NewzIntel.com

Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI Security: Veterans Affairs Contractor Agrees to Pay $4.3 Million to Resolve Claims of Overbilling for Products

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Spokane, Washington – Omnicell, a company based in Delaware, has agreed to pay $4,366,660 to resolve claims that it fraudulently overbilled the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for medical device hardware and software, announced Richard R. Barker, the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

    Between January 2017 and February 2023, Omnicell held a federal contact with the VA to sell and lease products at a set price or negotiated discounted price.

    According to the settlement agreement, a False Claims Act (FCA) claim arose from allegations that Omnicell did not always charge the correct prices for products purchased and leased by federal agencies.

    When Omnicell became aware of certain pricing issues related to specific individual orders, including when federal government customers raised concerns and questions, Omnicell at times issued credits or otherwise corrected prices charged to federal government customers. However, Omnicell did not always timely correct the known issues in its sales and pricing system in a systemic way, nor did Omnicell undertake an analysis to determine whether other federal government customers that may have been previously overcharged due to the pricing issues in order to provide those customers with refunds of overcharges.

    In August 2023, a former Omnicell employee came forward with allegations of fraudulent product overcharging. This individual, known as a “Relator,” filed a qui tam complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court (EDWA). When a relator files a qui tam complaint, the False Claims Act requires the United States to investigate the allegations and elect whether to intervene and take over the action or to decline to intervene and allow the relator to go forward with the litigation on behalf of the United States. The relator is generally able to then share in any recovery. As part of the settlement agreement, the relator will receive $785,998.80 of the settlement amount.  $2,183,330 of the settlement amount has been designated as restitution, meaning that it will be returned to the VA.

    “Veterans who served our country deserve the best health care possible. It is important that companies who do business with the VA and the federal government are accurate in how they charge for goods and services,” stated Acting United States Attorney Barker. “I am grateful that Omnicell quickly accepted responsibility and has taken steps to comply with its billing obligations going forward.”

    “This settlement sends a clear message that the VA OIG will actively investigate allegations involving contractors overbilling for products provided to VA,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with the US Attorney’s Office to ensure the integrity of VA programs and services.”

    The settlement was the result of an investigation jointly conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the VA Office of Inspector General. The USAO’s investigation and prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob E. Brooks.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement by council leader on central government Spending Review

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds City Council’s leader has given his response to the UK Government’s newly-published Spending Review 2025.

    Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

    “Today’s Spending Review is a big moment for the country and contains much that makes encouraging reading for both the council and the city of Leeds as a whole.

    “The £39bn national investment in affordable housing announced by the Chancellor is welcome news for local authorities, and underlines the value of what we have already achieved as a council with the delivery of hundreds of new homes in Leeds.

    “Confirmation of £2.1bn of funding support for a new tram network serving Leeds and other parts of West Yorkshire, meanwhile, is a vital boost for a scheme that will bring jobs and opportunities within easier reach of thousands of people.

    “The £240m announced for work to increase capacity and ease congestion at Leeds City Station will also make a huge difference to our transport infrastructure.

    “It was really pleasing, too, to hear that the Chancellor will be setting out plans in the coming weeks to take forward the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme.

    “In addition, I’m delighted that Middleton Park Avenue has been named as one of 25 trailblazer neighbourhoods that will receive up to £20m over the next decade to support regeneration and renewal.

    “Investment in areas such as school buildings, NHS technology and training for young people will also, I’m sure, have a positive impact on communities across cities like Leeds.

    “It should be stressed, however, that we, in common with local authorities up and down the country, continue to face severe financial pressures following austerity-era cuts that saw our core government funding reduced by roughly £260m for each year between 2011 and 2023.

    “This means, as we digest the full details and implications of the Spending Review, we will be working as hard as ever to keep delivering our frontline services in ways that meet the needs of the people of Leeds and are also cost effective.”

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller-Meeks Statement on ICE Protest in Iowa

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-02)

    Davenport, IA — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) issued the following statement in response to protests in Davenport and across the country targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):

    “ICE agents put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. The manufactured outrage in Davenport and around the country is not about standing up for justice, protesters are demanding that violent, illegal immigrant criminals be allowed to stay in our country without consequence.

    I voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill, which authorizes 10,000 more border security agents, completes the fence with accompanying technology, and gives CBP and ICE the tools to do their job.

    I will never allow Iowa to become the next Los Angeles. We will protect our neighborhoods, enforce our laws, and support those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. Don’t California our Iowa.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New group to drive down business costs

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    11th June 2025

    • The Cost of Business Advisory Forum met today for the first time
    • Group chaired by Former Labour Court Judge Kevin Foley, and Vice Chaired by Mr. Ronan Byrne, Manager of Bloomfield Hotel

    The Inaugural meeting of a new Department of Enterprise-led group to examine the costs involved in running a business held its first meeting today. 

    The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke has established the new group with the aim of reducing the cost of running a business, and addressing delays which can impact the operation of businesses in Ireland. For the first time, regulators will be directly in the room to hear from business owners and representatives themselves.

    The Forum brings together business owners, retailers, tourism operators, accounting professionals and representative groups—alongside regulators and state agencies—to look at the structural issues that are driving up costs and the steps that could be taken to mitigate them.  

    “I’ve been looking forward to the first meeting of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, and hearing directly from the people who run businesses, employ our citizens and keep our economy strong. I believe it is important for our regulators, our Government Departments and our decision-makers to hear directly from this key cohort, the people that are at the coal face when we implement policy and regulations.

    “I want to thank Mr. Kevin Foley, former Chair of the Labour Court, and Mr. Ronan Byrne, General Manager of Bloomfield Hotel for agreeing to be our Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, respectively. This Forum is about balance and reflecting all sectors of business, and ensuring all voices are heard in this important discussion.

    “After our initial meeting, each subsequent session will focus on a specific theme, like licensing, infrastructure, or regulatory fees, with the relevant regulators invited to attend and respond. The goal is to create a space where businesses can speak directly to decision-makers about the real-world impact of rules and charges—and identify areas to make practical changes.”

    ENDS

    Notes to Editors

    Group includes representatives from:

    • American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham)
    • Chambers Ireland
    • Chartered Accountants Ireland
    • Irish Business Employers Confederation (IBEC)
    • Irish Exporters Association
    • Irish Farmers Association (IFA)
    • Irish Small and Medium Enterprises (ISME)
    • Irish Tax Institute
    • Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC)
    • Retail Excellence Ireland
    • Small Firms Associations (SFA)
    • Central Bank 
    • Coimisiún na Mean
    • Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg)
    • Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)
    • Companies Registration Office
    • Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
    • Eirgrid
    • Enterprise Ireland 
    • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    • ESB Networks
    • Fáilte Ireland
    • Gas Networks Ireland
    • Health & Safety Authority
    • IDA Ireland
    • Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)
    • Office of the Revenue Commissioners
    • Immigration Service Delivery

    Back to Department News

    Back to Top

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: CIC – Notice of Early Redemption (ISIN code: FR0000584377)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (SEE “DISCLAIMER” BELOW).

    Paris, June 11th 2025

    Notice of Early Redemption

    To : (i)      The Noteholders of the below mentioned Notes;
    (ii)      Euronext Paris
    (iii)      Fiscal Agent.

    Dear Sirs,

    Crédit Industriel et Commecial S.A.,
    Issuance of F 500 000 000 (€76 224 508),
    Undated Subordinatede Notes
    With the Isin code: FR0000584377 (the ‘’Notes’’);

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A., (formerly “Compagnie Financière de Crédit Industriel et Commercial’’) is the issuer (the “Issuer’’) of the Notes.

    In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes (the ‘’Conditions’’), the Issuer hereby gives notice that it is exercising in whole its right to redeem the Notes pursuant to the provision Redemption (‘’Remboursement’’) of the Listing Particulars (“Issuer Call Option”) of the Notes.

    We, the Issuer, instruct you as Fiscal Agent, to authorise the French Central Securities Depository to cancel the Notes redeemed on 21 July, 2025 (“Early Redemption Date”).

    For the purposes of the Issuer Call:

    (i) the Issuer Call Date will be 21 July, 2025; and
    (ii) the Optional Redemption Amount(s) or Early Redemption Amount excluding accrued interest is: 769.87 euros per Denomination.

    Unless otherwise defined in this notice, capitalised terms used in this notice shall have the meaning given to them in the Listing Particulars (‘’Note d’Information’’) dated June, 1987, as applicable, relating to the Notes.

    Yours faithfully,

    For and on behalf of

    Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A.,

    By Eric CUZZUCOLI

    Duly authorized

    DISCLAIMER
    This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, the Instruments in the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan or in any other jurisdiction, including France. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves and observe any such restrictions. No communication may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction in which registration or approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction where such action would be required; CIC disclaims any liability for any violation by any person of such restrictions.

    Contacts
    Corporate Communications and Press Relations Department: +33 (0)1 53 48 26 00 – compresse@cic.fr
    Investor Relations: bfcm-web@creditmutuel.fr

    About CIC
    CIC is a leading bank in France and internationally, and the bank of one in three businesses in France. It provides nearly 5.5 million customers with a French network of nearly 1,800 branches and 20,000 employees, as well as international branches in 37 countries. In order to meet the needs of all economic players and to build up a constantly efficient offer on a daily basis, it combines financial, insurance, telephony and cutting-edge technological services with a high level of financial solidity backed by that of its parent company, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. For more information, visit cic.fr

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering to Establish the Canadian Nuclear Learning Centre

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory, and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), Canada’s nuclear Crown corporation, are pleased to announce that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) to pursue the development of the Canadian Nuclear Learning Centre (CNLC). The vision of the centre is to coordinate education, training, knowledge management and workforce development across Canada’s growing nuclear sector.

    “CNL has always played a critical role in developing highly qualified people for Canada’s nuclear workforce,” says Dr. Stephen Bushby, CNL’s Vice-President, Science & Technology. “This effort will continue through the creation of the Canadian Nuclear Learning Centre, which will provide learning opportunities to build a talent pipeline for both CNL and the industry as a whole. The CNLC, with the support of AECL’s Federal Nuclear Science and Technology Work Plan, provides an excellent complement to our Academic Partnership Program that began in 2022.”

    The new agreement addresses collaborative work the three organizations will undertake to establish the centre. These include expanding UNENE programming and activities to incorporate use of the world-class facilities and expertise at Chalk River Laboratories and other CNL sites, while exploring both the development of micro-credential offerings and the opportunity for regional hubs via academic and other national laboratory partners. Central to the collaboration is advancing nuclear education to support workforce development priorities. Each organization will also look to leverage their long-term relationships with Canadian academic institutions to examine opportunities for joint project coordination.

    “Canada’s national nuclear laboratories play a vital role in developing the next generation of scientific talent,” noted Dr. Amy Gottschling, Vice President of Science, Technology, and Commercial Oversight at AECL. “We know that it’s not enough to have world class scientific facilities; we are always thinking about how we can contribute to the growth of the next generation of nuclear leaders and innovators. That’s what makes UNENE such an important partner for AECL and CNL. Wherever today’s students ultimately make their careers, the investment we make today in building their expertise will pay huge dividends for all of us in the future.”

    Since 2002, UNENE has worked to advance nuclear knowledge – offering nuclear engineering, science and technology research and education programming. With the support of its partners and funding organizations, including CNL and AECL, it is the centre of a network of universities, industry and government that is focused on building capacity and heightening visibility of Canada’s university excellence as an important contribution to the country’s tier one nuclear nation.

    “UNENE has a proud history of contributing to nuclear education and training in Canada, including our activities to enable collaboration between industry and academia,” says Jerry Hopwood, President, UNENE. “Today, the momentum is rapidly increasing for nuclear technology as part of the growing clean energy sector. The learning centre initiative is a vital contributor to the crucial task of developing a capable nuclear workforce for tomorrow, and broadening understanding of nuclear technology. This initiative will enable Canadians to grow valuable, practical skills towards a qualified workforce, and will provide a pathway for information and insight to students and stakeholders who wish to learn more about nuclear science and technology. UNENE is looking forward to being part of this exciting initiative.”

    As part of the collaborative work to develop the centre, the organizations will present an initial concept of the centre for input at CNL and AECL’s Second Annual University Day this July. An initial plan for the centre is expected to be finalized in Fall 2025.

    About CNL

    As Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.

    By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.

    To learn more about CNL, please visit www.cnl.ca.

    About Atomic Energy of Canada Limited

    Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is a federal Crown corporation with a mandate to drive nuclear opportunities for Canada. Working through a government-owned / contractor-operated (GoCo) model that is executed by its contractor, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, AECL enables nuclear science and technology through its Chalk River Laboratories, Canada’s largest research complex, and by engaging with academia and private industry to advance nuclear innovation. It is committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It also manages the Government of Canada’s radioactive waste responsibilities. AECL continues to own the intellectual property for the CANDU® reactor technology and is accountable for deriving optimal benefit from this technology for Canada. Read more on AECL at www.aecl.ca.

    About UNENE

    The University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE), founded in 2002, is a network of Canadian and partner international universities offering nuclear engineering, science and technology research and education programming. Its members also include Canadian industry participants and Canada’s national nuclear science and technology institution. With its partners and funding organizations, UNENE works to advance nuclear knowledge, build capacity and heighten the visibility of Canada’s strength as a global partner, and to elevate the role of nuclear in advancing global sustainability, prosperity and a clean energy future. Learn more about UNENE at www.unene.ca.

    CNL Contact:
    Philip Kompass
    Director, Corporate Communications
    1-866-886-2325
    media@cnl.ca

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2600a13d-70d0-4a94-b2a3-72c80c5def72

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Siili Solutions Plc: Share Repurchase 11.6.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Siili Solutions Plc       Announcement  11.6.2025
         
         
    Siili Solutions Plc: Share Repurchase 11.6.2025  
         
    In the Helsinki Stock Exchange    
         
    Trade date           11.6.2025  
    Bourse trade         Buy  
    Share                  SIILI  
    Amount             1 000 Shares
    Average price/ share    6,3000 EUR
    Total cost            6 300,00 EUR
         
         
    Siili Solutions Plc now holds a total of 9 198 shares
    including the shares repurchased on 11.6.2025  
         
    The share buybacks are executed in compliance with Regulation 
    No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council (MAR) Article 5
    and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052.
         
    On behalf of Siili Solutions Plc    
         
    Nordea Bank Oyj    
         
    Sami Huttunen Ilari Isomäki  
         
    Further information:    
    CFO Aleksi Kankainen    
    Email: aleksi.kankainen@siili.com    
    Tel. +358 50 584 2029    
         
    www.siili.com    

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CNB issues its first-ever coin with an optical see-through element

    Source: Czech National Bank

    The Czech National Bank (CNB) is issuing a CZK 500 commemorative silver coin featuring the legendary Czech jet trainer, the Aero L‑39. The coin features a unique optical see-through element, which allows the aircraft’s silhouette to be seen in three-dimensional space. The coin is available for purchase from 11 June 2025.

    This latest silver coin is the fifth and final in the thematic series Famous Means of Transport in this issuance period. “The Aero L‑39 symbolises top-tier Czechoslovak aerospace engineering. This legendary aircraft has become both a technical and export icon and marks a significant milestone in Czech industrial history. It has rightly earned its place among the five coins for which we at the CNB chose exceptional technical processing,” said CNB Bank Board member Karina Kubelková.

    This is the first coin in the history of the CNB’s numismatic issues to feature an optical see-through element. “If you shine a laser through the coin’s see-through section, you will see the silhouette of two aircraft,” Karina Kubelková highlighted the creative element. She added that the silhouette can also be viewed without a laser by looking through the coin towards a point light source, such as a phone flashlight or pocket torch.

    The CNB is issuing a total of 30,000 coins: 10,760 in normal quality and 19,240 in proof quality. The coin is minted from an alloy containing 925 parts silver and 75 parts copper. It weighs 25 grams and has a diameter of 40 mm. It is issued in two versions, normal quality and proof quality. Proof-quality coins have a polished field and a matt relief.

    The design of the coin was chosen in an art competition. At the recommendation of an expert committee, the CNB Bank Board selected the design submitted by Zbyněk Fojtů. On the obverse side of the CZK 500 coin, he depicted the front view of the Aero L‑39 jet with part of the instrument panel below it, containing three flight instruments. The central flight instrument with an artificial horizon is depicted as an optical see-through element. The reverse side of the coin features two jets in flight and a mirror-reversed depiction of the flight instrument with an artificial horizon.

    The coin’s denomination of CZK 500 does not equal the sale price, which is higher and reflects, among other things, the current price of silver, production costs and VAT. The coins were minted by Česká mincovna, a. s., in Jablonec nad Nisou and are available for purchase from selected contractual partners (in Czech only). The CNB does not sell numismatic material directly to the public.

    The Aero L‑39 silver coin is the fifth in the Famous Means of Transport series. Previous coins in the series feature the Škoda 498 Albatros steam locomotive, the Jawa 250 motorcycle, the Tatra 603 car and the ČKD Tatra T3 tram. More commemorative coins will be issued in the Famous Means of Transport II series from 2026 to 2030. The whole schedule of issuance of coins and banknotes is available on the CNB website.

    Aero L-39 jet

    The Czechoslovak company Aero Vodochody began developing the new L‑39 Albatros jet trainer in the 1960s, building on experience with the L‑29 Delfín. The project was led by Jan Vlček in cooperation with the Soviet Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute. The aircraft was powered by the Ivchenko AI‑25 turbofan engine, which was produced under license as the AI‑25W at the Motorlet plant in Prague. The first flight took place in 1968 and serial production began in 1971. The Aero L‑39 received many accolades, was showcased at the Paris Air Show in 1977 and was successfully exported to many countries. By 1993, nearly 2,800 jets had been produced. The aircraft’s development continued with modernised versions, including the L‑159 and the latest L‑39NG.

    Jaroslav Krejčí
    CNB Spokesperson

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spending Review presents challenges

    Source: Scottish Government

    Funding for Scotland falls behind UK Government departments.

    The UK Spending Review fails to deliver for Scotland, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.

    Spending levels for public services will fail to offset the impact of proposed cuts to welfare support and the rise in National Insurance contributions, the Finance Secretary warned in response to the Chancellor’s statement.

    Shona Robison said: 

    “This Spending Review is business as usual from the UK Government, which is yet again treating Scotland as an afterthought and failing to provide us with the funding we need.

    “Today’s settlement for Scotland is particularly disappointing, with real terms growth of 0.8% a year for our overall Block Grant, which is lower than the average for UK Departments. Had our resource funding for day-to-day priorities grown in line with the UK Government’s overall spending, we would have £1.1 billion more to spend on our priorities over the next three years. In effect, Scotland has been short-changed by more than a billion pounds.

    “This all comes on top of the UK Government’s failure to fully fund their employer National Insurance increase, depriving us of hundreds of millions of pounds in funding, and their proposed cuts in support for disabled people that will push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children.

    “It is also disappointing that despite apparent briefing to media in advance, we are still awaiting clarity on funding for the vital Acorn project in the North East of Scotland.

    “We made extensive representations to the UK Government on our priorities for the Spending Review, including calls for an end to spending that bypasses devolution, but there has been limited opportunity to engage with them. It appears that the continuation of local growth funding – which fails to match the European Structural Funds it was supposed to replace – will come directly from Whitehall, yet again bypassing devolved governments.

    “We will now take the time to digest the detail of this statement and will set out our formal response on 25 June as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Building Permit Growth Up 31.5 Per Cent, Leading the Nation

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 11, 2025

    Province’s Strong Year-Over-Year Growth Ranks First Among the Provinces

    Statistics Canada’s latest figures indicate a 31.5 per cent increase from April 2024 to April 2025 (seasonally adjusted) in the value of building permits issued in Saskatchewan. The value reached $290 million (seasonally adjusted) in April 2025.

    “The continued rise in building permits demonstrates how our strong economy is delivering for Saskatchewan people,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Our stable business environment and competitive incentives are bringing jobs, investments and opportunities to everyone who calls this province home.” 

    Month-over-month figures also saw growth, with the value increasing 2.9 per cent from March 2025. Non-residential building permits increased by 57.1 per cent.

    The total value of building permits represents the dollar value of construction permits for residential and non-residential buildings.

    Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2024 real GDP reached an all-time high of $80.5 billion, increasing by $2.6 billion, or 3.4 per cent. This ranks Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth and above the national average of 1.6 per cent. 

    Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces for growth. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.  

    Last year, the province released Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy, in conjunction with the launch of the investSK.ca website. These initiatives are positioned to amplify growth in Saskatchewan, serving as pivotal instruments in driving further development. 

    For more information, visit: InvestSK.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise Corrects Record on Faulty CBO Projections

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), and Congressman Mark Messmer (R-Ind.) to discuss how the One Big Beautiful Bill will reduce our deficit and unleash economic growth. Leader Scalise slammed the Congressional Budget Office’s false projections, noting their history of miscalculating opportunities for economic growth like they did with the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Leader Scalise highlighted how House Republicans will continue to rally around legislation that protects taxpayer dollars, pointing to the White House-requested rescissions package that Leader Scalise is bringing to the House Floor next week. Additionally, Leader Scalise condemned the horrific antisemitic terror attacks that continue around the country.

    Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 
    On the rise in antisemitic terror attacks:“We all mourn those who were the victims of these attacks here in Washington, D.C., as well as in Boulder, Colorado. And it just unfortunately highlights this continued antisemitism we’ve seen around the country. Last week, I met with Jewish leaders, and they’re understandably concerned about this trend that keeps going on. It’s been going on for years. You know, you go back to October 7th, and ever since then, it’s been a growing equivocation between almost trying to equivocate what the people who attacked and murdered Jews in Israel and Americans and kept hostages with those in Gaza who we’ve seen what Gaza has become in and all of those who want to clean up Gaza. President Trump has made it clear, Prime Minister Netanyahu has made it clear, they want to turn Gaza back into a place where you don’t have to fear for your life that it’s going to be a terrorist hotbed. And yet there are people there that want to sympathize with the very terrorists who want to continue to not only carry out evil against Israelis, but against people here in America and all across the globe. It’s got to stop. We’re going to continue to bring legislation on the House Floor to address it.”On House Republicans unifying around reconciliation:“Now, I do want to talk about the one big beautiful bill. This House came together in a way that maybe surprised some people here in Washington. We’ve defied the odds every step of the way, from the first vote on the budget to the second vote on the budget to final passage. But there’s a reason for that.“And, you know, as the Whip just said, we’ve said all along, failure is not an option. I’ve been asked by some in the press, ‘What’s plan B?’ when there were reports that the bill was going to fail. And we were very clear, and it wasn’t just a talking point, we said there is no plan B. The American economy, the voters of this country demanded that Congress deliver on the promises that President Trump made to get this country turned around. And what we do in this bill delivers on so many different fronts to help grow America’s economy, to create jobs, to put more money in the pockets of hardworking families. That’s been the focus of this bill from the very beginning.”On CBO’s history of miscalculating economic growth: “I think there are some people that start reading too many Congressional Budget Office reports and ignore the lessons of history. And there’s an old saying that if you ignore the lessons of history, you’re doomed to repeat it. But I think it’s important to go down that road of history and go back to 2017. You don’t need to go back that far to see how wrong the CBO has been when it comes time to make prognostications on economic growth. They’ve always been wrong, and they’ve always ignored what tax cuts will do to grow the American economy. In 2017, when we started this process, when President Trump came in and said, ‘We’re going to make America competitive again,’ we were at a 35% corporate rate, and we were losing jobs all across the globe. Every month, you’d see a great American company move to a foreign country, and they would take the jobs along with them. Millions of jobs were leaving America. They were called inversions. You don’t maybe know that term as well anymore, because we haven’t had an inversion since we passed TCJA in 2017.“But if you go back, look at what CBO said about that bill. They said it would cost a decrease in revenue to the tune of one and a half trillion dollars. One and a half trillion. Now you go look at the numbers, they were off by more than one and a half trillion dollars. Because what they left out of that report, just like they’re leaving it out again, CBO is making the same mistakes. They ignore economic growth. What we saw in 2017 when we cut taxes is that businesses started growing. They started giving pay raises to their workers. They hired millions more people. Unemployment went virtually to zero. Inflation dropped dramatically. People had more money in their pockets because wages were up.And all of those things produced more money for the American Treasury. It all happened, and yet CBO failed to recognize that. And they’re making the same mistake again. And anybody who repeats CBO’s analysis is also making those same mistakes.”On the historic growth this bill will generate for hardworking Americans:“If you ignore the growth that will come with keeping tax rates low, with helping businesses invest more in their workers, giving pay raises, putting more money in the pockets of waiters and waitresses, overtime workers not having to pay taxes on overtime, bonus depreciation, immediate expensing, all the things that will generate economic growth and ultimately put more money in the pockets of workers and send more money up to the federal Treasury here in Washington. CBO missed all of that in 2017, and they’re missing it again this time. That’s the only way they’ve come to a conclusion that it would increase the deficit. This bill will actually reduce the deficit if you recognize the historical economic growth that has always been there. To say you’re going to get 1.8% growth, at a minimum, we think you can get 2.5 to 4% growth. Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary, says over 4% economic growth. So I get that, you know, we’ve got to play by the rules of the referee, but the referee has been wrong. You know, we got a referee that tries to sack our quarterback a lot, and yet we still manage to play by those rules and deliver for the American people. Because when this bill is passed and signed into law, hopefully by July 4th, when the Senate does their work, you’re going to see economic growth in this country like we haven’t seen in generations, meaning more pay in the pockets of workers. And you’re going to see more Treasury money coming in because of the growth in the American economy. It’s happened before, and it will happen again. We just need to keep moving forward. And the Senate’s got the bill now, and I’m confident they’re going to move it on and ultimately back to us to the president’s desk.”On putting the rescissions package on the House Floor:“And finally, you saw yesterday the White House sent the rescissions package. This is the first maybe of many. We are now putting that in bill format. We’ll file that bill hopefully by tomorrow and then bring it up to the floor quickly and get rid of more waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. This will deal with, obviously, the abuses we all saw at USAID, NPR, and public broadcasting. So those are the things that are going to be in this rescissions package. We’re going to continue working with President Trump to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and get the American economy turning around again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pickleball Company Owner Waives Discharge of Over $47M in Unsecured Debt After USTP Investigation

    Source: US State of California

    A pickleball entrepreneur who was forced into bankruptcy by investors he lured with promises of generous returns recently agreed to waive his bankruptcy discharge after an investigation by the Justice Department’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP), preventing the discharge of more than $47 million in unsecured debt.

    On May 14, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana approved a voluntary waiver of discharge by debtor Rodney Grubbs, owner of All About Pickleball LLC, an apparel and equipment company that did business as Pickleball Rocks. As a result, Grubbs remains personally liable for his debts, and creditors are free to pursue payment from him after the case is closed.

    Grubbs solicited investments from pickleball players and fans from across the United States, usually in the form of promissory notes with purportedly guaranteed interest rates of 10 percent or higher. In December 2023, several unpaid investors filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition against Grubbs under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. Grubbs opposed the petition, but after a hearing in which he testified to using new investors’ funds to pay back previous investors, the bankruptcy court granted the involuntary petition and ordered the case to proceed. Grubbs eventually disclosed nearly $1.6 million in assets and more than $47 million in liabilities, the vast majority of them unsecured debts owed to hundreds of individuals.

    As part of its extensive investigation, the USTP’s Indianapolis office obtained Grubbs’ personal and business financial records and examined him under oath. Ultimately, Grubbs — who also faced allegations from multiple creditors consistent with a Ponzi scheme — elected to waive his bankruptcy discharge.

    “The USTP is committed to addressing fraudulent and abusive conduct that threatens the integrity of the bankruptcy system,” said U.S. Trustee Nancy J. Gargula for Region 10, which includes the Southern District of Indiana. “Our commitment to protecting consumers and those who fall victim to various schemes that come to light in bankruptcy is unwavering.”

    The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 89 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pickleball Company Owner Waives Discharge of Over $47M in Unsecured Debt After USTP Investigation

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A pickleball entrepreneur who was forced into bankruptcy by investors he lured with promises of generous returns recently agreed to waive his bankruptcy discharge after an investigation by the Justice Department’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP), preventing the discharge of more than $47 million in unsecured debt.

    On May 14, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana approved a voluntary waiver of discharge by debtor Rodney Grubbs, owner of All About Pickleball LLC, an apparel and equipment company that did business as Pickleball Rocks. As a result, Grubbs remains personally liable for his debts, and creditors are free to pursue payment from him after the case is closed.

    Grubbs solicited investments from pickleball players and fans from across the United States, usually in the form of promissory notes with purportedly guaranteed interest rates of 10 percent or higher. In December 2023, several unpaid investors filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition against Grubbs under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. Grubbs opposed the petition, but after a hearing in which he testified to using new investors’ funds to pay back previous investors, the bankruptcy court granted the involuntary petition and ordered the case to proceed. Grubbs eventually disclosed nearly $1.6 million in assets and more than $47 million in liabilities, the vast majority of them unsecured debts owed to hundreds of individuals.

    As part of its extensive investigation, the USTP’s Indianapolis office obtained Grubbs’ personal and business financial records and examined him under oath. Ultimately, Grubbs — who also faced allegations from multiple creditors consistent with a Ponzi scheme — elected to waive his bankruptcy discharge.

    “The USTP is committed to addressing fraudulent and abusive conduct that threatens the integrity of the bankruptcy system,” said U.S. Trustee Nancy J. Gargula for Region 10, which includes the Southern District of Indiana. “Our commitment to protecting consumers and those who fall victim to various schemes that come to light in bankruptcy is unwavering.”

    The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 89 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP Investors Diversify to Profitable Cloud Mining Platform, VNBTC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, United Kingdom, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As of June 10, cryptocurrencies are in the green with Bitcoin rising to over $109K, Ethereum hitting $2,687, and XRP trading above $2.29. XRP’s rise specifically was expected following an activity-packed week, with XRP making headlines every day.

    In the most recent news, Ripple announced the decision to provide $200,000 in funding to Japanese startups built on XRPL, the XRP ledger. Targeting Japan’s tech innovation and Web3 boom, Ripple could be setting XRP for a major price rally. XRP certainly makes one of the best cryptocurrencies to buy.

    But what if making money doesn’t end up at buying and holding XRP? A popular Dogecoin cloud mining platform, VNBTC, has seen a significant surge of XRP holders purchasing its top cloud mining contracts. 

    “After discovering that I could safely turn my XRP holdings into a passive income stream with VNBTC Dogecoin cloud mining, my assets are making significant profits as I wait for the best time to sell,” said a happy VNBTC user.

    XRP Holders Earning Over $10,000 Passive Income Using VNBTC Bitcoin and Dogecoin Cloud Mining

    First, cloud mining with VNBTC does not require expertise or the need to own mining hardware. Being 100% hands-off, it’s the perfect crypto investment option for XRP holders simply looking to earn profits without additional effort. The investors who come on board only need to purchase a mining contract, the system starts working instantly and automatically updates daily earnings on user dashboards. 

    According to the sentiments of XRP holders, the daily profits are consistent with earnings exceeding $42,000 a month. The earning potential varies depending on the mining contract an investor chooses, but a consistent 100% monthly ROI is easily achievable. 

    VNBTC was founded in the UK in 2019 and has operated legally since. Relying on AI optimisation, the company owns over 100 mining farms that are energy efficient and profitable. This is how VNBTC manages to offer the highest ROI in the market renting hashpower to users through mining contracts. For many investors, Bitcoin and Dogecoin cloud mining is a reasonable way to boost your crypto returns. 

    A table showing VNBTC mining contracts and Expected Profits:

    Why Choose VNBTC Bitcoin and Dogecoin Cloud Mining Over Others?

    Since getting registered legally in the UK, VNBTC has built a proven track record of profitability and security for investor funds. So far, it has attracted over 11 million users, building a reputation for investor trust.

    “Our platform is designed for transparency, with daily updates on earnings and automated settlement once a contract period expires. Investors’ principal is automatically returned alongside the profits,” commented a VNBTC spokesperson.

    Looking at the user interface, users access a simple but comprehensive platform. It’s simple enough for beginners to navigate, start mining, track earnings, and withdraw without the need for guidance. Amazingly, you can get your settlement in XRP, BTC, DOGE, LTC, ETH, USDT, and others.

    In Short

    VNBTC Bitcoin & Dogecoin Cloud mining platform could be your bridge to making millions with crypto investments. Instead of repeatedly exiting and entering trades, XRP holders are choosing to channel their assets into a consistent money-making opportunity. With crypto trading, ensuring profitability every day is almost impossible. But through cloud mining, every day could be a green day.

    Choose a sustainable way to make money with crypto investment, visit: https://vnbtc.com/mining-contracts

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CentralReach’s Market-Leading Autism and IDD Care Platform™ Wins Gold in 2025 Stevie Awards for American Business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fort Lauderdale, FL, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CentralReach, a leading provider of Autism and IDD Care software for ABA, multidisciplinary, and special education, today announced it has been named a Gold winner in the ‘Healthcare Technology Solution’ category of the 23rd Annual American Business Awards® for its market-leading, end-to-end Autism and IDD Care Platform™.

    Building on the momentum of last year’s Silver award in the same category, CentralReach has introduced several new additional features to its Platform. CentralReach rebranded and relaunched its special education data collection and IEP management software, CR LiftEd – a cornerstone in the company’s special education program. The company also announced the launch of several AI solution integrations including CR ClaimCheckAI, CR NoteGuardAI, and CR ScheduleAI, all aimed at alleviating clinical administrative tasks to enhance the quality and consistency of care. Lastly, the company’s acquisitions of Silas, a social and emotional learning and behavior solution, and Behavior Science Technology Inc. (BST), a research-backed platform designed to collect and track treatment fidelity for ABA therapy, expanded the Platform’s capabilities into new territory.

    “We’ve always believed that technology should be a force multiplier for providers across the autism and IDD care continuum,” said Chris Sullens, CEO of CentralReach. “This recognition by the Stevie Awards validates the significant strides we’ve made over the past year, from embedding powerful AI tools into our platform to expanding our capabilities through strategic acquisitions, all with the singular goal of helping our customers deliver better outcomes for the individuals they serve.”

    The American Business Awards are the United States’ premier business awards program for public and private, for-profit and nonprofit, large and small organizations. More than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration this year, judged by more than 250 professionals worldwide.

    This year’s winners were honored at a gala ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on June 10. Details about The American Business Awards and the full list of 2025 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA. To learn more about CentralReach’s suite of solutions, visit: https://centralreach.com/. 

    About CentralReach

    CentralReach is a leading provider of autism and IDD care software, providing a complete, end-to-end software and services platform that helps children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) – and those who serve them – unlock potential, achieve better outcomes, and live more independent lives. With its roots in Applied Behavior Analysis, the company is revolutionizing how the lifelong journey of autism and IDD care is enabled at home, school, and work with powerful and intuitive solutions purpose-built for each care setting.

    Trusted by more than 200,000 professionals globally, CentralReach is committed to ongoing product advancement, market-leading industry expertise, world-class client satisfaction, and support of the autism and IDD community to propel autism and IDD care into a new era of excellence. For more information, please visit CentralReach.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spending Review: Billions to back Scottish jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Spending Review: Billions to back Scottish jobs

    UK Government’s Plan for Change delivers record settlement for Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the SR period to deliver public services

    Working people across Scotland will benefit from significant investment in clean energy and innovation, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and strengthening Scotland’s position as the home of the United Kingdom’s clean energy revolution.  

    The UK Government has confirmed £8.3 billion in funding for GB Energy-Nuclear and GB Energy in Aberdeen. This is alongside an increased commitment to the Acorn Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage project, which will receive development funding.   

    The Spending Review, outlined today, Wednesday 11 June, announces targeted investment in Scotland’s most promising sectors to grow the economy and put more money in working people’s pockets.  It delivers an extra £9.1 billion over Phase 2 of the Spending Review, through the Barnett formula.

    The government also confirmed £25 million for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Freeport.   

    These investments are part of a wider package, with funding for hydrogen production projects at Cromarty and Whitelee.

    Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said:  

    Putting more money in the pockets of working Scots by investing in the country’s renewal is at the heart of this Spending Review and our Plan for Change.

    The Chancellor has unleashed a new era of growth for Scotland, confirming billions of pounds of investment in clean energy – including new development funding for Acorn – creating thousands of high-skilled jobs.

    Scotland’s leading role at the heart of UK defence policy has been strengthened and there is also significant investment in our trailblazing innovation, research and development sectors.

    And the Scotland Office will work with local partners to ensure hundreds of millions of pounds of new targeted support for Scottish communities and businesses goes to projects that matter to local people. This means that the UK Government is now investing almost £1.7 billion in dozens of important growth schemes across Scotland over 10 years.

    To maximise the benefit of recent trade deals with India, US and the EU we are continuing the Brand Scotland programme to promote inward investment opportunities boosting Scottish exports of our globally celebrated products.

    And we are delivering a record real-terms funding settlement for the Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the Spending Review period through the Barnett formula. That’s more money than ever before for them to invest in Scottish public services like our NHS, police, housing and schools.

    This is a historic Spending Review for Scotland that chooses investment over decline and delivers on the promise that there would be no return to austerity.

    Investment in Scotland to strengthen UK defence  

    Speaking in the House of Commons today, the Chancellor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, backing our Armed Forces, creating British jobs in British industries, and prioritising the security of Britain when it is most needed.  

    The long-term future of the Clyde is secured through an initial £250 million investment over three years which will begin a multi-decade, multi-billion pound redevelopment of HM Naval Base Clyde through the ‘Clyde 2070’ programme.   

    Investing in innovation and R&D  

    Scotland will also become home to the UK’s largest and most powerful supercomputer, with up to £750 million committed to its development at Edinburgh University. This world-class facility will give scientists across all UK universities access to extraordinary computer power, further strengthening Scotland’s research and innovation capability.   

    The UK Government is backing Scottish industry with a share of increased UK-wide R&D spending set to grow from £20.4 billion in 2025-26 to over £22.6 billion per year by 2029-30. Scotland will also benefit from a £410 million UK-wide Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.  

    Targeted support for Scottish communities   

    The government is also investing £160 million over 10 years for Investment Zones in the North East of Scotland and in Glasgow City Region, and confirming £452 million over four years for City and Growth Deals across Scotland.  

    A £100 million joint investment for the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth deal with the Scottish Government (£50 million from UK Government and £50 million from Scottish Government), demonstrating the UK Government’s continued commitment to the Grangemouth industrial area.  

    A new local growth fund, and investments in up to 350 deprived communities across the UK, will maintain the same cash level as in 2025-26 under the Shared Prosperity Fund. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Scotland Office, will work with local partners and the Scottish Government, to ensure money goes to projects that matter to local people. This investment will help drive growth and improve communities across Scotland.  

    Supporting Scottish businesses  

    The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is trialling a Strategic Partnership with Glasgow City Region to provide enhanced, hands-on support to help it develop and finance long term investment opportunities. The NWF has already made its first investment in Scotland with £43.5 million in direct equity for a sustainable packaging company, which is to build its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility near Glasgow.  

    Through its Nations and Regions Investment programme the British Business Bank is delivering £150 million across Scotland to break down access to finance barriers and drive economic growth.  

    The settlement also allocates £0.75 million each year to champion our ‘Brand Scotland’ trade missions to promote Scotland’s goods and services on the world stage and to encourage further growth and investment.

    A record settlement for Scottish public services   

    The Government has been clear that local decision-making against local priorities is central to delivering growth.   

    The Scottish Government will receive the largest real terms settlement since devolution began in 1998, with an average £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29, enabling the Scottish Government to deliver for working people in Scotland.  This includes £2.9 billion per year on average through the operation of the Barnett formula, with £2.4 billion resource between 2026-27 and 2028-29 and £510 million capital between 2026-27 and 2029-30. 

    This investment and record settlement is made possible by the tough but necessary decisions taken in the October Budget.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin meets with Eswatini delegation led by Foreign Minister Shakantu

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    June 4, 2025  No. 194  On the afternoon of June 4, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with a delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu. During their meeting, they had an extensive exchange of views on such topics as bilateral cooperation, trade, and investment.  
    In his remarks, Minister Lin stated that he had visited Eswatini in late April as presidential special envoy to join the birthday celebrations for King Mswati III. He added that this meeting with Minister Shakantu and other ministerial-level officials from Eswatini just over one month later demonstrated the close and frequent interactions between the two countries and symbolized the strength of their diplomatic alliance. 
     
    Minister Lin took the opportunity to express appreciation once again to King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their long-standing and staunch support for Taiwan in the international arena, such as at the recently concluded World Health Assembly, the United Nations, and other multilateral forums. He stressed that Eswatini’s consistent advocacy for Taiwan had touched the hearts of the people of Taiwan. 
     
    Minister Lin said that during his trip to Eswatini in April, he and King Mswati III had discussed such topics as strengthening bilateral economic, trade, investment, and tourism exchanges, as well as Taiwan’s assistance in building 5G smart cities and developing energy resources in Eswatini. He expressed confidence that the close collaboration between the two countries would spur Eswatini’s national development and better ensure the welfare of both peoples, stating that this would realize Taiwan’s vision of advancing allies’ prosperity and demonstrate that Taiwan could help and that Eswatini could serve as a leader on the African continent. 
     
    Minister Shakantu thanked Minister Lin for rapidly formulating a series of concrete plans following his trip to Eswatini in April that would advance bilateral cooperation and Eswatini’s development, underscoring Taiwan’s high regard for and steadfast commitment to its allies. She also expressed the hope to see greater investment and more tourists from Taiwan in Eswatini through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, thereby fueling bilateral exchanges.  
     
    Earlier on June 4, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu hosted a luncheon for the delegation. Attendees at the luncheon included International Trade Administration Secretary General Amelia W. J. Day, Export-Import Bank of the ROC President Hsieh Fu-hua, Hua Nan Bank Vice Chairman T. Lin, MOFA Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs Director General Lien Yu-ping, and MOFA Department of West Asian and African Affairs Deputy Director General Chen Yung-po. They exchanged views with the members of the Eswatini delegation on a variety of issues. 
     
    Eswatini is an important diplomatic ally of Taiwan in Africa. MOFA will continue to maintain close interactions with the Eswatini government and actively seek to enhance mutually beneficial collaboration in all fields so as to realize the vision of advancing allies’ prosperity and thereby deepen and consolidate diplomatic relations between the two countries. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by Spring Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and residents in Oklahoma of the July 11 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms and flooding beginning April 19.

    The disaster declaration covers the Oklahoma counties of Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Grady, Kiowa, Stephens and Tillman.

    Small businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s physical damage loans.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is July 11.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Roger Devlin appointed as Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Roger Devlin appointed as Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board

    The Secretary of State has appointed Roger Devlin as Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board for a term of four years from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029.

    Roger Devlin

    Roger Devlin is currently Chair of Persimmon, the FTSE housebuilder as well as a Director of the Sutton Trust, the leading social mobility charity.

    Previous non-executive roles have included Senior Independent Director of the Football Association and Chair of Marstons. He also chaired Sunningdale and served on the board of the R&A. In an executive capacity Roger was a director of merchant bankers Hill Samuel (1978-1993) and Hilton International (1994-2008).

    In roles linked to horseracing he was Chair of William Hill until its sale to Caesars in 2022; Chair of Gamesys the fast growing online gaming company; and Chair of SiS, the media rights business. Roger owns horses in training with Anthony Honeyball and William Muir. He was co-owner and bred Pyledriver, the winner of the King George and Coronation Cup.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    The Chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board is remunerated £39,600 per annum. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Roger Devlin has not declared any significant political activity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • India’s PSUs and PSBs turn into wealth creators in last 11 years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has strengthened India’s public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the last 11 years, turning them into wealth creators and making them integral to the nation’s growth, the data-focused X handle infoindata showed on Wednesday.

    With focused reforms, strategic autonomy, and capital support, PSU market cap surged across the energy, power, and infrastructure sectors.

    While NTPC saw its market cap reach Rs 3.27 lakh crore in 2025, from 0.99 lakh crore in 2014, Power Grid saw its market cap touch Rs 2.80 lakh crore in 2025, from 0.55 lakh crore in 2014 (till June 9), as per data sourced from the DIPAM and the Department of Public Enterprises.

    Other PSUs like IOCL, Power Finance, BPCL, GAIL, NHPC, BHEL, etc, also saw a meteoric rise in their market caps in the last 11 years.

    On the other hand, the market cap of public sector banks (PSBs) also surged in the last 11 years.

    The SBI saw its market cap reach Rs 7.32 lakh crore in FY26, from Rs 1.51 lakh crore in FY16.

    PNB saw its market cap touch Rs 1.29 lakh crore in FY26 from 0.06 lakh crore in FY16, while Bank of Baroda’s market cap reached Rs 1.28 lakh crore from 0.34 lakh crore in the same time frame, as per the data.

    “In 11 years, the Modi government transformed public sector banks from the NPA crisis of the UPA era to record market capitalisation through structural reforms such as asset quality review, bank mergers, targeted recapitalisation, and measures to resolve bad loans,” said infoindata on X.

    Meanwhile, India’s top public sector companies in the financial, power and energy sectors recorded a robust growth in profit during the January-March quarter of 2024-25, which is expected to further strengthen the government’s fiscal position.

    The country’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), and insurance giant Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) led the charge with a net profit of Rs 18,643 crore and Rs 19,013 crore, respectively. SBI’s net profit for the financial year 2024-25 has now soared to Rs 70,901 crore, while LIC has recorded an impressive net profit of Rs 48,151 crore for the year.

    In the energy sector, Coal India earned a net profit of Rs 9,604 crore during the fourth quarter, while Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) registered a net profit of Rs 7,265 crore, with upstream oil exploration giant ONGC registering a net profit of Rs 6,448 crore during the quarter.

    In the power sector, the country’s largest electricity producer, NTPC, recorded a net profit of Rs 7,897 crore, while Power Finance Corporation (PFC), which also comes under the Ministry of Power, earned a robust Rs 8,358 crore. Power Grid Corporation of India also registered a strong profit of Rs 4,143 crore during the January-March quarter.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sec. Wright Agrees: “Absolutely” Electric Transmission Lines Should Get Parity with Natural Gas

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, during an Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) budget, DOE Secretary Chris Wright agreed that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should give electric transmission lines the same fast-track, one-stop-shop permitting process, that natural gas pipelines and Liquid Natural Gas export facilities currently get.  

    Large, high-voltage, interregional transmission lines are crucial for moving energy from all sources, including clean energy from renewables and nuclear, from where it is produced to where it is needed. Currently, the process to permit and build transmission lines requires reviews by states, localities, multiple federal agencies and can take more than two decades to complete. In comparison, natural gas pipelines go through one unified federal review at FERC and can be completed significantly faster as compared to transmission.  

    During the hearing, Representative Peters asked Secretary Wright, “Since 2005, FERC has had the authority to act as the sole permitting agency for large multi-state transmission lines that your department deems to be in the national interest, but the federal government has not once used this authority due to litigation and endless bureaucracy regarding DOE’s role in the process. That’s Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden, never use the authority. The backstop permitting authority for transmission is also a fraction of the authority that FERC has long had over natural gas pipelines and LNG, which always get their one-stop permitting shop at FERC. So, my question is, would you support bipartisan efforts in Congress to streamline this permit authority for large transmission lines, including would you be supportive of establishing permitting parity at FERC between natural gas and transmission? 

    Secretary Wright responded, “Absolutely. The United States needs to build more energy infrastructure of all kinds and certainly including transmission lines.”  

    Watch Rep. Peters’ full question line here.

    Background: 

    SPEED & Reliability Act 
    Representative Peters’ and Senator Hickenlooper’s SPEED and Reliability Act would accelerate the siting and permitting of interregional transmission lines by:  

    • Allowing individual transmission lines to be deemed as “national interest high-impact transmission facilities.”  
    • Requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to conduct a single environmental review for these transmission lines, rather than requiring duplicative reviews by FERC and the Department of Energy. 

    FASTER Act:  

    Representative Peters’ FASTER Act will strengthen FERC’s permitting authorities by designating it as the lead agency for large, interstate transmission lines and by: 

    • Giving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) siting authority and establishes it as the lead agency to coordinate state, local, and federal authorizations for National Interest Electric Transmission Facilities, defined as 345 kV or 750 MW, crosses two states, or a designation from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that the route proposed by a developer is consistent with the purpose of a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor. 
    • Incentivizing communities and project sponsors to negotiate an enforceable Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) and ensures greater community engagement by developing clear protocols to help communities negotiate a CBA. 

    BIG WIRES Act 
    Representative Peters’ and Senator Hickenlooper’s BIG Wires Act would update the country’s patchwork energy transmission system by:  

    • Coordinating the construction of an interregional transmission system. 
    • Establishing minimum-transfer requirements to move large amounts of energy from one U.S. grid region to another.  

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Under President Trump, America is Defeating Inflation

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    America is beating inflation as President Donald J. Trump leads the country into the new Golden Age with lower costs, higher pay, and economic opportunity for all.
    Here’s what you need to know from the latest Consumer Price Index:
    In May, inflation came in lighter than expected for yet another month.
    Since President Trump took office, inflation has come in below economists’ expectations every single month.

    Core inflation held steady and remains at the lowest level since March 2021.
    Under President Trump, core inflation has tracked at just 2.0% on an annual basis — levels not seen since the first Trump Administration, when prices were low and stable.

    Wage growth remains strong under President Trump.
    In May, real wages for production and nonsupervisory workers saw the highest monthly increase in nearly a year — rising each month since President Trump took office and up nearly 2% over last year.
    The average private sector worker is on track to see their real earnings increase by around $1,200, adjusted for inflation.

    Prices for everyday Americans continue to fall.
    Energy prices fell by 1.0% over the last month — down 3.5% over the past year.
    Gasoline prices have fallen each month since President Trump took office, down 2.6% over the past month and down 12% over the past year.
    Prices in key areas — such as meats, poultry, eggs, airfares, used and new cars, and apparel — all went down over the past month.

    Here’s what they’re saying:
    CNN’s Matt Egan: “We got ANOTHER month of positive inflation news. Despite these historic tariffs, the latest numbers do show that inflation remained relatively tame in May … This was better than expected … We did see a drop in energy prices. In particular, gas prices were low.”
    CNBC’s Mike Santoli: “There’s no way to look at these numbers and say they’re not welcome news.”
    CNBC’s Steve Liesman: “Not only did we get a decline in inflation expectations earlier this week from the important New York Fed report … I do not see broader impacts on inflation from the tariffs.”
    CNBC’s Rick Santelli: “Inflation certainly looks like it is cooling.”
    Fox Business Network’s Maria Bartiromo: “That is much better than expected.”
    Commentator Adam Johnson: “Now we’re talking about numbers that are down in the low twos — under 2.5% — and we’re seeing that now for three months in a row, so this is wonderful news.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Dogecoin, Cardano In Doubt As New PayFi Star Remittix Soars

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Projects like Cardano and Dogecoin have earned their stripes on the long road. However, both Cardano and Dogecoin are facing stiff competition from newcomers with legitimate 100x potential, which could ultimately outperform them in 2025 as both big-caps try to cling on to fading glory and a tenuous grasp on the top 10.

    One of those projects poised for a massive run this year is newly-launched PayFi protocol Remittix (RTX), which is being tipped as the “new XRP” thanks to its revolutionary crypto-to-fiat payment gateway looking to flip the script on the $190T cross-border payments industry. Here’s why Remittix can outperform Cardano and Dogecoin this year.

    Cardano bulls eyeing $1

    Cardano has reestablished control above the key $0.72 threshold, an inflection point both technically and psychologically. After briefly dipping below the $0.69 floor, Cardano bulls reclaimed it in early May, triggering a meaningful shift in daily and 4-hour market structure. The decisive break and retest of $0.72 a mid-March swing high during the $1.15 to $0.55 correction signals renewed buyer confidence. Volume trends (OBV) confirm sustained demand, while RSI rebounding off 50 further supports bullish momentum. If momentum holds, a push toward the mid-range ceiling near $0.90 is likely. If Cardano bulls can hold serve at $0.90 and turn it into support, a push to $1 is likely. That opens the door to a further 2x run to $2.

    ADA/USDT monthly chart. Source: TradingView

    Dogecoin is making a push to $0.25

    OG meme coin Dogecoin surged 42% so far on the year, currently trading at $0.20 and making a push towards the critical psychological levels of $0.25 at press time. What was once believed to be a rally running on empty, stalling the price action at key resistance levels, is now a full-blown push to a clean break at $0.25.

    DOGE shifted the momentum with a clean, confident break above $0.20. That opens the next leg up to $0.25, but it’s going to take more than memes; it needs sustained volume and a true shift in sentiment.

    Dogecoin monthly chart. Source: TradingView

    Right now, the buzz is growing but not booming. Social dominance rose to 1.76%, showing DOGE is back on the radar. Yet, with social volume sitting at just 96, the hype hasn’t hit full stride. That disconnect suggests early interest is back, but retail hasn’t piled in. For DOGE to break out, the crowd’s got to follow the noise and fast.

    DOGE social dominance. Source: Santiment

    Remittix flipping the script on global payments with $15M raise

    While Cardano and Dogecoin struggle to maintain relevance in the top 10, newly-launched PayFi powerhouse Remittix is gearing up to steal the whole damn show in 2025. Built on Ethereum but playing its own game, Remittix blends crypto speed with real-world purpose, delivering near-instant global payments without banks, borders or bureaucracy slowing things down.

    Running on Ethereum, RTX powers the Remittix Pay API, a seamless crypto-to-fiat rail built for speed, scale and zero friction. One with a 1% flat fee and 0% on FX when making a crypto-to-fiat payment to any bank in the world.

    At just $0.0781, RTX is primed to break out, with analysts eyeing gains north of 1,000%. This is the kind of asymmetrical play that institutional capital loves to front-run, before the headlines catch up. Because while the market clings to memes and maybes, Remittix is quietly rewriting the rules of fintech. Already raising past $15.6M in its presale, Remittix is bringing the same energy that XRP once did when the latter first came out in 2012.

    RTX to outperform Dogecoin and Cardano in 2025

    While ADA and DOGE cling to past glory amid losing mindshare to new projects, Remittix is primed to pump harder than both will this year. If Remittix manages to snap up a trickle of that $190T market size, RTX could turn in XRP-sized gains.

    Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their presale here:

    Website: https://remittix.io/

    Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GE Vernova-Larsen & Toubro Consortium to Build Advanced National System Control Center (NSCC) for the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) in Kenya

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

    • New centers being built at Embakasi and Suswa with advanced grid technology for efficient electricity transmission.
    • GE Vernova to provide advanced grid technology and software, with Larsen & Toubro handling all civil works. 
    • Project financed by France through the French Development Agency and the French Treasury.

    GE Vernova Inc.(NYSE:GEV) (www.GEVernova.com) today announced that the GE Vernova-Larsen & Toubro (L&T) consortium will build an advanced National System Control Center (NSCC) for Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) to monitor and manage Kenya’s national electricity grid. The work will include constructing a Main Control Centre building in Embakasi, equipped with advanced grid software solutions and the latest substation automation, monitoring, and communication equipment. Additionally, an Emergency Control Centre building in Suswa will be constructed, featuring the same systems and an Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system for transmission operations. GE Vernova booked the order in the first quarter of 2025.

    Kenya’s Electricity Goals

    Kenya has set ambitious electricity goals aimed at achieving universal access and transitioning to a sustainable energy future. The country aims to ensure that 100% of its population has access to reliable and affordable electricity by 2030 (https://apo-opa.co/4dXKxLr). To achieve this, Kenya is investing heavily in expanding its electricity grid and enhancing generation capacity. Additionally, Kenya is focusing on enhancing energy efficiency and developing smart grid technologies to optimize electricity transmission, distribution and consumption.

    “A new, advanced NSCC is essential for managing increased electricity demand as Kenya’s economy grows. When commissioned, the new NSCC system would play a critical role in supporting our mandate as System Operator(SO). It will ensure reliable, secure, and efficient electricity transmission across the country. It is a game-changer for Kenya’s electricity transmission capabilities, significantly improving our ability to manage the grid, enhance the quality of power, and integrate renewable energy sources,” said Dr. Eng. John Mativo, MBS, Managing Director and CEO at KETRACO.

    Consortium Roles and Responsibilities

    GE Vernova, through its French entity Grid Solutions SAS, will lead the consortium and provide advanced grid technology from its Electrification Software and Grid Automation portfolio. This technology includes two solutions from its GridOS® orchestration software portfolio—Advanced Energy Management Systems (AEMS) (https://apo-opa.co/43XaPc4) and Wide Area Management Systems (WAMS) (https://apo-opa.co/3ZpEj0V)—Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAM), and several solutions from its grid automation portfolio – GridBeats™ (https://apo-opa.co/444Wqee) – Asset Performance Management System (APM), Condition Monitoring devices (https://apo-opa.co/4kCf9on), Substation Automation Systems (https://apo-opa.co/4kyVG7V), and Telecommunication Systems (https://apo-opa.co/3HPMbCK). Larsen & Toubro will handle all civil works, including the construction of two fully equipped greenfield control center buildings, equipment installation, and support for system configuration, testing, and commissioning. The project is expected to be completed within three years.

    “GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to handle projects of this scale and complexity, requiring both advanced software solutions and grid automation equipment, as well as unique financing solutions. With our comprehensive capabilities in managing such projects end-to-end, we believe KETRACO will significantly benefit from GE Vernova’s expertise, ensuring seamless integration and operational efficiency from project inception to completion,” said Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems businesses. “By providing Kenya with an advanced electricity control center, we’re aiming to enhance the reliability and efficiency of its national grid. This is a pivotal step in paving the way for a more sustainable future that supports the country’s electrification and decarbonization goals.”

    Financial and Development Support

    The project is made possible through a financing partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Treasury, which are providing vital support to KETRACO for the development of a stronger and more sustainable electricity grid in Kenya. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing Kenya’s energy goals by enabling more reliable and efficient power infrastructure.

    “France is committed to supporting sustainable infrastructure projects in Kenya, notably in the Power sector, as part of the broader ongoing collaboration between Kenya and France on energy transition and climate. A modern NSCC will make the Kenyan grid more resilient and reliable, enabling the integration of more variable renewable energy and ultimately providing more reliable and affordable power to Kenya’s businesses and households. The project is fully financed by France with two separate and complementary financing from AFD and the French Treasury, supported by a related grand from the European Union dedicated to Capacity building,” said H.E Arnaud Suquet, the French Ambassador to Kenya.

    GE Vernova’s Financial Services business played an integral role in the procurement process, advising the consortium and securing concessional financing from the French Treasury to supplement AFD’s funding. This seamless partnership showcases the importance of combining technical expertise with innovative financing to deliver impactful, future-ready energy solutions.

    – on behalf of GE.

    Notes to Editors:
    A National System Control Center (NSCC) is like a central brain of a country’s electricity grid. It’s responsible for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of electricity across the entire power system. It can also effectively integrate renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal into the grid. Real-time monitoring allows for prompt corrective actions, improving grid stability and reducing the risk of power outages and blackouts.

    Media Contact – GE Vernova:
    Rachel Van Reen
    Media Relations
    GE Vernova
    rachael.vanreen@gevernova.com
    +1 678 896 6754

    Anshul Madaan
    Media Relations
    GE Vernova
    anshul.madaan@gevernova.com
    +91 8377880468

    Winnie Gathage
    Africa Communications Leader
    GE Vernova
    winnie.gathage@gevernova.com
    +254 704 873 459

    Media Contact – KETRACO:
    Raphael Mworia
    Manager, Corporate Communications
    rmworia@ketraco.co.ke
    +254 702 949 951
    +254 719 018 000

    Social Media:
    Linkedin: https://apo-opa.co/3HAtinq

    About GE Vernova:
    GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with approximately 75,000 employees across 100+ countries around the world. Supported by the Company’s purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova (www.GEVernova.com) and GE Vernova in Middle East & Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3Tjv0vT).

    GE Vernova’s Electrification segment includes Grid Solutions, Power Conversion, Solar and Storage Solutions, —collectively referred to as Electrification Systems —and digital technologies, referred to as Electrification Software. The solutions offered by this segment are essential for the transmission, distribution, conversion, storage, and orchestration of electricity from point of generation to point of consumption.​

    About KETRACO:
    KETRACO, owned by the Government of Kenya, was incorporated on 2nd December 2008 under the Companies Act, pursuant to the reforms in Sessional Paper No.4 to plan, design, construct, own, operate, and maintain high voltage national electricity transmission lines and regional power inter-connector which form the backbone of the National Electricity Grid.

    In carrying out its mandate, the Company is developing a new robust grid system to:

    1. Improve quality, reliability, and safety of electricity supply throughout the Country.
    2. Transmit electricity to areas that are currently not supplied by the national grid.
    3. Evacuate power from planned generation points.
    4. Provide a link with the neighbouring countries to facilitate power exchange and trade in the East Africa Region
    5. Reduce electricity transmission losses hence reducing the cost to the economy.
    6. Protect electricity consumers from the high costs of power by absorbing the capital transmission infrastructure.

    Forward Looking Statements:
    ​    This document contains forward-looking statements – that is, statements related to future events that by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. These forward-looking statements address GE Vernova’s expected future business and financial performance, and the expected performance of its products, the impact of its services and the results they may generate or produce, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “target,” “preliminary,” or “range.” Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about planned and potential transactions, investments or projects and their expected results and the impacts of macroeconomic and market conditions and volatility on business operations, financial results and financial position and on the global supply chain and world economy.

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Latta and Wright Agree: It’s Time to Unleash American Energy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

    Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-5), Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright discussed strengthening American energy policy during an Energy Subcommittee hearing. Congressman Latta emphasized the urgent need to unleash domestic energy production and secure U.S. energy dominance. 

    To watch Congressman Latta’s opening statement, click here.

    Below, please find excerpts from Latta’s conversation with Secretary Wright:

    Congressman Latta: “Do we need to have more energy or less energy produced in this country?”

    Secretary Wright: “Unquestionably more energy.”

    Congressman Latta: “You know, as, we look at this, we’re looking at a widening gap between our projected reshoring of domestic manufacturing, the amount of reliable energy entering the system to meet that demand. As you know, record levels of base load generation are prematurely retiring. How is the department viewing this existential threat, and what do you see as a potential consequences for not meeting the moment?”

    Secretary Wright: “If we’re to look at recent data, growth in electricity production and energy more broadly in China has been rapid. And in the United States, particularly in the electricity sector, we saw almost no growth in American electricity production during the four years of the last administration. Yet with almost no growth in production, we saw across the country an average 25 increase in electricity prices. This is clearly a pathway to losing the AI arms race. If we can’t grow our electricity production and keep prices in check, America’s in trouble. Our administration is entirely focused on unleashing private capital, getting the government out of the way to grow and expand our supply of reliable firm electricity. That’s what AI needs, 24/7/365 electricity. But, of course, that’s what the American electricity grid needs as well.”

    Watch Congressman Latta’s questions here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Peters’ Bill to Shore up Funding to Address Toxic Wastewater in the Tijuana River Valley Passes in the House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday evening, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed Representative Scott Peters’ (CA-50) legislation, H.R. 1948, to authorize the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to accept funding from other federal agencies as well as and non-federal sources for wastewater treatment, flood control projects, or other water conservation efforts. Currently, the IBWC relies almost solely upon annual appropriations from Congress or emergency funding to build and maintain its facilities. 

    Rep. Peters and the San Diego Congressional delegation have now secured a total of $650 million for IBWC, which is enough to fully repair and expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plan (SBIWTP). SBIWTP is the primary facility on the U.S.-side of the border responsible for treating cross-border sewage. Operations and maintenance projects are currently underway on both sides of the border to combat cross-border sewage pollution, and the region will see incremental improvements as each phase is completed. An increase in funding available from non-federal sources such as cities, states, or non-profits would support these projects, bolster future operation and maintenance of the SBIWTP, and strengthen coordination between local, federal, and binational agencies.  

    “I’ve worked with our Congressional delegation and local advocates for years to bring attention to cross-border sewage pollution, and we now have enough money to fix the SBIWTP and double its capacity,” said Rep. Peters. “Our state and local partners have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of this environmental and public health crisis. Additional funding pathways for the IBWC provide the flexibility we need to better invest in the long-term health and well-being of our region. I urge my Senate colleagues to quickly pass this commonsense legislation.” 

    “Together, our Congressional delegation has successfully secured over half a billion dollars in federal funds to combat cross-border pollution. Our legislation will open up additional funding pathways and help us send more resources to the Tijuana River Valley,” said Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52). “I’m glad to see this critical bill pass the House and hope to see it swiftly passed in the Senate as well.” 

    “Our San Diego congressional delegation has proudly brought home more than $650 million in federal funds to address the sewage and pollution flowing through the Tijuana River Valley – but we know it’s not enough,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51). “This fix would give the IBWC the permanent flexibility it needs for strategic, long-term investments to improve our health, well-being, and safety on both sides of the border.” 

    This bipartisan legislation would allow other federal agencies or non-federal entities like the Department of Defense, the State of California, the City of San Diego and others to provide funding to IBWC. Specifically, it would: 

    • Allow federal and non-federal entities to provide up to $5 million in funding to IBWC to invest in flood control infrastructure. 
    • Include important legislative safeguards to prevent foreign entities of concern from contributing to the agency. 

    “The passage of H.R. 1948 is a victory for our binational region. It provides the International Boundary and Water Commission with the long-needed ability to accept funding from federal, state, and local government agencies, unlocking resources to advance critical infrastructure that will help mitigate the ongoing transboundary pollution crisis,” said San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Chris Cate. “For far too long, communities in our region have faced devastating public health, environmental, and economic impacts from untreated sewage and urban runoff. With the passage of this bill, we take a meaningful step forward in safeguarding public health, protecting our shared environment, and supporting the region’s economy and community prosperity. We commend our congressional leaders for their ongoing leadership to address these issues.” 

    Letters of support from the City of San Diego can be found here and from the City of Coronado here. 

    A one pager of the bill can be found here. 

    Further Background: 

    Representative Peters has, for years, worked to address the cross-border pollution fouling San Diego’s coastal waters, including pushing for additional funding to fix and expand the dilapidated SBIWTP. The following are some recent actions: 

     

    2025 

    1. In March, Rep. Peters introduced legislation to authorize the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to accept funding from federal and non-federal entities for wastewater treatment, flood control projects, or other water conservation efforts. 

    2024 

    1. In January, Rep. Peters took to the House floor to demand that the President’s requested $310 million to fix and expand the dilapidated SBIWTP be included in any upcoming spending deal. 
    1. In February, Rep. Peters joined members of San Diego’s Congressional delegation to ask U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro about the effects of cross-border pollution on Navy operations. 
    1. In March, Rep. Peters celebrated the inclusion of $156 million, at his request, for the International Boundary and Water Commission’s (IBWC) construction budget in the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations bill. The IBWC is the federal agency tasked with operating and maintaining the SBIWTP. 
    1. In May, Rep. Peters joined Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16) in a bipartisan request for $278 million for the IBWC’s construction budget in the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations bill. 
    1. In August, Rep. Peters hosted Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma on a tour of the broken wastewater treatment plant. 
    1. In September, Rep. Peters joined members of San Diego’s Congressional delegation to reiterate their call for a federal state of emergency declaration amid high levels of toxic gases. 
    1. In December, Rep. Peters and the Congressional delegation successfully fought to include an additional $250 million to fully repair and expand the capacity of the SBIWTP in the government funding bill. This brought the total amount of funds secured to $650 million. 

    2023 

    1. In June, Rep. Peters led a letter with other members of the San Diego Congressional delegation to the governor of Baja California urging accountability for the Mexican government’s commitments to build wastewater treatment infrastructure. 
    1. In July, members of the San Diego congressional delegation requested that the Environmental Protection Agency assist with directing environmental justice funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to help stop the flow of pollutants and urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to tour the broken plant. 
    1. Also in July, they sent a letter to President Biden and submitted an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, calling on the administration to declare this crisis a federal emergency. 
    1. In August, he led two letters to the Office of Management and Budget and to OMB and the State Department, calling for urgent additional funding to confront this crisis.  
    1. In September, he proposed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill to boost U.S.- Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Grant Program funding. Additionally, he proposed two amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill to boost annual construction funding to the USIBWC to $100 million. 
    1. In October, Rep. Peters led a bipartisan letter to the Department of State demanding a complete account of how the SBIWTP fell into such a severe state of disrepair. 
    1. In December, he led a letter urging leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to include President Biden’s $310 million supplemental budget request to repair the SBIWTP in any upcoming funding package. 

     

    In previous years, Peters and colleagues have secured funding, introduced legislation, called for investigations, and arranged a visit by EPA Administrator Regan in response to the wastewater contamination crisis.  

      

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to R&D elements of the Spending Review

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on the R&D elements of the Spending Review, as announced by the Chancellor.

    Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, said:

    “The Chancellor has today backed British science with the commitment of £86bn over the next four years. This is a welcome show of support for the UK’s outstanding science base. In difficult circumstances this will give some certainty to those looking to lead research and invest in the UK.

    “It is good to see the Government recognise the skills gap, but we need a fundamental reset to maths and data education, for all ages, to equip young people with the skills they need for modern well-paid jobs. The Chancellor’s speech also had a welcome emphasis on a clean and secure energy future for the UK.

    “While today’s commitment to protecting the research and innovation budget is encouraging, we continue to lag behind our competitors in the G7 on research and innovation investment when we should be looking to lead. We must also go further to attract and retain global talent. The UK’s sky-high upfront visa costs are an unnecessary deterrent at a time when our competitors are rolling out the welcome mat for the brightest minds.”

     

    Steve Bates OBE, CEO of the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA), said:

    “The Chancellor’s investments in R&D through UKRI and scaling life science companies through the British Business Bank is a huge vote of confidence in our sector’s ability to drive economic growth.

    “Investments into life sciences and AI will transform drug discovery and deliver greater NHS efficiency, the Health Data Research Service could make the UK the go-to destination for health innovation, while new funding for medicines manufacturing will help us attract internationally mobile investments to the UK and create well-paid rewarding jobs across the country.

    “Greater operational freedom and budget for the British Business Bank will allow it to play an even greater role in boosting our venture capital ecosystem and complementing the Chancellor’s pension reforms to increase investment in Britain’s growth sectors. This is the critical element of the Chancellor’s Plan for Change that really must be delivered to the full, with no stone left unturned.

    “We await the Industrial Strategy and Life Sciences Sector Plan later this month to see the full details of how the spending plans announced today will be delivered in reality, and look forward to working in partnership with Government to make every penny count for Britain’s economy, people and patients.”

     

    Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, UKRI Chief Executive, said:

    “This multi-year settlement confirms the government’s continued commitment to the critical role of research and innovation in delivering a high-productivity, high-growth economy, improving public services and creating high-quality jobs across the UK. 

    “Over the coming months we will work with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on the allocations process to ensure we can best support the research and innovation critical for the UK’s prosperity.” 

    Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of NCUB said: 

    “We welcome the Government’s ongoing recognition that research and innovation are at the heart of sustainable economic growth. The headline commitment to an £86 billion R&D budget over four years is critical. Our analysis shows that every £1 invested in research leverages an additional £4 from business in the long term — generating profound economic, social, and cultural benefits for the UK. 

    “The Spending Review shapes not only the scale of funding for research, innovation, and skills but also its strategic direction. We applaud the pledge to extend R&D impact across the whole UK — notably through the new Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in England and reforms following the Green Book Review. The guidance for developing Local Growth Plans in England rightly references the critical importance of involving local businesses, higher education providers and bodies such as UKRI.”  

    “The allocation of the £86 billion research budget reveals important priorities. The substantial increase in defence-related R&D spending — rising from £1.7 billion in 2025/26 to £2.4 billion in 2028/29 — signals a shift in the research landscape that will have significant implications for the kinds of projects funded.” 

    “While the commitment to R&D funding is welcome, it is vital that key risks within the research and innovation system are addressed. UK universities play an indispensable and multifaceted role but continue to face severe funding pressures. The Chancellor’s acknowledgement that our universities are a national asset was encouraging, yet proper, sustained investment is essential to enable universities to drive UK innovation and progress forward.” 

     

    Dr Alicia Greated, Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), said:

     “The Chancellor’s speech today has brought welcome confirmation of the announcements made at the weekend that the UK R&D budget is being protected in tough fiscal circumstances. Supporting UK R&D is an essential way to generate growth in the economy, ensure excellence in UK universities and research institutes, stimulate private sector innovation, and improve lives and livelihoods across the UK.

    “It is important that we now consider the full detail of the spending review publications, as well as, critically, future departmental allocations. CaSE will be working to analyse the plans and assess the impact they will have on the R&D sector, particularly as there are several promising new initiatives that will need accounting for alongside existing commitments””

    Declared interests

    The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Spending Review locks in decades of austerity

    Source: Scottish Greens

    11 Jun 2025 Finance

    Labour could choose to tax the rich, instead they’re making more cuts to vital sectors

    More in Finance

    The UK Labour Government’s Spending Review will lock in many years of austerity and drive people further into poverty and hardship, warn the Scottish Greens.

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement saw £52 billion of spending in total promised for Scotland, but noted losses to the budgets for crucial devolved areas such as transport, environment and rural affairs, while increasing spending in reserved areas such as defence and nuclear energy. 

    Labour also made no indication of scrapping the harmful policies that exacerbate widespread poverty across Scotland and the wider UK.

    Responding to the publication of the UK Government’s Spending Review, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

    “The UK Spending Review should be a chance for the UK Government to ditch some of the most damaging policies that have driven people across the UK into poverty and hardship.  

    “Despite the shiny capital announcements made so far, Labour’s ideologically driven, self-imposed borrowing rules will still lock in austerity for many years to come.  

    “The UK Government could choose to tax the wealthiest in society – millionaires and billionaires – and raise more than £24 billion a year. 

    “Just like their Tory predecessors – Labour remain all too happy to balance the books through slashing support for some of our most marginalised communities – all while allowing the rich to get even richer. Scotland has had enough of mitigating bad decisions made by Westminster. 

    “The Scottish Greens are not scared of taking on vested interests and ensuring that the wealthiest in society and the big polluters pay their fair share. 
     
    “We’ll soon see what hand the Spending Review deals for Scotland’s budget. 

    “The Scottish Government must now show the boldness that’s been missing from both governments so far, especially on the action needed now to tackle the climate emergency, instead of relying on techno-fixes that are still on the drawing board.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Ireland

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 11, 2025

    • The Irish economy has performed well and entered 2025 in a strong position.
    • The domestic economy is projected to continue growing, albeit at a slower pace in a highly uncertain global environment.
    • There are significant external downside risks to growth and public finances, which are vulnerable to external trade and tax policy shifts.

    Washington, DC: On June 6, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV Consultation for Ireland.[1]

    The Irish economy has performed well. The domestic economy, as measured by the Modified Gross National Income, is estimated to have grown by about 4 percent in 2024. Robust consumption and strong net exports, dominated by foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs), contributed positively to growth. Headline inflation has fallen to target, while service inflation has been more persistent. The labor market remains tight, although pressures appear to be easing. The general government balance continued to register a sizeable surplus in 2024, supported by large corporate income tax receipts from multinational enterprises. Bank lending growth has strengthened, largely driven by housing and consumer loans.

    The domestic economy is projected to continue to grow, though at a slower pace in a highly uncertain global environment. The strong labor market and rising real incomes, as well as anticipated pick up in housing investment and government capital spending would support domestic demand. While the direct effect of the announced tariff measures is projected to be contained, heightened global uncertainty would though weigh on household and business spending decisions.

    There are significant downside risks to the growth outlook. The concentration of activity in a small number of MNEs leaves the economy and public finances vulnerable to external trade and tax policy shifts and firm- or sector-specific shocks. More broadly, a sustained reversal of globalization would put at risk the Irish economic model which has benefitted from free trade and capital flows. Domestically, supply-side constraints could delay the attainment of infrastructure and housing goals.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Executive Directors welcomed the strong economic performance, which has been underpinned by robust domestic demand and prudent policies. Directors highlighted that while the outlook remains positive, there are considerable downside risks, given high global uncertainty and Ireland’s significant exposure to trade and investment shocks. Accordingly, Directors emphasized the need to maintain fiscal prudence, safeguard financial stability, and advance structural reforms to support resilience and growth.

    Directors recommended that fiscal policy continue to focus on building buffers, stepping up public investment, and reducing revenue uncertainty. Noting that the economy is operating at full capacity, Directors agreed that a broadly neutral fiscal stance with increased capital expenditure is appropriate as it would allow Ireland to address infrastructure needs without adding to aggregate demand. Important measures include enhancing public spending efficiency and broadening the tax base to reduce reliance on uncertain corporate tax revenue. Directors agreed that Ireland would benefit from a strengthened national fiscal framework that further ensures long-term fiscal sustainability and enhances the credibility and predictability of fiscal policy.

    Directors recognized the resilience of the financial sector, while underscoring the importance of continued close monitoring of financial stability risks. Noting the high global uncertainty, Directors emphasized the need for continued vigilance, as shocks to the non-bank sector could be transmitted to other parts of the financial system and the real economy. Directors agreed that the macroprudential stance is appropriate and that measures should continue to be reassessed as conditions evolve. While welcoming progress on reducing risks from the non-bank sector, Directors urged continued efforts to improve regulation and supervision and address data gaps in collaboration with international regulators and other jurisdictions.

    Directors emphasized the importance of enhancing resilience and competitiveness, amid external policy shifts and deepening geoeconomic fragmentation. Measures to promote linkages between domestic and multinational firms in innovation cooperation and improve infrastructure would help foster increased competitiveness. Directors also encouraged continued engagement in the EU to further strengthen the single market. Noting the potential dividends for growth, Directors acknowledged that Ireland is well-positioned to harness the benefits of digitalization and AI. They also highlighted the need to address supply-side constraints in housing, including by boosting productivity in the construction sector and enhancing housing policy certainty.

    Ireland: Selected Economic Indicators, 2021–30
         

    Projections

    		  
     

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030
     

    (Annual percentage change, constant prices, unless otherwise indicated)
     

    Output/Demand

    		                    

    Real GDP 1/

    16.3

    8.6

    -5.5

    1.2

    3.2

    2.1

    2.1

    2.2

    2.1

    2.3

    Real GNI* (growth rate) 2/

    13.9

    4.6

    5.0

    3.7

    2.4

    2.2

    2.0

    2.2

    2.3

    2.3

    Domestic demand

    -16.4

    8.0

    6.0

    -11.9

    7.6

    2.4

    2.4

    2.4

    2.5

    2.5

    Public consumption                 

    6.3

    3.0

    4.3

    4.3

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    Private consumption                 

    8.9

    10.7

    4.8

    2.3

    2.3

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.1

    2.1

    Gross fixed capital formation

    -39.4

    3.7

    2.8

    -25.4

    20.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    Exports of goods and services

    14.1

    13.5

    -5.8

    11.7

    3.1

    2.2

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    Imports of goods and services

    -8.7

    16.0

    1.2

    6.5

    4.9

    2.4

    2.8

    2.7

    2.8

    2.7

    Output gap

    3.4

    3.1

    1.0

    1.2

    0.9

    0.6

    0.3

    0.1

    0.0

    0.0
                         

    Contribution to Growth

    		                    

    Domestic demand

    -13.1

    4.7

    3.5

    -7.7

    4.4

    1.4

    1.4

    1.4

    1.5

    1.5

    Consumption

    3.0

    3.0

    1.6

    1.1

    1.0

    0.9

    0.9

    0.9

    0.9

    0.9

    Gross fixed capital formation

    -16.3

    0.8

    0.6

    -5.9

    3.4

    0.6

    0.6

    0.6

    0.6

    0.6

    Inventories

    0.2

    0.9

    1.3

    -3.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Net exports

    29.1

    3.3

    -9.1

    9.3

    -1.0

    0.7

    0.7

    0.8

    0.7

    0.8

    Residual

    0.3

    0.6

    0.1

    -0.3

    -0.2

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0
                         

    Prices

    		                    

    Inflation (HICP)

    2.4

    8.1

    5.2

    1.3

    1.9

    1.7

    1.8

    1.9

    2.0

    2.0

    Inflation (HICP, core)

    1.6

    5.0

    5.1

    2.4

    2.1

    2.2

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    GDP deflator

    1.1

    6.8

    3.6

    3.3

    1.9

    1.4

    1.8

    2.1

    2.0

    2.0
                         

    Employment

    		                    

    Employment (% changes of level, ILO definition)

    6.5

    6.9

    3.4

    2.7

    1.5

    1.1

    0.8

    0.6

    0.6

    0.6

    Unemployment rate (percent)

    6.3

    4.5

    4.3

    4.3

    4.5

    4.7

    4.8

    4.8

    4.8

    4.8
                         
     

    (Percent of GDP)

    Public Finance, General Government

    		                    

    Revenue

    22.2

    22.3

    24.3

    27.8

    25.6

    25.7

    25.7

    26.1

    26.2

    26.2

    Expenditure

    23.5

    20.6

    22.7

    23.5

    24.2

    24.4

    24.6

    24.8

    24.9

    25.0

    Overall balance

    -1.4

    1.7

    1.5

    4.3

    1.4

    1.3

    1.1

    1.3

    1.3

    1.2

    in percent of GNI*

    -2.7

    3.3

    2.7

    7.4

    2.4

    2.3

    1.9

    2.3

    2.3

    2.0

    Primary balance

    -0.6

    2.3

    2.2

    4.9

    2.0

    1.9

    1.7

    2.0

    2.1

    2.0

    Cyclically adjusted primary balance

    -1.6

    1.4

    1.9

    4.4

    1.7

    1.7

    1.6

    1.9

    2.1

    2.0

    Structural primary balance 3/

    -0.6

    -0.6

    -0.4

    -0.8

    -0.9

    -0.9

    -0.9

    -0.8

    -0.7

    -0.7

    General government gross debt

    52.6

    43.1

    43.3

    40.9

    36.4

    34.4

    33.1

    31.6

    30.2

    29.0

    General government gross debt (percent of GNI*)

    102.3

    84.2

    75.9

    70.0

    62.8

    59.3

    57.1

    54.5

    52.1

    50.1
                         

    Balance of Payments

    		                    

    Trade balance (goods)

    37.5

    39.4

    30.6

    33.1

    36.6

    36.1

    35.7

    35.6

    35.8

    35.8

    Current account balance

    12.2

    8.8

    8.1

    17.2

    12.2

    11.6

    11.1

    10.6

    9.9

    9.2

    Gross external debt (excl. IFSC) 4/

    284.9

    229.9

    218.9

    198.0

    179.9

    166.4

    153.3

    140.6

    129.3

    118.9
                         

    Saving and Investment Balance

    		                    

    Gross national savings

    35.3

    31.7

    34.4

    34.6

    31.5

    30.9

    30.3

    29.9

    29.3

    28.8

    Private sector

    35.5

    29.0

    31.8

    29.2

    29.1

    28.6

    28.4

    27.7

    27.2

    26.8

    Public sector

    -0.2

    2.7

    2.6

    5.3

    2.4

    2.2

    2.0

    2.2

    2.2

    2.0

    Gross capital formation

    23.1

    22.9

    26.3

    17.4

    19.3

    19.2

    19.3

    19.2

    19.4

    19.5
                         
                         

    Memorandum Items:

    		                    

    Nominal GDP (€ billions)

    449.2

    520.9

    510.0

    533.4

    561.2

    581.1

    603.9

    630.2

    656.8

    685.2

    Nominal GNI* (€ billions)

    230.8

    267.0

    290.9

    311.8

    325.3

    337.0

    349.8

    364.9

    380.7

    397.2

    Modified domestic demand (percentage change) 5/

    8.0

    8.8

    2.6

    2.7

    2.1

    2.1

    2.2

    2.2

    2.3

    2.3
                         

    Sources: CSO, DoF, Eurostat, and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    		      

    1/ Real GDP growth is reported in non-seasonally adjusted terms. 

    		  

    2/ Nominal GNI* is deflated using GDP deflator as proxy, since an official GNI* deflator is not available.

    		      

    3/ Excludes estimated windfall CIT receipts. In 2024 also excludes CIT receipts of 2.5 percent of GDP following judgment by the Court of Justice of the EU.

    		  

    4/ IFSC indicates international financial services.

    		      

    5/ Modified Domestic Demand (MDD) measures Ireland’s domestic economic activity by excluding certain capital investment items such as aeroplanes purchased by leasing companies in Ireland and Intellectual Property purchases of foreign-owned corporations from final domestic demand.

    		  

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/10/pr25189-ireland-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation-with-ireland

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Robust Operational Results from Lithium Facility Strengthen Summit Nanotech’s Commercial DLE Readiness

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Summit Nanotech Corporation (“Summit”) is proud to announce the one-year operating anniversary of its US direct lithium extraction (DLE) system, which integrates commercial-height columns and high-performance sorbent. The process includes a unique method of flow sequencing, which delivers high efficiency and reliability levels that are not possible in conventional ‘simulated moving bed’ (SMB) processes. Over the past year, the system has played a pivotal role in advancing Summit’s DLE technology, denaLi™, for commercial-scale deployment. It has enabled a direct translation of operating parameters to Summit’s field demonstration plant in Chile.

    The Colorado DLE facility recently processed brines from a major South American salar, yielding impressive metrics and setting new performance benchmarks for the industry:

    • Lithium recovery rate: >98%
    • TDS rejection rate: >95%
    • DLE-specific water makeup: 7 m³/t-LCE

    This operational milestone follows independent, third-party testing of Summit’s proprietary sorbent, showing significantly higher capacity and a higher concentration product compared to leading competitors.

    “All of these data support the commercial readiness of our lithium-selective sorbent and denaLi™ system,” said Amanda Hall, CEO and Founder of Summit. “We worked hard to get our DLE right, and that work has paid off, putting us in a leading position on all-in lithium cost.”

    Looking ahead, the facility is now preparing to process live brine from the Smackover formation in the southern United States, which will further validate the versatility and efficiency of Summit’s technology across diverse assets.

    Joe Arencibia, President & COO of Summit said, “Operating our Colorado facility at commercial-level complexity has allowed us to validate our DLE process on real-world brine. Our denaLi™ platform has delivered consistent results and it’s ready for scaled, global deployment.”

    In the past year, the facility has drawn significant attention from across the lithium ecosystem, hosting visits from investors, industrial partners, university researchers, government, and industry associations. The steady flow of high-profile visitors highlights growing industry confidence in Summit’s technology.

    DLE Done Right

    Summit Nanotech has developed and deployed one of the most reliable and efficient direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies on the market. Its modular system and high-performance sorbent, engineered in North America and designed for commercial complexity, produce high-purity lithium from brines in Chile, Argentina, and the United States, with industry-leading water efficiency.

    Summit is operating a field demonstration plant in northern Chile and a multi-column system in Colorado that enables rapid testing, process development, and sorbent optimization on customer feedstocks.

    Summit is actively developing sorbent and technology supply agreements for projects over 5 kT/y LCE and scaling production to meet global demand. Learn more about how the denaLi™ platform reduces project costs, increases recovery rates, and delivers the lowest levelized cost of lithium at www.summitnanotech.com.

    Media Contact:
    Kristen Gray
    Manager, Communications & Investor Relations
    kristen.gray@summitnanotech.com

    Commercial Sales:

    Rodrigo Mery
    Manager, Business Development
    rodrigo.mery@summitnanotech.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a1434ff6-8e90-46ac-b78e-82749369318d

    The MIL Network –