NewzIntel.com

Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI: HERE Technologies unveils HERE WeGo Pro: a truck navigation app for safer, more efficient fleet operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • HERE WeGo Pro delivers precision navigation with multi-stop routing, real-time traffic and truck-specific road alerts
    • Features include vehicle-specific routing configuration and predictive ETAs to enhance fleet efficiency for middle and “milk run” logistics

    Las Vegas, NV – HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology company, today introduced HERE WeGo Pro, an advanced mobile application for truck navigation designed to address the growing demand for customizable mapping solutions that promote safer and more efficient driving.

    Unveiled at the Manifest Supply Chain and Logistics Summit, HERE WeGo Pro offers commercial vehicle fleet operators with optimized, multi-stop routing that takes into account road restrictions and real-time traffic conditions. The HERE WeGo Pro application can also fill the gap for commercial vehicle OEMs lacking built-in navigation systems.

    HERE WeGo Pro is tailored for fleet operators that rely on precision navigation and efficiency in middle mile and “milk-run logistics.” This includes Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) services; third-party logistics (3PL); operators of mid-size commercial vehicle fleets; and construction and heavy equipment logistics.

    “HERE WeGo Pro offers a smart navigation solution built on high-precision map data, designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s fleet operators,” said Bart Coppelmans, Senior Director of Product Management at HERE Technologies. “It provides fleet operators with an application that delivers maps to drivers and advanced location services that stay up to date, helping them navigate efficiently, optimize multi-stop deliveries, and stay compliant with increasingly complex regulatory requirements.”

    HERE WeGo Pro Key Features

    Comprehensive Global Road Coverage

    The HERE WeGo Pro application is built on the company’s enterprise-grade map data with truck-specific attributes, available in 75+ countries. Users to save their vehicle profiles, ensuring that routes are optimized based on truck-specific constraints, including height, weight, width, time-of-day restrictions and vehicle type. This level of precision enhances safety, improves compliance and prevents costly detours.

    Predictive ETAs Based on Dynamic Conditions

    HERE WeGo Pro delivers up-to-date estimated arrival times (ETAs) by factoring in real-time traffic, weather and historical data, helping fleet managers and customers plan deliveries with confidence. This eliminates reliance on outdated, static traffic pattern data, keeping deliveries on schedule.

    Optimized Multi-Stop Tours

    Designed for complex delivery schedules, the multi-stop feature of HERE WeGo Pro enables fleets to import tour plans for efficient routing that minimizes fuel consumption, reduces drive time and takes truck specific constraints into account.

    Real-time Data Feedback, AI Assistance & Customizable Map Configurations 

    HERE WeGo Pro provides drivers with an intuitive and easy-to-use feature for reporting live road conditions and map updates to HERE. This feedback loop helps to improve data freshness and map accuracy.

    Future versions of HERE WeGo Pro will include the recently launched HERE AI Assistant, along with features to establish site-specific rules and customized route preferences, enabling precise navigation tailored to their unique operational needs and for companies that want more control over the routing experience.

    Commercial drivers and fleet operators will be able to leverage the HERE AI Assistant to optimize routes based on time or cost constraints and quickly adapt to changing road conditions for seamless and efficient operations. The ability to control the application with natural language through the HERE AI Assistant helps keep drivers focused on the road ahead for increased safety.

    Built for Fleet Operators with Seamless Integrations 

    Fleet management companies and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) can seamlessly integrate the HERE WeGo Pro application into their operations for enhanced routing capabilities.

    The application connects planning, routing and delivery analysis, offering fleets an end-to-end navigation and logistics solution. Additionally, HERE WeGo Pro integrates with the company’s suite of APIs, including HERE Tour Planning and HERE Tracking to provide a unified fleet management experience.

    HERE WeGo Pro is an out-of-the-box navigation solution for fleets built on top of the HERE SDK. For those fleets who may choose to build their own navigation application using HERE’s suite of APIs, information about HERE Software Development Kit (SDK) for navigation can be found here.

    Experience HERE WeGo Pro at Manifest 2025

    Manifest 2025 attendees can explore how HERE WeGo Pro transforms fleet navigation by visiting Booth 822. To learn more about HERE WeGo Pro visit: https://www.here.com/products/wego-pro

    About HERE

    HERE has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for 40 years. Today, the HERE location platform is recognized as the most complete in the industry, powering location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe. From autonomous driving and seamless logistics to new mobility experiences, HERE allows its partners and customers to innovate while retaining control over their data and safeguarding privacy. Find out how HERE is moving the world forward at https://www.here.com.

    Media Contacts

    Jordan Stark

    +1 312 316 4537

    jordan.stark@here.com

    Dr. Sebastian Kurme 

    +49 173 515 3549 

    sebastian.kurme@here.com

    Camy Cheng

    +65 9088 4127

    Camy.cheng@here.com

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Future AGI launches world’s most accurate multimodal AI evaluation tool

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While enterprise AI adoption accelerates, 85% of AI projects fail to meet expectations due to accuracy and reliability challenges in tooling*. Current tools lack the depth to provide actionable insights, leaving teams with vague evaluations without identifying root causes or improvement strategies. 

    Today, Future AGI announces a $1.6M pre-seed funding round to scale its AI lifecycle management platform that enables enterprises to build and maintain high-performing AI applications with unprecedented accuracy. The funding round is co-led by Powerhouse Ventures and Snow Leopard Ventures, with participation from Angellist Quant Fund, Swadharma Source Ventures, Saka Ventures and a marquee group of 30+ industry stalwarts and angels.

    Future AGI founders: Nikhil Pareek and Charu Gupta.

    Current AI tooling falls short in several critical areas—ranging from generating high-quality synthetic data and providing granular error analysis to enabling effective feedback and optimization loops—leaving cross-functional teams of subject matter experts, data scientists, and software developers without clear pathways to improvement. Most evaluations remain manual and superficial, with developers often defaulting to guesswork or “vibe checks” rather than informed experimentation. This fragmented ecosystem, coupled with limited domain expertise in tooling usage, makes it exceedingly difficult to pinpoint where models fail, devise data-driven remediation strategies, and ultimately treat AI development with the same rigor as modern software engineering.

    Building trustworthy high-performing AI applications is complex — requiring rapid iterations across models, prompts, and data while safeguarding against harmful outputs. Future AGI’s platform streamlines this entire lifecycle with rapid experimentation, deep multi-modal evaluations, real-time observability, and continuous improvement capabilities. The platform’s proprietary technology includes advanced evaluation systems for text and images, agent optimizers, and auto-annotation tools that can reduce AI product development time by up to 95%. Users can complete evaluations in minutes and automatically optimize their AI systems for production, eliminating manual overhead and ensuring consistent performance.

    “AI is becoming the new software, but its widespread adoption faces a critical challenge – reliability and accuracy at scale,” said Nikhil Pareek, CEO of Future AGI. “Today’s AI systems are probabilistic and error-prone, with improvement cycles taking 6-8 months. We’re building the foundational layer that ensures AI systems are trustworthy and reliable in production. Our platform isn’t just about workflow automation – we’re creating the data layer that continuously monitors, evaluates, and improves AI systems across multimodal interactions.”
    FutureAGI is making significant strides across various industries. A Series E sales-tech company leveraged FutureAGI’s LLM Experimentation Hub to achieve an impressive 99% accuracy in agentic pipeline, accelerating their processes 10 times faster than previous methods, compressing weeks of work into just hours. This transformation has drastically improved their capacity for delivering personalized customer interactions at scale.

    In another case, an AI image generation company utilized FutureAGI’s platform to streamline its image generation pipeline, resulting in a remarkable 90% reduction in costs by decreasing reliance on human evaluators while maintaining 99% accuracy for catalog and marketing images. These examples highlight FutureAGI’s ability to optimize operations and drive substantial cost savings while enhancing performance.

    The platform’s capabilities extend beyond pure software applications to hardware AI agents in robotics and autonomous vehicles, where accuracy requirements are even more stringent. Future AGI’s synthetic data generation and evaluation systems enable companies to simulate edge cases and validate AI models under various real-world conditions before deployment.

    Future AGI was the genesis of Nikhil Pareek and Charu Gupta and was born out of founders’ frustration with the growing challenges in data collection, annotation, and training model readiness. Each iteration magnified these issues, and through conversations with fellow AI builders, they realized this problem was widespread. Nikhil Pareek is a former AI founder, with multiple patents and research papers, comes with experience ranging from building autonomous drones to tackling complex data science challenges for Fortune 50 companies. Charu Gupta is a veteran in revenue growth, having successfully navigated multiple startups from inception to achieving revenues of up to $100 million. 

    Future AGI team.

    With a powerful team of 30 AI researchers and ML engineers—hailing from Microsoft, Amazon, and other top tech giants—alongside alumni from Ivy League and premier institutions, they bring deep expertise in AI innovation, published research, and patented technologies. Together, the team is tackling one of AI’s most formidable challenges—redefining accuracy and trust in AI at an unprecedented scale’

    “The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, and one of the biggest challenges enterprises face today is ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their AI applications,” said Sri Peddu, General Partner at Powerhouse Ventures “Future AGI’s innovative approach to solving this critical problem through their comprehensive AI lifecycle management platform positions them uniquely in the market. We believe their solution will be instrumental in helping companies achieve the highest accuracy levels required for production-grade AI applications.”

    “We believe great people build great companies, and we know from our data that Future AGI is one of the top early-stage startups for attracting the best job applicants on Wellfound (fka AngelList Talent)” said Abraham Othman, PhD, managing partner of the AngelList Early-Stage Quant Fund.

    The timing for this challenge becomes especially critical as organizations transition from experimental AI implementations to business-critical applications, and as major players like Meta, Google, and Anthropic rapidly expand into multimodal AI — combining text, images, audio, and video. This evolution of AI has intensified market demand for solutions that can effectively manage the trustworthiness and reliability of AI products by ensuring accuracy.

    Looking ahead, Future AGI will use the new funding to accelerate product development and grow its engineering and growth teams while strengthening its proprietary technology stack. The company has offices in the Bay Area and its R&D center in Bangalore, positioning it to serve the growing global demand for reliable AI solutions.

    Ends 
    *Gartner, Gartner Business Insights, Strategies & Trends For Executives

    Media images can be found here. 

    About Future AGI
    Future AGI is a venture-backed AI infrastructure company founded by seasoned entrepreneurs with deep expertise in AI and business scaling. Led by a technical founder with multiple patents and an experienced business leader, the company is transforming how enterprises build and maintain high-quality AI products. Our platform dramatically reduces the time and effort needed to achieve reliable AI systems, enabling organizations to confidently deploy AI across their operations. With a growing roster of clients and POCs, Future AGI is positioned to become the foundation for trustworthy AI development.

    Founded in 2024 and headquartered in the US with an R&D center in India, Future AGI’s proprietary technology includes advanced evaluation systems for text and images, auto-tuning prompt optimizers, and auto-annotation tools that can reduce AI product development time by up to 95%. The company serves a diverse client base ranging from late-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping them achieve and maintain 99% accuracy in their AI applications.

    Powerhouse Ventures
    Powerhouse Ventures (PV) is a Singapore-based early-stage Venture Capital firm with an investment focus on startups emerging from India and the United States. PV supports early-stage companies in high-growth sectors where technology is the driver. Currently, PV manages an active portfolio of 40+ companies spread across India, the United States, and Singapore and includes category-defining companies such as Whatfix, Slintel, Medibuddy, Quizizz, DailyRounds/Marrow, Sybill, etc.

    Snow Leopard Ventures
    Snow Leopard Ventures/Snow Leopard Global Capital Management is a global alternative asset manager investing largely proprietary capital with offices in Pune, India and New York, NY. The firm invests across multiple industries and across different stages, from pre-seed through pre-IPO.

    AngelList Early Stage Quant Fund
    The AngelList Early Stage Quant Fund is a data-driven investment fund that has raised $25 million to invest in over 100 early-stage startups in technology, data, and finance sectors, leveraging advanced analytics to enhance decision-making.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Influence on Healthcare Market Expected to Generate Revenues of $610 Billion By 2034

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The growing adoption of the digital technologies in the healthcare sector owing to the growing need for reducing the healthcare costs and offer enhanced quality patient care services to the patients are the prominent factors that are boosting the growth of the global artificial intelligence in healthcare market. The surging prevalence of various chronic diseases and growing elderly population is resulting in the increased pool of patients at hospitals. The large volume of patient health data is generated every day, which is required to be stored and managed effectively. The growing demand for the personalized medicines and the necessity of maintaining digital health records are significantly driving the artificial intelligence in healthcare market. The novel technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning are now being integrated to the healthcare systems that will allow the health professionals in early identification of the diseases and offer enhanced care services to the patients. Moreover, the data analytics, deep learning technology, natural language processing (NPL), predictive analytics, and content analytics are supporting the healthcare professionals in early diagnosis and care services. A report from Precedence Research said that the global artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare market size accounted for USD 26.69 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach around USD 613.81 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 36.83% from 2024 to 2034. North America AI in healthcare market size reached USD 8.67 billion in 2023. Active A.I. companies active in the markets include: Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI), Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI), Talkspace (NASDAQ: TALK), SoundHound AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOUN).

    The Precedence Research report added: “North America region was the highest market share holder in (recent years). North America is characterized by the increased inclination towards the advanced and latest digital technologies. The strong and developed healthcare, IT, and telecommunications infrastructure in North America has supported the growth of the artificial intelligence in healthcare market. Furthermore, the favorable government policies that encourage the adoption of the digital and novel technologies like artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector. North America has the presence of huge pool of patients. It is estimated that over half of the US population is suffering from one or more chronic diseases. This is resulting in increased volume of patients in hospitals. The health data of these patients needs to be stored and managed in digital form as per the government regulations. This is a major factor that propels the demand for the artificial intelligence in healthcare sector.”

    Avant Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) and Ainnova Advance Toward FDA Clinical Trial with Selection of Top CRO – Avant Technologies, Inc. (“Avant” or the “Company”) and its partner, Ainnova Tech, Inc., (Ainnova), a leading healthcare technology company focused on revolutionizing early disease detection using artificial intelligence (AI), today announced the selection of Fortrea, a global provider of clinical development solutions to the life sciences industry, as the contract research organization (CRO) to conduct Ainnova’s upcoming clinical studies to seek approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Ainnova’s Vision AI platform.

    Fortrea will assist Ainnova in requesting a pre-submission meeting with the FDA for guidance on the clinical testing needed for its Vision AI platform in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy. After a pre-submission meeting, Fortrea will then work with Ainnova on its FDA submission and a subsequent clinical study before concluding with an FDA 510(k) submission to obtain clearance from the FDA to market its Vision AI platform.

    The upcoming clinical studies are significant to Avant and its shareholders because of the partnership formed by Avant and Ainnova to advance and commercialize Ainnova’s technology portfolio, including its Vision AI platform and its versatile retinal cameras. The joint venture formed by the two companies, Ai-nova Acquisition Corp. (AAC), has the licensing rights for this portfolio in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, so the success of Ainnova’s clinical studies with the FDA will be vital to marketing the technology portfolio in the United States.

    Ainnova’s Chief Executive Officer, Vinicio Vargas, said of the selection, “We worked diligently to identify and select the right CRO to help us both engage the FDA and then conduct our clinical studies. Fortrea is an established and highly regarded full-service CRO with expertise in more than 20 therapeutic areas, and a CRO with an extensive portfolio of successfully completed clinical trials, including those involving both emerging and large biopharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostic companies.”

    With Fortrea’s guidance, Ainnova expects to submit its pre-submission application in the coming weeks and expects to meet with the FDA for its pre-submission meeting in late March/early April 2025. Additionally, Ainnova will also interact with the FDA to devise a plan to obtain clearance for four algorithms it recently acquired the exclusive licensing rights to, which include early detection for cardiovascular risk, prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and chronic kidney disease. CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Avant Technologies at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-avai/

    In other A.I. developments and happenings in the market recently include:

    Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), a technology company leading the adoption of AI to advance precision medicine and patient care, recently announced it has completed its acquisition of Ambry Genetics, a recognized leader in genetic testing that aims to improve health by understanding the relationship between genetics and disease.

    “This acquisition complements our strategy of leveraging diagnostics and data to drive innovation, further strengthening our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions to clinicians, patients, and life sciences companies,” said Eric Lefkofsky, Founder and CEO of Tempus. “We are excited to welcome Ambry to the Tempus team as we work together to improve patient outcomes and transform treatment journeys through the power of technology.”

    BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI) has recently been awarded a contract by the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) to advance BigBear.ai’s Virtual Anticipation Network (VANE) prototype. This initiative will support the CDAO and Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) by leveraging custom AI models to better assess news media originating in countries that are potential foreign adversaries.

    The prototype award is designed to improve CDAO’s ability to identify key trends and topics related to potential foreign adversarial areas of interest, enabling faster and more informed assessments of media data vital to national security. VANE was created to contrive clarity in multi-domain environments for military and government applications by aggregating and analyzing vast data points, enabling predictions of adversarial activity in complex situations.

    “We are honored to continue our support in the modernization of our nation’s defense efforts. This award underscores the importance of leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to address complicated geopolitical challenges,” said Ryan Legge, President of National Security at BigBear.ai. “By advancing VANE within CDAO, we are arming our warfighters with sophisticated intelligence capabilities to leverage foreign insights critical to the safety of our Nation and those protecting it.”

    Talkspace (NASDAQ: TALK) recently announced the launch of Insights, a new feature that enhances therapeutic care by helping Talkspace providers efficiently prepare for sessions and guide client care between sessions. The feature was developed and refined in partnership with Talkspace clinicians.

    Before each session, providers can use Insights to synthesize data from each client’s care journey, a process that is typically manual — including changes in that client’s symptom acuity from evidence-based psychological assessments and key details from the most recent session — to generate a concise pre-session primer tailored to the therapist’s upcoming appointment. After the session, an update can be generated to reflect the discussion’s key points, highlight therapeutic progress, and note follow-ups for future sessions.

    SoundHound AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOUN), a global leader in voice artificial intelligence, recently announced the launch of Brand Personalities, a groundbreaking feature for its SoundHound Chat AI Automotive voice assistant – making it the first in-vehicle assistant to offer distinct, customizable personas tailored to each automaker’s unique brand identity, designed to enhance both the user experience and brand loyalty for OEMs.

    Brand Personalities enables car makers to control the entire personality of their voice assistant including response style, character and vivaciousness. Automotive partners can choose from pre-designed personas, create fully customized personalities tailored to their specific needs, or even introduce seasonal characters for campaigns. Due to SoundHound’s unique software architecture, multiple personas can be defined for specific sub-brands or model lines—allowing sports cars, family cars, and commercial vehicles to each have distinct personalities that reflect the unique needs of their customers.

    About FN Media Group:
    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia
    Follow us on Twitter for real time Market News: https://twitter.com/FNMgroup
    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/financialnewsmedia/

    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM was compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Avant Technologies, Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:
    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757 

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Legal fight against AI-generated child pornography is complicated – a legal scholar explains why, and how the law could catch up

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Wayne Unger, Assistant Professor of Law, Quinnipiac University

    Child pornography laws may be clear, but AI makes enforcement more difficult. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

    The city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was shaken by revelations in December 2023 that two local teenage boys shared hundreds of nude images of girls in their community over a private chat on the social chat platform Discord. Witnesses said the photos easily could have been mistaken for real ones, but they were fake. The boys had used an artificial intelligence tool to superimpose real photos of girls’ faces onto sexually explicit images.

    With troves of real photos available on social media platforms, and AI tools becoming more accessible across the web, similar incidents have played out across the country, from California to Texas and Wisconsin. A recent survey by the Center for Democracy and Technology, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit, found that 15% of students and 11% of teachers knew of at least one deepfake that depicted someone associated with their school in a sexually explicit or intimate manner.

    The Supreme Court has implicitly concluded that computer-generated pornographic images that are based on images of real children are illegal. The use of generative AI technologies to make deepfake pornographic images of minors almost certainly falls under the scope of that ruling. As a legal scholar who studies the intersection of constitutional law and emerging technologies, I see an emerging challenge to the status quo: AI-generated images that are fully fake but indistinguishable from real photos.

    Policing child sexual abuse material

    While the internet’s architecture has always made it difficult to control what is shared online, there are a few kinds of content that most regulatory authorities across the globe agree should be censored. Child pornography is at the top of that list.

    For decades, law enforcement agencies have worked with major tech companies to identify and remove this kind of material from the web, and to prosecute those who create or circulate it. But the advent of generative artificial intelligence and easy-to-access tools like the ones used in the Pennsylvania case present a vexing new challenge for such efforts.

    In the legal field, child pornography is generally referred to as child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, because the term better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the children involved. In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled that child pornography is not protected under the First Amendment because safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of a minor is a compelling government interest that justifies laws that prohibit child sexual abuse material.

    That case, New York v. Ferber, effectively allowed the federal government and all 50 states to criminalize traditional child sexual abuse material. But a subsequent case, Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition from 2002, might complicate efforts to criminalize AI-generated child sexual abuse material. In that case, the court struck down a law that prohibited computer-generated child pornography, effectively rendering it legal.

    The government’s interest in protecting the physical and psychological well-being of children, the court found, was not implicated when such obscene material is computer generated. “Virtual child pornography is not ‘intrinsically related’ to the sexual abuse of children,” the court wrote.

    States move to criminalize AI-generated CSAM

    According to the child advocacy organization Enough Abuse, 37 states have criminalized AI-generated or AI-modified CSAM, either by amending existing child sexual abuse material laws or enacting new ones. More than half of those 37 states enacted new laws or amended their existing ones within the past year.

    California, for example, enacted Assembly Bill 1831 on Sept. 29, 2024, which amended its penal code to prohibit the creation, sale, possession and distribution of any “digitally altered or artificial-intelligence-generated matter” that depicts a person under 18 engaging in or simulating sexual conduct.

    Deepfake child pornography is a growing problem.

    While some of these state laws target the use of photos of real people to generate these deep fakes, others go further, defining child sexual abuse material as “any image of a person who appears to be a minor under 18 involved in sexual activity,” according to Enough Abuse. Laws like these that encompass images produced without depictions of real minors might run counter to the Supreme Court’s Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition ruling.

    Real vs. fake, and telling the difference

    Perhaps the most important part of the Ashcroft decision for emerging issues around AI-generated child sexual abuse material was part of the statute that the Supreme Court did not strike down. That provision of the law prohibited “more common and lower tech means of creating virtual (child sexual abuse material), known as computer morphing,” which involves taking pictures of real minors and morphing them into sexually explicit depictions.

    The court’s decision stated that these digitally altered sexually explicit depictions of minors “implicate the interests of real children and are in that sense closer to the images in Ferber.” The decision referenced the 1982 case, New York v. Ferber, in which the Supreme Court upheld a New York criminal statute that prohibited persons from knowingly promoting sexual performances by children under the age of 16.

    The court’s decisions in Ferber and Ashcroft could be used to argue that any AI-generated sexually explicit image of real minors should not be protected as free speech given the psychological harms inflicted on the real minors. But that argument has yet to be made before the court. The court’s ruling in Ashcroft may permit AI-generated sexually explicit images of fake minors.

    But Justice Clarence Thomas, who concurred in Ashcroft, cautioned that “if technological advances thwart prosecution of ‘unlawful speech,’ the Government may well have a compelling interest in barring or otherwise regulating some narrow category of ‘lawful speech’ in order to enforce effectively laws against pornography made through the abuse of real children.”

    With the recent significant advances in AI, it can be difficult if not impossible for law enforcement officials to distinguish between images of real and fake children. It’s possible that we’ve reached the point where computer-generated child sexual abuse material will need to be banned so that federal and state governments can effectively enforce laws aimed at protecting real children – the point that Thomas warned about over 20 years ago.

    If so, easy access to generative AI tools is likely to force the courts to grapple with the issue.

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

    – ref. Legal fight against AI-generated child pornography is complicated – a legal scholar explains why, and how the law could catch up – https://theconversation.com/legal-fight-against-ai-generated-child-pornography-is-complicated-a-legal-scholar-explains-why-and-how-the-law-could-catch-up-247980

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Two Six Technologies Delivers Strategic Growth and Makes Exceptional Mission Impact in 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Two Six Technologies, a high-growth technology company dedicated to providing products and expertise to national security customers, achieved outstanding growth and milestone results in 2024. Most importantly, Two Six’s products, systems, and teams supported more than 46,000 mission operations last year.

    In 2024, the company generated organic revenue growth of 25%, expanded its contract portfolio with large IDIQ awards, grew single-award contract ceiling to over $1.5 billion, and increased annual recurring revenue (ARR) to $60 million through the delivery of proprietary products and software platforms.

    “Our core focus is to rapidly deliver products, technologies, and expertise to address complex challenges facing our nation today,” said Joe Logue, CEO of Two Six Technologies. “I could not be more proud of the exceptionally talented professionals of Two Six, and their dedication to supporting the critical missions of our U.S. Government customers.”

    Two Six Technologies is a next-generation defense technology company, strategically positioned at the intersection of innovative technologies and mission impact. The company is purpose-built for a new era of government efficiency, with proven capabilities to execute on R&D programs, create breakthrough technologies, transition new innovations to operational users and warfighters, and deliver scalable product solutions.

    Two Six Technologies supports its customers through a suite of proprietary products that deliver technological superiority for our nation, allies, and partners. These products, including IKE™, Pulse, SIGMA™, and TrustedKeep™, are proven solutions offering direct and scalable impact for real-world challenges in critical sectors including cybersecurity, information advantage, CBRN detection, resilient secure communications, and zero trust.

    The company’s strategic expansions in 2024 included investments in infrastructure, secure labs, and the opening of new offices in Herndon, VA; Colorado Springs, CO; and Laurel, MD. Two Six’s employees work in 26 office locations in 7 states, as well as in labs, customer sites, and hybrid and remote locations across the country.

    In 2024, Two Six Technologies was recognized with numerous industry awards for outstanding individual and corporate performance, including: WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards and Pinnacle Awards, Greater Washington GovCon Awards Contractor of the Year, NVTC’s Cyber 50 and Tech 100, and Inc. Magazine’s Best in Business 2024. Additionally, the company was awarded nine new U.S. patents in 2024 for inventions created by Two Six employees.

    Two Six continues to invest in supporting employees’ growth and professional development, including recruiting programs, referral bonuses, training courses, and team events. In 2024, the company hired and onboarded more than 280 new employees and continues to recruit mission-focused professionals for its world-class teams. Two Six offers competitive benefits and compelling career development opportunities. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit twosixtech.com/careers/.

    About Two Six Technologies
    Two Six Technologies is a high-growth technology company dedicated to providing innovative products and expertise for defense, intelligence, public safety, and national security customers. The company solves complex technical challenges in five focus areas that are key to missions on the modern battlefield: cyber, information operations, resilient secure communications, electronic systems, and zero trust solutions.

    The company offers a robust suite of sole source contract vehicles with more than $1.5 billion of aggregate single-award contract ceiling; a family of operationally deployed products including IKE™, Pulse, TrustedKeep™, and SIGMA™; and a global operational footprint that includes technical access in more than 100 countries coupled with native proficiency in more than 20 languages.

    Two Six supports national security customers across the Department of Defense, including U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Cyber Command and DARPA; Department of State; the Intelligence Community; and Civilian agencies.

    Two Six was formed in February 2021 by the global investment firm The Carlyle Group. Since its formation, Two Six has acquired and integrated four companies that are highly complementary to Two Six’s mission, culture, and growth strategy.

    Two Six is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia and employs approximately 900 professionals working in 37 states across the country. For more information, visit twosixtech.com and Two Six Technologies on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact
    David Leach
    Vice President of Corporate Development
    david.leach@twosixtech.com
    703-782-9473

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mainspring Expands Channel Network with Leading Resellers as Linear Generator Installations Grow

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mainspring Energy today announced the expansion of its channel sales network into new markets and geographies, accelerating adoption of the company’s Linear Generators with the addition of three new resellers. The program welcomes dGEN Energy Partners, Gould Group, and INF Associates to the team of partner companies bringing Mainspring’s advanced power generation solutions to commercial and industrial companies.

    The addition of these leading power resellers expands Mainspring’s reach into more projects and vertical markets such as hotels and commercial buildings, EV charging infrastructure, cold storage facilities, and other industrial operations. It also opens the door to delivering projects in new regions for the company, particularly in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, which are prone to extreme weather events and extended power disruptions. As in the fast-growing U.S. linear generator market, commercial and industrial companies in this region are exploring linear generator solutions for greater control over their energy resources and costs. Mainspring’s products provide resilient, low-emission, rapidly installed power capacity with market-leading flexibility in siting, project scope, load profiles, and fuel types.

    “In an era of unprecedented load growth, demand is spiking globally for reliable, efficient power,” said Wissam Balshe, Senior Director of Channel Partnerships at Mainspring. “dGen, Gould Group and INF bring valuable expertise to our reseller team in deploying advanced power infrastructure in commercial and industrial markets. Together we are expanding our reach and accelerating the transition to cleaner, more efficient power.”

    The expanded reseller network puts Mainspring solutions in the hands of a growing force of industry experts specializing in reliable, affordable, and sustainable power projects that deliver new power capacity. It builds on the launch of the Mainspring reseller network last year and Mainspring’s strategic partnerships with global power leaders Schneider Electric and ABM.

    dGen
    dGen brings a wealth of experience in the renewable energy industry with over 750 MW of clean energy installed today. They are known in the solar industry for their ability to take a project from design to financing to installation with a dedicated team of developers and EPC installers. dGen expands access to renewable energy solutions to all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

    Gould Group
    As a trusted real estate portfolio fiduciary, Gould Group uses energy efficiency as a strategic tool to enhance cost-effectiveness and quality across industrial, office, hospital, and multifamily properties nationwide. Gould Group stands by three certainties—Budget, Execution, and Quality—ensuring every project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Its expertise spans energy procurement, strategic financing, and tailored sustainability solutions, enabling it to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and create long-term value for its clients.

    INF Associates
    INF is a turnkey energy solutions firm performing complete design, equipment supply, and installation of projects, including electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, LED lighting upgrades, distributed and renewable energy technologies, and mechanical system retrofits. INF has offices in New York City, the Hudson Valley and New Jersey, and supports energy projects nationwide. INF has a team dedicated to securing funding from utility and state commissions to advance the sustainability goals for each company they work with. Since 2011, INF has secured tens of millions of dollars of utility incentives for energy projects and has installed more than 5,000 EV chargers totaling over 50 megawatts of charging power.

    About Mainspring
    Mainspring Energy manufactures and delivers innovative, flexible, low-emissions onsite power solutions that rapidly add new power capacity and deliver reliable, affordable, clean electric power. The Mainspring Linear Generator is fully dispatchable and scalable from 250 kW to 100+MW. It is uniquely fuel-flexible, operating on any gaseous fuel including hydrogen, ammonia, biogas, natural gas, propane, and others. The company began commercial shipments in 2020 and to date has tens of MWs of power in operation and more than 100 MW in advanced development for leading Fortune 500 companies and utilities. Learn more at mainspringenergy.com.

    Media Contact:

    Marjorie Bonga
    marjorie@teamsilverline.com
    15407462385

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Podcasts are a great tool for political persuasion – just ask this 18th century thinker

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Katie East, Senior Lecturer in the History of Radical Ideas, Newcastle University

    Podcasts have been around for more than two decades, but the last few years – and particularly their influence in the 2024 US election – have solidified their role in the media landscape.

    Some of the most popular podcasts in the US and UK (such as The Joe Rogan Experience and The Rest is Politics) have a conversational format. They typically include two or more people discussing topics in an unstructured, uncensored way. The hosts and guests are unencumbered by word counts or TV timeslots. Such podcasts are a viable medium for political persuasion.

    There is some debate as to whether podcasts are simply an extension of the echo chambers formed in other media. But as a researcher of intellectual history and political discourse, I believe that conversational podcasts offer a uniquely valuable way to unpick political questions – and change the listener’s point of view.

    To understand the value of conversation as a means of communication, I suggest looking to writing from 18th-century Britain. This period saw a shift away from monarchy towards parliamentary government, along with the explosion of print culture. Popular engagement with political issues grew, and discussion of politics became a notable pastime.

    The rapidly expanding public sphere produced countless works on the art of conversation. Traditionally, they have been interpreted as indicative of the Georgian fascination with civility and politeness, instructing the reader in the proper behaviour for civilised discussion.

    However, the work of the Independent minister Isaac Watts (1674-1748) reveals a different view. Watts achieved prominence as a writer on education and as a philosopher. He engaged with key Enlightenment debates concerning reason, dogmatism and freedom of thought.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

    Sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, delivered every Friday.

    In 1741, Watts published The Improvement of the Mind, which outlined the most effective ways of acquiring and creating useful knowledge. Among these was conversation.

    Watts viewed conversation as a tool for persuasion. This was not in the sense of compelling someone to your view – he explicitly warned against approaching conversation with a dogmatic mindset – but rather as a collective endeavour to reach the truth of a matter. Ultimately, this is a much more enduring form of persuasion.

    The appeal of conversation

    There is a logic to the appeal of conversational podcasts in a world of increasing isolation and division. Even the supposed great connector – social media – offers only a facade of conversation. While social media connects people more than ever before, the natural flow and deep engagement of a conversation is difficult to replicate online. Exchanges are rarely immediate, numerous voices are vying for position and tone of voice or expression is obscured behind faceless avatars.

    Conversation, Watts argued, offers a greater clarity of understanding of an opposing position than a one-way interaction like reading (or scrolling). A person can explain their meaning in different terms if it is not initially clear. If questions arise, the speakers can unpack the nuances before becoming hostile.

    Moreover, Watts argued, encountering a different perspective can draw the conversation closer to “evidence and truth” in unexpected ways.

    This supports the idea that conversation is the best forum for better understanding a different stance from your own. Such a view paves the way for the kind of “agreeable disagreement” celebrated by The Rest is Politics.

    Even listening to an conversation can help you understand a stance different from your own.
    Yuri A/Shutterstock

    It was not only that the nature of conversation facilitated better mutual understanding, in Watts’ view, but also that it offered unique creative possibilities in the pursuit of truth. The act of conversation demanded more active engagement of the mind and the “secret chambers of the soul,” drawing forth ideas which might otherwise have remained lodged deep in the recesses of the mind. Not only could hidden thoughts be revealed, but entirely new ones could be created through the process of conversing.

    Watts likened two people in conversation to flints being struck together: in motion working together they could produce fire, but stationary and solitary nothing could be created. In solitude “our souls may be serene,” Watts wrote, “but not sparkling”.

    Conversation and disagreement

    Watts recognised that caution was needed to avoid the most likely pitfalls of conversation: the echo chamber and the risk of hostility.

    He was emphatic that conversation with those whose opinions differed from your own was necessary. If knowledge and truth were to be discovered, then new ideas had to be considered. As noted, he also warned against dogma, advising patience regarding a firm and unalterable proposition until you have grounds for it.

    Most interestingly, he warned against bothsidesism, or arguing a question pro and con for the sake of it. This, he argued, would embed confrontation in the conversation and prevent the mind from being in the proper position to uncover the truth.

    Today, the polarisation resulting from avoiding views different from our own, and from deliberately seeking out binary positions for the sake of confrontation is all too apparent.

    Yet the popularity of conversational political podcasts indicates the appetite for a different approach to political discussion. Though they didn’t have podcasts in the 18th century, conversation was a public endeavour, performed at coffee houses and replicated in print so the audience could also learn good practice and understand – so listen on.

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

    – ref. Podcasts are a great tool for political persuasion – just ask this 18th century thinker – https://theconversation.com/podcasts-are-a-great-tool-for-political-persuasion-just-ask-this-18th-century-thinker-245213

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Winter Weather Threat This Week: Get Ready Now

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Winter Weather Threat This Week: Get Ready Now

    Winter Weather Threat This Week: Get Ready Now

    CHICAGO – With the threat starting midweek of heavy snowfall and cold temperatures across much of the upper Midwest, FEMA’s Region 5 office in Chicago encourages everyone to prepare now. “The forecast this week is an important reminder that winter isn’t over just yet,” said acting FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Michael S. Chesney. “Now is the time to check local weather forecasts and warnings, learn the risks for your area and take precautions to stay safe.”Follow the instructions of state and local officials and listen to local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information.Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication, and don’t forget the needs of your pets. Fully charge your phone and other electronic items before the storm in case you lose power.Avoid non-essential travel. If you must go out, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition and fill your gas tank before the storm hits. Check that your car’s emergency supply kit is fully stocked before traveling.Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.Heat your home safely. Remember to keep space heaters at least three feet away from items that can burn and plug them directly into the wall. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. When using a generator, always keep it outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.Find even more valuable tips to help you prepare for severe winter weather by visiting #WinterReady | Ready.gov. 
    kimberly.keblish
    Mon, 02/10/2025 – 20:49

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ALLIANCE PHARMA PLC – 10 02 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ALLIANCE PHARMA 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    		 10 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: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 12,255,282 2.2671    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 12,255,282 2.2671    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    1p ORDINARY SALE 5,625 61.406p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

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

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

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

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

    (ii)        Exercise

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

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

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

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    NONE

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

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

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 11 FEBRUARY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Egypt: Military trials of fishermen an affront to justice

    Source: Amnesty International –

    gyptian authorities must stop trying civilians in military courts, said Amnesty International and the Sinai Foundation for Human Rights, ahead of an expected verdict on 12 February in the military trials of five civilians in relation to fishing in a lake in North Sinai controlled by a development agency operating under the ministry of defence.

    On 6 and 7 January, a military police unit from the Egypt’s Future Sustainable Development Agency (EFSDA) arrested five fishermen at Lake Bardawil.  Military prosecutors investigated the men on charges of fishing during “prohibited periods” as well as being in a military area without permission. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had placed the lake, a fishing spot for around 3,500 fishermen, under military jurisdiction in 2019, according to presidential Decree No. 294 of 2019.

    “It is a travesty that a group of fishermen have found themselves facing military trial for fishing in a lake without authorization. Trying civilians in military courts is a flagrant violation of Egypt’s international human rights obligations. Military authorities must immediately drop the charges against the five men and release them. They must be tried by independent and impartial civilian courts in proceedings meeting international standards of due process and fair trial,” said Ahmed Salem, Executive Director of the Sinai Foundation for Human Rights (SFHR).

    It is a travesty that a group of fishermen have found themselves facing military trial for fishing in a lake without authorization.

    Ahmed Salem, Executive Director of the Sinai Foundation for Human Rights

    “Egypt’s military courts have a notorious history of handing down unjust convictions and sentences, including death sentences, following grossly unfair trials. The authorities must overhaul legislation to ensure that military courts have no jurisdiction over civilians in any case,” said Sara Hashash, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

    The fishermen, who are in their twenties, are facing two separate military trials. Amnesty International and the SFHR reviewed copies of the arrest reports, prosecution reports, and charge sheets for both trials. The organizations also spoke with a lawyer who attended the hearings, two employees of an official body responsible for lake management, and relatives of detainees.

    The trials were marred by violations of fair trial guarantees. According to a lawyer who attended hearings for both cases on 28 January the defendants’ lawyers made a request to cross-examine the prosecution witnesses, but the court ignored their request. The court also held two hearings on 5 and 6 February without any of the defendants present.

    All five detainees are currently held by Central Security Forces, operating under the ministry of interior, in Ismailia Security Forces Camp, which is not officially recognized as a detention facility.

    The five defendants are tried under Law No. 146 of 2021 on the Protection and Development of Lakes and Fisheries, which stipulates that Lake Protection and Fish Wealth Development Authority (LPFWDA), affiliated with the cabinet, is responsible for determining areas in or periods during which fishing is banned. According to the law, fishing during prohibited periods or in banned areas is a crime punishable by six months to two years imprisonment and/or a fine between 10,000 EGP to 100,000 EGP.

    In 2022, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi established the EFSDA by a decree No. 591 of 2022, which was never made public. Since then, the government has assigned several large projects to the agency including development projects in South Egypt and North Sinai, according to local media.

    On 31 October 2024, the spokesman of the government announced that the EFSDA will begin development works in Lake Bardawil aiming at achieving

    “the economic development of the lake”, according to an official statement by the Council of Ministers. The lake was previously under the supervision of LPFWDA, which by law supervises lakes across the country. Two employees at the LPFWDA told Amnesty International and SFHR that, since the government’s announcement EFSDA has taken full control of the lake supervision.

    Military trials of civilians in Egypt are inherently unfair because all personnel in military courts, from judges to prosecutors, are serving members of the military who report to the Minister of Defence and do not have the necessary training on rule of law or fair trial standards. Verdicts by military courts are subject to appeal before higher military courts as well, and ratification by the President.

    On 28 January 2024, the Egyptian parliament approved new amendments to Law No. 25 of 1966 on the Military Code of Justice that further expand the jurisdiction of military courts to prosecute civilians. The new amendments added to the military jurisdiction include “crimes committed against public and vital facilities and public properties, and other comparable things, that are protected by the armed forces”. Presidential ratification of the amendments was never published in the official gazette.

    These amendments coincided with the enactment of Law No. 3 of 2024, ratified by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on 5 February 2024, which expanded military jurisdiction over civilians for even more crimes than in the parliament’s previously mentioned amendments to the Military Code of Justice. The law authorizes the military to assist the police in safeguarding public and vital facilities and “services,” as well as addressing crimes committed against them, including crimes that “undermine the basic needs of society, including food commodities and essential products.”

    Background

    Egypt has a long track record of trying civilians before military courts. Most recently, in December 2024 a military court sentenced 62 residents of North Sinai governorate to prison terms ranging from three to 10 years on charges of damaging military vehicles and using force against public officials.

    The trial followed a sit-in in October 2023 by residents of Sheikh Zuwayed city, who had been forcibly evicted by the authorities demanding to return to their homes. The sit-in was forcibly dispersed by the military. On 24 December 2024, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi issued a presidential pardon for 54 of them. 

    For over a decade, Egyptian armed and security forces have engaged in military operations against armed groups in North Sinai. In April 2023, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared the end of ongoing military operations in North Sinai. However, the region remains as a de facto military zone, with the Egyptian authorities continuing to maintain a strict media blackout on the security situation in North Sinai. They have for years prevented media, human rights organizations and independent observers from accessing the region. Several presidential decrees, including Decree No. 444 of 2014 and Decree No. 420 of 2021, have placed large areas of North Sinai under military jurisdiction, further militarizing the region and hampering independent reporting.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 45 Crore Devotees at Maha Kumbh 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    45 Crore Devotees at Maha Kumbh 2025

    Maha Kumbh 2025 Witnesses Record-Breaking Footfall

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 2:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Maha Kumbh 2025 has become one of the largest religious gatherings in history, with over 450 million (45 crore) devotees participating in the bathing rituals as of February 11, 2025. The state government was expecting the number of devotees to reach 45 crore in 45 days but this number has already been achieved within one month, with 15 days still remaining for the Maha Kumbh to conclude. With its blend of spiritual significance, grand rituals, and cutting-edge technological interventions, this Kumbh Mela has set new benchmarks in crowd management, sanitation, and digital facilitation.

    With the number of visitors surpassing 45 crore, crowd management has been a major focus. The next Amrit Snan is on February 12, 2025, Magh Purnima Snan, which is renowned for its connection with the veneration of Guru Brahaspati and the belief that the Hindu deity Gandharva descends from the heavens to the sacred Sangam. To ensure smooth crowd management during the Magh Purnima Snan, the state government has designated the mela area as a ‘no vehicle zone’ from the morning of February 11, 2025, allowing only essential and emergency services.

    Indian Railways is also operating at full capacity to manage the Maha Kumbh 2025 crowd. On February 9, around 330 trains transported 12.5 lakh pilgrims, with 130 more departing by 3 PM on February 10. Preparations for the upcoming Amrit Snan on February 12, 2025 were reviewed by the officials and the Union Minister. All eight stations, including Prayagraj Junction, are fully operational, while Prayagraj Sangam station is temporarily closed around major bathing dates for crowd management.

    The state government, in collaboration with various agencies, implemented a multi-tier security and monitoring system. A network of AI-powered CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, and real-time analytics ensured the safe movement of pilgrims across designated sectors. The administration also introduced a digital token system to streamline access to bathing ghats, reducing overcrowding. Special provisions were made for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees, ensuring that the Kumbh remained an inclusive spiritual experience.

    Adding to the historical significance of Maha Kumbh 2025, the honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu participated in the religious festivities on February 10, 2025. Her visit included a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam, reinforcing the event’s spiritual importance at the highest levels of governance. The President also paid homage at key religious sites, and interacted with saints and devotees. Apart from President Murmu, several union ministers, chief ministers, and governors, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have also taken a holy dip in the Sangam. Celebrities from Bollywood and the Indian sports fraternity have also marked their presence, engaging in religious rituals and public interactions. The participation of revered saints and spiritual leaders has further amplified the sanctity and grandeur of the event.

       

    Kalpavas, a period of fasting and spiritual discipline, holds deep significance during Maha Kumbh. This year, over 10 lakh devotees observed Kalpavas at the Triveni Sangam, concluding on Magh Purnima, with a final holy dip, pujan, and daan. As per tradition, Kalpvasis will perform Satyanarayan Katha, Havan Puja, and offer donations to their Tirthpurohits. The barley sown at the start of Kalpavas is immersed in the Ganga, and the Tulsi plant is taken home as a divine blessing. The twelve-year Kalpavas cycle culminates in Maha Kumbh, followed by a community feast in their villages.

    Over 7 lakh pilgrims have received medical care through extensive healthcare services. This includes treatment of more than 4.5 lakh individuals at 23 allopathic hospitals, with over 3.71 lakh undergoing pathology tests, and the successful completion of 3,800 minor and 12 major surgeries. Additionally, 20 AYUSH hospitals have provided Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy treatments to over 2.18 lakh pilgrims. The integration of specialists from AIIMS Delhi, IMS BHU, and international experts from Canada, Germany, and Russia has ensured world-class healthcare. Services such as Panchakarma, yoga therapy, and the distribution of health awareness materials have been well-received, enhancing the overall well-being of attendees.

    Aiming to make this the cleanest Kumbh Mela ever, authorities have enforced a stringent waste management plan. Over 22,000 sanitation workers have been deployed, ensuring that the premises remain free of litter. A large-scale water treatment initiative has also been implemented to keep the river water clean and suitable for the sacred dips. Eco-friendly practices, such as banning plastic and using biodegradable cutlery, have been strictly enforced. The Swachh Bharat Mission’s influence is evident in the installation of thousands of bio-toilets and automated garbage disposal units across the Kumbh grounds.

    Throughout the event, cultural programs featuring classical dance performances, folk music, and spiritual discourses take center stage, captivating devotees and visitors alike. Renowned artists, including Padma awardees and folk troupes from various states, showcase the diverse traditions of India through Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and traditional folk dances like Lavani and Bihu. The Kumbh Mela is also hosting various literary gatherings, where scholars discuss ancient scriptures, Vedic philosophy, and the relevance of Sanatan Dharma in contemporary times. Artisans set up stalls displaying handicrafts, handloom products, and religious artifacts, turning the mela into a vibrant cultural confluence.

    Maha Kumbh 2025 is not just a religious gathering; it is a monumental example of meticulous planning, cultural preservation, and technological innovation. With over 45 crore devotees already participating and more expected before its conclusion, this Kumbh stands as a testament to India’s ability to blend tradition with modernity, ensuring a spiritually enriching and seamless experience for all.

    References

    Department of Information & Public Relations (DPIR), Government of Uttar Pradesh

    https://kumbh.gov.in/en/bathingdates

    Maha Kumbh Series: 23/Feature

    Click here to see PDF.

    ******

    Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2101679) Visitor Counter : 83

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ELECTRICAL VEHICLES IN RURAL AND SEMI-URBAN AREAS

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 1:01PM by PIB Delhi

    As per the e-Vahan portal, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, as on 08/02/2025 the total EVs registered is 56.75 lakh and total registered vehicles are 3,897.71 lakhs.

    The PM E-DRIVE scheme ensures accessibility and affordability of electric vehicles (EVs) through targeted subsidies and demand incentives for e-2Ws and e-3Ws on pan-India basis including rural and semi-urban areas.  The scheme also has allocation of Rs.2,000 crore for installation of EV charging infrastructure across the country and address the issue of range anxiety among EV buyers.

    The PM E-DRIVE Scheme emphasis on providing affordable and environment friendly public transportation options for the masses.  Scheme is applicable mainly to vehicles used for public transport or those registered for commercial purposes in e-3W, e-trucks and other new emerging EV categories on pan-India basis including Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    TPJ/NJ

    (Release ID: 2101635) Visitor Counter : 46

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ENHANCEMENT OF E-VEHICLES

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 1:00PM by PIB Delhi

    The ₹10,900 crore PM E-Drive scheme aims to enhance electric mobility in India and contribute to the country’s environmental goals through several key strategies.  The scheme is available till 31.03.2026.  The scheme aims to achieve its objective in the following manner:

    1. Faster Adoption of EVs: The scheme seeks to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles by reducing their upfront costs through demand incentives.
    2. Charging Infrastructure: A significant focus is on establishing a robust charging infrastructure network to build confidence among EV users and support the growing EV fleet.
    3. EV Manufacturing Ecosystem: The scheme promotes the development of a local EV manufacturing ecosystem, ensuring long-term sustainability and reducing reliance on imports.
    4. Emphasis on Public Transport: Prioritising EVs for public transport and commercial use aims to provide environmentally friendly transportation options for the masses, thereby reducing overall emissions.
    5. Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels: By promoting electric mobility, the scheme intends to decrease dependence on fossil fuels and lower emissions from the transportation sector.

    The key benefits expected from the implementation of the PM E-Drive scheme for both consumers and manufacturers are as follows:

    1. For Consumers: Demand incentives lower the initial cost of EVs, making them more accessible for EV buyers.
    2. For Manufacturers: Demand incentives directly stimulate the demand for EVs, boosting sales and production volumes. The Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) supports the localisation of EV components, fostering domestic manufacturing capabilities.

    The steps taken under the scheme to support and incentivize the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) across different regions of India are as follows:

    1. Financial Support: Demand incentives of ₹5,000 per kWh in FY 2024-25 and ₹2,500 per kWh in FY 2025-26 are provided for e-2W and e-3W categories.  These incentives are capped at 15% of the ex-factory price.
    2. E-Buses: The scheme allocates ₹4,391 crore for the rollout of 14,028 e-buses.
    3. Prioritising Scrapping: For grants to deploy e-buses, cities/states that procure new e-buses after scrapping old STU buses through authorised RVSFs are to be preferred.

    To ensure the successful deployment and monitoring of the PM E-DRIVE scheme and to maximize its impact, Project Implementation and Sanctioning Committee (PISC), an inter-ministerial empowered committee, headed by the Secretary of Heavy Industries, is constituted. PISC does overall monitoring, sanctioning, and implementation of the PM E-DRIVE scheme. This committee is also responsible for removing any obstacles or difficulties that may arise during implementation.

    The scheme will facilitate the growth of the electric vehicle industry and create job Opportunities in the sector in the following manner:

    1. Domestic Manufacturing: The Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) mandates progressive localisation of EV components, boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependence.
    2. Charging Infrastructure Development: Investment in charging infrastructure creates opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in installation, maintenance, and operation.
    3. Incentives for local manufacturing: The minimum of 50% percentage of domestic value addition (DVA) in manufacturing of EV Charger is a boost for local component manufacturer.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    TPJ/NJ

    (Release ID: 2101634) Visitor Counter : 33

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM E-DRIVE SCHEME FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE ADOPTION

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 12:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India has notified ‘PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme’ on 29.09.2024 to provide impetus to the green mobility & development of EV eco-system in the country.  The scheme has an outlay of ₹10,900 crore over a period of two years from 01.04.2024 to 31.03.2026. The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 implemented for a period of six months from 01.04.2024 to 30.09.2024, is subsumed in PM E-DRIVE scheme.

    Salient features of PM E-DRIVE scheme:

    1. Introduction of E- Vouchers: – The Ministry of Heavy Industry (MHI) has introduced E-vouchers for Electric vehicle buyer to avail the demand incentive under the scheme.
    2. Introduction of new vehicle segments: – An allocation ₹500 crore each has been done for deployment of e-ambulances and e-trucks under the scheme.
    3. Upgradation of testing agencies: ₹780 Crore has been earmarked for upgradation of vehicles testing agencies, identified under the scheme.

    The scheme has following three components:

    1. Subsidies: ₹3,679 crore as demand incentives for approximately 28 lakh e-2W, e-3W, e-ambulances, e-trucks & other new emerging EV categories;
    2. Grants: ₹7,171 crore for creation of capital assets i.e., e-buses, establishment of network of charging stations & upgradation of vehicle testing agencies identified under this scheme; and
    3. Administration of Scheme including IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities and fee for Project Management Agency (PMA).

    The PM E-DRIVE scheme includes incentives for consumers and not manufacturers.  It aims to boost demand for electric vehicles (EVs) through various incentives detailed below:

    1. Demand Incentives: These incentives directly reduce the upfront cost of EVs for consumers at the point of purchase.  The government reimburses the incentive amount to the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
    2. Financial Support for Charging Infrastructure: The scheme allocates ₹2,000 crore for establishing public charging infrastructure for various vehicle categories.
    3. Grants for Capital Assets: The scheme has provisions of ₹4,391 crore as grants to support deployment of 14,028 e-buses by Public Transport Authorities and ₹780 crore as grants for the upgradation of vehicle testing agencies identified under the scheme. Vehicles which are registered as “Motor Vehicle” as per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) will only be eligible for incentives. Vehicles fitted with only advanced batteries and satisfying performance criteria as notified under the scheme are eligible under the Scheme. 

    Yes, there is mechanisms in place to monitor and assess the implementation of the PM E-DRIVE scheme. Project Implementation and Sanctioning Committee (PISC), an inter-ministerial empowered committee, headed by the Secretary of Heavy Industries, is constituted for overall monitoring, sanctioning, and implementation of the PM E-DRIVE scheme.  This committee is also responsible for removing any obstacles or difficulties that may arise during implementation.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    TPJ/NJ

    (Release ID: 2101632) Visitor Counter : 32

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: COMPLETION OF MEHAR BABA COMPETITION-II

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 11:52AM by PIB Delhi

     IAF has been steering the second version of MBC-II. The competition was launched on 06 Apr 22 by honourable Raksha Mantri with theme as “Swarm Drone Based System to Detect Foreign Objects on Aircraft Operating Surfaces”. It got concluded on 29 Jul 24.

    Four out of initial 129 applicants, were shortlisted as finalists after rigorous assessments by a nominated Committee of Experts (CoE). It comprised of domain experts from IAF as well as civil institutes. The competition was held in four phases of which last phase was conducted in Jul 24. Based on the assessment, Ayaan Autonomous Systems Pvt Ltd, Pune and Fleet RF Pvt Ltd, Greater Noida, have been declared as winner and first runner up respectively.

    IAF is undertaking niche technology development in the turf of Unmanned and autonomous aerial vehicles through its innovative initiative Mehar Baba Competition (MBC). The MBC is forerunner in bridging the gap between Indian industry, academia, and users by providing them common platforms.

    The competition has successfully forged a robust ecosystem, resulting in the capture of orders amounting more than thousand cores over the past three years from various industries including armed forces. This economic success is not just a testament to the MBC-II competitiveness but also underscores the potential for significant growth in the drone sector. An equally commendable achievement is the employment generation of thousands of individuals, predominantly fresh graduates from colleges and academia. The competition serves as a beacon, guiding the way for future advancements in UAV technology and reinforcing India’s position on the global stage and Honourable PM’s vision of Indian being a Global drone hub by 2030.

    ***

    VK/JS/IK

    (Release ID: 2101617) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Auction of personalised vehicle registration marks this Saturday

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Auction of personalised vehicle registration marks this Saturday
    Auction of personalised vehicle registration marks this Saturday
    ****************************************************************

         The Transport Department (TD) today (February 11) reminded the public that an auction of personalised vehicle registration marks (PVRMs) will be held this Saturday (February 15) in Meeting Room S421, L4, Old Wing, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.      A total of 240 approved PVRMs will be put up for public auction. A list of the marks has been uploaded to the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html.　　The reserve price of each of these marks is $5,000. Applicants who have paid a deposit of $5,000 should also participate in the bidding (including the first bid at the reserve price). Otherwise, the PVRM concerned may be sold to another bidder at the reserve price.      People who wish to participate in the bidding at the auction are reminded to take note of the following points: (1) Bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after successful bidding: (i) the identity document of the successful bidder;(ii) the identity document of the purchaser (if the purchaser and the successful bidder are different persons);(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation (if the purchaser is a body corporate); and(iv) a crossed cheque made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed. Successful bidders may also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS), but are reminded to note the maximum transfer amount in the same day of the payment card. Payment by post-dated cheque, cash, credit card or other methods will not be accepted. (2) Purchasers must make payment of the purchase price through EPS or by crossed cheque and complete the Memorandum of Sale of PVRM immediately after the bidding. Subsequent alteration of the particulars in the Memorandum will not be permitted. (3) A PVRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle which is registered in the name of the purchaser. The Certificate of Incorporation must be produced immediately by the purchaser if a vehicle registration mark purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate. (4) The display of a PVRM on a motor vehicle should be in compliance with the requirements stipulated in Schedule 4 of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations. (5) Any change to the arrangement of letters, numerals and blank spaces of a PVRM, i.e. single and two rows as auctioned, will not be allowed. (6) The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the date of auction, apply to the Commissioner for Transport for the PVRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the PVRM within 12 months, allocation of the PVRM will be cancelled and arranged for re-allocation in accordance with the statutory provision without prior notice to the purchaser.      “Upon completion of the Memorandum of Sale of PVRM, the purchaser will be issued a receipt and a Certificate of Allocation of Personalised Registration Mark. The Certificate of Allocation will serve to prove the holdership of the PVRM. Potential buyers of vehicles bearing a PVRM should check the Certificate of Allocation with the sellers and pay attention to the details therein. For transfer of vehicle ownership, this certificate together with other required documents should be sent to the TD for processing,” the spokesman said.      For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes – Auction of PVRM, which is available at the department’s licensing offices or can be downloaded from its website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/pvrm_auction/index.html.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2025Issued at HKT 14:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vegetable oil fuel rolls out to more bin lorries

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Following a successful trial of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in several of its bin lorries, Perth and Kinross Council is now extending the use of the fuel to more of its large fleet vehicles.

    HVO is used, filtered vegetable oil and it provides an environmentally-friendly alternative to diesel that helps reduce carbon emissions from previously fossil-fuelled vehicles. As a result of the six-month trial in 2024, a significant reduction in carbon emissions from the six lorries has been achieved, namely a saving of` 87 tonnes of CO2. 

    Starting from 3 February 2025, the process of running down the diesel supply in a further 18 bin lorries based at Friarton in Perth and swapping to HVO is moving forward. It is estimated that a reduction of around 500 tonnes of CO2 a year could be achieved with the changeover. 

    Convener of Climate Change and Sustainability, Councillor Richard Watters said: “The trial introduction of HVO to our bin lorries has proved to be a real success by providing a simple, readily available and much greener fuel source. It reflects the commitment we have made to reducing our carbon footprint and I look forward to seeing more of our vehicles out on the road powered by HVO.” 

    Vice-Convener, Councillor Liz Barrett said: “I warmly welcome this very significant reduction in our CO2 emissions from refuse collection.  It shows great progress towards our targets to reduce emissions from Council vehicles.  I’d like to thank our Waste Management and Fleet teams for their commitment to making a difference.” 

    Last modified on 11 February 2025

    Share this page

    Print

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

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

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

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

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

    MIL OSI Video –

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

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Multifunctional road service area

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin: Modern ice arena “Fili” opened in Filevskaya floodplain

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A new ice arena, Fili, has appeared in the Filevsky Park area. Sergei Sobyanin spoke about this in his telegram channel.

    “The two-story sports complex on Filevsky Boulevard houses an ice arena, general physical training and choreography rooms, and a dance hall. Classes in figure skating, hockey, sports acrobatics, rhythmic gymnastics, and other sports are organized here,” the Moscow Mayor noted.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    Ice Arena “Fili”

    The ice arena is located at 38 Filevsky Boulevard. The construction of the modern sports complex on the territory of the Filevskaya Poima was carried out from the third quarter of 2023 to December 2024. The two-story building with an area of about 3.2 thousand square meters was erected at the expense of the investor. It housed an ice arena measuring 26 by 56 meters, a general physical training hall with an area of 100 square meters, a choreography hall with an area of 54 square meters and a dance hall with an area of 40.5 square meters.

    Athletes and visitors have comfortable locker rooms, a sports shop, equipment rental and a café at their disposal. The complex has a medical office. A parking lot for 106 cars has been arranged on the adjacent territory. The sports complex can accommodate up to 100 people at a time.

    The Fili Ice Arena opened on December 10, 2024. It hosts figure skating, hockey and other sports. The new sports complex hosts training sessions for the Razryad, Khrustalny Konek, I Like Ice, Khrustalny Led and Megapolis figure skating schools, the Sytye Volki hockey team, sports acrobatics, rhythmic gymnastics, karate, pilates and capoeira sections, as well as dance classes for the Helios variety theater and the Padede ballet studio.

    The Fili Ice Arena is the first modern sports complex in the Filevskaya Poima microdistrict. It will become a new attractive place for sports activities for residents of the Filevsky Park district and adjacent neighborhoods.

    Development of sports infrastructure in Moscow

    Since 2011, 327 sports facilities have been built in Moscow, of which 168 facilities, or 51 percent, were built at the expense of investors. Plans call for the construction of another 101 sports facilities by 2027, of which 91 percent will be built at the expense of investors.

    Sobyanin announced the opening of a new football arena in NovogireyevoConstruction of the sports and recreation complex “Gorizont” in Kryukovo has been completed

    “My District”. Filevsky Park

    The goal of the “My District” program, developed on the initiative of Sergei Sobyanin, is to create comfortable living conditions in all areas of the capital, regardless of their distance from the center.

    More than 112 thousand Muscovites live in the Filevsky Park district, located in the Western Administrative District of the capital. Today, it has become the site of one of the largest technological infrastructure development projects in Russia — the creation of a national space center. In addition, comprehensive work is being carried out in the district to improve and develop transport and engineering infrastructure.

    In 2019, the ground metro arrived here. The first Moscow Central Diameter (MCD-1) “Belorussko-Savelovsky” included the Fili station. The rolling stock on the Filyovskaya metro line was completely updated, the vestibules and platforms of the Fili and Filyovsky Park stations were renovated. The North-West Chord gave residents of the district additional options for fast and convenient travel around the city.

    Bagration Avenue, which was put into operation in 2023, also became part of the capital’s new transport framework. The six-lane outbound highway not only improved transport links in the western districts of the city, but also relieved congestion on neighboring highways, including Kutuzovsky Avenue and Mozhaisk Highway.

    In addition, in the Filevsky Park area, the overpass over the MCD-1 tracks and Bagration Avenue was renovated with the reconstruction of Barklaya Street, Promyshlenniy and Bagrationovsky Proezds. An underground pedestrian crossing on Barklaya Street (near house 5, building 2) was opened for local residents.

    The improvement of traffic in the area was facilitated by the construction of a new street – Projected Passage No. 2017, which connected Bolshaya Filevskaya Street with Beregovoy and Novofilevskiy Passages, and a section of the road from Bolshaya Filevskaya Street to the Third Transport Ring (along Projected Passages No. 2123 and 1033).

    In December 2024, a new bridge across the Moskva River was opened in the line of Myasishchev Street. It connected the Filevskaya and Mnevnikovskaya floodplains. Now, in the line of Beregovoy Proyezd, a bridge across the Moskva River is being built with the reconstruction of the adjacent street and road network from Novozavodskaya Street to 3rd Magistralnaya Street. Another bridge across the Moskva River is being built near Novozavodskaya Street. It will provide transport links between the Filevsky Park district and the North-West Chord.

    For the convenience of residents, 13 new routes of ground city transport were organized in the area, and about 50 modern bus stops were installed. The first regular route of river electric transport was extended to the Park Fili pier.

    Three electric charging stations of the city project “Moscow Energy” have been equipped. Electric vehicle drivers can find the nearest one and plan a convenient route using the “Moscow Transport” application. Fans of cycling can use 25 bicycle parking areas and eight city bike rental stations.

    A large-scale project to improve the urban environment is the comprehensive improvement of the Fili children’s park. Kastanaevskaya, Krylatskaya and Myasishcheva streets, Bagrationovsky proezd and the proezd from Barklaya street to maternity hospital No. 2 have become more comfortable for walking and relaxing. The Moscow River coastline in the Beregovoy proezd area has been improved.

    In the district, 85 courtyards, more than 120 playgrounds and sports grounds were put in order. 360 outdoor lighting poles were installed, more than 5.2 thousand trees and shrubs were planted.

    In 2025, the area plans to improve Oleko Dundich Street, Filevsky Boulevard near building 10, and pedestrian approaches to the Fili Park pier.

    In addition, the embankment of the Moscow River from Filevsky Park to the territory of the P.N. Fomenko Workshop Theatre is being reconstructed. The work is planned to be completed in 2026.

    To improve the quality and accessibility of outpatient care in the district, a reconstruction was carried out of branch No. 2 of the Clinical Diagnostic Center No. 4 on Fizkulturny Proezd (building 6) and branch No. 4 of Polyclinic No. 220 on Filevsky Boulevard (building 18), which also houses branch No. 5 of Children’s Polyclinic No. 30.

    The building of the My Documents center on Novozavodskaya Street (building 25, block 1) was completely renovated. Comfortable conditions for receiving government services and related services were created there.

    For older residents, there is a Moscow Longevity Center (2-ya Filevskaya Street, Building 7, Block 7). Here you can engage in your favorite hobby, maintain physical activity, communicate and gain new knowledge.

    There is a single support center in Beregovoy Proezd that provides comprehensive assistance to participants in the special military operation and their relatives.

    Thanks to the major renovation of the premises, new opportunities for creative education were given to the pupils of the A. A. Alyabyev Children’s Art School on Bolshaya Filevskaya Street (building 6). In addition, the Gnessin Children’s Music School on Bolshaya Filevskaya Street (building 29) was undergoing routine renovation in the district.

    They renovated Children’s Library No. 203 on Kastanaevskaya Street (building 7), Library No. 213 named after Lesya Ukrainka on Bolshaya Filevskaya Street (building 19/18, building 1) and Novozavodskaya Street (building 2, building 5), as well as two branches of the territorial club system “Brigantina” on Kastanaevskaya Street (building 9, building 2 and building 26).

    The sports infrastructure of the district was expanded with a volleyball arena on Vasilisy Kozhina Street (building 13) and a sports complex with a skating rink made of lightweight structures on Filevsky Boulevard (building 12, building 4). The major overhaul of the premises of the sports complex of the Moscow Complex Sports School of the Olympic Reserve “West” on Bolshaya Filevskaya Street (building 6) was completed.

    Under the My School program, the building of the Proton educational center on Filevsky Boulevard (house 3, block 2) is being modernized. A comprehensive school for 375 students is being built in Bagrationovsky Proezd.

    Implementation of the renovation program

    In the Filevsky Park area, 35 buildings were included in the renovation program. 6.5 thousand Muscovites will move into new modern apartments.

    Stages of resettlement:

    — the first stage (2020–2024) — 11 houses. It is 100 percent complete, six houses have been or are being resettled, five houses have been demolished;

    — the second stage (2025–2028) — 22 houses, two of which are in the process of resettlement;

    — third stage (2029–2032) — two houses.

    Residential complexes have been built and handed over for occupancy in the area at the following addresses: Beregovoy Proezd, Buildings 1a and 1b, Bolshaya Filevskaya Street, Building 6a, and Promyshlenniy Proezd, Building 4. Another new building is currently being erected. In addition, design and urban planning documentation is being prepared for three residential properties.

    Sobyanin: About 20.6 thousand residents of the Western Administrative District received modern housing under the renovation program

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12372050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 1.65 million tons of recyclable materials were collected in the capital in 2024

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    As part of the separate waste collection program, more than 1.65 million tons of recyclable materials were collected in the capital last year, said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    The city has had a separate waste collection program in place for five years now. It is in demand among Muscovites and has proven its effectiveness. Thus, the amount of collected recyclable materials is growing. In 2024 alone, over 1.65 million tons of recyclable materials were sorted and sent for recycling, while before the program began in 2019, it was only 450 thousand tons.

    To make the process of separate waste collection as convenient as possible, a simple two-container system was chosen.

    “Branded containers with blue and grey markings have been installed in courtyards and near social facilities. Waste paper, glass, plastic and metals can be thrown into the former, and other waste can be thrown into the latter. Waste collection and removal is carried out by about one thousand garbage trucks with the appropriate colour indication,” said Pyotr Biryukov.

    The contents of the bins are taken to sorting plants. Here, using automatic separators and under the supervision of specialists, the recyclables are separated into dozens of components – various types of plastic and waste paper, glass of different colors, ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Then all of this is sent for recycling.

    The waste separation program will continue, and participation in it remains voluntary.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149945073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A modern multifunctional space will be created in Kommunarka under the KRT program

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In Kommunarka, a 3.13-hectare site will be reorganized under the integrated territorial development program (ITD). A draft of the corresponding decision already published on the mos.ru portal. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “A modern multifunctional space will be created on the territory between Edvarda Griga and Lipovy Park streets. The project involves the construction of a sports cluster and other public and business facilities here. Investments in the development of the site will amount to 7.6 billion rubles, and the annual budget effect will be 169.14 million rubles. As a result, the city will receive over 270 jobs,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The reorganized territory has high transport accessibility – the Potapovo metro station and the Solntsevo-Butovo-Varshavskoye Shosse highway are nearby.

    “The development area of the site in Kommunarka will be 40.6 thousand square meters. It is planned to create a sports cluster here, which will include, among other things, an extreme sports center and an open sports ground. A medical center and a parking lot for 550 cars will also appear on the territory. The implementation of the project will provide local residents with the necessary infrastructure,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of City Property

    Maxim Gaman.

    According to the program of integrated development of territories, multifunctional city blocks are created, where roads, comfortable housing and all necessary infrastructure are designed on the site of former industrial zones and inefficiently used areas. Currently, 302 KRT projects with a total area of about 4.2 thousand hectares are at various stages of development and implementation in Moscow. This work is carried out on behalf of Sergei Sobyanin.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149933073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing’s new mega exhibition center to hold first event

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Beijing’s Capital International Convention and Exhibition Center will hold the 35th China International Audio Service, Products & Equipment Exhibition from Feb. 21 to 24, making it the first exhibition held in the center since its completion at the end of last year.
    The exhibition center is the largest single-building comprehensive convention and exhibition venue in Beijing, featuring the most complete range of functions. It has 210,000 square meters of indoor exhibition space and 50,000 square meters of outdoor exhibition space. 
    The venue consists of a conference center, a hotel, nine exhibition pavilions and three entry halls. The conference center covers some 15,000 square meters, capable of accommodating 9,000 attendees simultaneously.
    The auto equipment exhibition scheduled for late February will include a variety of categories, including car modifications and smart electronic products, recreational vehicles and accessories, outdoor camping products, automotive cockpit electronics and premium items, car beauty and maintenance products, auto lubricants, and car wash equipment.
    Nearly 6,000 companies are expected to participate in the exhibition and showcase over 180,000 products, including more than 5,000 brand new wares, which account for 80% of the industry’s annual new product releases. The event is anticipating attendance of 150,000 industry professionals and nearly 100,000 general attendees.
    In addition to the auto showcase, the exhibition center will stage six more major exhibitions in the first half of this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Mouse Point Road, Hurunui

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Hurunui this afternoon.

    The two-vehicle crash on Mouse Point Road was reported just after 4:20pm.

    The person died at the scene, no further injuries were reported.

    The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: International Petroleum Corporation Announces 2024 Year-End Financial and Operational Results and 2025 Budget, Reserves and Guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Petroleum Corporation (IPC or the Corporation) (TSX, Nasdaq Stockholm: IPCO) today released its financial and operating results and related management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024. IPC is also pleased to announce its 2025 budget, including that IPC continues to progress the development of the Blackrod Phase 1 project in Canada in line with schedule and budget. IPC previously announced the renewal of the normal course issuer bid (NCIB) under which IPC may acquire a further 5.3 million common shares up to December 2025, in addition to the 2.2 million common shares already purchased for cancellation under the NCIB in December 2024 and January 2025. IPC’s 2025 capital and decommissioning expenditure budget is USD 320 million and its 2025 average daily production guidance is between 43,000 and 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent (boe) per day (boepd). 2024 year-end proved plus probable (2P) reserves are 493 million boe (MMboe) and best estimate contingent resources (unrisked) are 1,107 MMboe.(1)(2)

    William Lundin, IPC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, comments: “We are very pleased to announce that IPC achieved strong operational results in 2024. Our average net production was 47,400 boepd for the full year, with very strong operational and ESG performance across all our areas of operation. 2024 was a very significant investment year for our Blackrod Phase 1 development project, and we have spent over two-thirds of the forecast capital expenditure by the end of 2024. We generated strong cash flows from our business, and we returned USD 102 million to shareholders through share buybacks in 2024. With gross cash resources of USD 247 million at 2024 year-end, we continue to be well positioned to deliver on our three strategic pillars of Organic Growth, Stakeholder Returns, and M&A that drive value creation for our stakeholders.(1)(3)

    On Organic Growth, we are very pleased with the progress of the development of Phase 1 of the Blackrod project, Canada, which remains in line with schedule and budget. Phase 1 of the Blackrod project continues to forecast first oil in late 2026, with peak production planned to increase to 30,000 bopd by 2028. In 2024, IPC achieved over 250% reserves replacement ratio, ending the year with 493 MMboe of 2P reserves, the highest in our history.(1)(2)

    On Stakeholder Returns, we completed the 2023/2024 NCIB program, purchasing and cancelling 8.3 million IPC common shares over the period of December 5, 2023 to December 4, 2024, representing approximately 6.5% of the common shares outstanding at the start of that program. We immediately recommenced purchasing under the renewed 2024/2025 NCIB, purchasing for cancellation 0.8 million common shares during December 2024 and over 1.4 million common shares during January 2024. We are permitted to purchase up to a further 5.3 million common shares by early December 2025, which will represent a 6.2% reduction in the number of shares common outstanding at the beginning of the 2024/2025 NCIB.

    On M&A, we continue to review potential opportunities in Canada and internationally. IPC’s principal focus continues to be on progressing the Blackrod Phase 1 development as well as developing our existing asset base in Canada, France and Malaysia.

    IPC is well-positioned for 2025 and beyond as our Blackrod Phase 1 project is progressing according to plan, our existing production operations continue to generate strong cash flows, and our balance sheet is strong. At the same time, we continue return value to our shareholders by repurchasing and cancelling our common shares under the NCIB. I look forward to another exciting year at IPC with our high quality assets and our highly skilled and motivated teams across all areas of operation.”

    2024 Business Highlights

    • Average net production of approximately 47,400 boepd for the fourth quarter of 2024 was in line with the guidance range for the period (51% heavy crude oil, 15% light and medium crude oil and 34% natural gas).(1)
    • Full year 2024 average net production was 47,400 boepd, above the mid-point of the 2024 annual guidance of 46,000 to 48,000 boepd.(1)
    • Development activities on Phase 1 of the Blackrod project progressed in 2024 on schedule and on budget, with forecast first oil in late 2026. All major third-party contracts have been executed and construction is advancing according to plan, including construction of the central processing facility (CPF) and well pad facilities, finalization of the midstream agreements for the input fuel gas, diluent and oil blend pipelines, and advancement of drilling operations. As at the end of 2024, over two-thirds of the forecast Blackrod Phase 1 development capital expenditure of USD 850 million has been spent since project sanction in early 2023.
    • Drilling activity at the Southern Alberta assets in Canada continued with a total of thirteen wells drilled during 2024.
    • Successful completion of planned maintenance shutdowns at Onion Lake Thermal (OLT) in Canada and the Bertam field in Malaysia during 2024.
    • 8.3 million common shares purchased and cancelled from December 2023 to early December 2024 under IPC’s 2023/2024 NCIB and a further 2.2 million common shares purchased for cancellation during December 2024 and January 2025 under the renewed 2024/2025 NCIB.
    • In Q3 2024, published IPC’s fifth annual Sustainability Report.

    2024 Financial Highlights

    • Operating costs per boe of USD 18.2 for the fourth quarter of 2024 and USD 17.0 for the full year, in line with the most recent 2024 guidance of less than USD 18.0 per boe for the full year.(3)
    • Strong operating cash flow (OCF) generation for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 amounted to MUSD 78 and MUSD 342, respectively.(3)
    • Capital and decommissioning expenditures of MUSD 129 for the fourth quarter and MUSD 442 for the full year 2024, in line with the full year guidance of MUSD 437.
    • Free cash flow (FCF) generation for the full year 2024 of negative MUSD 135, with negative FCF generation of MUSD 61 for the fourth quarter in line with expectations and taking into account the significant capital expenditures during the quarter in respect of the Blackrod project. FCF for the full year 2024, before 2024 Blackrod Phase 1 development expenditure of MUSD 351, was MUSD 216.(3)
    • Net debt of MUSD 209 and gross cash of MUSD 247 as at December 31, 2024.(3)
    • Net result of MUSD 0.4 for the fourth quarter of 2024 and MUSD 102 for the full year 2024.
    • Entered into a letter of credit facility in Canada during 2024 to cover operational letters of credit, giving full availability under IPC’s undrawn CAD 180 million Revolving Credit Facility.

    Reserves and Resources

    • Total 2P reserves as at December 31, 2024 of 493 MMboe, with a reserve life index (RLI) of 31 years.(1)(2)
    • Contingent resources (best estimate, unrisked) as at December 31, 2024 of 1,107 MMboe.(1)(2)
    • 2P reserves net asset value (NAV) as at December 31, 2024 of MUSD 3,083 (10% discount rate).(1)(2)(5)(6)

    2025 Annual Guidance

    • Full year 2025 average net production forecast at 43,000 to 45,000 boepd.(1)
    • Full year 2025 operating costs forecast at USD 18 to 19 per boe.(3)
    • Full year 2025 OCF guidance estimated at between MUSD 210 and 280 (assuming Brent USD 65 to 85 per barrel).(3)
    • Full year 2025 capital and decommissioning expenditures guidance forecast at MUSD 320, including MUSD 230 relating to Blackrod capital expenditure.
    • Full year 2025 FCF ranges from approximately MUSD 80 to 150 (assuming Brent USD 65 to 85 per barrel) before taking into account proposed Blackrod capital expenditures, or negative MUSD 150 to 80 including proposed Blackrod capital expenditures.(3)

    Business Plan Production and Cash Flow Guidance

    • 2025 – 2029 business plan forecasts:
      • average net production forecast approximately 57,000 boepd.(1)(8)
      • capital expenditure forecast of USD 8 per boe, including USD 3 per boe for growth expenditure.(8)
      • operating costs forecast of USD 18 to 19 per boe.(3)(8)
      • FCF forecast of approximately MUSD 1,200 to 2,000 (assuming Brent USD 75 to 95 per barrel).(3)(8)
    • 2030 – 2034 business plan forecasts:
      • average net production forecast of approximately 63,000 boepd.(1)(8)
      • capital expenditure forecast of USD 5 per boe.(8)
      • operating costs forecast of USD 18 to 19 per boe.(3)(8)
      • FCF forecast of approximately MUSD 1,600 to 2,600 (assuming Brent USD 75 to 95 per barrel).(3)(8)
      Three months ended December 31   Year ended December 31
    USD Thousands 2024   2023     2024   2023
    Revenue 199,124   198,460     797,783   853,906
    Gross profit 42,774   39,955     210,171   250,514
    Net result 415   29,710     102,219   172,979
    Operating cash flow (3) 78,158   73,634     341,989   353,048
    Free cash flow (3) (61,476 ) (64,688 )   (135,497 ) 2,689
    EBITDA (3) 76,184   66,284     335,488   350,618
    Net Cash / (Debt) (3) (208,528 ) 58,043     (208,528 ) 58,043
                     

    IPC was launched in 2017 by way of spinning off the non-Norwegian assets from Lundin Energy. The strategy and vision from the outset was to be the international E&P growth vehicle for the Lundin Group by pursuing growth organically and through acquisitions. The foundation of this strategy was and is predicated on maximising long-term stakeholder value through responsible business operations focused on operational excellence and financial resilience to underpin optimal capital allocation decision-making.

    We are very pleased with the track record of value creation achieved by the company to date. IPC’s production, reserves, resources and cash flow exposure has increased materially through accretive acquisitions supplemented by base business investment. Excluding the growth capital expenditure assigned to the Blackrod Phase 1 development, over USD 1.5 billion in free cash flow (FCF) has been generated and over USD 0.5 billion has been returned to shareholders in the form of share buybacks since inception. IPC’s current shares outstanding are less than 5% higher than the original shares outstanding upon the formation of the company. IPC is determined to build on the historical success and the growth outlook has never been brighter.(3)

    2024 was a milestone year for the company through successfully delivering the largest capital investment campaign in its history. The record investment was accompanied by strong safety, operational and financial performance. IPC returned USD 102 million of value to shareholders in the year through share repurchases, whilst maintaining a strong balance sheet.

    Oil prices were rangebound in 2024 between Brent USD 70 to 90 per barrel, with a full year Brent average of USD 81 per barrel, in line with our original oil price sensitivities guided at CMD. The fourth quarter 2024 Brent price averaged USD 75 per barrel, the lowest quarterly price average in the year. The downward trend in benchmark oil prices through the second half of 2024 has been slightly reversed in current time as continuous crude inventory draws, strong demand, underwhelming non-OPEC production growth and continued OPEC production curtailments have supported the market balance. A new administration in the White House presents uncertainty for the oil market, as looming tariffs and sanctions pose a risk to global supply chain systems and trade flows. Around 40% of our 2025 Dated Brent and WTI exposure is hedged at USD 76 per barrel and USD 71 per barrel respectively.

    The fourth quarter 2024 WTI to WCS price differentials averaged less than USD 13 per barrel, around USD 2 per barrel lower than the full year average of USD 15 per barrel. The fourth quarter differential was the lowest quarterly average since the Covid pandemic in 2020 when benchmark oil prices were more than USD 30 per barrel less than current levels. The TMX pipeline is driving the tighter differentials with excess take-away capacity in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) relative to supply. Close to 50% of our 2025 WCS to WTI differential exposure is hedged at USD 14 per barrel, which should assist in mitigating adverse effects of potential US tariffs on Canadian production.

    Natural gas prices averaged CAD 1.5 per Mcf for 2024 and in the fourth quarter. Western Canada gas storage levels continue to sit above the five-year range. This is in part due to delays of the LNG Canada start-up project which was supposed to be onstream at end 2024, start-up is now anticipated for mid-2025. IPC has around 9,600 Mcf per day hedged at CAD 2.6 per Mcf for 2025.

    Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Highlights

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, IPC’s assets delivered average net production of 47,400 boepd, in line with guidance for the quarter. Full year 2024 average net production of 47,400 boepd was above the 2024 mid-point guidance range of 46,000 to 48,000 boepd.(1)

    IPC’s operating costs per boe for the fourth quarter of 2024 was USD 18.2. Full year 2024 operating costs per boe was USD 17.0, in line with the most recent 2024 annual guidance of less than USD 18 per boe.(3)

    Operating cash flow (OCF) generation for the fourth quarter of 2024 was USD 78 million. Full year 2024 OCF was USD 342 million in line with the most recent guidance of USD 335 to 342 million.(3)

    Capital and decommissioning expenditure for the fourth quarter of 2024 was USD 129 million. Full year 2024 capital and decommissioning expenditure of USD 442 million was in line with guidance of USD 437 million.

    Free cash flow (FCF) generation was in line with guidance at negative USD 61 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting the higher level of capital expenditure on the Blackrod Phase 1 development project. Full year 2024 FCF generation was negative USD 135 million, in line with the most recent guidance of negative USD 140 to 133 million.(3)

    As at December 31, 2024, IPC’s net debt position was USD 209 million. IPC’s gross cash on the balance sheet amounts to USD 247 million which provides IPC with significant financial strength to continue progressing its strategies in 2025, including advancing the Blackrod development project, returning value to shareholders through the 2024/2025 NCIB, and remaining opportunistic to mergers and acquisitions activity.(3)

    Blackrod Project

    The Blackrod asset is 100% owned by IPC and hosts the largest booked reserves and contingent resources within the IPC portfolio. After more than a decade of pilot operations, subsurface delineation and commercial engineering studies, IPC sanctioned the Phase 1 Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) development in the first quarter of 2023. The Phase 1 development targets 259 MMboe of 2P reserves, with a multi-year forecast capital expenditure of USD 850 million to first oil planned in late 2026. The Phase 1 development is planned for plateau production of 30,000 bopd which is expected by early 2028.(1)(2)

    As at the end of 2024, USD 591 million of cumulative growth capital, has been spent on the Blackrod Phase 1 development since sanction with a peak annual investment of USD 351 million incurred in 2024. Significant progress has been made across all key scopes of the project including but not limited to: detailed engineering, procurement, fabrication, drilling, construction, third party transport pipelines, commissioning and operations planning. Site health and safety control has been excellent with zero lost time incidents since commercial development activities commenced.

    Looking forward, USD 230 million is planned to be spent in 2025 mainly relating to advancing the remaining fabrication, construction and substantial completion of the Central Processing Facility (CPF) for the Phase 1 development. The remaining growth capital expenditure to first oil is forecast to be spent in 2026 on drilling, completions and commissioning of the CPF with first steam anticipated by end Q1 2026.

    IPC is strongly positioned to deliver within plan with a clear line of sight to start-up. The Blackrod Phase 1 project is expected to generate significant value for all our stakeholders. And with over 1 billion barrels of best estimate contingent resources (unrisked) beyond Phase 1, IPC is pleased to announce a resource maturation plan that sees significant volume maturation into reserves through low cost of less than USD 0.15 per barrel. The 2P reserves attributable to Phase 1 has increased by 40 MMboe to 259 MMboe from year end 2023 to year end 2024.(2)

    As at the end of 2024, 70% of the Blackrod Phase 1 development capital had been spent since the project sanction in early 2023. All major work streams are progressing as planned and the focus continues to be on executing the detailed sequencing of events as facility modules are safely delivered and installed at site. The total Phase 1 project guidance of USD 850 million capital expenditure to first oil in late 2026 is unchanged. IPC intends to fund the remaining Blackrod Phase 1 development costs with forecast cash flow generated by its operations and cash on hand.

    Stakeholder Returns: Normal Course Issuer Bid

    During the period of December 5, 2023 to December 4, 2024, IPC purchased and cancelled an aggregate of approximately 8.3 million common shares under the 2023/2024 NCIB. The average price of shares purchased under the 2023/2024 NCIB was SEK 131 / CAD 17 per share.

    In Q4 2024, IPC announced the renewal of the NCIB, with the ability to repurchase up to approximately 7.5 million common shares over the period of December 5, 2024 to December 4, 2025. Under the 2024/2025 NCIB, IPC repurchased and cancelled approximately 0.8 million common shares in December 2024. By the end of January 2025, IPC repurchased for cancellation over 1.4 million common shares under the 2024/2025 NCIB. The average price of common shares purchased under the 2024/2025 NCIB during December 2024 and January 2025 was SEK 135 / CAD 17.5 per share.

    As at February 7, 2025, IPC had a total of 117,781,927 common shares issued and outstanding, of which IPC holds 508,853 common shares in treasury.

    Under the 2024/2025 NCIB, IPC may purchase and cancel a further 5.3 million common shares by December 4, 2025. This would result in the cancellation of 6.2% of shares outstanding as at the beginning of December 2024. IPC continues to believe that reducing the number of shares outstanding while in parallel investing in material production growth at Blackrod will prove to be a winning formula for our stakeholders.

    Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Performance

    As part of IPC’s commitment to operational excellence and responsible development, IPC’s objective is to reduce risk and eliminate hazards to prevent occurrence of accidents, ill health, and environmental damage, as these are essential to the success of our business operations. During the fourth quarter and for the full year 2024, IPC recorded no material safety or environmental incidents.

    As previously announced, IPC targets a reduction of our net GHG emissions intensity by the end of 2025 to 50% of IPC’s 2019 baseline and IPC remains on track to achieve this reduction. During 2024, IPC announced the commitment to remain at end 2025 levels of 20 kg CO2/boe through to the end of 2028.(4)

    Reserves, Resources and Value

    As at the end of December 2024, IPC’s 2P reserves are 493 MMboe. During 2024, IPC replaced 251% of the annual 2024 production. The reserves life index (RLI) as at December 31, 2024, is approximately 31 years.(1)(2)

    The net present value (NPV) of IPC’s 2P reserves as at December 31, 2024 was USD 3.3 billion. IPC’s net asset value (NAV) was USD 3.1 billion or SEK 287 / CAD 37 per share as at December 31, 2024.(1)(2)(5)(6)(7)

    In addition, IPC’s best estimate contingent resources (unrisked) as at December 31, 2024 are 1,107 MMboe, of which 1,025 MMboe relate to future potential phases of the Blackrod project.(1)(2)

    2025 Budget and Operational Guidance

    IPC is pleased to announce its 2025 average net production guidance is 43,000 to 45,000 boepd. IPC forecasts operating costs for 2025 between USD 18 and 19 per boe.(1)(3)

    IPC’s 2025 capital and decommissioning expenditure budget is USD 320 million, with USD 230 million forecast relating to Blackrod capital expenditure. The remainder of the 2025 budget in Canada includes drilling and ongoing optimization work at Onion Lake Thermal and Suffield Area assets. IPC also plans to advance the next phase of infill drilling and complete well maintenance works at the Bertam field in Malaysia. IPC expects to conduct technical studies for future development potential in France. In all of IPC’s areas of operation, IPC has significant flexibility to control its pace of spend based on the development of commodity prices during 2025.

    Notwithstanding a modest production decline expected in 2025, IPC’s production per share metric remains largely unchanged relative to 2024 and 2023. IPC has prioritised capital allocation to the transformational Blackrod Phase 1 development and share buybacks as opposed to further increasing its base business investment to preserve balance sheet strength and maximise long- term shareholder value.

    Further details regarding IPC’s proposed 2025 budget and operational guidance will be provided at IPC’s Capital Markets Day presentation to be held on February 11, 2025 at 15:00 CET. A copy of the Capital Markets Day presentation will be available on IPC’s website at www.international-petroleum.com.

    Notes:

    (1) See “Supplemental Information regarding Product Types” in “Reserves and Resources Advisory” below. See also the material change report (MCR) available on IPC’s website at www.international-petroleum.com and filed on the date of this press release under IPC’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
    (2) See “Reserves and Resources Advisory“ below. Further information with respect to IPC’s reserves, contingent resources and estimates of future net revenue, including assumptions relating to the calculation of NPV, are described in the MCR. The reserve life index (RLI) is calculated by dividing the 2P reserves of 493 MMboe as at December 31, 2024 by the mid-point of the 2025 CMD production guidance of 43,000 to 45,000 boepd. Reserves replacement ratio is based on 2P reserves of 468 boe as at December 31, 2024, sales production during 2024 of 16.6 MMboe, net additions to 2P reserves during 2024 of 41.7 MMboe, and 2P reserves of 493 MMboe as at December 31, 2024.
    (3) Non-IFRS measure, see “Non-IFRS Measures” below and in the MD&A.
    (4) Emissions intensity is the ratio between oil and gas production and the associated carbon emissions, and net emissions intensity reflects gross emissions less operational emission reductions and carbon offsets.
    (5) Net present value (NPV) is after tax, discounted at 10% and based upon the forecast prices and other assumptions further described in the MCR. See “Reserves and Resources Advisory” below.
    (6) Net asset value (NAV) is calculated as NPV less net debt of USD 209 million as at December 31, 2024.
    (7) NAV per share is based on 119,059,315 IPC common shares as at December 31, 2024, being 119,169,471 common shares outstanding less 110,156 common shares held in treasury and cancelled in January 2025. NAV per share is not predictive and may not be reflective of current or future market prices for IPC common shares.
    (8) Estimated FCF generation is based on IPC’s current business plans over the periods of 2025 to 2029 and 2030 to 2034, including net debt of USD 209 million as at December 31, 2024, with assumptions based on the reports of IPC’s independent reserves evaluators, and including certain corporate adjustments relating to estimated general and administration costs and hedging, and excluding shareholder distributions and financing costs. Assumptions include average net production of approximately 57 Mboepd over the period of 2025 to 2029, average net production of approximately 63 Mboepd over the period of 2030 to 2034, average Brent oil prices of USD 75 to 95 per bbl escalating by 2% per year, and average Brent to Western Canadian Select differentials and average gas prices as estimated by IPC’s independent reserves evaluator and as further described in the MCR. IPC’s market capitalization is at close on January 31, 2025 (USD 1,557 million based on 146.8 SEK/share, 117.7 million IPC shares outstanding (net of treasury shares) and exchange rate of 11.10 SEK/USD). IPC’s current business plans and assumptions, and the business environment, are subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from forward-looking estimates and forecasts. See “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Non-IFRS Measures” below.

    International Petroleum Corp. (IPC) is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with a high quality portfolio of assets located in Canada, Malaysia and France, providing a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth. IPC is a member of the Lundin Group of Companies. IPC is incorporated in Canada and IPC’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange under the symbol “IPCO”.

    For further information, please contact:

    Rebecca Gordon
    SVP Corporate Planning and Investor Relations
    rebecca.gordon@international-petroleum.com
    Tel: +41 22 595 10 50    		       Or       Robert Eriksson
    Media Manager
    reriksson@rive6.ch
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15
             

    This information is information that International Petroleum Corporation is required to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact persons set out above, at 07:30 CET on February 11, 2025. The Corporation’s audited condensed consolidated financial statements (Financial Statements) and management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024 have been filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and are also available on the Corporation’s website (www.international-petroleum.com).

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements and information which constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable securities legislation). Such statements and information (together, “forward-looking statements”) relate to future events, including the Corporation’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, unless otherwise indicated. IPC does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

    All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, forecasts, guidance, budgets, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “forecast”, “predict”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe”, “budget” and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be “forward-looking statements”.

    Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:

    • 2025 production ranges (including total daily average production), production composition, cash flows, operating costs and capital and decommissioning expenditure estimates;
    • Estimates of future production, cash flows, operating costs and capital expenditures that are based on IPC’s current business plans and assumptions regarding the business environment, which are subject to change;
    • IPC’s financial and operational flexibility to navigate the Corporation through periods of volatile commodity prices;
    • The ability to fully fund future expenditures from cash flows and current borrowing capacity;
    • IPC’s intention and ability to continue to implement its strategies to build long-term shareholder value;
    • The ability of IPC’s portfolio of assets to provide a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth;
    • The continued facility uptime and reservoir performance in IPC’s areas of operation;
    • Development of the Blackrod project in Canada, including estimates of resource volumes, future production, timing, regulatory approvals, third party commercial arrangements, breakeven oil prices and net present values;
    • Current and future production performance, operations and development potential of the Onion Lake Thermal, Suffield, Brooks, Ferguson and Mooney operations, including the timing and success of future oil and gas drilling and optimization programs;
    • The potential improvement in the Canadian oil egress situation and IPC’s ability to benefit from any such improvements;
    • The ability of IPC to achieve and maintain current and forecast production in France and Malaysia;
    • The intention and ability of IPC to acquire further common shares under the NCIB, including the timing of any such purchases;
    • The return of value to IPC’s shareholders as a result of the NCIB;
    • IPC’s ability to implement its GHG emissions intensity and climate strategies and to achieve its net GHG emissions intensity reduction targets;
    • IPC’s ability to implement projects to reduce net emissions intensity, including potential carbon capture and storage;
    • Estimates of reserves and contingent resources;
    • The ability to generate free cash flows and use that cash to repay debt;
    • IPC’s continued access to its existing credit facilities, including current financial headroom, on terms acceptable to the Corporation;
    • IPC’s ability to identify and complete future acquisitions;
    • Expectations regarding the oil and gas industry in Canada, Malaysia and France, including assumptions regarding future royalty rates, regulatory approvals, legislative changes, and ongoing projects and their expected completion; and
    • Future drilling and other exploration and development activities.

    Statements relating to “reserves” and “contingent resources” are also deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves and resources described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and that the reserves and resources can be profitably produced in the future. Ultimate recovery of reserves or resources is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

    Although IPC believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because IPC can give no assurances that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks.

    These include, but are not limited to general global economic, market and business conditions, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to reserves, resources, production, revenues, costs and expenses; health, safety and environmental risks; commodity price fluctuations; interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations; marketing and transportation; loss of markets; environmental and climate-related risks; competition; incorrect assessment of the value of acquisitions; failure to complete or realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or dispositions; the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals; and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws, royalties, environmental and abandonment regulations.

    Additional information on these and other factors that could affect IPC, or its operations or financial results, are included in the MD&A (See “Risk Factors”, “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” and “Reserves and Resources Advisory” therein), the Corporation’s material change report dated February 11, 2025 (MCR), the Corporation’s Annual Information Form (AIF) for the year ended December 31, 2023, (See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information”, “Reserves and Resources Advisory” and “Risk Factors”) and other reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including previous financial reports, management’s discussion and analysis and material change reports, which may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca) or IPC’s website (www.international-petroleum.com).

    Management of IPC approved the production, operating costs, operating cash flow, capital and decommissioning expenditures and free cash flow guidance and estimates contained herein as of the date of this press release. The purpose of these guidance and estimates is to assist readers in understanding IPC’s expected and targeted financial results, and this information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

    Estimated FCF generation is based on IPC’s current business plans over the periods of 2025 to 2029 and 2030 to 2034, including net debt of USD 209 million as at December 31, 2024, with assumptions based on the reports of IPC’s independent reserves evaluators, and including certain corporate adjustments relating to estimated general and administration costs and hedging, and excluding shareholder distributions and financing costs. Assumptions include average net production of approximately 57 Mboepd over the period of 2025 to 2029, average net production of approximately 63 Mboepd over the period of 2030 to 2034, average Brent oil prices of USD 75 to 95 per bbl escalating by 2% per year, and average Brent to Western Canadian Select differentials and average gas prices as estimated by IPC’s independent reserves evaluator and as further described in the MCR. IPC’s current business plans and assumptions, and the business environment, are subject to change. Actual results may differ materially from forward-looking estimates and forecasts.

    Non-IFRS Measures
    References are made in this press release to “operating cash flow” (OCF), “free cash flow” (FCF), “Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization” (EBITDA), “operating costs” and “net debt”/”net cash”, which are not generally accepted accounting measures under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and, therefore, may not be comparable with similar measures presented by other public companies. Non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    The definition of each non-IFRS measure is presented in IPC’s MD&A (See “Non-IFRS Measures” therein).

    Operating cash flow
    The following table sets out how operating cash flow is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

      Three months ended December 31   Year ended December 31
    USD Thousands 2024   2023     2024   2023  
    Revenue 199,124   198,460     797,783   853,906  
    Production costs and net sales of diluent to third party1 (119,371 ) (126,414 )   (447,481 ) (491,303 )
    Current tax (1,595 ) 1,588     (8,313 ) (14,457 )
    Operating cash flow 78,158   73,634     341,989   348,146  
                       

    1 Include net sales of diluent to third party amounting to USD 737 thousand for the fourth quarter of 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2024.

    The operating cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2023 including the operating cash flow contribution of the Brooks assets acquisition from the effective date of January 1, 2023 to the completion date of March 3, 2023 amounted to USD 353,048 thousand.

    Free cash flow
    The following table sets out how free cash flow is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

      Three months ended December 31   Year ended December 31
    USD Thousands 2024   2023     2024   2023  
    Operating cash flow – see above 78,158   73,634     341,989   348,146  
    Capital expenditures (126,256 ) (128,825 )   (434,713 ) (312,729 )
    Abandonment and farm-in expenditures1 (3,364 ) (1,516 )   (8,302 ) (9,199 )
    General, administration and depreciation expenses before depreciation2 (3,569 ) (5,762 )   (14,814 ) (16,886 )
    Cash financial items3 (6,445 ) (2,219 )   (19,657 ) (5,812 )
    Free cash flow (61,476 ) (64,688 )   (135,497 ) 3,520  

    1 See note 19 to the Financial Statements
    2 Depreciation is not specifically disclosed in the Financial Statements
    3 See notes 5 and 6 to the Financial Statements

    The free cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2023 including the free cash flow contribution of the Brooks assets acquisition from the effective date of January 1, 2023 to the completion date of March 3, 2023 amounted to USD 2,689 thousand. Free cash flow is before shareholder distributions and financing costs.

    EBITDA
    The following table sets out the reconciliation from net result from the consolidated statement of operations to EBITDA:

      Three months ended December 31   Year ended December 31
    USD Thousands 2024   2023     2024   2023  
    Net result 415   29,710     102,219   172,979  
    Net financial items 35,767   6,509     59,709   22,736  
    Income tax 3,852   4,691     33,325   55,362  
    Depletion and decommissioning costs 32,087   30,434     128,392   101,922  
    Depreciation of other tangible fixed assets 2,430   1,309     8,933   7,812  
    Exploration and business development costs 1,725   348     2,069   2,355  
    Depreciation included in general, administration and depreciation expenses1 308   389     1,241   1,569  
    Sale of assets2 (400 ) (7,106 )   (400 ) (19,018 )
    EBITDA 76,814   66,284     335,488   345,717  

    1 Item is not shown in the Financial Statements
    2 Sale of assets is included under “Other income/(expense)” but not specifically disclosed in the Financial Statements

    The EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023 including the EBITDA contribution of the Brooks assets acquisition from the effective date of January 1, 2023 to the completion date of March 3, 2023 amounted to USD 350,618 thousand.

    Operating costs
    The following table sets out how operating costs is calculated:

      Three months ended December 31   Year ended December 31
    USD Thousands 2024   2023     2024   2023  
    Production costs 120,108   126,414     448,218   491,303  
    Cost of blending (36,036 ) (44,473 )   (152,735 ) (172,996 )
    Change in inventory position (4,633 ) 1,427     (1,473 ) 3,655  
    Operating costs 79,439   83,368     294,010   321,962  
                       

    The operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2023 including the operating costs contribution of the Brooks assets acquisition from the effective date of January 1, 2023 to the completion date of March 3, 2023 amounted to USD 328,763 thousand.

    Net cash / (debt)
    The following table sets out how net cash / (debt) is calculated from figures shown in the Financial Statements:

    USD Thousands December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023  
    Bank loans (5,121 ) (9,031 )
    Bonds1 (450,000 ) (450,000 )
    Cash and cash equivalents 246,593   517,074  
    Net cash / (debt) (208,528 ) 58,043  

    1 The bond amount represents the redeemable value at maturity (February 2027).

    Reserves and Resources Advisory
    This press release contains references to estimates of gross and net reserves and resources attributed to the Corporation’s oil and gas assets. For additional information with respect to such reserves and resources, refer to “Reserves and Resources Advisory” in the MD&A and the MCR. Light, medium and heavy crude oil reserves/resources disclosed in this press release include solution gas and other by-products. Also see “Supplemental Information regarding Product Types” below.

    Reserve estimates, contingent resource estimates and estimates of future net revenue in respect of IPC’s oil and gas assets in Canada are effective as of December 31, 2024, and are included in the reports prepared by Sproule Associates Limited (Sproule), an independent qualified reserves evaluator, in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (NI 51-101) and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (the COGE Handbook) and using Sproule’s December 31, 2024 price forecasts.

    Reserve estimates, contingent resource estimates and estimates of future net revenue in respect of IPC’s oil and gas assets in France and Malaysia are effective as of December 31, 2024, and are included in the report prepared by ERC Equipoise Ltd. (ERCE), an independent qualified reserves auditor, in accordance with NI 51-101 and the COGE Handbook, and using Sproule’s December 31, 2024 price forecasts.

    The price forecasts used in the Sproule and ERCE reports are available on the website of Sproule (sproule.com) and are contained in the MCR. These price forecasts are as at December 31, 2024 and may not be reflective of current and future forecast commodity prices.

    The reserve life index (RLI) is calculated by dividing the 2P reserves of 493 MMboe as at December 31, 2024 by the mid-point of the 2025 CMD production guidance of 43,000 to 45,000 boepd. Reserves replacement ratio is based on 2P reserves of 468 MMboe as at December 31, 2023, sales production during 2024 of 16.6 MMboe, net additions to 2P reserves during 2024 of 41.7 MMboe and 2P reserves of 493 MMboe as at December 31, 2024.

    The reserves and resources information and data provided in this press release present only a portion of the disclosure required under NI 51-101. All of the required information will be contained in the Corporation’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, which will be filed on SEDAR+ (accessible at www.sedarplus.ca) on or before April 1, 2025. Further information with respect to IPC’s reserves, contingent resources and estimates of future net revenue, including assumptions relating to the calculation of net present value and other relevant information related to the contingent resources disclosed, is disclosed in the MCR available under IPC’s profile on www.sedarplus.ca and on IPC’s website at www.international-petroleum.com.

    IPC uses the industry-accepted standard conversion of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil (6 Mcf = 1 bbl). A BOE conversion ratio of 6:1 is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. As the value ratio between natural gas and crude oil based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a 6:1 conversion basis may be misleading as an indication of value.

    Supplemental Information regarding Product Types

    The following table is intended to provide supplemental information about the product type composition of IPC’s net average daily production figures provided in this press release:

      Heavy Crude Oil
    (Mbopd)    		 Light and Medium Crude Oil (Mbopd) Conventional Natural Gas (per day) Total
    (Mboepd)
    Three months ended        
    December 31, 2024 24.3 7.1 95.9 MMcf
    (16.0 Mboe)    		 47.4
    December 31, 2023 25.7 6.6 103.8 MMcf
    (17.3 Mboe)    		 49.6
    Year ended        
    December 31, 2024 23.9 7.7 95.1 MMcf
    (15.8 Mboe)    		 47.4
    December 31, 2023 25.8 8.1 102.8 MMcf
    (17.1 Mboe)    		 51.1
             

    This press release also makes reference to IPC’s forecast total average daily production of 43,000 to 45,000 boepd for 2025. IPC estimates that approximately 55% of that production will be comprised of heavy oil, approximately 12% will be comprised of light and medium crude oil and approximately 33% will be comprised of conventional natural gas.

    Currency
    All dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in United States dollars, except where otherwise noted. References herein to USD mean United States dollars. References herein to CAD mean Canadian dollars.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia improves on global corruption rankings, but there is still work to be done

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By A J Brown, Professor of Public Policy & Law, Centre for Governance & Public Policy, Griffith University

    Australia has turned the corner on its decade-long slide on Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), once again ranking in the top ten least corrupt countries in the world. The fresh ranking comes just ahead of a federal election, which will determine the future of many key anti-corruption reforms.

    In the latest 2024 index, Australia rose two points to a score of 77 on the 100-point scale. The index is the world’s most widely cited indicator of how countries are faring in controlling corruption in government.

    The result confirms a positive trend, placing Australia back in the top 10 countries for the first time since 2016. It now sits at equal 10th alongside Iceland and Ireland.

    In 2012, Australia was ranked as the 7th least corrupt country in the world, with a score of 85 out of 100. But by 2021 it had fallen to a score of 73 and 18th place on the index.

    With that fall widely attributed to a decade of complacency and foot-dragging on efforts to bolster integrity in government, the confirmed recovery is a major affirmation of reforms of the past three years. It also highlights some stark choices for policymakers heading into the 2025 federal election.

    The best – and worst – places for corruption

    Globally, Denmark again tops the index with a score of 90, followed by Finland on 88. The most corrupt countries in the world are Venezuela (10), Somalia (9) and South Sudan (8).

    However, the global outlook is highly challenging. Over the past ten years, many more countries have now declined significantly in their anti-corruption scores (47 countries) than have improved on the index (32 countries).

    Australia’s recovery is therefore now bucking a negative trend, including the “integrity complacency” still affecting many other developed countries. The United Kingdom (71/100) and United States (65/100) have now fallen to their own lowest-ever scores on the index.

    The index is compiled from 13 independent surveys of professional and expert perceptions of public sector corruption across the world. Nine sources were used to inform Australia’s result – including include Freedom House, the World Justice Project and the World Bank’s Executive Opinion Survey.

    Two sources had Australia still declining, including the global academic-led Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Project. However, six sources rate Australia as improving, led by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s assessment, conducted most recently in September 2024.

    Australian reforms are making a difference

    There’s now little doubt that the federal integrity reforms of the past three years are a major reason for Australia’s new direction of travel. These include the creation of the National Anti-Corruption Commission in 2022, as well as the long overdue strengthening of Australia’s foreign bribery laws in 2024. A renewed commitment to the global Open Government Partnership, much of the response to Robodebt, and measures to strengthen merit in public appointments, such as replacement of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, have also helped.

    Long overdue anti-money laundering laws were also introduced late in 2024, beyond the time frame for data collection for the latest index. While the impact of these on expert opinion will be known in the future, they highlight that much of the business of Australia’s anti-corruption “catch up” is unfinished and ongoing.

    The result poses a challenge for any policymakers suffering under the illusion that Australia’s integrity systems are somehow “fixed”.

    From an international perspective, Australia is yet to move to control secret and sham company ownerships – the major vehicle used to hide bribes and stolen public money. This is despite championing transparency in the beneficial ownership of companies since hosting the G20 in 2014.

    The need to bring transparency and integrity to federal political donation and funding laws continues to overshadow the last weeks of the 47th parliament. Negotiations between the major parties have failed to inspire confidence among independents, and much of the public.

    Effective control of undue influence in decision-making, pork-barrelling, professional lobbying and “revolving door” jobs for politicians and public servants are ongoing challenges.

    And in a clear signal to both the Labor government and the Coalition, a team of cross-benchers, led by independent Andrew Wilkie, have introduced a bill to establish a Whistleblower Protection Authority. This remains the single biggest gap in Australia’s integrity system and the most major anti-corruption reform still needed.

    Even before Australia hit its 2022 low, some leaders were softening citizens up to accept a reduced position on the index. In 2018, Coalition Attorney-General Christian Porter claimed Australia had remained “consistently in the top 20 countries on Earth for low corruption”. This prompted independent Rebekha Sharkie to point out that Australia had fallen from the top ten: “the trajectory is not good”.

    By contrast, Labor leader Anthony Albanese went into the last election accusing the Morrison government of dragging Australia down on corruption, and promising Labor would do better. He said:

    The health of our democracy, the integrity of our institutions, the transparency and fairness of our laws, the harmony and cohesion of our population. These aren’t just noble ideals. They are a powerful defence against the threat of modern authoritarianism.

    Amid the challenges, there is hope. The federal parliament’s reform record of the past three years is clearly a big step in the right direction.

    However, the climb back to 77 on the Corruption Perceptions Index shows it’s clearly just the first step in securing Australia’s reputation as a democracy that protects itself against undue influence and abuse of power.

    A J Brown AM is Chair of Transparency International Australia. He has received funding from the Australian Research Council and all Australian governments for research on public interest whistleblowing, integrity and anti-corruption reform through partners including Australia’s federal and state Ombudsmen and other regulatory agencies, parliaments, anti-corruption agencies and private sector bodies. He was a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Expert Panel on Whistleblowing (2017-2019) and is a member of the Queensland Public Sector Governance Council.

    – ref. Australia improves on global corruption rankings, but there is still work to be done – https://theconversation.com/australia-improves-on-global-corruption-rankings-but-there-is-still-work-to-be-done-249458

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Ends the Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws

    Source: The White House

    ENDING THE FORCED USE OF PAPER STRAWS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to end the procurement and forced use of paper straws.

    • The Federal government is directed to stop purchasing paper straws and ensure they are no longer provided within Federal buildings.
    • The Order requires the development of a National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws within 45 days to alleviate the forced use of paper straws nationwide.

    BRINGING BACK COMMON SENSE: The irrational campaign against plastic straws has forced Americans to use nonfunctional paper straws. This ends under President Trump.

    • Cities and states across America have banned paper straws, caving to pressure from woke activists who prioritize symbolism over science.
    • Paper straws use chemicals that may carry risks to human health – including “forever chemical” PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) which are known to be highly water soluble and can bleed from the straw into a drink.
      • A study found that while PFAS were found in paper straws, no measurable PFAS were found in plastic straws. 
    • Paper straws are more expensive than plastic straws, and often force users to use multiple straws.
    • Paper straws are not the eco-friendly alternative they claim to be – studies have shown that producing paper straws can have a larger carbon footprint and require more water than plastic straws.
    • Paper straws often come individually wrapped in plastic, undermining the environmental argument for their use.

    PROMOTING A CLEAN AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT: President Trump has made it a top priority to promote a clean and healthy environment for the American people.

    • President Trump’s policies are promoting economic growth, while still maintaining standards that allow Americans to have among the cleanest air and water in the world.
    • This marks a sharp contrast from the previous Administration, which wasted American taxpayer dollars on virtue signaling instead of implementing effective solutions.
      • For instance, the Biden Administration spent billions on electric vehicle charging stations, yet only eight were completed.
    • Meanwhile, President Trump’s commonsense approach to environmental conservation has demonstrated his true commitment to preserving America’s natural resources.
    • President Trump has championed improved forest management in order to prevent forest fires that are devastating communities and ecosystems across the country.
    • By pausing the expansion of windmills, President Trump recognized their detrimental environmental impact, particularly on wildlife, often outweighs their benefits.
    • President Trump signed the Save Our Seas Act to preserve and protect our beautiful waters and oceans from being littered with garbage.  
    • President Trump is committed to securing American energy independence, recognizing that America’s domestic supply of clean coal and natural gas not only strengthens national security but also provides some of the cleanest energy in the world.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Whether we carve out an exemption or not, Trump’s latest tariffs will still hit Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott French, Senior Lecturer in Economics, UNSW Sydney

    US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have stated an exemption for Australia from Trump’s executive order placing 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imported into the US is “under consideration”. But prospects remain uncertain.

    Albanese would do well to secure an exemption using similar arguments as then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull did in 2018.

    If Australia cannot obtain a carve-out from the tariffs, the main group affected will be the Australian producers of steel and aluminium. But the size of the hit they will take is difficult to predict.

    Regardless of whether Australia gets an exemption, the world economy – and Australians – will be affected by Trump’s latest round of tariffs.

    Producers will be hit

    If ultimately imposed by the US, these tariffs will make steel and aluminium produced in Australia more expensive for US manufacturers relative to domestically produced alternatives. This will certainly result in reduced demand for the Australian products.

    However, three factors will help limit the effects:

    1. The price of metals produced in the US will rise

    It will take time to ramp up US production to fill the gap of reduced imports, and the extra production will likely come from less efficient domestic producers. This means that US manufacturers will continue to buy imported metals, despite the higher prices.

    2. The US is not a huge market for Australian steel and aluminium

    Australia produced A$113 billion of primary and fabricated metal in the 2022-23 financial year, according to the ABS.

    By comparison, less than $1 billion of steel and aluminium was exported to the US in 2023, according to data from UN Comtrade, consisting of about $500 million of aluminium and less then $400 million of steel. Exports to the US account for about 10% of Australia’s total exports of these metals.

    3. Major markets

    If major markets such as China and the European Union enact retaliatory tariffs on US metals, this could make Australian metals more competitive in these markets.

    Some stand to benefit

    While workers in Australian steel and aluminium plants will be watching the news with trepidation, some of Australia’s biggest manufacturing companies may be less concerned.

    For example, BlueScope Steel has significant US steel operations, and saw its share price increase on news of the tariffs.

    US-based Alcoa, which owns alumina refineries in Western Australia and an aluminium smelter in Victoria, will also expect to see its US operations benefit.

    And Rio Tinto will be most concerned about its substantial Canadian operations. Its Canadian hub is responsible for close to half of its global aluminium production.

    Demand for iron ore could fall

    The US tariffs will also have wider ranging effects on the Australian economy, regardless of whether Australia’s products are directly targeted.

    While aluminium is Australia’s top manufacturing export, it still makes up only about 1% of total exports, and steel makes up less than half that.

    Iron ore, by contrast, makes up more than 20% of Australia’s exports, with aluminium ores making up an additional 1.5%.

    This means the effect of the tariffs on demand for the raw materials to make steel and aluminium may have the largest detrimental effect on the Australian economy.

    Because the tariffs will make steel and aluminium more expensive to US manufacturers, they will seek to reduce their use of them. This means global demand for the metals, and the ores used to produce them, will decline.

    Investors appear to be betting on this, with shares of Australian miners like Rio Tinto and BHP falling since Trump announced the tariffs.

    Imported goods will become more expensive

    Many of the things Australians buy are likely to get more expensive.

    All US products that use steel and aluminium at any stage of the production process will also become more expensive. Tariffs will raise the cost of steel and aluminium for US manufacturers, both directly and by reducing overall productivity in the US.

    About 11% of Australia’s imports come from the US. And about half of this consists of machinery, vehicles, aircraft, and medical instruments, which typically contain steel and aluminium. Further, these goods are used by manufacturers around the world to produce and transport many of the other things Australians buy.

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

    – ref. Whether we carve out an exemption or not, Trump’s latest tariffs will still hit Australia – https://theconversation.com/whether-we-carve-out-an-exemption-or-not-trumps-latest-tariffs-will-still-hit-australia-249493

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Dongfeng, Changan revamp to give global edge to automakers

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The planned restructuring of Wuhan, Hubei province-headquartered Dongfeng Motor Corp and Chongqing-based Changan Automobile is expected to create a more integrated and competitive automaker capable of competing with global giants like Toyota, Volkswagen and Tesla in the coming years, said analysts on Monday.

    A number of listed subsidiaries of State-owned Dongfeng Motor and CSGC, the parent company of Changan Automobile, including Dongfeng Automobile Co and Harbin Dongan Auto Engine Co, announced possible changes to their controlling shareholders on Sunday.

    The listed companies under CSGC announced that they had received a notice from their parent company regarding ongoing restructuring plans with other State-owned enterprises.

    They said that while the restructuring could result in changes to their controlling shareholders, it would not affect the ultimate controlling entity. They also emphasized that the plan remains subject to approval from the relevant authorities.

    Even though Dongfeng Motor and CSGC have not explicitly named each other as restructuring partners, market watchers said that there is a high possibility of integration among China’s State-owned automakers’ passenger vehicle businesses.

    Currently, Changan Automobile, in partnership with Chinese technology company Huawei Technologies Co, maintains a leading position in the transition to new energy vehicles and intelligent mobility development, said Zhang Xiang, an auto industry researcher at the Beijing-based North China University of Technology.

    “Therefore, it is expected that Changan Automobile will play a leading role in the future integration of the passenger vehicle businesses owned by centrally administered SOEs,” Zhang said.

    Dongfeng Motor reported vehicle sales of 2.48 million units in 2024, reflecting a 2.5 percent year-on-year increase, according to information released by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, the country’s Cabinet.

    Meanwhile, Changan Automobile achieved total sales of 2.68 million vehicles last year, marking a 5.1 percent growth compared to the previous year. Notably, the company’s NEV sales surpassed 734,000 units, representing a 52.8 percent year-on-year surge.

    Based on their production capacity, the restructuring will effectively enhance the competitiveness of Chinese vehicle brands on the global stage, Zhang added.

    In terms of component integration, the restructuring of these two SOEs will significantly expand the procurement scale, enhancing their bargaining power with component suppliers. This is expected to cut procurement costs and improve the overall efficiency of the supply chain, said Ding Rijia, a professor specializing in industrial economy at the China University of Mining and Technology in Beijing.

    Further, if both companies integrate their component technologies, it will enhance the technical sophistication and performance of vehicle components, Ding said.

    Speaking at a news conference in Beijing last month, Lin Qingmiao, head of the SASAC’s bureau of enterprise reform, said the government’s key focus will be on the restructuring and integration of central SOEs this year, in order to further promote the optimization of the State-owned economy’s structural adjustment going forward.

    Lin said that China will speed up the allocation of State capital to critical industries related to national security and the lifeline of national economy, public services, emergency response capabilities, public welfare and strategic emerging industries.

    Eager to enrich user experience, Dongfeng Motor announced last week the successful integration of the full range of DeepSeek’s open-source large language model. Its brands, such as M-Hero and Nano Box, are set to incorporate and deploy this technology in their vehicles soon.

    Among these, the intelligent cockpit of the M-Hero 917, one of Dongfeng Motor’s luxury models, has already integrated the DeepSeek-R1 model, with an over-the-air update scheduled for April 2025.

    Through continuous customized model distillation and AI training, M-Hero owners will enjoy a significantly enhanced smart cockpit, featuring faster voice recognition, improved semantic understanding and humanlike responses, as well as expanded functionality for offroad driving scenarios, said Dongfeng Motor.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mouse Point Road, Hurunui closed following crash

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are responding to a two-vehicle crash on Mouse Point Road, Hurunui.

    The crash was reported just after 4:20pm, near Hanmer Springs Road.

    Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

    The road is currently closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –