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Category: Banking

  • MIL-OSI: An authorization to register an amendment of the article of association of Urbo bankas UAB has been received

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Urbo bankas UAB (hereinafter – “the Bank”), company code 112027077, address: Konstitucijos pr.18B, Vilnius.

    The Bank informs that the Financial Market Supervisory Committee of the Bank of Lithuania, by its decision of 17 June 2025, allowed the Bank to register the amendments of the Bank’s articles of association, related with the increase of the authorized capital to EUR 50,988,758.50, as approved by the ordinary general meeting of shareholders held on 21 March 2025.

    For more information please contact: Julius Ivaška, Head of Business Division, tel. +370 601 04 453, e-mail media@urbo.lt

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GAM Holding AG appoints Albert Saporta as Group Chief Executive Officer and Tim Rainsford as Group Chief Distribution Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich: 18 June 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules:

    GAM Holding AG appoints Albert Saporta as Group Chief Executive Officer and Tim Rainsford as Group Chief Distribution Officer

    GAM Holding AG (SWX: GAM) today announces senior leadership changes as the Group moves into the next phase of sustainable growth. Albert Saporta has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO) effective from 1 July 2025, succeeding Elmar Zumbuehl who will remain with GAM until 31 December 2025 to support the transition. Additionally, Tim Rainsford will return to GAM to lead its distribution efforts as Group Chief Distribution Officer on 1 October 2025.

    These leadership changes reflect that GAM has successfully transformed and is now well positioned for growth. Under Elmar Zumbuehl’s leadership, GAM has undergone a comprehensive repositioning over the last 21 months; divesting non-core businesses, and rebuilding a lean, scalable platform designed to attract and empower top investment talent and better connect them to clients worldwide through a strengthened global distribution and client servicing network.

    Albert Saporta has over 40 years of experience in the investment management industry and served as Global Head of Investments & Products at GAM since October 2023. He will take over as Group CEO with a clear focus on accelerating growth through building on our existing and new product offerings and external opportunities. His passion for innovative investment strategies, drive for positive client outcomes, and energy is key for GAM’s next phase of growth.  

    Drawing on GAM’s pioneering heritage, combining internal and external investment talent, Albert Saporta has been instrumental in strengthening GAM’s investment team line-up and entering into multiple new partnerships with best-in-class investment managers. GAM is strongly positioned to provide clients with access to differentiated investment strategies across asset classes.

    Tim Rainsford will return to GAM as Group Chief Distribution Officer and a Group Management Board member. He brings extensive experience in leading global distribution functions focused on growth and delivering for clients. Tim Rainsford was CEO of Generali Investments Partners, and latterly, Chief Product and Distribution Officer for Generali Asset Management. 

    Rossen Djounov, Global Head of Client Solutions, will remain a senior member of the distribution leadership team, reporting to Tim, with a focus on driving growth initiatives and deepening strategic client relationships.

    Chairman of the Board, Antoine Spillmann, said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Elmar for his dedicated service and the significant achievements he has accomplished during his many years at GAM. His leadership has been pivotal in steering the company through transformative changes and setting a solid foundation for future sustainable growth. The Board is looking forward to working with Albert and Tim as GAM enters its next phase as a highly agile and scalable platform with a renewed focus on growth, innovation, and client outcomes.

    Albert Saporta said: “I am honoured to take on the role of GAM’s Group CEO. We have transformed GAM, and it is now well positioned with unique investment talent to deliver differentiated strategies to our clients. I am excited to be leading GAM into this next phase of sustainable growth.”

    Elmar Zumbuehl commented: “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last 21 months, and I want to thank the Board and our anchor shareholder NJJ Holding for their support during this transformational phase. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member of the firm for their unwavering commitment and efforts in successfully transforming GAM.”

    Tim Rainsford commented: “I’m thrilled to be returning to GAM with the firm’s focus on innovative strategies and commitment to client outcomes. I look forward to working closely with Albert and the broader team to drive growth and strengthen our global presence.”

    Biographies

    Albert Saporta:

    Albert has 40 years’ experience in financial markets, with over 30 years in the hedge fund industry. Albert started his career at Paribas in Paris, where he managed the Japan/Asia mutual funds from 1984-85. He joined Merrill Lynch in London as Vice President of Japanese equity sales from 1985-88. In 1988, he joined UBS Securities in London where he headed quantitative research and hedge fund sales for Japanese equities. In 1991, he joined IFM, a hedge fund owned by Jacob Rothschild’s St James’s Place and AIG, where he managed relative value global equity arbitrage strategies. In 1995, he left to set up Geneva-based AIM&R, a hedge fund advisory and research firm, managing the SOG and SOGAsia funds. In March 2006, Albert sold AIM&R ‘s research and hedge fund businesses to ABN Amro Bank (London). As part of the transaction, he set-up the Special Opportunities Group (SOG) at ABN, managing a balance sheet of >USD1bn in global arbitrage strategies and special situations. AIM&R was relaunched in 2011 as a research and trading advisory firm, advising global hedge funds, pension funds, prop trading firms and family offices.

    Albert has a master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University (1984), an MBA (1983) and BSc in economics (1982) from New York University, and a Math/Physics degree from the University of Nice (1980). He is fluent in French, English, Spanish and Portuguese. Albert holds French, Israeli and Spanish citizenships.

    Tim Rainsford:

    Tim Rainsford joins GAM Investments from Generali Investments Partners, where since September 2020 he was the Global Head of Product and Distribution. In this capacity, he led the global team of sales professionals based in Europe, focusing on defining the commercial development plans and strategies aimed at strengthening Generali Investments’ positioning in key markets and expanding its international footprint. 

    He was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Generali Investments Partners S.p.A. Società di gestione del risparmio (GIP) in April 2021, a key entity within the Generali Group’s Asset & Wealth Management business unit. In this role, he was responsible for steering the regulated entity and focusing on the investment management, product development and global sales efforts of the business unit, maximising the Group’s multi-boutique approach.  

    Before his tenure at Generali, he held significant positions in other major financial institutions. He served as Group Head of Distribution and Marketing at GAM Investments, where he was responsible for the company’s marketing and sales strategic direction. Earlier in his career, he spent thirteen years at Man Investments Ltd, holding various senior roles including Senior Managing Director – Head of European Sales, and Global Co-Head of Sales and Marketing.  

    For further information please contact:

    Colin Bennett | GAM Media Relations
    T +44 (0) 20 73 938 544 
    colin.bennett@gam.com

    Visit us: www.gam.com
    Follow us: X and LinkedIn 

    About GAM

    GAM Investments is a highly scalable global investment platform with strong global distribution capabilities focusing on three core areas, Specialist Active Investing, Alternative Investing and Wealth Management, that is listed in Switzerland. It delivers distinctive and differentiated investment solutions across its Investment and Wealth Management businesses. Its purpose is to protect and enhance clients’ financial future. It attracts and empowers brightest minds to provide investment leadership, innovation and a positive impact on society and the environment. Total assets under management were CHF 16.3 billion as of 31 December 2024. GAM Investments has global distribution with offices in 14 countries and is geographically diverse with clients in almost every continent. Headquartered in Zurich, GAM Investments was founded in 1983, and its registered office is at Hardstrasse 201 Zurich, 8005 Switzerland. For more information about GAM Investments, please visit www.gam.com. 

    Other Important Information

    This release contains or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “aim”, “project”, “forecast”, “risk”, “likely”, “intend”, “outlook”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “continue”, “plan”, “probability”, “indicative”, “seek”, “target”, “plan” and other similar expressions are intended to or may identify forward-looking statements.

    Any such statements in this release speak only as of the date hereof and are based on assumptions and contingencies subject to change without notice, as are statements about market and industry trends, projections, guidance, and estimates. Any forward-looking statements in this release are not indications, guarantees, assurances or predictions of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the person making such statements, its affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors and may involve significant elements of subjective judgement and assumptions as to future events which may or may not be correct and may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such statements. You are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and no person accepts or assumes any liability in connection therewith.

    This release is not a financial product or investment advice, a recommendation to acquire, exchange or dispose of securities or accounting, legal or tax advice. It has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, legal, financial or tax situation and needs of individuals. Before making an investment decision, individuals should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to their own objectives, legal, financial and tax situation and needs and seek legal, tax and other advice as appropriate for their individual needs and jurisdiction.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GAM Holding AG appoints Albert Saporta as Group Chief Executive Officer and Tim Rainsford as Group Chief Distribution Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich: 18 June 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules:

    GAM Holding AG appoints Albert Saporta as Group Chief Executive Officer and Tim Rainsford as Group Chief Distribution Officer

    GAM Holding AG (SWX: GAM) today announces senior leadership changes as the Group moves into the next phase of sustainable growth. Albert Saporta has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO) effective from 1 July 2025, succeeding Elmar Zumbuehl who will remain with GAM until 31 December 2025 to support the transition. Additionally, Tim Rainsford will return to GAM to lead its distribution efforts as Group Chief Distribution Officer on 1 October 2025.

    These leadership changes reflect that GAM has successfully transformed and is now well positioned for growth. Under Elmar Zumbuehl’s leadership, GAM has undergone a comprehensive repositioning over the last 21 months; divesting non-core businesses, and rebuilding a lean, scalable platform designed to attract and empower top investment talent and better connect them to clients worldwide through a strengthened global distribution and client servicing network.

    Albert Saporta has over 40 years of experience in the investment management industry and served as Global Head of Investments & Products at GAM since October 2023. He will take over as Group CEO with a clear focus on accelerating growth through building on our existing and new product offerings and external opportunities. His passion for innovative investment strategies, drive for positive client outcomes, and energy is key for GAM’s next phase of growth.  

    Drawing on GAM’s pioneering heritage, combining internal and external investment talent, Albert Saporta has been instrumental in strengthening GAM’s investment team line-up and entering into multiple new partnerships with best-in-class investment managers. GAM is strongly positioned to provide clients with access to differentiated investment strategies across asset classes.

    Tim Rainsford will return to GAM as Group Chief Distribution Officer and a Group Management Board member. He brings extensive experience in leading global distribution functions focused on growth and delivering for clients. Tim Rainsford was CEO of Generali Investments Partners, and latterly, Chief Product and Distribution Officer for Generali Asset Management. 

    Rossen Djounov, Global Head of Client Solutions, will remain a senior member of the distribution leadership team, reporting to Tim, with a focus on driving growth initiatives and deepening strategic client relationships.

    Chairman of the Board, Antoine Spillmann, said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Elmar for his dedicated service and the significant achievements he has accomplished during his many years at GAM. His leadership has been pivotal in steering the company through transformative changes and setting a solid foundation for future sustainable growth. The Board is looking forward to working with Albert and Tim as GAM enters its next phase as a highly agile and scalable platform with a renewed focus on growth, innovation, and client outcomes.

    Albert Saporta said: “I am honoured to take on the role of GAM’s Group CEO. We have transformed GAM, and it is now well positioned with unique investment talent to deliver differentiated strategies to our clients. I am excited to be leading GAM into this next phase of sustainable growth.”

    Elmar Zumbuehl commented: “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last 21 months, and I want to thank the Board and our anchor shareholder NJJ Holding for their support during this transformational phase. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member of the firm for their unwavering commitment and efforts in successfully transforming GAM.”

    Tim Rainsford commented: “I’m thrilled to be returning to GAM with the firm’s focus on innovative strategies and commitment to client outcomes. I look forward to working closely with Albert and the broader team to drive growth and strengthen our global presence.”

    Biographies

    Albert Saporta:

    Albert has 40 years’ experience in financial markets, with over 30 years in the hedge fund industry. Albert started his career at Paribas in Paris, where he managed the Japan/Asia mutual funds from 1984-85. He joined Merrill Lynch in London as Vice President of Japanese equity sales from 1985-88. In 1988, he joined UBS Securities in London where he headed quantitative research and hedge fund sales for Japanese equities. In 1991, he joined IFM, a hedge fund owned by Jacob Rothschild’s St James’s Place and AIG, where he managed relative value global equity arbitrage strategies. In 1995, he left to set up Geneva-based AIM&R, a hedge fund advisory and research firm, managing the SOG and SOGAsia funds. In March 2006, Albert sold AIM&R ‘s research and hedge fund businesses to ABN Amro Bank (London). As part of the transaction, he set-up the Special Opportunities Group (SOG) at ABN, managing a balance sheet of >USD1bn in global arbitrage strategies and special situations. AIM&R was relaunched in 2011 as a research and trading advisory firm, advising global hedge funds, pension funds, prop trading firms and family offices.

    Albert has a master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University (1984), an MBA (1983) and BSc in economics (1982) from New York University, and a Math/Physics degree from the University of Nice (1980). He is fluent in French, English, Spanish and Portuguese. Albert holds French, Israeli and Spanish citizenships.

    Tim Rainsford:

    Tim Rainsford joins GAM Investments from Generali Investments Partners, where since September 2020 he was the Global Head of Product and Distribution. In this capacity, he led the global team of sales professionals based in Europe, focusing on defining the commercial development plans and strategies aimed at strengthening Generali Investments’ positioning in key markets and expanding its international footprint. 

    He was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Generali Investments Partners S.p.A. Società di gestione del risparmio (GIP) in April 2021, a key entity within the Generali Group’s Asset & Wealth Management business unit. In this role, he was responsible for steering the regulated entity and focusing on the investment management, product development and global sales efforts of the business unit, maximising the Group’s multi-boutique approach.  

    Before his tenure at Generali, he held significant positions in other major financial institutions. He served as Group Head of Distribution and Marketing at GAM Investments, where he was responsible for the company’s marketing and sales strategic direction. Earlier in his career, he spent thirteen years at Man Investments Ltd, holding various senior roles including Senior Managing Director – Head of European Sales, and Global Co-Head of Sales and Marketing.  

    For further information please contact:

    Colin Bennett | GAM Media Relations
    T +44 (0) 20 73 938 544 
    colin.bennett@gam.com

    Visit us: www.gam.com
    Follow us: X and LinkedIn 

    About GAM

    GAM Investments is a highly scalable global investment platform with strong global distribution capabilities focusing on three core areas, Specialist Active Investing, Alternative Investing and Wealth Management, that is listed in Switzerland. It delivers distinctive and differentiated investment solutions across its Investment and Wealth Management businesses. Its purpose is to protect and enhance clients’ financial future. It attracts and empowers brightest minds to provide investment leadership, innovation and a positive impact on society and the environment. Total assets under management were CHF 16.3 billion as of 31 December 2024. GAM Investments has global distribution with offices in 14 countries and is geographically diverse with clients in almost every continent. Headquartered in Zurich, GAM Investments was founded in 1983, and its registered office is at Hardstrasse 201 Zurich, 8005 Switzerland. For more information about GAM Investments, please visit www.gam.com. 

    Other Important Information

    This release contains or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “aim”, “project”, “forecast”, “risk”, “likely”, “intend”, “outlook”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “continue”, “plan”, “probability”, “indicative”, “seek”, “target”, “plan” and other similar expressions are intended to or may identify forward-looking statements.

    Any such statements in this release speak only as of the date hereof and are based on assumptions and contingencies subject to change without notice, as are statements about market and industry trends, projections, guidance, and estimates. Any forward-looking statements in this release are not indications, guarantees, assurances or predictions of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the person making such statements, its affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors and may involve significant elements of subjective judgement and assumptions as to future events which may or may not be correct and may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such statements. You are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and no person accepts or assumes any liability in connection therewith.

    This release is not a financial product or investment advice, a recommendation to acquire, exchange or dispose of securities or accounting, legal or tax advice. It has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, legal, financial or tax situation and needs of individuals. Before making an investment decision, individuals should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to their own objectives, legal, financial and tax situation and needs and seek legal, tax and other advice as appropriate for their individual needs and jurisdiction.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN opens the 9th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN in Jakarta

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today delivered the opening statement at the 9th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN, held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, in Jakarta. In his statement, SG Dr. Kao underscored the critical role of ASEAN Centres and Entities in advancing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, particularly amidst increasing global volatility and geopolitical challenges. In the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility, he advocated for deeper collaboration across all the three ASEAN pillars and connectivity to promote peace, stability, sustainability, and regional resilience. SG Dr. Kao also welcomed insights from prominent and high-level speakers and encouraged all participants to explore joint initiatives in support of the ASEAN Chairmanship theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
     
    Download the opening statement here.
     

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN opens the 9th Forum of Entities Associated with ASEAN in Jakarta appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN receives the Executive Director of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with the Executive Director of ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), Buth Rothna, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. They exchanged views on ARMAC’s ongoing initiatives in addressing the humanitarian consequences of explosive remnants of war (ERW) in the region, as well as ways forward for ARMAC to further contribute to ASEAN Community-building efforts.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives the Executive Director of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • Indian stock market trades in green amid rising geopolitical tensions

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The domestic benchmark indices opened lower on Wednesday amid rising geopolitical tensions but turned positive in early trade, led by buying in the auto, IT, and PSU bank sectors.

    At around 9:32 a.m., the Sensex was trading 160.49 points, or 0.20 per cent, higher at 81,743.79, while the Nifty added 57.40 points, or 0.23 per cent, to reach 24,910.80.

    The Nifty Bank index was up 33 points, or 0.06 per cent, at 55,747.15. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 58,358.95, down 20.35 points, or 0.03 per cent. The Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 18,412.80, declining 7.55 points, or 0.04 per cent.

    According to analysts, hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East conflict have faded, as former U.S. President Donald Trump called for an “unconditional surrender” from Iran. Recent social media posts by Trump and U.S. defence movements in West Asia indicate a possible escalation, market experts noted.

    However, global equity markets have not shown signs of panic. “It appears that the market’s assessment is that this conflict will end soon without impacting the global economy,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    In the Sensex pack, Power Grid, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Infosys, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, NTPC, and M&M were among the top losers. On the other hand, IndusInd Bank, HCL Tech, Sun Pharma, Eicher Motors, and TCS were the top gainers.

    “Nifty encountered resistance around the 61.8 per cent retracement level of the recent decline and has corrected from there. Yesterday’s high of 24,982 is the immediate resistance level on the way up. On the downside, 24,550–24,450 is a critical support zone,” said Vikram Kasat, Head of Advisory at Prabhudas Lilladher.

    On the institutional side, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers, purchasing equities worth ₹1,616.19 crore on June 17. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth ₹7,796.57 crore on the same day.

    In the broader Asian markets, indices in Bangkok, Japan, and Seoul were trading in green, while Jakarta, Hong Kong, and China were in the red.

    In the last trading session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the U.S. closed at 42,215.80, down 299.29 points, or 0.70 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a loss of 50.39 points, or 0.84 per cent, at 5,982.72, while the Nasdaq closed at 19,521.09, down 180.12 points, or 0.91 per cent.

    -IANS

  • Indian stock market trades in green amid rising geopolitical tensions

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The domestic benchmark indices opened lower on Wednesday amid rising geopolitical tensions but turned positive in early trade, led by buying in the auto, IT, and PSU bank sectors.

    At around 9:32 a.m., the Sensex was trading 160.49 points, or 0.20 per cent, higher at 81,743.79, while the Nifty added 57.40 points, or 0.23 per cent, to reach 24,910.80.

    The Nifty Bank index was up 33 points, or 0.06 per cent, at 55,747.15. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 58,358.95, down 20.35 points, or 0.03 per cent. The Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 18,412.80, declining 7.55 points, or 0.04 per cent.

    According to analysts, hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East conflict have faded, as former U.S. President Donald Trump called for an “unconditional surrender” from Iran. Recent social media posts by Trump and U.S. defence movements in West Asia indicate a possible escalation, market experts noted.

    However, global equity markets have not shown signs of panic. “It appears that the market’s assessment is that this conflict will end soon without impacting the global economy,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    In the Sensex pack, Power Grid, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Infosys, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, NTPC, and M&M were among the top losers. On the other hand, IndusInd Bank, HCL Tech, Sun Pharma, Eicher Motors, and TCS were the top gainers.

    “Nifty encountered resistance around the 61.8 per cent retracement level of the recent decline and has corrected from there. Yesterday’s high of 24,982 is the immediate resistance level on the way up. On the downside, 24,550–24,450 is a critical support zone,” said Vikram Kasat, Head of Advisory at Prabhudas Lilladher.

    On the institutional side, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net buyers, purchasing equities worth ₹1,616.19 crore on June 17. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth ₹7,796.57 crore on the same day.

    In the broader Asian markets, indices in Bangkok, Japan, and Seoul were trading in green, while Jakarta, Hong Kong, and China were in the red.

    In the last trading session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the U.S. closed at 42,215.80, down 299.29 points, or 0.70 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a loss of 50.39 points, or 0.84 per cent, at 5,982.72, while the Nasdaq closed at 19,521.09, down 180.12 points, or 0.91 per cent.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on June 17, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 6,22,236.08 5.18 3.00-6.55
         I. Call Money 13,828.18 5.26 4.50-5.35
         II. Triparty Repo 4,09,067.30 5.20 5.01-5.25
         III. Market Repo 1,96,647.50 5.14 3.00-5.59
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 2,693.10 5.49 5.38-6.55
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 45.90 5.17 5.10-5.25
         II. Term Money@@ 185.00 – 5.50-6.00
         III. Triparty Repo 4,474.00 5.18 5.15-5.40
         IV. Market Repo 27.89 5.50 5.50-5.50
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Tue, 17/06/2025 1 Wed, 18/06/2025 1,297.00 5.75
    4. SDFΔ# Tue, 17/06/2025 1 Wed, 18/06/2025 2,99,971.00 5.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -2,98,674.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       8,471.32  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     8,471.32  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -2,90,202.68  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on June 17, 2025 9,57,930.37  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending June 27, 2025 9,54,173.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ June 17, 2025 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on May 30, 2025 5,84,684.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/556

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Guerrilla rewilding’ aims for DIY conservation – but it may do more harm than good

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patrick Finnerty, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in conservation and wildlife management, University of Sydney

    Fidel Fernando / Unsplash

    Ever since modern environmentalism took off in the 1960s, people have tried to undo the damage humans have caused to nature. Efforts have ranged from reducing threats, to restoring habitats, to reintroducing vanished species – and the results have been mixed.

    However, these efforts have helped shape modern conservation science. This branch of knowledge uses ecological, genetic and behavioural insights to guide smarter, more ethical conservation actions.

    Governments often use this science to decide whether restoration projects should be approved. However, approval processes may be slow, under-resourced and complex, leaving passionate people feeling shut out.

    In response, some have turned to “guerilla rewilding” without approval, and often without due consideration of the potential for unintended impacts. As a recent ABC investigation showed, these passionate souls may release species into the wild or build self-managed sanctuaries, often dismissing scientists as “purists”.

    What is rewilding?

    Rewilding aims to restore wildlife and natural processes to ecosystems where they’ve been lost, often due to land clearing, agriculture or other human activities.

    It may involve reintroducing a species that has disappeared from a landscape, or using a similar surrogate species to revive lost ecological functions. The goal is to rebuild functioning, self-sustaining systems. It’s not just about individual species, but the roles they play in sustaining nature.

    In Australia, rewilding typically takes place in fenced reserves or on islands where invasive predators such as foxes and cats have been removed. These barriers offer protection, but require intensive planning, long-term management and ongoing funding.

    Rewilding often occurs in fenced sanctuaries.
    Stephen Mabbs / Unsplash

    The term “rewilding” itself has been criticised for harking back to a pre-colonial “wilderness”, overlooking First Nations’ connections to Country. But the goal of these projects is to restore ecological function and self-sustaining wildlife populations in shared, lived-in landscapes – including urban environments.

    When done well, rewilding can support species recovery, repair ecosystems, and help reconnect people with nature. But success depends on evidence-based design, clear goals, ongoing monitoring, and (often) additional management over time (such as adding or removing animals).

    Guerilla rewilding is risky

    Guerrilla rewilding can go wildly wrong. Ecology, evolution, behaviour and welfare are deeply complex — and every species is a unique part of a much larger puzzle.

    Scientists and conservationists are still learning how different animals survive and thrive in changing environments. Restoring these delicate systems without unintended consequences is also a challenge.

    Without rigorous planning, there is a risk of inbreeding or a mismatch between animals and their environment. Animals raised inside fences may become overabundant, or too naive to survive in the wild. Disease, overgrazing and long-term habitat degradation are other risks.

    Learning from science, not bypassing it

    Successful rewilding draws on decades of ecological insight — genetics, behaviour, predator-prey dynamics, health, and ecosystem function.

    Guerilla rewilders may see these as unnecessary academic add-ons. But when reintroductions fail, it’s often because one of these elements was overlooked. Frequently reported problems include animal behaviour, monitoring difficulties, quality of release habitat, and lack of baseline knowledge.

    However, accessing the science – and navigating the approvals that rely on it – isn’t always easy. Conservation processes are often slow, under-resourced and opaque. It’s no surprise some view them as “green tape”.

    In Australia, it can be easier to get permission to clear land than to restore it.
    Matt Palmer / Unsplash

    Indeed, in Australia, it’s harder to get a restoration project approved than it is to get approval for land clearing.

    Yet bypassing this system risks repeating old mistakes. So if we want rewilding to work, we need to make it easier to engage with evidence, expertise and ethical safeguards.

    Engagement may be as simple as working with the right partners from the outset. This may include Traditional Owners, universities, non-government organisations, and local conservation and environmental community groups.

    Collaboration, not conflict

    A lot of people and groups have the same goal: to restore thriving wild animal populations as part of more complete, diverse and resilient ecosystems. That outcome is best achieved through collaboration, sharing of expertise, and trust.

    Traditional Owners, scientists, carers, zoos, non-government organisations and government agencies all bring crucial knowledge. By turning shared passion into practical, evidence-based action, we can ensure rewilding efforts contribute to real, lasting outcomes for Australian and global biodiversity.

    So what does this look like in practice? First of all, it’s about getting connected.

    People with land or passion to contribute can contact organisations such as the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, WWF-Australia, Arid Recovery, several universities, or state parks and wildlife services. These groups have likely already done the groundwork, from habitat assessment to long-term planning. Joining existing efforts may get more done than starting solo.

    Policymakers can contribute not only funding, but also transparency. More open and understandable approval processes may lower the barriers for community-led rewilding efforts.

    As for scientists like us, we need to step beyond peer-reviewed papers. That means clearer communication, real-world partnerships, and embracing outreach – particularly in urban or accessible rewilding projects.

    The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of Peter Banks, Donna Houston, Phil McManus, Catherine Grueber and Mareshell Wauchope to this article.

    Patrick Finnerty is the current director for early career ecology at the Ecological Society of Australia, the Early Career Coordinator at the Australasian Wildlife Management Society, and a council member for the Royal Zoological Society of NSW. He receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Alex Carthey is the founding Director of ReHabitat Pty Ltd. She receives funding from the Australia Research Council and the Hermon Slade Foundation. She is the immediate past-Treasurer and recently ex-Council member of the NSW Royal Zoological Society.

    Benjamin Pitcher is a Co-funded Research Fellow in Behavioural Biology at Macquarie University and Taronga Conservation Society Australia. He receives funding from the Australian Research Council and NSW Environmental Trust.

    John Martin receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Thomas Newsome receives funding from the Australian Research Council. He is immediate past-president of the Australasian Wildlife Management Society and President of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales.

    – ref. ‘Guerrilla rewilding’ aims for DIY conservation – but it may do more harm than good – https://theconversation.com/guerrilla-rewilding-aims-for-diy-conservation-but-it-may-do-more-harm-than-good-258818

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Statement from the Palestine Forum of New Zealand

    Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

    The Palestine Forum of New Zealand notes with deep appreciation the public statement issued today by ninety‑five New Zealand lawyers urging the Government to adopt a stronger stance on Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

    We stand in solidarity with these respected members of the legal profession who, in highlighting international law, human rights, and the principles underpinning New Zealand’s foreign policy, are calling for moral and political leadership from our nation.

    Their call comes at a critical juncture: New Zealand’s vote at the UN in support of the resolution recommending Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories was a step in the right direction. However, it must now be followed by coherent action—politically, diplomatically, and legally—consistent with our international obligations scoop.co.nz+12scoop.co.nz+12scoop.co.nz+12.

    We concur with the lawyers’ analysis:

    • That Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land violates international law.

    • That increasing violence and civilian suffering, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, demand concrete responses.

    • That New Zealand’s standing as a principled actor in world affairs calls for both clear condemnation of abuses and active support for measures that uphold international law, including:

      • Support for ICC proceedings and arrest warrants for war crimes suspects;

      • The use of targeted sanctions;

      • Suspension of government contracts and investment ties with entities complicit in occupation;

      • Advocacy for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and humanitarian visas for Palestinians fleeing conflict.

    As legal voices within our own legal fraternity have acknowledged, our Government holds not only a right but a duty to lead—ahead of electoral cycles—by placing human rights and international justice at the heart of its foreign policy.

    We call on the Government to honour these principles by engaging thoughtfully with the lawyers’ briefing, committing publicly to concrete measures, and joining the global community in holding violators of international law to account.

    Today’s call by our country’s legal community is both timely and courageous. We affirm their voices. And we renew our call for New Zealand to do the same.

    Maher Nazzal
    Palestine Forum of New Zealand

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Statement On Senate Passage Of The GENIUS Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand lauded Senate passage of the GENIUS Act, landmark legislation that will establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins. Senator Gillibrand was the lead Democratic senator on the bill and shepherded the legislation through to final passage.
    “Senate passage of the GENIUS Act is a landmark moment in the bipartisan effort to regulate stablecoins. This bill will enable U.S. businesses and consumers to take advantage of the next generation of financial innovation,” said Gillibrand. “A product of months of bipartisan negotiations, the GENIUS Act will protect consumers, enable responsible innovation, and safeguard the dominance of the U.S. dollar. The bill targets illicit finance, places limitations on Big Tech, puts in place ethical guardrails, and strengthens national security. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Senators Hagerty, Scott, Alsobrooks and Lummis, who worked tirelessly to find common ground and produce this excellent legislation. The GENIUS Act will position our country for the 21st century, and I will continue working to ensure it is signed into law.” 
    Senator Gillibrand, alongside Senators Hagerty (R-TN), Scott (R-SC), Lummis (R-WY), and Alsobrooks (D-MD), introduced the GENIUS Act earlier this year. The bill passed out of the Senate Banking Committee with bipartisan support in March 2025. 
    Senator Gillibrand has been working on cryptocurrency legislation since 2022, when she and Senator Lummis introduced the Lummis-Gillibrand Responsible Financial Innovation Act, a comprehensive bipartisan framework for cryptocurrency regulation. The framework was re-introduced in 2023. In 2024, Gillibrand and Lummis also introduced a stablecoin bill that included many of the provisions that passed in the GENIUS Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Kroll Bond Rating Agency Revises Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.’s Ratings Outlook from “Stable” to “Positive”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company” or “Dime”) (NASDAQ: DCOM), the parent company of Dime Community Bank (the “Bank”), announced that Kroll Bond Rating Agency (“KBRA”), in a report dated June 17, 2025, revised its ratings outlook from “Stable” to “Positive.” Kroll’s deposit and senior unsecured debt rating for Dime Community Bank is BBB+.

    According to the KBRA report, the revision of the Outlook to “Positive” primarily reflects the strong execution of strategic initiatives in recent years, particularly capitalizing on disruption and dislocation across the Company’s footprint following area bank failures in 2023. A key success has been the onboarding of deposit-focused teams, which has significantly improved the liquidity and funding profile, with the Company now outperforming peers on most key metrics.

    Over the past two years, Dime has added $2 billion in core deposits, with a healthy DDA mix which has contributed to lower deposit costs than most KBRA-rated peers. The inflow of liquidity has also enabled a meaningful reduction in wholesale funding and supported the loan diversification growth efforts.

    KBRA noted that Dime’s ratings are also supported by its long-standing outperformance in credit quality, demonstrated across multiple cycles. Since the onset of the global financial crisis, the Company’s NCO ratio has averaged 15 bps, highlighting its disciplined credit culture. Dime has reported a minimal level of problem loans, well-contained NCOs and improving risk ratings.

    Stuart H. Lubow, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “KBRA has recognized the progress we have made in creating a high-quality balance sheet. As we continue to execute on our growth plan, we are pleased to see our ratings outlook revised to Positive.”

    ABOUT DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.

    Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for Dime Community Bank, a New York State-chartered trust company with over $14 billion in assets and the number one deposit market share among community banks on Greater Long Island (1).

    Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.
    Investor Relations Contact:
    Avinash Reddy
    Senior Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
    Phone: 718-782-6200; Ext. 5909
    Email: avinash.reddy@dime.com

    ¹ Aggregate deposit market share for Kings, Queens, Nassau & Suffolk counties for community banks with less than $20 billion in assets.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. Declares Second Quarter Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc., (NYSE: SFBS) (“ServisFirst”), the holding company for ServisFirst Bank, today announces: At a meeting held on June 16, 2025, its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.335 per share, payable on July 9, 2025, to stockholders of record as of July 1, 2025.  

    About ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.

    ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Through its subsidiary ServisFirst Bank, ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. provides business and personal financial services from locations in Atlanta, Birmingham, Charleston, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, North Carolina, Northwest Florida, Tennessee, Virgina Beach, and West Central Florida. ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. files periodic reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of its filings may be obtained through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or at www.servisfirstbank.com.

    More information about ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. may be obtained over the Internet at www.servisfirstbank.com or by calling (205) 949-0302.

    Contact: ServisFirst Bank
    Davis Mange (205) 949-3420
    DMange@servisfirstbank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Chair’s Summary

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) gathered in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15-17, 2025, with the objective of building stronger economies by making communities safer and the world more secure, promoting energy security and accelerating the digital transition, as well as fostering partnerships of the future.  

    Five decades after its founding in 1975, the G7 continues to demonstrate its value as a platform for advanced economies to coordinate financial and economic policy, address issues of peace and security, and cooperate with international partners in response to global challenges.  

    G7 Leaders focused on economic developments. In a context of rising market volatility and shocks to international trade, as well as longer-term trends toward fragmentation and global imbalances, they discussed the need for greater economic and financial stability, technological innovation, and an open and predictable trading regime to drive investment and growth. They considered ways to collaborate on global trade to boost productivity and grow their economies, emphasizing energy security and the digital transition. They acknowledged that both are underpinned by secure and responsible critical mineral supply chains and that more collaboration is required, within and beyond the G7. Leaders undertook to safeguard their economies from unfair non-market policies and practices that distort markets and drive overcapacity in ways that are harmful to workers and businesses. This includes de-risking through diversification and reduction of critical dependencies. Leaders welcomed the new Canada-led G7 initiative – the Critical Minerals Production Alliance – working with trusted international partners to guarantee supply for advanced manufacturing and defence.

    G7 Leaders expressed support for President Trump’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They recognized that Ukraine has committed to an unconditional ceasefire, and they agreed that Russia must do the same. G7 Leaders are resolute in exploring all options to maximize pressure on Russia, including financial sanctions. The G7 met with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Mark Rutte to discuss their support for a strong and sovereign Ukraine, including budgetary defence and recovery and reconstruction support.

    G7 Leaders reiterated their commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. They exchanged on the evolving situation, following Hamas’s terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, and the active conflict between Israel and Iran. Leaders discussed the importance of unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza, the release of all hostages and an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Leaders also talked about the need for a negotiated political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that achieves lasting peace. Leaders affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, and were clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. They underlined the importance of protecting civilians. They expressed their readiness to coordinate to safeguard the stability of international energy markets. They urged that the resolution of this crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza. G7 Leaders released a statement on recent developments between Israel and Iran.

    Leaders highlighted the importance of a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law, and discussed growing economic cooperation with the region. They stressed the importance of constructive and stable relations with China, while calling on China to refrain from market distortions and harmful overcapacity, tackle global challenges and promote international peace and security. Leaders discussed their ongoing serious concerns about China’s destabilizing activities in the East and South China Seas and the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They expressed concern about DPRK’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and the need to jointly address DPRK cryptocurrency thefts fueling these programs. The need to resolve the abductions issue was also raised. Leaders acknowledged the links between crisis theatres in Ukraine, the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Leaders discussed other instances of crisis and conflict, including in Africa and Haiti. 

    The G7 Leaders underscored their resolve to ensure the safety and security of communities. They condemned foreign interference, underlining the unacceptable threat of transnational repression to rights and freedoms, national security and state sovereignty. Leaders highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration to promote border security and counter migrant smuggling and illicit synthetic drug trafficking, noting recent successes. They stressed the need to work with countries of origin and transit countries. Leaders discussed the impacts of increasingly extreme weather events around the world. They highlighted the need for more international collaboration to prevent, fight and respond to wildfires, which are destroying homes and ecosystems, and driving pollution and emissions. 

    The G7 welcomed participation in the Summit by the President of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, President of the Republic Korea, Lee Jae-myung, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, as well as UN Secretary General, António Guterres, and President of the World Bank, Ajaypal Singh Banga. Together, they identified ways to collaborate on energy security in a changing world, with a focus on advancing technology and innovation, diversifying and strengthening critical mineral supply chains, building infrastructure, and mobilizing investment. They discussed just energy transitions as well as sustainable and innovative solutions to boost energy access and affordability, while mitigating the impact on climate and the environment. They talked about the consequences of growing conflicts for shared prosperity, including energy security, and the need to work towards a shared peace. 

    Leaders and guests had a productive discussion on the importance of building coalitions with reliable partners – existing and new – that include the private sector, development finance institutions and multilateral development banks, to drive inclusive economic growth and advance sustainable development. The upcoming United Nations’ Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development was raised as an opportunity to continue these discussions, including on private capital mobilization. 

    G7 Leaders agreed to collaborate with partners on concrete outcomes that deliver for everyone. To this end, they agreed to six joint statements. Their commitments included: 

    • Securing high-standard critical mineral supply chains that power the economies of the future.
    • Driving secure, responsible and trustworthy AI adoption across public and private sectors, powering AI now and into the future, and closing digital divides.
    • Boosting cooperation to unlock the full potential of quantum technology to grow economies, solve global challenges and keep communities secure.
    • Mounting a multilateral effort to better prevent, fight and recover from wildfires, which are on the rise around the world.
    • Protecting the rights of everyone in society, and the fundamental principle of state sovereignty, by continuing to combat foreign interference, with a focus on transnational repression.
    • Countering migrant smuggling by dismantling transnational organized crime groups. 

    G7 Leaders welcomed the endorsement by many outreach partners of the Critical Minerals Action Plan and the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter. 

    Discussions at the Kananaskis Summit were informed by the recommendations of the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC), which stressed the social and economic benefits of gender equality, and of all G7 engagement groups. 

    The G7 remains committed to working with domestic and international stakeholders and partners, including local governments, Indigenous Peoples, civil society, industry and international organizations, to advance shared priorities. 

    The G7 will continue its work under Canada’s presidency throughout 2025, and looks forward to France’s leadership in 2026.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott Champions Historic Senate Passage of GENIUS Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — Today, the United States Senate passed the bipartisan Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act – legislation Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) co-sponsored and championed as it advanced through the Senate. The GENIUS Act – which is led by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and also cosponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) – establishes a first of its kind regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, protecting consumers and strengthening national security. Under Senator Scott’s leadership, the bill passed the Senate Banking Committee in March, with every Republican and five Democrats supporting it.
    “Today is a bold step forward – not just for financial innovation, but for American leadership, consumer protection, and economic opportunity. With the GENIUS Act, we’re bringing clarity to a sector that’s been clouded by uncertainty and proving that bipartisan, principled leadership can still deliver real results for the American people. This did not happen by accident. It happened because we led – across the aisle and with purpose. I’m especially grateful to Senator Hagerty for his leadership, as well as the hard work of many of my colleagues to get this across the finish line,” said Senator Scott.
    BACKGROUND:
    Upon becoming Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Scott pledged to advance a regulatory framework that will provide clarity for the digital assets industry and promote consumer choice, education, and protection. Building on that promise, Senator Scottcreated the first-ever Subcommittee on Digital Assets, led by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).
    In its first legislative markup of the 119th Congress, and after considering nearly 40 amendments to the bill, the Senate Banking Committee voted to advance the GENIUS Act, with every Republican and five Democrats supporting it. 
    Ahead of the Senate’s vote on the bill, key stakeholders voiced support for the legislation. After the Senate voted to begin consideration of the bill, Senator Scott issued astatement and spoke on the Senate floor highlighting the importance of passing the bill, noting that the GENIUS Act is the result of months of good-faith, bipartisan negotiations and has benefited from extensive consultation with industry participants, legal and academic experts, and government stakeholders. 
    To read Senator Scott’s op-ed in the Washington Examiner on the GENIUS Act, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Concludes Staff Visit to Liberia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 17, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. This mission will not result in a Board discussion.

    Monrovia, Liberia: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Mr. Daehaeng Kim, Mission Chief for Liberia, visited Monrovia from June 4 – 17, 2025, to conduct the 2025 Article IV Consultation and the Second Review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.

    At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Kim issued the following statement:

    “The IMF staff held engaging and constructive discussions with the authorities on recent macroeconomic developments, the economic outlook, and medium-term policy priorities under the Article IV Consultation, as well as the performance and policies supported by the Extended Credit Facility arrangement.

    “The authorities have continued to make progress in maintaining macroeconomic stability, and their commitment to reform remains strong. Slow mining activity and fiscal adjustment were key factors that moderated economic activity in 2024. A significant reduction in unproductive expenditures combined with recovery of tax revenues contributed to an impressive fiscal outturn, with the primary fiscal balance improving from a deficit of 4.2 percent of GDP in 2023 to a surplus of 1.3 percent of GDP in 2024. Inflation reached 13.1 percent in February 2025, driven primarily by domestic food prices, but has come down to 11.7 percent in May. The current account has improved significantly. Overall, program performance has been broadly satisfactory.

    “The medium-term outlook has been marked down due to the sudden stop of aid flows and less favorable global environment. The growth outlook is supported by a rebound in mining activity, a recovery in agriculture and sustained growth in manufacturing and services. Inflation is projected to return to single digits, supported by prudent fiscal and monetary policies and projected lower global food and crude oil prices. The current account is expected to narrow further, while the debt-to-GDP remains on a sustainable path.

    “Policy dialogue under the Article IV Consultation focused on structural reforms to tackle significant development needs, mitigate climate risks, and promote private sector growth and economic diversification to achieve sustained and inclusive growth.

    “IMF staff and the authorities have reached understandings on most key macroeconomic policies for the second review of the ECF arrangement. Discussions on a few outstanding issues will continue virtually, with the goal of finalizing the staff level agreement (SLA) in the coming weeks.

     “IMF staff express its gratitude to the authorities and all other counterparts for their warm hospitality and constructive engagement.”

    “The team met with the leadership of the national legislature, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr. Augustine K. Ngafuan, Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, Mr. Henry F. Saamoi, senior government officials, development partners, representatives of the private sector and civil society.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Wafa Amr

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/17/pr-25200-liberia-imf-staff-concludes-staff-visit-to-liberia

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Innovative Welsh exporter puts Britain at the forefront of global immunisation efforts

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Innovative Welsh exporter puts Britain at the forefront of global immunisation efforts

    UK Export Finance supports renewable energy tech company Dulas to deliver life-saving vaccine refrigerators to over 80 countries worldwide.

    • Government backing helps secure British manufacturing jobs and strengthen UK’s position in global health innovation

    A Welsh renewable energy company is helping to protect millions of people against preventable diseases in developing countries with backing from UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – and HSBC UK.

    The Machynlleth-based company developed the world’s first mass-produced solar-powered vaccine refrigerator in 1982. Since then, its pioneering technology has supported vital immunisation efforts for some of the hardest-to-reach communities in over 80 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

    In 2022, following the challenges of the Covid pandemic, Dulas approached Stephen Wilson, UKEF’s Export Finance Manager for Wales. Through Wilson’s assistance, HSBC UK provided a £600,000 finance package backed by UKEF’s General Export Facility (GEF). This finance enabled the Welsh company to future-proof its operations and maintain consistent production capabilities.

    Since that first financial package, the successful partnership between Dulas, UKEF and HSBC UK has been reviewed and renewed annually, with new facilities for £600,000 in 2023 and £800,000 in 2024. This has enabled the company to provide critical equipment to even more immunisation programmes across the world.

    The company has grown to employ around 100 staff at its headquarters in Mid Wales, its branch office in Inverness (Scotland) and its manufacturing facility in Bognor Regis (West Sussex).

    Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports, said:

    We’re committed to removing barriers to trade and helping more businesses of all sizes across the country reach new overseas markets.

    I’m delighted to see Dulas expanding production of their world-leading technology thanks to government support.

    Jo Stephens, Secretary of State for Wales, said:

    Dulas is a fantastic success story and demonstrates how Welsh expertise can lead to a brilliant UK-wide and global operation.

    I’m delighted to see UK Export Finance supporting a Welsh business that is not only driving our economy forward but also contributing to international goals in health and renewable energy.

    As the only UK manufacturer of vaccine fridges certified with the World Health Organisation’s Performance, Quality and Safety standard (PQS), Dulas’s cold chain products can be confidently deployed by UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations across programmes worldwide. Research and development support from the Welsh Government has helped Dulas to enhance its product portfolio and meet the stringent PQS accreditation.

    Tim Reid, CEO at UK Export Finance, said:

    Dulas exemplifies the best of British innovation – combining renewable energy expertise with life-saving healthcare technology.

    Their story provides a fantastic example how UK Export Finance can help our businesses supply vital equipment across the globe, while supporting quality manufacturing jobs at home.

    Ruth Chapman, Executive Managing Director at Dulas, said:

    The GEF facility has been an invaluable tool for our export business, supporting us to manage our business in a challenging, but very rewarding, sector.

    We are very proud to manufacture our products within the UK and to contribute towards global efforts to eradicate common childhood illnesses, and international humanitarian efforts.

    Orders for Dulas’s vaccine fridges often follow unpredictable situations such as conflict or natural disasters. Although buyers may request a high number of units – ranging last year between 100 to 300 per order – the frequency of orders can fluctuate significantly. UKEF’s support has enabled Dulas to smooth out the peaks and troughs between production and demand, ensuring cash flow and consistent factory operations.

    Lyndsey Connor, Relationship Director, Corporate Banking at HSBC UK, said:

    At HSBC UK, we’re committed to supporting innovative businesses as they expand into global markets. Dulas exemplifies the type of forward-thinking company that drives sustainable economic growth and creates skilled jobs in Wales and elsewhere in the UK.

    Working alongside UKEF, we’ve been able to provide a financing solution that addresses Dulas’ unique business cycle challenges.

    Contact 

    Media enquiries:

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New plans to supercharge UK cyber sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New plans to supercharge UK cyber sector

    The UK’s growing cyber security sector will be boosted by millions in new investment and a new Cyber Growth Action Plan, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    • New Cyber Growth Action Plan to boost jobs and innovation, growing the UK’s £13.2 billion cyber sector. 
    • Up to £16 million in new funding to turn cutting edge innovation into new business, and boost cyber startups 
    • Cyber experts from defence and big tech set to advise government on public sector cybersecurity, amid growing threats.

    The UK’s growing and cutting edge cyber security sector will be boosted by millions in new investment and a roadmap for growth, as part of the Plan for Change. 

    The government has today [Wednesday 18 June] set out the Cyber Growth Action Plan that will chart a course for the UK’s thriving cyber industry, including the technologies, processes, and services designed to protect digital systems, to continue to grow – with the sector already generating £13.2 billion in annual revenue and supporting over 67,000 jobs in 2024.   

    Led by independent experts at University of Bristol and Imperial College London’s Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance, the Plan will examine the strengths of the UK’s cyber sector and provide a roadmap for its future growth. This will culminate with a set of recommendations later this summer for government to plot out what steps can be taken to deliver maximum impact. 

    On top of this, up to £16 million in new investment has been announced in 2 cyber sector programmes to kickstart growth. Up to £10 million in additional funding will be invested in the CyberASAP programme over the next 4 years, which will support the UK’s cutting edge academic cyber sector to turn their research into commercial companies. The programme has already supported the creation of 34 spin-out companies which have raised over £43 million in investment. The new funding aims to generate a further 25 spin-outs by 2030 and attract £30 million in additional investment. 

    To build on the work of the government’s current cyber accelerator Cyber Runway, up to £6 million will be also allocated to support cyber startups and SMEs – helping firms scale, access new markets through trade missions, and strengthen the UK’s wider cyber ecosystem. By backing researchers and entrepreneurs, these programmes will ensure the UK remains a global leader in cyber innovation and growth. This investment will unlock more jobs, support innovation, and bolster Britain’s cyber security. 

    Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark said:  

    Cyber security is essential to our economic strength and national resilience. Today’s announcement is backed by investment showing we’re serious about making the UK a global leader in cyber innovation and protection.

    Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing the sector to create high-quality jobs through the Cyber Growth Action Plan and ensuring our public services are built on secure foundations with the expert support of the Government Cyber Advisory Board.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said:

    Today’s investment will help to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses up and down the country, and the new research will support our mission to grow the economy.  

    Recent cyber attacks show just how important it is we foster the development of the sector – delivering the double dividend of high paying jobs as well as strengthening the country’s cyber security.

    The Growth Action Plan is due to report later this summer and will feed into the forthcoming National Cyber Strategy, ensuring the UK remains resilient and competitive in an increasingly interconnected world. This is central to the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs and securing long-term economic resilience.  

    The review is set to cover the supply and demand of cyber goods and services such as protective monitoring and encryption, to understand opportunities for growth. The research will aim to spot new trends and potential areas to capitalise on – as well as explore emerging technologies including AI and Quantum, and identify opportunities to strengthen Britain’s competitive edge. This will in turn protect our digital economy and the new growth which is fundamental to the government’s Plan for Change.  

    Simon Shiu, Professor of Cyber Security at the University of Bristol and leading the project, said:  

    The UK Cyber Sector is successful and growing, but so too are the challenges as demonstrated by recent events which have affected businesses and consumers. Based on input from all parts of the Cyber Sector, this project will make independent recommendations to accelerate growth in Cyber, but also to increase cyber-resilience in the other sectors critical to UK security, industry, and prosperity.

    Professor Nigel Brandon, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial, said:  

    The Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance (CSEP) at Imperial is uniquely placed to work with the University of Bristol on this important work in a rapidly growing and key sector for the UK economy. This work is aligned with our ambition to help drive economic growth by boosting the UK’s innovation capacity, productivity and competitiveness.

    Senior cybersecurity experts from defence, big tech companies, AI labs, academia and more are also advising the government on public sector cybersecurity. Cyber leaders from BAE Systems, Santander, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google DeepMind will form the new iteration of the Government Cyber Advisory Board, which will play a key role in supporting the government’s goal to strengthen the public sector’s cyber resilience. This aligns with the government Cyber Security Strategy and underpins the delivery of secure digital services across government. 

    The cyber sector will be a key focus of the upcoming Industrial Strategy – becoming a central pillar of the government’s Plan for Change to kick-start growth and put more money in people’s pockets across the UK. Cyber security has become a central part of the government’s plans to secure the economy and drive growth across the country as part of its Plan for Change.   

    Earlier this year, the Technology Secretary set out his ambition for the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill which includes proposals to protect the UK’s supply chains, critical national services, and IT service providers and suppliers and is expected to be introduced to Parliament later this year.   

    As part of the new measures, hospitals and energy suppliers are set to boost their cyber defences, protecting public services and safeguarding growth.

    Notes to editors

    You can find the Terms of Reference for the growth review here.

    The new board members of the Government Cyber Advisory Board include:  

    • Daniel Cuthbert (co-chair), Global Head of Cyber Security Research, Santander   
    • Bella Powell (co-chair), Government Cyber Director, Government Digital Service  
    • Daniel Card, Cyber Security Consultant 
    • Cate Pye, Global Partner Lead for Digital Trust and Cyber Security, PA Consulting   
    • Heather Bedson, Head of Information Security, BPP 
    • Jeff Moss, President of DEF CON Communications Inc 
    • Jen Ellis, Cyber Security Consultant
    • Asif Matadar, CEO and Founder, cyberwargames.ai 
    • Dr Simon Parkinson, Professor of Cyber Security, University of Huddersfield 
    • Julia Spain, Partner, Ashurst Risk Advisory
    • Nicole Fowler, Chief Information Security Officer, Bank of Ireland UK 
    • Thomas Harvey, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Santander UK   
    • Richard Palk, Managing Director Security, Accenture UK
    • Sam Kirby-French, Group CISO, BAE Systems 
    • Phil Legg, Professor in Cyber Security, University of the West of England
    • Mark Evans, Principal Security Strategist, Amazon Web Services
    • Sarah Armstrong-Smith, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft
    • Ian Thompson, Senior Government Cyber Advisor, Middle East and North Africa, Google 
    • Eleanor Sim, Director Security Strategy and Architecture, Chief Security Architect, Bupa   
    • Euan Birch, Head of Cyber Security Operations, SP Energy Networks 
    • Vijay Bolina, Chief Information Security Officer, Head of Cybersecurity Research, DeepMind  

    Daniel Cuthbert (industry co-chair):

    It is an honour to co-chair the UK Government Cyber Advisory Board (GCAB). Our strength comes from the close partnership between public and private sector experts, drawing on a wide range of experience to help protect the UK. As cyber threats continue to evolve, strong cyber security is essential to safeguarding our economy, protecting public services, and supporting everyday life. The diversity of expertise on the board plays a vital role in ensuring the UK remains resilient, innovative and secure.

    Ian Thompson:

    The Government Cyber Advisory Board plays a vital role in bringing together expertise from across government and a wide set of industry sectors. This cross-sector collaboration not only accelerates the sharing of best practices and experience but also ensures balanced perspectives and mutual learning — something I’m personally finding invaluable.

    Sarah Armstrong-Smith:

    From laggards to leaders – in an era where cyber-attacks are coming thick and fast, GCAB has the opportunity to take a commanding role, setting the right path and principles for how the UK should respond to this systemic threat. This requires a whole-of-society approach to build collective resilience that inspires confidence in times of uncertainty.

    Cate Pye:

    I’m delighted to be part of the GCAB, it is a really pivotal part of making sure that the whole of the UK contribute to our cyber security as this becomes increasingly essential to the way we live and work.  It is also an exemplar of how government and industry can work as one team to really change the way both government and the private sector pragmatically address cyber challenges together, building trust and competency in both.

    Asif Matadar:

    It has been an absolute honour to serve as an inaugural member of the Government Cyber Advisory Board. This initiative has already delivered concrete improvements in how government organisations anticipate and mitigate cyber threats, embedding best practice across government. I am therefore delighted that my term has been extended for a further year, during which I will continue to apply my expertise in incident response, cyber skills development and emerging technologies to support the UK government’s mission of building a world‑class, resilient cyber estate by 2030.

    Euan Birch:

    GCAB reflects the best of trusted public-private partnerships, embedding strategic collaboration and shared responsibility at the heart of government. As a member, I value the opportunity to support government in its mission to strengthen the UK’s resilience to cyber attacks and help secure its position as a global leader.

    Heather Bedson:

    Being part of the GCAB is an opportunity to drive change and improve the Government’s cyber resilience by using expertise from a wide range of industries. I enjoy being part of the GCAB, as it’s an opportunity to share my experiences while collaborating with colleagues across the sector who I might not have otherwise met.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI—Hagerty Joins America Reports on Fox News to Discuss Conflict in Middle East

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations, Banking, and Foreign Relations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined America Reports on Fox News to discuss the conflict in the Middle East.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Partial Transcript

    Hagerty on Trump preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon: “What you’ve heard President [Donald] Trump say time and again, is that he’s not going to allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. I think you’ve also heard President Trump say that he doesn’t want us to engage in more of these endless wars. So, whatever President Trump does—and I know that he’s three steps ahead of everybody else here—whatever he does, it’s going to be putting America’s interest first. It’s going to be bringing Iran to a point where they do not have a nuclear weapon. That’s the stated objective, and it’s going to have to happen very, very quickly. I don’t think the timeframe that Senator [Tim] Kaine is considering is relevant to this situation at all. President Trump wants to see the carnage come to an end. He’s been clear about that here. He’s been clear about that with Ukraine. He wants to see the loss of lives over. This regime has been extremely difficult to deal with. I’ve seen President Trump deal with this regime before. I served in his administration last time. The ‘Maximum Pressure Campaign’ that he imposed was working. Regretfully, the Biden administration put us back on this same train that [former President Barack] Obama had us on, with respect to Iran marching its way toward a nuclear weapon. President Trump is not going to allow that to happen. He’s had a much more difficult hand to deal with here. That’s why the Israelis have stepped in. They’ve seen the threat. They’re doing what they need to do. And whatever decision President Trump takes, I can assure you this: he’s going to be taking America’s interest to heart. And again, basic principles here, he wants to see an end of the carnage. He wants to see that end come fast, and he’s not going to allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

    Hagerty on the need to resolve the situation quickly: “What I want to be clear about is President Trump has never articulated the need for a regime change. What he wants to do is to bring the Iranians to the table. The Iranians ought to look at this very, very carefully and realize President Trump is not going to allow them to have a nuclear weapon. They may need to consider what the consequence will be if they don’t get to the table and make a deal fast. He’s offering them an offramp here. I think the window’s closing, though. This needs to be resolved quickly.”

    Hagerty on Trump’s America First approach: “I know who the person is responsible for making this decision with the United States. I’m not getting ahead of him. This is President Trump’s decision with respect to that. But I’ll say this: the Iranian people will ultimately make the decision, and if the Ayatollahs continue down this path toward a nuclear weapon, I think the decision’s going to become very clear for the Iranian people too. Again, the Ayatollahs need to wake up. They need to consider the options that they have right now, and those options have narrowed dramatically. This needs to stop, and I think President Trump’s going to make certain that it does in a way that advances America’s interests.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Sharpened focus on quality economic, population stats

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Statistics Minister Dr Shane Reti has today announced a major new direction for Stats NZ, replacing the traditional paper-based census and increasing the frequency and quality of economic data to underpin the Government’s growth agenda.
    From 2030, New Zealand will move away from a traditional nationwide census and adopt a new approach using administrative data, supported by a smaller annual survey and targeted data collection.
    “This approach will save time and money while delivering more timely insights into New Zealand’s population,” says Dr Reti.
    “Relying solely on a nationwide census day is no longer financially viable. In 2013, the census cost $104 million. In 2023, costs had risen astronomically to $325 million and the next was expected to come in at $400 million over five years.
    “Despite the unsustainable and escalating costs, successive censuses have been beset with issues or failed to meet expectations.
    “By leveraging data already collected by government agencies, we can produce key census statistics every year, better informing decisions that affect people’s lives.”
    While administrative data will form the backbone of the new approach, surveys will continue to verify data quality and fill gaps. Stats NZ will work closely with communities to ensure smaller population groups are accurately represented.
    The Government will also invest $16.5 million to deliver a monthly Consumers Price Index (CPI) from 2027, bringing New Zealand into line with other advanced economies. This will provide more timely inflation data to help the Government and Reserve Bank respond quickly to cost-of-living pressures.
    “Inflation affects interest rates, benefit adjustments, and household budgets. Timely data helps ensure Kiwis are better supported in a fast-changing environment,” says Dr Reti.
    Funding is also being allocated to align Stats NZ’s reporting with updated international macroeconomic standards. These reflect shifts such as the growth of the digital economy and will ensure New Zealand is measuring what matters in today’s world.
    “Modern, internationally aligned statistics will support trade and investment, helping drive economic growth and job creation,” says Dr Reti.
    Dr Reti says these changes reflect a broader reset for Stats NZ.
    “Some outputs have not met the standard expected of a world-class statistics agency. We’re getting back to basics – measuring what matters. Our goal is a modern, efficient, and reliable data system that delivers the insights New Zealand needs now and into the future.”
    Note to editors:Administrative (admin) data is information collected by government agencies during their everyday operations — like tax records, education enrolments, or health data.  
    Admin data is already used regularly to produce some statistics, like population estimates and statistics about international migration, household income, and child poverty. It has also been used in the two most recent censuses to support the information gathered through surveying.  
    Examples of admin data and their sources include:•    ACC injury claims (ACC)•    student loan and allowances (Inland Revenue, Ministry of Social Development) •    tax and income (Inland Revenue)•    births, deaths, and marriages (Department of Internal Affairs)•    education data (Ministry of Education). 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Commends President Trump’s Efforts to Advance Peace in African Great Lakes Region, Encourages Continued Engagement

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast led a letter to President Trump in support of the administration’s diplomatic efforts to advance peace and responsible development across the African Great Lakes region and encouraged further engagement aimed at bolstering economic stability and growth.

    Chairman Mast, who was joined by fellow House Foreign Affairs Committee Republican, Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04), commended Secretary Marco Rubio’s and Senior Advisor Massad Boulos’ leadership in the recent signing of the Declaration of Principles between the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    “This agreement demonstrates that regional leaders are prepared to translate dialogue into concrete action, and is a sign that American leadership, when resolute and strategic, create conditions for lasting peace,” the lawmakers wrote.

    Additionally, the lawmakers underscored that security and peace in the region “must be paired with meaningful economic stability and growth,” adding that access to reliable electric power and basic infrastructure will facilitate the gains the Trump administration is accomplishing.

    “Few efforts illustrate this objective more clearly than the Ruzizi III hydropower project — a project that will deliver electricity to more than 30 million people across the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. The project would provide needed support to the region and build genuine political and economic cooperation between the three governments—offering a diplomatic and economic dividend that is in America’s national interest.,” the lawmakers wrote.

    The lawmakers encouraged further engagement by the administration to further bolster success in the region through:

    • Continued high-level engagement with the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) and national ministries to ensure the final administrative steps—such as the signing of the tri-national Establishment Agreement of the “Community Enterprise of the Great Lakes.”
    • Coordination with all stakeholders to amplify diplomatic pressure in the region to usher an end to the conflict and advance the Ruzizi III project to financial close in 2025 considering most of the funding for the project has been committed by the World Bank Group and other Western allies to the U.S (EU, UK government). The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation may also wish to participate.

    “By pairing robust diplomacy with smart infrastructure alignment, the United States can advance regional peace, American interests, and human dignity,” the lawmakers wrote.

    Read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressley, Crane, Min, Burlison Demand 23andMe Protect Sensitive Consumer Data Prior to Any Sale

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Lawmakers Call for Company to Obtain Customers’ Consent Before Including Their Data in Bankruptcy Sale

    Text of Letter

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), along with Congressmen Eli Crane (R-AZ), Dave Min (D-CA), and Eric Burlison (R-MO) sent a letter to 23andMe demanding they ensure that no individual’s data—identified or de-identified—will be retained, transferred, or sold without their affirmative consent prior to any bankruptcy sale. Last week, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Pressley  slammed 23andMe for exploiting people’s DNA and demanded the company protect their private information.   

    “Genetic data is among the most intimate and sensitive personal information to exist, and 23andMe has proven inadequate in fulfilling its responsibility to protect it,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to 23andMe Co-Founder Anne Wojcicki and interim CEO Joe Selsavage. “People deserve and require a clear choice about how their data will be handled going forward.”

    In her June 10 testimony before the House Oversight Committee, Ms. Wojcicki shared that “a threat actor had gained access to a limited number of individual 23andMe accounts” in October 2023. In reality, nearly seven million people—roughly half of 23andMe’s customers—had their personal and genetic data exposed in a major data breach.

    “This is not a ‘limited’ incident, but a systemic failure of data protections and accountability,” the lawmakers continued. “Now, this same data is at the heart of ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. The mass confusion and fear this has caused—including the crashing of 23andMe’s website as nearly two million users rushed to delete their accounts—has undermined trust in the company’s ability to handle this information.”

    The lawmakers requested that 23andMe provide additional details on their ability and willingness to contact each of their 15 million customers—prior to any sale—and obtain their explicit consent to opt-in to having their data included in any transaction.

    Last week, in a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley slammed 23andMe for exploiting people’s DNA and private information following a severe data breach and bankruptcy, and demanded 23andMe require the explicit, informed consent of each of their customers before including their data in any bankruptcy sale. Full video of her hearing question line is available here.

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 500,000 homes to be built through new National Housing Bank

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Over 500,000 homes to be built through new National Housing Bank

    £16bn of new public investment will help build over 500,000 new homes, unlocking over £53bn of private investment, as part of the government’s Plan for Change 

    Hundreds of thousands of extra homes will be delivered thanks to a bold new government-backed ‘housing bank’ that will unlock billions in private sector investment to turbocharge housebuilding.    

    The National Housing Bank, a subsidiary of Homes England, will be publicly owned and backed with £16 billion of financial capacity, on top of £6bn of existing finance to be allocated this Parliament, in order to accelerate housebuilding and leverage in £53 billion of additional private investment, creating jobs and delivering over 500,000 new homes.    

    The trailblazing approach will see Homes England, the national housing and regeneration agency, able to issue government guarantees directly and have greater autonomy and flexibility to make the long-term investments that are needed to reform the housing market and deliver strong returns.    

    With long-term, flexible capital, the National Housing Bank will be able to act as a consistent partner to the private sector, bringing the stability and certainty that housing developers and investors need to make delivery happen. It will also support SMEs with new lending products and enable developers to unlock large, complex sites through infrastructure finance.        

    Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner:  

    “We‘re turning the tide on the housing crisis we inherited – whether that’s fixing our broken planning system, investing £39 billion to deliver more social and affordable homes, or now creating a National Housing Bank to lever in vital investment.    

    “This government is delivering reform and investing in Britain’s renewal through our Plan for Change. Our foot is firmly on the accelerator when it comes to making sure a generation is no longer locked out of homeownership – or ensuring children don’t have to grow up in unsuitable temporary accommodation, and instead have the safe and secure home they deserve.” 

    The Bank will deploy some of the £2.5 billion in low-interest loans announced at the Spending Review to support build social and affordable homes. 

    It builds on £39 billion investment announced at the Spending Review for a new 10-year Affordable Homes Programme, which is the biggest boost to social and affordable housing investment in a generation, supporting our Plan for Change milestone to build 1.5 million homes.   

    This comes ahead of the government’s 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy to be published tomorrow. The strategy will set out a £725 billion plan to rebuild the UK over the coming decade, bringing together for the first time economic, social and housing infrastructure.   

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:  

    “Our Spending Review last week delivered the biggest cash injection into social and affordable housing in 50 years as we progress on our promise to build 1.5 million homes. 

    “As part of our Plan for Change, the new National Housing Bank will unlock £53 billion of additional private investment—giving more working people the security of home ownership and investing in Britain’s renewal.” 

    Because we reformed our fiscal rules, we can invest through government-backed institutions, like the new National Housing Bank, to attract private investment and make sure money flows into projects that deliver real benefits for working people and communities.

    The Bank will help unlock a wide range of sites, including larger ones which struggle to get up front lending given their risk and complexity, using a mixture of equity investment, loans and guarantees to leverage global institutional capital into UK housing, reducing risk at the early stages of development.    

    It will also support SME lending by establishing additional lending alliances with private sector partners and leverage in additional capital and expertise, including providing revolving credit facilities to help SMEs to grow and build out their housing pipeline more quickly. This follows proposals previously announced to bolster the capabilities of SME developers, which provide local jobs and train construction apprentices, by streamlining and simplifying overly complex planning rules.    

    Homes England Chair Pat Ritchie said: 

    “Establishing the National Housing Bank, as a part of Homes England, builds on the Agency’s expertise at providing a wide range of finance to partners and places to unlock the delivery of new housing and mixed-use schemes. 

    “The National Housing Bank also responds to calls from the housing sector, mayors and local leaders to increase the scale of available public and private finance for housing and regeneration, provide a broader range of flexible debt, equity and guarantee products, and enable more timely decision making.” 

    The government will also work with the Mayor of London to establish a City Hall Developer Investment Fund, and support housing regeneration around London Euston, to help deliver London’s ambition to build around 80,000 homes per year. In Greater Manchester, the Housing Investment Loan Fund will be extended to deliver thousands of new homes over the next ten years.    

    A programme of investment including £5 billion grant funding for infrastructure and land from the new National Housing Delivery Fund will complement capital investment from the National Housing Bank. This package will drive growth and transform places, boosting housing supply on otherwise unviable large and complex sites, and support land assembly, remediation and up-front infrastructure delivery such as utilities and schools.  

    Paul Rickard, Chief Executive Officer, Pocket Living:

    “The creation of this National Housing Bank, alongside the recent spending review and other policy announcements, is a huge boost for housing delivery. We particularly welcome the recognition of the importance of SME developers with one of the banks focus’ being new funding options for SMEs and the freedom for the public and private sector to innovate together to deliver more homes. We have been working closely with government to ensure that the SME sector has capacity, certainty, and flexibility and we are delighted this is now being delivered.”

    Stephen Teagle, CEO, Partnerships & Regeneration, Vistry Group:

    “This announcement underlines the government’s commitment to use all the tools available to drive delivery and tackle the housing crisis head-on.

    “Establishing the new National Housing Bank as a subsidiary of Homes England will help bring schemes forward at pace, ensure alignment with other programmes and gain traction with developers and investors keen to leverage investment and drive delivery. It recognises that long-term place making and long-term investment go hand in hand. Paired with last week’s measures this is further evidence of a government with an innovative and clear-sighted focus on addressing the years of under supply of new homes to build vibrant communities for the future.

    “Through Vistry’s unique partnerships model, we look forward to continue working with Homes England and all our partners to maximise the benefits of this new initiative.”

    Phil Mayall, Managing Director, Muse Places:

    “Today’s announcement is hugely exciting for the regeneration and housing sector.  Muse has long advocated the need for a longer-term, partnership approach to the delivery of housing in areas of most need and the new National Housing Bank achieves this at scale.  We very much look forward to working in partnership with the Bank and the Government to deliver at pace.”

    Charlie Nunn, Group Chief Executive, Lloyds Banking Group:

    “A new National Housing Bank as part of Homes England is a powerful commitment towards building essential housing across the UK, at pace and at scale. As the MADE partnership between Lloyds Banking Group and Homes England demonstrates, by providing greater certainty and risk-sharing for developers, SME housebuilders, regional and local authorities, while strengthening public-private partnerships for institutional investors, we can accelerate the flow of private finance and deliver more homes in the places they’re needed most.”

    Greg Reed, CEO, Places for People:

    “The catalytic combination of a generationally significant affordable programme and the creation of a National Housing Bank is truly game changing for the provision of social housing in this country.”

    Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation:

    “The National Housing Bank is another welcome, innovative initiative from the government and a clear statement of intent on fixing the housing crisis. Alongside the ambitious new Affordable Homes Programme and the long-term certainty provided by the new rent settlement announced at the Spending Review, the £2.5bn low-cost loans for social housing providers will bolster our sector’s capacity to get building. We will continue to work with the government to deliver the truly affordable homes so many people across the country need.”

    Notes to editors:     

    ·       The Bank will be publicly owned and designated as a Public Financial Institution (PuFin) to make a long-term return for government aligned with the requirements set out in the 2025 Financial Transaction Control Framework. It will give the housing sector the certainty, flexibility and the capacity to deliver at scale, and will work with mayors and local leaders to back housing projects that meets regional priorities.    

    • The National Housing Bank will:  

    • Provide a wider range of debt, equity and guarantee products that support SMEs to accelerate their housebuilding and grow their businesses more rapidly.

    • Expand the use of lending alliances with the private sector, which significantly increases access to finance for housebuilders.

    • Support the unlocking of large and complex sites to increase confidence and boost housing supply through the provision of infrastructure finance and guarantees.

    • Significantly scale up investment into partnerships that draw more institutional investment into housing and mixed-use schemes such as the recently agreed Schroders Real Estate Impact Fund, the MADE Partnership with Lloyds Bank Group and Barratt Redrow and HABIKO joint venture with PIC and Muse, and the public-private partnership with Oaktree Capital and Greycoat Real Estate.

    • Work with Mayors and local leaders to develop integrated packages of financial support to deliver their housing and regeneration priorities, alongside wider land and grant funding.

    • Provide the low-interest loans announced at the Spending Review to support the delivery of more social and affordable homes – recognising their importance in tackling the housing crisis.

    • The £16bn is additional to MHCLG’s existing financial guarantee programme, with £6bn of existing finance to be allocated this Parliament. will have greater freedoms and flexibilities to make long-term investments to tackle the housing crisis.    

    • The new National Housing Bank will be a publicly owned subsidiary of Homes England, designated as a Public Financial Institution (PuFin) that is aligned with the requirements set out in the 2025 Financial Transaction Control Framework.   

    • Following this announcement MHCLG and Homes England will work with the Greater London Authority, and established Mayoral Strategic Authorities, to agree how to support them to deliver on regional housing priorities.   

    • As part of this, MHCLG and Homes England may agree that some of this £16bn allocation for the National Housing Bank will be devolved to the GLA or Mayoral Strategic Authorities – and would therefore be delivered outside the remit of the Bank, but with the same targets and objectives  

    • The National Housing Bank is a permanent institution which will deliver debt, equity and guarantees. In many cases CDEL grant will also be a critical part of the capital stack to deliver large scale, complex and transformational housing regeneration and infrastructure projects.  

    • To support this, alongside these financial products MHCLG will provide c.£5bn CDEL grant to invest across the country. This CDEL grant will sit alongside the financial products delivered by the National Housing Bank to ensure large, transformative and otherwise unviable projects nationwide can be delivered.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, recognize that critical minerals are the building blocks of digital and energy secure economies of the future. We remain committed to transparency, diversification, security, sustainable mining practices, trustworthiness and reliability as essential principles for resilient critical minerals supply chains, and acknowledge the importance of traceability, trade, and decent work in contributing to our economic prosperity and that of our partners.

    We have shared national and economic security interests, which depend on access to resilient critical minerals supply chains governed by market principles. We recognize that non-market policies and practices in the critical minerals sector threaten our ability to acquire many critical minerals, including the rare earth elements needed for magnets, that are vital for industrial production. Recognizing this threat to our economies, as well as various other risks to the resilience of our critical minerals supply chains, we will work together and with partners beyond the G7 to swiftly protect our economic and national security. This will include anticipating critical minerals shortages, coordinating responses to deliberate market disruption, and diversifying and onshoring, where possible, mining, processing, manufacturing, and recycling.

    We are launching a G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan, building on the Five-Point Plan for Critical Minerals Security established during Japan’s G7 Presidency in 2023 and advanced by Italy in 2024. The Action Plan will focus on diversifying the responsible production and supply of critical minerals, encouraging investments in critical mineral projects and local value creation, and promoting innovation.

    We are committed to action in the following areas:

    Building standards-based markets 

    We recognize that critical minerals markets should reflect the real costs of responsible extraction, processing, and trade of critical minerals, while ensuring labour standards, local consultation, anti-bribery and corruption measures and addressing negative externalities, including pollution and land degradation.

    We will develop a roadmap to promote standards-based markets for critical minerals, in collaboration with industry, international organizations, resource producing nations, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, unions, and civil society. The roadmap will establish a set of criteria that constitute a minimum threshold for standards-based markets, strengthening traceability as a necessary measure. As part of these efforts, we will evaluate potential market impacts.

    We task relevant ministers to produce this roadmap, setting out milestones to be met in fulfilling this commitment, before the end of the year. 

    Mobilizing capital and investing in partnerships 

    We recognize the need to work together to increase investment in responsible critical minerals projects within the G7 and around the world. Immediate and scaled investment is required to secure future supply chains and ensure promising mining and processing projects overcome barriers such as delays in permitting and approvals processes, market manipulation, and price volatility. 

    Critical minerals are an opportunity to build mutually beneficial partnerships and drive economic development, innovation and shared prosperity. We will continue to work with emerging market and developing country partners to develop quality infrastructure, such as economic corridors. We will address investment barriers and support policy and regulatory reforms that improve the investment climate of our partners and empower entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries, including through the G20 Compact with Africa. Our approach will support local economic growth, build community trust, and reduce investment risks, creating the necessary conditions to attract responsible private capital. 

    We will continue to support the development of responsible critical minerals projects through direct partnerships with each other and by promoting private sector investment. We encourage our export credit agencies and development finance institutions (DFIs) to identify more opportunities for collaboration. We also welcome the work of the G7 DFIs to enhance coordination on critical minerals projects as an important step.

    To build on this momentum, we encourage multilateral development banks, as well as private sector lenders, to make further capital available for investment in standards-based critical minerals projects, including through innovative financing. We also encourage them to leverage existing financing mechanisms to de-risk projects, maximize and mobilize private capital, and increase the resilience and security of global critical minerals supply chains. 

    We are committed to deepening our cooperation with mineral-rich emerging market and developing country partners. We will help build their capacity; foster local value creation; create opportunities for all; promote responsible mining practices; combat gender-based violence in the mining industry; support the improvement of artisanal mining; and diversify global critical minerals value chains. 

    In this spirit, to promote responsible mining-related activities in emerging mining nations, we welcome the G7 Finance Ministers commitment to strengthen the World Bank-led Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chain Enhancement (RISE) Partnership. Interested G7 members will also support initiatives such as the Minerals Security Partnership and its MSP Forum, and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development.

    Recalling our commitment to promote debt sustainability and transparency, we acknowledge the challenges faced by developing countries with mounting debt levels, including to finance infrastructure. We will promote debt sustainability through transparent and fair development finance, and we will support countries facing debt challenges including near-term liquidity challenges. We call on all international providers of finance to do the same. This includes working within the G20 to improve the implementation of the Common Framework.

    Promoting innovation

    We have rich public and private innovation ecosystems with untapped potential to address strategic technology and processing gaps essential to bringing critical minerals to market. 

    We will intensify our collaboration to fill targeted innovation gaps in critical minerals research and development, with a focus on processing, licensing, recycling, substitution and redesign, and circular economy. We will work with partner organizations to showcase new technologies and production processes.

    We look forward to the upcoming Conference on Critical Materials and Minerals, to be chaired by the United States in Chicago, in September 2025, in order to advance this work. 

    We welcome the endorsement of the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan by the Leaders of Australia, India, and the Republic of Korea. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Why Canada’s largest battery project is an energy gamechanger

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Why Canada’s largest battery project is an energy gamechanger

    “Being able to move energy from times of surplus to times of need is a real asset,” says Vittoria Bellissimo, president and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association. “What you need to run a reliable, clean, affordable electricity system is a diversified set of supply resources but also demand resources.” Read more.
    The post Why Canada’s largest battery project is an energy gamechanger appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Labor Market Challenges and Policy Reforms in the Kyrgyz Republic: Kyrgyz Republic

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    This SIP reviews the labor market constraints to growth and development in the Kyrgyz Republic, including gender-specific constraints. It is motivated by the high annual population growth rate of 2 percent, which implies 50,000 new labor market entrants per year. The review canvasses broadly recent additions to the relevant economic literature and databases. The SIP finds that significant informality, low worker productivity, a skills mismatch, and the gender gap in labor participation undermine improvements in, and the efficient allocation of, the labor force. The paper suggests a sharper focus of more flexible labor market policies, a more cost-effective education system, and better social safety nets.

    Subject: Employment, Expenditure, Gender, Gender diversity, Gender inequality, Labor, Labor costs, Labor force, Labor market policy, Labor markets, Unemployment benefits, Women

    Keywords: Agricultural sector, Education, Employment, Gender, Gender diversity, Gender inequality, Growth, Labor costs, Labor force, Labor Market, Labor market policy, Labor markets, Labor Productivity, Structural Reforms, Unemployment benefits, Women

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Potential Output in the Kyrgyz Republic: Kyrgyz Republic

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    This paper revisits the potential output of the Kyrgyz Republic considering recent structural shifts and external shocks, including the pandemic and the regional conflict. Utilizing a suite of methodologies – production function, state-space models, and statistical filters – it estimates potential output growth at 5.3 percent, up from around 4.4 percent prior to the pandemic. This increase is primarily driven by capital accumulation and labor force expansion. However, total factor productivity remains below historical averages. The persistently positive output gap points to overheating risks, underscoring the need for counter-cyclical policies and structural reforms.

    Subject: Econometric analysis, Financial institutions, Gross capital formation, Inflation, Labor, Labor force, Labor markets, National accounts, Output gap, Potential output, Prices, Production, Stocks, Total factor productivity, Unemployment, Vector error correction models

    Keywords: Capital Accumulation, Gross capital formation, Inflation, Labor force, Labor markets, Migration, Output gap, Output Gap, Potential output, Potential Output, Productivity, Stocks, Structural Reforms, Total factor productivity, Total Factor Productivity, Unemployment, Vector error correction models

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County Relocates

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County Relocates

    Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County Relocates

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    – The Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County has relocated to offer in-person support to Kentucky survivors who experienced loss as the result of the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from May 16-17

    The new location for the Disaster Recovery Center in Laurel County is: Somerset Community College, Laurel Campus Building 2, Room 206, 100 University Drive, London, KY 40741 Working hours are 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    Eastern Time, Monday through Saturday and 1 – 7 p

    m

    Eastern Time, Sunday

    Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops where you can get information and advice on available assistance from state, federal and community organizations

     You can get help to apply for FEMA assistance, learn the status of your FEMA application, understand the letters you get from FEMA and get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance

     FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected by the May tornadoes to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible

    The deadline to apply is July 23

    You can visit any Disaster Recovery Center to get in-person assistance

    No appointment is needed

    To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema

    gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362

     You don’t have to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance

    There are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

    When you apply, you will need to provide:A current phone number where you can be contacted

    Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

    If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

    For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4875

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

     
    martyce

    allenjr
    Tue, 06/17/2025 – 13:07

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers in Hart, Nelson Counties To Close Permanently; Help is Still Available

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers in Hart, Nelson Counties To Close Permanently; Help is Still Available

    Disaster Recovery Centers in Hart, Nelson Counties To Close Permanently; Help is Still Available

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    –The Disaster Recovery Centers in Hart and Nelson counties are scheduled to close permanently June 14 at 7 p

    m

    Kentucky survivors who experienced loss as the result of the April severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides can still apply for FEMA assistance

      The Disaster Recovery Center in Hart County: Community Center, 7035 Raider Hollow Road, Munfordville, KY 42765Working hours for June 14 are 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    CT

    The Disaster Recovery Center in Nelson County:Boston Community Center, 61 Lebanon Junction Road, Boston, KY 40107Working hours for June 14 are 9 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    ET

    Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops where you can get information and advice on available assistance from state, federal and community organizations

     You can get help to apply for FEMA assistance, learn the status of your FEMA application, understand the letters you get from FEMA and get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance

     FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected by the April storms to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible

    The deadline to apply is July 25

    You can visit any Disaster Recovery Center to get in-person assistance

    No appointment is needed

    To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema

    gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362

     You don’t have to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance

    There are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

    When you apply, you will need to provide:A current phone number where you can be contacted

    Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

    If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860 and www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

     
    martyce

    allenjr
    Tue, 06/17/2025 – 12:29

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali – B10-0281/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Merja Kyllönen
    on behalf of The Left Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0281/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0281/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0281/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali

     

    (2025/2754(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    1. whereas the Military Junta, in power for five years, has recently dissolved all political parties and organizations and banned political gatherings; whereas it came after opposition groups and human rights organizations condemned the National Conference’s recommendation to extend President Goïta’s term until 2030; whereas political parties had called on the authorities to respect the Transition Charter and organize elections;

     

    1. whereas these measures are part of a broader trend of restrictions on civic space, including the arrest of opposition figures; whereas since 2024 the military authorities have intensified repression; whereas between April and July 2024, the authorities suspended the activities of political parties and political associations;

     

    1. whereas the constitution enacted in 2023 by the transitional authorities, guarantees the existence of political parties and asserts their right to ‘form and operate freely under the conditions determined by law’;

     

     

    1. Supports the aspirations of the Malian people for democracy and changes and strongly rejects the repression of demonstrators and the crackdown on the opposition;
    2. Condemns the dissolution of the political parties and the suspension of political gatherings; highlights that these measures odd with the constitution and are incompatible with Mali’s international human rights obligations including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
    3. Calls on the transitional authorities to refrain from extending the transition period again and to organise credible, free, and fair elections;
    4. Invites to the Malian transitional authorities to engage in peaceful and truly inclusive dialogue with all actors involved in legal reform processes;
    5. Requests to the transitional authorities, to end the escalating crackdown on civic space and to allow the full exercise of freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association and the media, as well as the right to participate in public affairs, including by ceasing the harassment of critical media, journalists and peaceful dissents; urges them to release those who have been arrested on politically motivated grounds;
    6. Denounces the presence of the Wagner Group and the Africa Corps and urges to hold them accountable as well as members of the Malian security forces, for their abuses against civilians;
    7. Notes the growing rejection of the former colonial power and of European diplomacy on the continent without ignoring attempts to manipulate information by third parties including Russia; insists that the only way to regain the confidence of citizens is to replace relations of domination at military, economic, monetary and political level with relations of equals, respecting international law and the principles of non-interference in internal affairs;
    8. Condemns the economic, social and political interference implemented through the Structural Adjustment Plans of the World Bank and the IMF; reminds that making assistance contingent on general spending cuts have undermined Malian  people’s economic, social and cultural rights; calls on the IMF and  World Bank to cancel the external debt of African countries;
    9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU institutions, Member States, and the Malian authorities.

     

     

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –