Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai welcomes President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Republic of Palau with military honors

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai welcomes President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Republic of Palau with military honors
    President Lai Ching-te welcomed President Surangel Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau and his wife on the afternoon of May 20 with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai stated that this year marks the 26th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries, and that we have supported one another, overcome all kinds of challenges, and deepened cooperation across various domains. He expressed hope that, going forward, we can work together to make even greater contributions to the world. He said he looks forward to this visit allowing our two countries to enjoy even closer relations and together create even more fruitful outcomes as a result of our cooperation.
    The welcome ceremony began at 4:00 p.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office. President Lai and President Whipps each delivered remarks after a 21-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    Today, I am delighted to welcome President Whipps, First Lady  Valerie Whipps, and their delegation with full military honors as they make this state visit to Taiwan. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend my sincerest greetings to President Whipps and the esteemed members of the delegation.
    President Whipps is visiting Taiwan again following his reelection last year. His decisive victory in that election not only demonstrated the Palauan people’s support and trust in him but also highlighted the values of freedom and democracy shared by Taiwan and Palau.
    This year marks the 26th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries. Along the way, we have supported one another, overcome all kinds of challenges, and deepened cooperation across many domains. In particular, over the past several years, Taiwan has actively engaged with the world. I would like to thank President Whipps and the government of the Republic of Palau for continuing to back Taiwan’s international participation at events around the globe.
    In the future, Taiwan will work with Palau to make even greater contributions to the world. I anticipate that through President Whipps’s visit, our two countries will enjoy even closer relations and together create even more fruitful outcomes as a result of our cooperation. I wish you a pleasant and successful visit. 
    President Whipps then delivered remarks, a transcript of which follows:
    Good afternoon, President Lai Ching-te, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao, distinguished officials, Ambassador [Jessica C.] Lee (黎倩儀). On behalf of the first lady and the delegation from Palau, alii and good afternoon. President Lai, it’s only been a year since we were here celebrating your inauguration, and it is indeed a profound honor to stand before you today and witness this remarkable precision, professionalism, and pride displayed by the Taiwan Honor Guard. Their discipline, their dedication, and their unwavering commitment to duty are an inspiration to us, and not only to the people of Taiwan, but to all who cherish peace, order, and freedom in our region.
    And as president of the Republic of Palau, I bring you warm greetings from our people and express our deepest respect for the enduring friendship between our nations. Taiwan and Palau share more than diplomatic ties; we share common values, democracy, mutual respect, and a steadfast belief in the rule of law. This honor guard stands as a symbol of those values. Every step, every salute, and every formation speak not only to military excellence, but to the character of the people who defend peace and help uphold dignity and honor.
    In today’s world, where peace is often challenged and freedom is tested, it is heartening to know that there are those who stand firm, not for aggression, but for stability; not for power, but for principle. So these young men and women who serve in this honor guard and this elite unit, you are more than soldiers. You are ambassadors of your nation’s strength, discipline, and grace. Your service uplifts your nation’s image and strengthens the bonds we hold dear.
    May you continue to serve with excellence, with courage, and humility. And on behalf of the people of Palau, I thank you, President Lai. May our partnership grow stronger, our region more peaceful, and our futures more secure through the values we share. Thank you, mesulang, xiexie.
    Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman  and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on May 21, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 4,348
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 4,348
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.01
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.01
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/378

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on May 21, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 4,348
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 4,348
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.01
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.01
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/378

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI: Extension of authorities of members of the Management Board of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On May 20, 2025, the Supervisory Board of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS decided to extend the term of office of the members of the Management Board. According to the decision of the Supervisory Board, Viljar Arakas and Tõnu Uustalu will continue as members of the Management Board for another 5-year term, i.e. 20.05.2030.

    Viljar Arakas
    Member of the Management Board
    Phone 655 9515
    E-mail: viljar.arakas@eften.ee

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Wix Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Strong start to year with Q1’25 total bookings of $511 million, up 12% y/y, with very robust top of funnel demand in the quarter and new cohort strength continuing through April and early May
    • Q1’25 total revenue of $474 million exceeded expectations, up 13% y/y, driven by accelerating Self Creators growth accompanied by solid Partners momentum as Studio adoption continued to ramp healthily
    • Launched Wixel, a new standalone AI-powered visual design platform that brings the most advanced creative tools into a single intuitive interface and puts complete visual editing control into the hands of everyone – marking Wix’s milestone foray into creation beyond websites
    • Achieved FCF margin of 30% in Q1’25 as we continued to maintain a resilient operating cost structure amidst robust top-line performance
    • Increased share repurchase board authorization to a total of $400 million under current program

    NEW YORK — Wix.com Ltd. (Nasdaq: WIX) (the “Company”), the leading SaaS website builder platform1, today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2025. In addition, the Company provided its outlook for the second quarter and an updated outlook for full year 2025. Please visit the Wix Investor Relations website at https://investors.wix.com to view the Q1’25 Shareholder Update and other materials.

    “This year we are setting out to reimagine and expand the online creation experience and have set the bar high with the milestone release of Wixel, which I believe will democratize digital creation,” said Avishai Abrahami, Wix Co-founder and CEO. “We have been transforming web development since 2006 and are now organically extending our user-first design expertise, AI leadership and focus on accessibility to beyond websites. What you see today is the first version of our standalone next-gen visual design platform, representing the culmination of years of development in advanced design and AI and unifying the best models, intuitive UI, and powerful high-end features into one cohesive platform. Importantly, with Wixel, anyone, regardless of skill level, can now create beautiful visuals with just a few clicks. We have an ambitious roadmap for Wixel ahead and I’m excited to see how Wixel starts to reshape the design world.”

    Lior Shemesh, CFO at Wix, added, “Our strong first quarter results demonstrate the critical value of the Wix platform to anyone and everyone requiring an online presence globally amid an ever evolving macro environment, particularly SMBs. Top of funnel demand was very strong with Q1’25 new user cohort bookings finishing 12% higher than the bookings generated by the Q1’24 cohort in its first quarter. This acceleration in new cohort growth was almost entirely driven by better fundamentals, particularly an increased number of users, as well as product innovation. Encouragingly, these strong cohort trends have continued through April and early May, bolstering confidence in 2H bookings and revenue growth acceleration as additional cohorts layer on through the year. As a result of this new cohort strength and healthy existing user behavior, bookings grew a solid 12% y/y and revenue growth of 13% y/y finished above expectations in Q1. Durability was broad based across our segments with our Partners business delivering 24% y/y revenue growth, fueled by ongoing market share gains driven by Studio, as well as another consecutive quarter of Self Creators growth acceleration as AI continued to remove friction for more users in the website creation journey.”

    Q1 2025 Financial Results

    • Total revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $473.7 million, up 13% y/y
    • Creative Subscriptions revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $337.7 million, up 11% y/y
      • Creative Subscriptions ARR increased to $1.373 billion as of the end of the quarter, up 10% y/y
    • Business Solutions revenue in the first quarter of 2025 was $136.0 million, up 18% y/y
      • Transaction revenue2 was $58.9 million, up 19% y/y
    • Partners revenue3 in the first quarter of 2025 was $171.6 million, up 24% y/y
    • Total bookings in the first quarter of 2025 were $510.9 million, up 12% y/y
      • Creative Subscriptions bookings in the first quarter of 2025 were $369.5 million, up 10% y/y
      • Business Solutions bookings in the first quarter of 2025 were $141.4 million, up 15% y/y
    • Total gross margin on a GAAP basis in the first quarter of 2025 was 68%
      • Creative Subscriptions gross margin on a GAAP basis was 83%
      • Business Solutions gross margin on a GAAP basis was 30%
    • Total non-GAAP gross margin in the first quarter of 2025 was 69%
      • Creative Subscriptions gross margin on a non-GAAP basis was 84%
      • Business Solutions gross margin on a non-GAAP basis was 31%
    • GAAP net income in the first quarter of 2025 was $33.8 million, or $0.61 per basic share and $0.57 per diluted share
    • Non-GAAP net income in the first quarter of 2025 was $93.9 million, or $1.69 per basic share and $1.55 per diluted share
    • Net cash provided by operating activities for the first quarter of 2025 was $145.5 million, while capital expenditures totaled $3.1 million, leading to free cash flow of $142.4 million
    • In January, we completed $200 million of share repurchases, repurchasing 868,026 Wix ordinary shares in total at an approximate volume-weighted average price per share of $230.41
    • Total employee count at the end of Q1’25 was 5,275

    Increase to Share Repurchase Program

    Wix’s Board of Directors has authorized an increase to its program to repurchase the Company’s securities (ordinary shares and/or convertible notes) by an additional amount of up to $200 million, on top of the $200 million previously approved by the Board on February 26th, 2025 (which has not been used to date). This approval brings the repurchase authorization under the program to a total amount of up to $400 million.

    ____________________
    1 Based on number of active live sites as reported by competitors’ figures, independent third-party data and internal data as of Q3 2024.
    2 Transaction revenue is a portion of Business Solutions revenue, and we define transaction revenue as all revenue generated through transaction facilitation, primarily from Wix Payments, as well as Wix POS, shipping solutions and multi-channel commerce and gift card solutions.
    3 Partners revenue is defined as revenue generated through agencies and freelancers that build sites or applications for other users (“Agencies”) as well as revenue generated through B2B partnerships, such as LegalZoom or Vistaprint (“Resellers”). We identify Agencies using multiple criteria, including but not limited to, the number of sites built, participation in the Wix Partner Program and/or the Wix Marketplace or Wix products used (incl. Wix Studio). Partners revenue includes revenue from both the Creative Subscriptions and Business Solutions businesses.

    Financial Outlook

    Healthy first quarter results demonstrate impactful product innovation and disciplined execution of our key growth initiatives, including Studio, AI and our focus empowering Self Creators. Notably, new cohort strength remains robust through April and early May against a dynamic macro backdrop. We expect new cohort strength to continue and drive top-line growth acceleration in 2H as additional cohorts layer on throughout the year.

    While we are encouraged by our strong Q1 results and robust top of funnel, we are maintaining full year bookings outlook of $2,025 – 2,060 million, up 11-13% y/y. This reflects conservatism due to macro uncertainty, specifically in our Business Solutions segment, with potential volatility offset by fully dissipating FX headwinds.

    With these same considerations, we are also maintaining our full year revenue outlook of $1,970 – 2,000 million, up 12-14% y/y.

    We expect total revenue in Q2 2025 to be $485 – 489 million, up 11-12% y/y.

    For the full year 2025, we continue to expect non-GAAP total gross margin of ~70% and non-GAAP operating expenses to be 47-48% of revenue for the full year.

    We continue to expect to generate free cash flow of $590 – 610 million, or ~30-31% of revenue.

    As a result, we remain on track to achieve Rule of 45 in 2025 at the high end of our outlook.

    Conference Call and Webcast Information

    Wix will host a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025. A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be accessible from the “Investor Relations” section of the Company’s website at https://investors.wix.com/.

    About Wix.com Ltd.

    Wix is the leading SaaS website builder platform1 to create, manage and grow a digital presence. Founded in 2006, Wix is a comprehensive platform providing users – self-creators, agencies, enterprises, and more – with industry-leading performance, security, AI capabilities and a reliable infrastructure. Offering a wide range of commerce and business solutions, advanced SEO and marketing tools, the platform enables users to take full ownership of their brand, their data and their relationships with their customers. With a focus on continuous innovation and delivery of new features and products, users can seamlessly build a powerful and high-end digital presence for themselves or their clients.

    For more about Wix, please visit our Press Room
    Media Relations Contact: PR@wix.com

    Share Repurchase Program

    Under the Board authorized repurchase program, Company securities may be repurchased from time to time using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, all in accordance with U.S. securities laws and regulations, including Rule 10b-18 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Company may also, from time to time, enter into plans that are compliant with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act to facilitate repurchases of its securities under this Board authorization. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of securities, and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion. Repurchases under the repurchase program may begin after conclusion of the 30-day period for creditors of the Company to object to the Company’s intent to perform the distribution by way of repurchase in accordance with the Israeli Companies Regulations (Relief for Public Companies Whose Securities are Traded on Stock Exchanges Outside of Israel), 5760-2000 and the Israeli Regulations (Approval of Distribution), 5761–2001. The actual timing, number and value of securities repurchased depend on a number of factors, including the market price of the Company’s ordinary shares, general market and economic conditions, any objections received by the Company from its creditors, the Company’s financial results and liquidity, and other considerations. The Company expects to fund repurchases with cash on hand and future cash generated from its operations.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Operating Metrics

    To supplement its consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Wix uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: bookings, cumulative cohort bookings, bookings on a constant currency basis, revenue on a constant currency basis, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating income (loss), non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP net income (loss) per share, free cash flow, free cash flow on a constant currency basis, free cash flow, as adjusted, free cash flow margins, non-GAAP R&D expenses, non-GAAP S&M expenses, non-GAAP G&A expenses, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP cost of revenue expense, non-GAAP financial expense, non-GAAP tax expense (collectively the “Non-GAAP financial measures”). Measures presented on a constant currency or foreign exchange neutral basis have been adjusted to exclude the effect of y/y changes in foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Bookings is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated by adding the change in deferred revenues and the change in unbilled contractual obligations for a particular period to revenues for the same period. Bookings include cash receipts for premium subscriptions purchased by users as well as cash we collect from business solutions, as well as payments due to us under the terms of contractual agreements for which we may have not yet received payment. Cash receipts for premium subscriptions are deferred and recognized as revenues over the terms of the subscriptions. Cash receipts for payments and the majority of the additional products and services (other than Google Workspace) are recognized as revenues upon receipt. Committed payments are recognized as revenue as we fulfill our obligation under the terms of the contractual agreement. Bookings and Creative Subscriptions Bookings are also presented on a further non-GAAP basis by excluding, in each case, bookings associated with long term B2B partnership agreements. Non-GAAP gross margin represents gross profit calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization, divided by revenue. Non-GAAP operating income (loss) represents operating income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, amortization, acquisition-related expenses and sales tax expense accrual and other G&A expenses (income). Non-GAAP net income (loss) represents net loss calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, amortization, sales tax expense accrual and other G&A expenses (income), amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs and acquisition-related expenses and non-operating foreign exchange expenses (income). Non-GAAP net income (loss) per share represents non-GAAP net income (loss) divided by the weighted average number of shares used in computing GAAP loss per share. Free cash flow represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow, as adjusted, represents free cash flow further adjusted to exclude one-time cash restructuring charges and the capital expenditures and other expenses associated with the buildout of our new corporate headquarters. Free cash flow margins represent free cash flow divided by revenue. Non-GAAP cost of revenue represents cost of revenue calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP R&D expenses represent R&D expenses calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP S&M expenses represent S&M expenses calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP G&A expenses represent G&A expenses calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP operating expenses represent operating expenses calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for the impact of share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses and amortization. Non-GAAP financial expense represents financial expense calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for unrealized gains of equity investments, amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs and non-operating foreign exchange expenses. Non-GAAP tax expense represents tax expense calculated in accordance with GAAP as adjusted for provisions for income tax effects related to non-GAAP adjustments.

    The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes that these measures provide useful information about operating results, enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making.

    For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the reconciliation tables provided below. The accompanying tables have more details on the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures and the related reconciliations between these financial measures. The Company is unable to provide reconciliations of free cash flow, free cash flow margin, free cash flow, as adjusted, bookings, cumulative cohort bookings, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, and non-GAAP tax expense to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort because items that impact those GAAP financial measures are out of the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. Such information may have a significant, and potentially unpredictable, impact on our future financial results.

    Wix also uses Creative Subscriptions Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) as a key operating metric. Creative Subscriptions ARR is calculated as Creative Subscriptions Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) multiplied by 12. Creative Subscriptions MRR is calculated as the total of (i) the total monthly revenue of all Creative Subscriptions in effect on the last day of the period, other than domain registrations; (ii) the average revenue per month from domain registrations multiplied by all registered domains in effect on the last day of the period; and (iii) monthly revenue from other partnership agreements including enterprise partners.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This document contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements may include projections regarding our future performance, including, but not limited to revenue, bookings and free cash flow, and may be identified by words like “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “aim,” “forecast,” “indication,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “subject”, “project,” “outlook,” “future,” “will,” “seek” and similar terms or phrases. The forward-looking statements contained in this document, including the quarterly and annual guidance, are based on management’s current expectations, which are subject to uncertainty, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, our ability to attract and retain registered users and partners, and generate new premium subscriptions and additional business solutions as we continuously adjust our marketing strategy and customer care; maintenance of our brand and reputation, and generation of revenue from sources other than premium subscriptions; risks associated with international operations and the use of platform in various countries; risks related to the macroeconomic environment and ongoing global conflicts; security risks and payment risks and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; failures of third-party hardware, software and infrastructure on which we rely, or failure to manage the operation of our infrastructure; adverse market conditions, including inflation, interest rates and other adverse developments that may adversely affect our cash balances and investment portfolio; our history of operating losses and inability to achieve sustained profitability; downturns or upturns in sales are not immediately reflected in full in our operating results; our ability to repurchase our ordinary shares and/or 0.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 pursuant to our repurchase program; our ability to raise capital when needed or on acceptable terms; risks related to acquisitions and investments, pricing decisions, pandemics, natural disasters and other catastrophic events; our ability to develop and introduce new products and services, as well as maintain third-party products and are ability to keep up with rapid changes in design and technology; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; our ability to attract a diversified customer base and increased competition; our ability to maintain compatibility of our platform and solutions with changes in third-party applications and changes to technologies used in our solutions; our ability to acquire and service small business users; risks related to security breaches and unauthorized access to data, cyberattacks; our expectation regarding the uncertain future relationship between the United States and other countries with respect to trade policies, taxes, government regulations, and tariffs; our ability to comply with the regulations applicable to our operations, including new governmental regulations regarding the internet, consumer protection, artificial intelligence (“AI”), privacy and data protection laws and regulations, as well as contractual privacy and data protection obligations; risks relating to intellectual property, including infringements, litigation and claims, and our ability to maintain and protect our intellectual property rights and proprietary information; our expectations regarding the outcome of any regulatory investigation or litigation, including class actions; risks related to the development and integration of AI, generative AI, agentic AI, machine learning, and similar tools into our offerings, and comply with the regulatory environment impacting AI and AI-related activities; risks related to activities of registered users or content of their websites, and risks related to domain names and industry regulations; risks related to compliance with laws and regulations, including those related to economic sanctions, tariffs, export controls, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering, anti-trust, and consumer protection, and changes in these laws and regulations; risks related to tax, including application of indirect taxes, tax laws, changes in tax laws or changes in provision for income tax and examination of income tax returns; risks related to ordinary shares, activist shareholders, and our status as a foreign private issuer; risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel, including conflicts in the area; our expectations regarding future changes in our cost of revenues and our operating expenses on an absolute basis and as a percentage of our revenues; our planned level of capital expenditures and our belief that our existing cash and cash from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future; and our ability to enter into new markets and attracting new customer demographics, including our ability to successfully attract new partners and large enterprise-level users and to grow our activities, including through the adoption of our Wix Studio product, with these customer types as anticipated and other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2025. The preceding list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all of our forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date hereof. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS – GAAP
    (In thousands, except loss per share data)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Revenues      
    Creative Subscriptions $ 337,676     $ 304,293  
    Business Solutions   135,975       115,483  
        473,651       419,776  
           
    Cost of Revenues      
    Creative Subscriptions   56,067       54,803  
    Business Solutions   95,725       82,494  
        151,792       137,297  
           
    Gross Profit   321,859       282,479  
           
    Operating expenses:      
    Research and development   127,497       124,245  
    Selling and marketing   111,563       107,234  
    General and administrative   45,394       41,330  
    Total operating expenses   284,454       272,809  
    Operating income   37,405       9,670  
    Financial income, net   5,832       18,884  
    Other income, net   64       211  
                   
    Income before taxes on income   43,301       28,765  
    Income tax expenses   9,535       4,763  
    Net income $ 33,766     $ 24,002  
           
    Basic net income per share $ 0.61     $ 0.43  
                   
    Basic weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share   55,708,670       56,098,997  
           
    Diluted net income per share $ 0.57     $ 0.41  
                   
    Diluted weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share   60,384,510       58,647,238  
           
    Wix.com Ltd. 
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
    (In thousands) 
           
      Period ended
      March 31,   December 31,
        2025       2024  
    Assets (unaudited)   (audited)
    Current Assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 653,276     $ 660,939  
    Short-term deposits   112,078       106,844  
    Restricted deposits   793       773  
    Marketable securities   304,555       338,593  
    Trade receivables   47,328       44,674  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   59,132       128,577  
     Total current assets   1,177,162       1,280,400  
           
    Long-Term Assets:      
    Prepaid expenses and other long-term assets   31,343       27,021  
    Property and equipment, net   125,450       128,155  
    Marketable securities   6,183       6,135  
    Intangible assets, net   20,680       22,141  
    Goodwill   49,329       49,329  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   395,513       399,861  
     Total long-term assets   628,498       632,642  
           
     Total assets $ 1,805,660     $ 1,913,042  
           
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficiency      
    Current Liabilities:      
    Trade payables $ 38,032     $ 47,077  
    Employees and payroll accruals   78,983       143,131  
    Deferred revenues   698,343       661,171  
    Current portion of convertible notes, net   573,674       572,880  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   79,546       63,246  
    Operating lease liabilities   29,369       27,907  
    Total current liabilities   1,497,947       1,515,412  
    Long Term Liabilities:      
    Deferred revenues   96,461       89,271  
    Deferred tax liability   1,066       1,965  
    Other long-term liabilities   19,414       16,021  
    Operating lease liabilities   359,389       369,159  
    Total long-term liabilities   476,330       476,416  
           
     Total liabilities   1,974,277       1,991,828  
           
    Shareholders’ Deficiency      
    Ordinary shares   107       107  
    Additional paid-in capital   1,923,576       1,840,574  
    Treasury shares   (1,225,165 )     (1,025,167 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   641       7,242  
    Accumulated deficit   (867,776 )     (901,542 )
    Total shareholders’ deficiency   (168,617 )     (78,786 )
           
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficiency $ 1,805,660     $ 1,913,042  
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (In thousands)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
    Net income $ 33,766     $ 24,002  
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:      
    Depreciation   6,137       6,442  
    Amortization   1,461       1,483  
    Share based compensation expenses   60,261       58,142  
                   
    Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs   794       790  
    Changes in accrued interest and exchange rate on short term and long term deposits   (224 )     880  
    Amortization of premium and discount and accrued interest on marketable securities, net   3,557       597  
                   
    Remeasurement loss (gain) on Marketable equity         (3,367 )
    Changes in deferred income taxes, net   1       (5,011 )
    Changes in operating lease right-of-use assets   4,803       5,024  
    Changes in operating lease liabilities   (8,763 )     (3,652 )
    Loss (gain) on foreign exchange, net   (2,006 )     553  
    Decrease (increase) in trade receivables   (2,654 )     1,119  
    Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current and long-term assets   58,289       (12,568 )
    Decrease in trade payables   (9,338 )     (2,123 )
                   
    Decrease in employees and payroll accruals   (64,148 )     (2,429 )
                   
    Increase in short term and long term deferred revenues   44,362       41,319  
                   
    Increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities   19,193       2,635  
                   
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 145,491       113,836  
    INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
                   
    Proceeds from short-term deposits and restricted deposits   107,780       823  
                   
    Investment in short-term deposits and restricted deposits   (112,810 )     (30,162 )
    Investment in marketable securities   (27,693 )     (27,847 )
    Proceeds from marketable securities   58,292       52,805  
                   
    Purchase of property and equipment and lease prepayment   (2,629 )     (7,715 )
    Capitalization of internal use of software   (421 )     (410 )
    Proceeds from sale of equity securities         22,148  
    Proceed from realization of investments in privately held companies   417        
                   
    Purchases of investments in privately held companies   (750 )     (550 )
                   
    Net cash provided by investing activities $ 22,186       9,092  
    FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
                   
    Proceeds from exercise of options and ESPP shares   22,654       22,628  
    Purchase of treasury stock   (200,000 )     (241,302 )
                   
    Net cash used in financing activities $ (177,346 )     (218,674 )
    Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash   2,006       (553 )
                   
    DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (7,663 )     (96,299 )
                   
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of period   660,939       609,622  
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of period $ 653,276     $ 513,323  
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS
    (In thousands)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Creative Subscriptions   337,676       304,293  
    Business Solutions   135,975       115,483  
    Total Revenues $ 473,651     $ 419,776  
           
    Creative Subscriptions   369,469       334,637  
    Business Solutions   141,436       122,644  
    Total Bookings $ 510,905     $ 457,281  
           
    Free Cash Flow $ 142,441     $ 105,711  
                   
    Free Cash Flow excluding HQ build out $ 142,441     $ 111,073  
    Creative Subscriptions ARR   1,372,670     $ 1,244,264  
           
           
     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF REVENUES TO BOOKINGS
    (In thousands)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Revenues $ 473,651     $ 419,776  
    Change in deferred revenues   44,362       41,319  
    Change in unbilled contractual obligations   (7,108 )     (3,814 )
    Bookings $ 510,905     $ 457,281  
           
    Y/Y growth   12 %    
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Creative Subscriptions Revenues $ 337,676     $ 304,293  
    Change in deferred revenues   38,901       34,158  
    Change in unbilled contractual obligations   (7,108 )     (3,814 )
    Creative Subscriptions Bookings $ 369,469     $ 334,637  
           
    Y/Y growth   10 %    
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Business Solutions Revenues $ 135,975     $ 115,483  
    Change in deferred revenues   5,461       7,161  
    Business Solutions Bookings $ 141,436     $ 122,644  
           
    Y/Y growth   15 %    
     
     
     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF COHORT BOOKINGS
    (In millions)
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
           
    Q1 Cohort revenues   9     $ 9  
    Q1 Change in deferred revenues   27       23  
    Q1 Cohort Bookings $ 36     $ 32  
           
           
     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF REVENUES AND BOOKINGS EXCLUDING FX IMPACT
    (In thousands)
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Revenues $ 473,651     $ 419,776  
    FX impact on Q1/25 using Y/Y rates   4,225        
    Revenues excluding FX impact $ 477,876     $ 419,776  
    Y/Y growth   14 %    
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Bookings $ 510,905     $ 457,281  
    FX impact on Q1/25 using Y/Y rates   7,775        
    Bookings excluding FX impact $ 518,680     $ 457,281  
    Y/Y growth   13 %    
           
           
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS GAAP TO NON-GAAP
    (In thousands)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
    (1) Share based compensation expenses: (unaudited)
    Cost of revenues $ 3,320     $ 3,590  
    Research and development   31,491       31,102  
    Selling and marketing   9,177       10,483  
    General and administrative   16,273       12,967  
    Total share based compensation expenses   60,261       58,142  
    (2) Amortization   1,472       1,483  
    (3) Acquisition related expenses         5  
    (4) Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs   794       790  
    (5) Sales tax accrual and other G&A expenses   699       121  
    (6) Unrealized loss (gain) on equity and other investments   (42 )     (3,367 )
    (7) Non-operating foreign exchange income   (3,079 )     (4,663 )
    (8) Provision for income tax effects related to non-GAAP adjustments         774  
    Total adjustments of GAAP to Non GAAP $ 60,105     $ 53,285  
           
           
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP GROSS PROFIT
    (In thousands)
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Gross Profit $ 321,859     $ 282,479  
    Share based compensation expenses   3,320       3,590  
    Amortization   667       667  
    Non GAAP Gross Profit   325,846       286,736  
           
    Non GAAP Gross margin   69 %     68 %
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Gross Profit – Creative Subscriptions $ 281,609     $ 249,490  
    Share based compensation expenses   2,367       2,669  
    Non GAAP Gross Profit – Creative Subscriptions   283,976       252,159  
           
    Non GAAP Gross margin – Creative Subscriptions   84 %     83 %
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Gross Profit – Business Solutions $ 40,250     $ 32,989  
    Share based compensation expenses   953       921  
    Amortization   667       667  
    Non GAAP Gross Profit – Business Solutions   41,870       34,577  
           
    Non GAAP Gross margin – Business Solutions   31 %     30 %
           
           
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING INCOME TO NON-GAAP OPERATING INCOME
    (In thousands)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Operating income $ 37,405     $ 9,670  
    Adjustments:      
    Share based compensation expenses   60,261       58,142  
    Amortization   1,472       1,483  
    Sales tax accrual and other G&A expenses   699       121  
    Acquisition related expenses         5  
    Total adjustments $ 62,432     $ 59,751  
           
    Non GAAP operating income $ 99,837     $ 69,421  
           
    Non GAAP operating margin   21 %     17 %
           
           
     
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME AND NON-GAAP NET INCOME PER SHARE
    (In thousands, except per share data)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Net income $ 33,766     $ 24,002  
    Share based compensation expenses and other Non GAAP adjustments   60,105       53,285  
    Non-GAAP net income $ 93,871     $ 77,287  
           
                   
    Basic Non GAAP net income per share $ 1.69     $ 1.38  
                   
    Weighted average shares used in computing basic Non GAAP net income per share   55,708,670       56,098,997  
           
    Diluted Non GAAP net income per share $ 1.55     $ 1.29  
                   
    Weighted average shares used in computing diluted Non GAAP net income per share   60,384,510       60,073,986  
           
           
           
    Wix.com Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO FREE CASH FLOW
    (In thousands)
         
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
        2025       2024  
      (unaudited)
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 145,491     $ 113,836  
    Capital expenditures, net   (3,050 )     (8,125 )
    Free Cash Flow $ 142,441     $ 105,711  
           
           
    Capex related to HQ build out         5,362  
                   
    Free Cash Flow excluding HQ build out $ 142,441     $ 111,073  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey Launches WISe.ART 3.0, One of the World’s First and Largest Web3 Marketplaces for Digital Art, Twins, NFTs, and Crypto Collectibles

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeKey Launches WISe.ART 3.0, One of the World’s First and Largest Web3 Marketplaces for Digital Art, Twins, NFTs, and Crypto Collectibles

    Geneva, Switzerland — May 21, 2025 — WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, in partnership with its subsidiary, SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, today announces the launch of  new enhanced WISe.ART marketplace, a revolutionary Web3 platform for digital art, digital twins, NFTs, and crypto collectibles. This next-generation marketplace is one of the first and largest of its kind.

    The WISe.ART 3.0 platform redefines the digital art experience by providing creators and collectors with a secure, traceable, and intelligent environment for trading and authenticating digital assets.

    Key Features of WISe.ART 3.0:

    • Native Web3 support: Users can securely and easily connect their Metamask or Walletconnect wallet to the platform. NFTs can be imported and exported to the marketplace to allow complete control of their digital collection.
    • Refreshed platform & Multi-Device support: The WISe.Art platform has received a complete overhaul of its front-end and back-end structure, allowing users to carry their digital collection with them at all times, as the new platform supports desktop, tablets and mobile devices.
    • Link Between Physical and Digital Assets: WISe.ART NFTs are irreversibly connected to their corresponding physical objects, ensuring tamper-proof authenticity and provenance.
    • Smart Contracts for Monetization: Artists and creators can set automated royalty structures, usage rights, and monetization strategies through embedded smart contracts.         
    • Advanced Cybersecurity & Post-Quantum Resilience: Secured by WISeKey’s and SEALSQ’s digital identity and encryption technologies, the platform safeguards all transactions and digital interactions against present and future cyber threats.
    • Easy purchase with Crossmint support: The Crossmint integration allows for seamless transactions with credit and debit cards, Apple and Google Pay, from anywhere in the world. Users that do not possess a wallet can create a ghost wallet on-the-fly upon checking out.

    For Version 3 we have listened to our users and have added important new functionalities which they requested:

    • Collectors and artists can now import pre-minted NFTs from other platforms as long as they are minted in the crypto we support (such as Hedera, Polygon or Eth) and that the pre-minted NFTs are compatible with our requirements. Those wishing to consolidate their NFT collections into one wallet – it can now be done on WISe.ART. Additionally, artists wishing to leave a certain platform can now join WISe.ART and showcase their complete collections on one platform safely and efficiently.
    • Relisting tokens on the secondary market is still possible but for those who do not have a compatible wallet, it can be created with few simple steps, new prices can be set as the market fluctuates.
    • The user journey for artists and collectors is made simple and intuitive. New FAQ or contact request forms have been integrated for those who seek human interaction. Our white glove service is enhanced throughout the process.

    Since its launch in 2021, WISe.ART, the NFT platform developed by WISeKey, has led numerous high-impact and pioneering NFT projects. Combining trusted digital identity, robust cybersecurity, and environmental consciousness, WISe.ART has redefined how digital art and luxury collectibles are created, verified, and traded. Here are the most significant NFT projects it has executed:

    • ONUART Foundation & United Nations – NFT for Education in Africa: A collaboration with ONUART and the UN led to NFT auctions designed to fund school-building initiatives in Africa, combining philanthropy with digital innovation. In 2023, WISeArt artist were the first to donate generative artworks to the ONUART Foundation in celebration of the 71st anniversary of the UN Human Right Charter.
    • Antonio Banderas Foundation – Pedro Sandoval NFT Drop: A limited-edition NFT by artist Pedro Sandoval was sold to benefit the Antonio Banderas Foundation, showcasing WISe.ART’s support for social causes through cultural art.
    • Swiss Collector Events & WISe.ART Awards: WISe.ART has organized NFT art exhibitions, including the WISe.ART Awards, recognizing digital creators and curators pioneering new frontiers in NFT art.

    Revolutionizing the Future of Art

    WISe.ART 3.0 is democratizing digital expression by empowering billions of people worldwide to create, share, and monetize their artistic visions through a secure and trusted platform. Whether it’s a digitally generated painting, a collectible tied to a physical sculpture, or a new form of cultural expression, WISe.ART enables creators from all backgrounds to participate in the global digital art economy, safely and transparently. A new physical space will open Geneva to represent WISe.ART digital works on May 22. This space aims to bridge the 19th and 21st Century technologies raising awareness among collectors. The showroom will be a case study for the web3 communities to mingle with their cultural heritage.

    Accessible Art Purchasing — Crypto Optional

    To acquire WISe.ART digital artworks, including those linked to NFTs or hosted on blockchains, cryptocurrency is not a requirement. NFTs are available for purchase in USD and other fiat currencies, and transactions can be completed securely via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Additionally, Crossmint facilitates the conversion of fiat money to crypto for users who wish to engage in blockchain-based purchases. While collectors of blockchain-based works typically need a crypto wallet, platforms such as Metamask and WalletConnect make wallet setup simple, intuitive, and user-friendly, enabling purchases with the ease of acquiring a traditional artwork.

    Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey, stated: “Since inception the platform has welcomed an eclectic array of works representing all types of art from physical pieces coupled with digital twins, numeric compositions, ai assisted or generated art, music and film as well as collectibles like real estate, jewelry and design. As technology progresses, we attract artists who are keen to explore the new possibilities and means to convey their message. Technology is a tool – art is a vector for communication.”

    WISe.ART 3.0 opens the door to a future where creativity meets accountability, and where digital assets are as protected and valuable as their physical counterparts. For more information, visit www.wise.art

    About WISeKey

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com 
    WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@equityny.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Buys a View: Trump Tower Dubai Embraces Cryptocurrency Payments via Deus X Pay

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VILNIUS, Lithuania, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Deus X Pay, a licensed institutional stablecoin payment solution setting new standards across the luxury sectors, is now enabling crypto payments for property purchases at the new Trump Tower Dubai, the first Trump International Hotel to be built in the Middle East.

    The new $1 billion Trump Tower Dubai, unveiled through partnership with London-listed Dar Global, marks a breakthrough in global luxury real estate. Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organisation and son of US President Donald Trump, has recently announced that Bitcoin and other digital currencies will be accepted for condo sales.

    Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, said the Trump Tower Dubai is among the most ambitious Trump-branded residential towers globally, reflecting the project’s magnitude, stature, and symbolic significance in the region and internationally.

    Trump previously told Gulf Business that Dubai is where luxury real estate and financial innovation intersect, and projects like Trump Tower Dubai are leading the way. By embracing technologies like stablecoins, buyers gain a faster, cheaper and more transparent way to secure exclusive, high-end properties while reshaping how luxury transactions are conducted.

    Deus X Pay, a licensed Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in Lithuania, offers institutional stablecoin payment solutions, enabling luxury sectors such as real estate, aviation and yachting to capitalise on this new era of finance. Deus X Pay CEO, Richard Crook, highlights that Dubai has created an environment where stablecoins can flourish as a practical, secure tool for international transactions (with Crypto Watch reporting that crypto adoption in the UAE is expected to surge 210% in 2025), giving premium buyers faster, frictionless access to high-value assets.

    “Dubai’s forward-thinking stance has unlocked a whole new economy, and the gold standard for transactions of high-value assets. International buyers seek faster settlements, fewer cross-border complications and seamless access to premium developments. This project is a defining moment — not just for Deus X Pay, but for the global real estate sector. We are thrilled to deliver the regulated rails that make it possible for premium property buyers to transact instantly, compliantly and without the traditional delays or friction.”

    The Trump Tower Dubai, an 80-story architectural icon, offers the highest international standards for ultra-high-net-worth travellers and long-stay residents. The exclusive building boasts 2-3 bedroom apartments and 4-bedroom penthouses valued at over AED 73 million, the highest outdoor swimming pool in the world, and has views of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

    This new skyscraper is part of an expanding trend across private aviation, superyachts, and luxury collectables as high-end sectors embrace digital assets as a payment option to future-proof legacy industries.

    For media enquiries, contact:
    Sarah Tran
    Head of Marketing
    media@deusxpay.com

    About Deus X Pay
    Deus X Pay is a regulated provider of institutional stablecoin payment solutions, revolutionising the authorisation, clearing, and settlement of cryptocurrency payments. We enhance global payment options for institutions, businesses, and corporations by seamlessly merging traditional finance with advanced digital payment infrastructure, enabling faster, more cost-effective, and secure transactions.

    Fully compliant and regulated as a Virtual Asset Service Provider, Deus X Pay operates under a license in Lithuania, supervised by the Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT), the Czech Republic, supervised by the Financial Analytical Office (FAU), and in Canada, supervised by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).

    As a part of the innovative crypto investment firm Deus X Capital, we equip organisations with state-of-the-art financial tools aimed at fostering growth and success in today’s dynamic market.

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Deus X Pay. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4da4d9a6-74af-4322-b030-f4ed0f09eb4f

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Video: The Golden Dome Missile Defense Shield

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    President Trump announced the Golden Dome missile defense shield to protect the homeland from advanced missile threats.

    Included in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, this project aims to ensure American security. Congress must pass the bill and send it to the President’s desk.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xWxN_qObfI

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI: Prosafe SE: First-quarter results 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    (Figures in brackets refer to the corresponding period last year)

    21 May 2025 – Prosafe SE reported EBITDA of USD 4.6 million (USD 7.2 million) for the first quarter of 2025. The company had four active vessels during the quarter.

    Operations and HSSE

    • Good operating performance
    • Safe Zephyrus extended with Petrobras to Q3 2027
    • Sale of Safe Concordia and Safe Scandinavia
    • Safe Caledonia re-activated for UK contract with start 1 June
    • Safe Boreas in transit to Singapore ahead of Australia contract
    • Safe Notos declared winner of Brazil 4-year tender

    Q1 financials

    • Revenues of USD 33 million (USD 34 million) and EBITDA of USD 4.6 million (USD 7.2 million)
    • Cash flow from operations of USD 28.4 million (negative USD 1.4 million) including contract prepayments for Safe Boreas and Safe Caledonia
    • Capex of USD 21.2 million (USD 1.7 million) due to reactivation of Safe Boreas and Safe Caledonia
    • Liquidity position of USD 54 million, compared to USD 46.8 million at year-end 2024

    Recapitalisation

    • Terms agreed for equitisation of USD 193 million of debt for 90% of the shares in the company
    • Supported by lenders representing the USD 250 million and the USD 93 million loan facilities and approved by Prosafe shareholders at the extraordinary general meeting on 16 May
    • Existing shareholders to retain 5% ownership with penny warrants for further 5% at EUR 0.01 per share
    • Transaction provides a sustainable capital structure and sufficient liquidity to meet capital expenditure and working capital needs for the foreseeable future
    • Estimated post recapitalization net debt of USD 220 million
    • Expected completion in Q3 2025

    Market and outlook

    • Ongoing Petrobras tenders confirm strong market fundamentals in Brazil
    • North Sea operators continue to plan for future campaigns with focus on 2027 and beyond
    • Increased backlog, improved market and recapitalisation positions Prosafe for improved earnings

    Please see the Q1 2025 presentation for further details.

    Terje Askvig, the CEO of Prosafe, says, “Operationally, we maintain high utilisation on our active fleet, while making good progress on preparing for new contracts in Australia and the UK. We also continue to build backlog with Safe Notos recently named winner, subject to final contract, of a 4-year tender with Petrobras in Brazil. We are also very pleased with the support shown by our lenders and shareholders through the agreed refinancing which will create a sustainable capital structure going forward and ensure that Prosafe continues to be the world’s leading provider of floating accommodation vessels and Units for Maintenance and Safety (UMS).”

    Presentation

    Terje Askvig, CEO, and Reese McNeel, CFO, will present the results at Pareto Securities, located at Dronning Mauds gate 3, 0115 Oslo, on 21 May 2025 at 10:00 CEST.

    This presentation is open to the public and will be live-streamed on Prosafe’s website.

    https://wwww.prosafe.com

    It will be possible to ask questions during the presentation by using the Q&A tool embedded in the audiocast. These questions will be answered after the presentation.

    A replay of the audiocast will be made available on Prosafe’s website shortly after.

    The Q1 2025 press release and presentation is attached and can be downloaded from https://www.prosafe.com and www.newsweb.no (https://www.newsweb.no). The 2024 annual report was published on 30 April 2025.

    Prosafe is a leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation vessels. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker code PRS. For more information, please refer to www.prosafe.com (https:///www.prosafe.com)

    For further information, please contact:

    Terje Askvig, CEO Phone: +47 952 03 886

    Reese McNeel, CFO Phone: +47 415 08 186

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lethality EXPLAINED

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts #Army

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm10QrBFwlQ

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students from Moscow Colleges Win Computer Game Development Marathon

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The final of the unique all-Russian marathon GameCraft 2.0 on game development ended at the Moscow State College of Electromechanics and Information Technology. Students of the capital’s secondary specialized educational institutions won awards in all nine nominations. This was reported by the press service of the capital’s Department of Education and Science.

    “This year, 80 teams from all over the country, including Tomsk and Krasnodar Krai, joined the GameCraft 2.0 marathon and demonstrated their developments in nine competition nominations. Over the course of several months, participants created their own computer games in 3D or 2D graphics. In the final, 19 best teams presented original projects — from 3D worlds to pixel platformers. Students from Moscow colleges showed the best results and became winners in all nominations of the marathon,” the department’s press service reported.

    The marathon was won by teams from six Moscow educational institutions: Moscow State College of Electromechanics and Information Technology, Small Business College No. 4, College of Architecture, Design and Reengineering No. 26, Financial College No. 35, Moscow Automobile and Road College named after A.A. Nikolaev and Moscow College of Management, Hotel Business and Information Technology “Tsaritsyno”. The winners will have the opportunity to undergo an internship with the prospect of further employment in the CDK company, which became a partner of the marathon.

    Student teams competed for the Best 3D Game, Best 2D Game, Best Graphics, Best Gameplay, Most Creative Idea, Best Sound and Music, Best Artificial Intelligence, Most Original Concept, and Audience Choice Award. They were assisted by mentors through webinars and consultations.

    Thus, the team “Tadpoles” of the College of Small Business No. 4 won first place in the nomination “Best 2D Game”. The guys developed a puzzle game that offers to catch a butterfly in a jar using logic and improvised means. According to the expert jury, the project has a chance to get into online app stores.

    “At first we wanted to make a detective game, but then we decided to create a puzzle – it seemed more interesting to us and suitable for the marathon format. Working on the project was not easy, but very exciting: in the process, we constantly returned to the finished elements, reviewed ideas, made changes. Thanks to a special system of intermediate stages – checkpoints – we could understand what works and what needs to be improved. This helped us grow as a team and make the game better,” shared Pavel Zelenin, a student at Small Business College No. 4.

    The team from the Moscow State College of Electromechanics and Information Technology presented the game Cat’s Delivery in the genre of endless running about a delivery cat who dreams of saving up for his first electric guitar. All the characters were hand-drawn by the participants, and an original music playlist was written to create the atmosphere. The project won in the nomination “Best Sound and Musical Accompaniment” and took second place among 2D games.

    Taisiya Gritsenko, a student at the educational institution, said that the idea of the game Cat’s delivery was born spontaneously. The girl decided to combine what is close to her: music, cats and the atmosphere of the night city. The marathon became her first step in creating computer games.

    The projects of the participants were evaluated by an expert jury, headed by the CEO of the partner company Egor Pynzar, a teacher of the Moscow State College of Electromechanics and Information Technology Gadzhi Gadzhiev, an expert of the Professionals championship in the 3D modeling for computer games competency Magomed Omarov, as well as students Nikita Braga, Feodosiy Yachmenev and Ruslan Korobchenko.

    The idea of holding the marathon belongs to students of the Moscow State College of Electromechanics and Information Technology. Last year it was held for the first time. In 2025, the students from the educational institution applied for a grant from the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) for further development of the project.

    This summer, the Moscow State College of Electromechanics and Information Technology will begin recruiting for a new specialty, “Development of Computer Games, Augmented and Virtual Reality.” Students will be able to obtain a sought-after profession and master the latest technologies for creating modern games.

    Detailed information about the specialties taught in the capital’s colleges is available in the “Colleges” section on the portal“School.Moscow”, in the telegram channel“Colleges of Moscow” And community of the same name on the social network VKontakte.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154115073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: An exhibition on the development of high-rise construction has opened in Moscow

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A book exhibition dedicated to the establishment and development of high-rise construction in Moscow has opened in the library of architects and urbanists. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy of the capital Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    “The exhibition introduces the works of famous Moscow architects and touches on the almost century-long history of urban development. The new exhibition presents books dedicated to the history of the construction of Moscow high-rises. Of particular value is the fact that they were published during the years of their construction. Among them are the books “Construction of high-rise buildings in Moscow”, “Architecture and designs of high-rise buildings in Moscow” by Vyacheslav Oltarzhevsky, specialized books and magazines dedicated to the design of high-rise structures,” said Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    The exhibition will be open until June 18.

    Among the exhibits, you can find the works of architecture candidate Anatoly Magai, as well as biographies of architects – from Ivan Zarudny to Sergei Tchoban.

    The scientific and technical library with specialized literature on urban studies, architecture, urban development and art in Russian and foreign languages appeared in 1930. Its unique collection is open to specialists, students and everyone who loves and is interested in urban spaces, their history and development. Here you can get access to rare publications, order a selection of literature from the librarian, attend thematic and cultural events and work comfortably in the reading room.

    For detailed information and library opening hours, please call: 7 499 250-35-82 (extension 969-37).

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154112073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New releases and meetings with experts: the Moscow Longevity film club is open for older Muscovites

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Moscow Longevity project has a film club where you can not only watch your favorite films and new releases, but also talk to their creators. Meetings are held every Wednesday at 18:00.

    Film club members are offered to watch works of various genres – from animation and TV series to popular science films and documentaries. Actors, directors, producers, animators, cameramen and other representatives of the cinema art are invited to the meetings as experts. The club has already acquired permanent partners, including a large Russian online cinema. Older city residents can be among the first to see its new releases.

    Thus, the guests of the film club have already watched and discussed the comedy series “Mammoths” in the format of a pre-premiere screening, the historical melodrama “Love of the Soviet Union” and this year’s comedy “Three Plus Three”, about the creation of which the participants were told by actress Olga Khokhlova. At a meeting with the director and producer of the film “Ay da Pushkin!” Muscovites learned the secrets of creating animated films.

    The next screening will take place on May 28. Club members will see the 2025 film “Manyunya: Ba’s Birthday”. The film is based on the books of writer Narine Abgaryan and is a continuation of the famous series “Manyunya”. The film touches on important and close topics for everyone – friendship, the connection of generations and family values. After the screening, actress Karina Kagramanyan, who plays one of the main roles, will talk about how the creators worked on the film.

    The film club already has regular visitors. For example, Igor Pavlov, a participant in the Moscow Longevity project, tries not to miss a single meeting.

    “It is much more interesting to watch new films in a company, and then discuss with experts how and where the film was shot, how the plot changed and was supplemented during the filming. A large company gathers at our Moscow Longevity Center “Presnensky”, and questions come to the experts via video link from other centers. Just a week ago I went to see the film “The Bremen Town Musicians”, I heard a lot about it and finally watched it, it is a good musical comedy,” said Igor Pavlov.

    Citizens aged 55 and over can join the film club. In-person meetings are held at the Presnensky Moscow Longevity Centre, and broadcasts are sent to other centres. Experts answer all questions from viewers. You can find out about upcoming screenings and sign up for the club on the website “Moscow Longevity”.

    This spring, Moscow’s longevity centers have opened unified calendar classes, which included exercises, a program to maintain cognitive skills and psycho-emotional health, lectures with doctors, a film lecture hall and other activities. The schedule takes into account the daily rhythms that are comfortable for a person – for example, the morning is devoted to physical activity, and in the evening, city residents are offered more entertainment and educational meetings.

    A detailed schedule of classes can be found at project website or in any Moscow longevity center. All Muscovites over 55 years old who wish to can visit them.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154113073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Track and field athletes performed well at the regional Universiade

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The next stages of the 48th Universiade among students of higher educational institutions of the Novosibirsk region have ended – in track and field competitions, NSU students brilliantly won silver medals, and in cross-country they took fourth place.

    The winners in the individual competition were:

    Nikita Bosak (MMF) took second place in the 1000m cross-country race

    At track and field competitions:

    1st place – Igor Gunko (FF) – 100m run, result 11.30

    1st place – Yana Stepanchuk (FEN) – long jump, result 487 cm

    3rd place – Nikita Bosak (MMF) – 800 m run, result 1.56.29

    3rd place – Anastasia Osmushkina (IMMT) – 1500m run, result 5.06.79

    2nd place – 4 x 100 m relay, result 46.12: Alexander Makhanov (GGF), Andrey Birkin (EF), Nikita Sobolev and Igor Gunko (FF)

    2nd place – 4 x 400 m relay, result 3.34.28: Nikita Bosak, Alexey Chviruk, Danil Kasyanov (MMF) and Miron Gaskov (FIT)

    Also recently, the 78th city relay race dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War took place, where the NSU team took 5th place.

    Anastasia Osmushkina (IMMT) became the winner of the contest “Miss Relay 2025”

    Our national teams also included:

    Darya Zavalishina, Gleb Mamonov, Alexander Khramov and Lev Zhukov (MMF)

    Alexander Lapushinsky, Nikita Filchakov and Nikita Tropin (FIT)

    Tatyana Nefedova, Nikita Linev and Artem Golovin (GI)

    Ksenia Zubareva, Daria Gogoleva and Alina Polyakova (FEN)

    Rada Luzan and Alexander Nemov (FF)

    Matvey Kopylov (IIR) and Yaroslav Myasnikov (GGF)

    Congratulations to the winners of the competition and all the athletes and coaches Anton Mamekov, Olga Chernaya and Anastasia Trishkina on their worthy performance! We wish them further success in the summer competition season!

    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 Russia: Sobyanin: 7.2 million people took part in the Active Citizen project

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Active Citizen project has turned 11 years old. Sergei Sobyanin announced this in his blog.

    In 2014, Moscow became a pioneer of digital democracy by creating a project “Active Citizen”. A unique platform gave Muscovites the opportunity to directly influence the development of the best city on Earth.

    “Today, 11 years later, Active Citizen has 7.2 million participants, that is, practically every second resident of Moscow. This is a large-scale community of active citizens who rightfully become full-fledged co-authors of many city projects and transformations. Every month we implement 30-40 decisions supported by Muscovites,” wrote Sergei Sobyanin.

    The project participants make decisions in a variety of areas. Thanks to the voting conducted since 2014, more than two thousand courtyards, streets, parks and embankments have acquired a modern look. New standards for the activities of clinics, libraries and My Documents government service centers have been developed and implemented. More than a million trees and shrubs have been planted on Moscow streets and avenues.

    The capital’s festivals have become more interesting and eventful. Moscow has branded tea and ice cream. More than 130 city objects, including streets, squares and metro stations, have received names. And the baby panda and other pets of the Moscow Zoo, Moskvarium and the City Farm at VDNKh now bear names given to them by city residents.

    Having appeared as a platform for voting, the Active Citizen project has gradually turned into a multifunctional platform where residents can offer their own ideas for improving Moscow, participate in city projects, complete online quests, and learn about various events and news from the life of the capital.

    For active participation in the project, points of the city loyalty program “Million Prizes” are awarded, which residents use to purchase tickets to museums, excursions and exhibitions, souvenirs with project logos or to top up the “Troika” card. If desired, the earned points can be sent to charitable foundations and public organizations (one point is equal to one ruble). Last year alone, donations from participants in city electronic projects amounted to more than 71 million points/rubles.

    In 2025, the online platform “Active Citizen for Children” was launched, created specifically for young Muscovites aged at least six and under 14 years. Now, not only adults can decide what the capital will be like, but also children. The platform invites children to an exciting world of quizzes, games, comics and video stories that introduce children to Moscow and tell about the capital’s initiatives and achievements.

    “Active Citizen” is an excellent example of how, with the right approach, digital technologies can become an effective tool for interaction between the government and society, where the opinion of each person matters, and active participation in the life of the city brings real benefits to everyone,” added Sergei Sobyanin.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12762050/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI China: Renovation of old residential communities benefits 120M people

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

    China renovated 280,000 old residential communities from 2019 to 2024, benefiting more than 120 million people, Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Qin Haixiang said Tuesday.

    The nationwide program has benefited 48 million households, Qin said at a State Council Information Office press conference on a set of guidelines regarding the country’s urban renewal efforts.

    The renovation program has upgraded 360,000 km of aging pipelines, added 3.87 million parking spaces, and constructed 78,000 community service facilities for elderly care and childcare, according to official data.

    Local authorities have focused on addressing residents’ most pressing concerns. They also implemented energy-efficiency renovations covering 446 million square meters of residential buildings nationwide.

    Regions across China have also prioritized installing elevators in existing residential buildings as a key livelihood project. This initiative has particularly benefited the elderly and mobility-impaired.

    “This allows elderly people with mobility difficulties and trouble navigating stairs to now conveniently go downstairs to enjoy sunshine and chat with longtime neighbors,” Qin said. “This benefits their physical and mental health and has been widely welcomed by the communities.”

    By the end of 2024, China’s urbanization rate reached 67 percent, with 940 million people living in urban areas, according to official data. The country is intensifying efforts to advance its urban renewal initiative as it strives to build livable, resilient and smart cities, and to bolster high-quality development.

    In its latest push, China on May 15 unveiled a set of guidelines, pledging increased policy and financial support for urban renewal projects, which can range from gas pipe updates and lift installations to the renovation of old factories into commercial zones.

    The guidelines, issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, are designed to achieve key progress in the country’s urban renewal campaign by 2030. They also aim to improve safety conditions, enhance service efficiency, elevate living environments, develop business models, and preserve cultural heritage.

    “We’re working to improve utilization of existing resources by renovating old factories, inefficient buildings, and traditional commercial facilities,” Qin noted.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Search begins for rare family receiving $250

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government can’t say if even a single family has received the $250 a fortnight they were promised.

    “It’s time Nicola Willis got her binoculars out to begin the search for a family that has received her promised cost of living relief,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

    “There are 33 examples of where she is planning to cut women’s pay, but she can’t come up with a single example of anyone who has received the full $252 she promised.

    “People who received it appear to be rarer than the little spotted Kiwi, the fairy tern, new ferries, or Nicola Willis answering a question without blaming Labour.

    “National said it would help with cost of living, but so far all New Zealanders are getting are broken promises and cuts to women’s pay.

    “It’s possible that not a single New Zealander received $252, and so the great Kiwi treasure hunt for Nicola Willis’ cost of living relief begins,” Barbara Edmonds said.


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    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt helps banks dodge repayment claims for Kiwis

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government is moving to let two of the country’s most profitable banks off the hook for money owed to their customers.

    “As Kiwis continue to feel the squeeze of the high cost of living, this Government is choosing to deny tens of thousands of New Zealanders who may be owed money the right to make a claim in court,” Labour commerce and consumer affairs spokesperson Arena Williams said.

    “ANZ and ASB, two of the most profitable banks in New Zealand, broke disclosure laws designed to protect mortgage holders. Tens of thousands of New Zealanders may be owed thousands of dollars in interest and fees that were wrongly charged.

    “Instead of helping people get their claims dealt with, National is pushing through law changes so that the penalties banks owe are softened and will be backdated.

    “Their choice to change the law on behalf of banks and at the expense of Kiwis is outrageous. True to character, Christopher Luxon fails to see how every dollar helps families pay for their rents, rates, or groceries.

    “This is what being out of touch looks like. This is a government that finds time to help billion-dollar banks dodge accountability, but no time to help the people they may have overcharged.

    “Next time you hear a National Minister talking tough on supermarkets or energy companies, remember that the real decisions don’t happen in front of the cameras, they happen in Cabinet, quietly,” Arena Williams said.


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    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Half a billion dollar tax break for tech giants

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government is taking the Digital Services Tax off their books, effectively handing a $479 million tax break to global tech giants, like Facebook and Google.

    “First it was tax breaks for landlords and tobacco companies, now it’s multinational technology companies,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

    “Under National if you’re already doing well, you can have a tax break to do even better. But everyone else, everyday Kiwis, miss out.

    “The message from this Government could not be clearer: if you’re a woman seeking equal pay, or a family trying to get the FamilyBoost payment that was promised to you, then you don’t matter.

    “But if a wealthy corporation comes asking for help, they will bend over backwards to give them a break—at your expense.

    “Nicola Willis promised Kiwi families $250 a fortnight, but she can’t find a single family who got it. More than a quarter of their FamilyBoost scheme, about $14 million, has been eaten up in bureaucracy instead of going to families as promised.

    “They’re telling New Zealanders we need to tighten our belts, but this Government keeps giving handouts to the people who need it least and taking it from the people who need it most.

    “Budgets are about choices, and at every turn this Government is making the wrong choices.

    “We need a government that is focused on improving the lives of New Zealanders, not making global tech giants like Facebook and Google even more profit,” Barbara Edmonds said.

    Note to editors: The $479 million figure comes from the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2024 (page 76), which states: “The forecasts currently account for a 1 January 2026 implementation and include revenue of $479 million over the forecast period in relation to the DST with an additional $146 million per annum expected beyond the forecast period.”


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    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 2-for-1: Police bag prolific Auckland shoplifters

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have caught up with two of Auckland’s most recidivist retail crime offenders this week.

    Both men were of interest to the National Retail Investigation Support Unit (NRISU), after allegedly committing more than $10,000 worth of offending in recent months.

    Early this morning, a Waitematā Crime Squad unit came across a vehicle in Massey while carrying out prevention patrols.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie says a traffic stop was carried out on Don Buck Road.

    “It was soon established the man was being sought in relation to a series of shoplifting from retailers across Auckland,” she says.

    “The man will face seven shoplifting charges, with three of those being valued over $1000.”

    The 41-year-old will be appearing in the Waitākere District Court today and will have his bail opposed.

    Meanwhile, further south, Counties Manukau East Police have laid more than 10 charges against a Mongrel Mob member.

    Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rakana Cook says units were attending a family harm event in Ōtara on Sunday.

    “Staff established one of the parties involved had numerous warrants for his arrest in relation to shoplifting offending in Auckland and Whangārei,” he says.

    “He was also a target for the NRISU given how prolific his offending has been over the past month.”

    Inspector Cook says the 34-year-old man appeared in the Manukau District Court on 10 shoplifting offences.

    “Police successfully applied to have this man’s bail opposed and he has been remanded in custody to reappear in July.

    “It’s a fantastic outcome and the man has been held accountable for thousands of dollars’ worth of offending.”

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash: State Highway 12, Matakohe

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can advise a person has died following a fatal crash on State Highway 12, near Matakohe.

    The single vehicle crash occurred at around 1.30pm, west of Gallie Road.

    Police extend condolences to the family of the victim.

    A full road closure was put in place while the Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination.

    Police thank motorists for their co-operation.

    An investigation is now underway into the circumstances of the crash.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police make discovery in early morning traffic stop

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A forbidden driver has added serious drugs offences to his list of woes after a traffic stop in Whangārei this morning.

    Frontline staff patrolling through Whangārei stopped a vehicle travelling along Memorial Drive before 1.30am.

    Whangārei Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom says it was quickly established the 19-year-old was a forbidden driver.

    “The teenager was arrested on the roadside, and in the process of searching the man he was found to be carrying illicit drugs.

    “A further search was invoked on a shoulder bag he was wearing across his body.”

    Inside, Police located more than 21 grams of MDMA and 491 LSD tablets.

    Inspector Nordstrom says a further search inside the vehicle also located additional MDMA.

    Around $150 in cash was also seized.

    The 19-year-old will appear in the Whangārei District Court today on drugs offences including possession for supply of MDMA and possession of MDMA.

    He will also face other driving offences.

    “Possession for supply is a serious offence and carries with it a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment,” Inspector Nordstrom says.

    “It’s another great outcome from our team working overnight keeping harmful substances out of communities.”

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gisborne Police urgently seek man who fled police

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Please attribute to Inspector Soni Malaulau, Tairāwhiti Police:

    Gisborne Police are urgently seeking information as to the whereabouts of a man who fled from rural property this morning.

    Sonny Kennedy was arrested at a Whakarau Road address around 9:30am, and was searched, before being handcuffed at the front of his body.

    An officer was walking the 36-year-old to a police vehicle, before he fled on foot towards Whakarau Road.

    The property is approximately 6km south-east of Matawai, around 26km from the intersection with State Highway 2.

    Kennedy was dressed in a dark-coloured hoodie and light-coloured trousers and sneakers, and may have fled to a nearby bush area.

    Police are working urgently to find him, as there are concerns for his welfare due to his ill-preparedness for the conditions and his potential state of mind.

    Police are asking to the public to help us with any information you can. If you see Kennedy or have information as to his whereabouts, please call 111 straight away with any information, rather than approach him directly.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Help Cattlemen Defend Livestock from Vultures

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) to reintroduce the Black Vulture Relief Act to allow farmers and producers to protect their newborn livestock from black vultures without burdensome government interference. The legislation would remove the current requirement that farmers and cattlemen first obtain a sub-permit before shooting vultures.  Vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA)—meaning permission from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is needed to remove them, despite growing population numbers. Currently, Alabama cattlemen who receive sub-permits can only shoot up to three black vultures until the state’s total 500 bird limit is reached—even though attacks routinely come from more than 20 vultures at a time. It’s estimated that cattlemen lose an average of $2,000 per calf lost.
    “Alabama’s cattlemen work hard to feed our communities and shouldn’t have to jump through a bunch of hoops just to protect their herds,” said Senator Tuberville. “Adjusting these sub-permit requirements that are based on outdated data is just one more commonsense way we can support our cattlemen and help them keep more of their hard-earned dollars. I’ll continue using the feedback from Alabama’s agriculture community to guide my work here in D.C.”
    BACKGROUND:
    Over the past several decades, black vultures’ expanding population has led to an additional burdensome and costly strain on livestock producers due to increased livestock depredation by these birds. Black vultures are most prevalent in the Southeast and Midwest but have been spotted as far north as New York and Michigan and as far west as Arizona. Black vultures, often in flocks of more than 20 , brutally attack and eat newborn calves, lambs, goat kids, and piglets. These attacks are gruesome, lasting an average of 3.5 hours as the vultures eat the animal alive. They will also attack/injure female adults during or after birth when they are more vulnerable. In 2015, vultures caused 24,600 calf deaths, accounting for 10% of all calf deaths due to predators.
    Vultures were the third leading cause of calf deaths due to predators, only behind coyotes and unknown predators. This number has undoubtedly increased in recent years as black vulture populations have increased. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Breeding Bird Survey, the black vulture population has increased by approximately 468% since 1990. In 2016, the North American Bird Conservation Initiative rated black vultures as a species of lowest conservation concern, indicating “a widespread, relatively secure species.” Despite the bird’s robust population, the black vulture is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA) making it illegal to take one without obtaining a depredation permit. For black vultures, FWS issues master permits to states who then issue sub-permits to ranchers.
    Sub-permittees are limited to 3-10 black vulture takes annually, depending on the state. This take limit is the main roadblock that farmers and ranchers face to protect their livestock. From 2015-2019, requests to FWS for depredation permits for take of black vultures increased by 26%. Black vulture cattle depredation has been confirmed in 18 states and is expected to grow due to the bird’s expanding population range from the southeastern and midwestern regions toward the north.
    MORE:
    Tuberville, Cotton Take Action to Allow Farmers to Protect Catfish from Predatory Birds
    Tuberville, Cruz Introduce Legislation to Protect American Fishermen from Cartels
    Tuberville, Crapo Introduce Legislation to Level Playing Field for Alabama Sporting Equipment Businesses
    Tuberville, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Help Farmers Impacted by Feral Swine
    Tuberville Introduces Legislation to Support Domestic Beekeepers and Honey Producers
    Tuberville Introduces Bill To Put American Farmers and Producers First
    Tuberville, Daines Fight for Outdoorsmen Across the Country
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Govt dismantling of public housing confirmed with Kāinga Ora axing a net 620 roles – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The sacking of hundreds of workers at Kāinga Ora is just more evidence of the Government’s heartless treatment of vulnerable families who rely on the support of the state for a roof over their heads.
    Kāinga Ora today confirmed final plans to shed a net 620 roles across various teams. Many of these workers are providing frontline services to support tenants such as those at call centres and those working with other government agencies to find the right houses, in the right place for families.
    “This is another shameful day for the Government which promised no cuts to frontline services – this is a lie which is being exposed every day across the public sector,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “Many workers will now have to re-apply for new roles, with 769 workers having their roles disestablished. This piles stress and uncertainty on so many people doing valuable work for families across New Zealand.
    “The Government is turning its back on supporting vulnerable families who have relied on Kāinga Ora to provide them with warm and secure homes – a basic human right.
    “Just as we have seen with the attack on underpaid women, this is a government that favours the privileged. Fewer public houses will be built by the Government as it repeats the mistakes of the past and shifts the responsibility to community providers.
    “The Government made a choice to gut Kāinga Ora – all part of the bigger plan to cut public services, and fund tax breaks for landlords. The irony is not lost on workers.”
    The latest cuts mean a third of the Kāinga Ora workforce has been shown the door in a year.
    “The dismantling of Kāinga Ora will make it harder for a future government to rebuild the agency that was succeeding in housing thousands of families. It’s disgraceful.”
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ7: Managing passenger flows at land boundary control points

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by Professor the Hon William Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 21):

    Question:

    It has been reported that during the Labour Day Golden Week holiday on May 2 when a large number of Mainland tourists visited Hong Kong, the mobile network and Wi-Fi system at MTR Lok Ma Chau Station were overwhelmed as a large number of passengers simultaneously used their mobile phones to scan QR code tickets to enter and leave via turnstiles, and thus a significant number of passengers were stranded. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it has compiled statistics on the number of passengers stranded at Lok Ma Chau Station on May 2 due to the failure of the mobile network and station Wi-Fi system;

    (2) as passengers were being stranded at Lok Ma Chau Station on May 2, whether the Government has communicated with relevant Mainland authorities to notify passengers who intended to enter Hong Kong via the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point that they should use alternative boundary control points (BCPs); given that Shenzhen Metro Line 4 is operated by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), whether the Government has urged MTRCL on the same day to immediately notify passengers travelling on Line 4 of the passenger stranding situation at Lok Ma Chau Station and called on them to cross the border via alternative BCPs;

    (3) whether the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has conducted drills with relevant Mainland authorities regarding unexpected incidents at BCPs and formulated various contingency plans; and

    (4) whether simulation tests have been conducted at all BCPs to establish co-ordination mechanisms and joint response measures between the Mainland and Hong Kong for handling peak passenger flows and potential unexpected incidents (including emergency situations such as malfunctions of immigration systems, baggage and security screening system failures, and railway service disruptions); if so, of the time when such tests were conducted; if not, whether such tests will be conducted in the future?

    Reply:

    President,

    The Golden Week holiday is the peak period of Mainland visitors visiting Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been maintaining close liaison with relevant organisations and parties to prepare well for arrangements of boundary control points (BCPs), public transportation, crowd management, etc, with a view to ensuring the smooth operation of various aspects in receiving visitors and offering a high-quality experience to them. In view of this year’s Labour Day Golden Week holiday, the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) had made advance preparations by enhancing the train services for cross-boundary railways (including Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Stations of the East Rail Line, and the Hong Kong West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station), as well as deploying additional staff and strengthening information dissemination. Meanwhile, the MTRCL maintained close liaison with relevant departments at the BCPs, so as to adjust train services in a timely manner according to the situation at the BCPs, and provide visitors with safe, reliable and convenient railway services.

    In consultation with the Security Bureau, the Transport Department (TD) and the MTRCL, my consolidated reply to the question raised by Professor the Hon William Wong is as follows:

    (1) As observed by the MTRCL, during this year’s Labour Day Golden Week holiday, the number of visitors arriving in or exiting from Hong Kong via the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point using the MTR East Rail Line and the total patronage were slightly higher than those of the same period last year. On May 2 (Friday) this year, the peak arrival and departure periods for Mainland visitors were in the morning and evening respectively, during which an average of approximately 7 500 visitors entered and exited Lok Ma Chau Station per hour.

    During the peak departure period in the evening, a relatively large number of passengers used their phones at the same time to activate QR codes at ticket gates, resulting in a sudden surge in mobile data demand within a short period of time; the pressure on the mobile network providers’ provision of mobile data also intensified the passengers’ demand for Wi-Fi capacity at the station. As a result of the overall overloading of mobile data and Wi-Fi networks, passengers needed longer time for connection to the network to retrieve the QR codes, leading to a higher passenger flow at the stations’ entry/exit gates and concourse at certain periods of time. The MTRCL immediately took contingency measures in response to the actual situation, such as diverting passenger queues before the gates, adjusting the operation of individual escalators as appropriate to control the passenger flow, and intermittently allowing passengers to exit the gates without having to tap their cards from approximately 9.45pm to 10.30pm to divert passenger flow. Throughout this period, the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) and the TD maintained close communication with the MTRCL and promptly urged the MTRCL to enhance services in all aspects to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the station in face of the large patronage. 

    To cope with the peak travelling period for visitors during the Labour Day Golden Week this year, the MTRCL anticipated that there would be an increase in demand for network data capacity by passengers. As such, arrangements were made before the Golden Week to increase the in-station Wi-Fi capacity for supplementary purpose to cater for the needs of passengers who require internet access but do not have mobile network data. In light of the situation that occurred on the evening of May 2, the MTRCL promptly contacted mobile network providers in that same evening to immediately upgrade the mobile data capacity near BCPs as well as further increase the Wi-Fi capacity at Lok Ma Chau Station so as to facilitate the use of QR codes for passengers to take trains.

    In response to the aforementioned situation, the TLB has requested the MTRCL to review its arrangements for future visitor peak periods based on the experience gained this time. The MTRCL will also enhance its publicity efforts on Mainland social media platforms to remind visitors to activate their QR codes for payment in advance, thereby reducing the time spent at the gates. In addition, the MTRCL will promote the use of mobile Octopus for tourists as another payment option that does not require internet connection. The MTRCL will further discuss with relevant parties on how to manage passenger flow more effectively and plan ahead to ensure that the peak passenger flow can be handled more smoothly in future.

    (2) The Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre, comprising the Police, the Immigration Department, the Customs and Excise Department and relevant parties (including the MTRCL), was activated during the Labour Day Golden Week (i.e. from May 1 to 5, 2025) to monitor the real-time situations at various BCPs. The Joint Command Centre maintained close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanisms, and took timely contingency actions as necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the land control points.

    In addition, relevant departments at BCPs continuously monitored real-time situations at the control points and maintained liaison with the corresponding Mainland port authorities, including immediate mutual notification of the passenger flow situation upon learning about the heavy network traffic at the MTR Lok Ma Chau Station on May 2 this year as well as implementation of appropriate crowd control and diversion measures to facilitate passenger flow and maintain order at the BCP.

    (3) and (4) The HKSAR Government and relevant Mainland authorities have conducted incident drills at various BCPs from time to time, simulating emergencies such as fires, power supply failures, immigration system malfunctions and infectious disease incidents. These drills aim to formulate and practise contingency plans, strengthen co-ordination between departments and various parties and enhance overall response capabilities, thereby ensuring safety and order at BCPs in the event of unexpected incidents. Recent joint exercises include the flooding evacuation drill at the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point in March 2025 and the joint exercise at the Lo Wu Control Point in October 2024 to simulate scenarios of power supply and system network incidents at the Hong Kong Port and contingency measures taken by relevant parties.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • Fundamentally Flawed: Nvidia CEO Huang on U.S. Export Policy Fueling China’s Own Chip Development

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. export controls on artificial intelligence chips to China were “a failure,” Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang said on Wednesday.

    “All in all, the export control was a failure,” Huang said, adding, “The fundamental assumptions that led to the AI diffusion rule in the beginning, in the first place, have been proven to be fundamentally flawed.”

    The U.S. block on sales of advanced AI chips to China has forced companies there to buy semiconductors from Chinese designers such as Huawei, while also spurring China to invest aggressively to develop a supply chain that doesn’t rely on manufacturers outside the country.

    Huang’s comments came after China on Monday urged the United States to “immediately correct its wrongdoings” and stop “discriminatory” measures following the U.S. guidance warning companies not to use advanced computer chips from China, including Huawei’s Ascend AI chips.

    The U.S. action seriously undermined consensus reached at the high-level bilateral trade talks in Geneva, a statement from China’s commerce ministry said, vowing resolute measures if the U.S. continues to “substantially” harm China’s interests.

    Huang, speaking at the annual Computex event in Taipei, said Nvidia’s market share in China dropped to 50% from 95% at the start of former U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration.

    (Reuters)

  • EU, Britain go ahead with new Russia sanctions without waiting for Trump

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The EU and Britain announced new sanctions against Russia on Tuesday without waiting for Washington to join them, a day after President Donald Trump’s phone call with Vladimir Putin brought about neither a ceasefire in Ukraine nor fresh U.S. sanctions.

    London and Brussels said their new measures would zero in on Moscow’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers and financial firms that have helped it avoid the impact of other sanctions imposed over the war.

    “Sanctions matter, and I am grateful to everyone who makes them more tangible for the perpetrators of the war,” Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram.

    He said it “would be good” if the United States added its help, adding: “It is important that America remain involved in the process of bringing peace closer.”

    The sanctions were unveiled without an immediate announcement of corresponding steps from Washington, despite intense public lobbying from European leaders for the Trump administration to join them if Russia rejected a ceasefire.

    “We have repeatedly made it clear that we expect one thing from Russia – an immediate ceasefire without preconditions,” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on the sidelines of a meeting with EU counterparts in Brussels.

    As Russia had not accepted a ceasefire, “we will have to react,” he said. “We also expect our U.S. allies not to tolerate this.”

    Trump told reporters on Tuesday he was deliberating over what actions to take, but gave no further details.

    “We’re looking at a lot of things, but we’ll see,” he said.

    In a two-hour conversation with Putin on Monday, the U.S. president dropped his earlier insistence on an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and signalled that the war he once promised to end in 24 hours was no longer his to fix – a message that leaves Ukraine vulnerable and its allies worried.

    Asked on Monday why he had not imposed fresh sanctions to push Moscow into a peace deal, Trump said that could make the situation worse and affect the chance of a deal, while adding: “But there could be a time where that’s going to happen.”

    Trump said after talking to Putin he had told Zelenskiy and European leaders that Russia and Ukraine would immediately start negotiations on conditions for a ceasefire, a process Russia said would take time.

    Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in more than three years on Friday at Trump’s behest, but failed to agree a truce after Moscow presented conditions that a member of the Ukrainian delegation called “non-starters”.

    POPE WILLING TO HOST TALKS

    Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday that Pope Leo had confirmed to her his willingness to host in the Vatican the next round of negotiations to try to end the war.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a congressional hearing on Tuesday that Putin had not received any real concessions in the U.S. effort to initiate talks and existing U.S. sanctions on Russia remained in place.

    “The president … believes that right now, you start threatening sanctions, the Russians will stop talking, and there’s value in us being able to talk and drive them to get to the table. We’ll see,” Rubio said.

    Ukraine says it is ready for an immediate ceasefire. The Europeans say Russia’s insistence on talks first is proof that Putin, who started the war by invading his neighbour in 2022, is not prepared to end it.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a further package of sanctions was being prepared.

    “It’s time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire,” she wrote on X.

    RUSSIA SAYS IT WILL NOT BOW TO ULTIMATUMS

    Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia would never bow to what she called ultimatums.

    Putin said on Monday that Moscow was ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum about a future peace accord. “Now, accordingly, the ball is in Kyiv’s court,” Zakharova said.

    Brussels and London signalled they have not given up hope of persuading Washington.

    “Let us push Vladimir Putin to put an end to his imperialist fantasy,” France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said.

    Britain’s Foreign Minister David Lammy said “delaying peace efforts will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine to defend itself and use our sanctions to restrict Putin’s war machine”.

    The latest sanctions are aimed mainly at cracking down on a shipping fleet Russia uses to export oil, circumventing a $60 a barrel price cap imposed by the G7 group of industrialised countries to limit Russia’s income.

    Britain and the EU said they would also work to lower the cap, which imposes far less of a discount on Russian oil now that global prices have fallen this year.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi pays tributes to Rajiv Gandhi on his 34th death anniversary

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on the occasion of his 34th death anniversary.

    Rajiv Gandhi, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989, assumed office following the assassination of his mother, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At the age of 40, he became the youngest Prime Minister in Indian history.

    In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “On his death anniversary today, I pay my tributes to our former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi Ji.”

    Rajiv Gandhi led the country until the 1989 general elections, after which he served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He resigned in December 1990, just six months before he himself was assassinated in a brutal terrorist attack.

    Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also took to X and paid homage to the former Prime Minister.

    “Remembering former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his punyatithi today,” he posted on X.

    Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge lead the Congress party in paying heartfelt tributes to the former leader at Veer Bhumi in New Delhi.

    Marking the occasion, the Congress party shared a tribute on X, stating, “On the death anniversary of the late Shri Rajiv Gandhi, the leader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi visited ‘Veer Bhumi’ and paid his emotional tribute to him. The excellent work done by Rajiv Gandhi in the national interest can never be forgotten.”

    Earlier in the day, Mallikarjun Kharge also paid homage to the former leader through a post on X, calling Rajiv Gandhi “a great son of India” who inspired hope among millions.

    He wrote, “His visionary and courageous interventions were instrumental in preparing India for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.”

    Kharge highlighted some of Rajiv Gandhi’s key contributions to India, stating, “These include lowering the voting age to 18, strengthening Panchayati Raj, spearheading the Telecom and IT revolution, implementing a computerisation program, securing sustained peace accords, launching a universal immunisation program, and introducing a new education policy focused on inclusive learning.”

    He concluded his tribute stating, “Our deepest respects to the Former PM, Bharat Ratna, Rajiv Gandhi on his martyrdom day.”

    (IANS)