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Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Utility provides feedback on sale of Eskom Finance Company

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Friday, July 11, 2025

    Eskom and African Bank have signed agreements for the sale of Eskom Finance Company SOC Limited.

    “As announced in the Stock Exchange News Service (SENS) notice on 5 December 2024, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd accepted a binding offer from African Bank Limited (African Bank) for the acquisition of Eskom Finance Company SOC Limited (EFC) staff home loan portfolio, related assets, and Eskom’s stake in Nqaba Finance 1 (RF) Limited (the Disposal).

    “The parties have now signed the sale agreements, satisfying a key condition of the transaction, along with several other preliminary requirements,” said Eskom.

    In December, the parties were in the process of concluding a sale and purchase agreement with the disposal being subject to various conditions precedent, including board and regulatory approvals.

    In an update on Thursday, the power utility said the milestone will see it and African Bank proceed to submit the necessary filings to the Competition Commission for regulatory approval.

    “Finalising the sale agreements marks a significant step in Eskom’s journey to streamline operations and focus on its core mandate. This transaction not only supports our strategic goals but also fulfils one of the conditions set by the National Treasury under the debt relief programme, which requires the disposal of non-core assets.

    “We appreciate the constructive engagement with African Bank and remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition that delivers value to our stakeholders,” said Eskom’s Chief Financial Officer, Calib Cassim.

    Eskom said it remains committed to transparent communication and will continue to update stakeholders as the transaction progresses. –SAnews.gov.za

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 11, 2025
  • Heavy rainfall likely in MP, southern UP, eastern Rajasthan: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over central and adjoining northwest India for the next four to five days, with possibility of very heavy rainfall over southern Uttar Pradesh today, eastern Rajasthan from July 11 to 15, and Madhya Pradesh between July 11 and 14. Uttarakhand is also expected to receive significant rainfall on July 15 and 16.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In the Delhi-NCR region, the weather will remain relatively moderate with intermittent rainfall over the coming days.

    Today, the sky is expected to remain generally cloudy with light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Maximum temperatures will range between 31°C and 33°C, which is 2 to 4°C below normal. Winds will predominantly blow from the northwest at speeds below 15 kmph in the afternoon, decreasing to 8–12 kmph from the northeast by evening and night.

    On July 12, the region will experience partly cloudy skies with very light to light rain and occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures are likely to range between 34°C and 36°C during the day and 24°C to 26°C at night. The minimum temperature will be 1 to 3°C below normal, while the maximum temperature will remain near normal. Winds will be from the northwest, starting below 20 kmph in the morning and gradually slowing to under 12 kmph by night.

    July 13 is expected to bring partly cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures will hover between 35°C and 37°C, and nighttime temperatures between 25°C and 27°C. The minimum temperature will be slightly below normal, while the maximum will be near normal. Winds will shift from the north in the morning to the southeast by evening, with speeds staying under 15 kmph.

    On July 14, the weather will remain partly cloudy with light rain and thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures will range from 32°C to 34°C, slightly below normal, while minimum temperatures will be near normal, between 23°C and 25°C. Winds will begin from the southeast at less than 15 kmph in the morning, picking up slightly in the afternoon and easing again in the evening from the east.

     

    July 11, 2025
  • We missed no targets in Pakistan; not even a glass pane broken in India: NSA Doval on Operation Sindoor

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Friday delivered a sharp rebuke to the foreign media’s reporting on Operation Sindoor, challenging it to produce any credible evidence of damage on the Indian side.

    Speaking at the 62nd convocation of IIT Madras, Doval praised the Indian armed forces for carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in under 23 minutes.

    Doval said satellite imagery provided clear proof of what happened between May 6 and May 10, yet foreign outlets continued to claim there was damage on the Indian side — without being able to produce a single image, not even of a broken window.

    “Foreign press said that Pakistan did this and that. You show me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage done to any Indian structure — even a glass pane being broken,” Doval stressed.

    “These satellite images are available all over the world. They (The New York Times and others) brought out images and published them. The images only showed that 13 airbases in Pakistan before and after May 10 were destroyed, whether in Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan or Chaklala,” he said.

    “I am only telling you what the foreign media put out on the basis of imagery — where is the damage? We are capable of doing that (destroying terror bases and inflicting damage on Pakistani airbases),” Doval added.

    Indian security forces launched Operation Sindoor in the intervening night of May 6–7, decimating nine terror camps, including the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, inside Pakistan as well as in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

    The strikes were carried out in retaliation for the deadly terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, in which Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 civilians.

    —IANS

    July 11, 2025
  • NHAI tightens norms for reporting and blacklisting ‘Loose FASTags’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has strengthened its mechanism for reporting and blacklisting ‘Loose FASTags’ – commonly referred to as “tag-in-hand” – in a bid to enhance tolling efficiency and ensure the authenticity of FASTag usage.

    As India gears up for initiatives like the Annual Pass System and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, the move aims to curb misuse and operational disruptions caused by FASTags that are not affixed to vehicle windscreens.

    Such practices have led to lane congestion, false chargebacks, and misuse in closed-loop systems, hampering the overall efficiency of the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) network.

    To tackle the issue, NHAI has issued instructions to toll collecting agencies and concessionaires to promptly report loose FASTags via a dedicated email ID. Based on these reports, the authority will take swift action to blacklist or hotlist the identified tags.

    With a FASTag penetration rate of over 98%, NHAI’s latest move is expected to further streamline toll operations and ensure seamless travel for National Highway users.

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over £1bn in investment deals as UK-France launch new Industrial Strategy Partnership

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Over £1bn in investment deals as UK-France launch new Industrial Strategy Partnership

    The UK and France have launched a new Industrial Strategy Partnership following a successful UK-France Summit, where over £1 billion worth of investment deals into the UK have been confirmed.

    • New Partnership is first of its kind in Europe, boosting UK-France collaboration in key high growth sectors.   

    • Follows a successful UK-France Summit, where leading firms announced a billion pounds worth of investment creating thousands of highly skilled jobs.  

    • Deals are the latest vote of confidence and show the Plan for Change is working – as recent survey puts UK as joint-top global investment destination.   

    A new partnership between the UK and France will deepen economic collaboration and unlock billions in valuable investment into high growth-driving sectors – boosting the economy and delivering on the Plan for Change. 

    The announcement comes following yesterday’s 37th UK-France Summit, where leading French companies announced investments worth over £1 billion into the UK, creating thousands of highly-skilled jobs across the country – helping to put more money in people’s pockets. 

    This builds on the tidal wave of investment the government has welcomed into the UK since taking Office, worth over £100 billion, alongside 384,000 jobs created since the election. 

    The partnership forms part of the UK’s recent modern Industrial Strategy – a new approach that will create a more connected, high-skilled and resilient economy to kickstart an era of economic prosperity, the central mission in the government’s Plan for Change. 

    This partnership is a collaboration in key growth sectors including in technology, clean energy industries and advanced manufacturing, supporting a quicker green and digital transition and building our economic resilience to drive economic growth and innovation. 

    It advances a cross-Channel trade relationship worth £104 billion in 2024 and reaffirms the UK’s position as a global investment destination, the same week a Deloitte survey found that international finance leaders see the UK as the joint-most attractive destination when it comes to investment. 

    It also builds on the strong collaboration which already exists between the UK and France across vital areas including energy, aviation, tech and finance – all of which fall under the key growth sectors identified in the government’s modern Industrial Strategy. 

    Today’s announcement follows Wednesday’s roundtable attended by leading French and British firms hosted by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, French Economy, Finance and Industry Minister Eric Lombard and French Digital Affairs Minister Clara Chappaz.  

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:  

    This is our first Industrial Strategy Partnership with a major European partner, and will combine our joint expertise across energy, advanced manufacturing, technology and more, helping deliver our Plan for Change by boosting growth to deliver more money in people’s pockets.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    This milestone is an exciting new chapter in our already strong relationship with France and will boost both countries’ key sectors by driving two-way innovation and investment, delivering on our Plan for Change.”  

    Our Modern Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to kickstart an era of economic prosperity and this partnership will serve as a welcome anchor at a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty. It is built on the best of foundations, with both our businesses and citizens sharing deep links.

    Today’s deals show that the UK is open for international companies to expand their businesses in a wide range of priority sectors, including:  

    • Veolia has announced a £70 million investment to transform an existing, disused industrial facility to a state-of-the-art plastics sorting and recycling facility in Shropshire, creating more than 130 local jobs. 

    • Thales, in conjunction with partners, is planning £40 million of AI-focussed R&D investment as part of its CortAIx UK AI Accelerator, which will employ 200 people. 

    • Comand AI are investing £35 million over the next five years to set up an office in the UK, in their first step to becoming a pan-European defence company.  

    • Pernod Ricard is investing a further £17.5 million in its Scotch whisky producer, Chivas Brothers, to create two new bottling lines at its Kilmalid site near Glasgow.   

    • LVMH will operate at least twenty Sephora stores by 2028, with a need of 800 additional recruitments.   

    • EDF confirmed earlier this week that thousands of UK jobs and apprenticeships will be created as it announced it will take a 12.5% stake in Sizewell C – in a major boost for UK growth and energy security. Assystem will double its nuclear workforce in the UK, creating 1,000 new engineering, digital and project management jobs. Urenco also signed a 15-year deal with EDF to produce fuel for nuclear power stations, supporting Urenco UK’s workforce of more than 1,400 people. 

    • French company Ardian has also in the last week finalised its acquisition of an additional 10% stake in London Heathrow as a gateway for growth with a further £888 million investment, taking their investment into the airport to £2.85 billion, supporting the site’s 80,000 jobs.  

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds also met with French Economy, Finance and Industry Minister Éric Lombard yesterday, to discuss the importance of French investment in the UK and how this new partnership will enable more collaboration in key sectors such as clean energy, tech and economic resilience. 

    UK companies are also continuing to succeed in the French market, delivering on the government’s AI opportunities action plan, from capability to R&D. British tech unicorns are winning tens of millions of pounds in significant contracts with French corporates, driving jobs and growth at home. 

    This includes Synthesia’s new partnership with Decathlon to create a pioneering AI avatar lab, ElevenLabs’ collaboration with M6 and TV5 Monde, and Darktrace’s contract with GL Events, a French major events operator. BT is also connecting more than 80 French-headquartered companies including Alstom and Michelin in France, with operations totalling approximately £130 million last financial year. 

    The refresh of the Lancaster House defence partnership is also creating new opportunities in the UK’s aerospace and defence sectors, supporting over 2,750 highly skilled jobs and representing billions to the UK and French economies through joint export promotion and capability projects which benefit the UK’s defence industries, including MBDA and Airbus. 

    The agreement with France follows the Industrial Strategy Partnership committed to between the UK and Japan in March, preceding publication of the Strategy in June.

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    Published 11 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Be prepared as agency issues Amber alert for hot weather

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    It will be in force from 12pm today (Friday 11 July, 2025) until 9am on Tuesday 14 July, 2025, with the warmest weather forecast to climb to over 30C over the next 48 hours.

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that the hot weather is likely to bring increased pressures on health and social care services, could lead to a possible rise in deaths – particularly among those aged 65 or over or with health conditions – and is a health risk to the wider population.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures such as those forecast over the coming days can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.

    “Everyone can enjoy the sun safely by keeping out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoiding sunburn and staying hydrated with plenty of cool, non-alcoholic drinks.

    “Older people and those with long term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so I’d urge people to look out for them and keep indoor areas as cool as possible.”

    Top tips for being sun safe include:

    • try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
    • wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least sun protection factor 15 with UVA protection
    • wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes, a hat and light scarf, which will help minimise the risk of sunburn
    • drink plenty of water – and note that sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated
    • look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as the older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
    • never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
    • avoid deep water, such as canals and lakes
    • keep bedroom and living space cool by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening windows at cooler times of the day and overnight. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat
    • health and social care workers should regularly check on vulnerable patients, share sun safety messages, make sure room temperatures are set below 26°C and ensure patients have access to cold water and ice.

    For more advice, please visit Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather.

    To keep an eye on the weather forecast for Wolverhampton, visit Met Office.

    There are 4 levels of warning deployed by UKHSA – Green, Yellow, Amber and Red – an amber warning means the whole health service is likely to be affected by the hot weather.

    Among examples given by UKHSA are difficulties managing medicines, the ability of the workforce to deliver services and internal temperatures in care settings exceeding the recommended thresholds.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dame Dorothy Street resurfacing works

    Source: City of Sunderland

    We collect anonymous web statistics from our website to help us understand how many people access it, how it is used, and to help us improve the user experience of our website. We use Google Analytics to do this. They store several cookies on users’ computers or mobiles which are used to collect information to analyse which parts of the site are most useful to our visitors. We also use this kind of cookie to track errors and missing files. The information is used only for web analytics and no personal details are stored.

    The information we collect includes:

    • The name of your internet service provider and the internet protocol (IP) address you are using. This may or may not identify a specific computer.
    • The date and time you visit our website, and the pages you look at.
    • The internet address of any websites which have linked you directly to our site.

    To opt out of being tracked by Google Analytics across all websites visit http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

    For more information visit Google’s privacy and terms

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE Educational Programs Presented at INNOPROM-2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The site may not display correctly in older browser versions. For optimal site experience, we recommend using a modern browser.

    We use cookies to improve the HSE website and make it more convenient to use. More detailed information about the use of cookies can be foundHere, our rules for processing personal data are –Here. By continuing to use the site, you confirm that you have been informed of the use of cookies by the HSE website and agree with our rules for processing personal data. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.

    ABC ABC ABC A A A A A

    Regular version of the site

    Date

    July 11

    Headings

    The article mentions

    Persons

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Five people, including newlyweds, killed in road accident in Afghanistan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KABUL, July 11 (Xinhua) — Five people, including a newlywed couple, were killed and another injured in a road accident in Afghanistan’s northern Badakhshan province on Thursday evening, regional police spokesman Ehsanullah Kamgar said on Friday.

    According to him, the accident occurred in Kasham district on Thursday night when the newlyweds were driving home. Five people died on the spot. E. Kamgar said careless driving was the cause of the accident.

    A woman from the same family suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, a police spokesman said.

    On July 6, in the eastern province of Panjshir, three people were killed and seven were injured in a similar incident. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: China will play constructive role in promoting dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia: Wang Yi

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Xinhua) — China and Thailand celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2025, and China is willing to work with Thailand to advance the building of a community with a shared future to a higher level, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said during talks with Thai Foreign Minister Marit Sangyampong on the sidelines of the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here on Thursday.

    Wang Yi told his interlocutor that China is ready to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and de-escalating border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

    The construction of a China-Thailand community with a shared future continues to advance. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the “golden jubilee of China-Thailand friendship,” he said.

    China firmly supports Thailand in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and always gives priority to China-Thailand ties in its diplomatic relations with neighbors, Wang said. China is willing to work with Thailand to bring the building of a community with a shared future to a higher and more meaningful level, he added.

    The Chinese minister advocated closer alignment of development strategies and further integration of interests between the two sides, proposing to build new growth engines in areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, cross-border e-commerce and green development to support the modernization efforts of both countries. He also called for accelerating the construction of the China-Thailand railway to give full play to the stimulating effect of model large-scale projects and realize the vision of interconnected development among China, Laos and Thailand.

    On global trade, Wang Yi stressed that the US had undermined the free trade system and disrupted global production and supply chains by imposing tariffs unilaterally. He expressed confidence that Thailand and other ASEAN countries would protect their legitimate interests and oppose unilateralism, power politics and bullying. Beijing intends to sign the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 protocol by the end of the year to expand the common market and demonstrate joint support for WTO rules and the multilateral trading system through concrete actions, the minister added.

    Touching upon the border issue between Thailand and Cambodia, Wang Yi noted that both countries are good neighbors and friends of China. He expressed hope that the parties will resolve the issue through dialogue and consultations in good faith, striving to de-escalate tensions and restore stability as soon as possible. China will adhere to an objective and impartial position and play a constructive role in promoting peaceful relations between the two countries, the Foreign Minister added.

    In turn, M. Sangyampong said that China is a reliable friend of Thailand. Over the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the countries have maintained mutual trust and respected each other’s core interests, he stressed. The principle of “Thailand and China are as close as one family” has stood the test of time, and the construction of a Thai-Chinese community with a common destiny continues to bear rich fruit, the minister added.

    Thailand firmly adheres to the one-China principle and looks forward to strengthening high-level exchanges and practical cooperation in the areas of connectivity, trade, agriculture and combating transnational crime, Sangyampong said.

    Bangkok firmly supports multilateralism and the multilateral trading system and calls for an early restoration of normal trading order, he said.

    Border and territorial issues should not be resolved by force, the Foreign Minister stressed, expressing gratitude to China for its objective and balanced position on disputes, as well as for its mediation role and efforts to promote dialogue. Thailand is ready to resolve disputes with Cambodia through bilateral channels in the spirit of good neighborliness and goodwill, M. Sangyamphong said. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Canada to continue trade talks with US until August 1 – PM

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    OTTAWA, July 11 (Xinhua) — Canada will continue trade talks with the United States until a new deadline of Aug. 1, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday.

    During the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has stood firm in protecting the interests of workers and businesses, he wrote on social media. “We will continue to do so as we work through the new August 1 deadline,” the politician added.

    Canada has made significant progress in combating the spread of fentanyl in North America, Carney said. Ottawa is committed to continuing to work with Washington to save lives and protect communities in both countries, the Canadian prime minister said.

    “We are building a strong Canada. The federal government, provinces and territories are making significant progress in building a unified Canadian economy,” the premier said, adding that Canada must strengthen its trading partnerships around the world.

    US President Donald Trump announced earlier on Thursday that he would impose a 35 percent tariff on imports from Canada starting August 1.

    D. Trump published a letter addressed to M. Carney on his own social network Truth Social, in which he criticized Canada for retaliatory measures against previous American tariffs.

    The American leader noted that the new tariff was imposed because of the flow of fentanyl from Canada to the United States, as well as alleged unfair trade practices. The head of the White House said he would consider adjusting the tariff if Canada cooperated with the United States to stop fentanyl smuggling.

    The Trump administration previously imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods, but later made an exception for products covered by the U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade agreement. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: US Tariffs Could Trigger Brazil’s Economic Reciprocity Law – L.I. Lula da Silva

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    SAO PAULO, July 11 (Xinhua) — The United States’ imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian imports could trigger the country’s economic reciprocity law, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Thursday.

    If the 50 percent tariff goes into effect on August 1, the Brazilian government will invoke the provisions of the law while maintaining the possibility of negotiations, the president added.

    “But if the negotiations fail, the law on economic reciprocity will be invoked. If he /D. Trump/ takes 50 percent from us, we will also take 50 percent from him,” the Brazilian president said in an interview with the local television channel RecordTV.

    For the past 15 years, Brazil has had a trade deficit with the United States, its second-largest trading partner, he said. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mongolian President Opens National Naadam Festival

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    ULAN BATOR, July 11 (Xinhua) — Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh on Friday delivered a speech at the official opening ceremony of the national Naadam festival 2025.

    He stated that Naadam is a precious heritage of state administration, history and culture, a symbol of the unity, independence and prosperity of the Mongolian people, the spiritual strength of the Mongolian nation, the great joy of the Mongolian people and a majestic holiday of the Mongolian state.

    “I would like to extend our best wishes to the festival guests who are looking forward to the unique Naadam festival,” said U. Khurelsukh.

    The Naadam Festival, which is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site, is an official holiday in Mongolia. It is celebrated throughout Mongolia every year from July 11 to 15. The celebration includes horse racing, wrestling competitions, and archery. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Development Bureau imposes regulating action on contractor involved in fatal industrial incident at non-governmental construction site in Chek Lap Kok

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Development Bureau imposes regulating action on contractor involved in fatal industrial incident at non-governmental construction site in Chek Lap Kok 
    The DEVB, being the party to procure services for public works, attaches great importance to the site safety performance of all construction sites under the purview of contractors on the List, regardless of whether the sites are public works construction sites or not. The DEVB issued a notification to the contractor concerned today to suspend it from tendering for public works contracts in the roads and drainage category with immediate effect pursuant to the regulating regime. The contractor concerned has to conduct an independent safety audit to review its safety management system. Taking cognisance of the outcome of the independent safety audit, the contractor is required to submit an improvement action plan and implement improvement measures, with a view to demonstrating that it has an effective safety management system before the lifting of the suspension from tendering can be considered. The suspension from tendering is not only confined to future tender exercises but is also applicable to tender exercises with procedures initiated but not concluded.
     
    The Labour Department is investigating this industrial incident and will handle it in accordance with the law. Subject to the investigation findings, the DEVB may impose further regulating actions on the contractor concerned later on, including extension of the period of suspension from tendering for public works contracts and even removal from the List.
    Issued at HKT 17:35

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Census and Statistics Department wins Outstanding Gold Award in Privacy-Friendly Awards for second consecutive time (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Census and Statistics Department wins Outstanding Gold Award in Privacy-Friendly Awards for second consecutive time  
    The Commissioner for Census and Statistics, Mr Leo Yu, attended the awards presentation ceremony yesterday (July 10) and exchanged insights with representatives from other award-winning enterprises, public and privacy organisations, as well as government departments on their efforts to safeguard personal data privacy.
     
    Mr Yu said, “By upholding the values of respect for privacy and commitment to excellence, the C&SD has long been maintaining momentum for improvement. The department has been implementing various measures to continuously enhance personal data privacy and data security. Colleagues of all ranks of the department will continue to be committed to a high standard of personal data protection and data security. The general public can feel secure in providing data to us, for compiling relevant and accurate statistics. The statistics will be used by the Government as references when formulating public policies, and also be used by various sectors of society. The public can thus contribute together to the social and economic development of Hong Kong by this means.”
         
    The Privacy-Friendly Awards, organised by the PCPD, aims to recognise the efforts made by enterprises, public and private organisations as well as government departments in protecting personal data privacy. There are four categories of the Privacy-Friendly Awards, which are Outstanding Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards, with new special awards introduced this year to commend organisations for their outstanding performance in the relevant aspects of protecting personal data privacy.
     
    For details on personal data privacy protection at the C&SD, please visit: www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/page_1083.htmlIssued at HKT 17:45

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Have your say on council Housing Allocations Policy

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The official public consultation is now open and will run until Wednesday 3 September, 2025.

    The allocations policy outlines how the council prioritises and allocates housing to applicants, in accordance with Section 166A of the Housing Act 1996. It ensures that homes are allocated fairly and transparently to those in the greatest need.

    Significant changes were last introduced in 2021. However, further updates are now being proposed to:

    • Ensure the policy remains aligned with its core objectives
    • Reflect current legislation, government policy, and statutory guidance
    • Maintain a strong focus on those with the most urgent housing needs
    • Support regeneration initiatives and the delivery of new homes
    • Help prevent homelessness and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation

    City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “We are delivering better homes for local people across the city and improving council housing.

    “Of course, due to national factors and the financial pressures all councils are facing, we have limited housing stock – and this consultation is a vital piece of work to help frame how we best go about allocating our council homes.

    “It is important people have their say and I would urge them to take part in the consultation on this policy, which addresses the challenges being experienced by residents.

    “The objective is to ensure local people with the greatest housing need have the best opportunity to access suitable housing that best meets their needs, in a fair and transparent way.”

    To take part in the consultation, please visit Housing Allocations Policy.

    In addition, there will be in person events across the city to speak directly with residents, stakeholders, and partners. Dates and venues for these events will be confirmed and advertised during the consultation period.

    All feedback gathered during the consultation will be thoroughly reviewed and carefully considered. The insights shared will directly inform the development of the revised policy, ensuring it reflects the needs, priorities, and aspirations of residents and communities.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: RUDN University Master and His Wife Win the Title of “Best Student Family in Russia”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peoples’Friendship University of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry and Diana Gubina, a future landscape architect and educational program methodologist, met at a summer camp in Kazan. There, the boys fell in love, got married after school, and went to study at Moscow universities. On Family, Love, and Fidelity Day, their couple won the Best Student Family of Russia competition.

    The competition took place from April 21 to July 8, with a total of 210 couples taking part. At the first stage, the jury assessed the participants’ portfolios and their video business cards.

    “Diana and I attached our diplomas with achievements to the portfolio. My wife has the status of a silver and gold medalist of the student competition “I am a professional”, she is a student of the Moscow City Pedagogical University. I attached my honors bachelor’s degree from RUDN and successes in grant competitions and olympiads. There was nothing super creative in our video business card, we just sincerely and heartily told about ourselves,” – Dmitry Gubin (Landscape Architecture, Master, 2nd year).

    Love and charity

    Dmitry and Diana are not only gnawing at the granite of science together, but are also involved in a charity project. The couple created an autonomous non-profit organization, the Educational Center STEP. The organization provides free education and exam preparation for schoolchildren from low-income families and families in difficult life situations, orphans and children from orphanages. “We also have mentoring programs. During group classes, children develop their flexible skills, and mentors help them choose interesting areas for study, participate in competitions, and get vouchers to children’s centers. Recently, our ANO received a grant from Rosmolodezh for 500 thousand rubles,” — Dmitry Gubin (Landscape Architecture, Master’s student, 2nd year).

    Such an important project could not leave the jury members indifferent. Dmitry and Diana made it to the finals, where they competed with 28 other couples on the Gzhel State University site in the Moscow region from July 6 to 8.

    Parade of talents

    In the final, the children took part in intellectual games, demonstrated their physical fitness and even prepared several delicious dishes.

    “We passed the GTO standards: we pumped up our abs, lifted weights, did push-ups… Then there was the creative numbers stage. We told the story of our family through dance, which was accompanied by audio and video. And we presented the jury with pine cone jam, because this is our tradition – every year we collect pine cones and make jam. Another creative stage was a master class, where my wife and I created wax candles. We added aromatic oils, dried lavender and currants to them to make our work unique. And in the culinary talents competition, my wife and I prepared a “Sunny” salad, similar to the Greek one, cucumber and cream cheese rolls in the form of snails and a fruit dessert,” – Dmitry Gubin (Landscape Architecture, Master’s degree, 2nd year).

    Family trail

    An important stage of the final was teamwork with other participants of the competition. The contestants were divided into groups and developed proposals for organizing all-Russian educational and leisure events for students. The ideas that made it into the top 3 were presented at the plenary session to the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia Olga Petrova.

    “Our team presented the project “Family Path”: this is a festival in the form of a journey through time for young families and couples. Its essence is to allow participants to immerse themselves in the life of different peoples of the country through historical and ethnographic reconstruction, as well as to study their crafts and customs. We also proposed to establish an all-Russian Family Center. Families will be able to come here for festivals, training courses and meetings dedicated to the history, crafts and way of life of their ancestors,” – Dmitry Gubin (Landscape Architecture, Master’s student, 2nd year).

    Students’ initiatives will be implemented within the framework of the federal project “Family Support”.

    Cruiser to the future

    The RUDN Agrarian and Technological Institute is proud of the married couple’s victory.

    “Dmitry is an excellent student not only in terms of his studies, but also in matters of extracurricular activities. He annually takes part in grant stories and Olympiads, successfully combines his studies in the Master’s program and his professional path. In a word, he is the pride of the institute. And now he and his wife have the title of “Best Student Family of Russia”. I want to wish Dmitry and Diana not to stop there, because they have a huge number of bright and memorable moments of family life ahead of them. I am glad that for the guys, family is not just a stamp in the passport, but a real cruiser paving the way to the future,” – Alexandra Dmitrieva, Deputy Director for Work with Students of the RUDN Agrarian and Technological Institute.

    The competition “The Best Student Family of Russia” was held within the framework of the federal project “Family Support” of the national project “Family”.

    Organizers:

    Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation; Tambov State University named after G.R. Derzhavin.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 11, 2025
  • 798 people killed while receiving aid in Gaza, says UN human rights office

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The U.N. human rights office said on Friday that it had recorded at least 798 killings both at aid points run by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and near humanitarian convoys run by other relief groups, including the U.N.

    The GHF uses private U.S. security and logistics companies to get supplies into Gaza, largely bypassing a U.N.-led system that Israel says had let militants divert aid.

    The United Nations has called the plan “inherently unsafe” and a violation of humanitarian impartiality rules.

    “Up until the seventh of July, we’ve recorded now 798 killings, including 615 in the vicinity of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites, and 183 presumably on the route of aid convoys,” OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.

    The GHF began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May and has repeatedly denied that incidents had occurred at its sites.

    -Reuters

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/VIETNAM – Summer training courses for Vietnamese catechists are on the rise

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Andrew Doan Thanh PhongBac Ninh (Agenzia Fides) – In Vietnam, all pupils across the country have a 3-month summer vacation from June to August, and catechism classes are also on summer vacation. Therefore, catechists also have a break after 9 months of teaching catechism to children. This is also a reasonable time for catechists to improve their professional knowledge in teaching catechism. For that reason, most parishes across the country organize short-term courses for catechists.Recently, at the Pastoral Center of Bac Ninh Diocese, the Diocesan Catechetical Committee organized a summer training course for Catechists in the year 2025 for some parishes in the diocese. At the beginning of the training day, Father Dominic Nguyen Nhu Khue shared about the current situation of catechism teaching in the diocese, emphasizing the need to innovate content, methods and lesson plans to suit the current pastoral situation. He also affirmed: “The essential role of the team of catechist is as ‘bridges’ to bring the Word of God to children, and catechists should become people who inspire catechism learning through their living testimony and dedicated service”.In the current digital age today, young people are absorbed in their mobile phones playing games and participating in social networking sites. The Catechism Pedagogy presented by the nuns in the course do not only provide basic knowledge but also open up flexible approaches that are suitable for each locality and each specific group of students.In the homily at the opening Mas of the course training Catechism for 80 catechists in Bui Chu Diocese in Northern Vietnam, Father Joseph Nguyen Trong Tinh – in charge of the Committee for Catechism, mentioned the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelization. He said: “The Holy Spirit was the power that helps the apostles courageously go out to preach the Gospel despite the danger and the same for catechists, they need the help of the Holy Spirit.”According to statistics, the number of Catholics in Vietnam today is about 7,294,713 people, accounting for 7.21% of the population in 27 dioceses, of which there are about 56,133 catechists. They are a very important part of the parish, teaching catechism to children from 4 to 18 years old. Depending on the specific situation, the number of students and catechists in each parish is different. In addition to male and female religious, most of the catechists are parishioners who volunteer to serve the work of teaching catechism. The training and selection of catechists are also flexible in The Church of Vietnam, they are directly managed by the parish priest and under the guidance of male and female religious in tern of knowledge and skills to teach catechism to the parish’s children.Also in Hai Phong Diocese, in the north Vietnam, the Catechetical Committee organized training courses of catechetical pedagogy to the diocesan parishes with the participation of 140 catechists. Ms. Mary Magdalene Pham Thi Thuy – The Secretary of the Catechetical Committee of the Archdiocese of Saigon – introduced to the fundamental contents of catechetical pedagogy such as: principles of teaching, skills in presenting the Word of God, and methods of approaching children in the new era. In addition, the catechists also learned important topics such as: Psychology of children, methods of preparing lessons, and especially the presentation of the Word of God in relation with the inner life of prayer.Father Peter Hoang Van Do, Head of the Catechetical Committee, advised and invited each catechist to become a living witness of the Word of God in the environment of faith education. The mission of a catechist – he said – is also to be a companion, a sower of faith and a bridge connecting children with Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to help children truly encounter the Word of God in a living way. (Agenzia Fides, 11/7/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/VIETNAM – Summer training courses for Vietnamese catechists are on the rise

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Andrew Doan Thanh PhongBac Ninh (Agenzia Fides) – In Vietnam, all pupils across the country have a 3-month summer vacation from June to August, and catechism classes are also on summer vacation. Therefore, catechists also have a break after 9 months of teaching catechism to children. This is also a reasonable time for catechists to improve their professional knowledge in teaching catechism. For that reason, most parishes across the country organize short-term courses for catechists.Recently, at the Pastoral Center of Bac Ninh Diocese, the Diocesan Catechetical Committee organized a summer training course for Catechists in the year 2025 for some parishes in the diocese. At the beginning of the training day, Father Dominic Nguyen Nhu Khue shared about the current situation of catechism teaching in the diocese, emphasizing the need to innovate content, methods and lesson plans to suit the current pastoral situation. He also affirmed: “The essential role of the team of catechist is as ‘bridges’ to bring the Word of God to children, and catechists should become people who inspire catechism learning through their living testimony and dedicated service”.In the current digital age today, young people are absorbed in their mobile phones playing games and participating in social networking sites. The Catechism Pedagogy presented by the nuns in the course do not only provide basic knowledge but also open up flexible approaches that are suitable for each locality and each specific group of students.In the homily at the opening Mas of the course training Catechism for 80 catechists in Bui Chu Diocese in Northern Vietnam, Father Joseph Nguyen Trong Tinh – in charge of the Committee for Catechism, mentioned the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelization. He said: “The Holy Spirit was the power that helps the apostles courageously go out to preach the Gospel despite the danger and the same for catechists, they need the help of the Holy Spirit.”According to statistics, the number of Catholics in Vietnam today is about 7,294,713 people, accounting for 7.21% of the population in 27 dioceses, of which there are about 56,133 catechists. They are a very important part of the parish, teaching catechism to children from 4 to 18 years old. Depending on the specific situation, the number of students and catechists in each parish is different. In addition to male and female religious, most of the catechists are parishioners who volunteer to serve the work of teaching catechism. The training and selection of catechists are also flexible in The Church of Vietnam, they are directly managed by the parish priest and under the guidance of male and female religious in tern of knowledge and skills to teach catechism to the parish’s children.Also in Hai Phong Diocese, in the north Vietnam, the Catechetical Committee organized training courses of catechetical pedagogy to the diocesan parishes with the participation of 140 catechists. Ms. Mary Magdalene Pham Thi Thuy – The Secretary of the Catechetical Committee of the Archdiocese of Saigon – introduced to the fundamental contents of catechetical pedagogy such as: principles of teaching, skills in presenting the Word of God, and methods of approaching children in the new era. In addition, the catechists also learned important topics such as: Psychology of children, methods of preparing lessons, and especially the presentation of the Word of God in relation with the inner life of prayer.Father Peter Hoang Van Do, Head of the Catechetical Committee, advised and invited each catechist to become a living witness of the Word of God in the environment of faith education. The mission of a catechist – he said – is also to be a companion, a sower of faith and a bridge connecting children with Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to help children truly encounter the Word of God in a living way. (Agenzia Fides, 11/7/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 11, 2025
  • India’s creator economy set to shape a trillion-dollar future

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At WAVES 2025, a new report by the Boston Consulting Group grabbed the spotlight, drawing the attention of policymakers, creators, and investors. The report revealed that India’s creator economy is already driving more than $350 billion in consumer spending, a number expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030.

    Titled From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy, the report paints a vivid picture of a nation in the midst of a creative and commercial boom. With 2 to 2.5 million active creators—defined as individuals with more than 1,000 followers—India is home to one of the world’s largest and youngest digital communities. But what’s most striking is the current monetization gap. Only 8 to 10 percent of these creators are earning meaningful income from their content, revealing a vast reserve of untapped potential that may well become the fuel for the next stage of India’s economic growth story.

    The report underscores the sweeping influence creators now hold over consumer decisions. Over 30 percent of purchases are directly shaped by digital content—ranging from short-form videos to long-format storytelling, tutorials, product reviews, and live streams. Comedy, film, fashion, and serials remain the dominant genres, but the expansion into new content territories like gaming, wellness, and finance is reshaping how India learns, shops, and interacts.

    What makes this shift even more profound is how it is transcending generational and geographic lines. No longer confined to Gen Z or urban metros, the creator ecosystem is reaching deep into smaller towns, regional markets, and older demographics. The emergence of multilingual creators and regional influencers has catalyzed a more inclusive digital marketplace—one that mirrors the real India in all its complexity and diversity.

    For brands and marketers, this evolution has not just altered strategies; it has flipped the entire funnel. Traditional advertising methods are being replaced or supplemented by more agile, creative, and targeted forms of engagement. Campaigns are now designed with creators at the core—allowing for faster content production, greater freedom of expression, and improved metrics through outcome-based testing. Virtual gifting, live commerce, subscription models, and fan-funded initiatives are rising as new revenue streams, giving creators both financial agency and deeper community ownership.

    WAVES 2025 served as the perfect launchpad for this new digital vision. With its ambitious scope covering media, technology, and storytelling, the summit highlighted how India’s creator economy is not merely an offshoot of the entertainment sector, it is the engine powering a new form of commerce and cultural diplomacy. As discussions ranged from AI in filmmaking to the future of AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), one theme emerged with clarity: creators are not just influencing trends—they are shaping the market.

    Investors are recalibrating strategies to fund content-driven startups. Policy frameworks are being debated to offer protections and incentives for digital freelancers. Education platforms are rolling out creator economy courses. And most significantly, creators across India—from school-going influencers in Raipur to AI-powered illustrators in Chennai—are beginning to realize their role not just as entertainers, but as economic contributors.

    The trillion-dollar forecast is not a distant dream—it is a pathway already in motion. With the right mix of innovation, infrastructure, and inclusivity, India’s creator economy could become one of its most significant exports. And as the world turns its eyes toward this new digital juggernaut, one thing is certain: India is no longer just telling stories. It is rewriting the script of global influence—one post, one video, one idea at a time.

    July 11, 2025
  • India’s creator economy set to shape a trillion-dollar future

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At WAVES 2025, a new report by the Boston Consulting Group grabbed the spotlight, drawing the attention of policymakers, creators, and investors. The report revealed that India’s creator economy is already driving more than $350 billion in consumer spending, a number expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030.

    Titled From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy, the report paints a vivid picture of a nation in the midst of a creative and commercial boom. With 2 to 2.5 million active creators—defined as individuals with more than 1,000 followers—India is home to one of the world’s largest and youngest digital communities. But what’s most striking is the current monetization gap. Only 8 to 10 percent of these creators are earning meaningful income from their content, revealing a vast reserve of untapped potential that may well become the fuel for the next stage of India’s economic growth story.

    The report underscores the sweeping influence creators now hold over consumer decisions. Over 30 percent of purchases are directly shaped by digital content—ranging from short-form videos to long-format storytelling, tutorials, product reviews, and live streams. Comedy, film, fashion, and serials remain the dominant genres, but the expansion into new content territories like gaming, wellness, and finance is reshaping how India learns, shops, and interacts.

    What makes this shift even more profound is how it is transcending generational and geographic lines. No longer confined to Gen Z or urban metros, the creator ecosystem is reaching deep into smaller towns, regional markets, and older demographics. The emergence of multilingual creators and regional influencers has catalyzed a more inclusive digital marketplace—one that mirrors the real India in all its complexity and diversity.

    For brands and marketers, this evolution has not just altered strategies; it has flipped the entire funnel. Traditional advertising methods are being replaced or supplemented by more agile, creative, and targeted forms of engagement. Campaigns are now designed with creators at the core—allowing for faster content production, greater freedom of expression, and improved metrics through outcome-based testing. Virtual gifting, live commerce, subscription models, and fan-funded initiatives are rising as new revenue streams, giving creators both financial agency and deeper community ownership.

    WAVES 2025 served as the perfect launchpad for this new digital vision. With its ambitious scope covering media, technology, and storytelling, the summit highlighted how India’s creator economy is not merely an offshoot of the entertainment sector, it is the engine powering a new form of commerce and cultural diplomacy. As discussions ranged from AI in filmmaking to the future of AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), one theme emerged with clarity: creators are not just influencing trends—they are shaping the market.

    Investors are recalibrating strategies to fund content-driven startups. Policy frameworks are being debated to offer protections and incentives for digital freelancers. Education platforms are rolling out creator economy courses. And most significantly, creators across India—from school-going influencers in Raipur to AI-powered illustrators in Chennai—are beginning to realize their role not just as entertainers, but as economic contributors.

    The trillion-dollar forecast is not a distant dream—it is a pathway already in motion. With the right mix of innovation, infrastructure, and inclusivity, India’s creator economy could become one of its most significant exports. And as the world turns its eyes toward this new digital juggernaut, one thing is certain: India is no longer just telling stories. It is rewriting the script of global influence—one post, one video, one idea at a time.

    July 11, 2025
  • India’s creator economy set to shape a trillion-dollar future

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At WAVES 2025, a new report by the Boston Consulting Group grabbed the spotlight, drawing the attention of policymakers, creators, and investors. The report revealed that India’s creator economy is already driving more than $350 billion in consumer spending, a number expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030.

    Titled From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy, the report paints a vivid picture of a nation in the midst of a creative and commercial boom. With 2 to 2.5 million active creators—defined as individuals with more than 1,000 followers—India is home to one of the world’s largest and youngest digital communities. But what’s most striking is the current monetization gap. Only 8 to 10 percent of these creators are earning meaningful income from their content, revealing a vast reserve of untapped potential that may well become the fuel for the next stage of India’s economic growth story.

    The report underscores the sweeping influence creators now hold over consumer decisions. Over 30 percent of purchases are directly shaped by digital content—ranging from short-form videos to long-format storytelling, tutorials, product reviews, and live streams. Comedy, film, fashion, and serials remain the dominant genres, but the expansion into new content territories like gaming, wellness, and finance is reshaping how India learns, shops, and interacts.

    What makes this shift even more profound is how it is transcending generational and geographic lines. No longer confined to Gen Z or urban metros, the creator ecosystem is reaching deep into smaller towns, regional markets, and older demographics. The emergence of multilingual creators and regional influencers has catalyzed a more inclusive digital marketplace—one that mirrors the real India in all its complexity and diversity.

    For brands and marketers, this evolution has not just altered strategies; it has flipped the entire funnel. Traditional advertising methods are being replaced or supplemented by more agile, creative, and targeted forms of engagement. Campaigns are now designed with creators at the core—allowing for faster content production, greater freedom of expression, and improved metrics through outcome-based testing. Virtual gifting, live commerce, subscription models, and fan-funded initiatives are rising as new revenue streams, giving creators both financial agency and deeper community ownership.

    WAVES 2025 served as the perfect launchpad for this new digital vision. With its ambitious scope covering media, technology, and storytelling, the summit highlighted how India’s creator economy is not merely an offshoot of the entertainment sector, it is the engine powering a new form of commerce and cultural diplomacy. As discussions ranged from AI in filmmaking to the future of AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), one theme emerged with clarity: creators are not just influencing trends—they are shaping the market.

    Investors are recalibrating strategies to fund content-driven startups. Policy frameworks are being debated to offer protections and incentives for digital freelancers. Education platforms are rolling out creator economy courses. And most significantly, creators across India—from school-going influencers in Raipur to AI-powered illustrators in Chennai—are beginning to realize their role not just as entertainers, but as economic contributors.

    The trillion-dollar forecast is not a distant dream—it is a pathway already in motion. With the right mix of innovation, infrastructure, and inclusivity, India’s creator economy could become one of its most significant exports. And as the world turns its eyes toward this new digital juggernaut, one thing is certain: India is no longer just telling stories. It is rewriting the script of global influence—one post, one video, one idea at a time.

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: TCM footprint now covers 196 countries; acupuncture recognized by 113 WHO members

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    Traditional Chinese medicine has spread to 196 countries and nations across the world and more than 100 types of TCM drugs have obtained registration in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, with the market size estimated to exceed 4.8 trillion yuan ($665.3 billion) by 2025, China’s Health Minister said on Monday.

    Lei Haichao, minister of the National Health Commission, said that acupuncture is now recognized in 113 member states of the World Health Organization. Also, a TCM technology committee under the International Organization for Standardization has issued 119 TCM-related standards.

    Lei made the statements in a signed article that called for strengthened efforts to make TCM better benefit people around the world. It was released by Study Times, a newspaper administered by the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China.

    Lei highlighted the significance of deepening cooperation with the WHO, the ISO and other international organizations, and advancing the development of TCM standards.

    He said that more high-quality overseas TCM centers will be established and more TCM clinics or training facilities will be set up in key Belt and Road countries and African nations.

    Efforts will also be made to explore the establishment of TCM hospitals overseas and ensure that all Chinese medical aid teams dispatched abroad include TCM practitioners.

    Lei also proposed collaborating with the WHO to build an international clinical trial registration platform for traditional medicine. The objective is to cultivate a batch of competitive TCM companies and brands with high added value to drive the entire industrial chain development of TCM.

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: China to expand high-level opening-up continuously: FM spokesperson

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

    BEIJING, July 11 — Closed exclusivity is not an option for China, China will continue to take actions to expand high-level opening-up, a foreign ministry spokesperson said here Friday.

    Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to media coverage, saying that China’s visa-free policy shows the world China’s vitality, which contrasts the recent tightening of visas and increasing closure in some countries.

    China now has unilateral visa exemption for 47 countries and transit visa exemption for 55 countries, Mao said, adding that continuous efforts are being made to streamline the visa application process by providing one-stop entry services and instant tax refund for goods purchased upon departure from China. “Foreign friends’ China tour has become smoother,” she noted.

    “Decoupling and disruption of industrial and supply chains and closed exclusivity are not options for China,” Mao said.

    “China will continue to take actions to expand high-level opening up, share opportunities and create a shared future with all countries,” she added.

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing unveils 24 measures to boost consumption

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

    Beijing on Thursday announced a comprehensive action plan with 24 measures aimed at driving consumption and enhancing the city’s role as an international consumption center.

    By 2030, Beijing targets an average annual consumption growth rate of about 5% and plans to build two to three major integrated commercial landmarks with annual sales exceeding 100 billion yuan ($13.94 billion).

    The plan places income growth at the core of consumption expansion. Measures include promoting reasonable wage increases, implementing an employment-first strategy to support job creation, and establishing a more dynamic minimum wage adjustment mechanism.

    To make it easier to purchase housing, the plan introduces reforms to housing provident fund policies. Buyers will be allowed to withdraw provident fund balances directly for home down payments, while new regulations will be developed to enable second-hand home transactions with existing mortgages to be settled via provident fund loans, streamlining the process for both buyers and sellers.

    In the automotive sector, Beijing will optimize the allocation of license plate quotas to better serve family demand for vehicles, strengthen second-hand vehicle trading platforms, and simplify cross-regional transactions.

    Emerging trends like anime, collectibles, and youth culture, known locally as the “Guzi Economy,” will receive policy support. The city also plans to develop a “Future Beauty City” by attracting cosmetic and medical aesthetic business. 

    Beijing is also expanding online healthcare services. As of June, 307 local medical institutions offered online services. A total of 1.11 million online consultations were recorded in the first half of this year, up 45% year on year. 

    New tourism projects, including the second phase of Universal Studios and cultural routes along the Great Wall and the Grand Canal, will further enrich leisure options. Public spaces and old venues will be revitalized to create more vibrant commercial areas.

    Beijing will boost consumption around its two main airports. Plans include building a world-class shopping and tourism complex near Beijing Daxing International Airport and turning the airports into gateways for foreign shoppers.

    Duty-free shops will offer more premium Chinese goods, and cross-border e-commerce will be expanded, making it easier for shoppers to buy online and pick up in person.

    In addition, the city will promote greater use of Olympic venues and major sports events to stimulate spending. A series of premium international and domestic sporting events will be held to drive sports-related consumption, according to the plan.

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Cutting-edge technologies revitalize Beijing Central Axis

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

    As the Beijing Central Axis approaches the first anniversary of its inscription on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), cutting-edge technologies have empowered efforts to protect and preserve its cultural heritage. Meanwhile, a host of new cultural-tourism scenarios have emerged along the axis.

    The Yongdingmen Gate tower, the southern terminus of Beijing Central Axis, stands as a witness to both the traditional urban management systems of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) and historical events across different eras.

    Since the Beijing Central Axis gained the UNESCO World Heritage status, Yongdingmen Gate has become a must-visit landmark. Its historical exhibition, enhanced with modern display technologies, has drown tens of thousands of visitors to the ancient gate tower.

    “In the second half of this year, the Yongdingmen Gate tower is scheduled for restoration,” said Chen Yanqing, deputy director of Dongcheng District Cultural Heritage Research Center. “Upon completion of this comprehensive conservation effort, its exhibitions will also undergo upgrades to better accommodate visitor needs.”

    From Yongdingmen Gate, the journey northward along the axis leads to Zhengyangmen Gate. The efforts to restore the Arrow Tower in Zhengyangmen have incorporated the the 3D laser scanning technology.

    “For severely damaged architectural components, we conducted comprehensive 3D scanning to create digital models,” said Chen Liang, an official of the Beijing Central Axis Heritage Conservation Center. “These informed the precise reconstruction of lintels, railings, and other elements using traditional molds — strictly adhering to original materials, designs, craftsmanship, and techniques.”

    In the Arrow Tower, there is a multi-function weather station to monitor microclimatic conditions around the ancient structure. Adjacent to it, an integrated BeiDou monitoring station uses advanced data signals to detect potential subsidence in the building’s foundation.

    The tower is equipped with five distinct monitoring systems, employing remote sensing satellites and online data transmission to enable precision conservation management. It also includes a hydrostatic level, an intelligent video deflectometer, and wireless accelerometers to measure settlement, detect displacement, and monitor vibrations, respectively.

    The Drum Tower at the northern anchor of the Beijing Central Axis now features a VR experience zone. In this digital realm, visitors embark on a space-time journey back to the founding era of the Yuan dynasty’s Dadu capital. This immersive voyage reveals the axis’ origins and the Chinese wisdom behind its design, allowing visitors to learn about traditional Chinese philosophy.

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: Capital Intl Exhibition & Convention Center Hotel opens

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

    The Capital International Exhibition and Convention Center Hotel opened recently, marking the full operation of the center and its supporting facilities, according to its operator Beichen Group on Thursday.

    The five-star hotel has a total floor area of 69,000 square meters, with eight floors above ground and one underground level. It offers 410 guest rooms and a 1,000-square-meter banquet hall, catering to accommodation, banquets, and conferences associated with the exhibition center.

    The exhibition center itself began operation in February this year. As Beijing’s largest standalone exhibition and convention venue, it offers comprehensive functions and features cutting-edge technologies, marking a significant upgrade to the city’s exhibition capacity.

    The center comprises a convention center, a hotel, nine exhibition halls, and three registration halls. It provides an indoor exhibition area of about 210,000 square meters and an outdoor exhibition area of around 50,000 square meters.

    Since July, the center has hosted seven medium- and large-scale industry events, including three conventions in automotive manufacturing, food, and healthcare, serving a total of 17,000 attendees.

    MIL OSI China News –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, Wis, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company” or “CIB Marine”) (OTCQX: CIBH), the holding company of CIBM Bank (the “Bank”), announced its unaudited results of operations and financial condition for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2025. During the quarter, net interest income and mortgage operations both improved operating results on a quarterly and year-to-date basis as further outlined below.

    Net income for the quarter was $0.7 million, or $0.50 basic and $0.48 diluted earnings per share, compared to $0.5 million, or $0.34 basic and $0.25 diluted earnings per share, for the same period of 2024 excluding the effects of the sale-leaseback transaction gain on sale reported in the second quarter of 2024. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $1.0 million, or $0.74 basic and $0.71 diluted earnings per share, compared to $0.6 million, or $0.80 basic and $0.35 diluted earnings per share, for the same period of 2024 also excluding the effects of the sale-leaseback transaction gain on sale.

    Financial highlights for the quarter and six months ended June 30 include:

    • Net interest margin increased to 2.69% from 2.62% in the first quarter of 2025 and 2.38% in the second quarter of 2024. The cost of funds declined 51 basis points compared to the same quarterly period last year, due to the repricing of interest-bearing liabilities in a lower-cost interest rate environment, while yields on earning assets declined by 16 basis points. The net interest margin improved to 2.65% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 2.34% for the same period of 2024 as the cost of funds declined 45 basis points compared to a 10 basis point decline in yields on earning assets. Net interest income rose $0.3 million for the quarter compared to the same period of 2024, and $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30th compared to the same period of 2024.
    • Although quarter-end loan balances declined $19 million from March 31, 2025, and $32 million from December 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses to loans rose from 1.26% at December 31, 2024, and 1.29% at March 31, 2025, to 1.32% at June 30, 2025, primarily due to continued deterioration in the Federal Reserve’s economic forecasts used in the Company’s credit loss analysis. Non-performing assets to total assets were 0.68% and non-accrual loans to loans were 0.85% on June 30, 2025, compared to 0.67% and 0.84% on March 31, 2025, and 0.68% and 0.81% on December 31, 2024, respectively. Business plans continue to include higher loan balances by year-end 2025, primarily driven by anticipated growth in the commercial segments. Non-performing loans, other real estate loans, modified loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty and loans 90 days or more past due but still accruing to total assets increased to 1.85% at June 30, 2025, compared to 0.97% at March 31, 2025, and 0.98% at December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily due to two commercial loans—one in the transportation industry and the other in manufacturing—that were both 90 days or more past due but still accruing interest and in the collection process. Since June 30, 2025, one of the loans has been brought current and the adjusted ratio would be 1.43%.
    • The Banking Division reported net income of $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, a $0.4 million improvement over the same period in 2024 excluding the sale-leaseback transaction gain on sale, driven primarily by higher net interest margins and continued cost controls. The Mortgage Division’s $0.1 million net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2025, is an improvement of $0.1 million from the prior year. This modest progress reflects the decline in lending staff noted in the first-quarter earnings release. The net remaining Other Division, comprised primarily of parent company operations, had a net loss of $0.5 million with roughly one-third of that amount attributed to subordinated debt interest expense. Although the parent company has a $2 million line of credit, no draws have been made on that potential funding source to date.

    Mr. J. Brian Chaffin, CIB Marine’s President and CEO, commented, “Net interest margins continue to improve as we actively manage our cost of funds in a lower rate environment compared to last year. This contributed to stronger operating results from our Banking Division. While loan balances declined again, our commercial group continues to build the loan pipeline, and we anticipate higher balances by year-end. The Mortgage Division showed modest improvement despite ongoing challenges in the residential mortgage market. Although mortgage production is expected to be lower than last year due to lender staff reductions, our current team is well-positioned to maintain consistent performance in a competitive market. Expense controls continue to support improved operating results.”

    He added, “In February, we launched our 2025 common stock repurchase program, authorizing up to $1 million in share buybacks. During the second quarter of 2025, we repurchased 8,083 shares through open market transactions for a total of $262,000, at an average price of $32.37 per share. Year to date, we have repurchased 15,512 shares for a total of $497,000, at an average price of $32.02 per share. Barring unforeseen factors, we intend to complete our 2025 common stock repurchase program during the second half of the year, using available resources including $0.7 million in cash on hand at the parent company, our $2 million line of credit, and other potential sources such as a possible capital distribution from CIBM Bank.”

    CIB Marine Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for CIBM Bank, which operates nine banking offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, and has mortgage loan officers and/or offices in six states. More information on the Company is available at www.cibmarine.com, including recent shareholder letters, links to regulatory financial reports, and audited financial statements.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    CIB Marine has made statements in this release that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. CIB Marine intends these forward-looking statements to be subject to the safe harbor created thereby and is including this statement to avail itself of the safe harbor. Forward-looking statements are identified generally by statements containing words and phrases such as “may,” “project,” “are confident,” “should be,” “intend,” “predict,” “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect CIB Marine’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance that are subject to many uncertainties and factors relating to CIB Marine’s operations and the business environment, which could change at any time.

    There are inherent difficulties in predicting factors that may affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements.

    Stockholders should note that many factors, some of which are discussed elsewhere in this Earnings Release and in the documents that are incorporated by reference, could affect the future financial results of CIB Marine and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this document. These factors, many of which are beyond CIB Marine’s control, include but are not limited to:

    • operating, legal, execution, credit, market, security (including cyber), and regulatory risks;
    • economic, political, and competitive forces affecting CIB Marine’s banking business;
    • the impact on net interest income and securities values from changes in monetary policy and general economic and political conditions; and
    • the risk that CIB Marine’s analyses of these risks and forces could be incorrect and/or that the strategies developed to address them could be unsuccessful.

    These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. CIB Marine undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and CIB Marine’s actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements.

    FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
    J. Brian Chaffin, President & CEO
    (217) 355-0900
    brian.chaffin@cibmbank.com

    CIB MARINE BANCSHARES, INC.
    Selected Unaudited Consolidated Financial Data
                     
      At or for the
      Quarters Ended   6 Months Ended
      June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30,   June 30, June 30,
        2025     2025     2024     2024     2024       2025     2024  
      (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
    Selected Statement of Operations Data:                
    Interest and dividend income $ 11,017   $ 10,941   $ 11,408   $ 12,283   $ 12,052     $ 21,958   $ 23,853  
    Interest expense   5,541     5,652     6,259     6,707     6,897       11,193     13,737  
    Net interest income   5,476     5,289     5,149     5,576     5,155       10,765     10,116  
    Provision for (reversal of) credit losses   9     42     (332 )   (113 )   10       51     (18 )
    Net interest income after provision for                
    (reversal of) credit losses   5,467     5,247     5,481     5,689     5,145       10,714     10,134  
    Noninterest income (1)   1,765     1,552     1,724     2,897     6,904       3,317     8,531  
    Noninterest expense   6,311     6,373     6,678     7,163     6,904       12,684     13,325  
    Income before income taxes   921     426     527     1,423     5,145       1,347     5,340  
    Income tax expense   253     105     123     347     1,361       358     1,378  
    Net income (loss) $ 668   $ 321   $ 404   $ 1,076   $ 3,784     $ 989   $ 3,962  
                     
    Common Share Data:                
    Basic net income (loss) per share (2) $ 0.50   $ 0.24   $ 0.60   $ 0.79   $ 2.79     $ 0.74   $ 2.94  
    Diluted net income (loss) per share (2)   0.48     0.23     0.54     0.59     2.06       0.71     2.17  
    Dividend   0.00     0.00     0.00     0.00     0.00       0.00     0.00  
    Tangible book value per share (3)   59.55     58.46     57.37     57.80     55.36       59.55     55.36  
    Book value per share (3)   59.59     58.51     57.42     56.06     53.61       59.59     53.61  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic   1,349,613     1,348,995     1,357,737     1,357,259     1,356,255       1,344,573     1,348,440  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted   1,397,365     1,396,274     1,507,344     1,833,586     1,833,881       1,392,090     1,826,911  
    Financial Condition Data:                
    Total assets $ 838,441   $ 852,018   $ 866,474   $ 888,283   $ 901,634     $ 838,441   $ 901,634  
    Loans   665,393     684,787     697,093     707,310     719,129       665,393     719,129  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans   (8,793 )   (8,818 )   (8,790 )   (8,973 )   (9,083 )     (8,793 )   (9,083 )
    Investment securities   126,795     124,109     120,339     120,349     123,814       126,795     123,814  
    Deposits   684,480     692,028     692,378     747,168     768,984       684,480     768,984  
    Borrowings   59,292     67,214     81,735     33,583     28,222       59,292     28,222  
    Stockholders’ equity   80,492     79,309     77,961     92,358     89,008       80,492     89,008  
    Financial Ratios and Other Data:                
    Performance Ratios:                
    Net interest margin (4)   2.69 %   2.62 %   2.44 %   2.55 %   2.38 %     2.65 %   2.34 %
    Net interest spread (5)   2.06 %   1.99 %   1.74 %   1.80 %   1.71 %     2.03 %   1.67 %
    Noninterest income to average assets (6)   0.83 %   0.73 %   0.82 %   1.25 %   3.09 %     0.78 %   1.91 %
    Noninterest expense to average assets   3.00 %   3.05 %   3.06 %   3.17 %   3.09 %     3.02 %   2.98 %
    Efficiency ratio (7)   87.24 %   93.65 %   96.17 %   85.32 %   57.19 %     90.35 %   71.34 %
    Earnings (loss) on average assets (8)   0.32 %   0.15 %   0.19 %   0.48 %   1.69 %     0.24 %   0.88 %
    Earnings (loss) on average equity (9)   3.36 %   1.65 %   1.94 %   4.71 %   17.92 %     2.52 %   9.38 %
    Asset Quality Ratios:                
    Nonaccrual loans to loans (10)   0.85 %   0.84 %   0.81 %   0.44 %   0.47 %     0.85 %   0.47 %
    Nonperformance assets to total assets (11)   0.68 %   0.67 %   0.68 %   0.38 %   0.41 %     0.68 %   0.41 %
    Nonaccrual loans, modified loans to borrowers experiencing                
    financial difficulty, loans 90 days or more past due and still                
    accruing to total loans (12)   2.33 %   1.21 %   1.19 %   1.62 %   1.38 %     2.33 %   1.38 %
    Nonaccrual loans, OREO, modified loans to borrowers                
    experiencing financial difficulty, loans 90 days or more past                
    due and still accruing to total assets (12)   1.85 %   0.97 %   0.98 %   1.32 %   1.14 %     1.85 %   1.14 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans (10)   1.32 %   1.29 %   1.26 %   1.27 %   1.26 %     1.32 %   1.26 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to nonaccrual loans,                
    modified loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty loans                
    and loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing (10)   56.76 %   106.25 %   105.95 %   82.53 %   91.24 %     56.76 %   91.24 %
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) annualized                
    to average loans (10)   -0.02 %   -0.01 %   -0.01 %   -0.01 %   0.03 %     -0.01 %   0.03 %
    Capital Ratios:                
    Total equity to total assets   9.60 %   9.31 %   9.00 %   10.40 %   9.87 %     9.60 %   9.87 %
    Total risk-based capital ratio   13.55 %   13.34 %   13.02 %   14.54 %   13.90 %     13.55 %   13.90 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   10.82 %   10.62 %   10.33 %   11.89 %   11.27 %     10.82 %   11.27 %
    Leverage capital ratio   8.54 %   8.40 %   8.14 %   9.30 %   8.93 %     8.54 %   8.93 %
    Other Data:                
    Number of employees (full-time equivalent)   144     152     165     170     172       144     172  
    Number of banking facilities   9     9     9     9     9       9     9  
                     
    (1) Noninterest income includes gains and losses on securities.
    (2) Net income available to common stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share includes the difference between the carrying amount less the consideration paid for redeemed preferred stock of $0.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.
    (3) Tangible book value per share is the stockholder equity less the carry value of the preferred stock and less the goodwill and intangible assets, divided by the total shares of common outstanding. Book value per share is the stockholder equity less the liquidation preference of the preferred stock, divided by the total shares of common outstanding. Book value measures are reported inclusive of the net deferred tax assets. As presented here, shares of common outstanding excludes unvested restricted stock awards.
    (4) Net interest margin is the ratio of net interest income to average interest-earning assets.
    (5) Net interest spread is the yield on average interest-earning assets less the rate on average interest-bearing liabilities.
    (6) Noninterest income to average assets excludes gains and losses on securities.
    (7) The efficiency ratio is noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus noninterest income, excluding gains and losses on securities.
    (8) Earnings on average assets are net income divided by average total assets.
    (9) Earnings on average equity are net income divided by average stockholders’ equity.
    (10) Excludes loans held for sale.
    (11) Nonperforming assets includes nonaccrual loans and securities and other real estate owned.
    (12) A large loan 90 days or more past due and still accruing was brought current after June 30, 2025. The adjusted ratio to total loans would be 1.80% and to total assets 1.43%.
    CIB MARINE BANCSHARES, INC.  
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)  
                 
      June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30,  
        2025     2025     2024     2024     2024    
      (Dollars in Thousands, Except Shares)  
    Assets            
    Cash and due from banks $ 10,363   $ 7,717   $ 6,748   $ 13,814   $ 10,690    
    Reverse repurchase agreements   –     –     –     –     –    
    Securities available for sale   124,618     121,939     118,206     118,145     121,687    
    Equity securities at fair value   2,177     2,170     2,133     2,204     2,127    
    Loans held for sale   7,733     7,685     13,291     19,472     17,897    
                 
    Loans   665,393     684,787     697,093     707,310     719,129    
    Allowance for credit losses on loans   (8,793 )   (8,818 )   (8,790 )   (8,973 )   (9,083 )  
    Net loans   656,600     675,969     688,303     698,337     710,046    
                 
    Federal Home Loan Bank Stock   3,401     2,607     2,607     2,238     2,238    
    Premises and equipment, net   1,660     1,486     1,570     1,526     1,569    
    Accrued interest receivable   2,733     2,680     2,651     2,926     3,230    
    Deferred tax assets, net   12,160     12,529     12,955     12,796     14,840    
    Other real estate owned, net   –     –     200     211     283    
    Bank owned life insurance   6,536     6,486     6,437     6,388     6,340    
    Goodwill and other intangible assets   64     64     64     64     64    
    Other assets   10,396     10,686     11,309     10,162     10,623    
    Total assets $ 838,441   $ 852,018   $ 866,474   $ 888,283   $ 901,634    
                 
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity            
    Deposits:            
    Noninterest-bearing demand $ 87,479   $ 98,403   $ 86,886   $ 95,471   $ 95,457    
    Interest-bearing demand   74,921     77,620     84,833     90,095     86,728    
    Savings   226,663     232,046     224,960     234,969     244,595    
    Time   295,417     283,959     295,699     326,633     342,204    
    Total deposits   684,480     692,028     692,378     747,168     768,984    
    Short-term borrowings   49,514     57,444     71,973     23,829     18,477    
    Long-term borrowings   9,778     9,770     9,762     9,754     9,745    
    Accrued interest payable   1,656     1,614     1,911     2,101     2,145    
    Other liabilities   12,521     11,853     12,489     13,073     13,275    
    Total liabilities   757,949     772,709     788,513     795,925     812,626    
                 
    Stockholders’ Equity            
    Preferred stock, $1 par value; 5,000,000 authorized shares at periods prior to December 31, 2024; 7% fixed rate noncumulative perpetual issued; 14,633 shares of series A and 1,610 shares of series B; convertible; $16.2 million aggregate liquidation preference   –     –     –     13,806     13,806    
    Common stock, $1 par value; 75,000,000 authorized shares; 1,385,842 and 1,372,642 issued shares; 1,351,397 and 1,358,473 outstanding shares at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively (1)   1,386     1,383     1,372     1,372     1,372    
    Capital surplus   181,908     181,801     181,708     181,603     181,486    
    Accumulated deficit   (98,498 )   (99,167 )   (99,487 )   (100,297 )   (101,373 )  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net   (3,273 )   (3,939 )   (5,098 )   (3,592 )   (5,749 )  
    Treasury stock, 35,167 shares on June 30, 2025 and 14,791 shares December 31, 2024 (2)   (1,031 )   (769 )   (534 )   (534 )   (534 )  
    Total stockholders’ equity   80,492     79,309     77,961     92,358     89,008    
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 838,441   $ 852,018   $ 866,474   $ 888,283   $ 901,634    
                 
    (1) Both issued and outstanding shares as stated here exclude 46,686 shares and 42,259 shares of unvested restricted stock awards at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
    (2) Treasury stock includes 722 shares held by subsidiary bank CIBM Bank.  
                 
    CIB MARINE BANCSHARES, INC.  
    Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)  
                       
      At or for the  
      Quarters Ended   6 Months Ended  
      June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30,   June 30, June 30,  
        2025     2025     2024     2024     2024       2025     2024    
      (Dollars in thousands)  
                       
    Interest Income                  
    Loans $ 9,653   $ 9,623   $ 9,999   $ 10,573   $ 10,582     $ 19,276   $ 20,976    
    Loans held for sale   149     137     215     300     213       286     355    
    Securities   1,186     1,150     1,151     1,183     1,217       2,336     2,448    
    Other investments   29     31     43     227     40       60     74    
    Total interest income   11,017     10,941     11,408     12,283     12,052       21,958     23,853    
                       
    Interest Expense                  
    Deposits   4,795     5,029     5,638     6,354     6,466       9,824     12,693    
    Short-term borrowings   625     504     500     232     310       1,129     803    
    Long-term borrowings   121     119     121     121     121       240     241    
    Total interest expense   5,541     5,652     6,259     6,707     6,897       11,193     13,737    
    Net interest income   5,476     5,289     5,149     5,576     5,155       10,765     10,116    
    Provision for (reversal of) credit losses   9     42     (332 )   (113 )   10       51     (18 )  
    Net interest income after provision for                  
    (reversal of) credit losses   5,467     5,247     5,481     5,689     5,145       10,714     10,134    
                       
    Noninterest Income                  
    Deposit service charges   65     59     55     63     67       124     133    
    Other service fees   (10 )   (9 )   (5 )   (5 )   1       (19 )   (4 )  
    Mortgage banking revenue, net   1,424     1,140     1,564     2,264     2,166       2,564     3,375    
    Other income   279     177     192     150     273       456     436    
    Net gains on sale of securities available for sale   0     0     0     0     0       0     0    
    Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities   7     36     (71 )   78     (14 )     43     (32 )  
    Net gains (loss) on sale of SBA loans   0     161     0     420     0       161     202    
    Net gains on sale of assets and (writedowns)   0     (12 )   (11 )   (73 )   4,411       (12 )   4,421    
    Total noninterest income   1,765     1,552     1,724     2,897     6,904       3,317     8,531    
                       
    Noninterest Expense                  
    Compensation and employee benefits   4,060     4,066     4,344     4,852     4,700       8,126     8,989    
    Equipment   583     559     467     504     457       1,142     919    
    Occupancy and premises   519     549     500     495     391       1,068     827    
    Data Processing   212     221     220     243     208       433     420    
    Federal deposit insurance   101     129     144     182     219       230     418    
    Professional services   218     278     240     254     219       496     418    
    Telephone and data communication   57     52     74     51     51       109     107    
    Insurance   75     64     71     78     80       139     161    
    Other expense   486     455     618     504     579       941     1,066    
    Total noninterest expense   6,311     6,373     6,678     7,163     6,904       12,684     13,325    
    Income from operations                  
    before income taxes   921     426     527     1,423     5,145       1,347     5,340    
    Income tax expense   253     105     123     347     1,361       358     1,378    
    Net income (loss)   668     321     404     1,076     3,784       989     3,962    
    Preferred stock dividend   0     0     0     0     0       0     0    
    Discount from repurchase of preferred
    stock
      0     0     406     0     0       0     0    
    Net income (loss) allocated to                  
     common stockholders $ 668   $ 321   $ 810   $ 1,076   $ 3,784     $ 989   $ 3,962    
                       

    The MIL Network –

    July 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC – 10 07 2025] – (CGAML)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
    N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    10 JULY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 0.2p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,323,000 3.1273    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,323,000 3.1273    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.2p ORDINARY SALE 15,000 3346.3854p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

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

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

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

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

    (ii)        Exercise

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

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

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

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    NONE

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

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

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 11 JULY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

    July 11, 2025
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