Latest news with #APMs
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Collector Santosh Urges Swift Paddy Transport and Protection Measures Amid Rain Forecast in Gadwal
Gadwal: District Collector B.M. Santosh has directed officials to ensure that procured paddy is immediately transported to rice mills and adequately protected with tarpaulins to prevent damage from potential rainfall. On Thursday, the District Collector, along with Additional Collector Narsinga Rao, inspected the paddy procurement centers being run under the supervision of the IKP at Chenugonipalli and Guntipalli villages in Gadwal Mandal. During the inspection, the Collector reviewed key aspects of the procurement process including moisture levels in the grain, lorry loading operations, and data entry in the OPMS (Online Procurement Management System). Noting the possibility of unseasonal rains, he instructed officials to expedite the procurement process to avoid grain spoilage. He emphasized that once the moisture content in the paddy reaches 17%, it should be promptly bagged, loaded onto lorries, and sent to the mills without delay. Until transportation is arranged, the bags must be securely covered with tarpaulins to protect them from rain. The Collector also stressed the importance of accurate and timely data entry in OPMS and maintaining proper records. He instructed officials to ensure there is no shortage of gunny bags or lorries at the procurement centers. Adequate labor should be arranged to avoid delays in transportation, and enough tarpaulins should be kept ready to handle any unexpected rainfall. He further directed that once the truck is loaded, data entry should be done in OPMS without delay, and farmers should receive their payments immediately to avoid inconvenience. During the visit, the Collector interacted with farmers and inquired about the facilities being provided at the centers. Farmers shared their feedback and experiences directly with the Collector. Also present at the event were District Civil Supplies Manager Vimala, Additional DRDO Narsimhulu, Mandal Agriculture Officers, APMs, farmers, and other officials.
AsiaOne
16-05-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Singapore must remain 'key node' in global supply chains amidst uncertainty: Chee Hong Tat, Singapore News
Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat said that Singapore must remain a "key node" in the global supply chain amid ongoing uncertainty. Speaking to media at PSA Pasir Panjang Terminal on Friday (May 16), Chee said that despite greater turbulence, uncertainty and shifts in the world, Singapore's container volumes have grown by 6.1 per cent during the first four months of 2025, compared to the same period last year. Singapore handled 14.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) – which is a measure of cargo capacity – from January to April this year. "Container (throughput) has remained strong despite what's happening," he said, adding that this is something he hopes can continue. Chee added that companies have boosted trade activity in recent months due to the pause in higher tariff rates and this increase in activity has benefitted Singapore. "There is actually a boost in terms of companies trying to do some front loading and catching up, trying to make full use of this window," he said. On Monday, United States and China agreed to pause the massive tariffs they imposed on each other's goods for 90 days. The US also shaved its earlier tariff of 145 per cent on Chinese goods to 30 per cent on May 12 after a temporary deal for 90 days was brokered after talks in Geneva. Chee also said: "I think we will have to stay very nimble, keep in close contact with our key customers." "No matter how global supply chains were to shift, what's key is for Singapore to remain an important hub port and a key node in the global supply chain." He continued that while companies may shift the origin, destination or the way cargo is transported, the Government wants to ensure Singapore puts forth a strong value proposition to its customers. This is so that no matter how these shifts happen, companies will still want to pass through Singapore. "So yes, there will be negative impact in some areas, on some sectors, but there could be new opportunities too," he said, adding that the government will intervene to help local companies and workers where necessary. Chee, who is part of the new Singapore Economic Resilience Task force (SERT), also said that the uncertain trade situation is being closely watched. [[nid:716763]] "Part of the work in this task force is also to identify and seize these new opportunities," he said, adding that a further update will be given by SERT chairman Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. Autonomous vehicles in trial phase On Friday, Chee was also given a tour of PSA Singapore's new Autonomous Prime Movers (APM), which are currently being tested. The APMs come from two vendors: Venti Technologies and Westwell, and use artificial intelligence to transport containers around Pasir Panjang Terminal. Being fully automated allows them to generate a route and follow it when given a destination. During this trial period, movers are monitored by PSA personnel from a control room, who can intervene remotely should any technical issues arise. PSA Singapore will be hiring more than 2,500 employees this year in different roles such as frontline port operations, IT and data science. These jobs will be created to support its growth and expansion such as operations in the new Tuas Port, which currently has 11 berths in operation. One more berth is planned by the end of this year, four more in 2026 and a further two in 2027, said Chee. When fully completed in the 2040s, Tuas Port will have a handling capacity of 65 million TEUs. Global maritime sector to face choppy waters: SM Lee While speaking at the Singapore Maritime Lecture on March 24, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that choppy waters lie ahead for the global maritime sector due to geopolitical tensions and climate change straining the world's trade system. However, globalisation is unlikely to completely reverse itself. "The world still needs to trade, and countries still need to do business with one another," said SM Lee. He explained that trade is "existential" for Singapore, as the maritime sector is a major part of the nation's economy, contributing to over six per cent of its gross domestic product and about 140,000 jobs. "Being so small, we have no choice. But we are not alone. Even with globalisation in retreat, many countries still believe that trade can be a win-win proposition, and want to preserve as much of the benefits of the multilateral trading system as possible," SM Lee said.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HBX GROUP ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Strong performance with double-digit growth PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HBX Group International plc (HBX Group, the Company, the Group, announces its Half Year 2025 results. Total Transaction Value (TTV) up 12% to €3.4bn, demonstrating continued outperformance versus the global accommodation market Revenue of €319m, up 10%, driven by double-digit growth in travel to Europe and MEAPAC Adjusted EBITDA of €159m, up 14% and Adjusted EBITDA margin of 50%, up 2% points New commercial partnerships signed to deliver future growth in key markets Listing on the Spanish Stock Exchanges in February, raising €725 million Debt refinancing completed in March followed by credit rating upgrades FY25E revenue guidance widened to €740-790m; newly introduced guidance for adjusted EBITDA of €430-450m and operating free cash flow cash conversion of c.100% Retained medium-term outlook, maintaining confidence in our ambition of profitable growth and market outperformance Financial performance summary 6 months ended 31 March 20256 months ended 31 March 2024 Change Total Transaction Value (TTV) (€m) 3,3703,022 12 % Revenue (€m) 319291 10 % Adjusted EBITDA (€m) 159140 14 % margin (%) 49.848.1 1.7pts Net loss (€m) (227)(122) 86 % Loss per share (€) (1.15)(0.68) 69 %Operating free cash flow (€m) (117)(97) 21 % cash conversion (last 12 months) (%) 107n/a n/a 31 Mar 202530 Sept 2024 Change Adjusted net debt (€m) 8071,285 -37 % Annualised(1) Adj net debt/ Adj EBITDA x 1.9x3.2x (1.4x) (1) Annualised LTM based on last 12 month Adj EBITDA. See financial statements for definitions of specific financial terms and KPIs, including any Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) Company Guidance FY25 Mid-term(1) (unchanged)TTV 10%-16% (unchanged) Low double digit CAGRRevenue €740m-€790m (widened) High single digit CAGRAdj. EBITDA €430m-€450m (new) Low 60s%Op FCF conversion c.100% (new) c.100%(1) Mid-term is based on FY27, CAGR 3 years from FY24-FY27 Outlook The strong start to the year was in line with our expectations and reflected good execution and market outperformance. Since the beginning of April, trading has remained resilient, broadly in line with first half performance supported by strong long lead time bookings. At the same time, the more volatile macroeconomic environment has led to slightly lower visibility for summer bookings. As a consequence, the range of potential revenue outcomes for FY25E is wider and FY25E revenue guidance is updated to €740-790m. Guidance has been introduced for Adj. EBITDA (€430-450m) and operating free cash flow conversion (c. 100%, in line with our mid-term guidance), reflecting actions we are taking to deliver profitability and cash generation in a less predictable market environment. Our Mid-term outlook is unchanged. Our strong value proposition, compounded by the long-term positive spending trends underpinning the travel and leisure market, gives us confidence for the future. For the full press release and disclaimer applicable to this information, please visit About HBX Group HBX Group is a leading independent B2B travel technology marketplace that owns and operates Hotelbeds, Bedsonline and Roiback. We offer a network of interconnected travel tech products and services to partners such as Online Marketplaces, tour operators, travel advisors, airlines, loyalty programs, destinations and travel suppliers. Our vision is to simplify the complex and fragmented travel industry through a combination of cloud-based technology solutions, curated data, and an extensive portfolio of products designed to maximise revenue. HBX Group is present in 170 countries and employs more than 3,600 people around the globe. We are committed to making travel a force for good, creating a positive social and environmental impact. HBX Group International PLC ( is listed on the Spanish stock exchanges (ISIN: GB00BNXJB679). Media contact: media@ View original content: SOURCE HBX Group Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBC
22-03-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Poland and Baltics plan Ottawa Treaty exit, sparking fears for the landmine ban's future
Against the backdrop of Russia's three-year war in Ukraine, Poland and the Baltics are preparing to exit the Ottawa Treaty, the landmark agreement that saw 164 countries destroy their arsenals of landmines and ban future use. But critics of the decision, including the Canadian who developed and promoted the agreement, warn this is more likely to harm the four countries' civilians and economies than be a successful weapon in warfare. In a joint statement released Tuesday, the defence ministers of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia recommended withdrawing from the landmine ban, citing the rising threat from Russia and its ally Belarus as the reason. Although a final decision has yet to be voted on by their respective parliaments, the news has sparked concern in Europe, Canada and among human rights advocates, who warn this departure could undermine the lifesaving treaty established in 1999 — and set off a domino effect with other global agreements. Latvia as a case study Latvia signed the Ottawa Treaty in 2005 and committed to destroy its stockpile of anti-personnel mines (APMs). Abandoning the agreement would allow the Baltic country to add APMs to its weaponry once again. Like Poland and its Baltic neighbours, Estonia and Lithuania, Latvia shares a border with Russia. In the joint statement this week, the defence ministers of the four countries said leaving the treaty will give their armies the "flexibility and freedom of choice" to use weapons like APMs, should they be required. The statement comes months after the U.S. administration under Joe Biden approved sending landmines to Ukraine, saying the decision was a military one, as Russia deployed more foot soldiers in advance of tanks or other mechanical equipment. Though Ukraine also signed the Ottawa Treaty, it informed fellow signatories that it might make exceptions for occupied territories following Russia's annexation of Crimea, the BBC reported. The rhetoric from Moscow and its invasion of Ukraine prompted the recommendation, said Imants Lieģis, diplomatic adviser to Latvia's minister of defence, Andris Sprūds, noting that leaving the treaty has public support in his country. "The situation has not improved on the question of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Russia's hybrid attacks and Russia's general aggression against European and other countries," he said. "In addition, there have been certain concerns within Latvian society following the new administration coming into office in the United States." A decision to leave the Ottawa Treaty would not be taken lightly, Lieģis told CBC News. Red Cross reacts In their joint statement, the four countries' defence ministers pledged to uphold international humanitarian law and to ensure civilians are protected from harm if their parliaments ratify a decision to withdraw from the treaty. But the Red Cross has questioned how it's possible to do two things that are in direct conflict. The organization, which works specifically in war zones and sees first-hand the impact landmines have, said the recommendation is a major setback for the Ottawa Treaty. WATCH | Biden administration agreed to send landmines to Ukraine: Why Biden is sending widely-banned landmines to Ukraine | About That 4 months ago Duration 8:29 In a recent interview, Red Cross chief spokesperson Christian Cardon also questioned the tactical decision from a military standpoint to use APMs, given they disproportionately harm civilians and not enemy soldiers. "In 2024, the assessment was that 80 per cent of people affected by APMs were civilians … and among this 80 per cent, half of them were kids," he said. "That's the main issue." There are long-term consequences to the use of landmines, whose effects linger after the end of a war, Cardon said. Beyond the threat to human health, the unexploded devices become economic obstacles, since they make large swaths of land unusable for agriculture or tourism. The Red Cross worries others may follow Poland and the Baltic states if they withdraw from the treaty and set a precedent for countries to abandon other humanitarian treaties as well. That's why Cardon and his colleagues are urging states to reaffirm their commitment now. The Canadian connection It's hardly surprising an agreement called the Ottawa Treaty has Canada in its DNA. The country's former foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy played a pivotal role in creating, promoting and implementing the agreement. He told CBC News he's dismayed by the potential withdrawal of Poland and the Baltics from the treaty. But the veteran diplomat partly blames the U.S. for the defence ministers' decision, saying the "trigger was pulled" when Biden agreed last year to provide landmines to Ukraine — and then worsened by the current president's slashing of foreign aid and historic military support. "That really sort of, for the first time, really shattered the norm, the standard which had been set," Axworthy said. "I predicted at the time that there would be a snowball effect, a knock-on effect coming out of that. "And of course that has been accentuated by Donald Trump going even further, which is to say that security guarantees for countries bordering on Russia have now basically been withdrawn." Like the Red Cross, Axworthy questions why Poland and the Baltics would want to reintroduce APMs to their arsenals. He also doubts their military efficacy and advocates for alternatives, like early-warning systems and drones, to address Russian aggression instead. Perhaps more worryingly, the Canadian who helped create this lifesaving global agreement says he views the four countries' potential withdrawal from it as part of a broader trend undermining the international legal order.
