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Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Boosting Food Processing & Storage Infrastructure in India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 1:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) was envisaged as a comprehensive package which will result in creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. It will not only provide a big boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country but also improve the capacity of food processing units which help in providing better returns to farmers and creating employment opportunities especially in the rural areas, reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing the processing level and enhancing the export of the processed foods.

    However, standalone cold storages are not supported under PMKSY. The state-wise number of storages approved for captive use under PMKSY since inception in 2017 are at Annexue-1. Further, under the Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure a sub-scheme of PMKSY, 06 projects are approved in the state of Telangana in the last five years. The details district –wise are at Annexure-2.

    As informed by Food Corporation of India, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, in order to upgrade and modernize the storage facilities, Government of India approved Action Plan for construction of steel silos on PPP (Public Private Partnership) mode in the country.  Under this plan, Silos with capacity of 24.25LMT at various locations throughout country are under implementation. Out of which silos with a capacity of 17.75LMT have been completed and remaining 6.5LMT are under various stages of development. In addition to above, silos of 5.5LMT capacity at 7 locations have already been constructed and put to in use in 2007-09 under circuit base model. Further, under phase –I of Hub & Spoke model Silos of 10.125 LMT at 14 locations on FCI owned land awarded and 24.75 LMT at 66 locations on private land have been awarded and are in development stage. As per the data of Food Corporation of India (FCI), the status of Grain Silos construction as on 30.11.2024 is placed at Annexure-3

    MoFPI has been implementing Central Sector Umbrella Scheme – PMKSY since 2016-17 to create post-harvest infrastructure and processing facilities to boost the overall development of the food processing sector including reduction in post-harvest losses. The component schemes under PMKSY provide credit linked financial assistance (capital subsidy) in the form of grants-in-aid to entrepreneurs for setting up of food processing/preservation infrastructure which, inter-alia, includes cold storages and refrigerated vehicles to minimize post-harvest losses.

    As per the Evaluation Study conducted and submitted by NABARD Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. (NABCONS) in 2020 on “Impact of Units Implemented under Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure assisted by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)”, it was highlighted that due to interventions of the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure Scheme of Ministry of Food Processing Industries, while all sectors had shown some decrease in wastages, but Fruits & Vegetables, Dairy and Fisheries sector had shown significant reduction in wastages.

    Apart from MoFPI, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has also launched the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme in July 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat package in order to improve post-harvest infrastructure and create community farming assets. The AIF Scheme facilitates sanction of medium to long term loans by Banks and other lending institutions for the setting up of cold storage facilities, warehouses and processing units, aimed at reducing crop wastage and enhancing value addition.

    This information was provided by the minister of state for food processing industries Shri Ravneet Singh in a written reply to rajysabha.

    *****

     

    ANNEXURE-1

    ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 578 FOR ANSWER ON 07TH FEBRUARY, 2025 REGARDING “STORAGE FACILITIES UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJNA”

     

    Ministry is implementing Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna (PMKSY). Under PMKSY standalone Cold storages/ frozen storage/ CA/ MA are not supported. The number of storages approved for captive use under PMKSY since inception in 2017 are as follows:

     

    S.No

    State

    No of Cold storages/ frozen storage/ CA/ MA

    Capacity

    (LMT/Annum)

    1

    Andaman & Nicobar

    2

    0.29

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    31

    7.88

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    1

    0.14

    4

    Assam

    8

    6.97

    5

    Bihar

    1

    7.44

    6

    Chandigarh

    0

    0.0

    7

    Chhattisgarh

    6

    2.61

    8

    Dadar & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu

    0

    0.05

    9

    Delhi

    0

    0.0

    10

    Goa

    0

    0.06

    11

    Gujarat

    35

    20.28

    12

    Haryana

    30

    8.89

    13

    Himachal Pradesh

    28

    4.34

    14

    Jammu & Kashmir

    16

    1.99

    15

    Jharkhand

    0

    0.0

    16

    Karnataka

    35

    12.17

    17

    Kerala

    12

    4

    18

    Ladakh

    0

    0.0

    19

    Lakshadweep

    0

    0.0

    20

    Madhya Pradesh

    17

    8.17

    21

    Maharashtra

    93

    72.71

    22

    Manipur

    5

    0.09

    23

    Meghalaya

    0

    0.12

    24

    Mizoram

    9

    0.58

    25

    Nagaland

    3

    0.35

    26

    Orissa

    8

    2.54

    27

    Puduchery

    0

    0.0

    28

    Punjab

    61

    14.69

    29

    Rajasthan

    29

    7.18

    30

    Sikkim

    0

    0.0

    31

    Tamil Nadu

    59

    10.6

    32

    Telangana

    16

    9.49

    33

    Tripura

    1

    1.11

    34

    Uttar Pradesh

    38

    16.92

    35

    Uttarakhand

    64

    11.61

    36

    West Bengal

    35

    8.06

     

    TOTAL

    643

    241.33

     

    ANNEXURE-2

    ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 578 FOR ANSWER ON 07TH FEBRUARY, 2025 REGARDING “STORAGE FACILITIES UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJNA”

     

     

    Details of sanctioned projects in the state of Telangana under the scheme of Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure, a component of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna (PMKSY) in the last five years  (as on 31.12.2024)

     

    Sr.No.

    Project

    Sector

    District

    State

    Total project cost
     (₹ in crore)

    Approved grant   (₹ in crore)

    Amount of grant released          (₹ in crore)

    Status

    1

    Sri Krupa RGR Agrogatros

    F&V

    Nalgonda

    Telangana

    36.22

    9.36

    2.22

    Under Implementation

    2

    VNR Dairy Products

    Dairy

    Nalagonda

    Telangana

    26.20

    6.84

    4.56

    Under Implementation

    3

    Dadus

    Dairy

    Malkajgiri

    Telangana

    77.31

    7.35

    2.45

    Under Implementation

    4

    Almond House Private Limited

    Dairy

    Hyderabad

    Telangana

    56.81

    7.62

    2.54

    Under Implementation

    5

    Manjeera Dairy Products

    Dairy

    Sangareddy

    Telangana

    22.71

    6.51

    0

    Under Implementation

    6

    AL QAWI Frozen Foods Pvt Ltd

    Meat

    Sangareddy

    Telangana

    32.71

    8.68

    0

    Under Implementation

     

    TOTAL

     

     

     

    251.96

    46.36

    11.77

     

     

    ANNEXURE-3

     

    ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (b) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 578 FOR ANSWER ON 07TH FEBRUARY, 2025 REGARDING “STORAGE FACILITIES UNDER PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJNA”

                                                 (Position as on 30.11.2024)

     

    STATEMENT SHOWING AGENCY-WISE STATE-WISE STATUS OF SILO CONSTRUCTION

    (Fig. In LMT)

     

    Agency

     

    State

    Target as per Action Plan

     

    Completed

    Under Construction

     

    Grand Total

     

     

     

     

     

     

    FCI

    Assam

    0.5

    0.5

    0

    0.5

    Bihar

    4.5

    1.5

    2.0

    3.5

    Chattisgarh

    1

    0

    0

    0

    Delhi

    1

    0

    0

    0

    Gujarat

    1

    1.50

    0

    1.5

    Karnataka

    0.25

    0

    0

    0

    Haryana

    3

    2.50

    0

    2.5

    Maharashtra

    1

    0

    0

    0

    Punjab

    4.25

    3.75

    0

    3.75

    Rajasthan

    1.5

    0

    0

    0

    Uttar Pradesh

    7

    1.50

    2.0

    3.5

    West Bengal

    4

    0

    1.0

    1

    Total

     

    29

    11.25

    5.00

    16.25

    CWC

    Punjab

    2.5

    0

    0

    0

     

     

     

     

     

     

    State Govt.

    Andhra Pradesh

    3.5

    0

    0

    0

    Bihar

    5

    0

    0

    0

    Gujrat

    2

    0

    0

    0

    Haryana

    6.5

    0

    0

    0

    Madhya

    Pradesh

    10

    4.5

    0

    4.5

    Maharashtra

    0.5

    0

    0

    0

    Orrisa

    2

    0

    0

    0

    Punjab

    24.25

    2.0

    0

    2.0

    Rajasthan

    4.75

    0

    0

    0

    Telangana

    1.5

    0

    0

    0

    Uttar Pradesh

    5

    0

    1.5

    1.5

    West Bengal

    3.5

    0

    0

    0

    Total

     

    68.5

    6.50

    1.50

    8.00

    Grand Total

    100

    17.75

    6.50

    24.25

    Note: In addition the silos under process, it has been decided to construct further silos under Hub & Spoke model.

     

    STK

    (Release ID: 2101244) Visitor Counter : 48

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India to Inaugurate EFTA Desk to Enhance Trade and Investment under TEPA

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India to Inaugurate EFTA Desk to Enhance Trade and Investment under TEPA

    Business Roundtable to Witness Participation from Over 100 Companies from India and EFTA Nations

    Posted On: 10 FEB 2025 10:19AM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant step towards deepening economic ties with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal along with the EFTA bloc represented by H.E. Mrs. Helene Budliger Artieda, Swiss State Secretary, H.E. Mr. Tomas Norvoll, State Secretary of Trade and Industry, Norway, H.E. Martin Eyjolfsson, Permanent Secretary of State, Iceland, H.E. Dominique Hasler, Minister of External Affairs, Education, and Sport, Liechtenstein, Mr. Markus Schlagenhof, Deputy Secretary General, EFTA Secretariat and Mr. David Sveinbhornsson, Senior Officer, EFTA Secretariat, will inaugurate the EFTA Desk at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on February 10, 2025.

    The initiative, in line with Chapter 7 of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which was signed on March 10, 2024, aims to serve as a dedicated platform to promote trade, investment, and business facilitation between India and the four EFTA nations—Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by senior officials from the Government of India and high-ranking dignitaries from EFTA member states.

    Senior officials from Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Department of Commerce (DOC) will also address the gathering, outlining India’s vision for stronger economic engagement with EFTA nations.

    The India-EFTA Dedicated Desk will act as a centralized support mechanism for EFTA companies looking to expand in India. It will provide market insights and regulatory guidance, business matchmaking, and assistance in navigating India’s policy and investment landscape.

    Post-inauguration, a high-level EFTA-India Business Roundtable will convene, featuring over 100 leading businesses from India and EFTA nations, aimed at fostering collaboration across key sectors, including Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences, Financial Services & Fintech, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Energy & Sustainability, Seafood & Maritime, Food Processing & Agritech. The roundtable will provide a structured forum for companies to explore joint ventures, investment opportunities, and technology partnerships under the framework of TEPA.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

    (Release ID: 2101215) Visitor Counter : 23

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cultural Code of the Celestial Empire: How to Do Business in China

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Mikhail Dmitriev / Higher School of Economics

    By 2035, China will overtake the United States in terms of GDP and become the world’s largest economy. Today, there are over 108 million entrepreneurs and 50 million industrial enterprises in this country. Last year, economic growth was 4.8%. This opens up unique opportunities for Russian companies. HSE experts explained how to enter one of the most promising markets.

    The HSE Expert Club “Eastern Perspective” held a business session “China: Five Steps to Entering the Market That Will Bring Profits”. The club was created by HSE experts to discuss tools, trends and insights on cooperation between Russia and the countries of Southeast Asia, the Near and Middle East, and North Africa. The participants were addressed by experts with successful experience in the Chinese market. The meeting was moderated by Deputy Director Marketing Communications Directorate HSE University Dmitry Chubarov.

    Sergey Mikhnevich, Managing Director of the Department of International Multilateral Cooperation and Integration of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, Coordinator of Russian Business Participation in the Business Twenty, Executive Secretary, Member of the Presidium of the Business Council of the Eurasian Economic Union, spoke about a possible strategy for working with the Chinese business community and GR. First of all, he noted that China is the largest trading partner for Russia, but the volume of trade is quite concentrated and is mostly tied to one or two large projects. At the same time, there is currently a shortage of good experts in China in our country. Even the number of Russians who know Chinese and study this country has noticeably decreased in recent years.

    The speaker noted a number of markers of the Chinese approach to the market, related to the consideration of national characteristics, that is, the adaptation of foreign experience to their own realities and capabilities. He assigns a key role to the government of the PRC, since certain attributes of socialism are preserved in the country, which affects, among other things, the system of development of the Chinese economy and various methods of managing it. First of all, the Chinese market is a market of tough competition with directive management methods.

    “Despite the fact that for 10-12 years the PRC has been placing a big bet on increasing the role of the domestic market as an economic driver, exports also play a colossal role. At the same time, many companies enter the Chinese market not to sell their products, but to use the country’s production capabilities and then export goods to the target market, be it the Russian Federation or the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. There are quite a few such examples in a variety of economic sectors, because China’s import needs are really very high,” he said.

    According to the expert, China currently has a need for such areas as green development, ensuring the sustainability of supply chains for goods and raw materials, and the formation of new dynamic and stable sales markets.

    Professor Faculty of World Economy and World PoliticsNatalia Guseva, head of the HSE educational programs “Business with the East”, presented the educational programs “Eastern Perspective” for entrepreneurs working with countries of the Near and Middle East, North Africa, and the Indo-Pacific region.

    The flagship five-month program “Eastern Perspective: Strategy and Tactics for Building a Business” combines the experience and practices of entering new markets in developed countries of the Global East. Intensive three-month program “Eastern Perspective: The Basics of Building a Business” is aimed at obtaining practical knowledge on business development, launching international projects in various sectors of the economy with countries of the Global East.

    Three-week program «Eastern Perspective: The Practice of Building a Business in China“focuses on knowledge, strategies and practices for building a successful business in this country.

    “We want to give listeners new knowledge and share successful cases, and sometimes failed cases, when a company loses tens and hundreds of thousands, or even millions, due to mistakes. It is very important to understand what strategy you are going to use to enter the Chinese market and how you are going to compete there,” Natalia Guseva emphasized. “For example, why do they only talk about how to export products? Why not create a local enterprise? Why not make direct foreign investments? Why not think about licensing or franchising, depending on the specifics of the product or services provided?”

    Anastasia Nasedkina, founder of a Chinese marketing agency, spoke about the peculiarities of the Chinese market Matessa, author of educational courses on Chinese advertising platforms Baidu, WeChat, Weibo, Douyin (Ocean Engine). According to her, there are a number of significant differences from the Russian and European markets that need to be understood. For example, the Chinese in most cases trade and conduct business via mobile phones, not from a desktop computer, so to enter the Chinese market, a company does not need a website: its functionality will be replaced by the official WeChat account. For the same reason, social networks are serious tools for business development there. Analogues of WhatsApp, FB, Inst and VK, which are used in China: WeChat, Weibo, Douyin, Kuaishou, QQ.

    A foreign company must register a legal entity – this will allow it to promote the brand without strict restrictions. In addition, having a legal entity increases audience loyalty. A verified WeChat account will provide a credit of trust even for a young company: legal entity accounts are strictly checked, and this takes up to six months.

    One of the most popular online platforms for watching and sharing short videos is Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Its audience is very diverse: about 60% of users are between the ages of 18 and 35, followed by the audience of 35-50 years old. The platform is popular in various regions of China, with a significant portion of users coming from first- and second-tier cities, that is, developed and wealthy provinces. The platform has a built-in Douyin Shop, where you can sell products if you have a registered trademark.

    In addition, live broadcasts conducted by the brand’s official account are popular in the country. In 2021, they already accounted for 57% of all broadcasts on the Douyin platform. The content on these accounts consists of simple and short videos, the editing of which mainly comes down to adding background music and effects.

    Entering the Chinese market should always begin with research, notes Anastasia Nasedkina. It is necessary to analyze the demand of the target audience, competitors, as well as the economic and political landscape. It is also important to assess the brand’s presence in the digital environment, the adaptation of the product and service to local preferences, the ability to ensure fast and hassle-free payment for purchases through local services.

    It is also important to pay attention to national rules of negotiation. Here, the strict hierarchy of age and position, the Chinese desire to “not lose face,” as well as cultural differences with Western views on topics such as worldview, relationships, family, etc. are important.

    “When you enter the Chinese market and hire employees there, you need to somehow build interaction with them, and it is important to either have a person who understands all these cultural differences and peculiarities and can build communication, or to immerse yourself and thus build a team in China. The Chinese market is quite complex, but with proper preparation and understanding, with the right strategy, you can enter it and gain a foothold in one or two years,” she summed up.

    In conclusion, the moderator of the event, Dmitry Chubarov, once again invited the business session participants to take the HSE educational programs dedicated to the East. He emphasized that the expertise and cases that will be discussed will not be based on abstract textbooks, but on the daily successful practice of both Russian and international companies.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Move Digital Leads AI Revolution in 2025, Expands High-Level Consulting for Family Offices Worldwide

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAHE, SEYCHELLES, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Move Digital, under the leadership of CEO Kristof Schöffling, is setting a groundbreaking trajectory for 2025, transitioning from an AI-first company to a premier consulting powerhouse for major family offices across Monaco, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, Bangkok, and other global financial hubs. This strategic shift positions Move Digital as the go-to advisor for high-net-worth individuals and influential organizations seeking cutting-edge AI solutions and investment exposure.

    AI-Powered Transformation Meets Elite Advisory Services

    Move Digital has long been at the forefront of technological innovation, pioneering AI-driven applications that enhance efficiency, accessibility, and user experience. Now, as the AI revolution accelerates, the company is expanding its impact beyond software—providing strategic counsel to family offices, corporations, and private investors looking to harness AI for competitive advantage.

    Schöffling’s approach is clear: AI is not just a trend; it is an economic force that, when applied correctly, redefines industries. Move Digital is uniquely positioned to advise on AI’s integration into business operations, offering solutions that improve efficiency, optimize workflows, and create long-term value.

    “Artificial intelligence is no longer a niche for tech firms—it’s a transformative asset for global investors and enterprises. Move Digital is committed to bridging the gap between AI innovation and strategic investment, ensuring that businesses and high-net-worth individuals worldwide gain real exposure to its potential,” Schöffling stated.

    Monaco: A Hub for AI Innovation and Strategic Investment

    A major focus of Move Digital’s consulting division is Monaco—a global center for wealth management and economic innovation. The firm collaborates closely with leading family offices in the principality, guiding them on AI adoption, investment strategies, and the integration of smart AI solutions into corporate infrastructures.

    Through direct engagements with high-net-worth individuals and wealth managers, Move Digital provides tailored insights into the evolving AI landscape, helping stakeholders identify lucrative opportunities and future-proof their portfolios.

    Beyond Monaco, the firm’s advisory reach extends across Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, Bangkok, and other financial capitals, ensuring its clients stay ahead in the rapidly advancing AI ecosystem. Move Digital’s expertise spans AI-powered automation, investment allocation strategies, and enterprise-level AI deployments, enabling organizations to leverage intelligent systems for maximum efficiency.

    Expanding AI’s Role in Global Business and Investment

    Move Digital’s shift into high-end consulting aligns with the increasing demand for AI-focused expertise among family offices, institutional investors, and multinational corporations. The firm’s deep understanding of both AI development and its real-world applications allows it to offer exclusive insights into AI-driven wealth strategies, operational efficiencies, and next-gen technology adoption.

    As businesses and investors seek to navigate the complex AI landscape, Move Digital stands as a trusted partner—delivering tailored solutions that transform industries and secure long-term technological and financial advantages.

    About Kristof Schöffling

    Kristof Schöffling is a serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in emerging technologies. His leadership at Move Digital has established the company as a premier force in AI innovation and high-end consulting, helping businesses and investors capitalize on the future of artificial intelligence.

    About Move Digital

    Move Digital Limited is a global technology and consulting firm specializing in AI applications, strategic AI investment advisory, and smart AI solutions for enterprise efficiency. With operations spanning Monaco, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, Bangkok, and other major financial hubs, the company empowers family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and corporations to integrate AI for maximum impact.

    Media Contact

    Brand: Move Digital Limited

    Contact: Kristof Schöffling

    Email: hello@movedigital.io

    Website: https://movedigital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SLC announces new Darlington apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    SLC is recruiting 12 new Student Finance Officer apprentices in Darlington

    To mark National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February), the Student Loans Company (SLC) has announced it is recruiting 12 new apprentices in Darlington.

    Applications for the Student Finance Officer (SFO) Apprenticeships are now open, and successful candidates will join the organisation’s Customer Operations team in July.

    SLC supports students across the UK to invest in their futures and unlock their potential by administering loans and grants to students in universities and colleges across the UK. The new SFO apprentices will be at the heart of this operation, supporting customers through their student finance journeys and helping to process around 1.5million applications each year.

    The 18-month programme is being delivered in conjunction with Darlington College and apprentices will work towards will work towards apprenticeship certificates in L3 Business Administrator.

    Jackie Currie, Executive Director of Customer Operations at SLC said: “It’s fantastic to be launching our latest apprentice search during National Apprenticeship Week. The theme for the week is ‘Skills for Life’ and I’m proud of the role that SLC plays in developing the talent of the future, through our apprenticeship programmes.  

    “I’m looking forward to welcoming our new apprentices to the Customer Operations Team this summer and would urge people across the North East to apply. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work and gain experience within a large public sector organisation and achieve a recognised qualification at the same time.”

    SLC currently has 29 apprentices working across all areas of the organisation, with many former apprentices continuing to progress their careers with SLC after completing their qualification.

    Thomas Goodliffe (21) joined SLC as an SFO Apprentice in 2023. He completed his Level 3 Business Administration qualification with distinction and was named Darlington College’s Apprentice of the Year award in 2024. He now has a permanent SFO position.

    He said: “I would strongly recommend SLC’s apprenticeship programme, particularly if you are just starting out and want to work and study at the same time. I received fantastic support from SLC and Darlington College, which helped me to make the most of my experience.

    “The skills that I have gained, both at work and through my studies, have given me a great start to my career and there are so many opportunities at SLC which will allow me to keep learning and developing. I’m already planning my next career steps and feel excited about what the future holds.”

    For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/student-loans-company-hub/.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: NFG SA Secures Strategic Institutional Investment From Private Equity Firm, NMS Capital Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NFG SA (“NFG”), a Swiss private investment firm, today announced it has entered into a binding agreement with Beverly Hills-based NMS Capital Group (“NMS Capital”) for a capital investment aimed at strengthening NFG’s balance sheet and liquidity.

    NFG, with offices in Geneva, London and Los Angeles, is a global investment firm specializing in insurance and reinsurance, financial services, asset management, energy, and real estate. The firm operates extensively across Europe, the USA, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Asia Pacific region.

    NMS Capital, a family office-backed private equity and venture capital firm based in Beverly Hills, California, was established in 2010 as the dedicated investment vehicle for the Saliba Family Office. Since its inception, NMS Capital has expanded its investment portfolio and evolved into a leading private equity firm. It has consistently ranked among the top firms in Los Angeles, most recently placing #17 on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2024 list.

    NMS Capital’s latest investment in NFG builds on a series of prior investments in NFG affiliates, which began in 2021. While specific terms of the new investment remain undisclosed, both parties confirm that the additional capital investment imputes a valuation of NFG at approximately $2.5 billion. The transaction is expected to close before the end of first quarter of 2025, subject to customary board and committee approvals and procedures.

    Keith D. Beekmeyer, Chairman and CEO of NFG, remarked “With this new investment capital from NMS and the Saliba family, NFG has solidified its balance sheet strength, thereby enhancing our capacity to execute strategic objectives and drive long term growth.”

    Trevor M. Saliba, NMS Capital Group Chairman and CEO commented “Over the past three years, as we worked closely with Keith and Andy to refine NMS Capital’s investment strategy – focusing on insurance, energy, infrastructure and real estate – it became evident that channeling our investment into a strategic platform company like NFG was the optimal course of action to strengthen our position in the insurance sector.”

    Saliba further added “The NFG business model has proven to be a “go to” solution for investment capital in the insurance, specialty insurance, and reinsurance sector, achieving stratospheric growth over the past two to three years. This momentum remains strong, as reflected in NFG’s recent and current targeted closed investments and acquisitions, which are projected to significantly enhance NFG’s top-line revenues for 2025 and 2026.”

    About NFG SA
    NFG SA is a global private investment firm specializing in private equity and structured finance investments in companies across the insurance, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and real estate sectors. NFG focuses on transformative business combinations within North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, establishing a strategic international presence. NFG was originally founded by Keith Beekmeyer and Andy Bye in 2017, emerging from the insurance industry to address the financing needs of underbanked companies. The firm quickly expanded its capabilities through key acquisitions, including a dedicated reinsurance company, asset manager and a Lloyd’s insurance brokerage, enhancing its position within the sector. For more information, please visit www.nfgsa.com.

    About NMS Capital Group
    NMS Capital Group was established in 2010 as the dedicated investment vehicle for the Saliba Family Office, which was formed for the benefit of certain decadents of the late billionaire Naseeb M. Saliba whose businesses have generated billions of dollars in revenue since 1941 within the construction, engineering and infrastructure sectors cementing a family legacy in the construction industry dating back to the 1890s. Since its inception, NMS Capital Group has evolved into a global private investment firm, specializing in private equity, venture capital, and structured financing investments having closed transactions in businesses across multiple asset classes ranging from business and financial services, real estate, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology. In 2024 it ranked number seventeen on the list of the Top Private Equity Firms by the Los Angeles Business Journal. For more information, please visit www.nmscapital.com.

    NFG Media Contact
    Jessica Starman
    media@elev8newmedia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AI and satellites speed up planning approvals by tracking wild habitats across England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New records reveal the government is utilising AI and technology to enhance public services, including streamlining MOT inspections and speeding up planning with satellite habitat mapping.

    How AI is improving public services and new AI Playbook will drive public sector use.

    • New records reveal how government is using AI and tech to deliver for the public – including by streamlining MOT garage inspections and using satellite habitat mapping to speed up planning
    • Comes alongside practical tips to help public sector build tech to speed up decision making and transform services for working people – delivering the Plan for Change
    • Guidance shares top tips from development of GOV.UK Chat and other advanced tech on using safeguards to ensure the tech works in the public’s interest

    AI and satellite images are being used to predict how natural habitats are changing across the country, so more current data can be used to accelerate planning proposals and stop NIMBYism getting in the way of growth and the Plan for Change. 

    Satellite images and machine learning – a type of AI – are being used by Natural England to build a detailed map of “Living England”, showing the current extent of habitats across the country. Rather than the manual surveys of the past, changes to English habitats will now be tracked more efficiently and across the country – speeding up decisions around planning and land use while better protecting nature. 

    Details of the project are being released today alongside 13 other examples of how AI and algorithmic tools are used to speed up decision making and improve public services – spanning examples including how AI is being used to better predict the weather and keep standards high at MOT testing centres.

    A new AI Playbook, published today, gives public sector technical experts top tips and guiding principles on how to replicate this work and build AI to help their organisations fix services for citizens – ultimately delivering on the government’s ambition to transform public services with AI.

    Civil servants are guided on how to buy and manage the development of AI technology in their departments and encouraged to work with AI companies closely so the technology can be put to work more quickly. 

    Today’s announcement comes as world leaders gather for the AI Action Summit in Paris, and follow’s the publication of the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which has put the UK on course to revolutionise public services and become an AI superpower – already attracting over £14 billion in investment since launching just last month.  

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: 

    Every corner of the public sector can be using technology to save money, speed things up, and crucially, improve public services for people across the UK, driving our Plan for Change forward. 

    The publication of our AI Playbook today comes with a call to arms for tech specialists across the public sector – use the guidance we are sharing to put AI to work in your organisations at whiplash speed, so we can repair our broken public services together.

    Natural England’s Chief Scientist, Professor Sallie Bailey said:

    Nature restoration, development and economic growth are not opposing forces – they can and must work together to create a sustainable future for both people and wildlife.

    Our Living England project is harnessing the power of AI to inform and support planning decisions far more efficiently. This means we can make the biggest impact for Nature recovery, while helping to deliver the new homes and infrastructure the country needs.

    The AI Playbook, published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, outlines ten principles civil servants building AI should follow, making sure they: 

    • Have meaningful human control at the right stages, so any decisions recommended by technology can be monitored properly, and changed rapidly if needed. 

    • Choose the right tool for the right job and avoid using AI where more basic technology can fulfil the same task. 

    • Work with teams responsible for buying technology right from the start, to make sure agreements struck with private sector companies can be utilised to maximum potential in this rapidly evolving market. 

    The Playbook also insists that public servants working with AI do so openly and collaboratively, making sure the public know how technology is being used and allowing other public sector organisations to benefit from work that has already taken place.  

    Other records being released today detail how the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) uses AI to prioritise which of the 23,000 active MOT testing garages should receive an inspection next. 

    Producing a traffic light rating for every garage, the AI tool takes in data from MOT tests to spot anomalies and identify which garages should be checked first, so inspectors can confirm they are working to crucial safety standards. Previously, inspections were based only on the amount of time that had passed since the last check. 

    Today’s release follows the Technology Secretary publishing the blueprint for a modern digital government, setting out how his department will use AI and technology to help the public sector improve their services and target £45 billion in potential efficiency savings every year. This is as well as announcing a bundle of tools to be known as “Humphrey” and set to be made available to all civil servants soon.  

    Among other things, the tools will help civil servants assess responses to consultations, take minutes at meetings and analyse decades of debate from the Houses of Parliament. 

    Notes to editors

    Find the AI Playbook here.

    The full list of Algorithmic Transparency Records being published today is as follows. 

    Met Office (DSIT)

    Weather and climate forecasting: A combination of multiple different algorithmic tools used to produce weather forecasts.

    Natural England (Defra)

    Living England map: Habitat mapping for the whole of England using satellite imagery, targeted field survey and machine learning.

    DVSA (DfT)

    MOT Risk Rating: An algorithmic to identify potential non-compliance in MOT testing, and prioritise visits to MOT garages.

    Wilton Park

    Data Cleaning Tool: Enables compliance with The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by identifying and automatically cleaning personal data from the Wilton Park customer database.

    OSCB (DBT)

    Interest Calculator: Assists small business owners to calculate the amount of interest due on an overdue invoice.

    National Highways (DfT)

    Highways webchat: provides customers with an additional communication channel to get immediate answers to their questions using publicly available information (such as traffic information).

    The search engine for GOV.UK. It enables users to search for information and services on GOV.UK by entering a search query to view results that are relevant to their query.

    NHS Business Services Authority (DHSC)

    Residency Checker for EHIC/GHIC/PRC: A process to support confirmation of UK residency for entitlement to healthcare in an European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.

    Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

    Employment and Support Allowance Online Medical Matching: A tool which helps Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) officials process claims more quickly.

    Money and Pensions Service (MaPs)

    Budget Planner: A free online tool that helps users track and categorize their spending, provides a detailed breakdown of their finances, and offers personalized tips to improve their money management.

    Money and Pensions Service (MaPs)

    Redundancy Pay Calculator: Online tool designed to help individuals who have been or are at risk of being made redundant understand their legal rights, calculate their potential redundancy pay, assess their financial situation, and explore available benefits and support.

    Ministry of Justice (MoJ)

    The Effective Proposal Framework: Used by Probation Practitioners at pre-sentence stage and as part of pre-release planning to identify requirements, licence conditions and interventions for individuals based on their risk and need profile.

    Health Research Authority (DHSC)

    Proportionate Review Toolkit: A toolkit to help Research Ethics Committee applicants determine whether their project would be eligible for proportionate review.

    His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

    Logo Detection and Classification Toolkit: A tool to detect unauthorised uses of HMRC’s logo.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: IP Fabric 7.0 Transforms Cloud and Edge Innovation Across Hybrid Networks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IP Fabric, the Automated Network Assurance Platform, today announced the release of Version 7.0, designed to simplify compliance with regulations and security frameworks and strengthen operational resiliency across multicloud environments.

    Global enterprises require an end-to-end view of complex cloud and edge environments. Legacy solutions only provide a technology- or domain-specific view, which doesn’t meet the mandate of boards, CISOs and IT leaders, who must balance security, stability, compliance and risk with the pursuit of strategic transformation.

    IP Fabric 7.0 addresses this with a comprehensive view of infrastructure and intelligent analytics, creating the security and operational posture for innovation (e.g., automation, AI, cloud migration, SD-WAN). This lets teams deliver secure services, ensure business continuity, plan and manage budgets, and optimize processes across domains.

    “The release of IP Fabric 7.0 represents another step in empowering all IT teams to achieve panoramic network visibility, efficiency and collaboration,” said Pavel Bykov, CEO and co-founder of IP Fabric. “New features let organizations streamline workflows and proactively address infrastructure and security challenges like never before.”

    Key features in IP Fabric 7.0

    1. Improved Productivity Across Teams and Business Functions
      • 160+ Automated Intent Verification Checks: Proactively identify and address compliance, configuration and maintenance risks with out-of-the-box integrated vendor database checks.
      • Multi-View Dashboards: Create custom dashboards to provide tailored views for the executive team, security practitioners, platform engineers, network engineers and more — without writing a single line of code.
      • Shareable Snapshots and Tables: Enhance collaboration with Shareable Snapshots, which are fully functional simulations of the network (also known as digital twins), and tables, which let users analyze and correlate network state information and parameters across multiple devices.
      • Exportable Network Diagrams: Seamlessly export network diagrams to Visio and other platforms for broader usability.
    2. End-to-End Visibility
      • Expanded Cloud Discovery and Support: Troubleshoot faster with unified data, gain full visibility into backend-to-frontend application communications and prepare for cloud migrations or repatriations. New inventory tables and AWS Direct Connect Transit VIF support enable deeper insights into traffic flow in AWS, especially when leveraging Transit Gateways and multiple VIFs.
      • Enhanced SD-WAN Support: Increase visibility for security teams with new insight into the performance and connectivity of SD-WAN in Silverpeak and Viptela.
      • Auto-Discovery of Security Technology: Identify vulnerabilities and automate security and compliance remediation with instant insights from Check Point, Palo Alto Networks and Stormshield.
      • Advanced Routing Data: Unlock insights into the exact BGP routes devices advertise to neighbors for faster troubleshooting, smarter optimizations and increased confidence that routing aligns with network policies. New BGP capabilities also enable AWS Direct Connect visibility.
    3. Accelerated Business Outcomes
      • Early Snapshot Insights: Network snapshots record the state of the network in time, retrieve historical information, follow network state changes, analyze connectivity and more. Now users can access partial data from devices, tables and diagrams while snapshots are still processing to get insights faster for large environments.
      • Interactive API Documentation: Test CRUD (create/read/update/delete) commands directly in the platform so DevOps and platform engineers can more efficiently build complex lifecycle automation workflows.

    For a complete list of features included in IP Fabric 7.0 visit the company blog.

    About IP Fabric
    IP Fabric is the industry’s leading Automated Network Assurance Platform, offering a continuously validated view of cloud, network and security infrastructure to improve stability, security and spend. Within minutes, the platform creates a unified view of devices, state, configurations and interdependencies, normalizing multi-vendor data and revealing operational truth through automated compliance checks.

    By uncovering risks and providing actionable insights, IP Fabric enables enterprises to accelerate IT and business transformation while reducing costs. Trusted by industry leaders like Red Hat, Major League Baseball and Air France, IP Fabric delivers the foundation for a secure and modern network.

    Learn more at www.ipfabric.io and follow the company on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact
    Liesse Jayalath
    ipfabric@lookleftmarketing.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Early-stage VC funding rounds volume declines significantly in 2024 globally, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Early-stage VC funding rounds volume declines significantly in 2024 globally, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    A total of 10,384 venture capital (VC) funding deals with disclosed funding rounds were announced globally during 2024, which is a decline of 11.9% compared to the 11,786 VC deals announced during the previous year. Among all VC funding rounds, early-stage funding rounds* witnessed a significant decline in their volume last year compared to 2023, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Even though most of the funding rounds experienced a decrease in volume, the majority of the overall decline is driven by double-digit fall in the number of early-stage funding rounds during 2024 compared to 2023.”

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database reveals that the total number of early-stage funding rounds declined by 14.2% in 2024 compared to 2023. A total of 8,086 early-stage funding rounds (comprising 4,457 Seed rounds and 3,629 Series A funding rounds) were announced globally during 2024 compared to the previous year’s announcement of 9,424 early-stage funding rounds that included 5,359 Seed rounds and 4,065 Series A funding rounds.

    However, despite the decline, early-stage funding rounds continued to dominate the global VC funding landscape in 2024. These accounted for a 77.9% share of the total number of VC deals with disclosed funding rounds announced globally during 2024.

    Meanwhile, the number of growth, expansion and late-stage funding rounds** declined by 2.7% from 2,362 VC deals in 2023 to 2,298 VC deals in 2024. Growth, expansion and late-stage funding rounds collectively accounted for a 22.1% share of the total number of VC deals with disclosed funding rounds announced globally during 2024.

    *Comprising Seed and Series A funding rounds

    **Series B onwards

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Face the Nation on CBS to Discuss Trump’s Government Reform

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    PALM BEACH, FL—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations, Banking, and Foreign Relations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, today joined Face the Nation on CBS to discuss President Donald Trump reforming the Executive Branch through eliminating wasteful spending and unnecessary government programs.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*

    Partial Transcript

    Hagerty on Trump’s buyout to federal workers: “Eventually, it will save taxpayers money. I think what President Trump is trying to do is be humane in the process of allowing them to make plans to find other employment. But I certainly think the government is far too big, far too bloated, and we’re on a path now to start to see it shrink. This is the first step only, but we’re moving in the right direction […] What we’ll see, Margaret is each agency go through a top to bottom review to decide exactly what they need to do to deliver on behalf of the American public. As you know, there’s been a lot of consternation and pearl clutching about the activities of Elon Musk and his team, but their charge, led by President Trump, is to go in and find efficiencies, find opportunities, and frankly, deliver more of taxpayer dollars to the actual programs that are intended, less to overhead an Administration […] I’m from the private sector, Margaret, my entire background has been in business. This is the way you do it. You come in, you look at the opportunities before you—President Trump has brought a new Administration in—this is not unusual to take a hard look at these programs and also to look for opportunities to cut bloat and waste. Look, we’re 36 trillion dollars in debt. Clearly, the American public Needs to see more accountability, more visibility, more performance for their taxpayer dollars.”

    Hagerty on bringing accountability to the CFPB: “I’ve had significant conversations with Russ Vought, who is our new [Office of Management and Budget] Director. The [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau] has been out of control for some time. The way it’s designed, I think is unconstitutional. It has no oversight; it’s been basically a reckless agency that’s been allowed to go way beyond any mandate that I think was originally intended. So, it’s time to rein it in, and I’m applauding anything that we can do to bring more stability, more control to the federal government, and take agencies like this back into some sort of sense of accountability and oversight […] It was established as an agency that does not have the jurisdiction of the Congress. Its funding source is separate from us. It has no accountability. This is not the type of agency I think that the founding fathers contemplated. We actually contemplated a balance of power. Yet, this rogue agency has been created, and frankly, it’s been used as a tool to come in and just hammer the American private sector and pursue initiatives that certain people like Rohit Chopra might have approved, or that Senator Elizabeth Warren might have approved, but this is not the way the American public should be funding and supporting programs of this nature.”

    Hagerty on the need to reform USAID funding: “I think there’s a tremendous appetite to do it, Margaret, because what we want to see is alignment of our programs with America’s National Security interest. USAID has been out of control. I’ve demanded accountability from [USAID], they’ve refused it. As an appropriator, I’ve asked them to be very clear about, for example, their role funding Hamas and Gaza. They would not comply. They will not tell us what they do. Now that we start to find out some of the programs that [USAID] has been funding—if you think about it, sex change operations in Guatemala, LGBTQ programs in Serbia […] And that is not true, Margaret. I couldn’t get the Secretary of State [Blinken]—I asked him three times to tell me that we were not funding Hamas through [USAID]. He couldn’t do it, and frankly, what we found is that we have been funding [terrorism] […] Certainly, the funds that have gone to UNRWA. You saw the UNRWA members who were also Hamas members […] [UNWRA is] supporting terrorist groups. And if you look at what UNRWA has done, it’s been so counter to our national interest. It’s unbelievable that we would fund it.”

    Hagerty on reciprocity in trade agreements: “I talked with President Trump on Friday about this broadly, Margaret. This is a concern that he has had for some time. As you know, I served in his previous Administration and worked my heart out to get two trade agreements executed with Japan. I was the U.S. Ambassador to Japan in his Administration. Here’s what we’re trying to deal with, and it goes all the way back to World War II, in the aftermath, we made very favorable terms of trade with countries whose economies have devastated in Europe and Japan. We should have time limited that. We should have put some type of GDP-per-capita limit on it, because what we have now are countries that have very unfavorable and unfair terms that are fully developed. So, it’s time to address this; it’s already begun to happen.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Inside information: Nokia announces a leadership transition – Justin Hotard appointed as successor to Pekka Lundmark

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Inside information
    10 February 2025 at 08:00 EET

    Inside information: Nokia announces a leadership transition – Justin Hotard appointed as successor to Pekka Lundmark

    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced a leadership transition. Nokia’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Pekka Lundmark, has informed the Board that he will step down. The Board has appointed Justin Hotard as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Nokia. He will start in his new role on 1 April 2025. 

    Hotard joins Nokia with more than 25 years’ experience with global technology companies, driving innovation, technology leadership and delivering revenue growth. He currently leads the Data Center & AI Group at Intel. Prior to this role, he held several leadership roles at large technology companies, including Hewlett Packard Enterprise and NCR Corporation. He will be based at Nokia’s headquarters in Espoo, Finland.

    “I am delighted to welcome Justin to Nokia. He has a strong track record of accelerating growth in technology companies along with vast expertise in AI and data center markets, which are critical areas for Nokia’s future growth. In his previous positions, and throughout the selection process, he has demonstrated the strategic insight, vision, leadership and value creation mindset required for a CEO of Nokia,” said Sari Baldauf, Chair of Nokia’s Board of Directors.

    “I am honored by the opportunity to lead Nokia, a global leader in connectivity with a unique heritage in technology. Networks are the backbone that power society and businesses, and enable generational technology shifts like the one we are currently experiencing in AI. I am excited to get started and look forward to continuing Nokia’s transformation journey to maximize its potential for growth and value creation,” said Justin Hotard.

    After leading Nokia since 2020, Nokia’s current President and CEO, Pekka Lundmark, has decided to step down from executive roles and move on to the next phase of his career.

    “I want to thank Pekka for his significant contributions to Nokia, he will leave with our highest respect. The planning for this leadership transition was initiated when Pekka indicated to the Board that he would like to consider moving on from executive roles when the repositioning of the business was in a more advanced stage, and when the right successor had been identified. Now, both of those conditions have been met, and he has decided to step down,” said Sari Baldauf.

    She continued: “Pekka joined at a difficult time in Nokia’s history. Under his tenure, Nokia has re-established its technology leadership in 5G radio networks and built a strong position in cloud-native core networks. Network Infrastructure has delivered growth and significant profit improvement, and Nokia has secured the longevity of its patent licensing business. At the same time, Nokia has built strong foundations in new growth areas, refreshed the company’s brand and culture, transformed its operating model and rebalanced its portfolio.”

    “Leading Nokia has been a privilege. When I returned to Nokia in 2020, I called it a homecoming, and it really has felt like one. I am proud of the work our brilliant team has done in re-establishing our technology leadership and competitiveness, and positioning the company for growth in data centers, private wireless and industrial edge, and defense. This is the right time for me to move on. I have led listed companies for more than two decades and although I do not plan to stop working, I want to move on from executive roles to work in a different capacity, such as a board professional. Justin is a great choice for Nokia and I look forward to working with him on a smooth transition,” said Nokia’s President and CEO Pekka Lundmark. 

    Lundmark will step down on 31 March 2025. He will continue as an advisor to the new CEO until the end of the year. 

    An event for media and financial analysts will be held today at 10:00 EET. Link to join the webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/hjd9zmyx.

    Journalists and financial analysts, who wish to ask a question during the event, must dial-in to an audio-only conference call line. The attendees must pre-register here: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10196883/fe7f25be61.

    If you wish to ask a question on the call, you must mute the webcast and only use the participant dial-in during the Q&A session as there is a delay of approximately 15-30 seconds.

    Journalists and financial analysts can join via webcast or in person (Nokia’s Executive Experience Center at Karakaari 18, Espoo). Members of the media and analysts who want to participate in person, are kindly requested to show their press credential or valid ID on arrival.

    Justin Hotard, CV

    Born: 1974

    Nationality: US national 

    Experience:

    • Intel, Santa Clara, CA, 2024–present: Executive Vice President and General Manager, Data Center & AI Group
    • Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Houston, TX / Tokyo, Japan, 2015–2024: various leadership positions including:
      • Executive Vice President and General Manager, High Performance Computing, AI & Labs
      • President and Managing Director, Japan and China
    • NCR Corporation, Duluth, GA, 2007–2014: various leadership positions including: President and General Manager, Global Small Business Cloud Platform
    • Symbol Technologies (acquired by Motorola, Inc), Holtsville, NY, 2003–2007: Director, Product Management and Senior Manager, Corporate Development
    • Motorola, Inc, Arlington, IL, 1996–2000: Senior Systems Engineer

    Education:

    • Master of Business Administration, MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, MA, 2002
    • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 1997

    About Nokia 
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia
    Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 931 580 507
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain statements herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect Nokia’s current expectations and views of future developments and include statements regarding: A) expectations, plans, benefits or outlook related to our strategies, projects, programs, product launches, growth management, licenses, sustainability and other ESG targets, operational key performance indicators and decisions on market exits; B) expectations, plans or benefits related to future performance of our businesses (including the expected impact, timing and duration of potential global pandemics, geopolitical conflicts and the general or regional macroeconomic conditions on our businesses, our supply chain, the timing of market changes or turning points in demand and our customers’ businesses) and any future dividends and other distributions of profit; C) expectations and targets regarding financial performance and results of operations, including market share, prices, net sales, income, margins, cash flows, cost savings, the timing of receivables, operating expenses, provisions, impairments, taxes, currency exchange rates, hedging, investment funds, inflation, product cost reductions, competitiveness, revenue generation in any specific region, and licensing income and payments; D) ability to execute, expectations, plans or benefits related to our ongoing transactions, investments and changes in organizational structure and operating model; E) impact on revenue with respect to litigation/renewal discussions; and F) any statements preceded by or including “anticipate”, “continue”, “believe”, “envisage”, “expect”, “aim”, “will”, “target”, “may”, “would”, “see”, “plan” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from such statements. These statements are based on management’s best assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to them. These forward-looking statements are only predictions based upon our current expectations and views of future events and developments and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Factors, including risks and uncertainties that could cause these differences, include those risks and uncertainties specified in our 2023 annual report on Form 20-F published on 29 February 2024 under Operating and financial review and prospects – Risk factors. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government creating a better pathway for financial advisers

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    The Albanese Government is rebuilding a strong and sustainable financial advice industry that ensures Australians can access high quality and affordable financial advice.

    The advice industry was abandoned and decimated by the former Coalition government, as the number of advisers fell from 28,000 in January 2019 to less than 16,000.

    The Government will reform the education requirements for professional financial advisers to create a sustainable pathway for new advisers to enter the profession.

    Currently, the professional pathway for financial advisers is composed of four requirements:

    • completion of an approved qualification, with the list of approved qualifications limited to those focused specifically on financial advice;
    • a 1,600 hour professional year;
    • completion of the financial adviser exam; and
    • continuing professional education.

    The current education pathway is not sustainable. School leavers are not attracted to the specialised area of study, and it is a significant investment for career changers. Fewer Higher Education Providers are offering courses due to the lack of entrants.

    Under the Government’s changes, the proposed education standard will centre around a new requirement to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline.

    Prospective advisers will need to meet minimum study requirements in relevant financial concepts such as finance, economics or accounting. They will also need to complete financial advice subjects covering ethics, legal and regulatory obligations, consumer behaviour and the financial advice process.

    This provides relevant core knowledge for an adviser, streamlines entry into the industry and retains the important role of tertiary education.

    It will also bring down the costs on prospective advisers and make it easier for people to change careers into financial advice later in life.

    For most students studying a Commerce, Economics or Finance degree – or people moving across from other financial services careers – the cost and time to meet the requirements under the new standard will be halved.

    Advisers will still need to complete a professional year, pass the financial adviser exam and undertake ongoing continuing professional education.

    These reforms will complement the education requirements for the new class of financial advisers. We will ensure the pathway is aligned to enable the new class of adviser to transition into the professional advice ranks.

    The Government will work with industry and higher education providers to ensure an appropriate transition to the new education standard.

    Further, the Government will no longer proceed with Stage 2 of the registration process for financial advisers established by the Better Advice Act. This stage would have required individual advisers to register annually with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission from 1 July 2026.

    Financial advisers are already registered by their authorising Australian Financial Services licensees under Stage 1. Not proceeding with Stage 2 removes unnecessary red tape on individual advisers.

    These reforms build on the Government’s Delivering Better Financial Outcomes package to help address the current supply shortage of financial advisers, cut red tape that is not leading to better consumer outcomes, and strengthen the industry’s ability to meet the future demand for financial advice.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Address to Conexus – Advice Policy Summit

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Introduction

    I would like to acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people as the traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on.

    I pay my respects to their Elders past and present, and I acknowledge any First Nations Australians in attendance.

    Thank you to Colin and the team at Conexus for the opportunity to contribute to your discussion this week.

    Australians need access to quality and affordable financial advice.

    Quality financial advice can give Australians peace of mind.

    It can help protect them from the risks of scams and dodgy investments.

    And it can lift their financial well‑being and set them up for the future.

    But – as you well know – quality financial advice is sadly out of reach for too many Australians.

    It is why I have spent my time as Minister undertaking the largest reform project to financial advice in over a decade.

    Because Australians need it.

    And reform was needed.

    This space was left in tatters by the previous government.

    Under their watch, the number of advisers fell from 28,000 in 2019 to where we are today with fewer than 16,000 advisers.

    A shrinking pool of advisers became laden with higher costs that made advice increasingly unaffordable and inaccessible for Australians.

    Now I am heartened by comments from the Shadow Minister and Opposition who I believe want to support our reform direction.

    And I take that support at face value.

    But unfortunately, their actions when in government told a different story.

    Within a few months, we will be asked to vote on the direction of the country.

    Australians who want better access to advice and information will need to judge the Opposition on their record, not just their rhetoric.

    In contrast, the actions of our reforms have been based around 3 objectives.

    We need to retain and attract more financial advisers into the industry.

    We need to cut unnecessary red tape that is driving up costs without providing a consumer benefit.

    And we need to ensure Australians have confidence to seek advice and engage in the financial system.

    Retaining financial advisers in the industry

    Before coming to government, I made a commitment to address a glaring problem in the sector.

    It has been a bipartisan commitment to professionalise the financial advice industry.

    The modern financial adviser will have a degree, pass an exam, adhere to a code of ethics, and undertake on‑the‑job training.

    This has raised the quality of financial advice that clients expect, giving them confidence and supporting better outcomes.

    However, the implementation of the requirement for financial advisers to hold tertiary education qualifications was bungled.

    Long‑time advisers, who had diligently acted in their clients’ best interests, were told to go back to university or find a new line of work.

    Unsurprisingly, advisers started leaving the industry in droves.

    Not every exit was a tragedy.

    But plenty of good advisers felt they had no choice but to abandon their work like they had been abandoned by the previous government.

    This was a genuine crisis point for the industry’s viability.

    I couldn’t stand by and let this continue to unfold.

    So we made an election commitment to introduce a new pathway for experienced advisers with a clean record to remain in the industry.

    And upon coming to government, we quickly acted to legislate this reform.

    Over a quarter of the industry has now used our pathway to continue to provide Australians with the advice and information they need.

    4,000 advisers who could have been lost to the industry.

    It was a necessary change that was in the public interest.

    Bringing new financial advisers into the industry

    But this only staunched the bleeding.

    FASEA put an albatross around the neck of the industry with an unwieldy and impractical education standard for advisers.

    Even the opposition realised the folly of their ways and disbanded FASEA.

    But its effect was not addressed.

    Most people who end up in the financial advice industry have told me that they did not take a direct path there.

    They didn’t know at the age of 18 that they wanted to be an adviser.

    But the previous government set up a system that immediately thins the herd of potential new advisers.

    Individuals are required to make a significant investment in a highly specialised degree.

    That means many young people are locked out if they want to keep their options open by studying degrees that apply across many industries.

    There are also very few universities offering a degree in financial planning –

    And there will be even fewer if we keep on the current track as the demand is not there.

    In some ways, the previous government set up a perfect process so long as you don’t need it to train new advisers.

    No other industry has been treated like this and it needs to be addressed.

    We’re committed to the professionalisation of the industry.

    We’re committed to a high quality of advice for consumers.

    And we want to repair and rebuild the sector by expanding the pool of advisers.

    So today I am announcing the next step in our reform of the financial advice industry.

    The government will reform the education standards for professional financial advisers to expand the supply of high quality, helpful and safe advice.

    The new standard will continue to recognise the important role of tertiary education.

    Under our proposal, individuals will be able to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline.

    Prospective advisers will need to meet a minimum study requirement in financial concepts such as finance, economics or accounting.

    This means firms will be able to attract graduates with degrees in economics, commerce, and finance, amongst others.

    They will also need to complete core prescribed accredited financial advice subjects.

    This will cover ethics, legal and regulatory obligations, consumer behaviour, and the financial advice process.

    This creates a better pathway for career changers who will be able to enter the industry later in life.

    For example, someone with a Commerce degree may only need to do the financial advice components – if they haven’t already done it.

    This will be complemented by the remaining standards that advisers need to meet –

    Namely, the professional year, the financial adviser exam and ongoing education obligations – which will be unchanged.

    In combination, this will give consumers confidence that they are getting value and quality.

    The cost and time to meet the requirements under the new standard will be halved for most students studying a commerce, economics or finance degree.

    It will be halved for people moving across from other financial services careers.

    We will also ensure that the education requirements for the new class of adviser will be aligned.

    This will create another logical entry‑point to rebuild the advice industry.

    This is all about keeping the pipeline of prospective advisers open as wide as possible for as long as possible.

    I recognise that some advisers have followed the current pathway.

    And I respect the hard work they have done to enter the profession – which is not going to be taken away from them.

    But the status quo is unsustainable and without change, the profession will hit another crisis point down the track.

    All while the demand for advice is only going to go up because of the 5 million Australians at or approaching retirement.

    Cutting unnecessary red tape

    We also need to free up advisers to help their clients with relevant advice that is safe and quality.

    As it stands, the law makes it difficult for advisers to satisfy themselves that they have met the best interests of their clients unless they provide comprehensive advice.

    Everything flows from that.

    Advice is not always targeted at what the client wants.

    Statements of advice are too long and unhelpful.

    And the cost of advice is too high.

    The second tranche of our financial advice reform package will address this.

    I will be the first to say that I wish I could give you a draft bill right now.

    It is our priority and is being written as we speak.

    But it is complex.

    And we cannot risk endangering consumers by getting this wrong.

    Or being too cautious so as to miss this moment to shift the dial.

    We have worked constructively across all sectors of the industry – and will continue to do so.

    That has taken time, but it has led to a better package for consumers.

    There are some who are still suggesting that all the recommendations of the Quality of Advice Review should have been adopted in full.

    That should be challenged.

    If we had done that, the legislation would not have been supported by stakeholders or by parliament.

    But I reaffirm that we are committed to modernising the best interests duty and reforming statements of advice.

    Just as we are committed to introducing a new class of adviser that any financial firm can employ to give safe advice.

    And we are committed to ensuring those 5 million Australians are able to access helpful advice, information and nudges through their super fund.

    I also announce today that we are going further in cutting red tape.

    The government will not proceed with Stage 2 of the registration process for financial advisers established by the Better Advice Act under the previous government.

    This stage would have required individual advisers to register with ASIC from 1 July 2026 on an ongoing annual basis.

    Financial advisers are already registered by their authorising AFSL under Stage 1.

    Not proceeding with Stage 2 will retain this existing requirement but will remove an additional regulatory burden on individual advisers.

    This would have simply been an additional cost for no benefit to consumers.

    Confidence to seek advice and engage in the financial system

    The final piece of the puzzle is to ensure that Australians have confidence to seek advice and engage in the financial system.

    I was delighted to see our Scams Prevention Framework legislation pass the House of Representatives last week.

    This is another step forward in making Australia the toughest place in the world for scammers to target.

    Financial advice and our scams prevention work are 2 sides of the same coin.

    We want to ensure that advice is affordable so that Australians go to regulated and safe sources of advice – not dodgy scammers.

    Preventing scams is also necessary for Australians to feel confident to invest and engage in the financial system.

    So our scams work is vital for our financial advice reform.

    Sadly, Australians can get inappropriate financial advice that means they lose everything.

    And there is a bipartisan commitment that consumers should have access to some redress when this occurs.

    The previous government failed to implement the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort, even though they talked about doing it.

    We have implemented it as recommended by the Ramsay Review and Hayne Royal Commission.

    We welcomed the bipartisan support for its design – given it is the same scheme introduced into parliament by the last government.

    But, I am not convinced that it is in its final form.

    I am concerned about the sustainability of the scheme on its current trajectory.

    It is not sustainable for financial advisers.

    And it is no good for consumers if the scheme falls over.

    Some people want the quick fix – and I wish there was one.

    Unfortunately, 2 of the biggest cases to hit the CSLR – Dixon and United Global Capital – have very different characteristics that make a quick fix very difficult.

    So I have tasked Treasury to review the CSLR immediately.

    We need to ensure that it is sustainable.

    And we need to ensure that it is meeting the objective that we all support.

    It is not about guaranteeing investment returns.

    But about ensuring genuine victims have access to some redress.

    This is an important part of the financial system for advisers.

    Because it gives Australians confidence that there is a back stop in situations of genuine last resort.

    It’s in all our interests to ensure that is what it is doing.

    Conclusion

    So – more financial advisers and less red tape.

    And confidence for Australians to seek advice and engage in the financial system.

    It’s a big piece of work, but a piece of work that is in the public interest.

    I am not the first Assistant Treasurer to say a word on financial advice.

    And I won’t be the last.

    But I’m confident that I am leaving the sector in a better place, and on a better path.

    And I believe that Australians will be better off because of it.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Coles slashes its product range, will well-known brands disappear from supermarket shelves?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flavio Macau, Associate Dean – School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University

    Hitra/Shutterstock

    Coles is reducing its product range by at least 10%, a move that has sparked public backlash and renewed discussions about the role of supermarkets in the cost-of-living crisis.

    In cutting the range of items on offer Coles is moving closer to Aldi and Costco’s strategy to grow exclusive brands and limit product range.

    The goal is to boost profitability by reducing costs, increasing sales, and increasing control over the supply chain.

    Coles is unlikely to cut traditional brands, especially those from companies with significant market power like Coca-Cola or Nestle. In a battle between giants, the status quo is likely to prevail.

    Smaller suppliers are likely to bear the load as they struggle to renew contracts and face increased competition from home brands.

    To fully understand the reasons behind this move and its impact on the cost of living, insights from psychology, finance, and supply chain management come in handy.

    Why cut back on brands?

    The Coles move is all about profitability.

    Over the past decade, competition in the Australian supermarket sector has intensified. Coles’ market share declined from 31% to 25% between 2013 and 2023, while Woolworths’ share fell from 41% to 37%.

    This shift reflects the rise of Aldi, which now holds approximately 10% of the market, and its strong position in the home brand space.

    Aldi’s smaller range helps to keep costs down.
    Audreycmk/Shutterstock

    To boost profitability with a smaller customer base, Coles needs to find ways to enhance its earnings. This can be achieved by raising prices, cutting costs, or increasing the market share of its home brands.

    Raising prices vs cutting costs

    Raising prices is not a viable option, as consumers are already struggling with high food prices inflation and the rising cost-of-living. However, there is room to cut costs.

    One approach is to squeeze suppliers, but again this is unlikely to be effective. The consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), is holding an inquiry into concerns that the supermarkets are using their market power to the disadvantage of their suppliers and consumers.

    Additionally, as producers exit unprofitable businesses, supermarkets risk supply chain disruptions due to increased market concentration among surviving suppliers.

    Another strategy is to reduce complexity. The more product variety there is, the more complicated and expensive it becomes to manage. Tasks such as stocking shelves, adjusting prices, maintaining inventory, managing delivery schedules, and disposing of expired products all contribute to higher costs.

    Anna Croft, Coles’ operations and sustainability officer, explained the strategy when telling investors in November that 13 basic table salts could be cut to five.

    Simplifying the product range can also boost sales. When faced with too many options, consumers can experience “choice overload”. A widely recognised study in psychology found that people are more likely to make a purchase when presented with a limited selection rather than an extensive array of choices.

    Coles has pointed to shampoo and salt as two potential product ranges that can be simplified.
    I.K.Media/Shutterstock

    Shifting to home brands

    Simplifying the range will likely focus on items where Coles has a home brand. Home brands now account for 33.5% of Coles’ sales, with 6,000 products. About 1,100 were added over the past year.

    This move is a response to competitors like Aldi and Costco. While Coles and Woolworths manage over 25,000 items in their stores, Aldi limits its offering to about 1,800 products.

    Coles is focusing on its home brands to better compete with non-branded offerings from Aldi. In its report to the ACCC, the supermarket highlights its investment in expanding its own-brand range to provide more affordable prices, up to 40% cheaper than similar proprietary brands.

    While consumers may have fewer choices, it is expected that they will benefit from better prices.

    This shift towards home brands is not exclusive to Australia. In the United States, private label sales hit a record in 2023 across a range of items from beauty products to general merchandise. In the United Kingdom, home brand products now account for over half of supermarket sales.

    Have we been here before?

    Almost 10 years ago, Woolworths and Coles started a significant move to adjust their price positioning in response to the competition. Along with Metcash (IGA), they reduced product ranges in 2015–16 by 10% to 15% to simplify the weekly grocery shop for consumers.

    At that time, the culling of products put suppliers under pressure (as now) while consumers were ambivalent: some wanted more brand variety and others preferred less.

    As history repeats itself, it will be interesting to see if Woolworths and Metcash will follow the latest move from Coles and how customers, suppliers, and the ACCC will react this time.

    A/Prof Flavio Macau is affiliated with the Project Management Institute (PMI)

    – ref. As Coles slashes its product range, will well-known brands disappear from supermarket shelves? – https://theconversation.com/as-coles-slashes-its-product-range-will-well-known-brands-disappear-from-supermarket-shelves-249274

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to the Financial Services Council

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Good morning, everyone. 
    I would like to begin by thanking Kirk Hope and the Financial Services Council for the opportunity to speak to you all this morning. I’d also like to acknowledge our friends at the FMA and in particular the CE, Samantha Barrass, who you will be hearing from shortly.
    I’m delighted to speak to you at the start of the year. I hope everyone is refreshed after a good summer, and ready for another big year of delivering for New Zealanders. 2024 was a big year. It was a challenging year. I know all of you in the room today would have felt firsthand the economic challenges. But we got a lot of important work underway and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year.
    At this event last year, many of you will remember that I announced plans to reform the financial services sector. As you all know, things were not in a good place. 
    Over successive years, governments had layered up regulations, causing a lack of clarity and excessive conservativism. My mission when I took on the Commerce and Consumer Affairs portfolio was to simplify the financial services landscape. This meant:

    Clarifying the roles of the various regulators to remove duplication; and 
    Tidying up laws and regulations that were constraining businesses from providing great financial products and services.

    My guiding principle was to make it simpler to provide financial services, while balancing the need for appropriate guardrails and consumer protections. Over time this equation had become unbalanced and was so risk-averse that it was harming consumers.
    Many of you will have heard me talk before about the perverse outcomes of making it too hard for Kiwis to access a safe loan from a reputable provider. I am very pleased to say that these financial services reforms are now well progressed. 
    Democracy is a wonderful thing, but the nature of developing good policy and running a thorough consultation process means it can take a long time to for change to work its way through the system. However, we are on track to have the Financial Services Bill passed through all stages by the end of Q1 next year. 
    Contracts of Insurance
    One key highlight of 2024 was passing into law the Contracts of Insurance Act. This work was long overdue. The Law Commission recommended that our insurance law be updated in the 1990s. It is fantastic that we finally got it over the line.
    In terms of other work, the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister is responsible for six crown entities including the Commerce Commission and the FMA.  And, according to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Minister is broadly responsible for:

    corporate law and governance 
    financial markets
    competition policy
    consumer policy
    protecting intellectual property; and, 
    trade policy and international regulatory cooperation.

    It’s no small list. These are absolutely foundational pieces of architecture for our economy, and in 2024 I kicked off work relating to nearly every single thing on that list. 
    This year I intend to tick two remaining items off that list by progressing a review of copyright and intellectual property and launching a review of the Fair Trading Act.
    The Fair Trading Act is a hugely consequential piece of legislation that covers everything from product safety and product descriptions, through to contract terms and advertising standards.
    Unfortunately, the structural economic issues we face – whether that be declining productivity, lack of capital, a dearth of foreign investment, or over-regulation stymieing growth and innovation – means economic reform is urgent.  As a result, you should hopefully have heard me in the media or at events like this talking about work I have underway to modernise our economy, including:

    Reviewing the Companies Act and reforming our corporate governance laws; and

    Related to this, launching a review of directors’ duties and liabilities led by the Law Commission;

    Implementing a ‘consumer data right’ and laying the foundations for ‘open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ to inject more competition into our economy;
    Creating a new model for the economic regulation of water services;
    Initiating a more coordinated whole-of-government approach to combatting online financial scams;
    Invigorating New Zealand’s capital markets by removing barriers to list on the stock exchange and making it easier for KiwiSaver funds to be invested in unlisted assets;
    Reviewing our competition law to prevent excessive market concentration; and
    Finally, responding to recommendations from the Commerce Commission to improve competition in the banking and grocery sector.

    2025
    2025 is all about delivering on this work. And I know it sounds like a long and unwieldy list, but you can broadly view all the work underway through the lens of two key themes:

    Creating the conditions for businesses and private enterprise to thrive so that we can grow our economy. 

    As you have heard the PM talk about – a bigger, wealthier economy means more jobs and higher salaries for Kiwis, and it means increased tax revenue which pays for public services like schools, roads and hospitals.
    This means making sure that the laws and regulations that determine the operating environment for businesses are modern, fair, and fit for purpose. 

    The second key theme is competition.

    The reality is that New Zealand suffers from overly concentrated markets in several key sectors of our economy – whether that be banking, groceries, building supplies, or parking services. 
    The OECD and others have drawn a link between our lack of competition and falling productivity and the spotlight is well and truly focused on invigorating completion. 

    From the government’s perspective we will be going through every key initiative and programme of work line by line and asking ourselves and our officials: Will this grow the economy? Will this improve competition?
    Will this help New Zealanders to take legitimate business risks? Will it enable them to hire more staff or access capital to invest in new equipment? Will it free up their time so it can be used more productively? Will it encourage innovation and enable them to offer new products and services? And if the answer is no, then don’t expect to see it progressed this year. If the answer is yes, then we will be working at pace to implement it. 
    One of my top focuses this year is improving competition. 
    Competition is one of the most important ways to drive productivity, grow the economy, and lift living standards. That’s why I have launched a two-part review: 

    First, I have asked officials to update the merger and competition provisions in the Commerce Act, to ensure our legal framework is fit for purpose.

    Mergers can improve market efficiencies but can also entrench market power and create monopolies. Our merger regime has not been reviewed in over 20 years and since then our economic landscape has changed significantly. 
    I think everyone in this room can probably point to a merger or acquisition that – with the benefit of hindsight – did not serve us well.

    I have also commissioned an independent review of the governance and effectiveness of the Commerce Commission to maximise its performance.

    On the one hand, we need strong competition laws, and on the other hand we need a powerful and courageous regulator to enforce the law.

    These are important structural changes and signify a strategic shift for our economy.
    This year I am also continuing with reforms to unlock capital for the benefit of New Zealand’s economy.
    I know that New Zealand urgently needs to address our falling productivity and failing infrastructure. That’s why I want to invigorate our capital markets, to encourage investment in infrastructure and productive businesses.  As part of this, we are looking at changes to make it easier for KiwiSaver funds to be invested in unlisted assets, such as infrastructure projects and great New Zealand business.
    We are also exploring adjustments to reduce the costs and barriers faced by companies listed, or listing, on the stock exchange. We will look at other aspects of capital markets settings in the second half of this year.
    Consumer Data Right
    As many of you may be aware, the Customer and Product Data Bill is currently being progressed and is set to have its second reading in Parliament’s next sitting block, which starts next week. This Bill will establish a framework to unlock the potential of customer data, driving innovation and competition in key sectors. 
    We recently consulted on applying the Bill to the banking sector to enable open banking and are beginning work on applying it out to the electricity sector too. The ability to provide new data-driven products and services is hugely exciting. 
    Possible applications for open banking include the ability to apply for a 10-minute online home loan and make instant, low-cost payments. Meanwhile open electricity will make it easier to compare electricity plans and switch providers.
    Scams
    Lastly, I want to talk about a big issue for the financial services sector: Scams.
    Last year, New Zealanders reportedly lost around $200 million to scams, which is 15 per cent more than the previous year. However, some estimates suggest the real losses could be as high as $1 billion. This has prompted me to lead an all-of-government effort to engage with industry to tackle this growing issue.
    I am working closely with telco, banking, and digital platforms and am watching the reforms being progressed in Australia. I expect to be in a position to announce progress on this work shortly.
    Combatting scams is an important social and moral issue – scammers are causing harm and distress to Kiwis – but it is also a business and financial issue. As Kiwis become increasingly concerned about scams, they become distrustful and unwilling to do business online. 
    One of the by-products of scams is legitimate businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to get in touch with their clients. Consumers no longer want to pick up the phone to an unknown number, or respond to unexpected emails or text messages.
    For all these reasons, it is vital that we work with industry to better protect Kiwis from sophisticated and devious scammers – most of whom are based overseas and fall outside our law enforcement.
    ACC
    Before I close, I just want to briefly talk about ACC, which is a new portfolio I have recently taken up.  I am incredibly excited about my new responsibility. 
    ACC has nearly $50 billion under investment. And while there is a lot to be proud of about ACC, the scheme faces several significant challenges.  
    For the last 10 years, ACC’s performance – measured as rehabilitating injured people and getting them back to work – has continuously declined. And this comes at an enormous cost. The liability of existing ACC claims increased from $52 billion in 2022/23 to $60 billion in the last financial year. That’s an increase of $8 billion in a single year. 
    Clearly that’s unsustainable. 
    As employers, you will know that levies are set to rise around 5 per cent to help meet these rising costs. But we cannot meet the increased costs through levies alone. That’s why we have commissioned an independent review of ACC’s performance so we can address broader, underlying issues with the scheme. Turning around ACC’s performance is no mean feat. It is like turning around a super tanker. 
    There are a number of key actions that I will initiate early this year, but it will take a while for these actions to flow through to the front lines and for them to show up on the balance sheet. My job as Minister is to chart the course by creating a robust action plan and setting tight expectations so that within a few years, the super tanker is heading in the right direction.
    I want to be clear that this is not about cost cutting. It is about ensuring ACC is fair and sustainable and can serve future generations without saddling them with unreasonably high levy increases.
    One of the key principles of the ACC scheme is that future generations should not pay for today’s injuries. If we do not arrest the financial situation now, all we do is kick the can down the line and make it the next generation’s problem. 
    Close
    As you can tell, 2024 was a busy year. And 2025 is shaping up to be just as critical. We’ve got several work streams on the go, which I’ve outlined today. 
    I expect to be progressing them at rapid pace, and I look forward to working with you to take our economic growth to the next level.
    Thank you again to the Financial Services Council for having me here today. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign investment upgrades amid transformation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    For Anna An, president for China of German industrial and consumer goods group Henkel, 2025 is undoubtedly shaping up to be a busy year.

    The company’s new plant, with a total investment of 900 million yuan ($124 million), is set to begin test production in Yantai, Shandong province, later this year. This facility is expected to raise the company’s production capacity to supply high-end adhesives for industries such as electronics and automobiles.

    “We are also planning to launch our new inspiration center for adhesive technologies in Shanghai this year, boosting our innovation capabilities for industrial businesses across China and the broader Asia-Pacific region,” said An.

    “The tone-setting Central Economic Work Conference held in December emphasized technological innovation and the promotion of consumption, creating significant opportunities for multinational companies like Henkel,” she added.

    Echoing that sentiment, Nathan Stoner, vice-president of Cummins Inc, a US engine manufacturer, said his company aims to increase its market share in key application sectors within China, including power generation equipment for data centers, high-tech manufacturing, and the engineering, procurement and construction sectors this year.

    Highlighting that the company’s hydrogen fuel cell products successfully powered 239 transit buses and trucks, and the accumulated mileage of over 16 million kilometers across China in 2024, Stoner, who is also chairman of Cummins China, said the company will continue to innovate on the internal combustion engine system, including high efficiency diesel, natural gas and hydrogen internal combustion engines in China this year.

    “We are targeting our investments in zero-emission solutions into various Chinese regional markets where we see demand and adoption happening sooner, and iterating those products to be the best they can be, when customers want more of them,” he added.

    These examples highlight the growing optimism among multinational corporations regarding the long-term potential of the Chinese market, fueled by the country’s economic resilience and its commitment to innovation and openness.

    Initially, foreign companies were attracted by China’s cost advantages and abundant labor force, using it as a base for producing competitive goods, said Xu Wei, head of the macroeconomic research department at the Development Research Center of the State Council.

    As China advanced its infrastructure and industrial systems, it remained a low-cost production hub while evolving to offer sophisticated, high-value manufacturing, allowing foreign companies to integrate more advanced production processes, Xu said.

    “With China entering a new era of green and innovation-driven growth in recent years, global investments have increasingly focused on supply chain optimization, high-end manufacturing, customized innovation, and digital and green solutions,” he said, adding that sectors such as trade in services and healthcare have also become key areas of foreign investment.

    For instance, in addition to announcing a record high of over 657,000 electric vehicle sales in the Chinese mainland in 2024, marking an 8.8 percent year-on-year increase, Tesla Inc, the US EV maker, is currently conducting trial production to manufacture energy-storage batteries at its Shanghai factory.

    The US automaker said mass production at this facility is expected to commence fully within the first quarter.

    China has been revising its sector list to attract more foreign investment. These efforts, along with the removal of all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector last year, reflect the country’s proactive approach to openness.

    Li Yongjie, deputy international trade representative of the Ministry of Commerce, said China will further open up its services sector, with a particular focus on accelerating pilot programs in key areas such as telecommunications, healthcare and education.

    A total of 59,080 new foreign-invested firms were established across China in 2024, an increase of 9.9 percent year-on-year, according to information released by the Ministry of Commerce.

    Wang Xiaohong, a researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges in Beijing, said that China’s ongoing commitment to further opening-up and fostering innovation is positioning the country as both a key player in global supply chains, and a prime destination for investment and strategic expansion.

    This evolving environment is expected to create new opportunities for business growth, particularly as China adapts its policies to align with the shifting dynamics of the global economy, she said.

    More than half of companies from the United States plan to increase their investments in China this year, according to the 2025 China Business Climate Survey Report released by the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) in late January.

    The survey, conducted from Oct 21 to Nov 15, involved a total of 368 member companies of AmCham China. It found that nearly half of the participants rank China as one of their top three global investment priorities.

    About 68 percent of the US responding companies expect industry markets to see growth in 2025. Two-thirds of them plan to focus on growing their core business activities in China as their primary objective for 2025. Meanwhile, the consumer and services sectors are increasingly focused on driving growth by targeting new customer segments.

    Jeff Losch, vice-president and business manager for coating additives technologies at Milliken & Company, a US specialty chemical and performance materials firm, said China is a key market for Milliken, not only because of its vast scale, but also due to its forward-thinking approach to sustainability.

    “We have observed a strong demand in the EV and industrial coating businesses. China’s EV industry is extremely strong and has led the global market this year, with Chinese manufacturers making their presence felt in markets across many countries,” said Losch.

    He said that the quick growth of China’s EV market has clearly created significant opportunities for the coatings industry. EV manufacturing requires coatings with high durability and environmental standards, which align closely with Milliken’s innovation goals.

    Eager to seize more market share, the US company plans to continue investing in its innovation unit, expand sales networks and enhance supply chain operations within China.

    As China undergoes a profound transformation, making business navigation more challenging than before, Denis Depoux, global managing director at German consultancy Roland Berger, suggested multinational corporations make targeted investments to navigate the unique characteristics of the Chinese market and local competition.

    “This strategy emphasizes enhancing localization efforts, particularly by tapping into China’s innovation ecosystem, while also adapting to increasingly differentiated norms and standards,” he said.

    Affected by shrinking global investments in recent years, together with factors like slower economic growth, rising geopolitical risks, weak demand and stricter investment reviews in certain countries, foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland in actual use totaled 826.25 billion yuan in 2024, dropping 27.1 percent on a yearly basis, statistics from the Ministry of Commerce showed.

    The adjustment of China’s domestic industrial structure and rising labor costs have diminished the country’s low-cost advantages, said Cui Fan, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

    As a result, some labor-intensive industries have shifted gradually due to changes in comparative advantages. This reflects the evolution of China’s economic development stage and factor endowments. This is a natural and expected process, said Cui.

    Driven by China’s stable political, economic and social environment, as well as its large-scale production capabilities and efforts to grow strategic emerging industries, FDI flow is expected to continue recovering within the country in 2025, said Gao Lingyun, a researcher at the Institute of World Economics and Politics, which is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.

    Strategic emerging industries in China include sectors such as energy-saving and environmental protection, next-generation information technology, biotechnology, high-end equipment manufacturing, new energy, advanced materials and EVs.

    For efficiency-driven multinational companies, regions with dense and well-connected networks are emerging as primary targets for strategic expansion. This emphasis is closely tied to factors like strong industry integration, complementary capabilities and easy accessibility, and all these factors enable streamlined operations and growth, said Gao.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Over 20M consumers apply for electronic products trade-in subsidies

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    More than 20 million consumers have applied for China’s electronic products trade-in subsidies since the government launched the pro-consumption program three weeks ago, data from the commerce ministry showed Sunday.

    Some 20.09 million consumers applied for the subsidies to buy 25.41 million units of electronic products such as mobile phones as of Saturday, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

    China started to offer subsidies for electronic products trade-in from Jan. 20 as the country expanded the scope of consumer goods trade-in program to further boost consumption, which provides consumers with up to 500 yuan (about 69.7 U.S. dollars) apiece on the purchase of digital products.

    Card payment giant China UnionPay said it has recorded 6.27 million subsidized transactions with sales value totaling 20.58 billion yuan in the reporting period.

    Driven by the government incentives, mobile phone sales in China jumped by 74 percent in volume and 65 percent in value on a weekly basis in the week prior to the Spring Festival, which fell on Jan. 29 this year, market data revealed.

    China launched an action plan to promote large-scale equipment renewal and trade-in of consumer goods in March 2024 as part of efforts to boost domestic demand and support economic growth. Official data showed that the trade-in scheme has boosted sales of automobiles by 920 billion yuan last year, and that of home appliances by 240 billion yuan.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BusinessNZ – Forging international partnerships in energy

    Source: BusinessNZ

    The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) recently hosted a delegation responsible for India’s electricity market to find a more sustainable energy future, together.
    The delegation of commissioners, responsible for regulatory bodies in 26 regions across India, and New Zealand energy sector leaders explored key challenges, opportunities, and areas for potential collaboration in energy transition.
    BEC Executive Director Tina Schirr says although New Zealand and India are vastly different in size, we share many of the same energy challenges.
    “The conversation reinforced that energy transition is not just a technical challenge – it’s an economic and social one too. Growth and sustainability must go hand in hand, and international cooperation is critical in achieving this balance.
    “India has experienced significant economic growth since the turn of the century. There is real opportunity for us to work closer together – particularly in workforce development.
    “India produces more than one million engineering graduates each year, with deep expertise across energy-related fields. New Zealand will need a skilled workforce to meet its decarbonisation goals.
    “India has the expertise and the capacity. Closer collaboration on workforce solutions could be a win-win for both countries.
    “BEC remains committed to fostering international partnerships to support a secure, sustainable, and equitable energy future.”
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump is now flagging tariffs on steel and aluminium. Can Albanese win an exemption for Australia?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The Albanese government is set to mount a major effort to win an exemption from a proposed 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports to the United States foreshadowed by President Donald Trump.

    Assuming Trump follows through on the move, it will put major pressure on the prime minister to match the success of the Turnbull government in 2018 when Trump put a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminium in his first administration.

    Speaking to reporters travelling on Air Force One, Trump flagged he would make the tariff announcement on Monday (Washington time). He said the tariffs would start “almost immedciately” on all foreign steel and aluminium imports.

    The Australian government on Monday was scrambling to put together its response, although government sources insisted it was not surprised and was well prepared.

    Cabinet met on Monday morning where the Trump comments were presumably discussed.

    Trade Minister Don Farrell said on Monday:

    We have consistently made the case for free and fair trade, including access into the US market for Australian steel and aluminium.

    Our bilateral economic relationship is mutually beneficial – Australian steel and aluminium is creating thousands of good paying American jobs, and are key for our shared defence interests too.

    Sources said the government had been making representations on steel and aluminium for months.

    Last week, Farrell said he was seeking talks with incoming US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, but that would have to wait until he was confirmed.

    In the lobbying for special treatment, the government will stress that the US has a trade surplus with Australia.

    In 2023-24, the US imported about 240,000 tonnes of steel products from Australia, valued at US$250 million (A$400 million).

    US imports of Australian aluminium peaked in 2019 at about 270,000 tonnes and declined to around 83,000 in 2024. The three-year average imports from Australia were 167,000 tonnes per year, valued at US$496 million (A$791 million).

    Nationals leader David Littleproud said the issue was a test for Anthony Albanese and Australia’s ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd.

    Littleproud said:

    When you make disparaging comments about leaders in other parts of the world sometimes it comes back to bite you.

    And unfortunately it could be the Australian economy that gets the bite.

    This is a test to see whether Anthony Albanese’s previous remarks and Kevin Rudd’s previous remarks about President Trump has done this nation harm.

    Littleproud said if Rudd was “not the right person to have these discussions, then we should be mature enough as a country to send someone who can have those discussions to get that carveout”.

    Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has just returned from Washington.

    At a news conference there, he was asked whether Australia was concerned about direct reciprocal tariffs or a flow-on effect from them.

    Marles said:

    We obviously are engaging with the United States in respect of our bilateral relationship in respect to tariffs.

    We’ll obviously press Australia’s interest in our case in respect of that. But none of this is a surprise. We know what President Trump’s platform was as he went into the American election.

    He’s been very clear about his policy direction. And so I think we all understand that is going to see changes in American policy in relation to this. From an Australian point of view, we will continue to press the Australian case around the question of trade.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump is now flagging tariffs on steel and aluminium. Can Albanese win an exemption for Australia? – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-now-flagging-tariffs-on-steel-and-aluminium-can-albanese-win-an-exemption-for-australia-249476

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appointments – New Chair for New Zealand Taiwan Business Council announced

    Source: Business Central

    Experienced Wellington business and marketing consultant Chris Tse has been elected Chair of the New Zealand Taiwan Business Council.
    Chris replaces Charles Finny who stood down from the role at the most recent Council meeting. Charles was elected Chair in 2018.
    Chris Tse is the Executive Director of Apexfresh, a business and marketing consultancy with expertise in the food, health and technology sectors. Chris has over 30 years’ experience in doing business with Taiwan, including a period living and working in Taipei. He has been a member of the executive committee of the NZ Taiwan Business Council since 2018.
    The New Zealand Taiwan Business Council represents the interests of New Zealand businesses that trade or invest with Taiwan. Taiwan is one of New Zealand’s largest trading partners.
    “I am honoured to take on the role of chair of the New Zealand Taiwan Business Council and follow in the footsteps of Charles Finny, who has been instrumental in developing trade and business linkages between New Zealand and Taiwan over many years. I look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been laid and creating new opportunities for growth, innovation and collaboration for New Zealand companies looking to do business in Taiwan” Chris Tse said.
    Charles Finny says: “I am delighted to be passing the baton to Chris. He and his family have been involved in trading with Taiwan for many years. Seven years is a long time to be performing this role. The relationship with Taiwan is in excellent shape so it is the perfect time for this leadership change.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improving lives through AI

    Source: Scottish Government

    Funding for artificial intelligence projects.

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to be harnessed to develop technologies to address issues such as cancer risk amongst rescue workers.

    The latest round of the Scottish Government’s CivTech programme has awarded up to £9 million to 14 companies developing AI products to tackle challenges faced by charities and public sector organisations. CivTech 10 is the first round of the programme to focus on AI.

    Products being developed include:

    • a software to help identify toxic contaminants to address the risk of cancer for firefighters.
    • an AI system which can help teachers with administrative tasks.  
    • using drones and an automated mapping system to monitor puffin populations in a less invasive way.
    • an AI support system to enable entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

    Previous rounds of CivTech have seen £20 million invested into 90 companies and entrepreneurs since 2016. These include software company Volunteero which developed a mobile app to help charities manage administrative tasks.

    Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:

    “Scotland is well-placed to harness the advantages of artificial intelligence with its rich history of innovation and high concentration of world-leading universities and colleges.

    “The rapidly growing AI sector offers opportunities for Scotland, from helping to detect health issues such as lung cancer earlier, to enabling businesses to work more efficiently.

    “Through CivTech, we are revolutionising how public sector organisations work by collaborating with businesses to develop products which improve lives.”

    Rebekah MacLeod, Lead Project Liaison Officer at White Ribbon Scotland, a charity tackling violence against women which uses Volunteero’s app, said:

    “Working with Volunteero through the CivTech programme has completely changed how we work as a charity.

    “The app means we spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time working with men and boys to directly address violence against women and girls.

    “This includes encouraging more men and boys to speak out about violence against women and girls.”

    Background

    CivTech companies have created more than 400 jobs and attracted more than £126 million of private sector investment. Nearly 80% of products developed in past rounds of CivTech are still in use.

    Products being developed in CivTech 10 are:

    • Technology developed by Rowden to help firefighters improve their situational awareness in emergency situations.
    • A system to detect and monitor firefighters’ exposure to toxins created by FireHazResearch.
    • Drones and an automated mapping system from EOLAS and The University of Edinburgh to monitor puffin colonies in a less invasive way.
    • Sensors developed by Arctech Innovation to monitor breeding success, seasonal changes and harmful disease in puffins.
    • Technology for public sector organisations to use data securely, developed by Verifoxx.
    • A platform for citizens and policy makers to understand how AI and other emerging technologies could be used in the public sector, developed by CrownShy.
    • A programme created by Talent Engine to provide detailed labour market insights to target skills and development training in Glasgow.
    • An AI tool from Rethink Carbon to document woodland and peatland projects.
    • A new approach to monitoring carbon balances from woodland and peatland projects from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
    • Sylvera are developing advanced remote-sensing capabilities to enhance monitoring of carbon projects.
    • An AI programme to forecast pharmaceutical demand by postcode area to help reduce waste, developed by PharmovoAI.
    • A planning tool created by Looper to help NHS Scotland reduce waste and emissions.
    • An AI system to support teachers with administrative tasks, developed by SupportEd.
    • A software from BobbAI to help entrepreneurs to access business growth resources and support services. 

    CivTech 10 Challenges and details of the CivTech process are available online.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s CPI growth accelerates in January on holiday spending

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Customers select fruit at a supermarket in Xinle, north China’s Hebei Province, Jan. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s consumer inflation rose faster in January, driven by a surging demand for travel, dining and shopping during the Spring Festival holiday, the country’s most celebrated festival.

    China’s consumer price index (CPI), a main inflation gauge, was up 0.5 percent year on year in January, up from a 0.1 percent increase in December, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Sunday.

    NBS statistician Dong Lijuan attributed the year-on-year CPI rise to higher service and food prices during the holiday and a rebound in gasoline prices.

    In breakdown, service prices rose 1.1 percent year on year last month, while food prices climbed 0.4 percent.

    On a monthly basis, the CPI expanded 0.7 percent in January, with service prices accounting for more than half of the overall CPI increase, contributing about 0.37 percentage points.

    The core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, rose 0.6 percent from a year ago in January, up from a 0.4 percent increase in December 2024.

    The holiday economy remained strong, with tourism and consumer spending hitting record highs. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China saw a record 501 million domestic tourist trips during the eight-day holiday, which concluded on Tuesday, up 5.9 percent year on year.

    Tourist spending reached a record high of over 677 billion yuan (94.42 billion U.S. dollars), a 7 percent increase from the previous year.

    Meanwhile, key retail and catering enterprises tracked by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) reported a 4.1 percent year-on-year rise in sales during the holiday, reflecting steady consumer momentum.

    The holiday consumer market was vibrant and thriving, with a strong momentum in service consumption, MOC spokesperson He Yongqian told a press conference on Thursday.

    To stimulate domestic demand and support economic recovery, China launched a major program in 2024 to promote large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins. This program encourages factories to replace old machines with more advanced ones, while individual consumers can enjoy subsidies on automobiles, home appliances and more.

    Fueled by these policies and festive consumer enthusiasm, spending on food, festive goods, and smart home appliances was particularly robust during the Spring Festival holiday. Sales of home appliances and communication devices at key retailers tracked by the MOC rose by over 10 percent year on year.

    As the policy promoting trade-ins for consumer goods continues to expand and various consumption-boosting activities unfold, the consumer market is expected to maintain steady growth in the first quarter, He added.

    Sunday’s data also showed the country’s producer price index (PPI), which measures costs for goods at the factory gate, went down 2.3 percent year on year in January, flat with that in December last year. On a month-on-month basis, the PPI dropped 0.2 percent in January.

    Dong attributed the decrease to the off-season industrial production during the holiday period.

    Analysts forecast that driven by proactive macroeconomic policies and the steady recovery of domestic demand, the CPI and PPI are expected to sustain their moderate rebound throughout 2025.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri to inaugurate Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 10, 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Raksha Mantri to inaugurate Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on February 10, 2025

    Showcasing air power, cutting-edge innovations & potential new global collaborations, the five-day event to provide thrust to the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047

    Aero India 2025 will advance our vision of a strong, capable, secure & self-reliant India: Shri Rajnath Singh

    Participation of over 900 exhibitors & 90 countries set to make it the biggest-ever Aero India till date; Approx. 30 Defence Ministers & over 100 OEMs to attend

    Domestic defence production expected to cross Rs 1.60 lakh crore by 2025-26, with exports touching Rs 30,000 crore mark: RM

    Posted On: 09 FEB 2025 6:21PM by PIB Delhi

    The 15th edition of Aero India, Asia’s biggest aerospace and defence exhibition, will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 10, 2025. With the broad theme of ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’, the five-day extravaganza will showcase India’s aerial prowess and indigenous cutting-edge innovations alongside state-of-the-art products of global aerospace companies. In line with ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, the event will also provide a stage to forge international collaborations to fast-track the indigenisation process, thereby providing a thrust to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s resolve of making the country Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on the eve of the event, Raksha Mantri described Aero India as a crucial platform, which will drive forward the Government’s vision of a strong, capable India, secure and self-reliant India. “Aero India is a platform that showcases the strength, resilience, and self-reliance of New India. It is not just crucial for India’s defence preparedness, but it also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our nation. It will demonstrate our defence capabilities and forge global partnerships. Our goal is to enhance collaboration in areas of common interest with our friendly nations, fostering deeper cooperation and shared progress. The event is not just a showcase of technology and innovation, but will also serve as a source of inspiration for our youth, fostering scientific temperament and a spirit of innovation,” he said.

    Organised in a total area of over 42,000 sq m and with the confirmed participation of over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, the event is set to be the biggest-ever Aero India till date. Shri Rajnath Singh termed the participation of more than 90 countries as a testament to the growing global confidence in India’s aerospace and defence capabilities. “Defence ministers or representatives from about 30 countries have come to participate in this event. The presence of Air Chiefs and Secretaries from 43 countries further highlights the significance of this event – not just for India, but for the entire international defence community,” he said.

    Highlighting the transformation of the defence and aerospace sector in the recent years, Raksha Mantri asserted that, today, India is not only capable of designing and developing major platforms and equipment within India, it has also successfully established a vast supply chain within the country. “Advanced platforms like Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and C-295 Transport Aircraft are now being produced in India. We have also taken a firm resolve to manufacture fifth-generation fighter aircraft within the country. From the advanced variants of the Agni missile, the Astra missile system, and the Pinaka missile system to the cutting-edge Hypersonic missile system and the Akash air defence system, we have built numerous success stories. These achievements have played a crucial role in strengthening our defence sector, making India more self-reliant and secure,” he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh added that post corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board, the newly formed companies have started performing exceptionally well in defence production. “Under a well-considered and well-developed plan, we have actively worked to empower the private sector in the defence and aerospace industries. Today, India has a thriving private defence industry that has firmly established itself and is making significant contributions to our national security,” he said.

    Raksha Mantri expressed confidence that defence production, having crossed the record figure of Rs 1.27 lakh crore, will exceed Rs 1.60 lakh crore by the end of 2025-26. Defence exports, which touched the record figure of Rs 21,000 crore, he said, will surpass Rs 30,000 crore.

    Shri Rajnath Singh underlined the crucial role being played by the defence industrial sector in making India an economic super power. He stated that any breakthrough in the defence sector not only strengthens national security, but also impacts the economy. Technologies developed for defence applications promote innovation in the civil sector as well, leading to employment generation and economic development, he said. He termed Aero India a significant driver of economic strength, contributing to the overall growth and development of the economy. He expressed confidence that Aero India will be remembered as a historic milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in the aerospace and defence sector.

    The 15thAero India will be held between 10thand 14thFebruary 2025. February 10thto 12thhave been reserved as business days, with 13th& 14thset as public days for people to witness the show. The event comprises Defence Ministers’ Conclave; CEOs Roundtable; inauguration of India & iDEX Pavilions; Manthan iDEX event; Samarthya Indigenisation event; Valedictory function; seminars; breath-taking airshows and an exhibition of aerospace companies.

    Defence Ministers’ Conclave

    With the aim to strengthen defence cooperation with friendly nations amidst a rapidly-evolving global security landscape, Raksha Mantri will host the Defence Ministers’ Conclave on February 11 in hybrid mode. The theme this year ‘Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE)’ underscores the importance of supply chain resilience and strategic collaboration in defence.

    The last edition witnessed the participation of 27 Defence Ministers and Deputy Defence Ministers alongside 15 Defence & Service Chiefs and 12 Permanent Secretaries. This year, the participation has expanded as representatives from more than 80 countries are likely to participate in the conclave. Approx. 30 Defence Ministers in addition to Defence/Service Chiefs and Permanent Secretaries from friendly nations will attend the event.

    The conclave will provide a crucial platform to address key aspects such as Defence capacity building through investment, joint ventures & co-production, Collaboration in R&D, training & technological advancements in AI & space, Maritime security cooperation and strategic partnerships.

    CEOs Roundtable

    CEOs Roundtable 2025 will be chaired by Raksha Mantri on February 10, on the theme ‘Enabling Defence Cooperation through Global Engagement (EDGE)’. Over 100 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have confirmed their participation in the event. These include 55 from 19 countries (USA, France, Russia, South Korea, UK, Japan, Israel & Brazil etc), 35 Indian (Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Ltd, Adani Defence & Aerospace, Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd, BrahMos Aerospace & Ashok Leyland Defence) and 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). Shri Rajnath Singh had addressed over 73 CEOs of 28 Foreign OEMs and 45 Indian OEMs in the 2023 edition of the event.

    Major foreign OEMs including Airbus (France), Ultra Maritime (USA), GNT (South Korea), John Cockerill Defence (UK), Mitsubishi (Japan), Rafael Advance Defence System (Israel), Safran (France) and Liebherr Aerospace (France) are expected to highlight their future plans, Joint Ventures, collaborations, partnerships with Indian companies for production of spares parts, development of aero-engines, setting up of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) facilities and establishment of R&D facilities etc.

    India Pavilion

    The India Pavilion will provide an opportunity to Indian Defence Industries to showcase their design, development, innovation and manufacturing capabilities. It will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri on February 10. The grandeur show at India Pavilion would signify the ‘Flight of Self-Reliance’ which encapsulates India’s journey towards becoming a global aerospace and defence powerhouse.

    India Pavilion will be divided into five distinct zones displaying indigenous capabilities in aero aviation, land aviation and naval aviation, def-space and niche technologies domains.  More than 275 exhibits will be at display through various mediums, represented by complete defence ecosystem of the country which includes DPSUs, design houses, private corporates including MSMEs and start-ups. The Central Area exhibits will include a striking display of marquee platforms including Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, Combat Air Teaming System, Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter.

    iDEX Pavilion

     The iDEX Pavilion will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri on February 10. It will showcase cutting-edge indigenously developed products and technologies, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence innovation journey. Leading innovators will display their indigenously-developed products spanning a wide-range of advanced domains including Aerospace, DefSpace, Aero Structures, Anti-drone systems, Autonomous Systems, Robotics, Communication, Cybersecurity, Surveillance & Tracking, Unmanned Ground Vehicles etc. The Pavilion will also feature a dedicated section highlighting the winners of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme, showcasing their ground-breaking work in critical and niche technologies.

    iDEX has successfully onboarded over 600 start-ups and MSMEs, marking a significant milestone in fostering innovation. Furthermore, 40 prototypes developed under iDEX have received official clearance for procurement, with 31 procurement contracts worth Rs 1,560 crore already signed.

    Manthan

    Manthan 2025, the flagship annual defence innovation event, will be graced by Raksha Mantri on February 12. Organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence – Defence Innovation Organisation (iDEX-DIO), the event will bring together stakeholders of the defence innovation ecosystem including innovators, industry leaders, academia, incubators, investors, thought leaders, senior government officials etc.

    Manthan will deliberate on emerging challenges and opportunities in the sector, with a focus on supporting defence start-ups and MSMEs, enhancing innovation capabilities, and fostering strategic collaborations within the defence ecosystem. It stands as a testament to the scale and speed of iDEX, showcasing the rapid strides made in defence innovation and the pivotal role of start-ups in transforming India’s defence capabilities.

    Samarthya

    On the success story of indigenisation and innovation in the defence sector, an Indigenisation event on the theme ‘SAMARTHYA’ will be held on February 12 alongside the Valedictory function which will be graced by Raksha Mantri. This event is first-of-its-kind during Aero India, as it will showcase India’s indigenous ingenuity in defence manufacturing by demonstrating some of the major items indigenised by DPSUs, DRDO and Services with the involvement of the private sector.

    Bilateral Meetings

    Bilateral meetings at the levels of Raksha Mantri/Raksha Rajya Mantri/Chief of Defence Staff/Service Chiefs/Defence Secretary/Secretary (Defence Production) will take place on the sidelines of Aero India 2025.

    Seminars

    A number of seminars on a variety of topics will be organised as part of Aero India 2025. On February 11, Raksha Mantri is scheduled to address a seminar organised by the Indian Air Force on the theme ‘Manned Unmanned teams for Aerial Warfare – concept to targeting’ and another organised by DRDO on the theme ‘DRDO Industry Synergy towards Viksit Bharat’.

    Other seminars on the themes – Mission DefSpace: From Vision to Reality – A Progress Report; Indigenous Development of Aerospace Materials: Strengthening India’s Self-Reliance; Transition to Aatmanirbhar Indian Naval Aviation 2047 and its associated ecosystem; Transformation of Maritime Aviation by Adopting Technological trends and Indigenisation; Aligning Technologies to Future Conflicts; and Investment Opportunities for Aerospace & Defence Manufacturers in Karnataka – will also be held as part of the event.

    Historic First – Su-57 and F-35 at Aero India

    For the first time in history, Aero India 2025 will witness the participation of two of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft – the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II. It marks a milestone in global defence collaboration and technological advancement, offering aviation enthusiasts and defence experts an unparalleled prospect to witness these state-of-the-art warplanes.

     

    • Su-57: Russia’s premier stealth multirole fighter is designed for superior air superiority and strike capabilities. Equipped with advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and stealth technology, it is making its debut at Aero India 2025. Visitors can expect high-speed aerial manoeuvres and tactical demonstrations that highlight the fighter’s agility, stealth and firepower.

     

    • F-35 Lightning II: The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the most widely-deployed fifth-generation fighter, integrates advanced stealth, unparalleled situational awareness and networked combat capabilities. Its presence at Aero India 2025 will enable visitors to witness the flagship of US Air Force.

     

    The inclusion of both the Su-57 and F-35 highlights India’s position as a key hub for international defence and aerospace collaboration. Aero India 2025 will provide a rare side-by-side comparison of Eastern and Western fifth-generation fighter technology, offering defence analysts, military personnel and aviation enthusiasts valuable insights into their respective capabilities.

     

    Visitor-Friendly Experience

    With key infrastructure upgrades and improved amenities, Aero India 2025 promises to be bigger, smoother and more visitor-friendly than ever before.

     

    • Enhanced Infrastructure & Traffic Management: Recognising past challenges, extensive improvements have been made to facilitate seamless entry, movement and connectivity and there has been close coordination between Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force (IAF), various arms of Karnataka State Government like Bengaluru Traffic Police, BBMP, NHAI, and Namma Metro. Approach roads have been widened to optimise traffic flow around Air Force Station Yelahanka so as to ease congestion and improve movement around the venue.

     

    • Security and Emergency Preparedness: Red drone zones have been designated and published with countermeasures in place to tackle unauthorised drone activity. Rapid Mobile Units will be deployed strategically to provide quick assistance and emergency support. Continuous mock drills with multiple agencies are being conducted to ensure practical and implementable contingency plans.

     

    • Exhibitor & Visitor Experience Enhancements: To enhance the experience for exhibitors and business delegates, the exhibition area has been revamped with several key upgrades:

     

    • Expanded and better-ventilated exhibition halls to accommodate more exhibitors and visitors comfortably.
    • Improved seating and rest zones throughout the venue.
    • Additional food courts and refreshment kiosks, including Indira Canteens (at parking areas).
    • Lost and found counters and ATM kiosks for visitor convenience.
    • Multiple water points, medical aid posts, and a dedicated cardiac aid post for emergencies, including medical evacuation.

     

    • Multi-Layered Security Measures: Ensuring the safety of all attendees, a multi-layered security system is being deployed in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bengaluru Police, CISF, and Intelligence Agencies. Measures include:

     

    • Enhanced security protocols and faster access control.
    • An operational Command and Control Centre for real-time responses to security concerns.
    • 24/7 CCTV monitoring for situational awareness.
    • Dedicated screening zones for visitors, exhibitors, and VIPs.
    • Disaster management and fire safety committees to handle emergencies.

     

    • Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure: To address connectivity challenges, all telecom service providers are deploying temporary mobile towers and network boosters for uninterrupted communication. A dedicated Aero India 2025 mobile app has also been launched which will provide live updates, navigation assistance, and event scheduling. Secure digital communication channels have also been established for coordination among agencies. Additionally, provisions have been made to support increased electricity demands during the event while ensuring safety.

     

    • Airspace Management & Demonstrations: Aero India demonstrations and aircraft movements are a major highlight of Aero India 2025. In coordination with AAI and HAL, the Indian Air Force has structured a dedicated Airspace management plan including:

     

    • Temporary flight restrictions around Aero India Force Station Yelahanka to maintain safety during scheduled demonstrations.
    • Strategic Aircraft parking and refuelling plans for domestic and international participants.

     

    • Business and Innovation Support: The Aero India provides a platform for collaborations and to facilitate B2B, G2B interactions and hosting roundtable discussions to showcase technological advancements. Special focus will be given to supporting start-ups and MSMEs by providing them with a global platform to present indigenous innovations.

     

    • Sustainability Initiatives: Aero India 2025 is committed to sustainability and has incorporated several eco-friendly measures in its conduct like:

     

    • Reduced vehicle movement to minimise pollution and enhance pedestrian comfort.
    • Exclusive use of more than 100 E Karts for movement of visitors in the exhibition venue.
    • Comprehensive waste management, including increased recycling bins, waste segregation zones, and timely disposal of waste.

     

    With these multi-agency collaborations, Aero India 2025 is set to be one of the most well-coordinated and better organised editions to date.

     

    Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff & Secretary, Department of Military Affairs General Anil Chauhan, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, other senior officials of Ministry of Defence and industry leaders attended the curtain raiser press conference.

    *******

    VK/SR/SPS/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2101170) Visitor Counter : 115

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tech and Security – Ingram Micro to Distribute Avast Small Business Solutions in New Zealand

    Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners for Avast

    AUCKLAND, 10 February 2025 – Avast, a leader in digital security and privacy and part of Gen , has announced that Avast Small Business Solutions will now be available in New Zealand through local distributor Ingram Micro New Zealand. This increases the range of cybersecurity solutions available to small businesses in the market.

    Ingram Micro has been the local distributor for Norton, another consumer brand of Gen, in this market for more than 20 years.  It will launch Avast Essential Business Security, Avast Premium Business Security and Avast Ultimate Business Security next quarter, giving New Zealand resellers access to a greater portfolio of robust cybersecurity solutions.  

    Mark Gorrie, Managing Director Gen APAC says that the collaboration with Ingram Micro New Zealand is a testament to Gen’s commitment to Powering Digital Freedom for people and businesses across the world.  

    “Our joint expertise and support will provide Kiwi resellers with the tools they need to enable their small business customers to thrive in an increasingly complex digital landscape. We have a long history of working successfully together and are confident that Ingram Micro is the right company to support our strategic growth in the region,” says Mark. “We’ll have a full programme of education, training, events and roadshows to ensure that resellers and retailers are able to confidently offer Avast Small Business Solutions to their customers.”

    Gorrie continues, “Avast Business customers in New Zealand will benefit from the combined technical capabilities of the full Gen family of brands including Avast, Norton, AVG and Avira as well as our extensive threat intelligence network of 500 million users of Gen technology. This significant global and local footprint helps keep our small business customers one step ahead of emerging threats.”

    Avast Business has a range of affordable and award-winning cybersecurity solutions for small and growing businesses. Organisations can easily manage their devices through an easy-to-use centralised dashboard ensuring software, data and devices are protected.

    Avast Business product features include:

    • Single management dashboard  
    • Multi-Tenant support 
    • Device and policy management 
    • Import/export of policies 
    • Comprehensive reporting 
    • Alerts and notifications 
    • Master agent 
    • Real-time commands 
    • Network discovery with remote deployment 
    • Business API gateway.

    Customers can add additional solutions such as:

    • Avast Business Patch management 
    • Avast Business Premium remote control 
    • Avast Business Cloud backup.

    “Making Avast Business products available through Ingram Micro New Zealand aligns with our dedication to supporting the security needs of small businesses in New Zealand,” says Leon De Suza, Managing Director at Ingram Micro New Zealand. “This collaboration bolsters our cybersecurity offerings and will help deliver even more comprehensive solutions to our valued reseller partners and their customers.”

    About Avast
    Avast is a leader in digital security and privacy, and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Avast protects hundreds of millions of users from online threats, for Mobile, PC or Mac and is top-ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs and others. Avast is a member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, No More Ransom and Internet Watch Foundation. Learn more at Avast.com. Visit: www.avast.com.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Bolstering Canada’s right to repair could shield it against U.S. tariffs and trade uncertainty

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Anthony D Rosborough, Assistant Professor of Law & Computer Science, Dalhousie University

    The right to repair movement aims to give consumers, businesses and independent repair providers access to the resources needed to maintain essential products and technologies. (Shutterstock)

    Canada’s economy has long relied on open trade and cross-border supply chains, but as tariff threats and market protectionism rise from the United States under President Donald Trump, so do Canada’s economic vulnerabilities.

    Although the risk of a trade war between Canada and the U.S. has been given a temporary reprieve, with Trump saying he will hold off on imposing tariffs for at least 30 days, the threat still looms large.

    What happens when crucial imports — farm machinery, medical devices, home appliances — become harder to access or more expensive?

    The current crisis has unveiled deep weaknesses and dependencies in Canada’s economy. In 2023, 77 per cent of Canada’s exports went to the U.S., while nearly half of its imports came from its southern neighbour. For decades, this interdependence was viewed as a diplomatic success, but it’s now clear that this has come with risks and vulnerabilities too.



    Read more:
    Trump’s trade war is forcing Canada to revive a decades-old plan to reduce U.S. dependence

    Political leaders across party lines recognize that Canada needs a plan for bolstering its economic resilience. This will require strengthening domestic manufacturing, expanding trade diversification and building new diplomatic and economic alliances. But this plan must also develop workforce resilience, domestic capacity and innovation right here at home.

    The solution lies in strengthening Canadians’ right to repair the products and devices we rely upon. The right to repair is not just about environmental sustainability, it’s a matter of economic resilience; it can increase the number of well-paying Canadian jobs and reduce Canada’s dependence on unpredictable global markets.

    The right to repair

    The right to repair movement seeks to ensure that consumers, businesses and independent repair providers have access the parts, tools, information and software needed to repair and maintain essential products, devices and technologies.

    That means not only the smartphones in our pockets and the cars we drive to work, but also the machinery that harvests our food and the medical devices that hospitals rely on to save lives.

    Currently, much of this equipment is either imported or relies heavily on imported components. Canada’s agricultural sector, for instance, heavily depends on machinery imports from the U.S. to maintain productivity and food security. This machinery is notoriously difficult to repair as the result of legal and technical restrictions. Canada’s agricultural equipment industry is faced with the same challenges as independent repairers.

    A maintenance engineer checks a CT scanner machine.
    (Shutterstock)

    Similar vulnerabilities exist in the health-care sector. Canada imports 70 per cent of its medical devices, with nearly half coming from the U.S. Much like those servicing (or using) agricultural equipment, biomedical engineers across Canada face a range of technical, legal and market barriers to keep devices online, pushing them into exclusive service contracts to keep devices working.



    Read more:
    A medical ‘right to repair’ can empower consumers — and save lives

    Consumer devices and home appliances are also overwhelmingly imported into Canada, making them susceptible to tariffs and trade barriers — all with the potential to make Canada’s cost-of-living crisis more dire than it already is.

    A path to economic resilience

    The right to repair movement offers a way for Canada to reduce both its economic vulnerabilities and U.S. dependency.

    Extending the lifespan of products is crucial not only for environmental sustainability and reducing waste, but also for strengthening the economy. It can also help communities be more resilient by supporting local businesses, creating jobs and boosting productivity.

    Canada has made significant progress in advancing the right to repair in recent years. Bill C-59 introduced amendments to the Competition Act aimed at cracking down on manufacturers’ refusal to provide independent businesses with the parts, tools and information necessary for repair.

    And, in 2024, Canada amended its Copyright Act to allow repairers to break digital locks used by manufacturers of digital goods to restrict access to repair and diagnostic information.

    But these are only the first steps in a full-fledged right to repair — more needs to be done to support the right to repair in Canada.

    Governments must step up

    Canada’s provinces need to strengthen consumer protection laws to ban planned obsolescence and oblige manufacturers to provide access to essential repair resources.

    Provinces should also prevent manufacturers from voiding warranties on products and devices that are repaired outside of authorized networks. Québec has taken a leading role in this area, but inter-provincial co-ordination will be crucial going forward.

    Extending the lifespan of products is crucial not only for environmental sustainability and reducing waste, but also for strengthening the economy.
    (Shutterstock)

    The federal government’s job also remains unfinished. It needs to regulate repair restrictions in critical technology sectors like agriculture and health care by developing technical standards and minimum repairability requirements for equipment and devices that are purchased through public procurement processes.

    Canada is also in need of federal leadership in enacting a repairability index, which scores products and devices based on their ease of repair. Such an initiative would provide consumers with the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.

    Advancing the right to repair is a cost-free policy move that will strengthen Canada’s economy in an era of trade uncertainty. Unlike subsidy programs or industry bailouts, right to repair legislation focuses on consumers and independent businesses.

    By enabling workers and businesses to repair rather than replace, Canada can maximize the value of existing goods, reduce dependence on volatile global supply chains and make the country more self-sufficient, all without added government spending.

    Anthony D Rosborough has received Doctoral Award funding from Canada’s Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and is a Policy Lead with Dalhousie University’s MacEachen Institute for Public Policy & Governance. Anthony is a Co-Founder of the Canadian Repair Coalition and the Principal Investigator of the Unlocking Healthcare research project (www.unlockinghealthcare.ca).

    – ref. Bolstering Canada’s right to repair could shield it against U.S. tariffs and trade uncertainty – https://theconversation.com/bolstering-canadas-right-to-repair-could-shield-it-against-u-s-tariffs-and-trade-uncertainty-248970

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BusinessNZ – New Zealand more attractive to foreign investment

    Source: BusinessNZ

    Changes to investor visa settings will make New Zealand more attractive as an investment destination, says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich.
    We welcome the next move in the government’s foreign investment strategy to attract high net wealth individuals and their families. Investors bring international business networks, unique skills and expertise as well as capital to our country, says Mrs Rich.
    A broader range of investment opportunities and internationally comparable settings will open the doors for investors that want to call New Zealand home. There is an opportunity for New Zealand businesses to leverage these networks for investment and international trade. We welcome these visa changes and look forward to continued efforts by the government to attract foreign investment and expertise.
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: One Month Later: Federal Support for Wildfire Survivors Nears $700 Million

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: One Month Later: Federal Support for Wildfire Survivors Nears $700 Million

    One Month Later: Federal Support for Wildfire Survivors Nears $700 Million

    LOS ANGELES – On January 7, when wildfires first struck Los Angeles County and adjacent areas, more than 200,000 Californians were evacuated. State and local governments responded quicky to fight the blazes, employing more than 2,000 pieces of firefighting equipment – 80-plus aircraft, 200-plus bulldozers and more – which were soon bolstered by the governor’s activation of 2,500 National Guard troops and a request for a federal disaster declaration. Delivery of Federal ResourcesOn January 8, the Los Angeles County wildfires were declared a major disaster by the president, and a surge of additional federal resources commenced. FEMA and its federal partners responded with thousands of personnel and millions of dollars focused on saving lives and containing the fires. By Feb. 2, the fires were 100 percent contained. Weeks before, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) had already begun assisting Californians in their recovery – for now and for the long term. As of Feb. 7, federal assistance to eligible homeowners, renters and businesses, in the form of FEMA grants and low-interest SBA Disaster Loans, has reached $683,276,321.That number includes:$64,069,621 in FEMA housing and other assistance$619,206,700 in home and business loan offers from the SBA, the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, renters, businesses and certain nonprofits.So far, 27,211 households have been approved for FEMA funds including:$9,990,895 in housing assistance for short-term rental assistance and home-repair costs$54,078,726 for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental and lost personal possessions.40,574 home inspections have been completed to assess property damage. Two Disaster Recovery Centers remain open at UCLA Research Park and Altadena Recovery Center. In total, the centers have logged 12,641 survivor visits. At the centers, residents may speak in person to representatives from federal and state programs, the American Red Cross and various nongovernmental nonprofits and community groups.In partnership with the State of California, Los Angeles County, and local officials, FEMA will continue helping California’s individuals and families get back on their feet and jumpstart their recovery.The deadlines to apply with FEMA and SBA are both March 10, 2025.To apply for FEMA assistance, visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or by call 800-621-3362. You may also visit a DRC for in-person assistance.  To locate a DRC, please click here.FEMA’s services and programs are accessible to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.To apply for a disaster loan from SBA, visit SBA’s disaster website: sba.gov/disaster, contact SBA by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 for information. You may also visit a Disaster Loan Outreach Center or Business Recovery Center for in-person assistance. For hours and locations, visit appointment.sba.gov.
    barbara.murien…
    Fri, 02/07/2025 – 21:57

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 2.7.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 7, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Khalil “KC” Mohseni, of Sacramento, has been appointed Commissioner of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, where he has been the Chief Deputy Director since 2023. Mohseni was the Chief Operating Officer at the State Controller’s Office from 2022 to 2023. He was the Deputy Director of Administration at the California Department of Housing and Community Development from 2020 to 2022. Mohseni was a Project Director of Business at the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency from 2018 to 2019. He was the Chief Fiscal officer at the Board of State and Community Corrections from 2015 to 2018. Mohseni earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Irvine. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $224,868. Mohseni is registered without party preference. 

    Kelly Madsen, of Elk Grove, has been appointed Director of Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance at the California Housing Finance Agency, where she has been the Deputy Director of Innovation and Special Initiatives since 2024. Madsen was a Business Manager at the Waverley Street Foundation in 2023. She was the Director of Scheduling at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom from 2021 to 2022. Madsen was a Digital Advertising Consultant and Operations Manager at Psyberware from 2017 to 2021. She was a Product Data Analyst at Viator from 2015 to 2018. Madsen held two positions at the California Department of Education, Office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson from 2011 to 2014, including Strategic Initiatives Coordinator and Policy Advisor from 2012 to 2014 and Director of Scheduling from 2011 to 2012. She was the Director of Scheduling at the Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger from 2008 to 2010. Madsen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $152,988. Madsen is a Democrat.

    Adam P. Romero, of Los Angeles, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Department of Industrial Relations. Romero has been Deputy Director of Executive Programs at the California Civil Rights Department since 2020. He was an Adjunct Professor at University of California, Los Angeles School of Law from 2017 to 2020. Romero held several roles at The Williams Institute at University of California, Los Angeles School of Law from 2014 to 2020, including Director of Legal Scholarship and Federal Policy, Arnold D. Kassoy Scholar of Law, and Senior Counsel. He was Senior Associate at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr from 2010 to 2014. Romero served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge Shira A. Scheindlin at the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York from 2009 to 2010 and for the Honorable Judge M. Margaret McKeown at the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit from 2008 to 2009. He is a member of the Chancery Club of Los Angeles. Romero earned a Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Cornell University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $190,008. Romero is a Democrat.

    Janus Norman, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the California Workforce Development Board. Norman has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Broadband and Video Association since 2022. He was Senior Vice President at the California Medical Association from 2013 to 2022. Norman was a Field Representative at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees – AFL-CIO from 2010 to 2013. He was a Government Analyst at the Judicial Council of California from 2008 to 2010. Norman was a Senior Consultant for the California State Assembly from 2002 to 2008. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Norman is a Democrat.

    Hala Hijazi, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Workforce Development Board. Hijazi has been the Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Impact Strategies-SF since 2014. She was a Business Development Manager in the Infrastructure and Labor Division at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission from 2007 to 2014. Hijazi was a Project Director for the San Francisco Department of Public Works from 2004 to 2007. She was Deputy Director of Marketing for the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Special Assistant to the Mayor at the Office of San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. from 1997 to 2004. Hijazi is the Founder of Professionals VIP Network/Impact Council and San Francisco Bay Area AMEMSA Advisory Board and Muslim Impact Council, Chair of the Board of Directors at Reproductive Freedom for All California PrivacyPAC and Director of the San Francisco Chapter of the Truman National Security Project. She is a Member of the Board of Directors at the American Red Cross, Northern California Coastal Region and Interfaith Center at the Presidio, an Advisor to the Human Rights Studies Program at University of California, Davis and a Member of the Regional Advisory Council for DignityMoves, Democratic National Committee’s Finance Committee, San Francisco Police Department Police Chief’s Community Policing Advisory Forum, and the Leadership Circle at Foreign Policy for America. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Hijazi is a Democrat.

    Charles “Chuck” Poss III, of Huntington Beach, has been appointed to the California Apprenticeship Council. Poss has been the President at Earth Construction and Mining since 2004. He was the Chief Estimator and Senior Project Manager at C.W. Poss Inc. from 1980 to 2004. Poss earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering from Purdue University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Poss is a Republican.

    Alejandro “Alex” Beltran, of Antelope, has been appointed to the California Apprenticeship Council. Beltran has been the Director of Training at the Finishing Trades Institute of Northern California and Nevada since 2008. He was a Journey Worker at Sacramento Glazing from 1997 to 2008. Beltran is a member of the Glaziers Local Union 767, District Council 16 International Union of Partners and Allied Trades. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Beltran is a Democrat.

    Adhitya “Adhi” Nagraj, of Oakland, has been reappointed to the California Housing Partnership Corporation, where he has served since 2016. Nagraj has been the Chief Development Officer at McCormack Baron Salazar since 2022. He was Senior Vice President at McCormack Baron Salazar from 2019 to 2022. Nagraj was the San Francisco Director at SPUR from 2018 to 2019. He was the Director of Real Estate Development at BRIDGE Housing Corporation from 2013 to 2018. Nagraj earned a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School. This position requires Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Nagraj is a Democrat.

    Pamela Daniels, of El Granada, has been reappointed to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, where she has served since 2021. Daniels has been a Chiropractor at Daniels Chiropractic Inc. since 2003, where she is also the Owner and Founder. Daniels earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic West and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Neuroscience from the Carrick Institute. She is a member of the California Chiropractic Association. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Daniels is a Democrat.

    Sergio F. Azzolino, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, where he previously served from 2012 to 2021. Azzolino has been the Clinic Director of Azzolino Chiropractic Neurology & Integrative Wellness since 1995 and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at the Carrick Institute since 2009. He is President of the American Board of Chiropractic Neurology. Azzolino earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life Chiropractic College West.  This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Azzolino is registered without party preference.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 7, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills: SBX1-1 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Budget Act of 2024.SBX1-2 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Budget Act of 2024. A signing message can be found…

    Feb 7, 2025

    News LOS ANGELES — Governor Gavin Newsom, LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman, Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, and NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson have teamed up through LA Rises to release a new PSA warning fire victims about predatory real estate…

    Feb 7, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom has made the recovery for Los Angeles his top priority – directing a whole-of-government response to support communities and survivors.  LOS ANGELES – In the one month following the Los Angeles firestorms, Governor Gavin…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Aero India 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Aero India 2025

    A Glimpse into the Future of Aerospace and Defence Innovation

    Posted On: 08 FEB 2025 11:41AM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

     

    Aero India, Asia’s Largest Air Show, is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition which is held in Bengaluru, organized by the Defence Exhibition Organisation, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. Aero India is India’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition where global aero vendors and the Indian Air Force (IAF) thrill the spectators with back-to-back aerobatic flying displays. It is a flagship event that brings together global industry leaders, government officials, technology experts, and defence strategists under one roof. The event not only showcases the nation’s technological prowess and innovations but also provides a dynamic platform for international cooperation and strategic dialogue.

     

         

     

    The Legacy and Importance of Aero India

     

    Aero India has evolved into a major international event that not only highlights the latest advancements in aerospace technology but also serves as a critical forum for strategic interactions between domestic and international stakeholders. The show is a reflection of the nation’s commitment to advancing its aerospace and defence capabilities. Over the years, Aero India has been instrumental in:

    • Showcasing Cutting-Edge Technologies: The event regularly features demonstrations of state-of-the-art aerospace systems, innovative defence solutions, and breakthrough technologies that are shaping the future of air and space travel.
    • Fostering Strategic Dialogues: Through high-level interactions, Aero India has provided an arena for discussions on policy, defence collaborations, and the future roadmap of the aerospace sector.
    • Enhancing International Partnerships: With participation from global aerospace giants and defence agencies, the show underscores India’s growing stature as a key player in the international aerospace community.

     

                                            

     

    This legacy has not only paved the way for the current editions of the event but has also set a high benchmark for the future. Aero India is more than an exhibition—it is a convergence point of innovation, strategy, and national pride.

     

    Aero India 2025

     

    Aero India 2025, the 15th edition of Aero India, is designed to be a landmark edition that leverages the successes of its predecessors while charting new territories in aerospace and defence technology. Aero India 2025 will be held from 10th to 14th February 2025 at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The first three days are dedicated to business visitors, while the last two days are open to the general public.

     

     

    The broad theme is ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’.

     

    Events at Aero India 2025

     

    The five-day event comprises a curtain raiser event, inaugural event, Defence Ministers’ Conclave, CEOs’ Round-Table, iDEX start-up event, breath-taking air shows, a large exhibition area comprising India Pavilion and a trade fair of aerospace companies.

    • To facilitate dialogue towards strategic partnership with friendly countries, India will host the Defence Ministers’ Conclave on the theme ‘BRIDGE -Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement’. It encapsulates the dynamic geopolitical conditions and the path to mutual prosperity, which can be BRIDGED through cooperation among nations with shared vision of security and development.

     

     

    • A number of bilateral meetings are planned at the levels of Raksha Mantri, Raksha Rajya Mantri, Chief of Defence Staff and Secretary among others on the sidelines of the event. The focus will be on bolstering the defence and aerospace ties with friendly countries by exploring newer avenues to take the partnership to the next level.
    • The CEOs’ Round-Table is expected to provide a favourable platform to foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for manufacturing in India. Global CEOs, CMDs of domestic PSUs and premier private defence & aerospace manufacturing companies from India will be participating in the event.
    • The India Pavilion will showcase India’s commitment to its Make-in-India initiative by showcasing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and cutting-edge technologies ready for the global stage, including the future prospects. Promotion of Indian start-ups is a focus area at Aero India 2025 and a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art technologies/products developed by them will be showcased at an exclusive iDEX pavilion.
    • In addition, dynamic aerobatic displays and live technology demonstrations will provide an immersive experience, showcasing the potential of modern aerospace platforms and technologies. A number of seminars on various important themes are also planned as part of the event.

     

     

    Aero India 2023: A Retrospective Analysis

     

    The previous editions of Aero India played a critical role in laying the groundwork for the continued evolution of India’s aerospace and defence landscape. The 14th edition of Aero India 2023 was held from 13th–17th February at Bengaluru, Karnataka and has been the largest ever edition since its inception in 1996 with more than 100 countries, 809 exhibitors, first ever Fly past with 53 aircrafts showcasing our airpower to global attendees and a total footfall of 7+ lakh visitors over five days. Aero India 2023 was characterized by a series of significant milestones and impactful demonstrations. Key aspects of the 2023 edition were:

    • Showcasing Advanced Aerospace Technologies: The 2023 event provided a platform for companies to display state-of-the-art aerospace systems and defence solutions. This not only demonstrated technological innovation but also set the stage for future advancements in the field.
    • Facilitating Strategic Engagements: Aero India 2023 was instrumental in bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, industry experts, and international delegations. The event fostered an environment of strategic dialogue that focused on collaborative ventures and technological partnerships.
    • Strengthening India’s Global Position: By successfully hosting a comprehensive and well-coordinated exhibition, Aero India 2023 reinforced India’s commitment to advancing its aerospace capabilities. The show also underscored the country’s readiness to engage with global partners in driving forward the next wave of aerospace innovation.

     

     

    The successes and challenges of Aero India 2023 have provided valuable lessons that are being incorporated into the planning and execution of Aero India 2025. The focus on operational excellence, international collaboration, and technological innovation—elements that were prominently on display in 2023—serve as the cornerstone for the upcoming edition. The forward momentum generated by the previous edition is expected to translate into even greater achievements in 2025, with enhanced protocols, refined strategies, and an expanded global participation footprint.

     

    Events at Aero India 2023

     

    The event comprised of a Defence Ministers’ Conclave; a CEOs Round Table; Manthan start-up event; Bandhan ceremony; breath-taking air shows; a large exhibition; India Pavilion and a trade fair of aerospace companies.

     

    Major exhibitors & equipment

    The major exhibitors included Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industry, BrahMos Aerospace, Army Aviation, HC Robotics, SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and BEML Limited.

     

     

    Aero India 2023 showcased design leadership and growth in UAVs Sector, Defence Space and futuristic technologies. The event aimed to promote export of indigenous air platforms like Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Tejas, HTT-40, Dornier Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

     

    Defence Ministers’ Conclave

    Defence Ministers’ Conclave was held on 14th February 2023. Defence Ministers of friendly foreign countries participated in the meeting, which was organised on the theme ‘Shared Prosperity through Enhanced Engagements in Defence (SPEED)’. The conclave addressed aspects related to deepen cooperation for capacity building (through investments, R&D, joint venture, co-development, co-production and provisioning of defence equipment), training, space, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and maritime security to grow together. The conclave was an opportunity for the defence ministers to engage with each other to carry forward the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision.

     

    Bilateral meetings

    On the sidelines of Aero India 2023, a number of bilateral meetings were held at the levels of Raksha Mantri, Raksha Rajya Mantri, Chief of Defence Staff and Defence Secretary among others. The focus was on bolstering the defence & aerospace ties with friendly countries by exploring newer avenues to take the partnership to the next level.

     

    CEOs Round Table

    The ‘CEOs Round Table’, under the chairmanship of the Raksha Mantri, was held on 13th February 2023, on the theme ‘Sky is not the limit: opportunities beyond boundaries.’ It laid the foundation of a more robust interaction between the Industry Partners and Government with an eye on bolstering the ‘Make in India’ campaign.

     

    The Round Table witnessed participation from officials, delegates and global CEOs from 26 countries including global investors such as Boeing, Lockheed, Israel Aerospace Industries, General Atomics, Liebherr Group, Raytheon Technologies, Safran, General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI) etc. Domestic PSUs like HAL, BEL, BDL, BEML Limited and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited also participated.

     

    Bandhan ceremony

    The Bandhan ceremony, which witnessed signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)/Agreements, Transfer of Technologies, Product Launches and other major announcements, was held on February 15th. A concerted effort was made towards forging B2B partnerships at the Bandhan ceremony and more than 250 such partnerships with a total value of more than Rs 75,000 crore have been finalized.

     

    Manthan

    The annual defence innovation event, Manthan, was the flagship technology showcase event held on 15th February. Organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the Manthan platform will bring the leading innovators, start-ups, MSMEs, incubators, academia and Investors from defence & aerospace ecosystem under one roof.

     

    Manthan had many firsts, including launch of challenges on Cyber Security, establishment of iDEX Investor Hub, MoUs with investors etc. Manthan 2023 provided an overview on the future vision/next initiatives of iDEX to galvanise the start-up ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in the defence sector.

     

    India Pavilion

    The India Pavilion, based on ‘Fixed Wing Platform’ theme, showcased India’s growth in the area, including the future prospects. There was a total of 115 companies, displaying 227 products. It further showcased the growth of India in developing an ecosystem for Fixed Wing platform which includes the demonstration of various structural modules, simulators, systems (LRUs) etc. of LCA-Tejas aircraft being produced by Private Partners. There was also be a section for Defence space, New Technologies and a UAV section which will give an insight about the growth of India in each sector.

     

    A full scale LCA-Tejas aircraft in Full Operational Capability (FOC) configuration was at the center stage of India Pavilion. LCA Tejas is a single engine, light weight, highly agile, multi-role supersonic fighter. It has quadruplex digital fly-by-wire Flight Control System (FCS) with associated advanced flight control laws. The aircraft with delta wing is designed for ‘air combat’ and ‘offensive air support’ with ‘reconnaissance’ and ‘anti-ship’ as its secondary roles.

     

    Seminars

    A number of seminars were held during the five-day event. The themes included Harnessing Potential of Ex-servicemen for Indian Defence Industry; India’s Defence Space Initiative: Opportunities for shaping Indian private space ecosystem; Indigenous development of futuristic aerospace technologies, including aero engines; Destination Karnataka: US-India defence cooperation innovation and Make in India; Advancement in maritime surveillance equipment and assets; sustenance in MRO and Obsolescence Mitigation and achieving excellence in defence grade drones and Aatmanirbharta in Aero Armament Sustenance.

     

    Major Agreements at Aero India 2023

     

    • MoU between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran Helicopter Engines, France for Work Share for formation of Joint venture for Design, Development, Manufacture and life time support of Helicopter Engines.
    • MoU between Bharat Electronics Ltd and Aeronautical Development Agency on IWBC and Other LRUs for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
    • Co-operation between BSS Material Limited and Pegasus Engineering, an ADUSEA Inc. Division (USA) for Logistic Drones for the Indian Army towards Last Mile Delivery for forward troops deployed along the border areas with capability of operation in wind/gust condition, rain/Snow etc.
    • MoU between Gopalan Aerospace India Pvt. Ltd. and Omnipol, Czech Republic for manufacturing and assembling of 1st passenger aircraft (L 410 UVP-E20 version) by a private company in India.
    • MoU on collaboration of Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited (SDEPL) & Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for IDEX Challenge “Autonomous Weaponized boat Swarm” for Indian Navy.
    • MoU between Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bultexpro Ltd., Bulgaria for setting up the manufacturing facilities for 122mm GRAD BM ER and NONER rockets in India and fulfill the requirements (including ToT).
    • MoU between GRSE and Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH (MTU) for License production with localization of the MTU 16V4000M73L engine to support the indigenous content for the Next Generation Fast Attack Craft vessel for Indian Navy.
    • BEML enters into License Agreement for Transfer of Technology (ToT) with R&DEE, DRDO for development and supply of TRAWL Assembly for T-72/T-90 Tanks.
    • ToT of Shakti EW System from DLRL DRDO to BEL Hyderabad Unit for all system units, Bill of Material, Test procedures, integration & offering methodology.
    • MoU between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Elta Systems Limited, Israel for cooperation on future Business in Maritime Patrol Radar (MPR) for Indian Platforms.

     

    Products Showcased at Aero India 2023

     

    • Vertically Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (Bharat Dynamics Limited): VLSRSAM is a next-generation, ship-based, all-weather, air defence weapon which can be used by Navy as a quick reaction point defence against supersonic sea skimming targets like aircraft and UAVs. The Missile has a smokeless propulsion system with all-weather capability. It has a highly agile configuration with state-of-the-art Electronic Counter-Counter Measures features.
    • SAL Seeker ATGM for BMP II (Bharat Dynamics Limited): Semi-Active Laser Seeker based Anti-Tank Guided Missile for BMP-II is a subsonic missile with a range of 4,000 metres and flight time of 25 seconds. The missile weighs 23 kgs with the launch tube and can be used in different kinds of terrains to incapacitate the moving and stationary targets such as tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles.
    • Jishnu (Bharat Dynamics Limited): Jishnu, a Drone Delivered Missile, is light weight and miniaturised missile targeted for soft-skinned targets. It has a range of 1.5 km with a flight time of 9 seconds. The missile can be semi-automatic or completely autonomous based on the systems configurations.
    • Software defined NAVIC/GPS receiver module based on indigenously-developed processors (Astra Microwave Products Limited).
    • Indigenously-built ‘Counter Drone Radar’ based on technology from DRDO (Astra Microwave Products Limited).
    • 9 mm sub-sonic ammunition (Munitions India Limited).
    • BFT on Ios (ideaForge Technology Limited): BlueFire Touch BlueFire Touch, our Ground Control Station (GCS) software, is built to plan and command both mapping and surveillance missions with the ability to pre-plan missions based on operational area and target locations via waypoint-based navigation.
    • HF SDR Radio (Bharat Electronics Limited): It is an advanced software defined radio. The radio is lightweight 20 W transmit capable radio. It provides a complete solution to the short-range communication requirements in the crowded HF band and long-range communications beyond line of sight.
    • Goniometer (Bharat Electronics Limited): It is part of any integrated observation and fire control monitoring system for day time or night time use by the Artillery.

     

    Looking Ahead: The Future of Aerospace and Defence in India

     

     

    Aero India has always been more than just an exhibition—it is a strategic imperative that underscores India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in aerospace and defence. The event plays a pivotal role in:

    • Driving Technological Advancements: By bringing together innovators and industry leaders, Aero India acts as a catalyst for the development and deployment of next-generation aerospace systems.
    • Enhancing National Security: The technologies and strategies showcased at the event contribute directly to enhancing India’s defence capabilities, ensuring that the nation remains well-prepared to address contemporary and future security challenges.
    • Strengthening Economic Growth: Beyond defence, the advancements in aerospace have far-reaching implications for economic growth, industrial development, and technological self-reliance.

     

    Conclusion: Embracing the Future with Aero India

     

    Aero India stands as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to innovation, strategic collaboration, and excellence in aerospace and defence. As the nation prepares to host Aero India 2025, the event promises to build on the rich legacy of previous editions—most notably, the transformative Aero India 2023. Through rigorous operational protocols, strategic partnerships, and a forward-thinking agenda, Aero India 2025 is poised to further elevate India’s profile on the global aerospace stage.

     

    Annexure

    1. Broad Programme of Aero India: https://www.aeroindia.gov.in/assets/front/broad_programme.pdf
    2. List of Seminars: https://www.aeroindia.gov.in/assets/front/seminar_list.pdf
    3. List of Invited Speakers: https://www.aeroindia.gov.in/assets/front/speakers_list.pdf
    4. Visitor Registration: https://www.aeroindia.gov.in/visitor-registration

     

    References

    https://www.aeroindia.gov.in/

    https://www.aeroindia.gov.in/faq

    https://www.aeroindia.gov.in/whyexhibit

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1899388

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2091447

    https://www.ddpmod.gov.in/resources/photos/aero-india

    https://x.com/aeroindiashow?lang=en

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1898547

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2090516

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1989502

    https://x.com/MIB_India/status/1887124348617760992

    https://x.com/AeroIndiashow/status/1887371647331516549

    https://x.com/MIB_India/status/1886725544823415252

    https://x.com/AeroIndiashow/status/1887050312281641266

    https://x.com/AeroIndiashow/status/1869024504485208160/photo/1
    https://x.com/AeroIndiashow/status/1849117379852132485/photo/1

    https://x.com/AeroIndiashow/status/1626582275365441537/photo/3

    https://x.com/AeroIndiashow/status/1626530283892903936/photo/1

    https://www.ddpmod.gov.in/resources/photos/aero-india

    Click here to download PDF

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    Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2100966) Visitor Counter : 56

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Digital tools drive SME growth

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, operated by Cyberport with a funding allocation of $500 million from the Government, aims to accelerate the digital transformation of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

    The programme provides funding support on a 1:1 matching basis for SMEs to adopt ready-to-use digital solutions, including digital payment solutions and shopfront sales, online promotion, and customer management and loyalty solutions.

    Funding support is available for subsidised SMEs to cover up to 50% of the total project cost or a maximum of $50,000, whichever is lower.

    Business boost

    Li Mei-yung owns a ginseng and dried seafood shop in Shek Mun. She decided to apply for the programme last year.

    As a result, the business has established an online shopping platform through an instant messaging software, allowing customers to browse product details and place orders at any time, from anywhere, significantly reducing the workload for frontline staff.

    Promotions conducted via instant messaging software have also proven to be effective for expanding the customer base.

    Ms Li said most of her customers are middle-aged neighbours and seniors, and she is looking to attract a younger clientele.

    “As we all know, online shopping is more convenient. After we installed the system, we could inform members about which products are affordable and discounted.

    “Many young people prefer not to use cash for their purchases. They believe that online shopping is more convenient as you can shop without visiting the store in person.

    “I applied for the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, and as a result, our business grew by about 10%.”

    Wider reach

    Following positive feedback to the programme, it was expanded in December 2024 to cover the tourism and personal services industries besides subsidising the food and beverage and retail industries.

    Cyberport Chief Public Mission Officer Eric Chan pointed out that the programme can address several issues SMEs encounter on their digital transformation journey.

    “Many of those SMEs, they recognise the importance of digital transformation but they tended to have difficulties in implementing the systems in the past because of the lack of funding, the lack of technical knowledge as well as the difficulty in choosing the right solution providers.

    “Through providing the funding, then we have a whole committee to help SMEs pick the right solutions, so as to guarantee the quality, to improve the overall business efficiency and help them to get more customers and retain the existing customers as well as improve convenience through digital payment and front store automation.”

    Smooth process

    As of the end of December 2024, Cyberport has received over 5,300 applications.

    The programme has provided more than 810 solution packages from over 110 solution providers for SMEs to select from.

    The vetting process will normally be completed within two months after receiving complete information from the applicants.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –