel cells to comprise almost a fifth of all new vehicles sold in the UK in 2024.
“An electric vehicle can be recharged wherever there is access to a plug socket,” say Tom Stacey and Chris Ivory, supply chain experts at Anglia Ruskin University. “The infrastructure that exists to support hydrogen vehicles is limited in comparison and will require extensive investment to introduce.”
If the route to zero emissions is largely settled, we need to travel it quickly.
Electric dreams
One of the fastest energy transitions in history occurred over a decade in South Korea, according to energy system researchers James Price and Steve Pye (UCL). Between 1977 and 1987, the generation of electricity from oil in the east Asian country collapsed – from roughly 7 million gigawatt-hours to nearly 7,000 – and was replaced with, among other sources, nuclear power.
There are historic analogues for the rapid shift necessary to arrest climate change. But a zero-carbon power sector, which the UK government aims to achieve by 2030, is just the start.
“Wind and solar, which provide more than 28% of the UK’s electricity, will soon overtake gas as the main generation source as more wind farms come online,” say energy system modeller Andrew Crossland and engineer Jon Gluyas, both of Durham University.
“But successive governments have failed to achieve the same result in homes and communities where so much high-carbon gas is burned, despite their decarbonisation being critical to net zero.”
Crossland and Gluyas note that solar panels, batteries and heat pumps can be installed “in days” to rapidly cut emissions, and that doing so would create “skilled jobs across the country”. As things stand, however, it would also present a severe challenge to the grid.
Mechanical engineer Florimond Gueniat of Birmingham City University predicts that converting UK transport to battery power wholesale would require expanding grid capacity by 46% – the equivalent of erecting 5,800 skyscraper-sized wind turbines. And that’s even accounting for the greater efficiency of electric vehicles, which waste less of the energy we put into them compared with oil-powered cars.
A massive upgrade to the electricity network is needed, and ordinary people have a part to play. Charging cars could serve as batteries that grid operators draw from during a supply pinch. The same goes for the power generated by solar panels on top of houses.
“Such policies in Germany have … already offset 10% of the national demand,” says Gueniat.
Getting to net zero requires the public’s involvement. But some of the CCC’s advice may be difficult to swallow. Not least the implication that people will have to eat 35% less meat and dairy in 2050 compared with 2019.
So are people ready for a world that runs on electrons alone? Aimee Ambrose, a professor of energy policy at Sheffield Hallam University, thinks heat pumps will struggle to compete with the inviting warmth of wood stoves and coal fires. Over three years she spoke with hundreds of people in the UK, Finland, Sweden and Romania and found strong attachments to high-carbon fuels even among people committed to solving climate change.
Human behaviour is the most difficult variable for experts who study climate change to model. There will certainly be drawbacks to abandoning fossil fuelled conveniences at breakneck speed. Yet, there are bound to be benefits too – some of which might only materialise once we get going.
In mid-April 2020, while much of humanity was under some form of lockdown to halt the spread of COVID-19, atmospheric chemist Paul Monks of the University of Leicester was marvelling at the sudden drop in air pollution, which kills millions of people each year and is predominantly caused by burning coal, oil and gas.
Feeling disbelieved when knowing that there is something very wrong with your body can have devastating and long-term consequences. One of the most obvious consequences is that you won’t get the correct treatment and support.
A study my colleagues and I conducted of over 3,000 people with autoimmune disease uncovered many extra long-lasting disadvantages when the misdiagnosis involved a mental health or psychosomatic label (often termed an “in your head” misdiagnosis by patients).
These often included feelings of shame, self-doubt and depression. For some, it extended to suicidal thoughts and even suicide attempts.
A further consequence was that people had much lower trust in doctors. This distrust led to some people avoiding seeking further medical help, often for fear of being disbelieved again.
A concerning finding from our study was that these negative emotions and distrust often remained just as strong many years after feeling that a doctor had not believed their symptoms.
Psychological scars were deep and usually unhealed. Over 70% of people reporting a psychosomatic or mental misdiagnosis said that it still upset them. And over 80% said that it had damaged their self-worth.
One of our study participants, who had several autoimmune diseases, told her story that spoke for many: “One doctor told me I was making myself feel pain – I still can’t forget those words. Telling me I’m doing it to myself has made me very anxious and depressed.”
These findings were not just anecdotal. Overall, we found depression levels were significantly higher and wellbeing levels lower in people who reported receiving mental health or psychosomatic misdiagnoses.
We chose to use this woman’s testimony in the title of our study: “I still can’t forget those words.” Not only did it accurately reflect our findings, but it symbolises our research team’s ethos to give these often unheard patients a voice.
The hurt of misdiagnosis was compounded by having “nowhere to voice my anger” or distress. Some of the most moving stories were from people whose early symptoms of autoimmune disease, when they were still children, had been disbelieved by doctors.
Even in middle or older age, those words and feelings had remained with them for decades, often felt as strongly as the day that they were heard. As one of the patient partners in our research team described it, they lived the rest of their lives with “seared souls”.
A woman with lupus told the interviewer that her doctor had told her at age 16 that she had “too many symptoms for it not to be hypochondria”. She spoke very emotively and articulately about the damage caused to a developing sense of self.
It has affected my mental health very negatively and I do think it’s affected me in my like sense of self. It’s not good for anyone at any age but as a teenage girl being told you don’t know your own feelings is absolutely no way to shape a human being.
It is natural when hearing all these very difficult stories, and seeing the damage caused, to blame doctors, but is that fair? Doctors very rarely set out to cause harm. Rather, in some cases, it is impossible to diagnose autoimmune diseases quickly.
However, our study highlights that some doctors do reach too quickly for a psychosomatic or mental health explanation for autoimmune disease symptoms.
Some research that may have influenced doctors in giving psychosomatic misdiagnoses says that a long list of symptoms is a red flag that the symptoms are not caused by a disease. This generalisation rather dangerously fails to account for the fact that a long list of symptoms is also a red flag for many autoimmune diseases.
Many autoimmune symptoms are also invisible, and there are no clear tests that will show how bad they are to the doctor. Some of the terms that patients find upsetting and dismissive when doctors talk or write about their symptoms include “vague” and “non-specific”.
Doctors often write letters quickly due to health service constraints, sometimes unthinkingly using terms passed down from their seniors; letters that use terms like “patient claims” or “no objective evidence found of” can increase feelings of being disbelieved.
Empathetic listening
Our research suggests that more doctors need to think about autoimmunity as a diagnosis early on when faced with multiple varied symptoms that often don’t seem to fit together. Above all, many diagnostic clues can be found by listening to and believing the people experiencing the symptoms.
Empathetic listening and support are also required to help misdiagnosed patients heal emotionally – they very rarely can just “move on” as one doctor advised. We should not underestimate the power of doctors saying “I believe you” to patients with multiple invisible symptoms, and “I am sorry for what has happened in the past” if they had a difficult road to diagnosis.
Most of the 50 doctors interviewed for the study reported that misdiagnoses were common in autoimmunity, but few had realised that the repercussions of these misdiagnoses were so severe and long lasting.
Reassuringly, almost all of them were saddened and motivated to improve their patients’ experiences. Several explained that they thought they were being reassuring by telling patients that their symptoms were most likely to be psychological or stress-related and thought this would be preferable to patients worrying about having a disease.
Although many people experience mental health and psychosomatic symptoms, and doctors must consider them as a possible explanation, a clear lesson from our study is that psychosomatic (mis)diagnoses are rarely seen as reassuring to patients with autoimmune disease symptoms. Rather, they are usually deeply damaging with lifelong and life-changing repercussions.
Melanie Sloan receives funding from LUPUS UK, The Lupus Trust, Vasculitis UK, and NIHR. She is an Associate Editor for Rheumatology (Oxford) journal and receives consultancy fees to her Long-Term Conditions Research Group at Cambridge Department of Public Health from Otoimmune, a company dedicated to creating innovative tools and resources to empower people with autoimmune conditions to better understand, manage, and improve their health.
FREDERICK, MD – A successful collaboration between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office through the 287(g) Program ensured that two criminal aliens were properly identified and detained following a high-speed pursuit and drug seizure.
“This case is a clear example of how collaboration with local jurisdictions enhances public safety by ensuring that dangerous individuals are properly identified and not released back into our communities,” said ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston. “Our partnership with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is critical in prioritizing the removal of the most egregious offenders. Sheriff Chuck Jenkins has been involved in with the 287(g) Program since its inception, demonstrating exemplary law enforcement leadership through his partnership and commitment to community safety. Without these partnerships, criminal aliens could easily disappear before facing justice, putting the public at further risk. ICE remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to uphold the rule of law and protect our communities from those who engage in criminal activity.”
At approximately 9:20 PM, Feb. 20, Deputy First Class Roush of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office was on patrol near Route 85 and Grove Road when he observed a white Nissan van behaving suspiciously. The van attempted to evade police by turning onto a gravel path behind an area shopping center. Upon running the vehicle’s tags, DFC Roush received a stolen vehicle alert and initiated a pursuit with assistance from other responding deputies.
After refusing to stop, the suspect accelerated onto I-270 northbound at speeds reaching 100 mph. The pursuit continued through Frederick and Montgomery counties. During the pursuit, Maryland State Police Aviation was requested to assist. As the suspects continued toward Shady Grove Road and Briardale Road, the driver intentionally rammed a vehicle at a red light before continuing to flee. At this point, FCSO ended the pursuit while Maryland State Police Trooper 3 maintained aerial surveillance. With the assistance from Montgomery County Police Department, officers apprehended four suspects at a Sheetz located at 751 Progress Way.
FCSO Deputies responded to the scene and conducted a search of the suspect’s vehicle. Deputies recovered crack cocaine, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia inside the van. The driver of the vehicle was also found by MCPD officers inside the Sheetz attempting to dispose of narcotics in a restroom.
The stolen van, found with significant front-end damage, had rammed a vehicle with three occupants inside. Two of the victims were transported to an area hospital for treatment.
All four suspects were arrested and transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center central booking.
“Two of the four suspects taken into custody were found to be in the United States illegally through our 287(g) Program during the central booking process. Those same two suspects were released on personal recognizance on initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner. These two individuals are being held as removable criminal aliens only because ICE detainers were placed on them by 287(g)-trained correctional officers. Without those detainers, they would have been released immediately, potentially returning to criminal activity or disappearing before trial,” said Sheriff Jenkins, “This is yet another example of the importance of the 287(g) Program to local public safety in protecting our community. I can’t emphasize strongly enough; just how effective and valuable the 287(g) Program is now and has been over the sixteen-year partnership. I really hope the public thinks about this example involving these criminal acts and realizes the importance of the program.”
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recognizes the importance of its relationships with state and local law enforcement partners. ICE will continue to share information and coordinate operations with those partners in a way that best serves local needs and fulfills ICE’s important national security and public safety mission. In recent years, state and local law enforcement cooperation with ICE has decreased with some jurisdictions electing to minimally cooperate while some jurisdictions ceased to cooperate altogether.
As a result, the 287(g) Program – through the delegation of some immigration officer duties – allows ICE to cooperate with its state and local law enforcement partners to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of aliens who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws. While the 287(g) Program has yielded successes, ICE recognizes the program is not universally regarded as the most effective or appropriate model in every jurisdiction. Accordingly, ICE maintains its authority to utilize 287(g) agreements and exercise strict oversight. ICE continually evaluates the overall effectiveness of the program.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our Baltimore communities on X at @EROBaltimore.
PASADENA, Calif., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Now Corporation (OTC: NWPN) is proud to announce an innovative new initiative, transforming dormant gas station sites into dynamic electric vehicle (EV) hubs. In a bold move that underscores our commitment to sustainable development and urban revitalization, The Now Corporation, through its forward-thinking subsidiaries Green Rain Solar Inc. and M Love Vintage Holdings Inc., will convert closed-down gas stations into modern EV charging locations while infusing each site with a unique vintage flair.
Reinventing the Past, Powering the Future The initiative involves leasing underutilized, shuttered gas stations and reimagining them for a greener, more efficient tomorrow. M Love Vintage Holdings Inc. will add its distinctive style by repurposing former gas pump sites with innovative, artful design elements that pay homage to the past, while Green Rain Solar Inc. will ensure these hubs harness renewable energy for powering EVs.
Strategic Rollout Across Key U.S. Locations This visionary project will debut in strategic urban centers, including:
New York, NY: Transforming a historic location into a state-of-the-art EV charging station with a blend of modern technology and vintage charm.
Los Angeles, CA: Setting the stage for sustainable mobility in one of America’s most vibrant cities.
Santa Fe, NM: Merging cultural heritage with modern sustainability initiatives.
Scottsdale, AZ: Creating a sleek, contemporary charging hub in a region renowned for innovation.
Miami, FL: Establishing a vibrant EV station that reflects the city’s dynamic energy and commitment to environmental progress.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Community Revitalization “We are excited to lead the charge toward a cleaner, greener future by repurposing existing urban infrastructure,” said Alfredo Papadakis, CEO of The Now Corporation. “By transforming closed gas stations into EV hubs, we not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also breathe new life into communities with rich historical narratives. This project is a testament to our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.”
The Now Corporation’s initiative marks a significant step in redefining urban spaces for the modern era. By merging cutting-edge renewable energy solutions with the timeless charm of vintage design, we are paving the way for a future where sustainability and heritage coexist seamlessly.
About The Now Corporation: The Now Corporation (OTC: NWPN) is committed to advancing clean energy solutions through its subsidiary, Green Rain Solar Inc. Green Rain Solar focuses on urban rooftop solar installations and grid-connected power solutions, targeting markets with high energy costs. By combining state-of-the-art solar and battery technologies, The Now Corporation is dedicated to driving innovation and sustainability in renewable energy sector.
About Green Rain Solar Inc.: Green Rain Solar Inc., a subsidiary of The Now Corporation (OTC: NWPN), is a solar energy utility company specializing in urban solar energy and grid integration. The company develops innovative rooftop solar projects to transform sunlight into grid-connected power, promoting sustainable energy solutions for high-cost urban areas. https://greenrainenergy.com/
About M Love Vintage Holdings Inc.: M Love Vintage Holdings Inc. offers clients exclusive access to an unparalleled collection of vintage fashion. From rare accessories to complete ensembles, the company curates garments from past eras, celebrating the beauty and craftsmanship of bygone times.
Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. This includes the possibility that the business outlined in this press release may not be concluded due to unforeseen technical, installation, permitting, or other challenges. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of The Now Corporation to differ materially from those expressed herein. Except as required under U.S. federal securities laws, The Now Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
2024 Net Revenue of $23.1 Million, an 87% Increase over FY 2023 Net Revenue of $12.3 Million
No Debt on Balance Sheet Following Conversion of $2.8 million in Senior Secured Convertible Notes
New Pro-U.S. Border Security Administration Provides Additional Macro Tailwinds for 2025 & Beyond
REDMOND, Wash., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Airship AI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AISP) (“Airship AI” or the “Company”), a leader in AI-driven video, sensor, and data management surveillance solutions, today reported its financial and operational results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.
FY 2024 Financial Highlights
Net revenues were $23.1 million.
Gross profit was $10.5 million.
Gross margin was 45.7%.
Operating loss was $3.5 million, which reflected increased stock-based compensation and transactions costs related to the merger and overall sales levels.
FY 2024 Financial Highlights
Dramatic Revenue Growth: In 2024, Airship AI delivered 87% year-over-year (“YoY”) revenue growth, growing from $12.3 million to $23.1 million. Revenue growth was driven mainly by increased sales to federal government customers, with multiple large awards for cloud-based Acropolis offerings and edge-based Outpost AI appliances.
Steady Gross Profit Margin: Full year gross profit as of December 31, 2024 was $10.5 million, flat YoY, primarily due to the continued high percentages of third-party hardware sales as part of turn-key solutions bundled by Airship AI with Outpost AI included. The Company is already seeing the value of these seeding opportunities in awarded business as well as pipeline opportunity growth.
Significant Operational Improvements: Full year operating loss as of December 31, 2024 was $3.5 million as compared to a $6.6 million loss in 2024. Numerous one-time charges were incurred in 2024, resulting from transaction costs associated with the transition to a public company, conversion of a senior secured promissory note, and partial payments to the founders for previous advances.
Strengthened Balance Sheet: Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024, was $11.4 million, along with $1.2 million in accounts receivable. With the conversion of issued senior secured convertible promissory notes of $2.8 million, Airship AI enters 2025 with no debt on the balance sheet.
Q4 2024 & Subsequent Operational Highlights
Backlog as of December 31, 2024 was $5.5 million, including orders received late in the second half of 2024 that are expected to be delivered and invoiced across Q1 and Q2 of 2025. Backlog is not indicative of future quarterly revenue as approximately 75% of quarterly revenue is transactional and recognized in the same quarter.
Total validated pipeline at the year-end of 2024 was approximately $135 million, consisting of single and multi-year opportunities for AI-driven edge, video, and sensor and data management platform across all our customer verticals. The pipeline includes opportunities at varying stages of progression with expected award timeframes throughout the next 18-24 months.
Due to the sensitive nature of many customers and deployment use cases, the Company is often restricted from publicly disclosing awards and or limited as to the specifics of the customer and use case. Consequently, most awards are executed on closed or restricted contract vehicles, which further limits the sharing of information that might otherwise be available.
Multiple large contracts awarded throughout and/or subsequent to the quarter include but are not limited to:
$4.0 million firm-fixed price contract for an agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), for advanced integrated solutions supporting real-time intelligence collection operations along the United States’ borders, leveraging the Company’s edge IoT appliance, Outpost AI.
$1.2 million firm-fixed price support and maintenance contract for our existing deployment of Acropolis Enterprise Video and Data Management Platform supporting a Fortune 100 Transportation and E-Commerce company’ global operations.
Follow-on seven-figure one (1) year system maintenance and sustainment contract for an existing Fortune 100 customer leveraging the Company’s Acropolis Enterprise Video and Data Management platform supporting operational and physical security requirements.
We began deploying new infrastructure supporting mission critical requirements along the U.S. southern border; follow-on work to our successful completion of a congressionally driven pilot opportunity earlier in the year. This follow-on work is in support of our single-largest opportunity, valued at more than $50 million over the next four (4) years. Estimated total contract value is conservatively based on data points from published market research, including size and scope, and pricing approved via awarded procurement efforts.
Completed $8.0 million at-the-market public offering with net proceeds to the Company of $7.0 million after deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses.
Hired new members of the team, at the C-Suite level and below, and promoted key members of the team to increasingly higher levels of strategic responsibility within the Company. Airship AI expects additional hires in 2025 in the sales and product development teams.
Launched a new routes-to-market strategy targeting business partners and resellers that are looking for differentiated alternatives in new verticals (for Airship AI) as well as partners that can help us scale more rapidly within existing verticals.
Put in place a marketing and branding campaign for 2025. This bifurcated plan is hyper focused on creating brand awareness in several new targeted verticals through a combination of partner and industry events, enabling partners to monetize that awareness through expanded routes to market.
We participated in JIFX, or Joint Interagency Field Exercise, an invite only event led by the Naval Post-Graduate School. The JIFX team leads experimentation in alternative methods to enable rapid technological development by cultivating a community of interest and hosting broadly scoped quarterly collaborative field events which enable the Department of Defense (“DoD”), the U.S. government, and allied stakeholders to identify, influence, and accelerate early-stage technology development that address national and collective security challenges.
We participated in TIDE, or Technology Innovation Discovery Event, an invite only DoD sponsored event that aims to help innovative small businesses and non-traditional DoD performers showcase new hardware and software technologies that can significantly improve existing software or meet new challenges in support of the National Defense Strategy.
We were a primary sponsor of and participant in UTAC, the premier unmanned aerial and robotic systems tactical event for Police, Public Safety, Government, and Defense agencies. UTAC is a fully immersive training event where public safety, government, enterprise, and defense operators gather to learn best practices, establish procedures, and gain experience with the latest innovations in unmanned aerial, ground, and maritime systems along augmenting technical solutions.
Capital Markets Update:
Participated at the 13th Annual ROTH Technology Conference and the Benchmark 13th Annual Discovery One-on-One Conference.
Benchmark Company initiated coverage of Airship AI on November 13, 2024, with a Buy rating and price target of $6.
2025 Outlook
2025 net revenues of approximately $30 million, reflecting 30% revenue growth YoY, supported by a strong and validated pipeline of ~$135 million, improving gross profit margins, and a strong recurring revenue model.
Positive cash flow from business operations for the full year.
Expand AI offerings at the edge running on our Outpost AI platform and announce new offerings running at the datacenter level or in the cloud that increase customer operational efficiency using existing sources of data.
Continued innovation across our core Acropolis software platform supporting new workflows for on-premises and cloud-based deployments in highly secure operational environments.
Announce new offerings around our Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) called Evidence Discovery Server (EDS) supporting stand-alone operations as well as integrations with other leading DEMS platforms.
Continue the digital transformation of our back-office operations to improve supply chain management and production-based process efficiencies to help drive continued margin expansion.
Launch new AI based offerings supporting partner engagement, training, and support as part of our larger strategy to provide differentiated offerings to those existing and to be recruited business partners and resellers.
Targeted focus on brand awareness and engagement in new verticals through targeted marketing outreach opportunities, social media platforms, Airship AI hosted technology events, and industry tradeshow events.
Management Commentary
“The past year has been an exciting journey as we completed our first full year as a public company amid significant shifts in domestic and global economic, social, and political landscapes,” said Paul Allen, President of Airship AI. “With this dynamic backdrop, we set ambitious goals for 2024, focusing on substantial revenue growth and strengthening our balance sheet to position the business for positive cash flow operations. The great news is that we made meaningful progress on both the top and bottom lines. We delivered 87% year-over-year revenue growth of $23.1 million at a gross margin of 46%. We ended the year with $11.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1.2 million in accounts receivable.
“Our recently completed capital raise has significantly enhanced our ability to execute many of the anticipated large transactions in our pipeline, particularly those involving substantial up-front costs of goods sold. The capital raise has also enabled us to expand our sales, business development, and partner marketing capabilities by bringing in specialized industry expertise and experience in managing these large-scale defense programs. We have already made progress toward this objective with the addition of several high-caliber team members, and we are in the process of bringing on even more talent to further strengthen our capabilities.
“As we entered 2025, we have a new administration in place that has stressed from day one that the focus is going to be on securing the border and strengthening public safety and security across the homeland. While the safety of the homeland has and should always be a bi-partisan issue, the approach to how it is done varies. The new administration has made clear many of its policies and approaches to this problem already, with technology itself and technology-based solutions playing a key role in most if not all of them. Specifically, the January 20th Secure Our Borders Executive Order states that the United States will establish a physical wall and other barriers monitored and supported by adequate personnel and technology.
“To that point, we remain under the cloud of Continuing Resolution, which affects the whole of government to fund its ability to execute daily, at least beyond that which it was approved to do so the prior year. While the budget to fund this and other related activities is being addressed, we remain engaged with our customers already focused on these challenges, engagement which includes already funded efforts or those which are already budgeted.
“While we are heavily focused on the agencies directly tasked to solve these challenges, we also have a larger existing business with other agencies and commercial customers that we remain focused on as well. These customers are involved daily in similarly protecting the homeland, ranging from countering the illegal trafficking of narcotics with a focus on fentanyl, protecting critical infrastructure such as courthouses, office buildings, and sensitive sites, and enforcing the laws of the land on the streets of mainstream America.
“With the work we have already done, and the relationships we have established, we believe we are well positioned in 2025 and for the next several years to be an integral part of providing a solution for a well-defined and challenging problem that impacts every one of our shareholders.
“Lastly, we look forward to seeing some of you at our upcoming Analyst Technology Showcase on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Dripping Springs, Texas,” concluded Mr. Allen.
About Airship AI Holdings, Inc.
Founded in 2006, Airship AI (NASDAQ: AISP) is a U.S. owned and operated technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. Airship AI is an AI-driven video, sensor and data management surveillance platform that improves public safety and operational efficiency for public sector and commercial customers by providing predictive analysis of events before they occur and meaningful intelligence to decision makers. Airship AI’s product suite includes Outpost AI edge hardware and software offerings, Acropolis enterprise management software stack, and Command family of visualization tools.
The disclosure herein includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (1) statements regarding estimates and forecasts of financial, performance and operational metrics and projections of market opportunity; (2) changes in the market for Airship AI’s services and technology, expansion plans and opportunities; (3) the projected technological developments of Airship AI; and (4) current and future potential commercial and customer relationships. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Airship AI’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are also subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, as set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025, and the other documents that the Company has filed, or will file, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while it may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.
Investor Contact:
Chris Tyson/Larry Holub MZ North America 949-491-8235 AISP@mzgroup.us
AIRSHIP AI HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS As of December 31, 2024 and 2023
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
11,414,830
$
3,124,413
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $0
1,226,757
1,648,904
Prepaid expenses and other
17,883
18,368
Income tax receivable
–
7,230
Total current assets
12,659,470
4,798,915
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
–
1,861
OTHER ASSETS
Other assets
165,960
182,333
Operating lease right of use asset
882,024
1,104,804
TOTAL ASSETS
$
13,707,454
$
6,087,913
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable – trade
$
759,480
$
2,908,472
Advances from founders
1,300,000
1,750,000
Accrued expenses
51,649
200,531
Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Notes
–
2,825,366
Current portion of operating lease liability
305,178
174,876
Deferred revenue- current portion
3,238,483
4,008,654
Total current liabilities
5,654,790
11,867,899
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Operating lease liability, net of current portion
638,525
943,702
Warrant liability
34,180,618
667,985
Earnout liability
23,304,808
5,133,428
Deferred revenue- non-current
2,951,850
4,962,126
Total liabilities
66,730,591
23,575,140
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT:
Preferred stock – no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023
–
–
Common stock – $0.0001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 30,588,413 and 22,812,048 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023
3,056
2,281
Additional paid in capital
21,918,867
–
Accumulated deficit
(74,941,590
)
(17,476,700
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(3,470
)
(12,808
)
Total stockholders’ deficit
(53,023,137
)
(17,487,227
)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
$
13,707,454
$
6,087,913
AIRSHIP AI HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Year Ended
Yar Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
NET REVENUES:
Product
$
18,716,196
$
7,439,045
Post contract support
4,334,017
4,692,487
Other services
–
168,052
Revenues
23,050,213
12,299,584
COST OF NET REVENUES:
Cost of Sales
10,843,766
4,767,159
Post contract support
1,679,692
1,681,267
Other services
–
86,841
Cost of revenue
12,523,458
6,535,267
GROSS PROFIT
10,526,755
5,764,317
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
2,804,894
2,729,492
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
11,226,974
9,675,190
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
14,031,868
12,404,682
OPERATING LOSS
(3,505,113
)
(6,640,365
)
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:
(Loss) gain from change in fair value of earnout liability
(18,171,380
)
21,976,349
(Loss) gain from change in fair value of warrant liability
(33,512,633
)
1,341,120
Loss from change in fair value of convertible debt
(141,636
)
(240,784
)
Loss on note conversion
(1,144,676
)
–
Interest expense, net
(1,003,096
)
(55,685
)
Other income (expense)
13,644
(9,501
)
Total other (expense) income, net
(53,959,777
)
23,011,499
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE PROVISON FOR INCOME TAXES
(57,464,890
)
16,371,134
Provision for income taxes
–
–
NET (LOSS) INCOME
(57,464,890
)
16,371,134
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Foreign currency translation income (loss), net
9,338
(2,702
)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
$
(57,455,552
)
$
16,368,432
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE:
Basic
$
(2.34
)
$
1.20
Diluted
$
(2.34
)
$
0.80
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
Basic
24,585,955
13,671,376
Diluted
24,585,955
20,390,663
AIRSHIP AI HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
$
(57,464,890
)
$
16,371,134
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities
Depreciation and amortization
1,861
14,879
Stock-based compensation
1,078,344
715,727
Stock-based compensation- warrants
284,478
2,136,115
Amortization of operating lease right of use asset
222,780
596,556
Accelerated amortization of ROU asset – lease termination
–
265,130
Gain from lease termination
–
(344,093
)
Issuance of common stock for services
198,500
–
Noncash interest expense
1,008,419
–
Loss (gain) from change in fair value of warrant liability
33,512,633
(1,341,120
)
Loss (gain) from change in fair value of earnout liability
18,171,380
(21,976,349
)
Loss from change in fair value of convertible note
141,636
240,784
Loss on note conversion
1,144,676
–
Non cash interest, net
–
65,487
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
422,147
(943,152
)
Prepaid expenses and other
485
(2,329
)
Other assets
16,373
(182,333
)
Operating lease liability
(174,875
)
(531,621
)
Payroll and income tax receivable
7,230
960,383
Accounts payable – trade and accrued expenses
(2,294,698
)
666,136
Deferred revenue
(2,780,447
)
(2,667
)
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
(6,503,968
)
(3,291,333
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of common stock and warrants for offering, net
7,290,000
–
Proceeds from convertible promissory note
–
2,584,582
Proceeds from warrant exercise, net
7,704,540
–
Advances from founders, net
(450,000
)
1,150,000
Proceeds from reverse recapitalization
–
2,809,792
Proceeds from stock option exercises
240,507
–
Repayment of small business loan and line of credit
–
(424,540
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
14,785,047
6,119,834
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
8,281,079
2,828,501
Effect from exchange rate on cash
9,338
(2,702
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
3,124,413
298,614
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
$
11,414,830
$
3,124,413
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid
$
11,913
$
21,438
Taxes paid
$
2,410
$
17,247
Noncash investing and financing
Elimination of advances to founders in connection with contribution of Zeppelin by shareholders
$
–
$
1,100,000
Elimination of payables to founders in connection with contribution of Zeppelin by shareholders
$
–
$
1,100,000
Issuance of common stock for debt interest payment
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
On February 28, the Polytechnic University hosted a “Conversation on the Important” on the topic “Heroes are not born – heroes become heroes”, dedicated to the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland in Russia. At a meeting with Polytechnic students, SVO participants, Heroes of Russia Andrei Sergeevich and Eduard Vadimovich told why they decided to become military men, shared their combat experience and answered questions.
I am sure that this dialogue is very important for our youth, because it is in communication with real Heroes that an understanding of such values as love for the Motherland and the duty of a defender of the Fatherland is formed. This is also important for each of us, because this is how our national memory, our cultural code and “what no one can take away from us in any trials” are preserved and transmitted, – commented the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy.
The meeting was attended by students from various SPbPU institutes, cadets of the Military Training Center and volunteers. The conversation was moderated by veteran of the unit Dmitry Vladimirovich. First, he introduced the guests – fighters of special forces units.
Andrei Sergeevich and Eduard Vadimovich were awarded the gold Stars of Heroes of the Russian Federation. This is not their first award. During their combat path, they have repeatedly demonstrated courage, determination and were awarded state awards, – said Dmitry Vladimirovich.
The participants of the meeting discussed the reasons for the start of the SVO, discussed in detail one of the recent offensive operations and its significance, and watched archival videos for better understanding. Active servicemen spoke about the work of the unit, the tasks that they faced, and shared their experience of working in the combat zone.
Polytechnic students were interested in how to deal with fear and quickly make the right decisions in extreme circumstances.
In such situations, the head works especially quickly, makes non-standard, maximally effective decisions based on some analytical and intuitive feelings. The relationship in the group is important, sometimes we understand each other without words, – the servicemen shared.
The guys asked about weapons during missions, about how supplies and communications are provided when the military is surrounded by enemies, about helping comrades. Many questions were related to the operation of UAVs, their importance on the battlefield. The servicemen especially noted that technology is of great importance in modern conflicts.
The students discussed with the military the importance of patriotic education and the preservation of traditional values. They asked what the main quality of a real man is.
A cold mind and kindness. When, in any difficulties, you pull yourself together and do what you must, without thinking about your own interests, Andrey Sergeevich is sure.
The participants discussed the importance of humanitarian aid in the SVO zone. The moderator of the meeting, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Social Sciences Ivan Kolomeitsev said that from the very beginning of the special military operation, the university has been actively supporting its participants, and also collecting and sending humanitarian aid to residents of new regions. The guests noted that the support of volunteers and caring people helps them a lot.
We are very grateful to everyone for their contribution. The guys always greet the vehicles with humanitarian aid with enthusiasm, they are even happy about condensed milk, – said Eduard Vadimovich.
The guys smiled when they heard about funny situations from the military personnel’s practice. And they became sad when the conversation turned to the wounded and the dead.
Losing a comrade in arms is like losing a brother. You become imbued with his life, his family. It is very difficult to survive such a loss. But you have to continue to carry out the task, and you pull yourself together, – shared Andrei Sergeyevich.
Those gathered honored the memory of the fallen with a minute of silence.
After the conversation, the Polytechnic students got acquainted with samples of captured enemy UAVs, as well as ammunition and equipment. At the end of the meeting, the guests were presented with memorable gifts from the university as a sign of respect and gratitude for their invaluable contribution to the common cause.
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.
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”)
(b)Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
N/A
(c)Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES GROUP PLC
(d)If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
N/A
(e)Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
28 FEBRUARY 2025
(f)In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
N/A
2.POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.
(a)Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)
Class of relevant security:
0.375p ORDINARY
Interests
Short positions
Number
%
Number
%
(1)Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:
8,998,005
1.1354
(2)Cash-settled derivatives:
(3)Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL:
8,998,005
1.1354
All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.
Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).
(b)Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)
Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:
3.DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE
Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.
The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.
(a)Purchases and sales
Class of relevant security
Purchase/sale
Number of securities
Price per unit
0.375p ORDINARY
SALE
2,500
99.2182p
(b)Cash-settled derivative transactions
Class of relevant security
Product description e.g. CFD
Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
(d)Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)
Class of relevant security
Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion
Details
Price per unit (if applicable)
NONE
4.OTHER INFORMATION
(a)Indemnity and other dealing arrangements
Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
NONE
(b)Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives
Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i)the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii)the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
NONE
(c)Attachments
Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?
NO
Date of disclosure:
03 MARCH 2025
Contact name:
MARK ELLIOTT
Telephone number:
01253 376539
Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.
The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “According to credible witnesses, the two explosions that hit the crowd in Bukavu are attributable to the M23,” a local source from the capital of the Congolese province of South Kivu tells Fides.On February 27, at the end of a rally organized by Corneille Nanga, coordinator of the Congo River Alliance (the political wing of the M23), two hand grenades exploded on the Place de l’Indépendance, leaving 13 dead and a hundred injured. The double attack was attributed by the M23 on the authorities in Kinshasa, but there were at least three versions of who was supposedly responsible for the massacre (see Fides, 27/2/2025). Now our source, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, reconstructs the events as follows: “According to a witness who was wounded in the double attack, at the end of the speech by the ‘new authorities’ on the Place de l’Indépendance, an invitation was made to the young people to join the M23; then, while most of the bystanders left the square, some young people began to shout: ‘Rwandans, go back to your homes’. This angered the M23 militiamen who were present to guard the event. In particular, militiamen were positioned in two small trucks on opposite sides of the square. A hand grenade was thrown from one of the trucks, causing the first victims. On the other side of the square, a second grenade was thrown from the other truck, causing more deaths and injuries. At least one person was hit in the head and is now in a coma.””The fact that the M23 was responsible for the massacre,” our source continues, “is confirmed by the fact that the area of the two explosions was immediately surrounded by militiamen who prevented the fragments from being collected. The next day, the square was perfectly clean, without any trace of the bombs or the blood of the victims.” The Fides source adds that the security situation in Bukavu remains precarious. “There are still many deaths in the city because, in the absence of the police and the prison (which was set on fire when the city was taken, see Fides, 20/2/2025), people resort to the so-called ‘popular justice’ to defend themselves against crimes. This has already happened before with thieves and robbers; Fearing that if they were handed over to the police they would be released and then return to take revenge on those who had denounced them, some preferred to resort to a quicker form of justice by killing and burning thieves and robbers. On February 27 alone, five people accused of various robberies were found murdered in a district of the city. This is the situation of a population left to its own devices.” Finally, according to our source, “the so-called ‘Wazalendo’, the local self-defense militias, are reorganizing themselves after the regular army soldiers fled.” “According to the testimonies collected, on March 1, an M23 formation was ambushed by the Wazalendo near Minova. There are reports of around 50 deaths among the M23. The fighting these days is concentrated in the Nyangesi area, a strategic point on the road from Bukavu to the plain. However, the M23 is located in Kamaniola, while the Wazalendo are stationed in a nearby town.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 3/3/2025)
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A total of 23 years in prison for a former Brookside actor and his associates has been awarded this afternoon.
Former Brookside actor Philip Foster and 8 associates have today (28 February 2025) been sentenced for their part in a £13.6 million fraud that ran for over 8 years.
The sentences handed down at Sheffield Crown Court today are the result of an over 6-year investigation by National Trading Standards, whose work uncovered an extensive network of sham modelling agencies that cruelly exploited the dreams of aspiring young models and their parents.
Foster was the ringleader of the operation. He orchestrated the fraud from Spain, using a network of associates based in England who operated a string of sham modelling agencies and photography studios in cities across the country, including London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Coventry, and Nottingham.
More than 6,000 victims were deceived by the group – mainly young people and mothers – who ended up parting with substantial amounts of money under the false promise of securing paid modelling work.
The fraud worked by setting up a photographic studio in the area and running a social media advertising campaign. People who responded were given the false impression that a model agency was interested in them, with emails telling them they had potential. Victims were then invited to a ‘free’ test shoot at the photographic studio, which turned out to be a ruse to try to extort money out of them.
At the test shoot, victims were given a studio experience, handed glossy brochures and told how successful other people had been. They would then be told that they passed their studio test and that modelling agencies were interested, but they needed to purchase their portfolio photographs from the studio in order to join an agency and become an agency model.
Victims were duped by the group who, between them, gave a good impression of running successful model businesses and lied to them about their potential. Millions of pounds were taken from aspiring models, with some coerced into financing the upfront payment through credit deals arranged by the fraudsters or taking out expensive payday loans.
Instead, victims received poor quality digital photographs that stood no real chance of landing them professional jobs. Virtually none of the victims received any paid modelling work.
The sham agencies were often dissolved after short periods, rebranded repeatedly to avoid detection, and paid no tax. Money from the scam was laundered through UK bank accounts before being transferred to Spain or carried in cash on commercial flights by co-conspirators.
The investigation traced substantial sums to Foster, who lived in luxury abroad and purchased high-end watches and cars with the proceeds of the fraud. The investigation heard how many victims, left financially and emotionally devastated, described feeling humiliated and betrayed. Some experienced lasting distress that affected their confidence, wellbeing and their ability to trust others.
The sentences, which were handed down today in the absence of Philip Foster, who is currently living in Spain, are as follows:
Philip Foster, aged 49, Edificio Marina Mariola, Marbella, Spain, sentenced to 8.5 years for conspiracies to defraud
Michael Foster, aged 27, Snowdon Lane, Liverpool, sentenced to 3.5 years for conspiracy to defraud
Paul Evans, aged 39, no known address, sentenced to 3.5 years for offences related to money laundering
Jamie Peters, aged 52, Pentland Place, Warrington, sentenced to 24 months, suspended for 2 years, for conspiracy to defraud
Lisa Foster, aged 42, Manchester Road, Astley, sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud
Emily Newall, aged 29, Bolton Road, Kearsley, Greater Manchester, sentenced to 10 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud
Atif Qadar, aged 44, Larkswood Drive, Crowthorne, sentenced to 12 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud
Paul Fleury, aged 57, Manchester Road, Swinton, Manchester, sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to defraud
Aslihan Foster aged 39, Tredington Road, Coventry, sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 12 months, for an offence related to money laundering
Today’s sentencing follows over 6 years of investigative work by the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, hosted by North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council, including forensic analysis of financial transactions, thousands of consumer complaints, and witness testimony from victims. The team was supported by the National Trading Standards South West Regional Investigations Team, hosted by Bristol City Council.
Judge Dixon, said:
The business worked on the basis of greed taking what they could where they could. Some people were so convinced by the level of deception that they took out payday loans, which gives a clear indication as to how manipulative and cynical the fraud was. It was horrible, despicable, dishonest behaviour and every single one of you deserves to go to prison.
“The officers have carried out an exceptional job to bring these defendants to justice. It was not straightforward or easy. This investigation was conducted with particular skill. A commendation should be made on the basis of the skill deployed.”
Lord Bichard, Chair of the National Trading Standards, said:
Foster’s cruel exploits left thousands of victims in serious debt, causing lasting emotional distress and significant financial pressures.
“Today’s sentences are an important reminder to would-be criminals that Trading Standards officers across the country are determined to clamp down on fraud, protecting victims and bringing criminals to justice.
“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of similar scams to report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.”
Councillor Jenny Kent, Executive Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:
Today’s sentencing follows years of highly effective trading standards investigative work. Mr Foster and his associates made millions by exploiting the hopes of young people, leaving a trail of broken dreams and financial hardship. I urge everyone to question any modelling contract which demands money up front, and hope that the young people and families affected can now move on to a brighter future, whichever path they choose.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member Councillor Greg White, whose responsibilities include Trading Standards, said:
Foster and his fellow scammers cruelly exploited young hopefuls trying to break into one of the most competitive industries. In some cases, parents borrowed money or sacrificed savings, believing they were investing in their children’s futures.
“I urge anyone searching online for modelling opportunities to remember that legitimate agencies don’t ask for money upfront, it’s often only scam agencies who push expensive photoshoots as a pre-requisite to getting work.”
The value of total retail sales for January, provisionally estimated at $35.3 billion, was 3.2% less than in the same month a year earlier, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.
After netting out the effects of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate represents a 5.2% year-on-year decrease.
Online sales accounted for 6.9% of January’s total retail sales value. Provisionally estimated at $2.4 billion, the value of this segment rose 3.5% from the same month a year earlier.
The value of sales of jewellery, watches, clocks and valuable gifts dropped by 17.9%.
Meanwhile, decreases were likewise seen in sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (down 10.5%); fuels (down 4.3%); motor vehicles and parts (down 52.6%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (down 15.1%); furniture and fixtures (down 26.4%); Chinese drugs and herbs (down 4.6%); and optical shops (down 4.4%).
On the other hand, the value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified increased by 6.6% in January 2025 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of commodities in supermarkets (up 4.9%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (up 10.9%); wearing apparel (up 1.2%); medicines and cosmetics (up 4.3%); commodities in department stores (up 0.5%); and footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (up 7.1%).
The Government commented that the value of total retail sales recorded a much narrower year-on-year decline in January, and turned to an increase on a seasonally adjusted month-to-month comparison, possibly due in part to the early arrival of the Lunar New Year this year.
It would thus be more meaningful to examine the figures for January and February combined, when available, to assess the latest retail sales performance.
Looking ahead, it said that the retail sector’s near-term performance will continue to be affected by changes in the consumption patterns of visitors and residents.
However, it added that increasing earnings from employment, and the introduction of various measures by the central government to boost the Mainland’s economy and benefit Hong Kong, together with proactive efforts by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to promote tourism and boost market sentiment, will benefit the sector.
The Government announced today that the five taxi fleet operators it selected will soon commence service with a fleet of over 3,500 taxis, accounting for nearly 20% of the total number of taxis in Hong Kong.
While addressing the Taxi Fleet Launching Ceremony this morning, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan said that the launch of the service marks an important milestone of the trade’s development in the city.
The selected operators comprise three urban fleets and two mixed fleets, ranging from 300 to 1,000 taxis each. They will deploy about 1,500 new vehicles at the time of the service commencement and the first fleet is expected to start service by the end of this month.
Passengers will be served with electric taxis, wheelchair-accessible taxis or premium taxis to promote green transport and cater for the diverse travel needs of the customers.
All fleets must provide online hailing services, customer service hotlines and different electronic communication channels for passengers to select appropriate vehicle types, and rate driver services.
Additionally, all fleet taxis will provide multiple electronic payment means, while safety devices and driver monitoring systems will be equipped for passengers’ convenience and driving safety.
For passengers’ easy identification, all fleet taxis are required to display a fleet taxi certificate and fleet taxi plate.
Ms Chan noted that the Government introduced a series of measures to enhance taxi services in the past two years, and the introduction of the new taxi fleet regime was one of the key initiatives.
Under the Transport Department’s regulatory regime, operators form fleets with professional management and good use of technologies to provide quality service for passengers, bringing a new look to the taxi trade, she added.
The department issued conditional grants of the Taxi Fleet License to the five selected operators in July 2024, and they are required to complete the gearing-up work and commence service within one year.
The department will monitor the fleet’s operations and actively promote the remaining fleets to commence operations as soon as possible.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The decision was made on the instructions of the President.
Document
Order of February 28, 2025 No. 476-r
Industrial and agricultural enterprises of the Belgorod region, which suffered due to shelling from Ukraine, as well as during the counter-terrorist operation, will receive financial assistance. The order to allocate 3 billion rubles for these purposes has been signed.
The source of funds will be the Government’s reserve fund.
The President instructed to continue providing assistance to enterprises in border areas. At the instruction of the head of state, a whole range of support measures are envisaged in these regions, including an annual deferment of taxes and insurance premiums for individuals and organizations, expanded budget financing of medical institutions, grants for the restoration or relocation of production, the supply of vehicles for mobile trade, equipment leasing benefits, and free economic zones with special conditions for entrepreneurial activity.
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.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, the Modi government is unsparing in punishing drug traffickers who drag our youth into the dark abyss of addiction for the greed of money As a result of a foolproof investigation with a bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom strategy, 29 drug traffickers have been convicted by the court in 12 different cases across India
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government pledges to continue combating the drug menace with ruthless and meticulous investigations to build a drug-free Bharat
In pursuit to Modi government’s Zero Tolerance policy against drugs, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved this significant success
Posted On: 02 MAR 2025 11:33AM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi Government is unsparing in punishing drug traffickers who drag our youth into the dark abyss of addiction for the greed of money.
In a post on X platform, Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government pledges to continue combating the drug menace with ruthless and meticulous investigations to build a drug-free Bharat.
Home Minister said that as a result of a foolproof investigation with a bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom strategy, 29 drug traffickers have been convicted by the court in 12 different cases across India.
This success is a testament to the ‘Bottom to Top’ and ‘Top to Bottom’ approach adopted under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. In pursuit to Modi government’s Zero Tolerance policy against drugs, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved this significant success.
The details of 12 cases are:
Ahmedabad Zone
1. On 27.07.2019, NCB Ahmedabad Zonal Unit seized 23.859 Kg of Charas at Sabarmati Railway Station, Ahmedabad Gujarat from the possession of Mohd. Rizwan and Mohd. Jishan and a case was registered vide NCB Ahmedabad Crime No 05/2019 and above mentioned two persons were arrested. During the course of investigation, one Sahidul Rehman was arrested. After completion of investigation, a complaint was filed against the above three persons under NDPS Act before the learned Judge at City Civil and Sessions Court Ahmedabad. After completion of trial of the case, the judgment was pronounced by the Court on 29.01.2025 and all the 03 accused persons were convicted for Rigorous Imprisonment for 14 years and a fine of Rs. 01 lakh each.
Bhopal Zone (Mandsaur)
2. In July 2022, NCB Mandsaur, intercepted, a Harrier and a Verna on National Highway 43, at Dhruwar Toll Plaza in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh and seized 123.080 kgs Ganja. Shivam Singh (owner of the seized vehicles), Sant Kumar Yadav, Balmukund Mishra & Uttam Singh (all carrier) were arrested in the case. The consignment was sourced from Koraput (Odisha) and was destined for Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The Investigation team further arrested the receiver of contraband named Suresh Kumar Bind. On 24.02.2025, the Special NDPS Court, Shahdol convicted the four accused Shivam Singh, Sant Kumar Yadav, Balmukund Mishra & Uttam Singh and sentenced them to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2 lakh each.
Chandigarh Zone
3. A parcel containing two hockey sticks packed with 438 grams of opium was intercepted at DHL Express, Ludhiana, by the officers of NCB Chandigarh. The parcel was booked by accused Nasib Singh, with Gobind Singh accompanying him during the booking. A case NCB Crime No. 06/2024 was registered, and a complaint was filed after investigation. The Special Court, Ludhiana on 31.01.25, has pronounced its verdict and convicted Nasib Singh and Gobind Singh (Head munshi Punjab Police) under Sections 18(c), 23, 28, and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985, sentencing them accordingly for their role in attempting to transport opium to Canada. The Court sentenced both the convicts with 3 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000 (in default, one additional month of imprisonment) under NDPS Act.
4. On 30.12.2021, NCB Chandigarh Zonal Unit intercepted Bhim Lama at Chandigarh Railway Station, before he could board Paschim Express to Mumbai in possession of 390 grams of Charas. The accused was formally arrested, and upon completion of the investigation, the case was presented before the Special Court. The accused voluntarily confessed to his guilt, leading to his conviction. On 08.01.2025, The Special Court, Chandigarh, convicted Bhim Lama under Section 20 of the NDPS Act, 1985 for possession of 390 grams of Charas. The court, considering the remorse shown by the convict and the non-commercial quantity of the contraband, awarded 6 months of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 (one additional month of imprisonment in case of default on fine payment) under NDPS Act.
Cochin Zone
5. On 19.06.2021 NCB Cochin intercepted a Zimbabwean lady named Sharon Chigwaza on her arrival at the Cochin International Airport. Sharon Chigwaza was travelling from Johannesburg to Kochi via Doha by Qatar Airways. Further examination of her checked-in luggage led to the recovery and seizure of 2.910kg Heroin. Accordingly, the said lady was arrested and a case OR No. 04/2021 was registered by the NCB Cochin Zonal Unit. On completion of investigation, a complaint bearing SC No. 554/2022 was filed before the District & Sessions Court, Ernakulam. The trial was conducted before the VII Additional District & Sessions Court, Ernakulam and on completion of the trial, the Court has found Sharon Chigwaza to be guilty of the offences under Sec 8(c) read with 21(c) and 23(c) of NDPS Act, 1985 for possession and illegal import of the seized contraband. In the detailed judgment pronounced on 29.01.2025, the Court has punished the accused with 11 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs.3,00,000/-.
Dehradun Zone
6. On 05.01.2018, NCB Dehradun seized 450 grams of Charas, leading to the arrest of Naman Bansal. Further investigation in the case led to the arrest of one more co-accused person namely of Ashutosh Uniyal, a resident of Dehradun, on 19.02.2018. After completion of trial proceedings, the NDPS Court, Dehradun (UKD) convicted accused Naman Bansal with 01-year RI and with fine of Rs. 20,000/- on 18.01.2025.
Delhi Zone
7. On 19.03,2021, NCB Delhi Zonal Unit seized 1.950 kg of Charas from the possession of two accused persons namely Sahi Ram and Satywan @ Pandit, and arrested them for trafficking of the seized substance. After a thorough investigation, a complaint was filed in the NDPS Court, Jind (Haryana) under NDPS Case No. 11/2021. The Court convicted both the accused to 10 years RI and with fine of Rs. 01 lakh each on 10.01.2025.
Hyderabad Zone
8. On 24.02.2021, officers of NCB Hyderabad Zone seized 681.8 Kg Ganja at Pedda Amberpet Toll Plaza on Nehru Outer Ring Road, Hayathnagar Mandal, Ranga Reddy District. The contraband was being transported in three vehicles: Mahindra Bolero Pick-Up, Honda City, and Swift Dezire from Sileru, Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) to Pune and Osmanabad via Hyderabad. Eight accused namely Suresh Shyamrao Pawar, Vishal Ramesh Pawar, Balaji Ramdas Ware, Manoj Vilas Dhotre, Dhyaneshwar Lalasaheb Deshmukh , Ramraje Chaturbhuj Gunjale , Akshay Anant Gandhi and Sachin Dagadu Sanap , were arrested and charged for drug trafficking. the Additional District & Sessions Court, Ranga Reddy, convicted all eight accused and sentenced them to 10 years of Rigorous Imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh under the NDPS Act, 1985.
Indore Zone
9. In September 2021, NCB Indore intercepted a truck on National Highway 07 at Alonia Toll Plaza in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh and seized 152.665 kgs Ganja. Mahendra Singh Yadav & Sohail Daud Khan Pathan were arrested in the case. The consignment was sourced from Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and was destined for Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Investigation team further arrested the receiver Suresh Gupta & Co-receiver as well as owner of seized truck Ram Babu Yadav. On 22.02.2025, the Special NDPS Court, Seoni convicted all the four accused and sentenced them to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh each.
Kolkata Zone
10. On 11.07.2020, officers of NCB Kolkata Zone seized 1301 Kgs of Ganja from a TATA 709 Light Goods Vehicle (LGV) bearing Regn No. WB 15 A 3873 at NH12 between Plassey and Krishnanagar near Paglachandi, as per NCB Cr. No. 15/2020. Two accused namely Sahajan Tarafdar and Uttam Debnath were arrested and charged for drug trafficking. The trial continued for over 04 years. On 21.02.2025, the NDPS Spl. Court, Nadia at Krishnanagar convicted the accused Shajahan Tarafdar for 15 years rigorous imprisonment with Rs 1 lakh fine under the NDPS Act, 1985.
Lucknow Zone
11. On 14.02.2022, NCB Lucknow seized 3.1 kilograms of Charas/Hashish from the possession of the accused, Dashrath, son of Devdutt, residing in Chiripur, PS Sirsiya, District Shrawasti, Uttar Pradesh. He was arrested and after investigation a Complaint was filed u/s 8, 20, and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985. The Additional District Court Shravasti found the accused, Dashrath, ‘Guilty’ of illicit drug trafficking and sentenced him to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of 150,000 rupees on 02.01.2025.
12. On 04.01.2024, NCB Lucknow seized 08 kilograms of Opium from the possession of the accused, Dheeraj Kr. Dangi, son of Late Baijnath Dangi, residing in Villlage, Post, & Police Station- Gidhour, District- Chatra, Jharkhand. He was arrested, and after investigation a Complaint was filed u/s 8, 18, and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985. The Additional District Court Bareilly found the accused, Dheeraj Kr. Dangi, ‘Guilty’ of illicit drug trafficking and sentenced him to 11 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of 1,00,000 rupees on 21.02.2025.
These convictions exemplify the NCB’s dedication to ensure successful prosecution of its cases filed before courts. Under the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Coordination, Shri Amit Shah NCB is working relentlessly to realise Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Nasha Mukt Bharat by 2047. NCB seeks support of people in the fight against drugs. Information about drug trafficking can be provided confidentially at NCB’s MANAS Helpline Number 1933.
The Modi govt is unsparing in punishing drug traffickers who drag our youth into the dark abyss of addiction for the greed of money.
As a result of a foolproof investigation with a bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom strategy, 29 drug traffickers have been convicted by the court in…
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Taxi fleets to commence service gradually and mark important milestone in taxi trade’s development Taxi fleets to commence service gradually and mark important milestone in taxi trade’s development ******************************************************************************************
The Government today (March 3) announced that the five selected taxi fleet operators will soon commence service gradually, marking an important step to enhance taxi service quality and reform the taxi trade. The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, accompanied by the Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, and the Commissioner for Transport, Ms Angela Lee, attended the Taxi Fleet Launching Ceremony at the Transport Department (TD) Vehicle Examination Complex this morning. Other officiating guests were Legislative Council (LegCo) Member (Transport) Mr Frankie Yick; LegCo Member Dr Chan Han-pan; the Chairman of the LegCo Panel on Transport, Mr Chan Siu-hung; and the Deputy Chairman of the LegCo Panel on Transport, Mr Yiu Pak-leung. Addressing the Launching Ceremony, Ms Chan said that the Taxi Fleet Launching Ceremony marked an important milestone of the taxi trade’s development in Hong Kong. The Government introduced a series of measures to enhance taxi services in the past two years, and the introduction of a new taxi fleet regime was one of the key initiatives. Under the TD’s regulatory regime, operators form fleets with professional management and good use of technologies to provide quality service for passengers, bringing a new look to the taxi trade. She said that, following years of development and challenges, the taxi trade in Hong Kong can only make continuous improvement in the taxi service level to meet the expectations of the public and tourists by keeping up with the times with proactive and innovative reforms. She said she looks forward to the taxi fleets playing a leading role, injecting new impetus into the taxi trade and providing more quality services. At the Launching Ceremony, representatives of the five selected operators (in alphabetical order of company name), namely Big Boss Taxi Company Limited, CMG Fleet Management Limited, Sino Development (International) Company Limited, SynCab Service Limited and Tai Wo Management Limited, introduced the features and highlights of their fleets respectively, including the vehicle models to be deployed, their body designs and logos, compartment facilities and safety devices. The selected operators comprise three urban fleets and two mixed fleets, with a size ranging from 300 to 1 000 taxis each, providing a total of over 3 500 taxis, which account for nearly 20 per cent of the total number of taxis in Hong Kong. The selected operators will deploy about 1 500 new vehicles as fleet taxis at the time of service commencement. They will provide electric taxis, wheelchair-accessible taxis and premium taxis for passengers to promote green transport and cater for the diverse travel needs of individuals. To ensure service quality, all fleets must provide online hailing services, customer service hotlines and different electronic communication channels for passengers to select appropriate vehicle types based on their needs, and rate driver services. In addition, all fleet taxis will provide multiple electronic payment means, while safety devices and driver monitoring systems will be equipped for passengers’ convenience and driving safety. For passengers’ easy identification, all fleet taxis are required to display a fleet taxi certificate and a fleet taxi plate. The TD issued conditional grants of the Taxi Fleet Licence to five selected operators in end-July 2024, and they are required to complete the gearing-up work and commence service within one year. The first fleet is expected to start service by end-March 2025 the earliest. The TD will monitor the fleet’s operations and continue to actively promote the remaining fleets to commence operations as soon as possible.
Chinese automaker BYD and drone giant DJI have launched an intelligent vehicle-mounted drone system, aiming to transform cars into mobile entertainment and exploration platforms.
The system, called “Lingyuan”, integrates a drone with the vehicle, offering a vertical field of view to capture travel moments in real time. It will be available across all BYD models, the company announced at a launch event on Sunday in Shenzhen, a major tech hub in southern China’s Guangdong Province.
“Lingyuan” features a retractable car-mounted landing pad, enabling automated takeoff and landing, synchronized follow-shooting, and rapid storage and charging of the drone, according to Yang Dongsheng, BYD’s senior vice president.
“The collaboration between BYD and DJI is far more than just placing a drone in a car,” said Wang Chuanfu, chairman and president of BYD at the launch event.
Wang said they started from the ground up, integrating vehicle and drone technologies in a way that enhances both.
Luo Zhenhua, president of DJI, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that technology should not be used to create toys for the few. “It should be a tool that benefits the world,” he said, calling the partnership a breakthrough in product innovation and a re-imagination of the mobility ecosystem.
BYD, founded in 1995 as a battery manufacturer, has been at the forefront of China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sector. In 2024, the company saw NEV sales soar 41.26 percent year on year to over 4.27 million units.
Established in 2006 and headquartered in Shenzhen, DJI has grown into the dominant force in the global drone industry, with its products widely used in filmmaking, agriculture, search and rescue, energy infrastructure, and more.
In a year with few surprises in the awards categories, there was also a dearth of surprises on the red carpet. The sartorial themes included sparkling metallics, coloured menswear and bows, bows and more bows.
Metallic gowns that resemble the Oscar statue are a familiar sight at the Academy Awards and this year was no different. Some of the standouts included best actress nominee Demi Moore in a magnificently glittering silver Armani Privé gown, Selena Gomez in custom Ralph Lauren encrusted with 16,000 individual blush-toned jewel teardrops, and Emma Stone in a minimalist Louis Vuitton sheath covered in iridescent fish scales.
In the menswear category, tuxedos reign supreme. This year was notable only for the diversity of colours in which these suits came.
Best actor nominee Timothée Chalamet lived up to his reputation for monochrome, richly hued ensembles in a custom butter yellow leather suit by Givenchy, paired with a matching silk shirt and delicate neck brooch in place of a tie. His best actor nominated compatriot, Colman Domingo (one of the best dressed men in Hollywood) was pristine in a double-breasted red silk jacket with black lapels, black trousers and matching red shirt by Valentino, similarly eschewing a tie in favour of a fine gold brooch. Andrew Garfield wore louche chocolate brown Gucci and Jeremy Strong wore a suit by Loro Piana in an unusual tone of olive green.
Bows of varying size and stature were perhaps the strongest theme of the night.
Best actress winner Mikey Madison in black and pink Dior, best supporting actress nominee Felicity Jones in shimmering liquid silver Armani, Elle Fanning in white and black Givenchy and Lupita Nyong’o in white Chanel were all adorned with bows at their waists.
The most remarkable bow of the night though was best actress nominee Cynthia Erivo in a structured deep emerald-green velvet Louis Vuitton gown, the broad, wing-like sleeves of which were crafted as a bow.
Notable mentions must also go to those attendees who do not fit neatly into any thematic category. Best supporting actress nominee Ariana Grande wore a meticulously crafted pale pink Schiaparelli confection and Lisa (of Blackpink and now White Lotus fame) perfected a feminine take on masculine suiting in a tuxedo dress by Markgong.
The only real surprise was the lack of political statements on display. Unlike recent years, when pins and ribbons in support of Ukraine and Palestine were widely worn, this year only Guy Pearce was spotted wearing a Free Palestine pin, Conclave writer Peter Straughan wore a Ukrainian flag pin and Kayo Shekoni had “free Congo” emblazoned on the sole of her high heels.
– Harriette Richards
The best picture: Anora
And the best picture Oscar goes to … Anora – the film that was favoured to win, so no surprises here.
Though he had been working for more than a decade at the time, writer-director-editor Sean Baker came onto the independent movie scene with a bang with 2015’s Tangerine, a gimmicky film that was mainly celebrated for being shot on an iPhone. Why this would be celebrated is anyone’s guess. I suspect it’s because of the “I could do it too” factor – something the average person certainly couldn’t say if we’re talking 35mm celluloid.
Since then, Baker’s films have relished in embracing the digital, neon world, but always in a kind of sentimental and shallow, rather than critical, register. None of his films are awful – and maybe that’s saying something in this day and age. Anora also is not awful, but it’s not particularly memorable either.
Anora follows a run of the mill American dream-type story about a hard-working stripper who seems to strike fairytale gold when a young, fun Russian oligarch falls in love with her. Only the dream turns out to be more of a nightmare (kind of) when things don’t quite work out and the film ends with the titular character once again independent and free.
The idea of undercutting the fairytale setup of the typical rom-com is not at all original, and the film strikes me as even more schmaltzy in its rejection of the fairytale dream than if it had embraced it and played like a tween-focused Nickelodeon film (it’s about as poignant as this).
The film’s cardinal sin, however – and it’s certainly not alone in this – is its critical overlength. Each of the film’s sections could have had some 20 minutes cut and we would have had an enjoyably tight romp at 80 minutes. Instead, Anora drags on, swept up in its imagining of its own profundity – at times pretentious, but mainly tedious.
– Ari Mattes
Not the year to stick a neck out
The speeches this year were conspicuously meek. No announcer majorly insulted anyone else. No winner assaulted anyone else. Even the James Bond retrospective lacked energy. What’s going on in Hollywood?
There are clues that help explain this curious flatness. Host Conan O’Brien mentioned the pressure of “divisive politics” while reflecting on California’s wildfires. Several winners spoke about the importance of shared experience, of what unites us, of film as a medium that brings people together, a force for “good and progress in the world” and “a reminder not to let hate go unchecked”.
The directors of No Other Land, receiving their Oscar for best documentary, shared the one clear critical voice. Palestinian Basel Adra wished his newborn daughter a life without the fear that governs daily life in his homeland. Israeli co-director Yuval Abraham agreed: “There is another way. It’s not too late for life and for the living. There is no other way.”
However, that was the only moment people at the Oscars seemed willing to confront the political elephant in the room.
Anora director Sean Baker used his last (of four!) acceptance speeches to compel more people to help keep cinema doors open. He made his point passionately: this was the best way to sustain an industry that could continue to make brilliant movies. That said, the most emotive speeches of past Oscars events went much further than just commenting on the bread and butter concerns of the film industry.
This year, there were more clues in what people did not say. There were feints at Russian dictators – but nobody mentioned the war in Ukraine. There was no discussion of a certain election result, nor of filmmakers’ fears that Washington is now in the control of a governing faction that loathes them. Most revealing of all: nobody raised a peep about the President or his friends.
Hollywood’s collective discipline was on show tonight – and 2025 is not the year to stick a neck out.
– Tom Clark
A banner year for independent film
Independent films were the big winners for this year’s Oscars. While many of the technical awards went to the big budget films, such as Wicked (the US$145 million film won costume design and production design) and Dune: Part 2 (made at a budget of US$190 million, and winning sound and visual effects), the night’s major awards went to small productions.
While the definitions of “independence” and “studio” films don’t exist in a neat binary when it comes to production and global distribution, we can distinguish between film juggernauts and smaller films.
Three independent films won significant awards that are of note. Latvian film Flow was the first independent film to win best animated feature, up against major films Inside Out 2 (Pixar Films) and The Wild Robot (DreamWorks).
The film follows a cat, a dog, a capybara, a secretary bird and a ring-tailed lemur navigating a post-apocalyptic world with rising sea levels. The film also only used free and open-source software Blender and mostly used sounds from real world counterparts of the various characters. It was made for a budget of just €3.5 million (A$5.9 million).
The best documentary film nominees were dominated by independent films. Notably, the winner No Other Land has sadly been unable to find a distributor to release the film in the United States. (It is available for streaming in Australia on DocPlay, and in select cinemas.) The film was only eligible because the Film Lincoln Centre in New York facilitated a one-week, qualifying theatrical run.
The night’s top glories went to Anora, made on a budget of just US$6 million (A$9.7 million) and taking home the awards for best film, director, actress, screenplay and editing.
In his acceptance speech for best director, Sean Baker spoke of the importance of films getting a theatrical release. Films, he said, are about humanity – and that is best experienced in watching a film with other people.
During awards season, Baker has often spoken about the importance of small budget films in the expression of core human experiences.
The final message of the night went to Baker when he thanked the Academy for recognising a truly independent film: “Long live independent film!”
Indeed, independent films ruled this year’s Oscars.
– Stuart Richards
Best actor and actress
Mikey Madison, who won the best actress award for Anora, is quite good in the role. That said, it’s difficult to evaluate her performance in such a meandering film.
She tries hard playing a stripper who falls for Prince Charming – a Russian oligarch (Hollywood’s anti-Russian sentiment has certainly grown in recent years) who turns out to be a bit of a weakling with meanie parents. But Madison never really convincingly embodies the character, and we’re ever aware as we watch the film that she’s an actress working her way through relevant emotions and intensities.
That said, Madison is good at yelling and stripping, and this is the main way she shows her chops here. She screamed well in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019), too. The bar this year was admittedly pretty low, and truth be told Madison’s performance in Anora (aside from Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here) is probably the best out of the nominees.
In contrast, Adrien Brody, who won the best actor award, is absolutely unforgettable in the flawed but magnificent The Brutalist – the best he’s been since The Pianist, and the deserved winner by a mile out of a similarly mediocre field. Brody is simply a pleasure to watch, and drives, in a wholly embodied way, this grandiose and exceedingly long film (the fact it doesn’t feel long is largely due to his magnetism).
The screenplay, in which the character comes across as a combination of arrogant, sweet and at times comedic, allows Brody to display the full range of his talent, and he plays the whole thing with an endearing vulnerability. But, again, it’s unfair to compare Brody and Madison – The Brutalist is a spectacularly accomplished cinematic epic, while Anora feels as stylish and profound as a social media video (I know that’s the point, but that doesn’t make it any more compelling).
– Ari Mattes
A lacklustre year for music
This was a strong year for music-based films, with three of the most nominated ones being musicals of various types: the big-budget Broadway adaptation Wicked, the original film musical Emilia Pérez, and the musician biopic A Complete Unknown.
The music of the ceremony itself was nicely assembled, with a live orchestra (conducted by Michael Bearden) accompanying proceedings from above the stage.
But the show was marred by an absence: the best song nominations were not performed live. The new songs this year were so bland, however – especially when compared to the Wicked score and Bob Dylan – that I can hardly blame the producers. The nominations included a dull Elton John song, some soft guitar rock from Sing Sing, Diane Warren’s 16th (!) nominated song (more soft rock), and two forgettable songs from Emilia Pérez (one of which, El Mal, was the winner).
So little faith did the Academy have in the songs that only a few seconds were played from each, mostly covered by a montage of interviews with the songwriters.
This year’s nominated best scores were not much more memorable, but Daniel Blumberg deserved his win for The Brutalist. It demonstrates a high level of composition and orchestration craft. It uses edgy instrumental textures to increase the feelings of uncertainty and imbalance that the film imparts.
The show included a lot of Wizard of Oz. Ariana Grande sang Over the Rainbow from the 1939 film and Cynthia Erivo sang Home from The Wiz, the 1974 soul musical based on the book. Then they performed Defying Gravity from Wicked together.
Another subtle Wizard of Oz nod was the music played during the commercial breaks: a loop based on Brand New Day from The Wiz, whose 1979 film version had its music produced by the late Quincy Jones. Queen Latifah and backup dancers brought some much needed energy to the last hour of the ceremony with Ease on Down the Road, also from The Wiz, as part of a Jones tribute.
One surprise was an unnecessary but enjoyable James Bond sequence featuring Margaret Qualley dancing to John Barry’s famous theme, a performance of Live and Let Die by K-pop star Lisa, Doja Cat singing Diamonds Are Forever, and Raye’s rendition of Skyfall.
This plus the various numbers from the Oz Musical Universe only highlighted how lacklustre this year’s nominated music was.
– Gregory Camp
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.
Seven in ten businesses want simplified customer experience from telecom providers
Businesses expect customized, seamless, flexible, and secure experience when purchasing telecom services
Paris, March 3, 2025 – The first edition of theCapgeminiResearch Institute’s new annual study ‘The B2B pulse: Top six expectations of telecoms’ business customers’, published today, revealsa significant shift in business customer expectations. Most organizations across sectors expect telecom companies to go beyond connectivity services. The convergence of AI, Cloud, and 5G marks a pivotal moment, requiring operators to transition fromproduct-focusedconnectivity providers to being comprehensive and client-centric.
The top expectations: industry-tailored solutions, simplification and ecosystem orchestration Two in three business customers (67%) expect their telecom partners to demonstrate a deep understanding of specific industry challenges and provide flexible and tailored solutions that fit their needs, rather than generic services.
Business customers now seek solutions that operate across hybrid networks, edge computing, and cloud environments: around three in five organizations rely on their telecom providers to orchestrate a comprehensive ecosystem that seamlessly integrates IT, support systems, and industry-specific expertise, while seven out of ten expect simpler processes, along with more flexible purchasing and servicing experiences. However, only one in three organizations are currently satisfied with Service Level Agreement (SLA) compliance and network performance/reliability.
Most organizations (61%) are keen for their telecom provider to act as a source of innovation. Early access to cutting-edge technologies and joint efforts on pilots and prototypes is a top expectation (62%) while organizations are exploring advanced communications services to support a variety of use cases such as autonomous vehicles, smart city applications, cloud connectivity, and real-time industrial automation.
“In today’s hyperconnected world, telcos are the backbone of the digital economy. Businessesexpect telecom providers to move beyond connectivity services, and offer tailored, end-to-end and flexible solutions that power digitalization, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth,” said Praveen Shankar, Global Telecom Leader at Capgemini. “By forging strong partnerships with customers and industry peers, orchestrating an innovation ecosystem and prioritizing seamless customer experience, telecom organizations can enhance trust, simplify offerings, and differentiate themselves in a fast-moving landscape.”
Customer experience, an untapped opportunityfor telco provider growth While telcos’ customers are keen to access services beyond the core offerings, only 28% of organizations currently say that they purchase these services, from their provider. In their urgency to set up these value-added services only 27% of organizations say their telco providers currently deliver exceptional CX, while half are ready to pay a premium to improve it, highlighting that customer experience is still an untapped opportunity to accelerate growth and boost loyalty and innovation for telco providers.
Businesses rely on telecom providers for robust and reliable security safeguards Among the various facets of telecom services, cybersecurity is a priority area for more than 70% of the organizations surveyed. With technological advancements, such as AI and Gen AI, cloudification, and wireless/5G networks, the threat landscape for organizations is evolving rapidly and businesses are increasingly concerned about protecting their data and systems. The report highlights that enterprises are looking for comprehensive security solutions from their telecom providers, with more than half of organizations (53%) willing to invest in telecom tech services, such as implementation of advanced cybersecurity solutions, in the next 1–2 years.
For more information or to download the report, visit: Link
Methodology
The Capgemini Research Institute surveyed 1,000 executives, at director level or above from telecoms’ business customers across 11 sectors and 13 countries in Asia–Pacific, Europe, and North America. To complement the survey findings, twenty in-depth discussions were conducted with executives from the telecom industry and customer industries. The global survey was carried out in December 2024 and January 2025.
About Capgemini Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion. Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com
About the Capgemini Research Institute The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts for six consecutive times – an industry first. Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/
With the formal implementation of the new national standards, GB43854-2024 Safety Technical Specification of Lithium-ion Battery for Electric Bicycle and GB40559-2024 Lithium-ion Cells and Batteries Used in Electric Self-Balancing Vehicle and Scooters — Safety Technical Specification, the electric two-wheeled vehicle market is advancing toward greater standardization and regulation.
In response to these developments, BAK Battery has officially launched the PRO-M High-Safety Battery, which not only complies with the new standards but also delivers dual upgrades in safety and performance, providing a more reliable and efficient energy solution for short-distance travel.
For instance, BAK said its PRO-M High-Safety Battery could pass the industry’s most stringent nail penetration tests, ensuring compliance with the safety and performance requirements of the new national standards.
As the electric two-wheeled vehicle market trends toward higher-end, personalized, and intelligent designs, consumer demand for mid-to-high-end products and high-performance batteries continues to rise. The PRO-M 18650 High-Safety Battery boasts a capacity of 2.0Ah, an energy density of 170Wh/Kg, and supports 5C continuous discharge.
Meanwhile, the same series’ 21700 battery offers a capacity of 3.0Ah, an energy density of 180Wh/Kg, and supports 4C continuous discharge. Both batteries exhibit exceptional performance with a wide temperature range and long cycle life, capable of stable discharge between -30 C and 70 C, with a cycle life exceeding 1,000 cycles.
Looking ahead, the battery manufacturer said it plans to leverage its innovative capabilities to expand the applications of its cylindrical battery portfolio into broader safety-related sectors, including emergency security and specialized equipment.
Major new energy vehicle manufacturers in China saw robust sales growth last month, after a lukewarm start in January.
BYD delivered 322,846 vehicles in February, marking a 164 percent year-on-year increase.
The company’s Dynasty and Ocean series contributed 304,673 units, while its premium brands—Fang Cheng Bao, Denza, and Yangwang—sold 4,942, 8,513, and 105 vehicles, respectively.
Notably, BYD’s overseas sales surged, with 67,025 vehicles sold, underscoring its growing global presence.
Xpeng retained its position as the leader among startups, delivering 30,453 vehicles in February, a remarkable 570 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
This marks the fourth consecutive month that the Guangzhou-based startup has surpassed the 30,000-unit delivery milestone.
Xpeng also highlighted the growing adoption of its advanced driver-assistance systems. During the Spring Festival holiday, its ADAS usage saw significant growth, with total driving distance and duration increasing by 98.2 percent and 103.5 percent, respectively.
Li Auto followed closely, delivering 26,263 vehicles in February, a 29.7 percent year-on-year increase. Li Auto’s CEO, Li Xiang, expressed confidence in the company’s first pure electric SUV, the Li i8, after receiving positive feedback on its design.
Leapmotor continued its upward trajectory, delivering 25,287 vehicles in February, a 285 percent year-on-year increase. The launch of the new Leapmotor T03 in late February further boosted sales.
Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive market has been met with overwhelming demand. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, which went on sale recently, received 6,900 orders within 10 minutes and surpassed 10,000 orders in just two hours.
In February, Xiaomi delivered over 20,000 SU7 vehicles, maintaining a streak of five consecutive months with deliveries exceeding 20,000 units. Cumulative deliveries have now surpassed 180,000 vehicles.
Nio delivered 13,192 vehicles in February, a 62.2 percent year-on-year increase. Its namesake Nio brand accounted for 9,143 units, while its subsidiary brand, ONVO, delivered 4,049 units. Nio’s flagship electric sedan, the ET9, is in the final stages of preparation for deliveries, with test drives scheduled to begin in late March.
Zeekr, following its recent restructuring, delivered 31,277 vehicles in February. The Zeekr brand contributed 14,039 units, an 86.9 percent year-on-year increase, while Lynk & Co delivered 17,238 units, with new energy vehicles making up 47.9 percent of sales.
Voyah also saw significant growth, selling 8,013 vehicles in February, a 152 percent year-on-year increase. Cumulative deliveries for the first two months of 2025 reached 16,022 units.
Voyah CEO Lu Fang attributed the growth to a surge in orders since the beginning of the year and emphasized the company’s commitment to meeting rising customer demand.
In a year with few surprises in the awards categories, there was also a dearth of surprises on the red carpet. The sartorial themes included sparkling metallics, coloured menswear and bows, bows and more bows.
Metallic gowns that resemble the Oscar statue are a familiar sight at the Academy Awards and this year was no different. Some of the standouts included best actress nominee Demi Moore in a magnificently glittering silver Armani Privé gown, Selena Gomez in custom Ralph Lauren encrusted with 16,000 individual blush-toned jewel teardrops, and Emma Stone in a minimalist Louis Vuitton sheath covered in iridescent fish scales.
In the menswear category, tuxedos reign supreme. This year was notable only for the diversity of colours in which these suits came.
Best actor nominee Timothée Chalamet lived up to his reputation for monochrome, richly hued ensembles in a custom butter yellow leather suit by Givenchy, paired with a matching silk shirt and delicate neck brooch in place of a tie. His best actor nominated compatriot, Colman Domingo (one of the best dressed men in Hollywood) was pristine in a double-breasted red silk jacket with black lapels, black trousers and matching red shirt by Valentino, similarly eschewing a tie in favour of a fine gold brooch. Andrew Garfield wore louche chocolate brown Gucci and Jeremy Strong wore a suit by Loro Piana in an unusual tone of olive green.
Bows of varying size and stature were perhaps the strongest theme of the night.
Best actress winner Mikey Madison in black and pink Dior, best supporting actress nominee Felicity Jones in shimmering liquid silver Armani, Elle Fanning in white and black Givenchy and Lupita Nyong’o in white Chanel were all adorned with bows at their waists.
The most remarkable bow of the night though was best actress nominee Cynthia Erivo in a structured deep emerald-green velvet Louis Vuitton gown, the broad, wing-like sleeves of which were crafted as a bow.
Notable mentions must also go to those attendees who do not fit neatly into any thematic category. Best supporting actress nominee Ariana Grande wore a meticulously crafted pale pink Schiaparelli confection and Lisa (of Blackpink and now White Lotus fame) perfected a feminine take on masculine suiting in a tuxedo dress by Markgong.
The only real surprise was the lack of political statements on display. Unlike recent years, when pins and ribbons in support of Ukraine and Palestine were widely worn, this year only Guy Pearce was spotted wearing a Free Palestine pin, Conclave writer Peter Straughan wore a Ukrainian flag pin and Kayo Shekoni had “free Congo” emblazoned on the sole of her high heels.
– Harriette Richards
The best picture: Anora
And the best picture Oscar goes to … Anora – the film that was favoured to win, so no surprises here.
Though he had been working for more than a decade at the time, writer-director-editor Sean Baker came onto the independent movie scene with a bang with 2015’s Tangerine, a gimmicky film that was mainly celebrated for being shot on an iPhone. Why this would be celebrated is anyone’s guess. I suspect it’s because of the “I could do it too” factor – something the average person certainly couldn’t say if we’re talking 35mm celluloid.
Since then, Baker’s films have relished in embracing the digital, neon world, but always in a kind of sentimental and shallow, rather than critical, register. None of his films are awful – and maybe that’s saying something in this day and age. Anora also is not awful, but it’s not particularly memorable either.
Anora follows a run of the mill American dream-type story about a hard-working stripper who seems to strike fairytale gold when a young, fun Russian oligarch falls in love with her. Only the dream turns out to be more of a nightmare (kind of) when things don’t quite work out and the film ends with the titular character once again independent and free.
The idea of undercutting the fairytale setup of the typical rom-com is not at all original, and the film strikes me as even more schmaltzy in its rejection of the fairytale dream than if it had embraced it and played like a tween-focused Nickelodeon film (it’s about as poignant as this).
The film’s cardinal sin, however – and it’s certainly not alone in this – is its critical overlength. Each of the film’s sections could have had some 20 minutes cut and we would have had an enjoyably tight romp at 80 minutes. Instead, Anora drags on, swept up in its imagining of its own profundity – at times pretentious, but mainly tedious.
– Ari Mattes
Not the year to stick a neck out
The speeches this year were conspicuously meek. No announcer majorly insulted anyone else. No winner assaulted anyone else. Even the James Bond retrospective lacked energy. What’s going on in Hollywood?
There are clues that help explain this curious flatness. Host Conan O’Brien mentioned the pressure of “divisive politics” while reflecting on California’s wildfires. Several winners spoke about the importance of shared experience, of what unites us, of film as a medium that brings people together, a force for “good and progress in the world” and “a reminder not to let hate go unchecked”.
The directors of No Other Land, receiving their Oscar for best documentary, shared the one clear critical voice. Palestinian Basel Adra wished his newborn daughter a life without the fear that governs daily life in his homeland. Israeli co-director Yuval Abraham agreed: “There is another way. It’s not too late for life and for the living. There is no other way.”
However, that was the only moment people at the Oscars seemed willing to confront the political elephant in the room.
Anora director Sean Baker used his last (of four!) acceptance speeches to compel more people to help keep cinema doors open. He made his point passionately: this was the best way to sustain an industry that could continue to make brilliant movies. That said, the most emotive speeches of past Oscars events went much further than just commenting on the bread and butter concerns of the film industry.
This year, there were more clues in what people did not say. There were feints at Russian dictators – but nobody mentioned the war in Ukraine. There was no discussion of a certain election result, nor of filmmakers’ fears that Washington is now in the control of a governing faction that loathes them. Most revealing of all: nobody raised a peep about the President or his friends.
Hollywood’s collective discipline was on show tonight – and 2025 is not the year to stick a neck out.
– Tom Clark
A banner year for independent film
Independent films were the big winners for this year’s Oscars. While many of the technical awards went to the big budget films, such as Wicked (the US$145 million film won costume design and production design) and Dune: Part 2 (made at a budget of US$190 million, and winning sound and visual effects), the night’s major awards went to small productions.
While the definitions of “independence” and “studio” films don’t exist in a neat binary when it comes to production and global distribution, we can distinguish between film juggernauts and smaller films.
Three independent films won significant awards that are of note. Latvian film Flow was the first independent film to win best animated feature, up against major films Inside Out 2 (Pixar Films) and The Wild Robot (DreamWorks).
The film follows a cat, a dog, a capybara, a secretary bird and a ring-tailed lemur navigating a post-apocalyptic world with rising sea levels. The film also only used free and open-source software Blender and mostly used sounds from real world counterparts of the various characters. It was made for a budget of just €3.5 million (A$5.9 million).
The best documentary film nominees were dominated by independent films. Notably, the winner No Other Land has sadly been unable to find a distributor to release the film in the United States. (It is available for streaming in Australia on DocPlay, and in select cinemas.) The film was only eligible because the Film Lincoln Centre in New York facilitated a one-week, qualifying theatrical run.
The night’s top glories went to Anora, made on a budget of just US$6 million (A$9.7 million), and taking home the awards for best film, director, actress, screenplay and editing.
In his acceptance speech for best director, Sean Baker spoke of the importance of films getting a theatrical release. Films, he said, are about humanity – and that is best experienced in watching a film with other people.
During awards season, Baker has often spoken about the importance of small budget films in the expression of core human experiences.
The final message of the night went to Baker when he thanked the Academy for recognising a truly independent film: “Long live independent film!”
Indeed, independent films ruled this year’s Oscars.
– Stuart Richards
Best actor and actress
Mikey Madison, who won the best actress award for Anora, is quite good in the role. That said, it’s difficult to evaluate her performance in such a meandering film.
She tries hard playing a stripper who falls for Prince Charming – a Russian oligarch (Hollywood’s anti-Russian sentiment has certainly grown in recent years) who turns out to be a bit of a weakling with meanie parents. But Madison never really convincingly embodies the character, and we’re ever aware as we watch the film that she’s an actress working her way through relevant emotions and intensities.
That said, Madison is good at yelling and stripping, and this is the main way she shows her chops here. She screamed well in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019), too. The bar this year was admittedly pretty low, and truth be told Madison’s performance in Anora (aside from Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here) is probably the best out of the nominees.
In contrast, Adrien Brody, who won the best actor award, is absolutely unforgettable in the flawed but magnificent The Brutalist – the best he’s been since The Pianist, and the deserved winner by a mile out of a similarly mediocre field. Brody is simply a pleasure to watch, and drives, in a wholly embodied way, this grandiose and exceedingly long film (the fact it doesn’t feel long is largely due to his magnetism).
The screenplay, in which the character comes across as a combination of arrogant, sweet and at times comedic, allows Brody to display the full range of his talent, and he plays the whole thing with an endearing vulnerability. But, again, it’s unfair to compare Brody and Madison – The Brutalist is a spectacularly accomplished cinematic epic, while Anora feels as stylish and profound as a social media video (I know that’s the point, but that doesn’t make it any more compelling).
– Ari Mattes
A lacklustre year for music
This was a strong year for music-based films, with three of the most nominated ones being musicals of various types: the big-budget Broadway adaptation Wicked, the original film musical Emilia Pérez, and the musician biopic A Complete Unknown.
The music of the ceremony itself was nicely assembled, with a live orchestra (conducted by Michael Bearden) accompanying proceedings from above the stage.
But the show was marred by an absence: the best song nominations were not performed live. The new songs this year were so bland, however – especially when compared to the Wicked score and Bob Dylan – that I can hardly blame the producers. The nominations included a dull Elton John song, some soft guitar rock from Sing Sing, Diane Warren’s 16th (!) nominated song (more soft rock), and two forgettable songs from Emilia Pérez (one of which, El Mal, was the winner).
So little faith did the Academy have in the songs that only a few seconds were played from each, mostly covered by a montage of interviews with the songwriters.
This year’s nominated best scores were not much more memorable, but Daniel Blumberg deserved his win for The Brutalist. It demonstrates a high level of composition and orchestration craft. It uses edgy instrumental textures to increase the feelings of uncertainty and imbalance that the film imparts.
The show included a lot of Wizard of Oz. Ariana Grande sang Over the Rainbow from the 1939 film and Cynthia Erivo sang Home from The Wiz, the 1974 soul musical based on the book. Then they performed Defying Gravity from Wicked together.
Another subtle Wizard of Oz nod was the music played during the commercial breaks: a loop based on Brand New Day from The Wiz, whose 1979 film version had its music produced by the late Quincy Jones. Queen Latifah and backup dancers brought some much needed energy to the last hour of the ceremony with Ease on Down the Road, also from The Wiz, as part of a Jones tribute.
One surprise was an unnecessary but enjoyable James Bond sequence featuring Margaret Qualley dancing to John Barry’s famous theme, a performance of Live and Let Die by K-pop star Lisa, Doja Cat singing Diamonds Are Forever, and Raye’s rendition of Skyfall.
This plus the various numbers from the Oz Musical Universe only highlighted how lacklustre this year’s nominated music was.
– Gregory Camp
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.
ITV Network founder and my colleague in Parliament, Kartikeya Sharma ji, the entire team of the network, all the guests from India and abroad, other dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen, NewsX World’s auspicious beginning and for this I congratulate all of you, my best wishes. Today, all the regional channels of your network including Hindi and English are going global. And today many fellowships and scholarships have also been started. I wish all of you the best for these programs.
Friends,
I have been attending such media events earlier also, but today I feel that you have set a new trend and I congratulate you for this too. Such media events keep happening in our country, and it is a tradition that is continuing. There are some economic topics in it, it is a matter of benefit for everyone, but your network has given it a new dimension. You have worked on a new model by breaking away from the norm. I remember, if I talk about the earlier summits and your summit I have been listening to since yesterday, the earlier summits organised by different media houses have been leader-centric, I am happy that this one is policy-centric, policies are being discussed here. Most of the events that have taken place have been about living the present on the basis of the past. I see that your summit is dedicated to the future. I have seen that in all such programs that I have seen from afar or have attended myself, the importance of controversy was more there, here the importance of dialogue is more. And I firmly believe that all the events that I have attended are held in a small room and have their own people. Seeing such a huge event here and that too the event of a media house and people from all walks of life being here, is a big thing in itself. It is possible that other media people will not get any masala (scoop) from here, but the country will get a lot of inspiration, because the thoughts of every person who comes here will be thoughts that inspire the country. I hope that in the coming days other media houses will also adopt this trend, this template, in their own way and make it innovative and at least come out of that small room.
Friends,
Today the whole world is looking at 21st century India, people from all over the world want to come to India, want to know India. Today India is the country in the world where positive news is being created continuously. There is no need to manufacture news, where new records are being made every day, something new is happening. Just on 26 February, the Maha Kumbh of unity was concluded in Prayagraj. The whole world is surprised that how in a temporary city, a temporary arrangement, crores of people came to the banks of the river, travelled hundreds of kilometers and got filled with emotions after taking a holy bath. Today the world is seeing India’s organising and innovating skills. We are manufacturing everything from semiconductors to aircraft carriers right here. The world wants to know about this success of India in detail. I think that this NewsX World is a very big opportunity in itself.
Friends,
Just a few months ago, India conducted the world’s largest elections. After 60 years, it happened that a government in India has returned to power for the third consecutive time. The basis of this public trust are India’s many achievements in the last 11 years. I am confident that your new channel will take India’s real stories to the world. Without adding any colour, your global channel will show the picture of India as it is, we do not need makeup.
Friends,
Many years ago, I had presented the vision of Vocal for Local and Local for Global to the country. Today we are seeing this vision turning into reality. Today our Ayush products and Yoga have gone from Local to Global. Go anywhere in the world, you will find someone who knows Yoga, my friend Tony is sitting here, he is a daily Yoga practitioner. Today, India’s superfood, our Makhana, is going global from local. India’s millets – Shreeanna, are also going global from local. And I have come to know that my friend, Tony Abbott, has had first-hand experience of Indian millets at Delhi Haat, and he liked the millet dishes very much and I felt very happy to hear this.
Friends,
Not only millets, India’s turmeric has also gone from local to global, India supplies more than 60 percent of the world’s turmeric. India’s coffee has also gone from local to global, India has become the world’s seventh largest coffee exporter. Today India’s mobiles, electronic products, medicines made in India are making their global identity. And along with all this, one more thing has happened. India is leading many global initiatives. Recently I got a chance to go to the AI Action Summit in France. India was the co-host of this summit which is taking the world towards the AI future. Now India has the responsibility of hosting it. India organised such a wonderful G-20 Summit during its presidency. During this summit, we gave the world a new economic route in the form of India-Middle East-Europe Corridor. India also gave a strong voice to the Global South, we have connected the island nations and their interests to our priority. India has given the vision of Mission Life to the world to deal with the climate crisis. Similarly, International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, there are many such initiatives which India is leading globally. And I am happy that today when many brands of India are going global, the media of India is also going global. It is understanding this global opportunity.
Friends,
For decades, the world used to call India its back office. But today, India is becoming the new factory of the world. We are not just becoming a workforce, but a world-force! Today, the country is becoming an emerging export hub for the things that we once imported. The farmer who was once limited to the local market, today his crop is reaching the markets of the whole world. The demand for Pulwama’s Snow Peas, Maharashtra’s Purandar Figs and Kashmir’s Cricket Bats is now increasing in the world. Our Defence products are showing the world the power of Indian Engineering and technology. From the Electronics to Automobile Sector, the world has seen our scale and capability. We are not only providing our products to the world, India is also becoming a trusted and reliable partner in the global supply chain.
Friends,
If we have become a leader in many sectors today, then it is because of years of well deliberated hard work. This has been possible only due to systematic policy decisions. Look at the journey of 10 years, where bridges were incomplete, roads were stuck, today dreams are moving ahead at a new pace. With good roads, excellent expressways, both travel time and cost have reduced. This has given the industry an opportunity to reduce the turnaround time of logistics. Our automobile sector got a huge benefit from this. This increased the demand for vehicles, we encouraged the production of vehicles and EVs. Today we have emerged as a major automobile producer and exporter in the world.
Friends,
A similar change has been seen in electronics manufacturing. In the last decade, electricity reached more than 2.5 crore households for the first time. The demand for electricity increased in the country, production increased, which increased the demand for Electronic Equipment. When we made data cheaper, the demand for mobile phones increased. As more and more services were brought on mobile phones, the consumption of digital devices increased further. By turning this demand into an opportunity, we started programs like PLI Schemes. Today, India has become a major electronics exporter.
Friends,
Today India is able to set very big targets and is achieving them, so there is a special mantra at the core of this. This mantra is – minimum government, maximum governance. This is the mantra of efficient and effective governance. That means no interference from the government, no pressure from the government. I will give you an interesting example. In the last decade, we have abolished about 1500 laws that have lost their importance. It is a big deal to abolish 1500 laws. Many of these laws were made during British rule. Now I will tell you something, you will be surprised to hear that there was a law called dramatic performance act, this law was made by the British 150 years ago, at that time the British wanted that drama and theatre should not be used against the then government. There was a provision in this law that if 10 people were found dancing in a public place, they could be arrested. And this law continued for 75 years after the country got independence. That is, if there is a wedding procession and 10 people are dancing, the police can arrest them including the groom. This law was in force for 70-75 years after independence. This law was removed by our government. Now, we have borne this law for 70 years, I have nothing to say to the government of that time, those leaders, they are sitting here too, but I am more surprised by this Lutyens’ group, this Khan Market gang. Why were these people silent on such a law for 75 years? Those who go to court every day, who roam around like contractors of PIL, why were these people silent? Did they not remember liberty then? If someone thinks today, what would have happened if Modi had made such a law? And these trollers on social media, if they too had spread such false news that Modi was going to make such a law, these people would have created a ruckus, would have pulled Modi’s hair.
Friends,
It is our government that has abolished this law from the times of slavery. I will give another example of bamboo, bamboo is the lifeline of our tribal areas, especially the North East. But earlier, you were sent to jail even for cutting bamboo, why was the law made now? Now, if I ask you, is bamboo a tree? Some will believe that it is a tree, some will believe that it is a tree, you will be surprised that even after 70 years of independence, the government of my country believed that bamboo is a tree, and therefore, just as cutting trees was prohibited, cutting bamboo was also prohibited. There was a law in our country which considered bamboo to be a tree, and all the laws for trees were applicable to it, it was difficult to cut it. Our earlier rulers could not understand that bamboo is not a tree. The British may have had their own interests, but why did we not do it? Even the decades old law related to bamboo was changed by our own government.
Friends,
You must remember how difficult it was for a common man to file ITR 10 years ago. Today you file ITR in a few moments and the refund is also deposited directly in the account within a few days. Now the process of making the law related to income tax even simpler is going on in the Parliament. We have made income up to Rs. 12 lakh tax free, yes now there is applause, you did not applaud the bamboo because it belongs to the tribals. And this is going to benefit especially the media personnel, the salaried class like you. The youth who are doing their first and second jobs, their aspirations are also different, their expenses are also different. They should fulfil their aspirations, their savings should increase, the budget has helped a lot in this. Our aim is to give the people of the country Ease of Living, Ease of Doing Business, give them open skies to fly. Today see how many start-ups are taking advantage of geospatial data. Earlier, if someone had to make a map, they had to take permission from the government. We changed this and today our start-ups and private companies are making excellent use of this data.
Friends,
India, which gave the world the concept of Zero, is today becoming the land of Infinite Innovations. Today India is not just innovating but also indovating. And when I say indovate, it means – Innovating The Indian Way. Through indovating, we are creating solutions that are affordable, accessible and adaptable. We are not gate-keeping these solutions but have offered them to the entire world. When the world wanted a secure and cost-effective digital payment system, we created the UPI system. I was listening to Professor Carlos Montes, he seemed very impressed with the people-friendly nature of technology like UPI. Today, countries like France, UAE, Singapore are integrating UPI in their financial ecosystem. Today, many countries of the world are making agreements to join our digital public infrastructure, India Stack. During the Covid pandemic, our vaccine showed the world the model of India’s Quality Healthcare Solutions. We also open-sourced the Arogya Setu app so that the world can benefit from it. India is a major space power; we are also helping other countries to achieve their space aspirations. India is also working on AI for Public Good and is also sharing its experience and expertise with the world.
Friends,
ITV Network has launched many fellowships today. India’s youth is the biggest beneficiary of developed India and also the biggest stakeholder. Therefore, India’s youth is a very big priority for us. National Education Policy has given children an opportunity to think beyond books. Children are getting ready for the field of AI and Data Science by learning coding from middle school itself. Atal Tinkering Labs are giving children hands-on experience of emerging technologies. Therefore, in this year’s budget, we have announced to create 50 thousand new Atal Tinkering Labs.
Friends,
In the world of news, you people take subscriptions from different agencies, this helps you in getting better news coverage. Similarly, in the field of research, students need more and more information sources. For this, earlier they had to take subscriptions of different journals at expensive rates, they had to spend money themselves. Our government has freed all researchers from this worry too. We have brought One Nation One Subscription. With this, every researcher of the country is sure to get free access to the world’s renowned journals. The government is going to spend more than 6 thousand crore rupees on this. We are ensuring that every student gets the best research facilities. Be it space exploration, biotech research or AI, our children are emerging as future leaders. Dr. Brian Green has met the students of IIT and astronaut Mike Massimino went to meet the students of Central School and as he said, his experience has been really wonderful. The day is not far when a big innovation of the future will come out of a small school in India.
Friends,
Let the flag of India fly on every global platform, this is our aspiration, this is our direction.
Friends,
This is not the time to think small and take small steps. I am happy that as a media organisation, you too have understood this sentiment. You see, till 10 years ago you used to think about how to reach different states of the country, how to make your media house reach, today you too have gathered the courage to go global. This inspiration, this pledge, should be the one of every citizen, every entrepreneur today. My dream is that there should be some Indian brand in every market of the world, in every drawing room, on every dining table. Made in India – should become the mantra of the world. If someone is ill, he should first think about – Heal in India. If someone wants to get married, he should first think about – Wed in India. If someone wants to travel, he should put India on top of his list. If someone wants to hold a conference or an exhibition, he should come to India first. If someone wants to hold a concert, he should first choose India. We have to develop this strength, this positive attitude in ourselves. Your network and your channel will play a big role in this. The possibilities are infinite, now we have to turn them into reality with our courage and determination.
Friends,
India is moving ahead with the resolve to become a developed India in the next 25 years. You too should move ahead with the resolve to bring yourself on the world stage as a media house. I believe that you will definitely succeed in this. I once again convey my best wishes to the entire team of ITV Network and I also congratulate the participants who have come from the country and the world, their views have definitely strengthened a positive thinking, I am thankful for this too, because when the pride of India increases, every Indian feels happy and proud and for this I thank them all very much. Namaskaram.
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered
Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurates the week long celebrations of Jan Aushadhi Diwas, 2025 by flagging off vehicles carrying the information about Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana in New Delhi today Let us create a Jan-Andolan for Janaushdahi: Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda
PMBJP has led to total savings of approx. Rs.30,000 crores for the citizens during the past 10 years
Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 1:26PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated the weeklong celebrations of Jan Aushadhi Diwas, 2025 by flagging off the Rath (Chariot) and 10 other vehicles carrying the information about Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana from Nirman Bhawan today. Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Ms. Anupriya Patel and Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Shri Amit Agrawal were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering during the flag off ceremony Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda urged the citizens of the country to participate in these programs for wider awareness about this noble project of the Government so that a Jan-Andolan is created for Jan-Aushadhi.
Ms. Anupriya Patel also addressed the gathering and gave a brief about seven days week long programs to be held across the country for celebration of 7thJan Aushadhi Diwas.
At the initiative of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the 7thof March is celebrated every year as “Jan Aushadhi Diwas” with a view to enhance awareness about the scheme and promote generic medicines. As in earlier years, week-long events have been planned at various locations across the country from the 1st to the 7th of March 2025. The vehicles that have been flagged off today will disseminate the information about PMBJP in the National Capital Region (NCR).
With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. Under this scheme, dedicated outlets known as Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) are opened to provide generic medicines.
As on 28.02.2025, 15000Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened across the country. Product basket of PMBJP comprises 2047 drugs and 300 surgical equipment which are sold at retail shops at 50% to 80% cheaper than branded medicines.
Under PMBJP, the government has set a target to open 25000 JAKs by 31st March, 2027 across the country. The target of opening 15000 JAKs by March, 2025 has already been achieved by PMBI on 31.01.2025.
In order to cover large category of medicines, 29 Major Therapeutic Groups like Antibiotics & Anti-infectives, Anti-Cancer, Anti-Diabetics, Cardiovascular Drugs, Analgesics and Antipyretic, Anti-Allergic, Gastro-Intestinal Agents, Vitamins & Minerals, Food supplements/Nutraceuticals, Topical Medicines etc have been covered in PMBJP basket. Further, 300 Surgical Equipment & Consumable like Masks, Orthopedic Rehabilitation Products, Surgical Dressings, Syringes & Needles, Sanitary Napkins, Sutures, Diapers, Rubber Gloves, Oximeter, Rapid Antigen Test Kit, etc have also been covered under PMBJP basket.
In the financial year i.e., 2023-24, PMBJP has made sales of Rs. 1470 Crore (at MRP) which has led to savings of approximately Rs. 7350 Cr. to the citizens. In the current financial year i.e., 2024-25, PMBJP has made sales of Rs. 1760 Crore (at MRP) till 28.02.2025. In the last 10 years, the no. of Kendras have increased by 180 times and the sales have also increased more than 200 times. In all, during the past 10 years, total savings of approximately Rs. 30,000 crores for the citizens have been possible due to this noble scheme.