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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DAO 03/25 – Government investment and strategic support

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    DAO 03/25 – Government investment and strategic support

    ‘Dear Accounting Officer’ letters provide advice on accountability, regularity, propriety, value for money and annual accounting exercises.

    Documents

    DAO 03/25 Guidance on Government investment and strategic support

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    When considering investment or strategic support, accounting officers should consider their duties in the context of the strategic policy objectives that ministers are seeking to achieve by virtue of the investment, as well as having regard to their other accounting officer duties. This letter provides additional guidance on how to approach strategic investment decisions in support of ministers policy objectives.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New expertise joins NI Public Sector Transformation Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New expertise joins NI Public Sector Transformation Board

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP welcomes the news of the appointment of two new members to the Public Sector Transformation Board.

    • The expansion of the Board follows a productive agreement with the Finance Minister John O’Dowd MLA to update the Terms of Reference for the Transformation Board.
    • The two new expert board members are; Gareth Hetherington, Director of Ulster University Economic Policy; and, Professor Helen McCarthy, the NI Executive’s Chief Scientific Officer.
    • The Second Call has now launched to allocate the remaining £102 million of UK Government funding which will help improve public services, and address many of the challenges faced by people across Northern Ireland.

    Hilary Benn MP said:

    The significant progress made since the establishment of the Board has been really important. I was delighted to welcome the first tranche of funding in March this year when £129m was confirmed to help fund six transformation projects across the Departments of Health, Justice, Education and Infrastructure.

    The appointment of Gareth Hetherington and Professor Helen McCarthy will bolster the expertise of the Board as it assesses projects eligible for the remaining £102m allocation for transformation of public services in Northern Ireland. This funding will help build more resilient and responsive public services that better meet the needs of people across Northern Ireland.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New expertise joins NI Public Sector Transformation Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New expertise joins NI Public Sector Transformation Board

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP welcomes the news of the appointment of two new members to the Public Sector Transformation Board.

    • The expansion of the Board follows a productive agreement with the Finance Minister John O’Dowd MLA to update the Terms of Reference for the Transformation Board.
    • The two new expert board members are; Gareth Hetherington, Director of Ulster University Economic Policy; and, Professor Helen McCarthy, the NI Executive’s Chief Scientific Officer.
    • The Second Call has now launched to allocate the remaining £102 million of UK Government funding which will help improve public services, and address many of the challenges faced by people across Northern Ireland.

    Hilary Benn MP said:

    The significant progress made since the establishment of the Board has been really important. I was delighted to welcome the first tranche of funding in March this year when £129m was confirmed to help fund six transformation projects across the Departments of Health, Justice, Education and Infrastructure.

    The appointment of Gareth Hetherington and Professor Helen McCarthy will bolster the expertise of the Board as it assesses projects eligible for the remaining £102m allocation for transformation of public services in Northern Ireland. This funding will help build more resilient and responsive public services that better meet the needs of people across Northern Ireland.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sources of Variation in India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves during April-March 2024-25

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Today, the Reserve Bank of India released the balance of payments (BoP) data for the fourth quarter (Q4), i.e., January-March of 2024-25 on its website (www.rbi.org.in). On the basis of these data, the sources of variation in foreign exchange reserves during April-March 2024-25 are detailed below in Table 1.

    Table 1: Sources of Variation in Foreign Exchange Reserves*
    (US$ billion)
    Items 2023-24 2024-25
    I.   Current Account Balance -26.1 -23.4
    II.   Capital Account (net) (a to f) 89.8 18.3
      a. Foreign Investment (i+ii) 54.2 4.5
        (i) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) 10.2 1.0
        (ii) Portfolio Investment 44.1 3.6
            of which:    
              Foreign Institutional Investment (FII) 44.6 3.3
              ADR/GDR 0.0 0.0
      b. Banking Capital 40.5 -9.8
            of which: NRI Deposits 14.7 16.2
      c. Short-term Credit -0.8 7.2
      d. External Assistance 7.5 6.3
      e. External Commercial Borrowings -0.1 15.8
      f. Other Items in Capital Account -11.5 -5.6
    III.   Valuation Change 4.3 26.9
    IV.   Total (I+II+III) @
    Increase in reserves(+) / Decrease in reserves (-)    		 68.0 21.9
    *: Based on the old format of BoP which may differ from the new format (BPM6) in the treatment of transfers under the current account and ADRs/ GDRs under portfolio investment.
    @: Difference, if any, is due to rounding off.
    Note: ‘Other Items in Capital Account’ apart from ‘Errors and Omissions’ includes SDR allocation, leads and lags in exports, funds held abroad, advances received pending issue of shares under FDI, capital receipts not included elsewhere, and rupee denominated debt.

    On a balance of payments basis (i.e., excluding valuation effects), foreign exchange reserves decreased by US$ 5.0 billion during 2024-25 as against an accretion of US$ 63.7 billion during 2023-24. Foreign exchange reserves in nominal terms (i.e., including valuation effects) increased by US$ 21.9 billion during 2024-25 as compared with an increase of US$ 68.0 billion in 2023-24 (Table 2).

    Table 2: Comparative Position of Variation in Reserves
    (US$ billion)
    Items 2023-24 2024-25
    1. Change in Foreign Exchange Reserves (i.e., Including Valuation Effects) 68.0 21.9
    2. Valuation Effects [Gain (+)/Loss (-)] 4.3 26.9
    3. Change in Foreign Exchange Reserves on BoP basis (i.e., Excluding Valuation Effects) 63.7 -5.0
    Note: Increase in reserves (+)/Decrease in reserves (-).
    Difference, if any, is due to rounding off.

    The valuation gain, primarily reflecting higher prices of gold and lower bond yields, amounted to US$ 26.9 billion during 2024-25 as compared with a valuation gain of US$ 4.3 billion during 2023-24.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/612

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Developments in India’s Balance of Payments during the Fourth Quarter (January-March) of 2024-25

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Preliminary data on India’s balance of payments (BoP) for the fourth quarter (Q4), i.e., January-March 2024-25, are presented in Statements I and II.

    Key Features of India’s BoP in Q4:2024-25

    • India’s current account balance recorded a surplus of US$ 13.5 billion (1.3 per cent of GDP) in Q4:2024-25 as compared with US$ 4.6 billion (0.5 per cent of GDP) in Q4:2023-24 and against a deficit of US$ 11.3 billion (1.1 per cent of GDP) in Q3:2024-25.1
    • Merchandise trade deficit at US$ 59.5 billion in Q4:2024-25 was higher than US$ 52.0 billion in Q4:2023-24. However, it moderated from US$ 79.3 billion in Q3:2024-25.
    • Net services receipts increased to US$ 53.3 billion in Q4:2024-25 from US$ 42.7 billion a year ago. Services exports have risen on a y-o-y basis in major categories such as business services and computer services.
    • Net outgo on the primary income account, primarily reflecting payments of investment income, moderated to US$ 11.9 billion in Q4:2024-25 from US$ 14.8 billion in Q4:2023-24.
    • Personal transfer receipts, mainly representing remittances by Indians employed overseas, rose to US$ 33.9 billion in Q4:2024-25 from US$ 31.3 billion in Q4:2023-24.
    • In the financial account, foreign direct investment (FDI) recorded a net inflow of US$ 0.4 billion in Q4:2024-25 as compared to an inflow of US$ 2.3 billion in the corresponding period of 2023-24.
    • Foreign portfolio investment (FPI) recorded a net outflow of US$ 5.9 billion in Q4:2024-25 as against a net inflow of US$ 11.4 billion in Q4:2023-24.
    • Net inflows under external commercial borrowings (ECBs) to India amounted to US$ 7.4 billion in Q4:2024-25, as compared to US$ 2.6 billion in the corresponding period a year ago.
    • Non-resident deposits (NRI deposits) recorded a net inflow of US$ 2.8 billion in Q4:2024-25, lower than US$ 5.4 billion a year ago.

    BoP During 2024-25

    • India’s current account deficit at US$ 23.3 billion (0.6 per cent of GDP) during 2024-25 was lower than US$ 26.0 billion (0.7 per cent of GDP) during 2023-24, primarily due to higher net invisibles receipts.

    • During 2024-25, FPI recorded a net inflow of US$ 3.6 billion, lower than US$ 44.1 billion a year ago.

    Table 1: Major Items of India’s Balance of Payments
    (US$ billion)
      January-March 2024 PR January-March 2025 P 2023-24 PR 2024-25 P
      Credit Debit Net Credit Debit Net Credit Debit Net Credit Debit Net
    A. Current Account 253.5 248.9 4.6 264.9 251.4 13.5 942.8 968.9 -26.0 1018.3 1041.6 -23.3
    1. Goods 121.6 173.6 -52.0 116.3 175.8 -59.5 441.4 686.4 -244.9 441.8 729.0 -287.2
       of which:                        
          POL 22.2 48.8 -26.5 14.1 44.3 -30.2 84.2 178.7 -94.6 63.3 185.8 -122.4
    2. Services 89.4 46.7 42.7 102.0 48.7 53.3 341.1 178.3 162.8 387.5 198.7 188.8
    3. Primary Income 10.5 25.3 -14.8 11.9 23.8 -11.9 41.5 91.2 -49.7 53.4 101.8 -48.4
    4. Secondary Income 32.1 3.4 28.7 34.7 3.2 31.5 118.9 13.0 105.9 135.6 12.1 123.5
    B. Capital Account and Financial Account 248.0 253.3 -5.2 255.8 270.2 -14.4 851.9 826.3 25.6 1154.5 1132.8 21.7
       of which:                        
    1. Direct Investment 20.2 17.9 2.3 18.5 18.1 0.4 74.9 64.8 10.2 84.2 83.2 1.0
    2. Portfolio Investment 138.9 127.5 11.4 126.0 131.8 -5.9 466.1 422.0 44.1 639.3 635.8 3.6
    3. Other Investments 82.7 67.7 14.9 106.2 98.8 7.4 287.8 244.7 43.1 368.6 334.2 34.5
       of which:                        
         NRI Deposits 26.0 20.7 5.4 26.3 23.5 2.8 88.6 73.9 14.7 104.5 88.4 16.2
         ECBs to India 11.7 9.2 2.6 15.6 8.2 7.4 33.5 29.9 3.5 47.8 29.4 18.4
    4. Reserve Assets [Increase (-)/Decrease (+)] 0.0 30.8 -30.8 0.0 8.8 -8.8 0.0 63.7 -63.7 37.7 32.6 5.0
    C. Errors & Omissions (-) (A+B) 0.6 0.0 0.6 0.9 0.0 0.9 1.6 1.2 0.4 2.0 0.4 1.5
    PR: Partially Revised; and P: Preliminary.
    Note: Total of sub-components may not tally with aggregate due to rounding off.

    (Puneet Pancholy)   
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/611

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AML/CFT Handbook updated to reflect National Risk Appetite Statement

    Source: Isle of Man

    The Isle of Man Government has recently published a National Risk Appetite Statement (NRAS) with a focus on the eGaming sector and related industries.

    The NRAS has been produced in response to the evolving threat landscape, particularly from serious and organised crime in East and Southeast Asia. The NRAS provides clear, actionable guidance for businesses to assess and manage risks in both new and existing relationships.

    In conjunction with this cross-agency initiative, the Authority has updated its AML/CFT Handbook to reference the NRAS and provide guidance on where this should be considered by relevant persons in the course of their business activities.

    The revised Handbook includes links to the NRAS Frequently Asked Questions, along with an update to the Business Risk Assessment guidance in section 2.2.8.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Indicative Calendar of Market borrowings by State Governments/ Union Territories for the Quarter July – September 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India, in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territories (UTs), announces that the quantum of total market borrowings by the State Governments/UTs for the quarter July – September 2025, is expected to be ₹2,86,696 Crore. The weekly schedule of auctions to be held during the quarter along with the name of States/UTs who have confirmed participation and tentative amounts indicated by them is as under:

    Month Proposed Date Expected quantum of borrowing
    (in ₹ Cr)    		 States/UTs who have confirmed participation and the tentative amount of borrowing (in ₹ Cr)
    July 2025 July 01, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 18,100 Andhra Pradesh 2000
    Assam 900
    Gujarat 1,000
    Himachal Pradesh 1,200
    Kerala 2,000
    Maharashtra 6,000
    Rajasthan 500
    Tamil Nadu 2,000
    Telangana 1,500
    West Bengal 1,000
    July 08, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 22,400 Bihar 2,000
    Goa 100
    Gujarat 2,000
    Haryana 1,000
    Jammu & Kashmir 400
    Kerala 1,000
    Madhya Pradesh 4,800
    Maharashtra 4,000
    Mizoram 100
    Odisha 1,000
    Punjab 500
    Rajasthan 1,000
    Tamil Nadu 2,000
    Uttar Pradesh 2,500
    July 15, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 17,400 Bihar 2,000
    Chhattisgarh 1,000
    Goa 100
    Jammu & Kashmir 700
    Maharashtra 6,000
    Nagaland 300
    Odisha 1,000
    Puducherry 200
    Punjab 500
    Tamil Nadu 2,000
    Telangana 1,000
    Tripura 600
    West Bengal 2,000
    July 22, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 18,500 Bihar 2,000
    Goa 100
    Haryana 2,000
    Maharashtra 4,000
    Manipur 250
    Meghalaya 150
    Odisha 1,000
    Punjab 500
    Tamil Nadu 2,000
    Telangana 1,000
    Uttar Pradesh 2,500
    West Bengal 3,000
    July 29, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 26,500 Assam 500
    Chhattisgarh 1,000
    Gujarat 3,000
    Haryana 1,000
    Kerala 2,000
    Madhya Pradesh 4,000
    Maharashtra 4,000
    Punjab 500
    Rajasthan 4,000
    Sikkim 500
    Tamil Nadu 3,000
    Telangana 1,000
    West Bengal 2,000
    August 2025 August 05, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 26,717 Andhra Pradesh 5,500
    Assam 900
    Bihar 2,000
    Goa 100
    Haryana 1,000
    Himachal Pradesh 800
    Jammu & Kashmir 317
    Kerala 2,000
    Maharashtra 4,000
    Mizoram 100
    Odisha 1,000
    Punjab 1,500
    Rajasthan 1,000
    Tamil Nadu 2,000
    Uttarakhand 500
    Uttar Pradesh 2,500
    West Bengal 1,500
    August 12, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 14,700 Bihar 2,000
    Kerala 2,000
    Maharashtra 5,000
    Manipur 200
    Punjab 1,000
    Tamil Nadu 2,000
    Telangana 1,500
    West Bengal 1,000
    August 19, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 26,150 Bihar 2,000
    Goa 100
    Gujarat 2,000
    Haryana 1,500
    Kerala 1,000
    Madhya Pradesh 4,800
    Maharashtra 4,000
    Meghalaya 450
    Odisha 1,000
    Puducherry 200
    Punjab 500
    Tamil Nadu 2,000
    Telangana 1,000
    Tripura 600
    Uttarakhand 500
    Uttar Pradesh 2,500
    West Bengal 2,000
    August 26, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 20,850 Assam 450
    Goa 100
    Gujarat 2,000
    Haryana 1,500
    Jammu & Kashmir 800
    Kerala 2,000
    Maharashtra 4,000
    Rajasthan 4,000
    Tamil Nadu 3,000
    Telangana 1,000
    West Bengal 2,000
    September 2025 September 02, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 21,400 Andhra Pradesh 4,000
    Assam 500
    Bihar 2,000
    Chhattisgarh 1,500
    Goa 100
    Gujarat 2,000
    Himachal Pradesh 800
    Kerala 1,000
    Maharashtra 3,000
    Punjab 1,500
    Rajasthan 1,000
    Tamil Nadu 2,000
    Uttarakhand 500
    West Bengal 1,500
    September 09, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 15,150 Goa 150
    Haryana 1,500
    Jammu & Kashmir 700
    Maharashtra 4,000
    Nagaland 300
    Odisha 1,000
    Punjab 500
    Tamil Nadu 2,000
    Telangana 1,000
    Uttar Pradesh 2,500
    West Bengal 1,500
    September 16, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 23,629 Assam 500
    Bihar 2,000
    Gujarat 1,500
    Haryana 1,000
    Madhya Pradesh 4,800
    Maharashtra 3,000
    Meghalaya 100
    Mizoram 150
    Rajasthan 1,500
    Tamil Nadu 2,000
    Telangana 1,000
    Tripura 579
    Uttarakhand 500
    Uttar Pradesh 2,000
    West Bengal 3,000
    September 23, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 20,100 Assam 500
    Goa 100
    Haryana 1,500
    Kerala 1,000
    Maharashtra 4,000
    Odisha 1,000
    Punjab 500
    Sikkim 500
    Tamil Nadu 4,000
    Telangana 1,000
    Uttar Pradesh 2,500
    West Bengal 3,500
    September 30, 2025
    (Tuesday)    		 15,100 Assam 500
    Goa 100
    Gujarat 2,000
    Haryana 1,000
    Kerala 1,000
    Maharashtra 4,000
    Punjab 1,000
    Rajasthan 4,000
    Telangana 1,000
    Uttarakhand 500
    Total 2,86,696   2,86,696

    The actual amount of borrowings and the details of the States/UTs participating would be intimated by way of press releases two/ three days prior to the actual auction day and would depend on the requirement of the State Governments/UTs, approval from the Government of India under Article 293(3) of the Constitution of India and market conditions. RBI would endeavour to conduct the auctions in a non-disruptive manner, taking into account the market conditions and other relevant factors and distribute the borrowings evenly throughout the quarter. RBI reserves the right to modify the dates and the amount of auction in consultation with State Governments/UTs.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/613

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government identifies 59 biodiversity projects to unlock green finance

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Government has identified 59 bankable biodiversity projects that are expected to generate at least $450,000 in green finance, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George announced during the department’s budget vote speech in Parliament on Friday.

    These funds were identified through the biodiversity sector investment portal, which links investors with bankable projects as a means of growing the biodiversity economy. 

    The portal is among the initiatives by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has undertaken to position the department as a national leader in environmental financing.

    “In the face of budget cuts, the DFFE is doubling down on financial discipline and innovation to ensure every rand unlocks value for people and the environment. Our proactive spending review, initiated in October 2024, has identified significant cost-saving opportunities,  aiming to redirect resources towards high-impact environmental and conservation initiatives.

    “Each branch is now mandated to explore new revenue streams, reduce unnecessary expenditure, and secure sustainable financing. Work has also begun on draft regulations to unlock the value of carbon credits,” the Minister said.

    These will lay the groundwork for monetising environmental assets under the department’s portfolio – supporting job creation, habitat conservation, private sector investment, and financing of priority programmes. 

    “This marks a bold step toward positioning DFFE as a national leader in environmental financing. To support this broader mandate, we have launched discussions with international donors, private partners, and philanthropies.

    “The Green Fund, managed by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), continues to channel public funding into innovative climate, energy, and waste projects. Our investment portal for the biodiversity economy has already spotlighted 59 bankable projects, leading to at least $450,000 in green finance committed,” he said.

    George assured parliament that the department’s entities continue to deliver exceptional impact – conserving our heritage, generating jobs, and building community resilience.

    “The South African National Parks (SANParks)  has placed inclusive development at the centre of its conservation mandate. Over the past five years, it has provided over 21 000 full-time jobs through the Expanded Public Works Programme, supported 3 127 small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs), and delivered 2 264 animals to emerging game farmers—ensuring that protected areas become engines of opportunity for surrounding communities.

    “iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is advancing its commercialisation strategy, with 62 contracts already signed and new revenue from tourism concessionaires set to flow directly to the entity from 1 September 2025,” the Minister said.

    As the nation’s frontline in early warning systems, the South African Weather Service has issued nearly 1 400 severe weather alerts last year and reached over 2 million vulnerable citizens through a targeted community radio programme and 32 outreach events. 

    “These efforts not only save lives but empower South Africans with climate information they can act on. The South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), South Africa’s national biodiversity steward, continues to lead in climate finance. A $40 million Green Climate Fund project will launch this year, benefiting over 350,000 people directly and 1.5 million indirectly through investments in ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction.

    “These achievements demonstrate that when we invest in our environmental entities, we invest in jobs, resilience, and a sustainable future,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The ‘Godfather of Human Rights’ Ken Roth on genocide, Trump and standing up for democracy

    By Richard Larsen, RNZ News producer — 30′ with Guyon Espiner

    The former head of Human Rights Watch — and son of a Holocaust survivor — says Israel’s military campaign in Gaza will likely meet the legal definition of genocide, citing large-scale killings, the targeting of civilians, and the words of senior Israeli officials.

    Speaking on 30′ with Guyon Espiner, Ken Roth agreed Hamas committed “blatant war crimes” in its attack on Israel on October 7 last year, which included the abduction and murder of civilians.

    But he said it was a “basic rule” that war crimes by one side do not justify war crimes by the other.

    There was indisputable evidence Israel had committed war crimes in Gaza and might also be pursuing tactics that fit the international legal standard for genocide, Roth said.

    30′ with Guyon Espiner Kenneth Roth    Video: RNZ

    “The acts are there — mass killing, destruction of life-sustaining conditions. And there are statements from senior officials that point clearly to intent,” Roth said.

    He cited comments immediately after the October 7 attack by Hamas from Israel’s former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who referred to Gazans as “human animals”.

    Israeli President Isaac Herzog also said “an entire nation” was responsible for the attack and the notion of “unaware, uninvolved civilians is not true,” referring to the Palestinean people. Herzog subsequently said his words were taken out of context during a case at the International Court of Justice.

    The accusation of genocide is hotly contested. Israel says it is fighting a war of self-defence against Hamas after it killed 1200 people, mostly civilians. It claims it adheres to international law and does its best to protect civilians.

    It blames Hamas for embedding itself in civilian areas.

    But Roth believes a ruling may ultimately come from the International Court of Justice, especially if a forthcoming judgment on Myanmar sets a precedent.

    “It’s very similar to what Myanmar did with the Rohingya,” he said. “Kill about 30,000 to send 730,000 fleeing. It’s not just about mass death. It’s about creating conditions where life becomes impossible.”

    ‘Apartheid’ alleged in Israel’s West Bank
     Roth has been described as the ‘Godfather of Human Rights’, and is credited with vastly expanding the influence of the Human Rights Watch group during a 29-year tenure in charge of the organisation.

    In the full interview with Guyon Espiner, Roth defended the group’s 2021 report that accused Israel of enforcing a system of apartheid in the occupied West Bank.

    “This was not a historical analogy,” he said, implying it was a mistake to compare it with South Africa’s former apartheid regime.

    “It was a legal analysis. We used the UN Convention against Apartheid and the Rome Statute, and laid out over 200 pages of evidence.”

    Kenneth Roth appears via remote link in studio for an interview on season 3 of 30′ with Guyon Espiner. Image: RNZ

    He said the Israeli government was unable to offer a factual rebuttal.

    “They called us biased, antisemitic — the usual. But they didn’t contest the facts.”

    The ‘cheapening’ of antisemitism charges
     Roth, who is Jewish and the son of a Holocaust refugee, said it was disturbing to be accused of antisemitism for criticising a government.

    “There is a real rise in antisemitism around the world. But when the term is used to suppress legitimate criticism of Israel, it cheapens the concept, and that ultimately harms Jews everywhere.”

    Roth said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had long opposed a two-state solution and was now pursuing a status quo that amounted to permanent subjugation of Palestinians, a situation human rights groups say is illegal.

    “The only acceptable outcome is two states, living side by side. Anything else is apartheid, or worse,” Roth said.

    While the international legal process around charges of genocide may take years, Roth is convinced the current actions in Gaza will not be forgotten.

    “This is not just about war,” he said. “It’s about the deliberate use of starvation, displacement and mass killing to achieve political goals. And the law is very clear — that’s a crime.”

    Roth’s criticism of Israel saw him initially denied a fellowship at Harvard University in 2023. The decision was widely seen as politically motivated, and was later reversed after public and academic backlash.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update: Progressing friendship arrangement with city of Hebron, Palestine

    Source: City of Preston

    In March 2025, Preston City Council Cabinet Members chose the City of Hebron in Palestine to explore the possibilities of an informal friendship agreement between the two cities.

    The Council wants to extend the hand of friendship as a symbol of our support for the people of Palestine, through the wider Middle East and those of all faiths and communities who are suffering through conflict across the globe.

    At full council today (26 June 2025), members passed the recommendation to enter into a friendship arrangement with the City of Hebron facilitated by the Britain Palestinian Friendship and Twinning Network.

    The network is a voluntary organisation with no political ties, made up of a network of different groups with different activities, constitutions, sizes, locations and members.  

    Preston is a City of Sanctuary, offering a safe place of refuge to those fleeing war and persecution across the world, and an early adopter of the Faith Covenant, respecting differing beliefs and faiths, working together for the common good.

    The progression of the friendship will be supported by an informal network of representatives of interested parties and initially chaired by the Council’s Champion for Communities. All representatives of the Faith Covenant will be invited to sit on this network, as will other key representatives from public, civic, education and private business organisations.

    Hebron is considered one of the oldest cities in the Middle East, located in the southern part of the Occupied West Bank, 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Jerusalem. It has a population of more than 201,000 and is believed to have lots of commonalities with Preston including a multi-cultural and diverse population.  Hebron is a chief commercial and industrial centre in the region with its main trade in limestone from nearby quarries and with a local reputation for grapes, figs, ceramics, plastics and pottery.  

    Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council said:

    “A friendship arrangement with Hebron is not merely a symbolic gesture. We will do what we can to offer practical support and aid, and seek to build links between local schools, churches, mosques, community centres and other types of organisations. We will promote the need for peace to prevail and hopefully after the conflict in the region ends, we can arrange visits to both Palestine and Preston to promote greater understanding, lasting peace and friendship for all.”

    Councillor Nweeda Khan, Champion for Communities added:

    “We appreciate the complexity and emotive nature of this proposal but feel we owe it to our local communities to recognise the plight of people in the Middle East caught up in the current conflict. The spirit in which we would like to progress our friendship with Hebron is that by building bonds and strengthening ties, lasting relationships built on understanding, openness, tolerance and inclusion will eradicate hate and division between communities.”

    The Council also remains committed to exploring a similar friendship with an Israeli town or city, should a similar body to the Palestinian Friendship Association can be indentified to help guide and support our work.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Ukraine calls for EU sanctions on Bangladeshi entities for import of ‘stolen grain’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Ukraine plans to ask the European Union to sanction Bangladeshi entities it says are importing wheat taken from Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia, after its warnings to Dhaka failed to stop the trade, a top Ukrainian diplomat in South Asia said.

    Russian forces have occupied large parts of Ukraine’s southern agricultural regions since 2014 and Kyiv has accused Russia of stealing its grain even before the 2022 invasion. Russian officials say there is no theft of grain involved as the territories previously considered part of Ukraine are now part of Russia and will remain so forever.

    According to documents provided to Reuters by people familiar with the matter, the Ukraine Embassy in New Delhi sent several letters to Bangladesh’s foreign affairs ministry this year, asking them to reject more than 150,000 tonnes of grain allegedly stolen and shipped from Russian port of Kavkaz.

    Asked about the confidential diplomatic communication, Ukraine’s ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, said Dhaka had not responded to the communication and Kyiv will now escalate the matter as its intelligence showed entities in Russia mix grain procured from occupied Ukrainian territories with Russian wheat before shipping.

    “It’s a crime,” Polishchuk said in an interview at Ukraine’s embassy in New Delhi.

    “We will share our investigation with our European Union colleagues, and we will kindly ask them to take the appropriate measures.”

    Ukraine’s diplomatic tussle with Bangladeshi authorities has not been previously reported.

    The Bangladesh and Russian foreign ministries did not respond to requests for comment.

    A Bangladeshi food ministry official said Dhaka bars imports from Russia if the origin of the grain is from occupied Ukrainian territory, adding that the country imports no stolen wheat.

    Amid the war with Russia, the agricultural sector remains one of the main sources of export earnings for Ukraine, supplying grain, vegetable oil and oilseeds to foreign markets.

    In April, Ukraine detained a foreign vessel in its territorial waters, alleging it was involved in the illegal trade of stolen grain, and last year seized a foreign cargo ship and detained its captain on similar suspicions.

    The EU has so far sanctioned 342 ships that are part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which the bloc says enable Moscow to circumvent Western restrictions to move oil, arms and grain. Russia says Western sanctions are illegal.

    ‘NOT DIAMONDS OR GOLD’

    A Ukraine official told Reuters Ukrainian law prohibits any voluntary trade between Ukrainian producers, including grain farmers in the occupied territories, and Russian entities.

    The Ukraine Embassy has sent four letters to Bangladesh’s government, reviewed by Reuters, in which it shared vessel names and their registration numbers involved in the alleged trade of moving the grain from the Crimean ports of Sevastopol and Kerch, occupied by Russia since 2014, and Berdiansk, which is under Moscow’s control since 2022, to Kavkaz in Russia.

    The letters stated the departure and tentative arrival dates of the ships that left from Kavkaz for Bangladesh between November 2024 and June 2025.

    The June 11 letter said Bangladesh can face “serious consequences” of sanctions for taking deliveries of “stolen grain”, and that such purchases fuel “humanitarian suffering.”

    The sanctions “may extend beyond importing companies and could also target government officials and the leadership of ministries and agencies who knowingly facilitate or tolerate such violations,” the letter added.

    In a statement to Reuters, Anitta Hipper, EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said the vessels in question were not currently subject to any restrictive measures.

    The sanctions regime was designed to act against activities that undermine the food security of Ukraine including transportation of “stolen Ukrainian grain” and “any proven involvement of vessels in shipping stolen Ukrainian grain could provide the basis for future restrictive measures,” she added.

    The Russia-controlled territories, excluding Crimea, accounted for about 3% of the total Russian grain harvest in 2024, according to Reuters’ estimates based on official Russian data. Russian grain transporter Rusagrotrans says Bangladesh was the fourth largest buyer of Russian wheat in May.

    Ambassador Polishchuk told Reuters their intelligence shows Russia mixes its grain with that from occupied Ukrainian territories to avoid detection.

    A Russian trader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that when the grain is loaded for export at a Russian port, it is very difficult to track its origin.

    “These are not diamonds or gold. The composition of impurities does not allow for identification,” the person said.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Stronger Health Through Smarter Taxes in Mauritius


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    WHO has joined forces with VISA NGO and the University of Cape Town to assess the impact of increasing health taxes in Mauritius. Using a simulation tool, the study examined how tax hikes affect tobacco use, government revenues, and premature deaths.

    A 15% annual cigarette tax increase could:

    • Boost excise revenue by 55%
    • Reduce smoking prevalence from 18.1% to 17.4%
    • Prevent 11,600 premature deaths by 2029

    Even more ambitious action—a 25% annual increase—could:

    • Double excise revenues
    • Lower smoking prevalence to 16.3%
    • Save 19,300 lives by 2029

    On 20 June 2025, WHO convened high-level officials from the Ministries of Health and Finance to discuss the findings, presented by the University of Cape Town’s Research Unit on the Economics of Excisable Products and a WHO taxation expert.

    WHO and VISA echoed the study’s call for regular, significant tax increases—one of the most effective ways to curb noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) 

    Earlier, on 26 May, VISA and WHO presented the findings to key stakeholders including the Mauritius Revenue Authority, Ministries of Education and Youth, the University of Mauritius, NGOs, and consumer groups.

    WHO also applauded the Government’s recent decision to raise taxes by 10% on tobacco and alcohol, and 100% on sugary drinks, extending it to products like chocolate and ice cream.

    “This is a gift to public health,” said Dr. Anne Ancia, WHO Representative. “Higher prices on unhealthy products help reduce consumption—especially in a country where obesity, diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases are leading causes of death and disability.”

    Dr. Ancia also stressed the urgent need to enforce the Tobacco Law 2022, particularly the ban on single-stick sales, which undermines progress in reducing tobacco use through higher prices.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Mauritius.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Scheduled Banks’ Statement of Position in India as on Friday, June 13, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    (Amount in ₹ crore)
      SCHEDULED COMMERCIAL BANKS
    (Including RRBs, SFBs and PBs)    		 ALL SCHEDULED BANKS
    14-Jun-2024 30-May-2025* 13-Jun-2025* 14-Jun-2024 30-May-2025* 13-Jun-2025*
    I LIABILITIES TO THE BKG.SYSTEM (A)            
      a) Demand & Time deposits from banks 273308.16 365140.08 340603.24 277097.38 370999.12 346319.8749**
      b) Borrowings from banks 152185.60 110552.25 109671.80 152187.60 110574.25 109889.53
      c) Other demand & time liabilities 76032.19 25071.47 23927.34 76298.36 25465.93 24362.82
    II LIABILITIES TO OTHERS (A)            
      a) Deposits (other than from banks) 20902918.17 23172542.62 23069772.55 21358407.93 23662773.91 23561872.69
      i) Demand 2390694.11 2988920.70 2859239.01 2440672.19 3038379.44 2908818.31
      ii) Time 18512224.06 20183621.92 20210533.54 18917735.75 20624394.47 20653054.38
      b) Borrowings @ 780674.69 895727.00 837462.68 785083.63 900193.89 841977.70
      c) Other demand & time liabilities 965607.06 1034573.60 1106232.23 978521.91 1047707.96 1120178.02
    III BORROWINGS FROM R.B.I. (B) 111102.00 6516.00 2248.00 111102.00 6516.00 2248.00
      Against usance bills and / or prom. Notes            
    IV CASH 85283.14 87179.07 90471.61 87674.97 89604.92 93073.93
    V BALANCES WITH R.B.I. (B) 983708.00 956086.24 932453.46 1003434.00 975236.91 951630.59
    VI ASSETS WITH BANKING SYSTEM            
      a) Balances with other banks            
      i) In current accounts 7664.17 11434.59 10498.68 10483.91 13853.23 12729.59
      ii) In other accounts 178513.58 255330.58 244036.86 224431.26 318135.43 308394.18
      b) Money at call & short notice 11390.08 22812.64 21743.92 25192.27 40349.51 37684.89
      c) Advances to banks (i.e. due from bks.) 52270.19 36147.80 31496.42 54389.85 38542.46 33717.34£
      d) Other assets 107937.02 78091.66 65849.37 110591.29 82799.25 71109.15
    VII INVESTMENTS (At book value) 6231385.82 6706717.24 6691443.60 6384112.72 6861687.28 6877810.85
      a) Central & State Govt. securities+ 6230374.06 6706168.85 6690874.45 6376135.84 6853140.23 6869498.86
      b) Other approved securities 1011.77 548.39 569.14 7976.88 8547.05 8311.99
    VIII BANK CREDIT (Excluding Inter-Bank Advances) 16706417.54 18287376.91 18313977.69 17143118.18 18753740.95 18783780.83
      a) Loans, cash credits & Overdrafts $ 16392988.28 17949958.34 17976567.95 16826405.29 18412982.24 18443143.24
      b) Inland Bills purchased 64052.90 79467.07 78124.27 65383.33 80743.89 79300.44
      c) Inland Bills discounted 208278.98 222449.12 223752.50 209565.71 223956.61 225217.50
      d) Foreign Bills purchased 16140.00 13866.49 13510.87 16370.65 14063.24 13738.06
      e) Foreign Bills discounted 24957.38 21635.89 22022.09 25393.21 21994.97 22381.60
    NOTE
    * Provisional figures incorporated in respect of such banks as have not been able to submit final figures.
    (A) Demand and Time Liabilities do not include borrowings of any Scheduled State Co-operative Bank from State Government and any reserve fund deposits maintained with such banks by any co-operative society within the areas of operation of such banks.
    ** This excludes deposits of Co-operative Banks with Scheduled State Co-operative Banks. These are included under item II (a).
    @ Other than from Reserve Bank, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and Export Import Bank of India.
    (B) The figures relating to Scheduled Commercial Banks’ Borrowings in India from Reserve Bank and balances with Reserve Bank are those shown in the statement of affairs of the Reserve Bank. Borrowings against usance bills and/ or promissory notes are under Section 17(4)(c) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. Following a change in the accounting practise for LAF transactions with effect from July 11, 2014, as per the recommendations of Malegam Committee formed to Review the Format of Balance Sheet and the Profit and Loss Account of the Bank, the transactions in case of Repo / Term Repo / MSF are reflected under ‘Borrowings from RBI’.
    £ This excludes advances granted by Scheduled State Co-operative Banks to Co-operative banks. These are included under item VIII (a).
    + Includes Treasury Bills, Treasury Deposits, Treasury Savings Certificates and postal obligations.
    $ Includes advances granted by Scheduled Commercial Banks and Scheduled Cooperative Banks to Public Food Procurement Agencies (viz. Food Corporation of India, State Government and their agencies under the Food consortium).
    Food Credit Outstanding as on
    (Amount in ₹ crore)
    Date 14-Jun-2024 30-May-2025 13-Jun-2025
    Scheduled Commercial Banks 36923.02 70580.71 67605.56
    Scheduled Co-operative Banks 50622.17 51972.99 51974.00

    The expression ‘Banking System’ or ‘Banks’ means the banks and any other financial institution referred to in sub-clauses (i) to (vi) of clause (d) of the explanation below Section 42(1) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

    No. of Scheduled Commercial Banks as on Current Fortnight:120

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/606

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting

    Source: ASEAN

    Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Nararya S. Soeprapto, attended the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting (ASEFBoG46) on 26-27 June 2025 in Kraków, Poland. The Meeting noted the report on the work of the ASEF Management, reviewed the implementation of ASEF’s ongoing initiatives, and approved its project proposals for 2025 and 2026. The Board of Governors also deliberated ways to enhance ASEF’s visibility and profile, and to further promote cultural and people-to-people connectivity between Asia and Europe.

    The post Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the 46th Asia-Europe Foundation Board of Governors Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • US stock futures rise ahead of inflation data as investors anticipate dovish Fed

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. stock index futures surged on Friday, putting the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq on track for record highs as investors geared up for a key inflation report amid signs of a dovish policy outlook from the Federal Reserve this year.

    Personal Consumption Expenditure data – the U.S. central bank’s preferred inflation gauge – for May is due to be released at 08:30 a.m. ET and will be scrutinized to assess the Fed’s interest-rate path as tariffs weigh on prices.

    As the ceasefire in the Middle East holds, investor focus has turned to the prospect of a dovish Fed after the Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. President Donald Trump toyed with the idea of announcing Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s replacement by September or October.

    “News that Donald Trump may announce his pick to be the new Fed chair with months to go has led the interest rate futures market to ramp up bets that interest rates in the U.S. will be cut sharply over the coming months and years,” Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said in a note.

    A spate of economic data this week, including a weaker-than-expected first quarter GDP reading as well as jobless claims reaching multi-year highs, has supported the case for the central bank to cut borrowing costs this year.

    Traders now price in a 20.7% chance of a rate cut in July, compared with 14.5% last week, according to CME Group’s FedWatch tool.

    At 06:30 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis YMcv1 were up 103 points, or 0.24%, S&P 500 E-minis EScv1 were up 13.5 points, or 0.22%, and Nasdaq 100 E-minis NQcv1 were up 63.5 points, or 0.28%.

    Nike’s NKE.N shares rose 9.2% in premarket trading after the retailer forecast a smaller-than-expected drop in first-quarter revenue.

    Retailer Lululemon Athletica LULU.O rose 1.4% after Nike’s results, while Hoka-owner Deckers Outdoor DECK.N added 2.1%.

    On the flip side, gold stocks slipped in premarket trading as bullion neared a one-month low. Top miners such as Newmont NEM.N and U.S.-listed Barrick Mining B.N were down 2.3% and 2%, respectively.

    The benchmark S&P 500 .SPX and the Nasdaq .IXIC are on track for their best weekly performance in six weeks, while the blue-chip Dow .DJI is set for a weekly advance, if gains hold.

    UBS Global Wealth Management raised its year-end target for the S&P 500 index .SPX to 6,200 from its prior forecast of 6,000, banking on softening trade uncertainty.

    Adding to the upbeat sentiment, Washington reached an agreement with China on expediting rare-earth shipments to the United States, a White House official said, days ahead of the July 9 deadline for Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs.

    Also on tap is the final reading of consumer sentiment for June, measured by the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, due at 10:00 a.m. ET.

    Remarks from New York Fed President John Williams, Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack and Fed Board Governor Lisa Cook are expected later in the day.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: China willing to maintain economic, trade exchanges with U.S.: vice finance minister

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

    China willing to maintain economic, trade exchanges with U.S.: vice finance minister

    BEIJING, June 27 — China is willing to maintain economic and trade exchanges with the United States based on equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit to deliver benefits to both countries and the world, Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min said, according to a statement released by the ministry on Friday.

    Liao made the remarks when meeting with Graham Allison, a professor from Harvard University, on June 20. The two sides had in-depth exchanges on China-U.S. relations, bilateral economic and trade ties, and issues of mutual concern.

    Guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, the Chinese and U.S. economic and trade teams reached a consensus during high-level talks in Geneva and a principled agreement on consolidating those outcomes in London, and these developments have played an important role in stabilizing both China-U.S. relations and their economic and trade ties, Liao noted.

    He stressed that China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. And China is also willing to maintain economic and trade exchanges with the United States based on equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit to deliver benefits to both countries and the world.

    Allison said that the relationship between the United States and China is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world, and it is of vital importance that both sides maintain and deepen communication.

    He noted that China has achieved notable progress in advancing economic transformation, expanding opening up, and fostering a fair and just market environment. Given the high interdependence of the U.S. and Chinese economies, further deepening economic and trade exchanges serves the common interests of both countries and the world, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL-Europol operation results in global seizures of fake and illicit food

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    14 December 2012

    A joint INTERPOL-Europol operation targeting fake and substandard food and drink, as well as the organized crime networks behind this illicit trade, has resulted in the seizure of more than 135 tonnes of potentially harmful goods ranging from everyday products of coffee, soup cubes and olive oil, to luxury goods such as truffles and caviar. A further 100 tonnes of misdeclared and/or potentially hazardous food was confiscated during investigations linked to Operation Opson II.

    Raids and inspections resulted in around 100 arrests and the seizure of more than 135 tonnes of potentially harmful goods, including everyday products such as coffee, soup cubes and olive oil.

    Illicit goods are often produced, transported and stored without any form of hygiene controls, putting the health and safety of consumers at risk.

    This year, Opson expanded beyond Europe to include countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia. Inspections were carried out at this warehouse in Thailand.

    A project under development  –  the INTERPOL Global Register  – will enable people to scan and verify the legitimacy of a product from their mobile device.

    Operation Opson targets fake and substandard food and drink and the organized crime networks behind this illicit trade.

    Cash was also seized during Opson II.

    INTERPOL and Europol representatives helped coordinate action in Madrid, Spain.

    Checks and raids were carried out at airports, seaports, shops, markets and private homes.

    The operation was supported by customs (Hungarian customs officers pictured here), national food regulatory bodies and partners from the private sector.

    The Thai Food and Drug Administration displayed the wide variety of goods seized including snacks, canned food, coffee and soft drinks.

    National police in 29 countries took part. Officers in Budapest, Hungary, were briefed on the operation.

    Opson was a week-long operation, coordinated jointly by INTERPOL and Europol.

    Operation Opson II (3 – 9 December), which involved 29 countries from all regions of the world, resulted in the recovery of more than 385,000 litres of counterfeit liquids including vodka, wine, soy sauce and orange juice in addition to fish, seafood and meat declared unfit for human consumption, as well as fake candy bars and condiments.

    With the fake and substandard food and drink often produced, transported and stored without any form of regulation or hygiene controls, consumers buying these illicit goods are risking their health and safety while the criminal networks make millions in profits which can be used to fund other illegal activities such as human and drug trafficking.

    Operation Opson II saw the number of participating countries rise from 10 in 2011 to nearly 30 this year, an increase which, says Simone Di Meo, a Criminal Intelligence Officer with INTERPOL’s Trafficking in Illicit Goods unit, reflects a growing awareness of the problem and involvement by organized crime.

    “With this year’s operation going beyond Europe and involving countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia, this will enable us to gather even more intelligence about the networks behind this criminal activity and potentially identify global links with other types of crime,” says Mr Di Meo.

    Coordinated by INTERPOL and Europol, the week-long operation was supported by customs, police and national food regulatory bodies in addition to partners from the private sector. Checks and raids were carried out at airports, seaports, shops, markets and private homes.

    “With this operation, we are showing the criminal networks involved in this line of business that they are not safe and, just as importantly, we are helping to protect public health and safety. In many cases, the quality of the packaging of the fake food and drink is so well done that consumers may not even be aware that they are buying illicit products and potentially risking their lives,” says Chris Vansteenkiste, Project Manager of the Intellectual Property Crime Team at Europol.

    Among the key aims of Operation Opson (meaning food in ancient Greek) were the development of practical cooperation between national law enforcement, food and drug agencies and private companies, the identification of the organized criminal groups behind the trafficking, and raising awareness among consumers and governments about this type of crime.

    Countries which took part in Operation Opson II are Austria, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and the USA.

    Investigations are continuing in many countries and additional information on national activities can be obtained from the enforcement agencies of the countries concerned.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [MARLOWE PLC – 26 06 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 MARLOWE PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 26 JUNE 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 NO

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 50p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 3,073,584 3.9146    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 3,073,584 3.9146    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    50p ORDINARY SALE 1,865 441.33p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

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

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

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

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

    (ii)        Exercise

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

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

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

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    NONE

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

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

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 27 JUNE 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sale of Custody Business in Hsbc Germany

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    27 June 2025

    SALE OF CUSTODY BUSINESS IN HSBC GERMANY

    HSBC Continental Europe has reached an agreement to sell its custody business in Germany to BNP Paribas S.A, Niederlassung Deutschland (‘BNP Paribas’) (the ‘Potential Transaction’), reinforcing its focus on being the leading corporate and institutional bank in Germany and Europe for international clients.

    This decision forms part of the simplification strategy of HSBC announced in October 2024. HSBC is focused on increasing its leadership and market share in the areas where it has a clear competitive advantage, and where it has the greatest opportunity to grow and support its clients. This includes connecting European clients to opportunities across HSBC’s international network. For Securities Services, this means focusing on HSBC’s market-leading franchise in Asia and the Middle East and providing best in class custody and fund services to clients in the UK and Europe via our strategic hubs in London, Ireland and Luxembourg.

    The custody business in Germany focuses on domestic custody, clearing and depository services for German institutional clients.

    All custody staff employed by HSBC Continental Europe S.A., Germany, as well as its assets and clients, would transfer to BNP Paribas as part of the Potential Transaction.

    Completion of the Potential Transaction is subject to customary regulatory and anti-trust approvals and the conclusion of negotiations with the Works Council in Germany.

    A phased transfer of staff and clients starting early 2026 is anticipated. Both parties are focused on enabling a smooth transition for clients and colleagues.

    The analysis of strategic options for HSBC Germany’s fund administration business is ongoing.

    Contacts:       

    HSBC Continental Europe
    Headquartered in Paris, HSBC Continental Europe is an indirectly held subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc. HSBC Continental Europe comprises corporate and institutional banking, private banking, insurance and asset management activities across Continental Europe, including the business activities of 10 European branches (in Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden) and two banking subsidiaries in Luxembourg and Malta. HSBC Continental Europe’s mission is to serve both customers in Continental Europe for their needs worldwide and Group customers for their needs in Continental Europe.

    HSBC Continental Europe S.A., Germany (‘HSBC Germany’)
    HSBC Germany is the German branch of HSBC Continental Europe, whose activities comprise corporate and institutional banking, private banking and asset management.

    HSBC Holdings plc
    HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 58 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,054bn at 31 March 2025, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

    About BNP Paribas (group.bnpparibas)
    Leader in banking and financial services in Europe, BNP Paribas operates in 64 countries and has nearly 178,000 employees, including more than 144,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Türkiye, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.

    About Securities Services at BNP Paribas (securities.cib.bnpparibas)
    BNP Paribas’ Securities Services business is a leading global custodian providing multi-asset post-trade and asset servicing solutions to buy-side and sell-side market participants, corporates, and issuers. With a global reach covering 90+ markets, its custody network is one of the most extensive in the industry, enabling clients to maximise their investment opportunities worldwide. As a pillar of BNP Paribas’ diversified banking model, Securities Services provides asset servicing solutions that are closely integrated with the first-class services of the Group’s other business lines, in particular those of Global Banking and Global Markets. As of 31 March 2025, Securities Services had USD 15.4 trillion in assets under custody, USD 2.9 trillion in assets under administration and 9,350 funds administered.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: How New Regional Pipeline Deals are Driving Africa’s Energy Future

    Three significant developments in Africa’s energy landscape made headlines this past month: the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) reached 60% completion, the Republic of Congo finalized a pipeline cooperation agreement with Russia, and Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea signed a deal to advance a joint natural gas pipeline. These milestones underscore increasing momentum behind transnational pipeline projects in Africa, which are not only critical to unlocking hydrocarbon value chains, but also pivotal to industrial growth, regional cooperation and efforts to end energy poverty.

    With African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies set to take place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, recent advances in the midstream sector underscore the growing role of large-scale infrastructure in securing Africa’s energy future. AEW 2025 will provide a platform to unpack how strategic partnerships and regional integration can transform pipelines from isolated projects into engines of inclusive development.

    EACOP: Connecting Uganda to Global Markets

    The 1,443-km EACOP is set to link Uganda’s oil fields in the Lake Albert region to the port of Tanga in Tanzania, facilitating the export of up to 246,000 barrels per day. With 60% of the project now completed – including land acquisition, environmental approvals and construction – EACOP is on track to become the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world.

    More than just a logistical asset, EACOP represents a critical economic corridor. It is expected to generate thousands of jobs, stimulate local content and unlock ancillary infrastructure such as roads, storage facilities and power lines. By enabling Uganda to monetize its crude reserves, the pipeline also enhances fiscal revenues that can be reinvested into energy access, education and healthcare. At AEW 2025, stakeholders will explore how flagship projects like EACOP can be used as case studies for balancing investment, environmental responsibility and community development, while ensuring African nations retain sovereignty over their resources.

    Russia-Congo Deal: A New Axis in Pipeline Diplomacy

    Just days after the EACOP update, Russia ratified a bilateral agreement with the Republic of Congo for the construction of the Pointe-Noire-Loutete-Maloukou-Trechot oil pipeline. The agreement lays the groundwork for joint efforts in planning, financing, construction and operation of the pipeline, set to be completed in three years. The move strengthens energy ties between the two countries and opens the door for Russian investment in Congo’s midstream sector, potentially accelerating the development of critical infrastructure needed to monetize and export the country’s hydrocarbon resources.

    It also signals a shift in Africa’s external energy partnerships, with Congo turning to non-Western allies to build out its infrastructure and secure long-term offtake agreements. It reinforces the idea that diversified geopolitical engagement can help African nations close the infrastructure gap faster, provided partnerships are structured transparently and with shared development objectives. As African countries look to strengthen global cooperation, AEW 2025 will offer a space to evaluate new alliances, discuss risk-sharing mechanisms and align infrastructure development with continental priorities under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

    Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea: A Boost for West African Gas Integration

    A recent agreement between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, signed on June 18, aims to fast-track the development of a joint natural gas pipeline, designed to increase cross-border gas trade and support export capacity. This project is expected to deepen energy cooperation between the two countries, facilitate access to cleaner fuels and contribute to the diversification of energy sources in the region. It also exemplifies how collaborative infrastructure development can unlock new economic opportunities, stimulate investments and enhance regional energy security.

    Midstream infrastructure companies are also stepping up efforts to improve regional gas trade and distribution. The West African Gas Pipeline Company, backed by Chevron among other shareholders, operates a vital pipeline that transports Nigerian gas to Benin, Togo and Ghana. This pipeline supports power generation and industrial use across multiple West African countries and plays a key role in diversifying the regional energy mix and promoting cross-border gas trade. Meanwhile, the Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company, which manages the Mozambique-South Africa Gas Pipeline, recently opened a new office in Maputo, aiming to strengthen regional gas connectivity and market integration.

    Pipelines and the Fight Against Energy Poverty

    While Africa accounts for 17% of the global population, it accounts for just 3.3% of global power generation. Energy poverty remains a major constraint on industrialization, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship. Pipelines, by moving fuel to where it is needed most – across borders and into domestic markets – can help address this imbalance.

    “In addition to exporting crude, new pipelines have the potential to deliver LPG and natural gas to underserved regions, reducing dependence on biomass and accelerating the shift toward cleaner household and industrial energy,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, adding that coordinated planning between countries can ensure pipelines are multi-purpose and scalable, with clear economic multipliers for local populations.

    “AEW 2025 will shine a light on the role of pipelines in achieving universal energy access, examining regulatory frameworks, project finance models and technology solutions that can make these developments more inclusive and efficient,” he notes.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies
    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Two zones’ initiative drives Beijing’s digital economy

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

    Beijing has made significant progress in becoming a global benchmark city for the digital economy over the past five years, thanks to the “two zones” initiative, officials said at a press conference Monday.

    The “two zones” initiative refers to Beijing’s dual efforts to develop a pilot free trade zone and a national comprehensive demonstration zone for further opening up the service sector. The initiative has helped drive reform, foster a thriving digital industry ecosystem, and accelerate the application of cutting-edge technologies.

    According to Liu Weiliang, spokesperson for the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, the city has gained a competitive edge in frontier digital technologies. General-purpose AI models such as Doubao and Kimi have achieved strong global performance, placing Beijing among the top tier of global innovators. In brain-computer interface research, Beijing’s Beinao-1 system successfully completed one of the world’s first flexible, semi-invasive, fully implanted wireless human trials and has begun clinical validation. Meanwhile, the Tiangong robot made headlines by winning the world’s first half-marathon title for humanoid robots.

    With the world’s largest and most advanced information and communication infrastructure, China has made great strides in digital connectivity, and Beijing is leading the way. The capital has built 143,900 5G base stations — ranking first in China in terms of density, with the highest number of stations per 10,000 people. With 16,000 5G-A base stations, Beijing has over 1,000 residential communities now capable of supporting 10-gigabit broadband access. 

    The Beijing International Big Data Exchange has been central to the city’s efforts in cultivating a high-quality data market. The exchange has seen rapid growth, with cumulative data transactions reaching 2,250 terabytes and an average annual growth rate of over 200% over the past three years. It has processed more than 100 million high-frequency data requests and introduced 567 high-quality datasets, of which 171 have already been traded. These include text, image, audio, and video formats, highlighting rising market demand, growing product diversity, and active participation.

    Telecommunications has also seen broader opening to foreign investment. Wang Hui, deputy director of the Beijing Communications Administration, said that 10 foreign-invested enterprises have been approved for value-added telecom service trials in the city — accounting for 40% of the national total. These approvals cover services such as internet access, online data processing, and information services, and involve well-known multinational corporations with operations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.

    According to Wang, these companies, many of which are local subsidiaries of global giants, are leveraging their international experience and advanced technologies to support Beijing’s goals. Some offer high-quality network solutions to build platforms for clients across supply chains; some focus on sectors like aviation and automotive manufacturing, providing specialized data and IT services; and several others use their global expertise to support Beijing-based companies in going global, while emerging internet firms are helping diversify service options for local users.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: AIIB updates corporate strategy

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

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Thursday released a new version of its corporate strategy for the period of 2021-2030, outlining its roadmap for future development.

    Unveiled at the 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of the Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank from June 24 to 26, the new version is an update of the one that AIIB released five years ago.

    AIIB’s previous version of corporate strategy defines its mission as “financing infrastructure for tomorrow,” with the operational focus on green infrastructure, connectivity and regional cooperation, technology-enabled infrastructure, and private capital mobilization.

    Under the updated strategy, AIIB aims to double its annual financing goal to $17 billion in 2030, and maximize climate impact, targeting over 50% of its own financing to climate-related investments annually in 2025. In fact, AIIB has surpassed this target for three consecutive years since 2022.

    Since its establishment 10 years ago, AIIB has maintained a clearly defined mission of addressing infrastructure financing and development needs across Asia and beyond. It champions multilateralism by enhancing infrastructure connectivity, advancing regional economic integration, and improving people’s living standards.

    As of the first day of the annual meeting on June 24, AIIB had approved a total of 322 projects, with financing exceeding US$60 billion. These investments have mobilized over $200 billion in capital for infrastructure development, benefiting 38 members across Asia and beyond.

    At the meeting, AIIB released the report titled “Scaling Impact through Collaboration: Shaping the Future of AIIB Partnership in the Multilateral Development Bank Context,” reiterating its firm commitment in multilateralism.

    “The past decade has been a decade of collaboration,” said Jin Liqun, president of AIIB, at a press conference of the annual meeting. He said such cooperation has manifested both in AIIB’s partnerships with other institutions.

    The AIIB is embarking on a new decade-long journey and stands ready to deepen collaboration with its diverse partners, including the World Bank, private capital providers, philanthropic organizations, and others, Jin said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Traffic accident aid scheme updated

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Starting June 28, the Injury Grant and the Interim Maintenance Grant of the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme will be merged into the Compassionate Grant (CG), the Social Welfare Department announced today.

    An applicant eligible for the CG will receive $330 per day for a maximum of 60 days of sick leave.

    Subject to meeting other criteria, a CG applicant must obtain certification from a registered medical practitioner, including a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, that his/her injury requires hospitalisation for no less than seven days or sick leave for at least seven days. An applicant can only apply for CG once within two years.

    The revised arrangements will apply to applications involving traffic accidents that happen at or after midnight on June 28. Victims of traffic accidents that happened before that time can still apply for the Injury Grant and the Interim Maintenance Grant.

    The arrangements for the other three grants under the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme, ie the Burial Grant, Death Grant and Disability Grant, will remain unchanged.

    The Social Welfare Department explained that the Government has no intention of altering the original policy intent of the scheme. It said the revised arrangements, approved by the Legislative Council Finance Committee today, aim to enhance the scheme so that it can provide modest but timely relief to victims of traffic accidents in a sustainable manner, help victims overcome short-term financial difficulties, ensure proper use of public resources, and prevent abuse and fraudulent behaviour.

    For individuals with financial difficulties or other welfare needs, the department said it will provide them with appropriate support, including referring them to apply for the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance or other assistance.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Amplify ETFs Declares June Income Distributions for its Income ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amplify ETFs announces June income distributions for its income ETFs.

    ETF Name Ticker Amount per Share Ex-Date Record Date Payable Date
    Amplify Bitcoin Max Income Covered Call ETF BAGY $1.41350 6/27/25 6/27/25 6/30/25
    Amplify Bitcoin 2% Monthly Option Income ETF BITY $1.13000 6/27/25 6/27/25 6/30/25
    Amplify Samsung SOFR ETF SOFR $0.35823 6/27/25 6/27/25 6/30/25
    Amplify Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 12% Premium Income ETF TLTP $0.22790 6/27/25 6/27/25 6/30/25
    Amplify CWP Growth & Income ETF QDVO $0.22691 6/27/25 6/27/25 6/30/25
    Amplify COWS Covered Call ETF HCOW $0.18925 6/27/25 6/27/25 6/30/25
    Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF IDVO $0.16905 6/27/25 6/27/25 6/30/25
    Amplify CWP Enhanced Dividend Income ETF DIVO $0.16752 6/27/25 6/27/25 6/30/25
    Amplify Natural Resources Dividend Income ETF NDIV $0.13865 6/27/25 6/27/25 6/30/25
    Amplify High Income ETF YYY $0.12000 6/27/25 6/27/25 6/30/25
               

    About Amplify ETFs
    Amplify ETFs, sponsored by Amplify Investments, has over $11.2 billion in assets across its suite of ETFs (as of 5/31/2025). Amplify ETFs delivers expanded investment opportunities for investors seeking growth, income, and risk-managed strategies across a range of actively managed and index-based ETFs. To learn more, visit AmplifyETFs.com.

    Sales Contact: Media Contacts:
    Amplify ETFs Gregory FCA for Amplify ETFs
    855-267-3837 Kerry Davis
    info@amplifyetfs.com 610-228-2098
      amplifyetfs@gregoryfca.com
       

    This information is not intended to provide and should not be relied upon for accounting, legal or tax advice, or investment recommendations. To receive a distribution, you must be a registered shareholder of the fund on the record date. Distributions are paid to shareholders on the payment date. There is no guarantee that distributions will be made in the future. Your own trading will also generate tax consequences and transaction expenses. Past distributions are not indicative of future distributions. Please consult your tax professional or financial adviser for more information regarding your tax situation.

    Carefully consider the Funds’ investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in Amplify Funds’ statutory and summary prospectuses, which may be obtained at AmplifyETFs.com. Read the prospectuses carefully before investing.

    Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.

    Amplify ETFs are distributed by Foreside Services, LLC.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KE Holdings Inc. Announces Results of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KE Holdings Inc. (“Beike” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BEKE; HKEX: 2423), a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services, today announced that each of the proposed resolutions submitted for shareholders’ approval (the “Proposed Resolutions”) as set forth in the notice of annual general meeting dated April 17, 2025 have been adopted at the meeting held in Beijing, China today.

    After the adoption of the Proposed Resolutions, all corporate authorizations and actions contemplated thereunder are approved, including, among other things, that (i) Mr. Jeffrey Zhaohui Li is re-elected as a non-executive director and Ms. Xiaohong Chen is re-elected as an independent non-executive director of the Company, and (ii) the directors of the Company are granted a general unconditional mandate to allot, issue and deal with additional Class A ordinary shares or equivalents and a general unconditional mandate to repurchase the Company’s own shares, respectively, on the terms and in the periods as set out in the notice of annual general meeting.

    About KE Holdings Inc.

    KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services. The Company is a pioneer in building infrastructure and standards to reinvent how service providers and customers efficiently navigate and complete housing transactions and services in China, ranging from existing and new home sales, home rentals, to home renovation and furnishing, and other services. The Company owns and operates Lianjia, China’s leading real estate brokerage brand and an integral part of its Beike platform. With more than 23 years of operating experience through Lianjia since its inception in 2001, the Company believes the success and proven track record of Lianjia pave the way for it to build its infrastructure and standards and drive the rapid and sustainable growth of Beike.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Beike may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about KE Holdings Inc.’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Beike’s goals and strategies; Beike’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in the Company’s revenues, costs or expenditures; Beike’s ability to empower services and facilitate transactions on Beike platform; competition in the industry in which Beike operates; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the industry; Beike’s ability to protect the Company’s systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; Beike’s dependence on the integrity of brokerage brands, stores and agents on the Company’s platform; general economic and business conditions in China and globally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in KE Holdings Inc.’s filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and KE Holdings Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China:
    KE Holdings Inc.
    Investor Relations
    Siting Li
    E-mail: ir@ke.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Jenny Cai
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com

    In the United States:
    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com

    Source: KE Holdings Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • India exports first consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot to Qatar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a boost to India’s horticultural exports, the first consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot, Punjab, was flagged off to Doha, Qatar, on Friday. The one-metric-tonne consignment marks a major milestone for India’s agri-export sector and was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in collaboration with the Punjab Horticulture Department.

    Additionally, a separate 0.5-metric-tonne shipment was exported to Dubai, UAE, further strengthening India’s footprint in global fresh fruit markets.

    The premium litchis, supplied by progressive farmer Prabhat Singh from Sujanpur, were shipped in refrigerated pallets to ensure freshness. This initiative highlights the export potential of Pathankot, which benefits from ideal agro-climatic conditions for litchi cultivation.

    According to the National Horticulture Board, Punjab produced 71,490 metric tonnes of litchi in FY 2023–24, contributing over 12% to India’s total litchi output. During the same period, India exported 639.53 metric tonnes of litchi.

    With India’s fruit and vegetable exports reaching USD 3.87 billion in FY 2024–25—a 5.67% increase over the previous year—products like litchi, cherries, and jamun are gaining growing acceptance in international markets, alongside traditional favourites like mangoes, bananas, and grapes.

    The government’s continued efforts to support farmers, promote value-added agriculture, and expand global market access through APEDA are paving the way for India to emerge as a leading exporter of high-quality horticultural produce.

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Introduces BTC Staking Initiative With Rhea Finance, Offering Up to 15% APY and 3 Million RHEA in Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial crypto wallet, has worked with decentralized finance platform Rhea Finance to introduce a BTC staking initiative offering yields of up to 15% APY and 3 million RHEA token incentives. Running from June 27 to July 11, the initiative aims to increase participation in decentralized lending and support the growth of Rhea’s onchain ecosystem ahead of its upcoming token generation event.

    Rhea Finance is a decentralized, non-custodial protocol that allows users to supply assets to earn interest or borrow against them through a pool-based interest rate model. By staking BTC through Bitget Wallet, users gain access to competitive yield opportunities and token-based rewards. All incentives will be distributed following the launch of the RHEA token, with participation dependent on staking and completion of a set of engagement tasks.

    To qualify, users must stake at least $10 worth of BTC via Bitget Wallet and complete actions such as following Rhea on social channels and joining its community groups. Each user is limited to one wallet address and device, with a minimum wallet balance required at the close of the initiative. The program combines DeFi-native incentives with a non-custodial experience to drive broader awareness and adoption.

    “This collaboration with Rhea Finance reflects our commitment to enabling secure and accessible on-chain opportunities for everyday users,” said Jamie Elkaleh, CMO at Bitget Wallet. “By integrating high-yield staking directly into the wallet, we’re helping users benefit from DeFi without needing to navigate complex protocols or give up control of their assets.”

    Find out more on Bitget Wallet’s official channels.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple and secure for everyone. With over 80 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, DApp exploration, and payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets. Its vision is Crypto for Everyone — to make crypto simpler, safer, and part of everyday life for a billion people.

    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook

    For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d4da5e3-536a-4897-808f-e84e6d95eb30

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Introduces BTC Staking Initiative With Rhea Finance, Offering Up to 15% APY and 3 Million RHEA in Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial crypto wallet, has worked with decentralized finance platform Rhea Finance to introduce a BTC staking initiative offering yields of up to 15% APY and 3 million RHEA token incentives. Running from June 27 to July 11, the initiative aims to increase participation in decentralized lending and support the growth of Rhea’s onchain ecosystem ahead of its upcoming token generation event.

    Rhea Finance is a decentralized, non-custodial protocol that allows users to supply assets to earn interest or borrow against them through a pool-based interest rate model. By staking BTC through Bitget Wallet, users gain access to competitive yield opportunities and token-based rewards. All incentives will be distributed following the launch of the RHEA token, with participation dependent on staking and completion of a set of engagement tasks.

    To qualify, users must stake at least $10 worth of BTC via Bitget Wallet and complete actions such as following Rhea on social channels and joining its community groups. Each user is limited to one wallet address and device, with a minimum wallet balance required at the close of the initiative. The program combines DeFi-native incentives with a non-custodial experience to drive broader awareness and adoption.

    “This collaboration with Rhea Finance reflects our commitment to enabling secure and accessible on-chain opportunities for everyday users,” said Jamie Elkaleh, CMO at Bitget Wallet. “By integrating high-yield staking directly into the wallet, we’re helping users benefit from DeFi without needing to navigate complex protocols or give up control of their assets.”

    Find out more on Bitget Wallet’s official channels.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple and secure for everyone. With over 80 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, DApp exploration, and payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets. Its vision is Crypto for Everyone — to make crypto simpler, safer, and part of everyday life for a billion people.

    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook

    For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d4da5e3-536a-4897-808f-e84e6d95eb30

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The banking sector in the EU continues to show resilience in capital, liquidity and profitability, but geopolitical events could pose significant challenges for the industry

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today released the Spring 2025 edition of its risk assessment report (RAR), which also analyses the funding plans of banks within the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA). This report is supplemented by the Spring Risk Assessment Questionnaire (RAQ).

    Key findings from the EBA risk assessment

    •    As of the end of 2024, banks maintained a robust capital base, while profits were at historically high levels. Increased uncertainty and financial market volatility could pose challenges for the sustainability of these.
    •    Liquidity levels remained substantial and significantly exceeded minimum standards, although potential risks may emerge due to heightened volatility.
    •    EU/EEA banks’ credit risks could rise due to their exposure to sectors affected by tariffs or supply chain disruptions stemming from geopolitical events.
    •    Operational risks are on the rise, particularly in relation to cyber threats and a surge in fraudulent activities.
    •    The funding plans of EU/EEA banks indicate a focus on leveraging their deposit base and issuing secured debt to facilitate strong asset growth.
    •    A significant portion of EU/EEA banks’ exposures could be affected by both transitional and physical climate-related risks, although there is considerable variation among different banks and countries.

    Documents

    Risk Assessment Report – Spring 2025 [digital]
    Risk Assessment Report Spring 2025

    (2.81 MB – PDF)

    RAQ Booklet graphs Spring 2025

    (5.08 MB – PDF)

    Risk Assessment Report Spring 2025 – presentation

    (1.06 MB – PDF)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKEF announces enhanced business support to supercharge international trade

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UKEF announces enhanced business support to supercharge international trade

    UK Export Finance introduces new products that offer enhanced support and security for smaller businesses when trading internationally

    Smaller businesses are set to benefit from extra government support to maximise orders from international buyers UK Export Finance (UKEF) unveils today, delivering on commitments set out in the government’s new Trade Strategy.  

    The export credit agency and government department plays a vital role in stimulating exports and enhancing accessibility for exporters of all sizes nationwide. 

    UKEF has enhanced its export insurance with a new Small Export Builder option, making export protection more accessible to smaller businesses seeking financial security when trading internationally. 

    The department is also introducing a ‘Repeat Order Guarantee’ so international buyers can easily keep accessing goods and services from their most trusted UK suppliers of all sizes and in a more streamlined way without the need of repeated applications, reducing red tape for business. This will help businesses to plan ahead and give greater assurance to UK-based supply chains. 

    Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said:

    This new hard-headed, data driven, and agile approach to trade policy is guided by our pragmatic patriotism. In this changed and challenging world, we will promote what we can and protect what we must to advance the UK’s national interest.   

    Through our Trade Strategy, we are supporting our businesses to expand and export with a wider range of trade tools that harness our high-growth industries of the future to deliver this government’s Plan for Change. 

    With its larger £80 billion remit, UKEF takes a central role in helping the government to achieve its trade objectives, and support exporters to fulfil orders, create jobs and get paid. 

    UK Export Finance CEO Tim Reid added:

    We’re focused on delivering measurable impact for our customers, placing their needs at the heart of everything we do.  

    UKEF supports businesses through providing financing, guarantees and insurance to support UK exports. We continue to focus on making our products more accessible and easier to use.  

    Our updated insurance offer and Repeat Order Guarantee are fantastic additions to our portfolio and underscore our efforts to support long-term export growth.

    The measures are announced ahead of UKEF’s 2024/25 annual report & accounts which will be published soon.  

    The results will build on the 2023/24 financial year in which UKEF provided over £8.8 billion of support to 650 businesses, supported up to 41,000 jobs in communities around the whole UK and the contribution of up to £3.3 billion to the overall economy. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –