Category: Artificial Intelligence

  • Air India plane crashes at Ahmedabad airport

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An Air India plane crashed at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ahmedabad airport on Thursday during takeoff, as per the Gujarat State Police Control Room.

    According to the Police Control room, the Air India Flight AI 171 was bound for London.

    Thick plumes of smoke could be seen at the accident spot, and fire tenders have reached the spot. More details are awaited on the matter.

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Home Minister and the Police Commissioner regarding the plane crash incident. He also assured to provide Central government assistance.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AAIB publishes Annual Safety Review 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    AAIB publishes Annual Safety Review 2024

    The AAIB Annual Safety Review 2024 has been published. It includes information on occurrences and the safety action taken or planned in response to AAIB investigations concluded in 2024.

    The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has published its Annual Safety Review which provides an overview of occurrences notified to the AAIB in 2024 as well as the safety action taken or planned in response to AAIB investigations concluded in 2024.

    • The AAIB received 762 occurrence notifications (compared to 790 in 2023) and opened 20 field investigations. A further 57 investigations were opened by correspondence.
    • The AAIB provided support to 53 new overseas investigations where there was a UK interest.
    • There were 10 investigations into fatal accidents which involved 11 deaths. All involved General Aviation (eight light aircraft, two gliders).
    • In 2024, the AAIB published final reports on 36 field investigations and 65 correspondence investigations and 160 record only investigations.
    • The Branch made 20 Safety Recommendations and 103 significant Safety Actions were taken proactively by the industry in 2024 as a direct result of AAIB investigations.

    The Annual Safety Review also contains an article on the categorisation of events reported on by the AAIB in 2024, it highlights some of the safety themes emerging from investigations into passenger transport events, GA fatal accidents and UAS events reported to AAIB in 2024.

    Crispin Orr, Chief Inspector of Air Accidents said “Commercial aviation remains one of the safest forms of public transport, with global accident rates continuing their long-term decline. Nevertheless, major accidents in Japan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Korea in 2024 serve as a sobering reminder that safety must never be taken for granted. Thorough investigations into accidents and serious incidents continue to be needed to uncover remaining vulnerabilities.”

    Further comments from the Chief Inspector of Air Accidents can be found in the report foreword.

    Read the Annual Safety Review.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 2nd Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting Held in Chengdu

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) — The Second Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting was held in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, on Wednesday, chaired by Yin Hejun, head of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, according to a statement posted on the ministry’s official website.

    Speaking at the event, Yin Hejun said that the Chinese government has so far signed bilateral intergovernmental agreements on scientific and technological cooperation with more than 80 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. The construction of more than 70 Belt and Road joint laboratories and 10 international technology transfer centers has been launched.

    In addition, according to him, China is actively developing scientific, technical and humanitarian exchanges and cooperation in the field of technology parks, organizing the implementation of special plans for cooperation in the fields of technologies for sustainable development, geospatial research, poverty reduction through scientific and technical achievements, innovative entrepreneurship, etc.

    These measures will ensure the flow of innovative energy for high-quality construction of the Belt and Road, Yin Hejun emphasized.

    The meeting was attended by science, technology and innovation ministers and their representatives from 41 Belt and Road member countries.

    The meeting participants had an in-depth exchange of views, focusing on issues of unleashing new potentials and forming new models of scientific and technological cooperation, as well as jointly building the Belt and Road innovation and technology community. The broad discussion was devoted to deepening cooperation in such key areas as artificial intelligence, geospatial technologies, green and low-carbon solutions, as well as improving the global scientific and technological governance system.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Rio Tinto Selects iManage to Support Legal Transformation Across Global Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iManage, the company dedicated to Making Knowledge Work™, today announced that global mining company Rio Tinto has deployed iManage as part of a broader strategy to modernize and streamline its legal operations. More than 200 users across Australia, Singapore, the UK, and North America are now benefiting from the platform.

    Seeking to improve searchability, performance, and usability, Rio Tinto replaced its legacy SharePoint-based system with iManage Work 10, Threat Manager, and Share. The implementation has delivered significant gains in user adoption and operational efficiency, while enabling the company to better govern legal knowledge and control its data environment. The move supports Rio Tinto’s focus on a connected digital ecosystem, in which integrated systems and automation simplify processes and unlock new value. This includes seamless API integration between iManage and Rio Tinto’s in-house digital legal hub, with iManage serving as the core content layer.

    “With iManage, we’ve gone from frustrated users to enthusiastic adopters,” said Christopher de Waas, Digital Transformation Lead at Rio Tinto. “People are finally able to search, file, and manage their documents without friction, and that shift has opened the door to real transformation. We’re no longer just solving problems, we’re building momentum.”

    Rio Tinto migrated over 4.5 million documents to iManage and achieved 80% user engagement within the first four months of go-live, with half of the department classified as active users. By enabling users to manage content efficiently, including while offline, iManage has helped reduce rework, increase compliance, and preserve institutional legal knowledge across the organization.

    “We’re proud to support Rio Tinto as they modernize how their legal team works,” said Suzanne Walmsley, Senior Director of European Sales at iManage. “Their focus on usability, governance, and transformation aligns perfectly with our mission. It’s rewarding to see how quickly iManage has driven engagement and unlocked new possibilities across their team.”

    Looking ahead, Rio Tinto is exploring the use of iManage’s AI capabilities, particularly Ask iManage, to unlock the full potential of its legal knowledge base. With a mature, well-governed system in place and strong user participation, the team sees AI as the next step in surfacing insights, accelerating workflows, and driving smarter decision-making across legal and beyond.

    About iManage
    iManage is dedicated to Making Knowledge Work™. Our cloud-native platform is at the center of the knowledge economy, enabling every organization to work more productively, collaboratively, and securely. Built on more than 20 years of industry experience, iManage helps leading organizations manage documents and emails more efficiently, protect vital information assets, and leverage knowledge to drive better business outcomes. As your strategic business partner, we employ our award-winning AI-enabled technology, an extensive partner ecosystem, and a customer-centric approach to provide support and guidance you can trust to make knowledge work for you. iManage is relied on by more than one million professionals at 4,000 organizations around the world. Visit www.imanage.com to learn more.

    Follow iManage via:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imanage
    X: https://x.com/imanageinc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iManage 

    Press contact:
    Alicia Saragosa, iManage
    press@imanage.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Iterate.ai Raises $6.4 Million from Auxier Asset Management and eBags Board Alumni to Accelerate AI Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif. and DENVER, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Iterate.ai, recently named one of the 20 Hottest AI Software Companies by CRN, has announced $6.4 million in funding led by Auxier Asset Management and with participation from Peter Cobb, Mike Edwards, and Dave Zentmyer. All four are former eBags board members.

    Jeff Auxier, founder of Auxier Asset Management, was a longtime board member at eBags, where he worked closely with Iterate.ai CEO Jon Nordmark. He’s joined by other eBags board veterans including Cobb (co-founder of eBags and Designer Brands (DSW) board director), Edwards (a seasoned retail executive and four-time CEO, including at eBags), and Zentmyer, former SVP of Lands’ End. Their collective involvement signals a powerful vote of confidence in Iterate’s AI growth journey as it expands distribution channels and introduces its key productivity solution, Generate Enterprise.

    The investors’ decision to collaborate once again with Nordmark and his CDTO/co-founder Brian Sathianathan reflects the strong trust and mutual respect established during their successful tenure together at eBags, which sold $1.65 billion worth of travel products before it was acquired.

    Before co-founding Iterate.ai with Sathianathan—who was a six-year member of Apple’s 60-person Secret Products Group that developed the first iPhone and is a patent holder on that groundbreaking product—Nordmark co-founded eBags in 1998 with Cobb. Cobb brings extensive experience scaling successful digital pure-play businesses, co-founding eBags (acquired by Samsonite) and 6pm.com (acquired by Zappos). He has served on the boards of publicly traded companies such as Designer Brands (DSW), and spent a decade as board director for the National Retail Federation and its digital predecessor, Shop.org.

    “Iterate.ai’s approach to AI innovation is not only forward-thinking but also pragmatic, ensuring real-world application and success for enterprises,” said Cobb. “Look at how Iterate partnered with Intel to pioneer AI inference processing using CPUs on the Edge.” The company’s method of building technologies recently earned it a spot in Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators and recognition from the Colorado Technology Association as Colorado’s top technology company.

    Edwards is a seasoned CEO and board chairman with over 35 years of leadership experience spanning public and private companies across industries such as digital commerce, consumer-tech AI, and CPG brands. A trusted investor and independent director with SEC financial expertise, he brings a wealth of strategic insight. His leadership roles include CEO of eBags (following Nordmark), as well as Lucy (acquired by VF), Hanna Andersson, and Borders, where he was appointed by Ben Lebow and Bill Ackman. Earlier in his career, Edwards served as EVP at Staples and CompUSA, following his graduation from Drexel University, where he is now a trustee.

    “Iterate.ai recognized the transformational opportunity of AI in 2015 when it added the dot AI to its name, and customers like Ulta Beauty and Pampered Chef have been benefiting from Iterate’s cutting-edge technology for years,” said Edwards, strategic investor, Iterate.ai. “This is an incredibly smart team with a clear vision for how businesses can adopt next-gen AI effectively and securely—while outpacing and outmaneuvering competitors with innovative applications. I’m excited to help Iterate write the next chapter in the company’s story.”

    Zentmyer—a former SVP of Lands’ End—helped build that company’s revenues from $10 million to a few billion after earning his MBA from Stanford University. “Iterate spent the past 18 months establishing partnerships with hardware providers like NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Intel, and distributors/resellers like TD SYNNEX that will help Iterate architect a rollout at scale,” said Zentmyer. “Building those partnerships is a tremendous feat because each of those Big Tech firms has a significant vetting process.”

    With their track records, Auxier, Cobb, Edwards, and Zentmyer are well-positioned to offer valuable guidance and help Iterate.ai refine operational strategies, expand into new channels, and unlock the vast market potential of its patented solutions—further strengthening its presence in key industry verticals.

    “This AI PC revolution is underway—analysts project over 100 million AI PCs will ship by 2025—and we’ve meticulously optimized Generate across Intel’s CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs to harness that on-device performance and efficiency,” said Sathianathan. “At the same time, we’re evolving Generate Enterprise into a unified, one-stop platform for agent building with a no-code interface and air-gapped, secure document RAG—complete with built-in vector databases and seamless integration into large-scale enterprise storage environments.”

    Iterate.ai offers an AI platform and four distinct AI products, including its newest product, Generate. Generate is an AI Assistant that can run entirely on an AI PC, even without an internet connection.

    Iterate’s low-code AI platform, Interplay, empowers traditional enterprises and Big Tech to rapidly build and scale AI solutions. With Interplay, Iterate creates its own innovative products, like Generate. Leading companies, including Ulta Beauty, Circle K, Hughes, FUJIFILM, MUFG, e.l.f. Cosmetics and Pampered Chef, leverage Interplay to enhance operational efficiency, develop custom AI-powered social media managers, implement deep-learning-based OCR, and tackle many other advanced AI initiatives.

    “I’ve known each of these leaders for at least twenty years. Each brings a wealth of practical experience and strategic insight to fuel Iterate’s growth,” said Nordmark. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Mike, Dave, Peter, and the Auxier group as investors and strategic advisors.”

    About Iterate.ai

    Iterate.ai is at the forefront of empowering businesses with state-of-the-art AI solutions, like Generate and its AI low-code platform, Interplay. Interplay is cloud-agnostic and can run AI on the edge and in secure private environments. With seven patents granted (including “drag-and-drop AI”) and nearly a dozen more pending, Iterate.ai’s platform offers corporate innovators a low-risk, systematic way to scale in-house, near-term digital innovation initiatives. With its largest offices in San Jose, CA and Denver, CO, Iterate.ai has a global presence with other offices in North America (Texas, Washington, Arizona), Europe (Stockholm), and Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Singapore).

    Contact
    Kyle Peterson
    kyle@clementpeterson.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Updation/ Periodic Updation of KYC – Revised Instructions

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    RBI/2025-26/53
    DOR.AML.REC.31/14.01.001/2025-26

    June 12, 2025

    The Chairpersons/ CEOs of all the Regulated Entities

    Dear Sir/ Madam,

    Updation/ Periodic Updation of KYC – Revised Instructions

    Please refer to instructions on updation/ periodic updation of KYC as contained in paragraph 38 of Master Direction – Know Your Customer (KYC) Direction, 2016 dated February 25, 2016 (as amended from time to time).

    2. The Reserve Bank has observed a large pendency in periodic updation of KYC including in the accounts opened for credit of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)/ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) under Government schemes to facilitate credit of DBTs and/ or scholarship amount (DBT/ EBT/ scholarship beneficiaries) and accounts opened under PMJDY.

    3. In order to further ease the process for the convenience of customers, the instructions regarding updation/ periodic updation of KYC have been amended with the intent, inter alia, to allow BCs to facilitate in the process of KYC updation vide Reserve Bank of India (Know Your Customer (KYC)) (Amendment) Directions, 2025. Similar amendments related to inoperative accounts and unclaimed deposits have been made vide circular DOR.SOG(LEG).REC/32/09.08.024/2025-26 dated June 12, 2025.

    4. Further, the banks are advised to organize camps and launch intensive campaigns including special camps, focusing on periodic updation of KYC, especially in rural and semi urban branches and the branches having large pendency in periodic updation of KYC. The banks may also facilitate the process of activation of such accounts by taking an empathetic view as indicated in the circular DoS.CO.PPG.SEC.12/11.01.005/2024-25 dated December 2, 2024.

    5. It is mentioned that over the last few years, the instructions on customer onboarding and updation/ periodic updation of customers’ KYC have been simplified and detailed in the Master Direction ibid. A brief compilation of such instructions is enclosed in the Annexure for ready reference.

    Yours faithfully,

    (Usha Janakiraman)
    Chief General Manager-in-Charge


    Annexure

    (Circular ref. DOR.AML.REC.31/14.01.001/2025-26, dated June 12, 2025 on Updation/ Periodic Updation of KYC– Revised Instructions)

    The Master Direction – Know Your Customer (KYC) Direction, 2016 dated February 25, 2016 (as amended from time to time) instructs the Regulated Entities (REs), including banks, that the customers’ KYC Identifier shall be the first reference point for the purpose of establishing an account-based relationship or for verification of identity of customers. Accordingly, while onboarding customer, the REs shall download customers’ KYC records online from CKYCR with customer’s consent without requiring him/ her to submit the same records again, unless there is a change in records available with CKYCR.

    The processes of onboarding customer and updation/ periodic updation of KYC have been simplified and the same are given below:

    A. Face-to-face mode for onboarding the customer

    1. Customer may be onboarded in face-to-face mode through Aadhaar biometric based e-KYC authenticating and, in such case, if customer wants to provide a current address, different from the address as per the identity information available in the UIDAI database (i.e., Central Identities Data Repository), he may give a self-declaration to that effect to the RE (ref. paragraph 16 of the Master Direction on KYC).

    2. Further, Digital KYC process is also allowed for customer onboarding.

    B. Non-face-to-face (NFTF) modes for onboarding the customer

    1. Consent-based onboarding of customer in NFTF mode may be done using Aadhaar OTP based e-KYC authentication which is subject to certain conditions (ref. paragraph 17 of the Master Direction on KYC). Further, such account shall be placed under strict monitoring, and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) procedure shall be completed within a year.

    2. Customer onboarding in NFTF mode using digital modes such as KYC Identifier, equivalent e-documents, documents issued through DigiLocker, and non-digital modes such as obtaining copy of OVD certified by additional certifying authorities as allowed for NRIs and PIOs are subject to certain conditions (ref. paragraph 40 of the Master Direction on KYC).

    C. Customer onboarding using Video based Customer Identification Process (V-CIP)

    1. V-CIP is an alternate method of CDD by an authorised official of the RE by undertaking seamless, secure, live, informed and consent based audiovisual interaction with the customer to obtain identification information required for CDD purpose (ref. paragraph 18 of the Master Direction on KYC).

    2. V-CIP is treated on par with face-to-face onboarding.

    D. Simplified process of updation and periodic updation of KYC

    1. Self-declarations – REs are allowed to obtain self-declaration regarding “no change in KYC information” or “a change only in address details” from customers using digital and non-digital modes, through customer’s email / mobile number registered with the RE, ATMs, digital channels (such as online banking / internet banking, mobile application of RE), letter, BCs, etc.

    2. The updation/ periodic updation of KYC records are allowed to be carried out at any branch of the RE with which customer maintains the account.

    3. Aadhaar OTP based e-KYC and V-CIP are permitted for the purpose of updation/ periodic updation of KYC.

    4. The REs have been directed to update customers’ KYC information/ records based on the update notification received from CKYCR.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InvestHK and London ETO strengthen HKSAR-UK innovation ties at London Tech Week 2025 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    InvestHK and London ETO strengthen HKSAR-UK innovation ties at London Tech Week 2025       
         As the official Founders Fuse Partners at London Tech Week, InvestHK and the London ETO hosted a series of fireside chats moderated by the Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion at InvestHK London Office, Ms Daisy Ip. Speakers included members of InvestHK’s Innovation and Technology teams, who outlined Hong Kong’s strengths as a hub for global start-ups, research and development and business expansion. The Senior Manager, New Ventures Development at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Ms Josephine Chan, and Associate Director of Ecosystem Development (Artificial Intelligence) at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited Mr Sean Chen also shared the latest developments in the region’s vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem.
          
         Complementing these were case studies from UK-based founders who have successfully entered the Hong Kong market with support from InvestHK. Featured speakers included the Founder of Comms8, Ms Carol Chan; Co-founder and Managing Director of HOMETAINMENT, Mr Antoine Melon; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Assureful, Mr Rohit Nair; Chief Executive Officer and Founder of upLYFT, Mr Aalok Rai; Founder of Owl + Lark, Mr Hafiz Shariff; Chief Executive Officer of Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited, Ms Yang Ming; Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Guildhawk, Ms Jurga Zilinskiene. Their experiences reflect the diversity of sectors, from artificial intelligence (AI) and lifestyle to technology-enabled marketing and consumer products, where British businesses are thriving in Hong Kong’s vibrant and globally connected economy.
          
         InvestHK also co-organised a networking reception with the London ETO on June 9 (London time) for participants of the London Tech Week to promote business opportunities in Hong Kong, attracting over 130 participants from the UK Government, as well as the financial, innovation and technology, and business sectors.
          
         Ms Ip said, “Hong Kong is a dynamic launch pad for British entrepreneurs to Asia’s fastest-growing markets in innovation, backed by over HK$200 billion in government support for technology growth in AI, biotech, Web3, and more. With initiatives like the Top Talent Pass Scheme and access to the 87 million consumers with a Gross Domestic Product of US$2 trillion in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong offers start-ups and scale-ups unparalleled opportunities. This week’s engagement reflects the strong appetite for collaboration between our two technology ecosystems. We see great potential for long-term partnerships that drive global innovation and growth.”
          
         According to InvestHK’s 2024 Startup Survey, the UK is the second-largest source of international start-up founders in Hong Kong, underscoring the city’s strong appeal among British entrepreneurs.
    Issued at HKT 15:10

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Aerospace and defense leaders are prioritizing digital continuity to tackle industry disruption

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact: 
    Florence Lièvre
    Tel.: +33 1 47 54 50 71
    Email: florence.lievre@capgemini.com

    Aerospace and defense leaders are prioritizing digital continuity to
    tackle industry disruption

    • 77% of aerospace and defense leaders believe improving digital continuity will accelerate production ramp-up as it drives shorter time to market, with a 13% reduction on average
    • More than 8 out of 10 (86%) defense organizations recognize the need to integrate AI and gen AI in engineering and product development

     Paris, June 12 2025 – The Capgemini Research Institute’s latest report, ‘The strategic edge: How digital continuity drives business outcomes in aerospace and defense, published today, finds that digital continuity1– the seamless integration of data and information across all stages of the product lifecycle and linked to the external partner ecosystem – is emerging as a critical enabler of business transformation in the aerospace and defense (A&D) sector. Over 80% of A&D leaders surveyed view digital continuity as a driver of business transformation and a route to gaining a competitive advantage. In 2024, A&D organizations on average allocated a significant 2.1% of their annual revenue to these initiatives, to ramp up production, accelerate development cycles, reduce operational costs, and stay agile amid global pressures. In the context of rising costs, supply chain instability, and geopolitical movement, investments in digital continuity are expected to increase to 3.4% by 2028.

    “Digital continuity is a critical imperative for aerospace and defense organizations to thrive in today’s challenging and uncertain geopolitical environment. If it is embraced as a way of working, it will help organizations increase productivity and free up key resources from the waste created by disconnected systems and data. Ultimately, it enables operational excellence, reduces product development cycle times and fosters a collaborative culture, setting A&D players up for long-term success. Business leaders clearly recognize this and as a result have been ramping up their investments in these initiatives,” said Lee Annecchino, Global Industry Lead, Aerospace and Defense at Capgemini. “In order to leverage the full potential, A&D organizations must focus on building interoperability across systems, enabling robust data management and adopting a comprehensive change management strategy.”

    Digital continuity helps A&D organizations to ramp up quickly, driving many business benefits
    Nearly nine in 10 (86%) A&D executives agree that digital continuity is important to their organizations’ ramping-up strategies, and 77% believe that improving digital continuity will accelerate the process.

    Around a third (34%) of A&D organizations have already reduced costs with 13% cost reduction on average because of digital continuity. Thirty percent of A&D organizations have already realized shortened time to market and 18% have accelerated product development cycle times because of digital continuity, making it a top priority for investment.

    Defense organizations are better prepared to ramp up production
    According to the survey, 44% of defense organizations are prepared to ramp up production compared to just over a third of civil aerospace organizations. The readiness of defense organizations to ramp up production can be driven by geopolitical uncertainty and technological and infrastructure investment, including a more flexible manufacturing execution system (MES), and a more resilient supply chain. For example, 65% of defense organizations agree that their supply chain is adaptable to quickly changing customer demands, while only 45% of civil aerospace organizations believe the same.

    The report also finds that more than 8 out of 10 (86%) defense organizations recognize the need to integrate AI and generative AI in engineering and product development and over half (56%) to develop autonomous systems. However, less than half of the defense organizations are prepared to integrate AI (44%) and only 35% are prepared to develop autonomous systems.

    In order to thrive, A&D organizations must continually evolve in terms of skills, processes, technologies, security methods, and compliance policies concludes the report.

    Report Methodology
    In March 2025, the Capgemini Research Institute conducted a global survey to assess the maturity of digital continuity in aerospace and defense (A&D) organizations and the benefits achieved. The survey included 179 A&D organizations across 16 countries in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. Over half (51%) of the participating organizations are headquartered in the United States. The survey sample also included 28 public sector or government organizations. All surveyed organizations have annual revenues exceeding $500 million, with the majority (56%) reporting revenues greater than $1 billion.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.

    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    About the Capgemini Research Institute
    The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts for six consecutive times – an industry first.

    Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/


    1Digital continuity in A&D refers to the seamless integration of data and information across the product lifecycle including the external partner ecosystem; thus, ensuring a “single source of truth” that enhances collaboration and streamlines design, production, operations, and service through a strengthened feedback loop.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Korean telco KT selects the Digital Vending Machine® from Bango to power next-gen subscription bundles

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bango PLC (AIM:BGO, OTCQX:BGOPF), the leader in subscription bundling, today announces a strategic partnership with KT, a leading telecommunications provider in the Republic of Korea, to deliver subscription services to its 13.5 million customers. Leveraging the Digital Vending Machine® (DVM™) from Bango, KT customers will benefit from new and exciting subscription services. This is the first major DVM agreement for Bango in Korea, building momentum for further expansion into the East Asia telco market.

    KT will use the Bango DVM to seamlessly integrate a wide array of third-party services into its subscriptions hub and its customer bundled offers. This will include AI, language and translation subscriptions – responding to the rising consumer appetite for next-generation digital experiences.

    KT is leading the development of AI solutions across telecommunications and other industry sectors in the Republic of Korea. With AI subscriptions emerging as a standout category in the fast-evolving subscription economy, KT is now extending that vision to give customers access to groundbreaking AI services that enhance productivity, creativity, and learning, all through the Bango DVM.

    The Bango DVM simplifies the complexity behind subscription bundling, transforming a traditionally technical and operational challenge into a seamless, scalable business model. With a single integration, KT gains access to a growing global catalog of subscription services. New offers can be deployed quickly and flexibly, giving customers access to the latest services while providing KT with deep insights to personalize and optimize bundles over time.

    “This collaboration will be a turning point for KT’s subscription platform to expand as a global subscription service hub,” said Younggeol Kim, Head of KT’s Service Product Division. “We want to meet the evolving needs of our users, whether that’s the latest entertainment or cutting-edge AI subscriptions, and the Digital Vending Machine from Bango gives us the agility to do exactly that.”

    “KT is a leader in its field and now, also in the subscription space, taking bold steps to offer customers a wide and modern mix of digital services,” said Paul Larbey, CEO of Bango. “With the Bango DVM, they can move faster, launch smarter, and deliver the high-demand subscriptions people are asking for, from SVOD to AI.”

    About Bango

    Bango enables content providers to reach more paying customers through global partnerships. Bango revolutionized the monetization of digital content and services, by opening-up online payments to mobile phone users worldwide. Today, the Digital Vending Machine® is driving the rapid growth of the subscription economy, powering choice and control for subscribers.

    The world’s largest content providers, including Amazon, Google and Microsoft trust Bango technology to reach subscribers everywhere.

    Bango, where people subscribe. For more information, visit www.bango.com

    Media contact:

    Anil Malhotra, CMO, Bango
    anil@bango.com
    Tel: +44 7710 480 377

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: China bets on ‘scenes’ to turn innovation into growth

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    In the dynamic economic hub of Shenzhen, commuters can now reserve seats on self-driving buses with just a few taps on an app. Far from a publicity stunt, this service is the first instance in China where intelligent connected buses have been incorporated into the wider public transport system.

    What is unfolding in Shenzhen is more than a transportation experiment. It is a glimpse into a consumer experience model that Chinese policymakers and entrepreneurs are calling the “scene economy.”

    The significance of this term, referring to the application of technology in real-life consumption scenarios, is perhaps best illustrated by its swift adoption: By June last year, more than 60 cities among the top 100 GDP cities had included this term in their economic plans, according to Greatwall Strategy Consultants.

    Some industry observers view such a move as part of a broader strategy to incubate new growth drivers in the face of global uncertainty. But what exactly does it mean?

    Is it about creating innovative parks, organizing promotional events or implementing a package of policy measures? Popular jargon in China’s tech sector may offer some clues. Terms like “paotong” (getting it running) and “bihuan” (closed-loop integration) are frequently used to assess whether a technology can be smoothly implemented and deliver tangible benefits.

    “New technologies must be applied to improve and evolve, and this requires suitable scenarios,” said Jason Tang, chairman of the Shanghai Consumer Foundation.

    “Thus, creating conditions for emerging technologies is crucial to transform laboratory results into economic returns,” Tang added.

    Digitally-enabled 

    Building accessible digital infrastructure is, of course, a prerequisite.

    In the case of Shenzhen’s driverless bus fleet, the initiative benefited greatly from the digital upgrades of the local public transport system. This system integrates intelligent scheduling platform, 5G vehicle-road coordination, multi-sensor fusion perception and high-precision map positioning, which enable millisecond-level response to road conditions and precise decision-making.

    At a recent forum in Shenzhen, the city unveiled China’s first technical guidelines for city-wide, all-vehicle and all-scenario road access. These guidelines are poised to provide an open framework for testing highly and fully autonomous vehicles in complex urban environments.

    Shenzhen had opened over 2,100 kilometers of test and demonstration roads by May, accounting for about 24 percent of the city’s total road mileage, said Xu Wei, deputy director of Shenzhen’s transportation bureau.

    Additionally, China is proactively driving the integration of AI and 5G technologies into traditional industries to unlock their potential applications.

    These technologies have started to make an impact elsewhere, too. Take China’s mining sector, this traditional industry is evolving to become more low-carbon and intelligent.

    A video clip of about 100 autonomous mining trucks in northern Chinese city of Hulunbuir has gone viral on social media as a “sci-fi blockbuster.” Guided by 5G signals, the trucks navigate through vast mines, automatically avoiding obstacles in low-visibility conditions like snow, dust and night with only 40 meters of visibility.

    Government initiatives 

    A 2024 RAND Corporation report noted that 80 percent of AI projects have stalled, and underscored the pressing challenge of how to translate AI’s enormous potential into concrete results.

    Many AI projects fail due to insufficient data, overemphasis on cutting-edge technology rather than real user problems, and inadequate infrastructure for data management and model deployment, according to the report.

    The Central Economic Work Conference last December, which called for large-scale demonstrations of new technologies, products and scenes, was the catalyst behind local government efforts to step up the real-world deployment of lab-developed technologies.

    Instead of relying solely on financial incentives to attract investors, they are now promoting the profit potential of application scenes as a new approach to draw in businesses.

    These cities are releasing “scene lists” to identify city-level needs and using measures, such as the establishment of promotional entities or pilot offices, and creating special funds to drive technology implementation.

    In Shenzhen, the entire city is a testing ground for new technologies and products.

    “We plan to open 100 more application scenes by 2025, with comprehensive, all-day, full-access in fields like municipal sanitation, emergency rescue, AI-assisted healthcare and medical wellness,” said Lin Yi, director of Shenzhen AI industry office.

    With the rapid growth of China’s silver economy, the elderly population is increasingly seen as an exciting frontier with rich potential for tech application. This week, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Civil Affairs initiated a pilot program for intelligent elderly care robots.

    The project will focus on care for the disabled and those living with neurodegenerative conditions, emotional companionship, health promotion, smart environments and daily living assistance.

    On June 6, Chongqing released its first list of 42 low-altitude economy application scenes, spanning urban governance, firefighting, emergency rescue, inspections and freight logistics.

    The same day, Shanghai announced a call for quantum computing scenario plans, targeting the development of quantum hardware, software, algorithms and cloud platforms.

    The Greatwall Strategy Consultants report has identified 419 key scenes, highlighting three critical innovation areas: energy storage, new energy vehicles and intelligent driving, and intelligent manufacturing.

    “China’s strong manufacturing base and its vast, deep consumer market offer immense innovation potential in applications, which in turn facilitate better supply-demand matching,” said Tang. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, African foreign ministers pledge stronger ties

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    CHANGSHA, June 11 — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday met respectively with some African counterparts who came to China for the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province.

    These African foreign ministers include the Republic of the Congo’s Jean-Claude Gakosso, South Africa’s Ronald Lamola, Djibouti’s Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Ghana’s Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, Niger’s Bakary Yaou Sangare, Guinea-Bissau’s Carlos Pinto Pereira, Nigeria’s Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Burkina Faso’s Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, and Ethiopia’s Gedion Timothewos.

    When meeting with Gakosso, Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is willing to work with the Republic of the Congo to safeguard each other’s core interests and consolidate political mutual trust, promote the upgrading of economic and trade cooperation, and strengthen exchanges on state governance.

    Gakosso said the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) brings hope for Africa to break free from the vicious cycle of poverty and backwardness and achieve independent development, and the Republic of the Congo will continue to actively participate in the BRI and firmly abide by the one-China principle.

    When meeting with Lamola, Wang said China is willing to work with South Africa to consolidate political mutual trust, welcomes South Africa’s greater role on international and regional stages, supports South Africa’s fulfillment of duties under its Group of 20 presidency, and is ready to join hands with South Africa to safeguard common interests of the developing countries.

    Lamola said the FOCAC has yielded fruitful achievements and contributed to the development of African countries over the 25 years since its establishment. South Africa looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in various fields, including economy and trade, energy, human resources training, and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

    When meeting with Omar, Wang said China stands ready to work with Djibouti to fully implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, noting that China will continue to support Africa in strengthening solidarity and pursuing self-reliance, and in resolving African issues in the African way.

    Omar said Djibouti highly values its strategic partnership with China, firmly supports multilateralism and opposes unilateralism, and will enhance coordination with China to jointly address challenges.

    When meeting with Ablakwa, Wang said China and Ghana established a strategic partnership last year, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. China stands ready to work with Ghana to deepen practical cooperation across various fields, advance the cause of China-Africa friendship, and uphold multilateralism in opposition to unilateralism.

    Ablakwa said as China has become Ghana’s largest trading partner, Ghana looks forward to deepening cooperation with China in various fields, and will continue to adhere to the one-China principle and consolidate the strong partnership between the two countries.

    When meeting with Wagner, Wang called on both sides to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, saying that China is willing to help the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in transforming its resource advantages into development advantages, and China’s super-large market will always be open to the DRC.

    Wagner said that the DRC firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to deepen mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation with China, adding that the DRC actively supports the BRI and other global initiatives proposed by China.

    When meeting with Sangare, Wang said that China-Niger relations are part of South-South cooperation, and China is willing to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries and enhance mutual trust. Wang expressed the hope that Niger will safeguard the security and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and citizens in Niger.

    Sangare said Niger firmly adheres to the one-China policy, regards cooperation with China as a priority, attaches great importance to security issues, and is willing to enhance mutual trust and maintain dialogue in the spirit of mutual respect.

    When meeting with Pereira, Wang said that Guinea-Bissau took reciprocal measures in the face of the U.S. tariff hikes, and the Global South should stand together, resist unilateralism and protectionism to safeguard international fairness and justice.

    Pereira thanked China for its long-term assistance to Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea-Bissau will continue to work with China to expand practical cooperation and achieve win-win results in the spirit of mutual support.

    When meeting with Tuggar, Wang said under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the relationship between China and Nigeria is increasingly of global importance, adding that China is willing to share development opportunities with Nigeria.

    Tuggar hailed the productive Nigeria-China relationship, expressing willingness to further deepen cooperation with China across various fields to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership.

    When meeting with Traore, Wang said facts have proven that the resumption of diplomatic ties between China and Burkina Faso fully serves the fundamental and long-term interests of Burkina Faso and its people. China is willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with Burkina Faso and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest and establish businesses there, Wang said, expressing the belief that Burkina Faso will ensure the safety of Chinese companies and personnel.

    Traore said Burkina Faso and China have elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership last year. Burkina Faso highly commends China for demonstrating leadership in supporting Africa’s development, thanks China for its support since the resumption of diplomatic ties, and is willing to deepen sincere and friendly cooperation with China, Traore said.

    When meeting with Timothewos, Wang said China and Ethiopia have worked together to achieve early results in implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, bringing more tangible benefits to the Ethiopian people. China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Ethiopia, promote common development through mutually beneficial cooperation, and safeguard shared interests through solidarity and collaboration, he added.

    Timothewos said Ethiopia and China have achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation, setting a model for the Global South. He expressed gratitude for China’s firm support of Ethiopia’s core interests and valuable assistance to Africa’s development, and reiterated Ethiopia’s adherence to the one-China principle.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti Abdoulkader Houssein Omar in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Foreign Minister of Ghana Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo Jean-Claude Gakosso in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Bissau-Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities Carlos Pinto Pereira in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Burkinabe Minister of Foreign Affairs Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Therese Kayikwamba Wagner in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, June 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News

  • U.S. to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops, 700 Marines to Los Angeles amid ongoing protests

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has said it is going to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to help protect federal property and personnel during the ongoing protests in the city.

    Here is everything we know about the U.S. troops that are being deployed to Los Angeles:

    WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TROOPS SENT TO LA?

    National guard troops usually belong to individual states and personnel in many cases are trained to help with emergencies that those states have to deal with, such as natural disasters.

    Since they are the reserve force of the U.S. military, National Guard troops are usually part time, meaning that they have other jobs as well.

    U.S. Marines on the other hand are active duty troops – it is a full time job.

    Marines are trained for conflicts around the world – from the Middle East to Africa – and are used for rapid global deployments in case of emergencies, such as threats to U.S. embassies.

    All those troops will come under a task force, known as Task Force 51.

    HOW CAN TROOPS LEGALLY BE DEPLOYED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES?

    Trump cited Title 10 of the U.S. Code, a federal law that outlines the role of the U.S. Armed Forces, in his June 7 order to call members of the California National Guard into federal service.

    A provision of Title 10 – Section 12406- allows the president to deploy National Guard units into federal service if the U.S. is invaded, there is a “rebellion or danger of rebellion” or the president is “unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States.”

    The president also has the authority to deploy active duty troops, like the Marines, within the United States in limited cases.

    WHERE ARE THE TROOPS COMING FROM?

    Many of the 4,000 National Guard troops are coming from the California National Guard. So far, 2,100 soldiers from the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, a unit of the California National Guard, are on the ground.

    The Marines being deployed are from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. They are based out of Twentynine Palms, close to Los Angeles.

    WHAT CAN TROOPS DO AND WHAT CAN THEY NOT DO?

    Both National Guard troops and Marines will be carrying out the same tasks, according to U.S. Army Major General Scott Sherman, who is commanding the troops.

    They are tasked with protecting federal property and federal personnel. This means that they will accompany ICE agents on raids, officials have said.

    The troops are authorized to detain people who pose a threat to federal personnel or property, but only until police can arrest them. Military officials are not allowed to carry out arrests themselves.

    The Posse Comitatus Act, generally forbids the U.S. military, including the National Guard, from taking part in civilian law enforcement.

    Trump could take a more far-reaching step by invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow troops to directly participate in civilian law enforcement.

    WHAT TRAINING WILL THE TROOPS RECEIVE?

    Troops receive varying levels of training in dealing with riots and crowd control.

    Since National Guard troops are used domestically in many cases, they receive extensive training when it comes to crowd control and civil unrest.

    While Marines may receive a basic level of crowd control training, it is not their expertise in domestic situations. The 700 Marines will receive two days of training focused on civil disturbance, crowd control and protection of facilities, before they are deployed to the streets of Los Angeles.

    The Marines will also have added “legal and law enforcement expertise,” the military said.

    WHAT WILL TROOPS BE ARMED WITH?

    National Guard troops have been seen carrying shields, batons and rifles, along with regular protective equipment.

    The Marines will also be armed with riot shields and batons, and Sherman said they will not have ammunition in their rifles, but they will carry it.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic develops a cooling water circulation pump for data centers – Promoting the strategic enhancement of the pump business

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic develops a cooling water circulation pump for data centers – Promoting the strategic enhancement of the pump business

    Osaka, Japan, June 12, 2025 – Panasonic Corporation (https://www.panasonic.com/global/home.html) today announced that its Living Appliances and Solutions Company (Panasonic) has marked the 70th anniversary of its pump business. The company’s pump business, which began with home pumps (well pumps) that supply water to homes, has consistently contributed to the realization of comfortable and affluent lifestyles through built-in pumps for water heaters, heating appliances, and bathroom equipment. This time, Panasonic will enter the cooling pump market for data centers, aiming to expand its business areas and contribute to customers.
    In recent years, with the evolution of AI technology, the number of data centers has been increasing globally. In generative AI data centers, the heat generated per CPU or GPU chip is rapidly increasing due to advanced computational processes. Previously, air cooling using air conditioners and fans was the mainstream method. However, growing demand for more effective and efficient cooling has brought increased attention to liquid cooling, which has high cooling efficiency.
    Panasonic has developed a next-generation cooling water circulation pump specifically for data center cooling, integrating its proprietary technology and system design capabilities refined over 70 years of its pump business. This product is designed for integration into CDUs (Coolant Distribution Units), the core components of cooling systems, and offers high efficiency, a compact form, and long service life. It meets the cooling needs of next-generation infrastructure by simultaneously reducing environmental impact and ensuring stable operation.
    Starting with its entry into the data center market, Panasonic will contribute to cooling solutions for infrastructure-related heat countermeasures to expand its pump business, aiming for cumulative shipments of 100 million units by 2035. The company will continue to contribute to safe and comfortable lifestyles and industrial development through reliable technology, while earnestly responding to environmental changes and customer feedback.

    New product features

    1. High performance

    By fully utilizing advanced simulation technologies, such as magnetic field analysis, fluid dynamics analysis, and flow analysis, Panasonic has achieved a 75% improvement in pump performance (from 40 to 70 L/min) while maintaining the same size as conventional pumps. This product contributes to improved energy efficiency across entire data center systems and simplifies cooling system design.

    2. Compactness 

    A compact housing has been achieved by leveraging the company’s design expertise, honed through the development of built-in pumps for equipment. This feature enabled the circulation pump to be housed within CDUs that have limited space. The compact housing offers layout flexibility, significantly increasing the design freedom of CDUs.

    3. Long life

    The adoption of submersible sliding bearings and optimized structural design ensures long-term stable operation and reduces maintenance workload. This feature supports high reliability and cost optimization in data center operations.

    Panasonic pump business – 70 years of progress

    Panasonic’s pump business began with the launch of home pumps (well pumps) in 1955.
    In 1980, the company began developing and selling built-in AC pumps for water heaters, contributing to enhanced product value (reheating function) provided by them. Since then, the company has been developing products that simultaneously deliver energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, including built-in DC pumps for equipment. In 2025, the pump business has marked its 70th anniversary, with cumulative shipments exceeding 53 million units.
    The range of appliances incorporating these pumps extends beyond the company’s own products. Manufacturers in Japan and abroad have also adopted Panasonic pumps in their combustion-type water heaters and heating appliances as well as air-to-water heat pumps. Additionally, the new pump has been adopted in cooling equipment for data centers in the current fiscal year. Panasonic pumps are distributed globally from its Hikone Factory in Shiga Prefecture through customers’ equipment, contributing to comfortable lifestyles around the world.

    Media Contact:

    Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Panasonic CorporationPublic Relations, Corporate Policy Department, Corporate Planning CenterEmail: las-pr@gg.jp.panasonic.com

    About Panasonic Corporation
    Panasonic Corporation offers products and services for a variety of living environments, ranging from homes to stores to offices and cities. There are five businesses at the core of Panasonic Corporation: Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Heating & Ventilation A/C Company, Cold Chain Solutions Company, Electric Works Company and China and Northeast Asia Company. The operating company reported consolidated net sales of 3,584.2 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2025. Panasonic Corporation is committed to fulfilling the mission of Life Tech & Ideas: For the wellbeing of people, society and the planet, and embraces the vision of becoming the best partner of your life with human-centric technology and innovation. Learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global/about.html

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at International Conference on Roads and Railways 2025 (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the International Conference on Roads and Railways 2025 today (June 12):

    Alfred (President of the Hong Kong Institution of Highways and Transportation, Mr Alfred Leung), Vice President Wang (Vice President of the Research Institute of Highway of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China Mr Wang Shuiyin), Tony (Director of Highways, Mr Tony Yau), distinguished guests and speakers, ladies and gentlemen,

         Good morning. It is a great pleasure to join you today at the inaugural International Conference on Roads and Railways – a timely and important gathering that brings together a distinguished community of policymakers, engineers, academics and industry leaders to explore the future of connectivity and sustainable mobility.

         To our guests from the Mainland and overseas, a very warm welcome to Hong Kong.

    The future of roads and railways 

         Roads and railways have long been the backbone of economic growth and social advancement. They are more than just physical infrastructure; they are public goods that connect people, expand opportunities, foster mutual understanding, and enable more inclusive development.

         In an era of rapid technological advancement and growing climate urgency, we are called not only to build infrastructure, but to build it smarter and greener. Transportation systems must be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained in ways that align with the sustainable development goals and meet the needs of future generations.

         Around the world, the momentum towards smart and sustainable mobility is accelerating. Emerging technologies, from artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, to automation and digital twin systems, are transforming how we plan and manage transport infrastructure. These innovations are helping us optimise construction engineering, enable real-time traffic management, and apply AI-powered predictive maintenance that cuts costs, reduces downtime and enhances safety. 

         In short, we are seeing a profound shift from traditional infrastructure to intelligent assets that adapt, learn and improve over time.

         At the same time, the global push for decarbonisation is reshaping the transport landscape, calling for action on multiple fronts such as using low-carbon materials in construction; designing infrastructure to support green logistics; and investing in EV charging networks as critical enablers of clean transport. It also means leveraging smart technologies, such as optimising energy consumption through AI, sensor-based monitoring, modular construction, and more, to reduce emissions across the life cycle of transport assets. 

         Green infrastructure, once a goal, is now a necessity.

         A key strategy in this transition is transit-oriented development, or TOD, which is a planning approach that integrates high-density urban development with efficient public transport systems. It clusters housing, commercial services and amenities around transit hubs, reducing reliance on private vehicles and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. 

         Studies show that well-executed TOD can reduce urban carbon emissions by up to 25 per cent, while also enhancing liveability, walkability and economic vitality. In essence, TOD is about building communities that are compact, connected and carbon-conscious.

    Hong Kong’s experience 

         So where does Hong Kong stand in all these – and how can we contribute? I believe there are several areas that Hong Kong can share experience with our peers.

         First, technological expertise and professional excellence. Hong Kong’s pathway in transport infrastructure is built on advanced engineering know-how, precision planning, and a commitment to innovation. Mable, our Secretary for Transport and Logistics, will soon provide a detailed account of how we are taking the projects forwards and how we are applying advanced technologies. But allow me to highlight a few unique features of our experience. 

         Hong Kong is a compact and high-density city, where land is scarce and infrastructure must coexist with tight urban spaces. This has made us a pioneer in TOD, with railways serving as the backbone of urban development. Our railway-led planning integrates transport, housing and commercial uses to create seamlessly connected and lower-emission communities.

         A good example is the Northern Metropolis, envisioned as a major innovation and technology hub. With a projected population of 2.5 million and over 650 000 new jobs, its development will be “infrastructure-led” and “capacity-creating” – with key projects such as the Northern Metropolis Highway and the Northern Link driving connectivity and growth in the region.

         Given our dense built environment, careful planning and community engagement are essential to avoid undue disruption. While this can be time-consuming, it reminds us of the need to build infrastructure that is responsive to public aspirations and socially inclusive.

         Cross-boundary land transport infrastructure is a defining characteristic of Hong Kong. We have nine land boundary control points. From the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to the High Speed Rail, we have experience in integrating different engineering standards, operational models and even legal frameworks. A good example is the co-location of Mainland’s and Hong Kong’s customs, immigration and quarantine facilities at the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. These projects require a high degree of agility, co-ordination with our counterparts and innovation.

         Second, smart and green innovation. Hong Kong is committed to making our transport systems smarter and greener, both as an innovator of new technologies and a user of cutting-edge solutions. 

         On the innovation side, we are investing heavily in four key technology areas: AI and robotics, biotech, fintech, and new energy and materials. Our goal is to become an international innovation and technology hub, with AI at its core.

         We already have a vibrant ecosystem of some 4 700 start-ups. In addition, we have been making good progress in attracting strategic enterprises to establish their presence, including R&D centres, here in Hong Kong. These include companies engaged in EVs, autonomous driving, smart traffic management and green materials, many of which are eager to seek global partners to expand their applications.

         On the application side, our high-density urban environment demands the use of advanced technologies to maintain efficiency and reliability of the transportation system. The opportunities in this space are vast, and we warmly welcome tech innovators from around the world to share solutions, co-create new applications, and shape the future of mobility together.

         Finally, financing the future. Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre gives us a unique and powerful lever to support infrastructure development globally. 

         With a full suite of funding options, Hong Kong is where infrastructure projects from around the world can raise funds. This is particularly relevant for green, low-carbon infrastructure projects. We are Asia’s leading green bond market, accounting for nearly half of the region’s total issuance. 

         And we are also pioneering innovative financing models to unlock capital for infrastructure development. One such example is securitisation of infrastructure loans, a mechanism that transforms mature, revenue-generating brownfield assets into investment products, thereby freeing up capital for new greenfield projects. To date, Hong Kong has issued two such tranches, totalling US$800 million, supporting over 50 projects across the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. 

         In regions where infrastructure funding gap remains urgent and significant – particularly in the Global South – Hong Kong offers practical and scalable ways to accelerate the delivery of essential and sustainable transport networks.

    Concluding remarks

         Ladies and gentlemen, to conclude, I believe the path to smarter and greener mobility is full of potential – and it is through collaboration, innovation and shared commitment that we will realise it.  

         On this note, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Highways Department, and the Hong Kong Institution of Highways and Transportation for organising this meaningful conference.

         I wish the conference every success, and I look forward to the ideas and partnerships that will emerge from these three exciting days. Thank you very much. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Hainan Island Braces for Typhoon Vitip

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HAIKOU, June 12 (Xinhua) — South China’s Hainan Province raised its flood and typhoon alert level to III from IV at 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday.

    Typhoon Witip’s epicenter was located about 270 kilometers southeast of Sanya at 6 p.m. Wednesday, with winds of up to 18 meters per second and atmospheric pressure at the epicenter of 993 hectopascals, according to the provincial meteorological office.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Hainan was placed on typhoon alert level four after a tropical depression over the South China Sea strengthened into its first typhoon this year in the morning.

    Strong winds and rainfall have already affected Sansha City, China’s southernmost city, as a maximum of 108.6 mm of rainfall was recorded there between 8:00 a.m. Tuesday and 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, with wind gusts of up to 18.7 meters per second.

    Meteorologists predict that Vitip will move west at about 10 km per hour, gradually gaining strength as it approaches the southern coast of Hainan Island. It is expected to make landfall in the area on Friday.

    At present, all marine cargo terminals in Sanya have stopped operations and all marine engineering projects have been suspended. According to the city’s Maritime Affairs Bureau, a total of 1,205 people on 11 offshore platforms have been evacuated to safe areas.

    Let us recall that China has adopted a four-level emergency response system for flood-related emergencies, where level 1 is the highest.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI China: China taps policy tools, emerging industries to unlock job market potential

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    As part of its broader strategy to ensure high-quality and sufficient employment, China is combining fiscal support, targeted incentives and the rise of emerging industries to drive employment growth.

    Recent official data indicate that China’s job market remains broadly stable. The surveyed urban unemployment rate edged down to 5.1 percent in April from 5.2 percent in March, maintaining an average of 5.2 percent in the first four months of 2025.

    Fu Linghui, spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics, credited this steady trend to the country’s improving industrial performance and expanding new growth drivers, along with strengthened assistance for key labor groups.

    Recognizing employment as a strategic priority, China’s leadership reaffirmed job stability as a top policy goal at a tone-setting meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee held in April 2025.

    As part of these coordinated efforts, multiple government authorities on the same day jointly unveiled measures in a circular aimed at bolstering employment among 2025 college graduates and young jobseekers.

    “College graduates and other youths are valuable human resources,” the circular stated, urging maximum efforts to support their employment.

    Organizations that employ 2025 graduates, graduates unemployed within the first two years after leaving school or registered unemployed youth aged 16-24, are eligible for a one-off job expansion subsidy, according to the circular. This policy will be in effect until Dec. 31, 2025.

    Complementing these youth-focused measures, authorities have extended broader financial support to companies aiming to preserve existing jobs. Key unemployment insurance relief policies, which help companies retain employees and support workers in upgrading their skills, have been extended through the end of 2025.

    These supportive policies coincide with robust demand growth in China’s high-tech industries. Notably, industry data highlight significant increases in recruitment activity in fields like industrial automation and digital technologies in the first quarter of 2025.

    Data from Zhaopin.com show that vacancies for mechanical and automation engineers in the industrial automation sector had jumped by 40 percent and 10 percent in this period, respectively, while those requiring algorithm engineers and machine learning specialists rose by 44 percent and 18 percent, respectively, reflecting the increasing role of technology-driven growth.

    This momentum is echoed by major Chinese enterprises, including tech giants and manufacturing firms, which have recently unveiled ambitious recruitment plans.

    Tencent, for instance, announced its largest-ever employment initiative, creating 28,000 internships over three years, many with the prospect of full-time conversion. As of early March this year, the company had employed over 55,000 people — with technology roles accounting for 73 percent of total staff.

    Similarly, Alibaba opened over 3,000 roles in its 2026 spring campus recruitment round, nearly half of which are in AI-related fields. Midea Group, a leading home appliance manufacturer, plans to provide more than 2,000 positions through campus recruitment in 2025.

    China’s employment strategy goes beyond merely recruitment, but also emphasizes retaining and upgrading talent. Many enterprises have significantly invested in employee training programs, implementing structured pathways to facilitate skills enhancement and career growth.

    Fuyao Group, a leading global automotive glass supplier, for example, has developed a comprehensive training system, digitally connecting nearly 30,000 employees through its internal platform, complemented by technical skills programs.

    Vocational training across the country is likewise scaling up to match emerging employment demands. Local governments have initiated subsidized training programs targeting crucial sectors — such as advanced manufacturing, eldercare, childcare and modern services.

    In Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, a robotics innovation center has trained over 12,000 professionals in advanced robotics alone. Its future plans involve expanded collaboration with universities and industry leaders in fields including artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing.

    Such integrated industry-education ecosystems are becoming increasingly common nationwide, and are designed to continuously replenish talent pools in rapidly evolving sectors.

    Looking ahead, Chen Yun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Labor and Social Security, suggested maintaining employment-oriented vocational training.

    Chen also called for further targeted fiscal, tax, financial, technological and industrial policies tailored specifically to different business conditions — with intensified support for enterprises facing greater difficulties. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: Wall Street Veteran Launches Titan Capital to Bring Institutional Wealth Strategies to Entrepreneurs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bethesda, MD, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Titan Capital Strategies, a boutique financial advisory firm founded by former Wall Street portfolio strategist Nareena Khan, officially announces its mission to bring elite financial planning tools to high-performing business owners.

    After managing over $10 billion in institutional portfolios, Khan is shifting her focus to an under-served demographic: high-net-worth entrepreneurs scaling ambitious ventures in real estate, healthcare, and technology.

    In an environment where traditional financial systems often overlook the complexity and pace of founder-led businesses, Titan Capital Strategies aims to fill the gap. The firm delivers customized strategic capital planning services with a clear goal: to help entrepreneurs protect, scale, and sustain the businesses they’ve risked everything to build without compromising their personal financial safety.

    Nareena positions herself as a strategic partner, not a product pusher, for founders building something bigger than themselves.

    From Wall Street to Founder-Focused Solutions

    Nareena Khan’s pivot to entrepreneurship was sparked by a powerful realization: the same tools she used to manage multi-billion-dollar portfolios on Wall Street could—and should—be accessible to the entrepreneurs driving the real economy from the ground up.

    As a seasoned wealth strategist, Nareena brings an institutional-level lens to business owner financial planning, cutting through the noise to offer clarity in a landscape often clouded by complexity.

    “Too many founders operate without a true capital strategy,” says Khan. “They’re navigating risk blind—under-leveraged, overexposed, and often unsupported. We help them design smarter financial structures that evolve with their business and protect what they’ve built.”

    That mindset led Nareena to launch Titan Capital Strategies, a firm built not around institutions, but around individuals such as entrepreneurs, founders, and value creators. It was a bold step away from the high-stakes world of capital markets and elite portfolios—and into something far more personal.

    “I wanted more than spreadsheets and returns,” she reflects. “I wanted to know the people behind the numbers—the builders, the visionaries, the ones taking all the risk but getting none of the tailored support.”

    Then the pandemic hit—and deepened her clarity.

    “Watching people say goodbye to loved ones over video, seeing lives cut short with no closure… it made me ask: What am I doing with my time? What legacy do I want to leave behind?”

    That moment redefined her path—not away from finance, but toward a more human-centered approach. Today, Nareena helps business owners unlock liquidity, minimize tax drag, and preserve generational wealth—using elite strategies once reserved for institutions, now tailored for the founders shaping our future.

    A Framework Built for Visionaries

    Titan Capital Strategies applies a proprietary four-step model that guides founders from idea to execution. The process begins with clarifying the entrepreneur’s long-term vision, then mapping out exposure and risk. From there, the firm crafts tailored financial and succession planning solutions, integrating efforts with clients’ existing legal, tax, and accounting teams.

    Khan’s strategic plans often include alternative funding pathways such as premium financing, asset-backed lending, advanced insurance structures, and IUL for entrepreneurs. These strategies deliver tax-efficient growth while limiting reliance on personal guarantees or traditional loans.

    Addressing a Market Gap

    The need is urgent. According to PwC, 70% of business owners lack a formal risk mitigation or succession planning strategy. CNBC reports that over 60% of high-income entrepreneurs do not have access to advanced tax-free strategies. Titan Capital Strategies is responding with solutions that match the complexity of modern entrepreneurial ventures.

    By focusing on execution, not product sales, Khan positions herself not as a financial salesperson but as a strategic partner aligned with her clients’ broader ambitions.

    Reaching Underserved Founders with Smarter Capital

    Titan Capital Strategies serves founders who are rapidly scaling and need a capital strategy to match their momentum. Whether transitioning from seven to eight figures in revenue or preparing for an exit, clients work with Khan and her team to access capital in ways that preserve control and accelerate growth.

    Nareena’s experience managing institutional assets has uniquely prepared her to help clients unlock funding without exposing personal wealth. In recent cases, she has helped entrepreneurs restructure their financial positions to access multimillion-dollar capital while reducing tax liabilities and personal risk.

    New Chapter, Same Strategic Excellence

    The founding of Titan Capital Strategies marks a significant transition for Khan from portfolio manager to entrepreneurial ally. It’s also a shift that signals an evolving financial services landscape, one that demands agility, innovation, and transparency. The firm’s approach is especially timely in a post-2020 economy where founders are seeking financial strategies as dynamic as their ventures.

    Titan Capital Strategies does not offer one-size-fits-all products. Instead, each engagement is rooted in deep collaboration and long-term alignment. This methodology has already attracted interest from growth-stage companies and seasoned entrepreneurs looking for a financial advisor who understands the urgency, complexity, and stakes of founder-led growth.

    About Titan Capital Strategies

    Titan Capital Strategies is a strategic financial advisory firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, serving high-net-worth entrepreneurs across the U.S. The firm specializes in strategic capital planning, premium financing, alternative funding, and risk mitigation for business owners in high-growth sectors. Founded by former Wall Street strategist Nareena Khan, Titan Capital Strategies is committed to helping visionary entrepreneurs achieve tax-efficient growth and long-term wealth protection through fully customized planning frameworks.

    For more information or to explore a private strategy session, visit www.titancapitalstrategies.com.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Spotlight Forum, Cortez Masto Highlights Struggles Small Businesses Face Due to Trump Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

     ***VIDEO AVAILABLE***

    FTPs for TV stations is available here.

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) hosted a Spotlight Forum titled “Costs, Chaos, Corruption: The Household Impact of Trump’s Tariffs” to examine how President Trump’s tariff policies fuel economic instability, raise costs on working families, and harm the travel and tourism sector. During the forum, Cortez Masto asked small business owners to describe the impacts of the tariffs on their individual businesses.

    Senator Cortez Masto highlighted the concerns she has heard while traveling across Nevada – the effects on tourism, the rising costs for families, and the squeeze that small businesses across the state are feeling. 

    “Let me ask you, because I think…some of this is also getting lost, not only the additional costs that you are incurring because of these tariffs [but] the additional opportunities,” she said to Preston Martin, CEO of Bicycle Technologies International who was planning to open a 29,000 square foot warehouse in Reno and had to cancel the contract because of additional costs brought on by tariffs. “What we also are missing out on here are the jobs that are created, the opportunity to put people to work. Mr. Martin, if you were able to open that warehouse in Reno, how many people would you have employed in Nevada?” she asked.

    Martin confirmed in his response that he would have been able to increase his workforce in Nevada by 50 percent.

    “Our policies should be congressionally-driven in the sense that we want to grow this economy and create jobs,” the Senator continued. “And the policies are just the opposite…People want a good life. They want less stress. They want to be able to work. They want a good economy. They want everybody to thrive. And that’s where our policies should be, but this [trade] policy is not there.”

    Senator Cortez Masto has continued to push the Trump Administration to address the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on working families and Nevada small businesses. Last week, Cortez Masto led the Nevada delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reverse his blanket tariffs that have had harmful impacts on Nevada. During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Cortez Masto pressed U.S. Trade Representative Greer about the impacts of President Trump’s blanket tariffs on Nevadans, particularly those employed in the tourism and hospitality industry. The Senator introduced the Tariff Transparency Act to require the U.S. International Trade Commission to publicly investigate how Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada will impact the American people.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 11th, 2025 Heinrich: ‘Republicans are going to own increased energy prices’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Democrats are going to make increasing energy prices an issue for Republicans in the next election cycles, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee ranking member Martin Heinrich said Tuesday.

    President Donald Trump promised to bring down energy prices during his campaign, but congressional Republicans are threatening to cut incentives for renewable energy and battery projects. The lack of new electricity generation projects plus rising demand from AI data centers and greater volumes of natural gas for export threaten to increase electricity bills for U.S. consumers, the New Mexico Democrat said during the POLITICO Energy Summit.

    “We’re in a constrained supply environment and an increased demand environment,” Heinrich said. “People’s electricity bills all over the country are going to go up. What I can guarantee you is in the next election and the election after that Republicans are going to own increased energy prices.”

    Natural gas prices could rise 25 percent next year as LNG exports rise faster than drillers can produce the resource, Bank of America analysts wrote. And tech companies are building data centers that consume huge amounts of electricity.

    Republicans are trying to rescind government support for new solar and wind power projects in their reconciliation bill. Meanwhile, power plants fed by nuclear energy and natural gas can take years to build.

    “If you’re not building renewables and storage over the next five years, you’re only artificially increasing the cost of electricity everywhere,” Heinrich said. “I don’t think consumers are going to stand for that. There’s going to be an enormous political price to pay for that. People will see it and feel it in their electricity bills.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Air quality advisory for the Portland metro area due to smog [Aviso sobre la calidad del aire]

    Source: US State of Oregon

    ortland, Ore. – Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Monday, June 9 for the Portland metro area due to elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog. DEQ expects the air quality advisory due to smog for the Portland metro area to last until 10 p.m. Monday, June 9.

    ** Información en español aquí **

    DEQ expects ozone pollution to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions. Health officials recommend sensitive groups limit outdoor activity when pollution levels are high.

    DEQ urges residents to protect their health and limit activities that cause pollution during this time. Recommendations include:
    • Limit driving by using public transit, carpooling or other alternative transportation.
    • Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
    • Refuel vehicles during cooler evening hours.
    • Postpone yard work that uses gas-powered equipment.
    • Postpone painting and aerosol spray projects.

    Smog irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, and contributes to breathing problems. Consult your health care provider if these symptoms worsen.
    Ozone forms when hot temperatures and low winds combine with pollution from cars, gas-powered engines and chemicals in paints and aerosols. These air pollutants react with sunlight and heat to produce ozone and haze.
    Ozone pollution increases throughout the day with exposure to sunlight, so pollution levels tend to be highest during afternoons and early evenings. Air quality monitors may show good air quality in the morning, then quickly jump to unhealthy levels later in the day.
    Check current air quality conditions and advisories on DEQ’s Air Quality Index or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on a smartphone.

    Media contacts:
    • Oregon DEQ: Chris Varley, Public Affairs Specialist, chris.varley.@deq.oregon.gov, 503-933-0514
    • Local and Tribal contacts

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Raises Concerns on Genetic Data Privacy at Senate Judiciary Hearing On 23andMe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
    WATCH KLOBUCHAR’S FULL QUESTIONS HERE
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, raised concerns about what will happen to the genetic data collected by 23andMe following the company’s bankruptcy during a hearing titled “23 and You: The Privacy and National Security Implications of the 23andMe Bankruptcy.” 
     “It is my belief that the privacy policies [of 23andMe] aren’t meeting the privacy needs of consumers during bankruptcy. That’s why I’ve worked with Senator Cornyn. I appreciate his leadership, and Grassley to give consumers control over their genetic data with our bill, Don’t Sell My DNA Act,” said Klobuchar.
    Testifying at the hearing was Joe Selsavage, Interim CEO at 23andMe; I. Glenn Cohen, Professor of Law, Harvard Law School; Brook Gotberg, Professor of Law, BYU Law; Adam Klein, Director, Strauss Center for International Security and Law.  
    A rough transcript of Klobuchar’s questions is available below. Video is available HERE.
    Klobuchar: Thank you. I think I’ll start by following up with Senator Blackburn’s good questions. And by the way, thank you, Mr. Klein, for mentioning the need for a general privacy bill, which we badly need.
    So, on this deletion issue, it’s my understanding that 1.3 million consumers asked 23andMe to delete their genetic data. Many faced technical issues. So, how long is the backlog right now, and what are you doing to make sure all the requests are fulfilled?
    Joseph Selsavage: Senator, the good news is that today, there is no backlog, that we are current on all of the deletion requests. What did occur, you know, is when we filed for bankruptcy. And you know, many state attorneys general requested, or suggested, to consumers that they delete their data at 23andMe. We did receive a significant amount of deletion requests. We quickly added additional staff, and you know, basically were able to reduce that backlog. 
    Klobuchar: Will you commit to ensuring that consumers will retain their right to have their genetic data deleted after the bankruptcy sale is completed, by making deletion rights a condition of the sale?
    Selsavage: Both of the bidders, and you know, the bankruptcy sale of 23andMe, both Regeneron and TTAM Research Institute, have agreed to adopt the policies of 23andMe, the privacy policy.
    Klobuchar: So the answer is yes?
    Selsavage: So, you know the answer is yes. 
    Klobuchar: Okay, during the bankruptcy process, how has 23andMe insured consumers could decide how information is used and for what purposes? That’s what your, that’s what your website has promised consumers.
    Selsavage: Our consumers consent, not only to a terms of service, a privacy policy, there are also separate consents for our customers to, if they so choose, to engage in research at 23andMe. And yet, and then a separate consent to allow us to engage with research with third parties. And you know, we make sure that customers have the right to actually opt in. We don’t default those. Customers are actually clicking ‘yes’ to indicate that they want to conduct or enable their data to be used for research purposes. Many customers understand these are important for understanding disease and genetic conditions, and life-saving medical treatments. 
    Klobuchar: Thank you. Professor Cohen, it’s my belief that the privacy policies aren’t meeting the privacy needs of consumers during bankruptcy. That’s why I’ve worked with Senator Cornyn. I appreciate his leadership, and Grassley to give consumers control over their genetic data with our bill, Don’t Sell My DNA Act. Why is it so important that we require consent from the consumer before their genetic data is sold to another company with which they have no prior relationship? 
    Professor I. Glenn Cohen: People are engaged in a trust relationship. You know, if my father gave me access to his medical records and said, “Son, I want you to look at this and be careful with this.” And I went ahead and said, “Let me give it to somebody else” without asking my dad, you’d look askance at what I was doing. The same thing is happening here. They’re essentially transferring data and transferring a trust relationship to a new entity, and people have the right to know who they’re dealing with and a right to consent to it.
    Klobuchar: Do you believe that the right to control one’s personal genetic information should take precedence over maximizing returns for creditors in a bankruptcy proceeding? 
    Cohen: Well, I think that it would be nice for the creditors to get paid. Senator, in this instance, I think this information is so sensitive and so important, it’s really important to protect people’s information. 
    Klobuchar: Okay, thank you. And Professor Gotberg, do you believe that the current Consumer Privacy Ombudsman system in bankruptcy proceedings is sufficient to protect consumers’ most sensitive information?
    Professor Brook Gotberg: So, the Consumer Privacy Ombudsman is appointed to help the court in weighing the costs and the benefits of any particular sale of assets. If you permit personal consumer data to be sold outside of bankruptcy, it’s permissible inside of bankruptcy as well. And so the Consumer Privacy Ombudsman is just trying to weigh what would be the negative effects of that sale. Without an understanding of the price of privacy, so to speak, that’s a very hard balancing act to perform. To my knowledge, there’s been no final litigation to determine what the damages would be for an individual to have their privacy violated in that way. So it makes it really hard for the Consumer Privacy Ombudsman to have an effective role there. 
    Klobuchar: Okay, and sort of to end where I began with Mr. Klein’s point. Why is it so important that Congress enact a comprehensive privacy law? 
    By the way, the same companies that were lobbying against one, because I’m also on the Commerce Committee, say, 10 years ago, now want one because of the patchwork of laws that we now have in our states. Which is very predictable, which I hope people will realize that we should need some AI rules of the road in place and tech rules of the law in place. And it’s just the worst that people just think they can lobby against things, and then all of a sudden they’re like, “oh no.” So, tell me why we need a privacy law and how that would have helped here.
    Gotberg: So, a greater predictability for companies when they’re entering into agreements with consumers would be, is always beneficial. So if companies know what the legal limitations are, then they can take that into account, and creditors can take that into account whether an asset will be available before lending to the, to the debtor. So it’s important to have that law in place inside and outside bankruptcy.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Liquid Glass shines, but AI shortfalls divide influencers opinion at WWDC 2025, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Liquid Glass shines, but AI shortfalls divide influencers opinion at WWDC 2025, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    Apple Inc has introduced iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 with “Liquid Glass” user interface (UI) at the ongoing Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2025. While some influencers are appreciating the Cupertino-based tech giant for introducing on-device LLMs and AI features like intelligent shortcuts in iOS 26, others feel underwhelmed by the limited AI progress, especially with Siri updates postponed to 2027 and modest ChatGPT integration, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Smitarani Tripathy, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Influencers praised the Liquid Glass UI for its sleek, translucent look, elevating the visual appeal across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. However, the event disappointed with slow AI progress, no major Siri updates (delayed until 2027), and minimal advanced language model integration. The sleek, forward-looking UI captivated many, though some believe the company lags leading AI competitors, while others stay hopeful about its ecosystem’s future possibilities.”

    Below are a few popular influencers opinions captured by GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform:

    1. Bilawal Sidhu, Technologist:

    “Apple WWDC 2025 > What users wanted: Siri that actually works > What users got: “You’ll immediately notice how the playback controls refract the environment. Sidebars and toolbars reflect the depth of your workspace and offer a subtle hint of the content.” I wanted more. But after getting burned for announcing AI vaporware, this WWDC marks a far more conservative Apple…”

    1. Robert Scoble, Founder /CEO of Unaligned:

    “Cynical take on Apple’s WWDC: just doing things Microsoft did back in 2003. Liquid glass. Menus on tablets. Dark take on it: it’s way behind in AI, and didn’t demonstrate any attempt to catch up. Light take: Lots of new AI features, like your phone will wait on hold for you now. Hopeful take: the new design joins Apple Vision Pro into its ecosystem, showing that the Apple Vision Pro is the future of Apple.”

    1. Jacob Jaber, Founder of Humble Lion Holdings:

    “WWDC screams ripeness for form factor innovation. The thing is, no one thinks of next-gen form factor innovation more than Apple, which may signal that the phone is here to stay for some time.”

    1. Kim, AI Technologist:

    “Wow, WWDC was a big disappointment. Hardly worth mentioning. In a nutshell: The UI will be improved, the OS will be fine-tuned a little, and the iPad will become more like a MacBook.AI? A little live translation, a little visual AI – and that’s it. No new Siri (already leaked by Mark Gurman as postponed until 2027), no deeper integration of LLMs such as ChatGPT.”

    1. Dan Ives, Senior Editor at The Verge:

    “Apple played it safe on WWDC as AI strategy was not a focus”

    1. Edward Ludlow, Co-Anchor, Bloomberg Technology:

    “Apple WWDC so far: Design update: Liquid Glass Confirmation: developers soon able to tap in to on-device LLMs. Enhancing software with existing Apple AI tools. Siri features (delayed) to be discussed in “the coming year. $AAPL”

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Allianz’ proposed acquisition of RAA Insurance not opposed

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC will not oppose Allianz Australia Insurance Limited’s proposed acquisition of the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia’s personal insurance business (RAAI).

    Allianz and RAAI both supply home and contents insurance and motor insurance products in South Australia.

    “Our investigation focused on the closeness of competition between RAAI and Allianz and the extent to which other insurers are competing effectively to supply insurance to South Australians,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

    “We also considered how competitive RAAI is now and is likely to be in the future without being acquired by Allianz. The likely impact of the acquisition on insurance prices, coverage and service offerings were all carefully considered.”

    The ACCC found that other suppliers will continue to compete with, and constrain, a merged Allianz and RAAI after the acquisition, making the transaction unlikely to substantially lessen competition.

    “As well as being the two largest insurers in Australia, Suncorp and IAG also have a significant presence in South Australia. As such, both are likely to compete effectively against Allianz in South Australia even after it has purchased RAAI,” Dr Williams said.

    “Mid-tier insurers Auto & General (Budget Direct) and Youi are also growing their market share nationally and will continue to compete on price in South Australia.”

    “While RAAI has a strong brand reputation associated with its motoring club and membership offering, we found that competition in relation to price and coverage in South Australia is being driven predominantly by other insurers, including Suncorp through its AAMI brand, IAG, Auto & General and Youi,” Dr Williams said.

    The ACCC also considered how the growing challenges facing the insurance industry are affecting RAAI, with a particular focus on the increasing numbers of extreme weather events and rising reinsurance and regulatory costs.

    The ACCC’s investigation found evidence that RAAI is facing specific challenges meaning that it is likely to be less competitive than it has been in recent years.

    The ACCC also considered the impact of the proposed acquisition on markets for the acquisition of smash repair services, windscreen repair and replacement services, and building repair services in South Australia.

    The ACCC found that the proposed acquisition is unlikely to substantially lessen competition in these markets as Allianz is unlikely to have the ability to diminish prices or supply terms 2 after the acquisition due to its position in the market relative to other insurers and acquirers of these services.

    The ACCC will also shortly be considering IAG’s proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance from RAC WA. This decision in relation to Allianz and RAAI should not be treated as being indicative of the ACCC’s decision for that transaction. The competitive dynamics and issues in each transaction are unique and the ACCC is considering each transaction individually.

    Further information can be found on the ACCC’s public register: Allianz Australia Limited – RAA Insurance Holdings Limited.

    Background

    Allianz Group is a global insurance service provider that offers a range of insurance products to customers in Australia. Allianz distributes personal insurance products (including home and contents insurance and motor insurance) directly to customers under the Allianz and TIO brands.

    Allianz also underwrites insurance products and distributes it through agreements with third party brands, including Westpac, BankSA, St George Bank, HSBC, NAB, Aussie, Newcastle Permanent, RAMS, and Catholic Church Insurance.

    The Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) is a South Australian based, member-owned organisation that offers roadside assistance products, personal insurance products, and other ancillary services to its members.

    RAAI is a subsidiary of RAA and underwrites home and contents insurance and motor insurance products and distributes them directly through the RAA network via call centres, physical branches (all of which are in South Australia), and the RAA website.

    RAAI’s insurance products are only available in South Australia. The proposed acquisition does not include RAA’s membership-based business, which includes its roadside assistance business.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Questions Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at Budget Request Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    [embedded content]

    Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Capito’s questions. 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, questioned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General John Caine at a hearing to review the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Defense. 

    HIGHLIGHTS:

    ON STRONG MILITARY RECRUITMENT NUMBERS:  

    SENATOR CAPITO: “I’m very proud of this fact, that the recruiting goals that have been falling short – with the exception of the Marine Corps, I want to give them a shout out – you said that they are higher.” 

    SECRETARY HEGSETH: “There was plenty of pre-criticism that certain groups would not be interested in joining the military in this environment, and we’ve seen the exact opposite. Because for us, it’s not about women or men or black or white, it’s about we want the most qualified Americans possible in our ranks.” 

    SENATOR CAPITO: “When you’re talking to recruiters, what’s the difference?” 

    SECRETARY HEGSETH: “The difference is a Commander in Chief they believe in.” 

    ON MAINTAINING SPACE SUPERIORITY: 

    SENATOR CAPITO: “I think a powerful, destabilizing force would be if China were to get the superior hand in space. General Saltzman has said that he feels that we do not have what we need to fight on our terms…I would imagine in your National Defense Strategy, but also reflected in your budget…how does this match with the need for us to become space dominant?” 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT MP welcomes changes to anti-stalking bill, calls for urgent action on newer forms of abuse

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT MP Laura McClure is welcoming changes made at select committee to strengthen the proposed anti-stalking law, but says more must be done to protect New Zealanders from modern forms of digital abuse, particularly sexually explicit deepfakes.

    “I’m pleased to see the Government respond to public concern about stalking with more robust and practical legislation,” says McClure.

    “Patterns of abusive behaviour deserve to be recognised by the law, and these changes will help victims seek justice.

    “But we can’t stop here. As technology evolves, so do the tools of harassment and abuse. Sexually explicit AI-generated deepfakes made without consent are a fast-growing threat, especially to young people and women.

    “I have a members’ bill in the ballot that would create a specific offence for the creation and distribution of non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake content. This should be adopted as a Government Bill.

    “Deepfakes are harming real people today, and the law is failing to keep up.

    “The same commitment to protecting stalking victims should extend to those targeted by synthetic sexual abuse. We need clear, targeted laws so police can act, courts can prosecute, and victims can get justice.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: Currency Exchange International Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Currency Exchange International, Corp. (the “Group” or “CXI”) (TSX: CXI; OTCQX: CURN), today reported net income of $1.98 million for the second quarter of 2025, 291% higher than the prior year (all figures are in U.S. dollars except where otherwise indicated). This 2025 reported net income reflected $2.7 million net income from continuing operations and a net loss of $0.7 million from Exchange Bank of Canada, the Company’s Canadian subsidiary which was classified as discontinued operations effective the second quarter of 2025. These results include restructuring charges of $0.2 million, pre-tax, related to discontinued operations in Canada and certain one-time charges of $0.1 million, pre-tax. Excluding these items, the Group’s adjusted net income1 increased by 18% compared to the prior year and adjusted diluted earnings per share1 (“EPS”) was 24% higher than the prior year. The completed condensed interim consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) can be found on the Group’s SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Q2, 2025
    Reported Results
    EBITDA $4.9 million
    Up 10% YoY
    Net Income $1.98 million
    Up 291% YoY
    Diluted EPS $0.31
    Up 288% YoY
    Annualized ROE 5%
    Down 50% YoY
    Q2, 2025
    Adjusted Results1
    EBITDA1$5.1 million
    Up 15% YoY
    Net Income1$2.3 million
    Up 18% YoY
    Diluted EPS1$0.36
    Up 24% YoY
    Annualized ROE112%
    Flat YoY

    Below is a reconciliation of reported results to adjusted results based on non-recurring items:

      Three-month
    period ended
    April 30, 2025
    Three-month
    period ended
    April 30, 2024
    Six-month
    period ended

    April 30, 2025
    Six-month
    period ended
    April 30, 2024
    Reported results $ $ $ $
    EBITDA 4,901,810 4,470,061 8,755,560 7,755,158
    Group net income 1,983,025 506,522 2,795,555 1,356,397
    Pre-tax adjusting items        
    Specified item: Restructuring charges 229,404 229,404
    Specified item: Advisory costs* 145,452 425,513
    Specified item: Deferred tax assets reversal* 1,427,600 1,429,850 
    Total pre-tax adjusting items 374,856 1,427,600 654,917 1,429,850 
    Impact of income tax (72,073) (80,647)
    Adjusted results**        
    EBITDA 5,131,214 4,470,061 8,984,964 7,755,158
    Group net income 2,285,808 1,934,122 3,369,825 2,786,247
    Group Diluted earnings per share        
    Reported 0.31 0.08 0.44 0.21
    Adjusted** 0.36 0.29 0.53 0.42

    *These adjustments are reported within the results from discontinued operations.

    **These are non-GAAP financial measures and ratios. For further details, refer to the key performance and non-GAAP financial measures section below.

    Total revenue was 3% lower than the prior year due to a decline in consumer demand for foreign currency as travel activity tapered during the current quarter. Although revenue declined, the Company’s net income for the second quarter rose compared to the same quarter last year, primarily due to the favorable impact of a weaker U.S. Dollar on the revaluation of foreign currency banknote holdings. The Group’s capital position remained robust, and liquidity was strong with $81.2 million in total equity and $60.4 million in net working capital as of April 30, 2025 ($79.4 million and $55.9 million as of October 31, 2024, respectively). All reported amounts are based on the Group’s condensed interim consolidated financial statements presented in compliance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial reporting, unless otherwise noted.

    On February 18, 2025, the Group announced its decision to cease the operations of its wholly owned subsidiary, Exchange Bank of Canada. This strategic decision and operational plan for restructuring were communicated to all staff of EBC on February 19, 2025. Following the cessation of operations, the Bank intends to apply to the Minister of Finance in Canada to discontinue from the Bank Act. The application to discontinue is expected to be made in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the actual discontinuance of the Bank being subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Following the Group’s decision, management has commenced implementation of the restructuring and planned discontinuance of the Bank. Management anticipates that certain operating expenses and personnel costs, that are currently shared with EBC, will be 100% borne by the continuing operations of CXI, subsequent to the exit of EBC from Canada, and the current annualized estimate of these costs is approximately $3 million after tax. In the second quarter of 2025, Exchange Bank of Canada was classified as a discontinued operation in the Group’s condensed interim consolidated financial statements.

    On May 20, 2025, CXI upgraded its U.S. securities listing with the Company’s shares commencing trading on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol CURN.

    Randolph Pinna, CEO of the Group, stated, “The second quarter showed continued growth in the payments business, while with the current political and economic uncertainties, international travel activity to and from the United States decreased banknote revenues. CXI’s diversified business model in the United States allows for continued new client growth in the payments business complemented by successful multi-channel banknotes offerings for both our U.S. Financial Institutions in branch or online as well as the Direct-to-Consumer customer offerings through online, agent and physical branch locations. CXI’s management team and I remain committed to executing CXI’s strategic plan which is focused on revenue and earnings growth as well as the return on capital and creating value for our shareholders resulting from providing leading FX technology and transaction processing solutions”.

    Financial Highlights for the three-month periods ended April 30, 2025 and 2024:

    • Revenue decreased by 3% or $0.5 million to $15.9 million compared to $16.4 million. Banknotes revenue decreased by 5% or $0.6 million over the prior period while Payments revenue increased by 5% or $0.1 million;
    • Reported EBITDA increased by 10% or $0.4 million to $4.9 million from $4.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA2 was $5.1 million, 15% higher than the prior period;
    • Reported Group net income was $1.98 million, a 291% increase compared to the prior period. Adjusted Group net income2 increased 18% or $0.4 million to $2.3 million from $1.9 million in the prior period;
    • Reported earnings per share were $0.32 and $0.31 on a basic and fully diluted basis, respectively, compared to the prior year’s reported earnings per share of $0.08 on both a basic and fully diluted basis. Adjusted earnings per share2 were $0.37 and $0.36 on a basic and fully diluted basis, respectively, compared to the prior year’s adjusted earnings per share of $0.30 and $0.29; and
    • The Group maintained a strong financial position, with net working capital of $60.4 million and total equity of $81.2 million as of April 30, 2025.

    Financial Highlights for the six-month periods ended April 30, 2025 and 2024:

    • Revenue increased by 3% or $0.8 million to $31.3 million compared to $30.5 million. Payments revenue increased by 11% or $0.5 million and Banknotes revenue increased by 1% or $0.3 million over the prior period;
    • Reported EBITDA increased by 13% or $1.0 million to $8.8 million from $7.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA3 was $9.0 million, 16% higher than the prior period;
    • Reported Group net income was $2.8 million, a 106% increase compared to the prior period. Adjusted Group net income3 increased 21% or $0.6 million to $3.4 million from $2.8 million in the prior period; and
    • Reported earnings per share were $0.45 and $0.44 on a basic and fully diluted basis, respectively, compared to the prior year’s reported earnings per share of $0.21 on both a basic and fully diluted basis. Adjusted earnings per share3 $0.54 and $0.53 on a basic and fully diluted basis, respectively, compared to the prior year’s adjusted earnings per share of $0.44 and $0.42.

    Corporate Highlights for the three-month period ended April 30, 2025:

    • The Group continued its growth in the direct-to-consumer market through its network of company-owned branch locations, agent relationships, and in the majority of states where it operates its OnlineFX platform. During the second quarter of 2025, the Group added the State of Mississippi to its OnlineFX platform network, now operating in 45 states and the District of Columbia;
    • The Group increased its banknotes market penetration into the financial institutions sector in the United States with the addition of 124 new clients in the second quarter of 2025; and
    • The Group continued to grow its Payments product line benefiting from the recent investments in core banking platform integrations which enabled the Group to expand its reach and increase its volumes in the United States. The Group processed 45,788 payment transactions in the second quarter compared to 37,781 payment transactions in the prior period.

    Selected Financial Data

    The following table summarizes the performance of the Group over the last eight fiscal quarters:

      Results of Continuing Operations – Reported Group Net Results – Reported Group Net Results- Adjusted3
    Quarterly Results Revenue Net income Earnings per
    share (diluted)
    Net income
    (loss)
    Earnings/(loss)
    per share
    (diluted)
    Net income Earnings per
    share (diluted)
      $ $ $ $ $ $ $
    Q2 2025 15,865,150 2,674,849 0.42 1,983,025 0.31 2,285,808 0.36
    Q1 2025 15,450,861 1,694,672 0.26 812,530 0.12 1,092,648 0.17
    Q4 2024 18,460,390 3,313,852 0.50 (2,817,897) (0.45) 2,780,445 0.42
    Q3 2024 19,961,122 5,122,815 0.77 3,935,350 0.59 4,644,984 0.69
    Q2 2024 16,358,796 2,731,629 0.41 506,522 0.08 1,934,122 0.29
    Q1 2024 14,141,018 2,020,274 0.30 849,874 0.13 849,874 0.13
    Q4 2023 18,742,856 3,467,825 0.52 2,303,822 0.34 2,303,822 0.34
    Q3 2023 19,416,155 4,650,604 0.69 4,056,478 0.60 4,056,478 0.60

    Earnings Conference Call Details

    CXI plans to host a conference call on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 8:30 AM (EST).

    To participate in or listen to the call, please dial the appropriate number:

    Toll Free – North America: (+1) 800 717 1738

    Conference ID Number: 21262

    About Currency Exchange International, Corp.

    Currency Exchange International is in the business of providing comprehensive foreign exchange technology and processing services for banks, credit unions, businesses, and consumers in the United States and select clients globally. Primary products and services include the exchange of foreign currencies, wire transfer payments, Global EFTs, and foreign cheque clearing. Wholesale customers are served through its proprietary FX software applications delivered on its web-based interface, www.cxifx.com (“CXIFX”), its related APIs with core banking platforms, and through personal relationship managers. Consumers are served through Group-owned retail branches, agent retail branches, and its e-commerce platform, order.ceifx.com (“OnlineFX”).

    Contact Information

    For further information please contact:
    Bill Mitoulas
    Investor Relations
    (416) 479-9547
    Email: bill.mitoulas@cxifx.com
    Website: www.cxifx.com

    KEY PERFORMANCE AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

    The Group measures and evaluates its performance, as presented in this document, using a number of financial metrics and measures, such as adjusted net income, which do not have standardized meanings under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and may not be comparable to other companies. The Group’s management believes that these measures are more reflective of its operating results and provide the readers of this document with a better understanding of management’s perspective on the performance. These measures enhance the comparability of our financial performance for the current year with the corresponding period in the prior year. For further information, including a reconciliation, refer to key performance and non-GAAP financial measures in the MD&A.

    CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    This press release includes forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This forward-looking information includes, or may be based upon, estimates, forecasts, and statements as to management’s expectations with respect to, among other things, demand and market outlook for wholesale and retail foreign currency exchange products and services, future growth, the timing and scale of future business plans, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Forward-looking statements are identified by the use of terms and phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “preliminary”, “project”, “will”, “would”, and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.

    Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date such information is provided, and on information available to management at such time. Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the Group’s actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in such forward-looking information. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking information due to a number of factors including, without limitation, the competitive nature of the foreign exchange industry; evolving worldwide geopolitical developments and pandemics including COVID-19 all of which may continue to have a material adverse effect on global economic activity, and may continue to result in volatility and disruption to global supply chains, operations, mobility of people and the financial markets which impact personal and business travel, tourism and factors relevant to the Group’s business; global economic deterioration negatively impacting tourism in general; currency exchange risks, the need for the Group to manage its planned growth, the effects of product development and the need for continued technological change, protection of the Group’s proprietary rights, the effect of government regulation and compliance on the Group and the industry in which it operates, network security risks, the ability of the Group to maintain properly working systems, theft and risk of physical harm to personnel, reliance on key management personnel; volatile securities markets impacting security pricing in a manner unrelated to operating performance and impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital as well as the factors identified throughout this press release and in the section entitled “Risks and Uncertainties” of the Group’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and six-month periods ended April 30, 2025 and 2024. Forward-looking information contained in this press release represents management’s expectations as of the date hereof (or as of the date such information is otherwise stated to be presented) and is subject to change after such date. The Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

    The Toronto Stock Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this press release.


    1 These are non-GAAP financial measures and ratios and are not standardized financial measures under IFRS, they are based on management-determined non-recurring items. For further information, refer to the key performance and non-GAAP financial measures section on page 4 of this document.
    2 These are non-GAAP financial measures and ratios and are not standardized financial measures under IFRS, they are based on management-determined non-recurring items. For further information, refer to the key performance and non-GAAP financial measures section on page 4 of this document.
    3 These adjusted results are non-GAAP financial measures and ratios and are not standardized financial measures under IFRS, they are based on management-determined non-recurring items. For further information, refer to the key performance and non-GAAP financial measures section on page 4 of this document.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump’s illegal military deployment cuts into firefighting resources, Governor Newsom launches new CAL FIRE recruiting effort

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 11, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom is launching a new CAL FIRE recruitment drive – at JoinCALFIRE.com – as President Trump’s illegal military deployment impacts firefighting resources already seeing cuts by the U.S. Forest Service.

    LOS ANGELES – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the launch of a new effort to recruit for one of the world’s leading firefighting departments, CAL FIRE.

    The effort comes as President Trump’s illegal militarization of Los Angeles cuts into valuable firefighting resources. Roughly 300 California National Guard fire crews have been diverted to armories in the Los Angeles region — cutting CalGuard’s firefighting force by three-quarters. This impact is on top of the Trump administration’s cuts to the U.S. Forest Service, which also threatens the safety of communities across the states.

    As part of the state’s ongoing investment in wildfire resilience and emergency response, CAL FIRE has significantly expanded its workforce over the past five years by adding an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions annually – nearly double that from the previous administration. Over the next four years and beyond, CAL FIRE will be hiring thousands of additional firefighters, natural resource professionals, and support personnel to meet the state’s growing demands.

    As California contends with rising wildfire risks, increasing demands for emergency services, and the need to fast-track mitigation and prevention efforts, recruiting mission-driven professionals across all disciplines has never been more critical. The state’s new website launched today, JoinCALFIRE.com, empowers prospective applicants with comprehensive information about the department’s diverse career paths— from firefighting and natural resource management to land use planning and information technology.

    With peak fire season just now getting underway, we can’t let our guard down. President Trump’s political stunt is now impacting our resources – with three-quarters of the National Guard’s firefighting crews diverted to Los Angeles armories. We’re ramping up our efforts to recruit for CAL FIRE to keep our communities safe – especially as the federal government makes conditions even more dangerous.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    With the scale of hiring underway, JoinCALFIRE.com is launching at a pivotal time to streamline recruitment, improve public access to career information, and ensure the department attracts the qualified, mission-driven professionals needed to strengthen statewide readiness and response capabilities.

    “As our state faces unprecedented challenges, we are committed to building a team that not only meets but exceeds the demands of today’s emergencies,” said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “Whether you’re launching your professional journey or looking to make a transformative career change, JoinCALFIRE.com offers the tools and resources to take that first step.”

    Building on unprecedented progress

    Late last month, the Governor announced $72 million for projects across the state that help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk. Governor Newsom also announced 13 new vegetation management projects spanning nearly 7,000 acres have already been approved for fast-tracking under his new streamlining initiative.

    This builds on consecutive years of intensive and focused work by California to confront the severe ongoing risk of catastrophic wildfires, and Governor Newsom’s emergency proclamation signed in March to fast-track forest and vegetation management projects throughout the state. Additionally, to bolster the state’s ability to respond to fires, Governor Newsom announced in April that the state’s second C-130 Hercules airtanker is ready for firefighting operations, adding to the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. 

    New, bold moves to streamline state-level regulatory processes builds long-term efforts already underway in California to increase wildfire response and forest management in the face of a hotter, drier climate. A full list of California’s progress on wildfire resilience is available here.

    Highlights of achievements to date include:

    • Historic investments — Overall, the state has more than doubled investments in wildfire prevention and landscape resilience efforts, providing more than $2.5 billion in wildfire resilience since 2020, with an additional $1.5 billion to be allocated from the 2024 Climate Bond.
    • On-the-ground progress — More than 2,200 landscape health and fire prevention projects are complete or underway, and from 2021-2023, the State and its partners treated nearly 1.9 million acres, including nearly 730,000 acres in 2023.
    • Increasing transparency — The Governor’s Task Force launched an Interagency Treatment Dashboard to display wildfire resilience work across federal, state, local, and privately managed lands across the State. The Dashboard, launched in 2023, provides transparency, tracks progress, facilitates planning, and informs firefighting efforts.
    • Hardening communities — Adding to California’s nation-leading fire safety  standards, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to further improve community hardening and wildfire mitigation strategies to neighborhood resilience statewide. Since 2019, CAL FIRE has awarded more than $450 million for 450 wildfire prevention projects across the state and conducts Defensible Space Inspections on more than 250,000 homes each year.
    • Leveraging cutting-edge technology — On top of expanding the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet, CAL FIRE has doubled its use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and the state is utilizing AI-powered tools to spot fires quicker.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    News LOS ANGELES – President Trump continues to violate the U.S. Constitution and federal law by turning the military into his own personal police force against American citizens. As Governor Newsom said in his address to Californians and the American people…

    News Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today on the passing of Brian Wilson, singer-songwriter and Beach Boys co-founder:”Jennifer and I join the world in mourning the death of Brian Wilson, a musical genius and California…

    News Los Ángeles — En un discurso pronunciado esta noche ante casi 40 millones de californianos y estadounidenses en todo el país, el Gobernador Gavin Newsom condenó la militarización ilegal de Los Ángeles por parte del Presidente Trump y advirtió que las acciones del…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Suva, Fiji, June 9, 2025 [Image 11 of 13]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on


    SUVA, Fiji (June 9, 2025) U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to 72nd Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support, and veterinarians from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Fiji animal hospital conduct spay surgery on dogs and cats during a spay and neuter clinic, as part of Pacific Partnership 2025, in Suva, Fiji, June 9, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.09.2025
    Date Posted: 06.11.2025 18:07
    Photo ID: 9104616
    VIRIN: 250609-N-ED646-3656
    Resolution: 8640×5760
    Size: 8.45 MB
    Location: SUVA, FJ

    Web Views: 2
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mann Advocates for U.S. Trade Promotion, Global Food Programs in House Agriculture Committee Hearing with Secretary Brooke Rollins

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1)

    [embedded content]

    CLICK HEREto download Rep. Mann’s questioning

    CLICK HERE to watch Rep. Mann’s exchange with Secretary Rollins on YouTube.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) questioned U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins during her first appearance before the House Agriculture Committee. During Rep. Mann’s questioning, he thanked Secretary Rollins and President Trump for their leadership and advocacy on behalf of American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers and highlighted the need for sound federal policy that promotes trade opportunities for American agriculture and recognizes international food aid as a tool for U.S. national security that supports domestic producers.

    Excerpts:

    [Opening Statement]:Secretary Rollins, thank you for being here today and thank you for your leadership in supporting farmers, ranchers, and ag producers across America. It was an honor to have you visit the Big First District of Kansas your first week on the job back in February, right after you were confirmed. We had the chance to participate in a roundtable discussion with ag producers, stakeholders, and toured Finney County Feeders and the Ponderosa Dairy. We even met with some local FFA students, which was a huge highlight of mine and I know it’s something that’s near and dear to your heart as well.  In one of my first meetings with President Trump, I distinctly remember him telling me of his love for American farmers and I appreciate that you share that passion. Over the past few months, you and President Trump have led the way in supporting rural America, and I look forward to continuing to work with you for the next four years as we Make Agriculture Great Again. 

    [On trade opportunities for Kansas farmers]: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a major step forward for the future of American agriculture. We were able to strengthen crop insurance, raise reference prices, and really help our producers. We were also able to include historic landmark investments in funding for trade promotion programs in the House version. After the last administration’s failure to act on expanding international markets, I have been really encouraged at your efforts to rebalance trade to support American farmers and ranchers. In particular, I appreciate that you will be traveling on a trade mission to India here in the next few weeks, where greater market access for crops like sorghum would be a game changer for Kansas producers and a clear win for both the United States and India. With this significant upgrade in trade promotion resources, can you share what you and Ambassador Greer will be pursuing to unlock opportunities for U.S. exports of commodities, like sorghum, as part of the ongoing trade negotiations with India?  

    Rollins: India is reflective to your point on sorghum and a lot of our row crops; there is just so much opportunity there. I think we have talked a lot this morning about national security—agriculture security is national security. A lot of that is opening markets with our friends like India and moving away from other markets that clearly are not aligned with us on a value-by-value basis. What I have found with Ambassador Greer, Secretary Lutnick, with Secretary Bessent, and the ultimate dealmaker, President Trump, is they are—we are—relentless. I think I have mentioned this a couple of times, but I think it is worth repeating: the few countries that have already visited me—everyone is so anxious to support this vision of opening up more American products and decreasing the tariffs while working on the non-tariff trade barriers. There is a lot more to come, and would love to work with you, though, as we are working with India and other countries specific to sorghum and other row crops. 

    Mann: I’d love to.I think India is a huge opportunity for sorghum and other commodities as well. Thank you for that.

    [On Food for Peace]:Earlier this year, I introduced legislation to move back to USDA a program that is not only dear to the people of Kansas, but also vital to our ag producers in the country. Food for Peace is a program that I have long supported, and it supports American agriculture while helping feed millions of people around the world. It was originally housed with the USDA when it was created over 70 years ago; a Kansan came up with the idea years ago. My bill would return it back to its roots, to return it home to the USDA, ensuring its long-term sustainability. I’m optimistic that Congress will soon act to codify this move, realigning Food for Peace with USDA where it began. If and when that transition takes place, can you commit that the Department will continue to fund and operate Food for Peace as robustly as it is currently being administered? I welcome any thoughts about Food for Peace.

    Rollins: Sure, and understanding that it is moving through the system and not wanting to get ahead of President Trump specifically, but we stand ready if that is the Congressional direction. We will work with you and your partners to ensure the continued sustainability and success, and make changes if necessary. 

    Mann: A great program, right? We are shipping commodities grown here in bags that say, “A free gift from the American people.” It is good for our farmers, good for our shippers, good for the mouths that receive it. 

    Four days after Secretary Rollins was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Rep. Mann welcomed the Secretary to the Big First District to tour National Beef Packing Plant, High Plains Ponderosa Dairy, and Finney County Feeder in southwest Kansas. Rep. Mann has applauded Secretary Rollins’ decisive leadership on combatting the Highly-Pathogenic Aviation Influenza (HPAI). Following the decision to halt imports of Mexican livestock to protect livestock from the New World Screwworm, Rep. Mann commended the announcement from USDA.

    ###

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 06/11/2025 Blackburn Introduces Bill to End Taxpayer Funding for NPR and PBS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Free Americans from Ideological Reporting (FAIR) Act to stop federal taxpayer dollars from being sent to National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) after years of left-wing politically biased reporting under the guise of public broadcasting. Senator Blackburn has long pushed to ensure taxpayers are not footing the bill for biased media, and this bill would codify the executive order President Trump issued on May 1, 2025.

    “For far too long, American taxpayers have been forced to foot the bill for NPR and PBS while they push left-wing propaganda,” said Senator Blackburn. “The FAIR Act would cut off taxpayer funding to these partisan outlets, ensuring the American people aren’t forced to subsidize media that disparages conservatives and does the left’s bidding.”

    • NPR and PBS have benefited from taxpayer dollars for years while showing a consistent pattern of editorial bias, left-leaning political slant, and a lack of public accountability. NPR and PBS have violated the spirit of public broadcasting by forcing American taxpayers to fund content that misrepresents and excludes conservative viewpoints.
    • Last year, Senator Blackburn called for NPR to lose its funding after it suspended an editor who exposed the outlet’s partisan bias.
    • NPR’s CEO, Katherine Maher, testified before Congress where she admitted to botching coverage of Hunter Biden’s laptop and was grilled about the bias in the organization. Maher has also made statements calling President Trump a “fascist” and a “deranged racist sociopath.” PBS has pushed radical leftist gender ideology, releasing a movie called “Real Boy,” about a transgender teen.
    • President Trump issued an executive order on May 1, 2025, preventing federal dollars from funding NPR and PBS directly through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) or indirectly through member station dues.

    THE FAIR ACT

    The FAIR Act would:

    • Permanently bar CPB from directly funding NPR and PBS;
    • Permanently bar CPB from indirectly funding NPR and PBS by ensuring that licensees and permittees of public radio and television stations, as well as any other recipients of CPB funds, do not use federal funds for NPR and PBS; and
    • Require the heads of all agencies to identify and terminate direct or indirect funding of NPR and PBS. 

    Click here for bill text

    MIL OSI USA News