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  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPIEF-2024: Integration of Education, Science and Business

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The first day of the Polytechnic University at the Expoforum site during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum was eventful. Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy took part in several events organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and also signed a number of cooperation agreements.

    In the morning, experts discussed the topic of personnel training to ensure technological leadership. Opening the session, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova noted that one of the key steps taken to synchronize the personnel training process with the demands of industrial customers and taking into account the challenges associated with the reset of the geopolitical situation was the creation of advanced engineering schools. The Deputy Minister also mentioned the Priority 2030 program, which was reconfigured this year in the direction of technological leadership. And in all projects launched on January 1, 2025, special attention is paid to personnel training. Therefore, the key principles in the new model of higher education are fundamentality, practice-orientedness and flexibility, which allows for the formation of an optimal personnel training scheme in communication with industrial partners.

    Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy developed the topic, sharing the Polytechnic University’s experience in implementing practice-oriented learning, students completing real projects and R&D for industry, for which new educational technologies are used.

    “Each university has its own forms and formats of training that are closely related to the implementation of real industrial or technological tasks. The general public should know about this,” says Andrey Rudskoy. “The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has created a media activity rating, and it shows how a particular university works with different audiences, including future engineers or industrialists. I cannot help but note that Polytechnic University has been in the top three for the second year, including holding first place. We also won a grant from the ministry for the popularization of science, and I think that at the end of the year, a large work by our teachers, scientists, and colleagues from the industrial sector will be published, which will be called “Popularization of Digital Engineering Tools in the Activities of a Modern Engineering University within the Framework of the Concept of Achieving Technological Leadership in Russia.” A serious work, serious reviewers from the Academy of Sciences. Of course, we will send this book to all engineering universities so that they can learn something useful for themselves.”

    The discussion was also attended by Rector of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI Vladimir Shevchenko, Vice-Rector for Science and Digital Development of Bauman Moscow State Technical University Pavel Drogovoz, Acting Rector of Tomsk Polytechnic University Leonid Sukhikh, Director of the Young Professionals Department of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Alexander Vaino. The session was moderated by Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Dmitry Zemtsov.

    The topic of interaction between universities and businesses was developed at the afternoon session “Cooperation between universities and industries to achieve technological leadership goals,” which was held by Andrey Sharonov, CEO of the National Alliance for Social and Environmental Responsibility, Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Association of Digital Platforms.

    In order for Russia to achieve technological leadership and move to a modern system of higher education, it is necessary not only to reform the work of universities from within, but also to significantly strengthen their ties with the business community. The session participants discussed which forms of interaction between universities and businesses show the best results in strengthening the country’s technological potential; how partnerships with companies affect the level of professional training of students, the relevance of curricula, and graduates’ chances of finding a job; how to organize the productive participation of business representatives in the development of educational programs, the educational process, and students’ project activities; what role the state should play in the development and dissemination of effective models of interaction between universities and industry, etc.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Dmitry Afanasyev named the principles of strategic reorientation. The first is focusing on state and industry priorities of technological development, the second is building a unique architecture of interaction with partners by universities. It is important to take into account that the work should be carried out for the future, including the creation of those industries and specialties that do not yet exist, but there is an understanding that they will be needed. It is necessary to reboot all key development programs, such as Priority 2030, PIS, Campus, etc. And, finally, this is a new model of higher education, which is being built in an active dialogue with employers, industrial partners and represents a single fundamental, professional and socio-ideological core with a real practice-oriented educational programs and early professionalization, immersion in real projects and tasks, while being flexible, with the ability to adjust educational programs and sets of competencies to the tasks of technological development of industries.

    SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, using the example of the Polytechnic University, showed that effective interaction with partner companies makes it possible to promptly update educational programs, making them as compliant as possible with the requirements of the modern labor market, and also contributes to the faster implementation of innovative developments.

    Ensuring technological leadership is a common task, and the university today is an active participant in this large-scale work, Andrey Ivanovich emphasized.

    The discussion was also attended by Olga Dergunova, Senior Vice President — Head of VTB-Education at VTB Bank, Director of the Graduate School of Management at St. Petersburg State University; Dmitry Zauers, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at Gazprombank; Rostislav Kovalevsky, Director of Innovations at EFKO Management Company; Oleg Krestinin, CEO of METALLOINVEST Management Company; and Kirill Menshov, Senior Vice President, Head of the Technology Block at Sberbank.

    In addition to participating in panel discussions, the rector of SPbPU met with business partners at the St. Petersburg stand to conclude cooperation agreements. As the head of the university coordinating the activities of the consortium “Russian-African Network University” (RAFU), Andrey Rudskoy signed an agreement on the accession of the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences to RAFU. The agreement was also signed by the director of the Institute of Africa Irina Abramova.

    Currently, the consortium includes more than 90 Russian educational, scientific organizations and companies, and on the African side – 45 universities and organizations from 15 countries. The Institute of Africa’s accession to the consortium is very important, because it is focused specifically on working with African countries, studying their history, culture, and everyday life. I am confident that our new partner will make a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of this continent and the peoples inhabiting it, – commented Andrey Rudskoy.

    “It is a great honor for me to become a member of this network university, because Africa is, first and foremost, people. In 2100, 40 percent of the world’s population will live in Africa, which means that a lot will change, and we need to prepare for this now,” added Irina Abramova. “The most important thing is, what will the people who make up 40 percent of the population be like? First of all, they must be educated, they must be self-sufficient, but at the same time, they must preserve their culture and traditions. And it is precisely the preparation of such friendly elites who protect national interests and look to the future that the network university is engaged in.”

    At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Andrey Rudskoy represents not only the Polytechnic University, but also the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which he has headed since 2023. As Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, he signed several cooperation agreements.

    The subject of the agreement with the Archival Committee of St. Petersburg was the establishment of partnership relations and the development of long-term and effective cooperation, which includes educational activities and the holding of popular science events.

    Andrey Rudskoy and the Chairman of the Archive Committee of St. Petersburg Pyotr Tishchenko agreed that the goal of cooperation would be to unite the efforts of the scientific and educational community to improve the scientific, educational and cultural level of the population of the Russian Federation; dissemination of knowledge about the history of Russia and its achievements, milestones in the development of the Russian Academy of Sciences; objective coverage of historical facts and events; development of scientific, educational and educational projects; holding joint cultural and educational events; popularization of domestic science; assistance in increasing the prestige of scientific activity, etc.

    After the signing ceremony, Andrey Rudskoy shared a secret: We are currently deciding on the creation of a museum of the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences on 5 University Embankment. And without the Central Archive, it will be difficult for us, because it contains a huge mass of documents that reflect the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences: personal files, letters of outstanding people, academics, travelers. I hope that we will creatively bring this project to life together.

    Pyotr Tishchenko said that on June 9, thanks to the help of scientists from the Institute of History, a decree from the founder of St. Petersburg, Peter the Great, on how to build in the Northern capital was discovered in the Central Archive.

    “Without a scientific basis, we will not be able to extract more benefit from the treasure that archives store,” the head of the Archives Committee believes. “But the most difficult thing is to capture our history in a world where digital has become a part of life as reliably as our predecessors preserved the memory of the past. Science should help build archives of the future and teach how to work in them using modern tools, so we are joining forces.”

    A cooperation agreement was also concluded between the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The signing was attended by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and the President of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Katenev.

    The agreement provides for the development of a strategic partnership for the joint implementation of scientific, applied and innovative projects; assistance in bringing high-tech solutions developed on the basis of the Russian Academy of Sciences to the market; the formation of a sustainable ecosystem of interaction between science, industry, business support institutions and education; support for the export potential of science-intensive products and competencies; the development of mechanisms for certification, independent assessment and promotion of scientific results; joint training and retraining of specialists taking into account modern industrial requirements and technological trends.

    The partners hope that the cooperation will contribute to strengthening the interaction between science and business, developing innovative and technological cooperation, popularizing the results of scientific activity and supporting entrepreneurship.

    “The Chamber of Commerce and Industry unites all the leading enterprises of St. Petersburg, it is at the forefront of all projects that are being implemented in the industry and economy of our city,” Andrey Rudskoy noted after the signing. “And, of course, this is of utmost importance to us, because I am sure that our science in symbiosis with enterprises, in addition to the fundamental, has great practical significance. Most importantly, we are faced with a colossal task – to achieve technological leadership, and here we must jointly make every effort.”

    “Maybe I’ll say it pragmatically, but our task is to monetize the achievements that exist in our big science, so that it doesn’t turn out like in the story of Lefty, who shoed a flea, and that’s where the business ended,” Vladimir Katenyov supported. “We must bring the achievements of science to the people, to our industry, we really value this cooperation and will work with great pleasure.”

    The work at the stand ended with the signing of a trilateral cooperation agreement between the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, OOO Expert Analytics Center and Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District.

    The documents were signed by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy, the General Director of the Expert Analytics Center Kristina Muravyova and the Director of the Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District Alexander Shchelkanov.

    The ceremony participants confirmed their desire to improve the quality and depth of scientific and analytical research, expand areas and directions of cooperation, create intra-Russian scientific collaborations, and support joint projects, competitions, and awards.

    “For us, the analysis of the activities of academic institutes is very important, this will allow them to find partners from among enterprises, on the basis of which they could realize their interests,” commented Andrey Rudskoy. “The second point is that we are interested in international activities. Here we must be careful, but, on the other hand, expand contacts between organizations. And the third, of course, is the popularization of science.”

    “The TechUspekh award is already successfully operating at the federal level, and we would like to hold it in the regions as well,” Aleksandr Shchelkanov supported. “Our format is to popularize technologies, investments, what is interesting to the business audience, but we need to strengthen expertise. That is why we have had the Opinion Leader award for two years now, and I think that an entire nomination will be dedicated to science, and it will be possible to compete in a fair and competitive struggle, because both readers and the expert community vote.”

    “In addition to information support, we will be directly involved in scientific and analytical work,” Kristina Muravyova revealed the details of the cooperation. “Working with RAS academicians gives us the opportunity to apply real research in big science in practice and show businesses that innovations can be quickly applied and it is not necessary to wedge in only at the stage when you can make a profit from it, but sometimes it is profitable to stand at the origins of fundamental research in order to be ahead of the rest of the world. And given that technological progress is now moving at a rapid pace, we hope that the combination of academicians’ expertise in fundamental science and experts with deep industry knowledge will allow the academy to participate, among other things, in monitoring the formation of routing maps for project implementation at all stages, including investment and commissioning. In order to understand whether it is worth launching a project or not, such an expert association, in our opinion, will be as comfortable as possible for both business and the state. And here the academy takes on the main role in order to be a guarantor of security.”

    Read about other events of SPIEF-2025 in our next publications.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group increases 2025 financing ceiling to record €100 billion to step up investments in security and defence, energy grids and Europe’s tech leadership

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The 27 Member States endorse plan to increase new financing to record of up to €100 billion in 2025.
    • Revised ceiling includes 3.5% of total financing for European security and defence. EIB Board also approves landmark project for construction of military base in Lithuania.
    • EIB Group shareholders launch largest EU programme to fund Europe’s technological leadership and approve first wave of new instruments to support cleantech.
    • EIF Board approves deal with German Export Credit Agency to provide a pan-European guarantee for companies trading with Ukraine.

    The shareholders of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, the EU Member States, approved a record-high financing ceiling of €100 billion for this year and new programmes to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, technological leadership and security.

    The EIB Board of Governors, made up of European Union Finance Ministers, endorsed the 2025 financing ceiling at a meeting today in Luxembourg. The Boards of Directors of the EIB and of the European Investment Fund (EIF) gave the green light earlier this week to the increase in financing for security and defence, energy grids and the new TechEU programme to boost Europe’s technological leadership. They also approved flagship projects including to support Ukraine’s economy and the construction of a major military base in Lithuania.

    “The unanimous support of our shareholders, the 27 Member States, for our proposals to provide record financing for defence, energy security and tech leadership, shows the key role of the EIB Group to support Europe’s strategic priorities,” said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño. “In a world where everything everywhere is changing all at once, the EU is a beacon of clarity, confidence and stability.”

    The EIB Group’s new 2025 financing ceiling of €100 billion follows a mid-year review of the organisation’s operational plan, which includes an increase to 3.5% of total financing for the European security and defence sector, record financing of more than €11 billion for power grids and storage in Europe, and greater support for EU technological and industrial innovation.

    TechEU programme

    The EIB Group is launching the EU’s largest financing programme to date in support of innovation and tech leadership to attract talent, capital and investment in Europe. TechEU will provide €70 billion in EIB Group equity, quasi-equity, loans and guarantees in 2025-2027 and crowd in private capital to generate at least €250 billion in investments.

    TechEU is complementing the “Startup and Scaleup Strategy” of the European Commission to support higher risk projects and innovative companies throughout their investment journey.  

    TechEU provides more support for supercomputing, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, critical raw materials, green industries such as offshore wind, health, security and defence technologies, robotics and advanced materials. It will target innovative companies at every stage of their development – from initial ideas to stock listings.

    Clean Industrial Deal

    The EIB Board has also approved the first wave of instruments under TechEU to support Europe’s leadership in cleantech, in line with the EU Clean Industrial Deal, including the reinforcement of cross guarantees for wind energy production, and three new instruments to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness:

    • A €1.5 billion package to provide counter-guarantees through partner banks to grid component manufacturers to ensure sustainable supply, giving companies greater certainty to ramp up production of electricity networks across Europe. This will facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the grid and the delivery of affordable power to EU businesses and households. 
    •  To help ensure predictable and affordable energy costs for businesses and accelerate investments in green energy, the EIB and European Commission are launching a €500 million pilot programme to support the take-up of more corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs). The EIB will counter-guarantee, through partner banks, part of the PPAs undertaken by mid-sized as well as larger energy-intensive companies for the long-term purchase of electricity generation from clean sources.
    • To provide liquidity and working capital for highly innovative small and medium-sized enterprises active in developing green technologies, the EIB and Commission are launching a €250 million CleantechEU guarantee scheme.
    • A €1.5 billion top-up to a successful EIB programme supporting European wind turbine and component manufacturers.

    New chairs

    Czech Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura will take over as new chair of the Board of Governors for one year with immediate effect.  

    “The EIB has a key role in supporting European priorities from defence to energy security or affordable housing,” said Czech Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura. “I am delighted to take over the chair of the Board of Governors. I look forward to working closely with President Calviño and other EU Finance Ministers to support the EIB, as it steps up its activities to help tackle the many challenges Europe is facing.”

    “The EIB has impressively demonstrated its ability to support European objectives in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment and to effectively fulfil its increasing responsibilities in support of security and defence, green and digital transitions and economic growth in Europe, while safeguarding bank’s operational and financial position,” said Bulgarian Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova, who chaired the Board of Governors during the past 12 months. “I would like to express my appreciation to President Calviño, the institution and send my best wishes to the new chair, my dear colleague Zbyněk Stanjura.”

    The Board of Governors also welcomed Katja Pluto as new chair of the Audit Committee, succeeding Nuno Gracias Fernandes. In addition, the Audit Committee presented its annual report.

    Energy security, defence and global partnerships

    Before the Board of Governors, this week’s EIB and EIF Boards of Directors approved new operations totalling €12.8 billion to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities, competitiveness, energy security and partnerships worldwide. This includes initiatives under the EIB Group Clean Industrial Deal package and support for the development in Lithuania of the Rūdninkai military base, for the German Bundeswehr brigade, a key project to enhance North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations and regional security.

    The EIB Board approved three solar photovoltaic plants in Romania, water infrastructure in Ireland and the Netherlands, electricity grids in Germany and education facilities in Finland. In addition, the EIB is strengthening Europe’s global partnerships by backing renewable energy in Colombia, sustainable waterway transport in Nigeria and water sanitation services in Tanzania.

    The European Investment Fund (EIF) Board approved a guarantee transaction with the German national export credit agency to strengthen support for German companies exporting to Ukraine, as well as two guarantee transactions with Ukrainian banks to improve access to finance for more than 1,500 Ukrainian businesses. This follows the first signature in May with the Danish Export Credit Agency to provide a pan-European guarantee for companies exporting to Ukraine.

    In addition, the EIF approved investments in four infrastructure funds that will support greenfield data centres, wireless and fibre investments, decarbonization of the shipping sector, sustainable mobility, and student housing.

    Statements around the EIB Board of Governors will be available on EBS.

    Background information  

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. The EIB finances investments in eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives: climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.   

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.     

    By fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the EU targets cohesion regions, where per-capita income is below the EU average, while almost 60% of annual EIB Group investments supports climate action and environmental sustainability. 

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.  

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RM of BTS Debuts as Samsung Electronics’ Art TV Global Ambassador at Art Basel in Basel 2025

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics announced that RM of 21st century pop icons BTS has been named the new global ambassador for Samsung Art TVs earlier this week. RM joined Samsung at Art Basel in Basel 2025 to celebrate creativity, share his passion for art and spotlight how Samsung Art TVs and Samsung Art Store are making curated art experiences more accessible than ever before.
     
    
    ▲ RM’s interview at Samsung ArtCube during Art Basel in Basel 2025
     

    ▲ RM admires artwork by Kun-Yong Lee.

     

    ▲ RM engages with a piece by Basim Magdy.

     

    ▲ RM stops to look at artwork inside ArtCube.

     

    ▲ RM checks out a piece on display at ArtCube.

     
    As an artist, collector and cultural voice, RM has long expressed his love for visual art — often sharing museum visits, artist insights and his own growing collection with the global audience. At Samsung’s ArtCube lounge, he reflected on what it means to live with art in a digital age, why accessibility matters and how technology is opening new doors for global discovery.
     

    ▲ RM participates in a talk session at Art Basel in Basel 2025.

     
     
    Art, Technology and the Everyday
    “When I connect with a piece of art, it’s like having a silent conversation,” said RM. “Samsung Art TV lets those conversations happen anywhere. It makes it easier for people to discover artists, reflect on their own emotions and build a personal connection with the art they choose to live with.”
     
    Known for his thoughtful approach to art and culture, RM took the opportunity to share his personal reflections. He spoke about how art has influenced his worldview and how platforms like Samsung Art TV offer an opportunity for everyone to make art a part of their daily lives.
     

    ▲ RM views the artwork on display inside ArtCube.

     

    ▲ RM snaps a photo inside ArtCube.

     

    ▲ RM creates a personalized selfie in the artistic style of Marc Dennis.

     

    ▲ RM reflects on artwork by Kun-Yong Lee.

     

    ▲ RM observes a piece by Kun-Yong Lee.

     
    Through the Samsung Art TV’s expansive discovery features and curated collections, RM shared that he’s been exposed to a wider world of creativity — sparking curiosity and reshaping how he thinks about visual culture. He reflected on how digital platforms like Samsung Art Store are helping viewers break out of their comfort zones and pre-set tastes shaped by algorithms.
     
    “Every space has a mood,” RM shared during the talk session. “And sometimes a single artwork or a frame can shift that feeling. I love that Samsung Art TV gives people the freedom to discover and live with art in a way that fits their everyday rhythm.”
     
    A Personal Vision for the Future    
    RM also confirmed he is actively searching for a physical space to house his growing collection, an idea he’s hinted at in previous interviews. This gallery, he explained, would be rooted in a desire to connect East and West, past and present as well as personality and universality.
     
    “I want to bring everything together into one space,” he said. “Maybe I’ll call it ‘rkive’ like my Instagram. It won’t be easy, but I want to try.”
     

    ▲ RM shares his thoughts on art during a talk session held at Art Basel in Basel 2025.

     
    He expressed hope that, one day, his collection could be shared digitally through Samsung Art TV, reaching people around the world — especially those who can’t visit museums or galleries. “Unless you live in Seoul, it’s not easy to access museums or galleries to experience art in Korea.” He added that it would be great to have an ‘art bridge’ through Samsung Art TV one day, that would allow someone to “press a button and be led into a new world of art.”
     
     
    Reimagining Art for Everyone
    Samsung’s partnership with RM is rooted in a shared belief that technology can be a bridge to meaningful experiences. Whether it’s discovering a new artist, reinterpreting a classic or simply finding beauty in a quiet moment, Samsung Art TVs bring emotional and artistic depth to any space.
     
    “RM’s sincerity and influence make him a natural partner for Samsung Art TV,” said Sofia Monteiro, Curator at Samsung Art Store Europe. “He’s someone who doesn’t just appreciate art — he lives with it. And that reflects exactly what our platform is all about.”
     
    
    ▲ “Talk With RM” at Art Basel in Basel
     
    Through Samsung Art TVs, Samsung continues to redefine how people connect with art, turning walls into ever-evolving canvases and living spaces into curated galleries.
     
     
    RM and Samsung Invite the World To Live With Art
    As Samsung’s Art TV ambassador, RM continues to champion a more personal connection to art, design and culture. His partnership encourages art lovers everywhere to see creativity not as something reserved just for galleries but as something to bring into everyday life.
     
     
    About RM of BTS
    RM (Kim, Namjun) is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, music producer and leader of 21st century pop icons BTS. His discography includes solo mixtapes “RM” (March 2015) and “mono.” (October 2018), as well as solo albums “Indigo” (December 2022) and “Right Place, Wrong Person” (May 2024), which showcase his remarkable versatility across genres. As a creative powerhouse and avid art enthusiast, RM is renowned for crafting profound lyrics often inspired by various art forms. His flexible and philosophical approach to music and ability to push creative boundaries with cutting-edge collaborations has led him to work with a diverse range of artists, including Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Lil Nas X, HONNE, Mahalia and more. On May 24, 2024, RM released his critically-acclaimed second solo album “Right Place, Wrong Person.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint announcement of People’s Bank of China and Hong Kong Monetary Authority

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

    To deepen financial cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and to meet the demand of residents in both places for secure, efficient and convenient cross-boundary remittance service, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) have jointly pushed forward the cooperation between the China National Clearing Center (CNCC) and the Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) in linking the faster payment systems in the Mainland and Hong Kong (hereafter referred to as Payment Connect). It is hereby announced that:

    1. Payment Connect refers to the linkage between the Mainland’s Internet Banking Payment System (IBPS) and Hong Kong’s Faster Payment System (FPS). It supports real-time cross-boundary payment services for residents in both places, in compliance with relevant laws and regulations of the two places.

    2. Payment Connect supports the participating institutions of the faster payment systems in both places to provide convenient remittance services in Renminbi and Hong Kong dollar for residents in both places under the current account. It also supports the participating institutions in both places, on the basis of implementing relevant policies, to provide instant remittance services for salary disbursements, payments of tuition fees and medical bills, as well as other use cases beneficial to the integration of the two places.

    3. Payment Connect represents another key measure of the Central Government in supporting the development of Hong Kong. It brings convenience to people’s daily lives, deepens financial cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and enhances the efficiency and service quality of cross-boundary payments between the two places. It also facilitates economic and trade activities and flow of people, benefits Hong Kong in elevating its competitive edge, and reinforces its position as an international financial centre and a global offshore Renminbi business hub.

    4. Under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cross-Boundary Linkage of Payment Systems between the Mainland and Hong Kong, the PBoC and the HKMA will establish an effective collaboration mechanism for the Payment Connect to ensure the related services are operated in an orderly manner and comply with the respective legal and regulatory requirements in the two places.

    5. The CNCC and HKICL, having regard to the operation procedures and risk management principles, will coordinate with participating institutions to provide secure and efficient cross-boundary payment services to residents in both places, ensuring the smooth operation of the system and its transactions, while actively coordinating in resolving issues which may arise.

    6. Institutions participating in the Payment Connect shall strictly comply with the relevant laws and regulations on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, counter-proliferation financing and cross-boundary payment settlement.

    7. Payment Connect will be launched on June 22, 2025.

    Note: This is a translated version of the official announcement in Chinese.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Sensex rallies over 1,000 points, Nifty breaches 25,100

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market witnessed a powerful rally on Friday, with benchmark indices closing significantly higher, buoyed by widespread buying across sectors and strong investor sentiment.

    The BSE Sensex surged 1,046.30 points to settle at 82,408.17, while the NSE Nifty jumped 319.15 points, ending the day at 25,112.40. Among the Nifty 50 constituents, 44 stocks ended in the green, with only 6 closing in the red, indicating broad-based market strength.

    Commenting on the market action, Sundar Kewat, Technical and Derivatives Analyst at Ashika Institutional Equity – Ashika Stock Broking, noted, “In a bullish session, the Nifty opened flat at 24,787 and briefly dipped to 24,783 before staging a sharp rally. The index gained momentum right from the opening tick and scaled an intraday high of 25,078, closing firmly in the green.”

    Kewat highlighted the widespread sectoral participation, with Construction, PSU Banks, Financial Services, Auto, and Metal stocks leading the gains. The broader markets mirrored this optimism, as the Nifty Midcap 100 rose over 1 per cent, and Smallcap stocks continued to attract buying interest.

    On the derivatives front, market breadth remained robust with 186 advancing stocks versus 36 declining. Noteworthy open interest build-up was seen in Kaynes Technology, Mankind Pharma, Hero MotoCorp, JSW Steel, and LTIMindtree, signaling increased trader participation and bullish sentiment.

    Adding to the positive outlook, Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said, “Nifty moved up sharply after three days of consolidation, resuming its short-term rally. Moreover, the index has reclaimed the 21-day EMA, which could provide further momentum for an upward move.”

    De added, “Support is now placed at 24,850, and the index remains a ‘buy on dips’ as long as it holds above this level. On the higher side, it may continue advancing towards 25,350 and beyond.”

    With upbeat technical indicators and sector-wide buying, Friday’s market performance reflects growing investor confidence and sets the stage for continued momentum in the sessions ahead.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI Video: Financial literacy in Europe – Mário Centeno, Governor, Banco de Portugal

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Financial literacy is crucial for Europeans to successfully navigate the complexities of today’s financial landscape.

    Financial literacy in Europe
    https://www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb-and-you/financial_literacy_europe/html/index.en.html

    ECB International Women’s Day 2025
    https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/conferences/html/20250307_intl_womens_day.en.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVYf_y3XV3g

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: China Unicom Beijing and Huawei Are Embracing the AI Revolution, Striding Towards Intelligent Era

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: China Unicom Beijing and Huawei Are Embracing the AI Revolution, Striding Towards Intelligent Era

    [Shanghai, China, June 20, 2025] At Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2025, Yang Lifan, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom Beijing, delivered a speech titled “Are We Ready for AI?” and jointly released Smart Operation Network 2.0 with Huawei at the 5G-A Industry Roundtable. The speech highlighted the unprecedented growth of data driven by artificial intelligence (AI), which is making communications networks smarter and more automated. China Unicom Beijing will work with Huawei to upgrade 5G-A network infrastructure, push network evolution from “connection pipes” to “intelligent platforms,” and converge ICT innovations.

    Yang Lifan is delivering a keynote speech at 5G-A Industry Roundtable

    In the mobile AI era, innovative applications like human-level interactions, autonomous driving, and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) are flourishing. This has resulted in explosive traffic growth and the need for higher uplink speeds. For example, cloud-based AI training and high-definition (HD) video upload typically require an uplink bandwidth of more than 20 Mbps. Live-network traffic is expected to surge to five times the current level. Then, China Unicom Beijing’s networks will face uplink bottlenecks if only mid-band resources are used, which will compromise AI service user experience. A professional data model by China Unicom Beijing and Huawei predicts that 2029 will be the tipping point.
    Networking: 5G-A Multi-Layer Collaboration for Multi-dimensional AI User Experience
    China Unicom Beijing and Huawei have deployed the world’s first 3D smart 5G-A network across Beijing. The network will tackle the challenges of the AI era and enable ubiquitous 5G-A across both air and ground. The two companies have also piloted the world’s first 1:1 3D networking based on high- and mid-band coordination, which enables seamless 5G-A user experience. This network verifies the feasibility of high-band networking. China Unicom Beijing is leading the transition from single-band networks to a layered communications system, with high bands for network capacity, mid-bands for continuous coverage, and low bands and space-air-ground coordination for wide-area coverage. This system will strengthen the foundation for seamless interconnections for all manner of applications. The key to this network is the coordination of high, mid-, low, and other bands for low-altitude and satellite communications.
    AI: New Operations System Centered on Autonomous Networks
    Conventional networks struggle with network parameters and troubleshooting, and are heavily reliant on manual operations. China Unicom Beijing and Huawei are using AI to enable automated and unattended network operations, which is becoming the industry norm. The two companies are working to achieve automation across all network settings by 2026, covering site deployment, maintenance, optimization, and complaint handling. China Unicom Beijing and Huawei have launched a digital twin system for high-speed rail that makes passenger services fully visualized. The system transforms sensing from the line grid level to the passenger level to enable insights for each individual passenger in seconds. User experience is significantly enhanced by automatic demarcation and locating of all signals, which shortens fault response to within 10 seconds and fault self-healing to within 30 minutes. Moreover, universal intelligent service processing units (UISPs) are used to accurately identify and analyze user services. This enables service-oriented dynamic experience assurance and significantly improves 5G-A operational efficiency and service quality.
    Yang stated: “Future networks will feature space-air-ground and spectrum coordination, and their O&M will be dynamic and automated with the help of AI agents. Instead of passively reacting, operators should proactively embrace cutting-edge technology to make communications networks truly intelligent.”
    David Li, Vice President of Huawei Wireless Network Product Line, remarked: “In order to explore new connection spaces, and unlock new business value, 5G-A networks should fulfill the diverse needs of different applications, user groups, and services. Prioritizing experience-centered networks, we will continue to enable technological innovations in high uplink, low latency, and smart operations to facilitate the implementation of China Unicom Beijing’s space-air-ground integrated smart network strategy, with the aim of delivering more-than-fast experiences to users in Beijing.”
    MWC Shanghai 2025 will be held from June 18 to June 20 in Shanghai, China. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions in Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).
    The commercial adoption of 5G-Advanced is accelerating in 2025. Huawei collaborates with global carriers, industry experts, and opinion leaders to explore how innovations in AI can be used to reshape telecom services, infrastructure, and operations to generate new revenue sources and accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwcs2025

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: To increase labor productivity, businesses need to improve efficiency

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak took part in Sber’s business breakfast on the topic of “Rates against growth: what will the coming year be like?” as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    Alexander Novak spoke about the state’s participation in the development of entrepreneurship, including through national projects and the creation of infrastructure in the form of “My Business” centers. He outlined the tasks for the near future, taking into account the downward trend in inflation in Russia, the implementation of which can move the economy from the stage of controlled cooling to growth. This is a reduction in the key rate of the Central Bank and an increase in labor productivity.

    To increase labor productivity, businesses need to improve efficiency, including switching to lean manufacturing and implementing modern digital technologies.

    “The state is ready to lend a shoulder, but we must change our consciousness. And everyone who is engaged in business – from small and medium to large businesses – must accept the growth of labor productivity as a national idea. To do this, we need to introduce modern equipment: machine tools, robotic technologies, artificial intelligence,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    Regarding the key rate, Alexander Novak noted that indicators show the need to reduce it and move from a controlled cooling of the economy to the stage of its heating.

    “We must not miss the moment when this needs to be done. In the last 7 weeks, annual inflation has been at 2.6%, which is below the Central Bank’s target. The real rate is now higher than in many countries around the world and than it was at the beginning of the year. In my opinion, we need to make a decision faster that will help not freeze the economy, but give it the opportunity to move forward. This will help achieve the goals of economic sustainability and give impetus to a technological breakthrough,” said Alexander Novak.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA reviews standardised terminology in relation to payment accounts and concludes it remains fit-for-purpose

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published a report, in which it reviewed the standardised terms for the most common services related to payment accounts, as mandated by the Payment Accounts Directive (PAD). These standardised terms, which the EBA had issued in 2018, aim at making it easier for consumers to make informed choices by being able to compare payment accounts fees and offers, including on a cross-border basis. The review finds that the standardised terms remain fit-for-purpose across the European Union.

    The standardised terms are set out in Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) developed by the EBA in line with the requirements in the PAD. The EBA is required to regularly review those standardised terms. The EBA carried out its review in the first half of 2025 using a methodology that involved assessing recent EU payments laws, collecting information from National Competent Authorities (NCAs), consulting with relevant stakeholders such as the EBA Banking Stakeholder Group (BSG), and analysing internal data from recently published EBA reports.

    The findings of the review indicate that the current list of standardised terms remains suitable and does not require immediate changes. In the review process, the EBA acknowledged that there would be potential benefit for the standardised terms to be amended to include instant credit transfers, due to their increasing prevalence following the implementation of the Instant Payment Regulation (IPR). However, the EBA is of the opinion that the benefit is outweighed by the costs involved, for NCAs and for the industry as a result of the need to make available amended disclosure documents to all of their customers and NCAs. The EBA, therefore, concluded not to amend the RTS and instead to revisit the findings in four years’ time or when significant other market or legislative developments occur to ensure the terminology remains relevant and effective.

    Background and legal basis

    Article 3(4) of the Payment Accounts Directive (PAD) mandates the EBA to draft RTS setting out the Union standardised terminology for those services that are common to at least a majority of Member States. Article 3(6) of the PAD requires the EBA to review and, where necessary, update the standardised terminology.

    The PAD mandates the EBA to regularly review if the standardised terminology in the RTS remains fit-for-purpose and provides clarity and consistency for consumers and stakeholders.

    The RTS adopted by the European Commission as a Delegated Regulation are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mobile clinics enhance access to health care services in Niger

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Download logo

    In Niger, West Africa’s largest country by land surface, access to health care services is a major challenge. Just one in two people has access to health services. One of the ways to bridge the gap is through mobile clinics in remote areas and deploying medical teams from health districts to villages. 

    Among the main beneficiaries of the initiative are pregnant women. They are now able to receive emergency assistance and care for timely detection of any complications. Mariama, 42, who suffered complications after a fall, is grateful to have received care thanks to a mobile clinic. Ordinarily, she would have had to travel for a whole day to the nearest district health facility in Dosso town from her home in the southwest of Niger. 

    “As I was preparing to make the trip, I was informed of a mobile clinic in our area, and I went there the very next day. The team midwife consulted me and discovered that I had premature rupture of membranes,” she recounts. 

    Under the initiative “mobile clinic teams visit villages that are hard to reach for health care in general and reproductive health services for women and children in particular,” says Nafissatou Salifou Panga, midwife and Reproductive Health Focal Point for Dosso health district. “It is a huge relief that pregnant women are able to benefit from care that detects risks in time and provides them with appropriate care.” 

    Thanks to the care and follow-up she received, Mariama gave birth safely. Like Mariama, 267 pregnant women in Dosso and Filingué districts benefited from mobile clinic consultations in 2024. In all, almost 28 000 people were consulted and 3767 women received reproductive health services. Around 16 000 women were sensitized by community outreach teams on reproductive, maternal and neonatal health in the two districts. In Mariama’s case, the community health teams shared awareness messages that enabled her to be informed in time of the arrival of the mobile clinic.

    By reaching populations far from health centres, the mobile clinic initiative also helps to improve health coverage at district and national levels. For example, the maternal mortality ratio fell from 441 per 100 000 live births in 2017 to 350 in 2023, according to World Bank data. 

    Dr Aissatou Laouali, in charge of the reproductive health programme with World Health Organization (WHO) in Niger, says the initiative helping to accelerate efforts towards health for all. “For vulnerable populations, rapid access to quality health care is vital. Through these initiatives, we hope to move forward in solving the challenges particularly faced by mothers and children living in remote areas.”
    To ensure service quality, the district, in collaboration with WHO, organizes planning meetings and field supervision trips and supports the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene in improving maternal and child health, in particular by providing technical guidelines, standards and protocols for reproductive, maternal and child health. 

    Other support includes training health workers and improving the facilities in mother-and-child health centres, regional and district hospitals, and integrated health centres. WHO also supports training of health providers to ensure quality of care and health surveillance to curb maternal mortality.  

    Niger has maintained the mobile clinics introduced earlier. In 2024, with support from WHO and donor financing, operational and medical equipment and supply needs of the mobile clinics were catered for. Additionally, 56 health workers and community outreach officers were trained in reproductive health in Dosso and Filingué districts.

    “I was very satisfied with the care provided … I encourage the women in my community to come to the mobile clinic for any health problem,” says Mariama. “If I hadn’t gone to the centre after the incident, I would have had an infection with the risk of losing my baby.”

    – on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Resilient and rising: India in global economic big league

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    If we compare growth projections with actual data, Indian economy looks all set to achieve milestones well ahead of schedule. The journey to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, to graduate to third-largest and, ultimately, to attain developed-nation status now appears firmly on track for the coming years.

    The projections-versus-reality data confirm the resilience of its economy, putting it on the growth track, be it swift recovery after the COVID-19 crisis and its global after-effects or other global conflict points. The resilience gives Indian economy a positive push needed for the economic surge. India has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy, keeping inflation largely in check, even as the price pressure marker climbed worldwide and hit a 40-year high in the United States.

    The economic resilience that helps India endure negative outcomes – headwinds such as persistent trade frictions—including reciprocal tariff measures by the United States and global debate around it—and geopolitical shocks such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel–Hamas conflict, and broader West Asian turbulence including the recently started Israel–Iran war.

    While these events are sending aftershocks through a global economy still battered by the pandemic, India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, strong infrastructure build-out, healthy financial sector and vast domestic market—underpinned by solid consumer demand, consistent policy, and an improving business climate—the underlying factors behind its resilience—have helped it weather the storm.

    While the global economy, on a whole, decelerates, India has managed to sustain a growth rate above 6 per cent year after year—an unparalleled feat for a major economy in the current gloomy economic scenario.

    Remains a Bright Spot

    Borge Brende, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Economic Forum, remarked in a recent television interview that India remains a bright spot among the world’s major economies, citing its young, tech-savvy workforce. His interview was done after a WEF analysis that warned that the 2025 global economic outlook was clouded by deep uncertainty. Back in January 2024, he had described India as a bright spot amid global doom.

    The International Monetary Fund echoes this view. Its 2023 World Economic Outlook named India the bright spot in an otherwise gloomy global economic scenario, stressing that the country will be a key driver of growth in the years ahead.

    The World Bank is very bullish on India’s economic growth and will remain so, said Auguste Tano Kouame, the World Bank Country Director for India, in February 2025. India is the shining light in the world, according to World Bank analysts.

    The World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP), a report released by the United Nations on 15 May 2025, states that while the global economy is slowing down, India remains the only bright spot—a point the IMF had made back in 2022.

    Positive projections followed by assessments—that have been reiterated in credible analytic reports by different global agencies.

    An Economic Resilience that Performs

    According to an EY projection, India is expected to surpass Germany to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. The assessment, “India — towards becoming the third-largest economy in the world”, states that India is expected to surpass both Japan and Germany in nominal GDP terms by 2027. The projection to surpass Japan’s economy comes two years in advance—by the 2025 financial year. The EY analysis also estimates that India’s economy will cross the USD 5 trillion mark by that year, with a projected GDP size of USD 5.2 trillion.

    According to the assessment, which compares nominal and PPP international dollar GDPs of six major economies—the United States, China, Japan, Germany, India, and the United Kingdom—from 2022 to projections until 2028—India leads in GDP growth rate. The country is projected to have an 8.7% compound nominal growth rate (between 2022 and 2028), outstripping China’s growth rate of 7.2%, and more than double the United States’ growth rate of 4.1% for the same period.

    In PPP international dollar terms, India is already the third-largest economy, ahead of Japan and Germany, and is fast closing the gap with the United States and China. The EY analysis says India’s PPP economy is expected to register a growth rate of around 8.5% a year and will add nearly USD 7.5 trillion to its economy between 2022 and 2028—equivalent to Japan’s entire current annual PPP output in 2028. By 2028, India will further narrow this gap with China, the country with the largest economy globally in PPP international dollar terms.

    The report further predicts that by 2027, in PPP terms, the United States’ economy will be just 1.7 times larger than the Indian economy, while another EY assessment estimates that by the late 2040s, with a real growth rate of 6 to 7%, India will surpass the United States to become the world’s second-largest economy in PPP terms.

    Another assessment, released by Morgan Stanley in March 2025, suggests India will become the third-largest economy in the world by 2028. According to the global financial services firm, India’s economy is expected to reach USD 4.7 trillion by 2026, overtaking Japan to become the fourth-largest economy. When compared with real data, the country is expected to achieve this milestone sooner.

    By 2028, India is projected to surpass Germany to become the third-largest economy globally, at USD 5.7 trillion. The analysis further states that India’s share in the world’s GDP, currently at 3.5%, is projected to rise to 4.5% by 2029.

    The growth rate of the last quarter—or real GDP growth rate from January 2025 to March 2025—further confirms the resilient nature of the Indian economy. The real growth rate for the last quarter was calculated at 7.4%, outperforming expectations. In nominal GDP terms, the Indian economy was estimated to have expanded by 10.8%. A composite annual growth rate for the year 2024–25, in real GDP terms for the country, was estimated at 6.5%, in line with expectations, while in nominal terms it was estimated at 9.8%.

    According to projections made in another EY analysis, the country’s GDP has the potential to cross the threshold of USD 5 trillion by 2026, USD 10 trillion by 2033, USD 20 trillion by 2042, and USD 30 trillion by 2047 in market exchange terms—a dataset that matches with projections made in India on its developmental journey to become a developed nation by 2047. In PPP terms, by 2047, India’s economy is expected to cross the USD 40 trillion-threshold. Its share in the world GDP is expected to reach 19.6% by that financial year.

    India’s per capita GDP in PPP terms, which was 50% of the world’s average per capita GDP in 2022–23, is expected to become equal to it by the 2040s and 1.5 times higher by 2057.

    According to a Goldman Sachs economic research report released in December 2022 on long-term economic forecasts, China, the US, India, Indonesia, and Germany are projected to be the world’s five largest economies in real GDP terms. By 2075, India is expected to replace the United States to become the second-largest economy behind China.

     

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Monetary Policy Committee Decision – June 2025

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    At the meeting held on 19 June 2025, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Botswana maintained the Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) at 1.9 percent, while it increased the repurchase agreement (repo) tenure from up to 7 days to up to one month.

    Monetary Policy Decision -June 2025.pdf

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Monetary Policy Committee Decision – June 2025

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    At the meeting held on 19 June 2025, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Botswana maintained the Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) at 1.9 percent, while it increased the repurchase agreement (repo) tenure from up to 7 days to up to one month.

    Monetary Policy Decision -June 2025.pdf

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Executive Secretary in Kyiv at launch of work on Ukraine’s State Housing Policy Strategy and to advance support for green recovery

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    In Kyiv amid some of the deadliest and most devastating attacks on Ukraine’s capital, a UNECE team led by Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean has expressed renewed solidarity with the people of Ukraine and full support to national and local recovery efforts. 

    Faced with acute damage to its ageing housing stock, Ukraine is looking not only to restore what was lost but to rethink and rebuild its housing systems, institutions, and approaches to reflect the needs of a modern, resilient, and inclusive country. 

    The housing sector has been among the hardest hit: an estimated 13% of all housing stock in the country has been damaged or destroyed, affecting more than 2.5 million households, according the joint Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4) commissioned by the Ukrainian Government, the World Bank Group, the European Commission and the UN.  

    UNECE is supporting the government to prepare for the recovery of the housing sector through the development of the State Housing Policy Strategy. The Strategy is guided by the draft Law “On the Basic Principles of Housing Policy”, which was prepared with UNECE support through the UN4UkrainianCities initiative. 

    This week in Kyiv, UNECE joined the World Bank and other partners  for the launch of the development of the Strategy, which will be a decisive step for the entire housing policy system — from mechanisms for addressing housing needs to the management of housing stock, from support for internally displaced persons to the restoration of damaged housing. Specifically, the Strategy will define directions, mechanisms, key changes, and indicators for monitoring progress, and outline the scope of needs and planned funding sources.  

    The aim of the project is to ensure that Ukraine’s State Housing Policy Strategy reflects both domestic needs and international commitments, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNECE will support the government through recommendations on policy design, housing delivery mechanisms, and institutional reforms that are grounded in international experience. 

    In Kyiv, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean emphasized that “Ukraine’s State Housing Policy Strategy can serve as a foundation for an updated housing policy that goes beyond regulatory changes and establishes a long-term, integrated vision — and, ultimately, contributes to a better quality of life for millions of Ukrainians.” She highlighted UNECE’s longstanding partnership with Ukraine in this area.  

    The Strategy will focus on: the international and national context; housing stock (condition), including on the extent of destruction and recovery; exercising the right to housing; financing and construction of new housing; housing stock management; restoration of the housing stock; affordability of housing; transparency of housing policy. 

    The UN4UkrainianCities initiative, launched by UNECE and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and supported by GIZ, works in close cooperation with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine and the cities of Kharkiv and Mykolaiv. It focuses on building back better in Ukraine and the two cities, including by developing a new, modern housing policy that can be effectively implemented at the local level.  

    Supporting a green and resilient recovery  

    Expressing UNECE’s readiness to continue supporting the green recovery of Ukraine, Ms. Molcean discussed with Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, Ms. Svitlana Grynchuk, the country’s strong engagement despite the extreme challenges posed by the war, harnessing in particular UNECE’s Multilateral Environmental Agreements. Since 2022, Ukraine has acceded to the UNECE Industrial Accidents Convention and the GMO amendment under the Aarhus Convention, and signed a bilateral agreement with Romania on the Implementation of the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention). UNECE is also supporting Ukraine’s transition to a climate-resilient and net-zero economy — by integrating green policies, financial mechanisms and stakeholder collaboration — through the Platform for Action on the Green Recovery of Ukraine, established jointly with UNEP and OECD. 

    In meetings with Ukrainian high-level officials, the Executive Secretary further reaffirmed commitment to supporting Ukraine to address challenges in housing and other areas of UNECE expertise, in particular in energy and environmental protection. She met with Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories, Ms. Natalia Kozlovska, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Ms. Y.Svyrydenko, and Deputy Chair of Verkhovna Rada, Ms. Olena Kondratyuk, as well as heads of Verkhovna Rada Committees. 

    Photo credit: Press Service of the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMA and PBoC launch Payment Connect

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKMA and PBoC launch Payment Connect 
    Payment Connect refers to the linkage between the Mainland’s Internet Banking Payment System (IBPS) (Note 1) and Hong Kong’s Faster Payment System (FPS) (Note 2), which supports secure, efficient and convenient real-time cross-boundary payment for residents and institutions in both places. By simply inputting the recipient’s mobile number or account number, residents in both places can make instant small-value cross-boundary remittances.
     
         Mr Yue said, “Payment Connect is one of the key initiatives in strengthening co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong. The connection between the faster payment systems in both places enhances the efficiency of cross-boundary payments, supporting trade activities and personnel exchange. This development will further promote Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre and offshore Renminbi business hub. Payment Connect will cater to the daily needs of residents in both places for cross-boundary remittances and payments. It also signifies another milestone for the FPS in expanding cross-boundary payment.”
     
    Six institutions each from the Mainland and Hong Kong (Annex) will participate in the Payment Connect upon its launch. They will roll out the service gradually and more institutions will join over time.Issued at HKT 15:56

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Young Minds, Big Dreams: How Bengaluru’s Students Are Reimagining India’s Future with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow

    Source: Samsung

    Young Indians are ready to step up and solve real-world problems
     
    Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, a national innovation challenge for 14-22 year olds, is transforming campuses in Bengaluru into launch pads of the future.
     
    Launched on April 29, the latest season of the innovation contest is spreading across India through a series of design thinking workshops and Open Houses—reaching not just major metros but also the vibrant heartlands of the Northeast. The programme encourages youth to identify real-world issues in their communities and develop meaningful tech-based solutions.
     
    This year, the programme will offer INR 1 crore to the top four winning teams, along with opportunities for hands-on prototyping, expert mentorship from Samsung leaders and IIT Delhi faculty, and valuable investor connects—giving young minds the support they need to bring their ideas to life.
     
    In Bengaluru, more than 3,000 students from five leading schools and colleges came together this month to dream big, think bold and build solutions for India’s future. As part of the programme’s roadshows and open houses, classrooms were transformed into buzzing hubs of ideas and inspiration.
     
    From medical colleges to high schools, the message was clear: young Indians are ready to step up and solve real-world problems—armed with empathy, technology and a passion to bring meaningful change.
     
    At Dr Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education and Research, students gathered to explore how health and innovation intersect. For Ritwika, the experience was transformative.
    “The workshop helped me understand how to really think—not just of ideas, but of how to plan and build them. I’ve always been bothered by how we manage waste around us. Now, with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, I want to work on better waste segregation systems. It made me realise that we’re not just students—we can be problem solvers.”
     
    Similar energy echoed through Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, where Rudra left the workshop thinking not just as a medical student, but as a changemaker.
     
    “I finally understood what design thinking really means,” he said. “It’s not just a process—it’s a mindset. I want to work on ideas around energy conservation that help society at large. This programme gave me the clarity I needed to start.”
     
    The spark wasn’t limited to colleges alone. In schools like National Centre for Excellence, Sandeepani School, and AECS School, younger students were just as fired up to bring change.
     
    Deeksha, a student passionate about the environment, found her path through technology.
     
    “I used to think solving environmental problems needed years of research. But this workshop taught me to first define the problem clearly—and then start thinking of practical solutions. With Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, I want to build tech-based solutions for sustainability. There’s so much scope here—and I believe I can make a difference.”
     
    The programme is not just about problem-solving—it is also about planting the seeds of entrepreneurship. For Anish, the workshop became the launchpad for a bigger dream.
     
    “Before this, I didn’t know where to begin. But Samsung Solve for Tomorrow gave me the foundation to think like a founder. I want to work on issues around wildlife conservation and eventually start up in this space.”
     
    Across each workshop, one thing was consistent—the commitment Samsung has made to empower India’s youth, encouraging them to look at their communities, identify pressing problems, and innovate with purpose.
     
    As the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow roadshows wrap up in Bengaluru, they leave behind not just filled notebooks, but lit-up minds—ready to reimagine India, one solution at a time.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Building Solutions for Bharat: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Sparks Change Across North India

    Source: Samsung

    Young changemakers at HDFC School, Gurugram
     
    In classrooms across Punjab and Haryana, something powerful is happening. Students are no longer just preparing for exams—they’re preparing to change the world.
     
    Through the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow programme, workshops and open houses recently swept through towns and cities like Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, Talwandi, Dhuri, and Gurugram, igniting a spark of innovation among hundreds of young minds. From government schools to premier universities, students are now dreaming of solving India’s most pressing problems—armed with empathy, purpose, and the courage to act.
     
    Launched on April 29, 2025, this latest season of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a national innovation challenge that equips students with design thinking tools to identify real-world problems and build tech-based solutions that matter. The programme offers INR 1 crore to the top four winning teams, alongside expert mentorship from Samsung leaders and IIT Delhi faculty, investor connects, and prototyping support to help turn big ideas into tangible change.
     
    At Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, the energy in the room was palpable. Chestha, an engineering student with a passion for rural development, walked in with a question and walked out with a mission.
     
    “I’ve always wondered why farmers still struggle with outdated irrigation systems,” she said. “This workshop helped me think through the problem and sketch out a low-cost, AI-based solution for real-time soil and water monitoring. I now believe it’s actually doable—and Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has given me the tools to begin.”
     
    Over in Guru Kashi University, Talwandi, Vatsal found a different calling.
     
    “I’ve been interested in the mental health crisis, especially among teenagers in smaller towns. The workshop helped me design a tech-enabled peer support platform focused on accessibility and anonymity. It feels good to know that ideas like these can get real support. For the first time, I feel like I can make something that truly matters.”
     
    In Patiala’s DAV Public School, the spirit of problem-solving had taken over. Astha, a Class 11 student with an eye for social impact, was brimming with purpose.
     
    “I want to address the lack of menstrual hygiene awareness in rural schools. During the workshop, I mapped out an idea for a mobile app and a local ambassador network. It’s a small step, but it could mean the world to someone. Solve for Tomorrow made me believe that even at 16, I can start something.”
     
    Meanwhile, in Gurugram’s HDFC School, the air was thick with big ideas and bigger ambitions. Rishika, a student driven by climate action, left the session inspired.
     
    “I’ve been worried about the carbon footprint of everyday transportation,” she shared. “This workshop gave me the confidence to explore green mobility solutions—like creating an app that promotes micro-mobility options in school campuses and societies. It’s early, but I’ve started thinking like a designer, a problem-solver.”
     
    The movement didn’t stop there. From BCM Arya Model School in Ludhiana to Guru Teg Bahadur Public School in Bardwal (Dhuri), and KR Mangalam in Gurugram, every workshop was filled with passionate young voices. Some wanted to work on clean energy. Others dreamt of solving water scarcity. What united them all was the belief that they could shape the future—not someday but starting now.
     
    Across every region, one thing stood out—the unwavering commitment Samsung has made to democratizing innovation and nurturing India’s next generation of visionaries.
     
    As the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow roadshows continue their journey, they’re not just delivering workshops—they’re sparking revolutions of thought. And in the hearts of students from Punjab’s villages to Gurugram’s classrooms, the seeds of a better tomorrow are already taking root.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Admissions campaign at NSU has started

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University – Why NSU?

    One of the best universities in the country, which is confirmed by numerous ratings and expert assessments. Since this year, NSU has been offering more than 2,100 budget places in all areas of study. NSU offers a wide range of popular areas of study and advanced programs – from biotechnology and IT to business and oil and gas engineering. This year, the university has opened new educational programs in promising areas, such as “Applied Artificial Intelligence”, “Applied Mathematics and Physics”, “Medical Cybernetics”, “Industrial Pharmacy” and others. You can see the full list of educational programs Here. 80% of our teachers are employees of research institutes of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and 8% are representatives of high-tech businesses. New modern campus. Classes will begin in the new building of continuous classrooms on September 1, which includes 4 continuous classrooms, including the largest one – for 400 people; a “smart” scientific library that will work 24/7; a student project center and other modern spaces for learning. A rich extracurricular life: more than 100 student associations, sports sections, creative workshops, as well as annual bright events (Interweek, Miss NSU, Total Dictation, Science Picnic, etc.). At NSU, everyone will find a hobby to their liking. NSU graduates work in leading research centers, high-tech businesses, large manufacturing enterprises, IT and financial companies in Russia and around the world. Among NSU’s partners, with whom the university cooperates in various areas, are the companies Roscosmos, Sber, Rosatom, Alfa-Bank, Rostelecom, Gazprom Neft, Yandex and many others.

    How to assess your chances of admission? Available especially for NSU applicantsUnified State Exam calculator, which will not only help you calculate your points, but also find out about suitable areas of study and your chances of admission.

    After submitting documents, you will be able to find out your place in the ranking inPersonal account of the NSU applicantand on the page“Listsapplicants“.

    How to submit documents?

    There are several ways to submit documents to NSU:

    For more information on what documents are required for admission, see the page“Admissionat NSU“.

    You can find out more about the faculties, the university, Akademgorodok and admission in our Telegram channel “NSU Applicants”

    If you have any questions:

    For additional information on admission, please contact the NSU Admissions Office: phone: 8 (383) 363-40-37; e-mail:Reception@ns.ru; Vkontakte group:HTTPS: //vk.K./insiatorient.

     

    We will be glad to see you among the students of NSU!

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Panasonic Industry Announces Personnel Changes of Audit & Supervisory Board Members

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic Industry Announces Personnel Changes of Audit & Supervisory Board Members

    The content in this website is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change without notice.Please note therefore that these documents may not always contain the most up-to-date information.Please note that German, French and Chinese versions are machine translations, so the quality and accuracy may vary.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Panasonic Industry Announces Personnel Changes of Audit & Supervisory Board Members

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic Industry Announces Personnel Changes of Audit & Supervisory Board Members

    The content in this website is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change without notice.Please note therefore that these documents may not always contain the most up-to-date information.Please note that German, French and Chinese versions are machine translations, so the quality and accuracy may vary.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues EUR 40 million zero coupon notes under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    20 June 2025 at 10:00 am (EEST)

    Municipality Finance issues EUR 40 million zero coupon notes under its MTN programme

    Municipality Finance Plc issues EUR 40 million zero coupon notes on 23 June 2025. The maturity date of the notes is 23 June 2065. MuniFin has a right, but no obligation, to redeem the notes early on 23 June 2040.

    The notes are issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular and the final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

    MuniFin has applied for the notes to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 24 June 2025.

    Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE acts as the dealer for the issue of the notes.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

    Joakim Holmström
    Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
    tel. +358 50 444 3638

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the State of Finland.
    The Group’s balance sheet is over EUR 53 billion.

    MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, corporate entities under their control, and non-profit organisations nominated by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

    Important Information

    The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • Indian stock market opens higher amid positive Asian cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian equity markets opened on a positive note on Friday, supported by firm cues from Asian peers. Gains in PSU bank, IT, and auto stocks contributed to the early momentum.

    At 9:25 a.m., the BSE Sensex was up 228.15 points, or 0.28%, at 81,590.02. The NSE Nifty also advanced, rising 55.10 points, or 0.22%, to 24,848.35.

    In sectoral indices, the Nifty Bank rose by 102.35 points (0.18%) to trade at 55,679.80. However, broader markets showed mixed trends. The Nifty Midcap 100 declined marginally by 16.85 points (0.03%) to 57,143.10, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 slipped 62.50 points (0.35%) to 17,950.60.

    Analysts noted that the Nifty has been consolidating within a range of 24,500 to 25,000 over the past month. This trend, they said, is likely to persist unless there is a decisive geopolitical development.

    “There is uncertainty surrounding the Israel-Iran conflict. A resolution or sudden end to the war could trigger a breakout on the upside. However, if the war drags on and crude prices rise above $85 per barrel, we may see pressure on the lower end of the range,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    Among the top gainers on the Sensex were Bajaj Finserv, UltraTech Cement, Mahindra & Mahindra, SBI, Axis Bank, and Sun Pharma. On the other hand, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finance, Tech Mahindra, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Power Grid Corporation were among the major laggards.

    Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued their buying streak for the third consecutive session on June 19, with net purchases worth ₹934.62 crore. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also remained net buyers, purchasing equities worth ₹605.97 crore on the same day.

    Across Asia, markets in Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Shanghai were trading in the green. Jakarta was the only major market in the region trading in the red.

    Meanwhile, US markets remained closed on Thursday in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day. In the previous session on Wednesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 44.14 points (0.10%) to close at 42,171.66. The S&P 500 ended 1.85 points lower (0.03%) at 5,980.87, while the Nasdaq gained 25.18 points (0.13%) to settle at 19,546.27.

  • MIL-OSI: Changes in the Supervisory Board of LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Finance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The shareholders of AS LHV Varahaldus, AS LHV Kindlustus, and AS LHV Finance, belonging to the consolidation group of AS LHV Group, intend to elect, starting from 22 July 2025, Mihkel Torim as a new Member of the Supervisory Board, who will also assume the position of the Chairman of the Management Board of AS LHV Group on the same date. The Member of the Supervisory Board is elected for up to five years. The decision on the compliance of the new Member of the Supervisory Board with the suitability requirements will also be made by the Financial Supervision Authority.

    Mihkel Torim joined LHV at the beginning of 2023, when he assumed responsibility for managing and developing the investment banking operations of LHV Pank. Prior to that, he held senior positions at Swedbank, including the Head of Baltic Investment Banking, and also led the corresponding unit in Finland.

    Mihkel Torim is a Member of the Management Board of Fortima OÜ. Although Mihkel Torim does not currently hold any shares in LHV Group, he has the opportunity to acquire a total of 199,575 LHV Group shares in 2024 and 2025 through options granted to him.

    With the resignation of Madis Toomsalu from his position as Chairman of the Management Board of LHV Group, effective 22 July 2025, his mandates as a Member of the Supervisory Board of AS LHV Kindlustus, AS LHV Varahaldus, and AS LHV Finance will also terminate as of that date.

    LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. LHV Group’s key subsidiaries are LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited. The Group employs over 1,150 people. As at the end of May, LHV’s banking services are being used by 471,000 clients, the pension funds managed by LHV have 111,000 active clients, and LHV Kindlustus protects a total of 176,000 clients. LHV Bank offers retail banking services to private clients in the United Kingdom, loans to small and medium-sized enterprises, and banking services to international fintech companies.

    Paul Pihlak
    Head of Investment Communications
    Phone: +372 5334 0078
    Email: paul.pihlak@lhv.ee 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Changes in the Supervisory Board of LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Finance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The shareholders of AS LHV Varahaldus, AS LHV Kindlustus, and AS LHV Finance, belonging to the consolidation group of AS LHV Group, intend to elect, starting from 22 July 2025, Mihkel Torim as a new Member of the Supervisory Board, who will also assume the position of the Chairman of the Management Board of AS LHV Group on the same date. The Member of the Supervisory Board is elected for up to five years. The decision on the compliance of the new Member of the Supervisory Board with the suitability requirements will also be made by the Financial Supervision Authority.

    Mihkel Torim joined LHV at the beginning of 2023, when he assumed responsibility for managing and developing the investment banking operations of LHV Pank. Prior to that, he held senior positions at Swedbank, including the Head of Baltic Investment Banking, and also led the corresponding unit in Finland.

    Mihkel Torim is a Member of the Management Board of Fortima OÜ. Although Mihkel Torim does not currently hold any shares in LHV Group, he has the opportunity to acquire a total of 199,575 LHV Group shares in 2024 and 2025 through options granted to him.

    With the resignation of Madis Toomsalu from his position as Chairman of the Management Board of LHV Group, effective 22 July 2025, his mandates as a Member of the Supervisory Board of AS LHV Kindlustus, AS LHV Varahaldus, and AS LHV Finance will also terminate as of that date.

    LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. LHV Group’s key subsidiaries are LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited. The Group employs over 1,150 people. As at the end of May, LHV’s banking services are being used by 471,000 clients, the pension funds managed by LHV have 111,000 active clients, and LHV Kindlustus protects a total of 176,000 clients. LHV Bank offers retail banking services to private clients in the United Kingdom, loans to small and medium-sized enterprises, and banking services to international fintech companies.

    Paul Pihlak
    Head of Investment Communications
    Phone: +372 5334 0078
    Email: paul.pihlak@lhv.ee 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 15 months after ‘flour massacre’ shock, Israel commits daily Gaza food aid killings

    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem

    Kia ora koutou, 

    I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground.

    At least 16 killed by Israeli airstrike on al-Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza. 92 killed across Gaza in total, a significant number while seeking aid. 15 months after the shocking “flour massacre”, Israeli forces are now committing daily massacres against Gazan residents desperately seeking food due to Israel’s policy of forced starvation. These ongoing war crimes have been met with indifference, justification, and ongoing impunity from global leaders.

    *

    Jerusalem’s Old City markets remain closed for the seventh consecutive day after restrictions were imposed under the pretext of “wartime emergency”. Meanwhile, across the besieged West Bank the occupation forces continue demolishing homes in Tulkarm and Jenin refugee camps, where more than 40,000 residents have been displaced by Israel’s months-long “military operation”.

    Israeli soldiers occupying houses south of Jenin as military barracks, embedding themselves among Palestinian civilians as they have for several days in Al Khalil/Hebron.

    Around two-dozen young men detained in Asakra village south-east of Bethlehem, and several more in Laban village, south of Nablus. A young man, Moataz, 22, was executed by Israeli forces in his home village of Wolja west of Bethlehem. Movement of ambulances has been affected by gasoline shortages in Bethlehem. Forces invaded Plata camp in East Nablus for the second day in a row.

    *

    Israel bombed the outskirts of Shabaa town, in southern Lebanon, yet another violation of ceasefire agreements.

    *

    An Iranian missile hit Beersheba’s Soroka hospital in southern Israel last night, with no resulting casualties — Iran claiming it targeted a nearby military site. Outrage at the war crime has highlighted widespread double-standards across Israeli society and globally. Israeli forces have destroyed, bombed, or damaged 38 hospitals in Gaza over their 20-month genocidal war on the enclave, with the World Health Organisation recording around 700 attacks on Gazan healthcare facilities in that same period. Israeli residents have erected tents, transforming an underground parking lot into a bomb shelter.

    *

    Several more retaliatory volleys of Iranian missiles targeted the Israeli territories throughout the day, as heavy Israeli assaults continued on Iranian territories. Israel’s reported death toll has risen to 24, with Iran’s rising to 639.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Result of Underwriting Auction conducted on June 20, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In the underwriting auction conducted on June 20, 2025, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:

    Nomenclature of the Security Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Additional Competitive Underwriting Amount Accepted
    (₹ crore)    		 Total Amount underwritten
    (₹ crore)    		 ACU Commission Cut-off rate
    (Paise per ₹100)
    6.75% GS 2029 15,000 7,518 7,482 15,000 0.58
    7.09% GS 2054 12,000 6,006 5,994 12,000 0.94
    Auction for the sale of securities will be held on June 20, 2025.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/567

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Result of Underwriting Auction conducted on June 20, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In the underwriting auction conducted on June 20, 2025, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:

    Nomenclature of the Security Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Additional Competitive Underwriting Amount Accepted
    (₹ crore)    		 Total Amount underwritten
    (₹ crore)    		 ACU Commission Cut-off rate
    (Paise per ₹100)
    6.75% GS 2029 15,000 7,518 7,482 15,000 0.58
    7.09% GS 2054 12,000 6,006 5,994 12,000 0.94
    Auction for the sale of securities will be held on June 20, 2025.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/567

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: International Day of Yoga celebrated at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat

    Source: ASEAN

    JAKARTA, 20 June 2025 – At the initiative of the Indian Mission to ASEAN, the International Day of Yoga was held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, and participated by ASEAN Secretariat staff and members of the diplomatic corps.
     
    Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Nararya Sanggramawijaya Soeprapto, kicked off the occasion with his welcoming remarks, emphasising the significance of yoga for both individual and collective well-being. He underscored ASEAN’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and cross-cultural understanding, as demonstrated by today’s celebration.
     
    Yoga, originating in ancient India, has transcended geographical boundaries and become a cherished practice worldwide, including in ASEAN Member States. Its holistic approach – combining physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, offers a multitude of benefits.  From improving flexibility and strength to reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity, yoga empowers individuals to achieve a harmonious balance between mind, body and spirit.
     
    ****

     
    Photo credit : Indian Mission to ASEAN
    The post International Day of Yoga celebrated at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on June 19, 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) 5,99,265.81 5.18 3.50-6.55
         I. Call Money 14,174.25 5.26 4.70-5.35
         II. Triparty Repo 3,96,475.35 5.18 5.14-5.25
         III. Market Repo 1,86,372.11 5.16 3.50-6.24
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 2,244.10 5.47 5.38-6.55
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 60.04 5.21 5.00-5.30
         II. Term Money@@ 440.50 – 5.50-6.00
         III. Triparty Repo 1,275.00 5.24 5.15-5.29
         IV. Market Repo 750.00 5.40 5.40-5.40
         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# Thu, 19/06/2025 1 Fri, 20/06/2025 1,323.00 5.75
    4. SDFΔ# Thu, 19/06/2025 1 Fri, 20/06/2025 3,22,568.00 5.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -3,21,245.00  
    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$       7,157.31  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     7,157.31  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -3,14,087.69  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on June 19, 2025 9,46,312.30  
         (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 19, 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: 2025-2026/566

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.117 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.117 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, June 20, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB161.2 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on June 20, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.40%

    RMB161.2 billion

    RMB161.2 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年06月20日

    MIL OSI China News –