NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbPU defended a thesis on digital marketing of agribusiness in a Russian-Indonesian project

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Higher School of Service and Trade (HSST) of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of SPbPU successfully defended the final qualification works of bachelors. The event became a key stage in the implementation of a large-scale joint research grant with the partner Indonesian University of Gunadarma.

    Students of the Higher School of Social Sciences of the Institute of Mathematics, Economics and Telecommunications of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Anastasia Pakhaturidi and Yulia Mavlyutova presented the results of their research carried out within the framework of the project “Cross-cultural research and promotion of smart agribusiness of growing marigolds based on digital marketing (a joint project of Indonesia and Russia)”. Both defenses were rated excellent.

    The aim of the project is to study the potential of smart agribusiness and digital marketing in the flower industry, specifically focusing on marigolds, which have high economic importance for the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. The project is unique in its cross-cultural approach, synchronizing the agribusiness models of Russia (temperate climate, EAEU) and Indonesia (tropical climate, ASEAN) through the prism of digitalization.

    Anastasia Pakhaturidi (supervisor — PhD in Economics, Associate Professor Nelli Kozlova) and Yulia Mavlyutova (supervisor — Doctor of Economics, Professor Svetlana Bozhuk) developed a strategy for promoting the project in the Indonesian and ASEAN markets using digital marketing tools. Optimal promotion channels for the B2B and B2C segments were identified, their specifics were described, and recommendations on content were given. An in-depth analysis of the Russian flower market and marketing tools for promoting marigolds was also conducted, including the development of a brand concept and a content plan for the VKontakte social network.

    Working on the GUT Marigold project was not easy, but it left only pleasant impressions! The most interesting thing for me was studying consumers, since even at the initial stage it became clear how much the buyer in Asia differs from the Russian one I am used to. This expanded my worldview and gave me knowledge that I hope to apply in my profession in the future. I am grateful to my scientific supervisor Nelli Anatolyevna Kozlova for the opportunity, competent and qualified guidance and support, – shared Anastasia Pakhaturidi.

    The research project will continue next year.

    Yulia Mavlyutova noted: It was interesting to work on a part of a real project and feel my contribution to the common cause. Most of all I liked creating the concept of a new flower brand and making a content plan. I am very glad that I had the opportunity to work with Svetlana Bozhuk. She very competently guided me along the way and also gave very good advice.

    This initiative not only has high scientific and practical value in the field of digital marketing and smart agriculture, but also strengthens the position of St. Petersburg as a center of innovation and international cooperation. The project opens up new opportunities for St. Petersburg enterprises in the agricultural sector and promotes the development of international programs in the field of agrobiotechnology and digital marketing in the city’s scientific and educational institutions, fully consistent with its strategic development goals until 2035.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Too much vitamin B6 can be toxic. 3 symptoms to watch out for

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University

    Selena3726/Shutterstock

    Side effects from taking too much vitamin B6 – including nerve damage – may be more widespread than we think, Australia’s medicines regulator says.

    In an ABC report earlier this week, a spokesperson for the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) says it may have underestimated the extent of the side effects from vitamin B6 supplements.

    However, there are proposals to limit sales of high-dose versions due to safety concerns.

    A pathologist who runs a clinic that tests vitamin B6 in blood samples from across Australia also appeared on the program. He told the ABC that data from May suggests 4.5% of samples tested had returned results “very likely” indicating nerve damage.

    So what are vitamin B6 supplements? How can they be toxic? And which symptoms do you need to watch out for?

    What is vitamin B6?

    Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays an important role in keeping the body healthy. It is involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in food. It is also important for the production of neurotransmitters – chemical messengers in the brain that maintain its function and regulate your mood.

    Vitamin B6 also supports the immune system by helping to make antibodies, which fight off infections. And it is needed to produce haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.

    Some women take a vitamin B6 supplement when pregnant. It is thought this helps reduce the nausea associated with the early stages of pregnancy. Some women also take it to help with premenstrual syndrome.

    However, most people don’t need, and won’t benefit from, a vitamin B6 supplement. That’s because you get enough vitamin B6 from your diet through meat, breakfast cereal, fruit and vegetables.

    You don’t need much. A dose of 1.3–1.7 milligrams a day is enough for most adults.

    Currently, vitamin B6 supplements with a daily dose of 5–200mg can be sold over the counter at health food stores, supermarkets and pharmacies.

    Because of safety concerns, the TGA is proposing limiting their sale to pharmacies, and only after consultation with a pharmacist.

    Daily doses higher than 200mg already need a doctor’s prescription. So under the proposal that would stay the same.

    What happens if you take too much?

    If you take too much vitamin B6, in most cases the excess will be excreted in your urine and most people won’t experience side effects. But there is a growing concern about long-time, high-dose use.

    A side effect the medical community is worried about is peripheral neuropathy – where there is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This results in pain, numbness or weakness, usually in your hands and feet. We don’t yet know exactly how this happens.

    In most reported cases, these symptoms disappear once you stop taking the supplement. But for some people it may take three months to two years before they feel completely better.

    There is growing, but sometimes contradictory, evidence that high doses (more than 50mg a day) for extended periods can result in serious side effects.

    A study from the 1990s followed 70 patients for five years who took a dose of 100 to 150mg a day. There were no reported cases of neuropathy.

    But more recent studies show high rates of side effects.

    A 2023 case report provides details of a man who was taking multiple supplements. This resulted in a daily combined 95mg dose of vitamin B6, and he experienced neuropathy.

    Another report describes seven cases of neuropathy linked to drinking energy drinks containing vitamin B6.

    Reports to the TGA’s database of adverse events notifications (a record of reported side effects) shows 174 cases of neuropathy linked with vitamin B6 use since 2023.

    What should I do if I take vitamin B6?

    The current advice is that someone who takes a dose of 50mg a day or more, for more than six months, should be monitored by a health-care professional. So if you regularly take vitamin B6 supplements you should discuss continued use with your doctor or pharmacist.

    There are three side effects to watch out for, the first two related to neuropathy:

    1. numbness or pain in the feet and hands

    2. difficulty with balance and coordination as a result of muscle weakness

    3. heartburn and nausea.

    If you have worrying side effects after taking vitamin B6 supplements, contact your state’s poison information centre on 13 11 26 for advice.

    Nial Wheate in the past has received funding from the ACT Cancer Council, Tenovus Scotland, Medical Research Scotland, Scottish Crucible, and the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance. He is a fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Nial is the chief scientific officer of Vaihea Skincare LLC, a director of SetDose Pty Ltd (a medical device company) and was previously a Standards Australia panel member for sunscreen agents. He is a member of the Haleon Australia Pty Ltd Pain Advisory Board. Nial regularly consults to industry on issues to do with medicine risk assessments, manufacturing, design and testing.

    Slade Matthews provides scientific evaluations to the Therapeutic Goods Administration as a member of the Therapeutic Goods Assessment and Advisory Panel. Slade serves on the NSW Poisons Advisory Committee for NSW Health as the minister-nominated pharmacologist appointed by the Governor of NSW.

    – ref. Too much vitamin B6 can be toxic. 3 symptoms to watch out for – https://theconversation.com/too-much-vitamin-b6-can-be-toxic-3-symptoms-to-watch-out-for-260400

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OLAF and EUIPO join forces to fight counterfeits in everyday products

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    Press release no 19/2025
    PDF version

    The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) co-organised a two-day conference in Alicante, Spain to discuss current and emerging trends in intellectual property (IP) crime related to the sector of Fast-Moving-Consumer-Goods (FMCG). The event took place from 1-2 July and brought together more than 50 participants, including customs officers, police, market surveillance authorities, EU and international bodies and representatives from the industry. 

    The so-called Fast-Moving-Consumer-Goods (FMCG) include everyday items such as personal care and home care items, packaged food, snacks, soft drinks and household batteries. These items are often targeted by fraudsters due to high consumer demand, short shelf lives and high turnover that reaches hundreds of billions every year. 

    The economic scale of this sector makes it a lucrative target for counterfeit products, which are increasingly making their way into people’s homes. However, counterfeit goods not only harm legitimate businesses but can also pose serious risks to consumer health and safety as they oftentimes fail to comply with the European standards and regulations. The infiltration of fake products leads to significant economic damage – undermining fair competition, causing loss of revenue for legitimate producers, which ultimately results in job losses across affected industries. 

    To address this growing threat, OLAF and EUIPO co-hosted a two-day conference titled “The Counterfeit Closed: Uncovering Fake Products in Your Home and on Your Shelf”, held at the EUIPO premises in Alicante, Spain. The aim was to share information and best practices, discuss enforcement tools as well as practical insights on how to improve detection and strengthen cooperation to protect consumers and business from fake products. For more information, see the EUIPO news item. 

    “This conference is yet another concrete step in reinforcing EU’s fight against fraud involving intellectual property,” said OLAF Director-General Ville Itälä. “By working together across borders and sectors, we are better equipped to stop counterfeit goods at the source and protect European consumers, industry and markets.”

    Background 

    The conference is part of an ongoing cooperation between OLAF and EUIPO, under a service-level agreement launched in 2022. Together, the two institutions organise major knowledge-sharing events each year, focused on strengthening enforcement against intellectual property crimes. 

    Read the news item issued by the EUIPO

    OLAF mission, mandate and competences:

    OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.    

    OLAF fulfils its mission by:
    •    carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
    •    contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
    •    developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.

    In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
    •    all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
    •    some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
    •    suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.

    Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.

    For further details:

    Pierluigi CATERINO
    Spokesperson
    European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335  
    Email: olaf-media ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
    https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu
    LinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    X: x.com/EUAntiFraud
    Bluesky: euantifraud.bsky.social

    If you’re a journalist and you wish to receive our press releases in your inbox, please leave us your contact data.
     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Haut du Mont memorial and garden plans revealed03 July 2025 Plans for a memorial and garden to remember those who died at Haut du Mont have been unveiled. Family members of the 10 people who died and those who lost their homes in the explosion in December 2022… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    03 July 2025

    Plans for a memorial and garden to remember those who died at Haut du Mont have been unveiled. 

    Family members of the 10 people who died and those who lost their homes in the explosion in December 2022 have been closely involved in the design and features of the garden which will be built at the site on Pier Road. 

    Government of Jersey Principal Architect Barry Freeman has been working with the families to incorporate their wishes into the design which will soon be submitted for planning permission. 

    Among the details the families and former residents suggested are the inclusion of the favourite flowers of those who died and a separate play area for young children. 

    The garden will feature an area where the names of those who died will be captured on seating and separate quiet places where people can sit, reflect and look at the view across St Aubin’s Bay. 

    Karlene McGinness, whose mother Kathy died following the explosion, is among the family members whose views have been incorporated into the design. 

    Speaking on behalf of her family, she said: “We’re really pleased that the plans for the memorial site are now progressing. 

    “Our mum’s home always had an incredibly welcoming and warm feel, which was reflective of the loving, happy, and caring person that she was. So it’s important to us that the memorial site has personal elements which can reflect the kind of person that she was. There’s clearly been a lot of thought given to making sure the design and details have a personal feel, and we’re pleased with that. 

    “We hope that once it’s in place, it’ll be a pleasant space where we can go to reflect, remember our mum, and reminisce with our family and her friends about all the good times. 

    “Our mum loved nothing more than playing with her grandchildren. It will certainly be a place we’ll go with our children to play, talk about all our lovely memories of her, and keep her memory alive.” 

    Architect Barry Freeman said: “This has been one of the most heartfelt and important things I have worked on in my 33-year career. 

    “Working so closely with those who lost loved ones and those who lost their homes has been a privilege, and we have done our best to incorporate all their requests into the final plans. 

    “I hope the memorial and garden will become a place for all Islanders to reflect, remember and heal, whatever they are going through. I also hope it will stand as something that will help future generations to learn lessons that may avoid other tragedies.”​​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Young scientists of the State University of Management will take part in the formation of the country’s personnel strategy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On July 2, young scientists from the State University of Management presented one of the best projects of the forum “Strong Ideas for a New Time” and were invited to a strategic session on the formation of a personnel strategy at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation.

    Head of the Scientific Research Coordination Department of the State University of Management Maxim Pletnev and specialist of the Center for Scientific Research Coordination, graduate student of the State University of Management Nikita Akinshin presented the project “Creation of a flexible, practice-oriented system for training scientific personnel” at the pitch session.

    The proposed initiative is aimed at reforming the training programs for scientific and pedagogical personnel in postgraduate studies by ensuring closer interaction between higher education institutions and enterprises in the real sector of the economy.

    The key basis of the proposal is the creation of conditions under which this interaction will be beneficial to all participants and will ensure unprecedented growth in scientific and technological development and the importance of science, as well as the status of scientists in Russia.

    Based on the successful experience of reorganizing the educational process in the training of scientific and pedagogical personnel in the postgraduate program of the State University of Management, a new approach was proposed that combines management, scientific and industrial competencies.

    A special feature of the new generation educational program is the presence of a scientific supervisor with experience in organizations in the real sector of the economy, who himself completed postgraduate studies, has a candidate/doctoral degree and understands the needs of industrial enterprises.

    As a result, the project of the SUM scientists entered the top 100 ideas in the direction of the “National Personnel Initiative”.

    To develop the idea, the project team was invited to a strategic session on the formation of a personnel strategy at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Session 4

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 4: New industrial developments and the evolving architecture of international trade

    Chair: Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board, European Central Bank

    Paper: “Recent evolutions in the global trade system: from integration to strategic realignment”
    Author: Ana Maria Santacreu, Economic Policy Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis
    (together with Florencia Airaudo, Economist, Federal Reserve Board of Governors, François de Soyres, Section Chief, Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and Alexandre Gaillard, Assistant Professor, Brown University)

    Discussant: Diego Comin, Professor, Dartmouth College

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4gqWLDCaOs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Session 4

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 4: New industrial developments and the evolving architecture of international trade

    Chair: Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board, European Central Bank

    Paper: “Recent evolutions in the global trade system: from integration to strategic realignment”
    Author: Ana Maria Santacreu, Economic Policy Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis
    (together with Florencia Airaudo, Economist, Federal Reserve Board of Governors, François de Soyres, Section Chief, Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and Alexandre Gaillard, Assistant Professor, Brown University)

    Discussant: Diego Comin, Professor, Dartmouth College

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4gqWLDCaOs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Session 4

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 4: New industrial developments and the evolving architecture of international trade

    Chair: Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board, European Central Bank

    Paper: “Recent evolutions in the global trade system: from integration to strategic realignment”
    Author: Ana Maria Santacreu, Economic Policy Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis
    (together with Florencia Airaudo, Economist, Federal Reserve Board of Governors, François de Soyres, Section Chief, Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and Alexandre Gaillard, Assistant Professor, Brown University)

    Discussant: Diego Comin, Professor, Dartmouth College

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4gqWLDCaOs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Session 3

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 3: Non-bank financial intermediaries, liquidity and their prudential treatment

    Chair: Luis de Guindos, Vice-President, European Central Bank

    Paper: “Growth of non-bank financial intermediaries, monetary policy, and financial stability”
    Author: Loriana Pelizzon, Deputy Scientific Director, Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE and Professor, Goethe University Frankfurt and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
    (together with Riccardo Mattiello, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and Warwick University, and Jonas Schlegel, Financial Economist, SAFE Policy Center)

    Discussant: Nicola Cetorelli, Financial Research Advisor and Head of Financial Intermediation, Federal Reserve Bank of New York

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KozVSM50NZg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Session 3

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 3: Non-bank financial intermediaries, liquidity and their prudential treatment

    Chair: Luis de Guindos, Vice-President, European Central Bank

    Paper: “Growth of non-bank financial intermediaries, monetary policy, and financial stability”
    Author: Loriana Pelizzon, Deputy Scientific Director, Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE and Professor, Goethe University Frankfurt and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
    (together with Riccardo Mattiello, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and Warwick University, and Jonas Schlegel, Financial Economist, SAFE Policy Center)

    Discussant: Nicola Cetorelli, Financial Research Advisor and Head of Financial Intermediation, Federal Reserve Bank of New York

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KozVSM50NZg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Session 3

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 3: Non-bank financial intermediaries, liquidity and their prudential treatment

    Chair: Luis de Guindos, Vice-President, European Central Bank

    Paper: “Growth of non-bank financial intermediaries, monetary policy, and financial stability”
    Author: Loriana Pelizzon, Deputy Scientific Director, Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE and Professor, Goethe University Frankfurt and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
    (together with Riccardo Mattiello, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and Warwick University, and Jonas Schlegel, Financial Economist, SAFE Policy Center)

    Discussant: Nicola Cetorelli, Financial Research Advisor and Head of Financial Intermediation, Federal Reserve Bank of New York

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KozVSM50NZg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – A conversation about tapping Europe’s growth potential

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    A conversation about tapping Europe’s growth potential

    Philippe Aghion, Professor, Collège de France and London School of Economics
    Lars Feld, Professor, University of Freiburg, and Director of the Walter Eucken Institute
    Moderator: Beatrice Weder di Mauro, Professor, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies Geneva, and President of the CEPR

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC0YgzhJPrI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Panel 2

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Panel 2: Central bank communication: current challenges

    Chair: Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board, European Central Bank

    Alessandra Galloni, Editor-in-Chief, Reuters
    Carolin Pflueger, Associate Professor, University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy
    Anna Seim, Deputy Governor, Sveriges Riksbank
    Alan Taylor, Professor, Columbia University and external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jN_UNPwJYE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Award ceremony and Closing remarks

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Award ceremony for the Young Economist Prize

    Closing remarks
    Christine Lagarde, President, European Central Bank

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnTxtH9y_JU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • Trump shows frustration as Republicans struggle to unite on tax-cut bill

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at congressional Republicans on Thursday for failing to swiftly pass his signature legislation, warning them on social media they would lose MAGA votes if the bill died.

    Republicans in the House of Representatives on Wednesday appeared to advance Trump’s massive tax-cut and spending bill, but then progress stalled with a handful of holdouts refusing to vote for a bill that nonpartisan analysts say will add $3.4 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade.

    The holdouts could switch their vote and support the president as Republican leaders held open the vote while they continued to negotiate.

    Trump argued the legislation would promote economic growth and said it was popular with his MAGA base.

    The package contains most of the president’s top domestic priorities: extending his 2017 tax cuts, cutting health and food safety net programs, funding Trump’s immigration crackdown, and zeroing out many green-energy incentives. It also includes a $5 trillion increase in the nation’s debt ceiling, which lawmakers must address in the coming months or risk a devastating default.

    As a marathon session on Wednesday dragged into the early morning hours of Thursday, Trump and his allies appeared frustrated that the legislation had yet to clear a procedural hurdle, with voting continuing in the U.S. House of Representatives. That vote was needed to advance the bill to a final vote on the House floor.

    Trump warned Republicans who were not on board that they would lose support from his base, posting on his Truth Social platform that the holdout was “ridiculous.” In a post after midnight U.S. eastern time, he wrote: “FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!”

    In another earlier post he had written: “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”

    A handful of so-called fiscal hawks, who oppose deficit spending, have voted “no” along with all the House Democrats, who are critical of cuts to social spending. The Medicaid cuts have also raised concerns among some Republicans, prompting the Senate to set aside more money for rural hospitals.

    The Senate passed Trump’s legislation by the narrowest possible margin on Tuesday after intense debate on the bill’s hefty price tag and $900 million in cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for low-income Americans.

    Any changes made by the House would require another Senate vote, which would make it all but impossible to meet the July 4 Independence Day deadline set by Trump.

    Democrats are united in opposition to the bill, saying that its tax breaks disproportionately benefit the wealthy while cutting services that lower- and middle-income Americans rely on. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that almost 12 million people could lose health insurance as a result of the bill.

    “This bill is catastrophic. It is not policy, it is punishment,” Democratic Representative Jim McGovern said in debate on the House floor.

    Republicans in Congress have struggled to stay united in recent years, but they also have not defied Trump since he returned to the White House in January.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump shows frustration as Republicans struggle to unite on tax-cut bill

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at congressional Republicans on Thursday for failing to swiftly pass his signature legislation, warning them on social media they would lose MAGA votes if the bill died.

    Republicans in the House of Representatives on Wednesday appeared to advance Trump’s massive tax-cut and spending bill, but then progress stalled with a handful of holdouts refusing to vote for a bill that nonpartisan analysts say will add $3.4 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade.

    The holdouts could switch their vote and support the president as Republican leaders held open the vote while they continued to negotiate.

    Trump argued the legislation would promote economic growth and said it was popular with his MAGA base.

    The package contains most of the president’s top domestic priorities: extending his 2017 tax cuts, cutting health and food safety net programs, funding Trump’s immigration crackdown, and zeroing out many green-energy incentives. It also includes a $5 trillion increase in the nation’s debt ceiling, which lawmakers must address in the coming months or risk a devastating default.

    As a marathon session on Wednesday dragged into the early morning hours of Thursday, Trump and his allies appeared frustrated that the legislation had yet to clear a procedural hurdle, with voting continuing in the U.S. House of Representatives. That vote was needed to advance the bill to a final vote on the House floor.

    Trump warned Republicans who were not on board that they would lose support from his base, posting on his Truth Social platform that the holdout was “ridiculous.” In a post after midnight U.S. eastern time, he wrote: “FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!”

    In another earlier post he had written: “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”

    A handful of so-called fiscal hawks, who oppose deficit spending, have voted “no” along with all the House Democrats, who are critical of cuts to social spending. The Medicaid cuts have also raised concerns among some Republicans, prompting the Senate to set aside more money for rural hospitals.

    The Senate passed Trump’s legislation by the narrowest possible margin on Tuesday after intense debate on the bill’s hefty price tag and $900 million in cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for low-income Americans.

    Any changes made by the House would require another Senate vote, which would make it all but impossible to meet the July 4 Independence Day deadline set by Trump.

    Democrats are united in opposition to the bill, saying that its tax breaks disproportionately benefit the wealthy while cutting services that lower- and middle-income Americans rely on. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that almost 12 million people could lose health insurance as a result of the bill.

    “This bill is catastrophic. It is not policy, it is punishment,” Democratic Representative Jim McGovern said in debate on the House floor.

    Republicans in Congress have struggled to stay united in recent years, but they also have not defied Trump since he returned to the White House in January.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump shows frustration as Republicans struggle to unite on tax-cut bill

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at congressional Republicans on Thursday for failing to swiftly pass his signature legislation, warning them on social media they would lose MAGA votes if the bill died.

    Republicans in the House of Representatives on Wednesday appeared to advance Trump’s massive tax-cut and spending bill, but then progress stalled with a handful of holdouts refusing to vote for a bill that nonpartisan analysts say will add $3.4 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade.

    The holdouts could switch their vote and support the president as Republican leaders held open the vote while they continued to negotiate.

    Trump argued the legislation would promote economic growth and said it was popular with his MAGA base.

    The package contains most of the president’s top domestic priorities: extending his 2017 tax cuts, cutting health and food safety net programs, funding Trump’s immigration crackdown, and zeroing out many green-energy incentives. It also includes a $5 trillion increase in the nation’s debt ceiling, which lawmakers must address in the coming months or risk a devastating default.

    As a marathon session on Wednesday dragged into the early morning hours of Thursday, Trump and his allies appeared frustrated that the legislation had yet to clear a procedural hurdle, with voting continuing in the U.S. House of Representatives. That vote was needed to advance the bill to a final vote on the House floor.

    Trump warned Republicans who were not on board that they would lose support from his base, posting on his Truth Social platform that the holdout was “ridiculous.” In a post after midnight U.S. eastern time, he wrote: “FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!”

    In another earlier post he had written: “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”

    A handful of so-called fiscal hawks, who oppose deficit spending, have voted “no” along with all the House Democrats, who are critical of cuts to social spending. The Medicaid cuts have also raised concerns among some Republicans, prompting the Senate to set aside more money for rural hospitals.

    The Senate passed Trump’s legislation by the narrowest possible margin on Tuesday after intense debate on the bill’s hefty price tag and $900 million in cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for low-income Americans.

    Any changes made by the House would require another Senate vote, which would make it all but impossible to meet the July 4 Independence Day deadline set by Trump.

    Democrats are united in opposition to the bill, saying that its tax breaks disproportionately benefit the wealthy while cutting services that lower- and middle-income Americans rely on. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that almost 12 million people could lose health insurance as a result of the bill.

    “This bill is catastrophic. It is not policy, it is punishment,” Democratic Representative Jim McGovern said in debate on the House floor.

    Republicans in Congress have struggled to stay united in recent years, but they also have not defied Trump since he returned to the White House in January.

    (Reuters)

  • Australian govt confirms $2.2 billion funding for 2032 Brisbane Games venues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion ($2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.

    Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.

    “The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.

    “We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.

    “The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”

    Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year.

    Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed Thursday’s announcement as a “significant shift in forward momentum”.

    “I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government’s recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get underway …” he said.

    The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city’s Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032.

    A new aquatics centre to host the swimming in 2032 will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million.

    “Today’s landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,” said Queensland’s Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie.

    “We’ve also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan.

    “I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia’s most exciting sporting precinct that will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.”

    Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026.

    The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said.

    (Reuters)

  • Australian govt confirms $2.2 billion funding for 2032 Brisbane Games venues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion ($2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.

    Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.

    “The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.

    “We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.

    “The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”

    Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year.

    Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed Thursday’s announcement as a “significant shift in forward momentum”.

    “I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government’s recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get underway …” he said.

    The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city’s Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032.

    A new aquatics centre to host the swimming in 2032 will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million.

    “Today’s landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,” said Queensland’s Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie.

    “We’ve also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan.

    “I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia’s most exciting sporting precinct that will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.”

    Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026.

    The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said.

    (Reuters)

  • Australian govt confirms $2.2 billion funding for 2032 Brisbane Games venues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Australian government has confirmed it will contribute A$3.435 billion ($2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building the venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, clearing the way for the start of construction.

    Queensland taxpayers and private finance will provide the balance of the money for the 17 new and upgraded venues for the Summer Games under the funding deal announced by state and federal governments on Thursday.

    “The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in a statement.

    “We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.

    “The Australian government’s commitment of A$3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country.”

    Brisbane was awarded hosting rights for the Games in 2021 but political wrangling over the venues meant the final plans were not decided until March this year.

    Organising committee chief Andrew Liveris welcomed Thursday’s announcement as a “significant shift in forward momentum”.

    “I thank the Australian and Queensland governments for moving swiftly following the Australian government’s recent return to office to agree on intergovernmental funding that will ensure physical works can get underway …” he said.

    The main stadium, which is estimated to cost A$3.7 billion, will be built in the city’s Victoria Park and seat 60,000 during the Olympics and 3,000 more for Australian Rules football and cricket matches after 2032.

    A new aquatics centre to host the swimming in 2032 will also be built nearby at an estimated cost of A$650 million.

    “Today’s landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever,” said Queensland’s Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie.

    “We’ve also launched procurement on four key projects to kickstart the delivery of world-class venues in the delivery plan.

    “I can also announce that we will start site investigations at Victoria Park for Australia’s most exciting sporting precinct that will be home to the new main stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre.”

    Liveris said in May that he did not think any ground would be broken on the two major new venues until the end of 2026.

    The federal government has already committed A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements that the Queensland government believes are necessary for 2032, the statement said.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: China Travel, Easy Go! Shanghai launches all-in-one platform for intl travelers

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

    China Travel, Easy Go! Shanghai launches all-in-one platform for intl travelers

    Xinhua | July 3, 2025

    Shanghai on Wednesday launched “Easy Go,” an all-in-one platform to streamline digital services for international visitors, leveraging China’s expanded visa facilitation and instant tax refunds.

    The platform, developed by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, the People’s Bank of China Shanghai Head Office, along with other city departments, integrates consumption services and tourism information onto Alipay’s international version, eliminating the need for multiple app downloads and addressing previous language barriers.

    Foreign users can register with one click to access 30 mini-programs across the four key areas of dining, transport, sightseeing and shopping. Core functions include food delivery, restaurant recommendations, public transit, ride-hailing, travel advice, ticket booking, luggage storage and tax refund service locations. The service operates primarily in English and offers real-time multilingual translation.

    Easy Go also features a “tap for tax refund” function that links to a tax refund map of the city, and provides updated city guides and travel tips. Media and influencer videos promoting Shanghai and China are available on the platform too.

    “Easy Go is a very convenient platform because it’s just all in one,” said Clarisse Le Guernic, who comes from France. “Foreign tourists coming to Shanghai, they don’t need to download many different apps, and they can do payment, translation, order food, take shared bikes just with Easy Go.”

    As of June, citizens from 55 countries can utilize China’s 240-hour visa-free transit program. The country has also expanded its unilateral visa-free access program, allowing travelers from 47 countries to stay for up to 30 days.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini unveils strategic AI framework to turn enterprise ambition into measurable business impact

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Mollie Mellows
    Phone:+ 44 (0) 7342 709384
    E-mail: mollie.mellows@capgemini.com

    Capgemini unveils strategic AI framework to turn enterprise ambition into measurable business impact

    Paris, July 3, 2025 – Capgemini today unveiled its Resonance AI Framework to help organizations unlock the full potential of AI at scale, reimagining their business from operations to innovation. With the vast majority of organizations planning to implement agentic AI in the next 2 years1, there is a strong need to reinforce organizations’ AI readiness, while creating the right “human-AI chemistry” to ensure long-lasting adoption. Supported by a suite of AI transformation offers and RAISE, a comprehensive generative AI and AI agents gallery, the framework enables organizations to turn strategy into action across the enterprise.

    In an era of unprecedented transformation, AI can release waves of opportunities across industries, ranging from performance improvement to breakthrough innovation and business reinvention. The Resonance AI Framework by Capgemini helps leaders envision AI’s potential, embed it into the foundation of their operations, and enable what Capgemini terms “human-AI chemistry”. Designed to allow effective interaction between people and intelligent systems, the framework addresses the trust, understanding, and collaboration needed for human and AI agents to build reliability over time, ensuring that hybrid teams thrive.

    The Resonance AI Framework combines the breadth of the Group’s capabilities, enabling seamless delivery of cohesive, responsible, and high-impact solutions to clients. It is a strategic blueprint that helps organizations navigate a new world of democratized AI, release the next waves of human-AI innovation, and secure long-term adoption.

    “At Capgemini, we believe AI is becoming the next utility – accessible everywhere, anytime, and by anyone. This democratization of AI empowers businesses to embed AI into the fabric of everyday operations,” said Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of the Capgemini Group. “At the heart of the framework is the concept of resonance, the idea that AI transformation must begin at the core of an organization and radiate outward to generate continuous waves of value. Our approach offers a clear path forward: one that aligns vision with execution, strategy with operations, and innovation with responsibility. This is how the next market-leading businesses will thrive, by fostering human-AI interaction and making AI performance real.”

    Releasing the next waves of human-AI innovation
    To deliver business value, the Resonance AI Framework by Capgemini equips organizations to act across three strategic dimensions:

    • AI essentials (ACCESS): The core components required to unlock actionable intelligence and transformative value within an organization. It is the combination of two critical components: Intelligent-as-a-Service, which includes scalable infrastructure, advanced language models, and software with built-in AI capabilities; and the organization’s raw data – unique, unprocessed, and often underused assets that power meaningful insights.
    • AI readiness (ADAPT): This is about preparing the organization to use AI responsibly and effectively. It involves establishing the right enablers, such as workforce models, governance frameworks, and data infrastructure. The implementation of guardrails is also required to ensure ethical, legal, and safe AI operations. Together, these foundations support scalable adoption.
    • Human-AI chemistry (ADOPT): To achieve success with AI, organizations must intentionally design interactions between humans and AI across workflows, decision-making, and culture. The quality of collaboration between humans and AI is shaped by three core elements: clearly defined roles and responsibilities, well-designed interactions, and strong alignment with legal and ethical standards to build reliability over time. Just as team chemistry drives human performance, human-AI chemistry will shape how deeply AI can integrate into the enterprise.

    A comprehensive AI-first portfolio of offers delivering client outcomes
    Capgemini’s framework is supported by a broad suite of transformation offers, each designed to help organizations derive tangible value from AI. These include:

    • Envisioning and building the AI strategy roadmap
    • Developing AI-powered experiences, products and innovation
    • Boosting AI-powered go-to-market
    • Uplifting business outcomes with AI-powered business process operations
    • Evolving faster with AI-powered IT

    These offers are supported by a comprehensive and enterprise-ready generative AI and AI agents builder and gallery that will be constantly evolving to support new market opportunities (RAISE).

    Already being adopted by clients worldwide, the framework is poised to become a global standard for enterprise AI transformation. From manufacturing to financial services, organizations are using it to craft their AI roadmaps, hyper-automate business process and IT operations, and reimagine customer engagement.

    For example, Capgemini is working with a global pharmaceutical leader to address slow resolution times, high support costs, and low user satisfaction in its IT service desk. By introducing agentic and generative AI, the organization reduced average handling time by 20%, improved first contact resolution and user satisfaction, enabled up to 80% zero-touch automation, and cut operational costs by 40%.
      
    The business and technology transformation partner enabling AI-powered enterprises
    The launch of the Resonance AI Framework is the latest initiative from Capgemini to strengthen its leadership in AI. Over the last two years, Capgemini has accelerated its AI strategy by upskilling over 150,000 team members on generative AI tools and establishing AI Centers of Excellence plus two AI-focused Labs (AI Futures and AI Robotics & Experiences). With a broad ecosystem of 25 strategic partners in AI, the Group has invested in strengthening its partnerships with key players across the AI value chain, including AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft and Mistral AI. Capgemini’s leadership in AI has also been recognized by the Forrester Wave™: AI services, Q2 2024.

    Organizations can learn more about the Resonance AI Framework by Capgemini and how it can help them lead in the age of intelligence here.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.

    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    1“Top Tech Trends of 2025: AI-powered everything”, Capgemini Research Institute, November 2024

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini unveils strategic AI framework to turn enterprise ambition into measurable business impact

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Mollie Mellows
    Phone:+ 44 (0) 7342 709384
    E-mail: mollie.mellows@capgemini.com

    Capgemini unveils strategic AI framework to turn enterprise ambition into measurable business impact

    Paris, July 3, 2025 – Capgemini today unveiled its Resonance AI Framework to help organizations unlock the full potential of AI at scale, reimagining their business from operations to innovation. With the vast majority of organizations planning to implement agentic AI in the next 2 years1, there is a strong need to reinforce organizations’ AI readiness, while creating the right “human-AI chemistry” to ensure long-lasting adoption. Supported by a suite of AI transformation offers and RAISE, a comprehensive generative AI and AI agents gallery, the framework enables organizations to turn strategy into action across the enterprise.

    In an era of unprecedented transformation, AI can release waves of opportunities across industries, ranging from performance improvement to breakthrough innovation and business reinvention. The Resonance AI Framework by Capgemini helps leaders envision AI’s potential, embed it into the foundation of their operations, and enable what Capgemini terms “human-AI chemistry”. Designed to allow effective interaction between people and intelligent systems, the framework addresses the trust, understanding, and collaboration needed for human and AI agents to build reliability over time, ensuring that hybrid teams thrive.

    The Resonance AI Framework combines the breadth of the Group’s capabilities, enabling seamless delivery of cohesive, responsible, and high-impact solutions to clients. It is a strategic blueprint that helps organizations navigate a new world of democratized AI, release the next waves of human-AI innovation, and secure long-term adoption.

    “At Capgemini, we believe AI is becoming the next utility – accessible everywhere, anytime, and by anyone. This democratization of AI empowers businesses to embed AI into the fabric of everyday operations,” said Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of the Capgemini Group. “At the heart of the framework is the concept of resonance, the idea that AI transformation must begin at the core of an organization and radiate outward to generate continuous waves of value. Our approach offers a clear path forward: one that aligns vision with execution, strategy with operations, and innovation with responsibility. This is how the next market-leading businesses will thrive, by fostering human-AI interaction and making AI performance real.”

    Releasing the next waves of human-AI innovation
    To deliver business value, the Resonance AI Framework by Capgemini equips organizations to act across three strategic dimensions:

    • AI essentials (ACCESS): The core components required to unlock actionable intelligence and transformative value within an organization. It is the combination of two critical components: Intelligent-as-a-Service, which includes scalable infrastructure, advanced language models, and software with built-in AI capabilities; and the organization’s raw data – unique, unprocessed, and often underused assets that power meaningful insights.
    • AI readiness (ADAPT): This is about preparing the organization to use AI responsibly and effectively. It involves establishing the right enablers, such as workforce models, governance frameworks, and data infrastructure. The implementation of guardrails is also required to ensure ethical, legal, and safe AI operations. Together, these foundations support scalable adoption.
    • Human-AI chemistry (ADOPT): To achieve success with AI, organizations must intentionally design interactions between humans and AI across workflows, decision-making, and culture. The quality of collaboration between humans and AI is shaped by three core elements: clearly defined roles and responsibilities, well-designed interactions, and strong alignment with legal and ethical standards to build reliability over time. Just as team chemistry drives human performance, human-AI chemistry will shape how deeply AI can integrate into the enterprise.

    A comprehensive AI-first portfolio of offers delivering client outcomes
    Capgemini’s framework is supported by a broad suite of transformation offers, each designed to help organizations derive tangible value from AI. These include:

    • Envisioning and building the AI strategy roadmap
    • Developing AI-powered experiences, products and innovation
    • Boosting AI-powered go-to-market
    • Uplifting business outcomes with AI-powered business process operations
    • Evolving faster with AI-powered IT

    These offers are supported by a comprehensive and enterprise-ready generative AI and AI agents builder and gallery that will be constantly evolving to support new market opportunities (RAISE).

    Already being adopted by clients worldwide, the framework is poised to become a global standard for enterprise AI transformation. From manufacturing to financial services, organizations are using it to craft their AI roadmaps, hyper-automate business process and IT operations, and reimagine customer engagement.

    For example, Capgemini is working with a global pharmaceutical leader to address slow resolution times, high support costs, and low user satisfaction in its IT service desk. By introducing agentic and generative AI, the organization reduced average handling time by 20%, improved first contact resolution and user satisfaction, enabled up to 80% zero-touch automation, and cut operational costs by 40%.
      
    The business and technology transformation partner enabling AI-powered enterprises
    The launch of the Resonance AI Framework is the latest initiative from Capgemini to strengthen its leadership in AI. Over the last two years, Capgemini has accelerated its AI strategy by upskilling over 150,000 team members on generative AI tools and establishing AI Centers of Excellence plus two AI-focused Labs (AI Futures and AI Robotics & Experiences). With a broad ecosystem of 25 strategic partners in AI, the Group has invested in strengthening its partnerships with key players across the AI value chain, including AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft and Mistral AI. Capgemini’s leadership in AI has also been recognized by the Forrester Wave™: AI services, Q2 2024.

    Organizations can learn more about the Resonance AI Framework by Capgemini and how it can help them lead in the age of intelligence here.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.

    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    1“Top Tech Trends of 2025: AI-powered everything”, Capgemini Research Institute, November 2024

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sampo plc: Disclosure Under Chapter 9 Section 10 of the Securities Market Act (BlackRock, Inc.)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sampo plc, stock exchange release, 3 July 2025 at 9:35 am EEST

    Sampo plc: Disclosure Under Chapter 9 Section 10 of the Securities Market Act (BlackRock, Inc.)

    Sampo plc (business code 0142213-3) has received a disclosure under Chapter 9, Section 5 of the Securities Markets Act. The reason for the notification by BlackRock, Inc. is the Group restructure following the acquisition of HPS Investment Partners (“HPS”). The aggregate holdings including financial instruments according to SMA 9:6a owned by BlackRock, Inc. and the entities referred to above amounts to 7.00 per cent of the total number of shares and 6.98 per cent of the total voting rights of Sampo plc.

    Sampo’s share capital comprises 2,691,238,860 shares, of which 2,690,238,860 are A shares and 1,000,000 are B shares. Each A share entitles its holder to one (1) vote and each B share to five (5) votes. Thus, the total number of votes is 2,695,238,860.

    Total positions of BlackRock, Inc and its funds subject to the notification:

      % of shares and voting rights (total of A) % of shares and voting rights through financial instruments (total of B) Total of both in % (A+B)
    Resulting situation on the date on which threshold was crossed or reached 6.89% shares

    6.88% voting rights

    		 0.10% shares

    0.10% voting rights

    		 7.00% shares

    6.98% voting rights
    Positions of previous notification (if applicable) 5.63% shares

    5.62% voting rights

    		 0.29% shares

    0.29% voting rights

    		 5.93% shares

    5.92%voting rights

    Notified details of the resulting situation on the date on which the threshold was crossed:

    A: Shares and voting rights:

    Class/type of shares
    ISIN code    		 Number of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights
      Direct
    (SMA 9:5)    		 Indirect
    (SMA 9:6 and 9:7)    		 Direct
    (SMA 9:5)    		 Indirect
    (SMA 9:6 and 9:7)
    FI4000552500   185,655,678 shares

    185,655,678 voting rights

    		   6.89% shares

    6.88% voting rights
    SUBTOTAL A 185,655,678 shares

    185,655,678 voting rights

    		 6.89% shares

    6.88% voting rights

    B: Financial instruments according to SMA 9:6a:

    Type of financial
    instrument    		 Expiration date Exercise/
    Conversion Period    		 Physical or
    cash settlement    		 Number of shares
    and voting rights    		 % of shares and
    voting rights
    American Depository Receipt (US79588J1025) N/A N/A Physical 1,251,080 shares

    1,251,080 voting rights

    		 0.04% shares

    0.04% voting rights
    CFD N/A N/A Cash 1,484,268 shares

    1,484,268 voting rights

    		 0.05% shares

    0.05% voting rights
          SUBTOTAL B 2,735,348 shares

    2,735,348 voting rights

    		 0.10% shares

    0.10% voting rights

    SAMPO PLC

    Sami Taipalus
    Head of Investor Relations
    tel. +358 10 516 0030

    Distribution:
    Nasdaq Helsinki
    Nasdaq Stockholm
    Nasdaq Copenhagen
    London stock exchange
    FIN-FSA
    The principal media
    www.sampo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Insurance companies and pension funds hedge more against dollar decline

    Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

    Dollar hedging has reduced the loss in 2025

    The total return on the insurance companies and pension funds’ investments results in a loss of kr. 4 billion year to date. The return from dividends and interest has been kr. 47 billion in the first five months of the year. At the same time, there have been negative exchange rate adjustments of kr. 4 billion, and currency adjustments have further reduced the return by kr. 47 billion. The majority of the currency loss this year is due to the fact that the dollar exchange rate has fallen significantly since the beginning of March, and approximately a quarter of the investments in dollars are not currency-hedged. Thus, the currency hedging of insurance companies and pension funds has reduced the loss by about kr. 80 billion this year. The currency loss would have been kr. 127 billion without hedging, and the total loss kr. 84 billion.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • India’s services sector soars to 10-month high in June, signaling strong growth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The growth in India’s services sector activity surged to a 10-month high in June, driven by robust demand in both the domestic and export markets, according to an HSBC survey released on Thursday.

    The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Services PMI Business Activity Index, compiled by S&P Global, rose from 58.8 in May to 60.4 in June. The PMI threshold of 50.0 is neutral mark that separates growth from contraction on the index.

    New orders expanded at the quickest rate since August 2024. Services companies benefited most from the continued strength of the domestic market, alongside a marked increase in new export business. Overseas demand particularly improved from the Asian, Middle Eastern and US markets, according to panel members, the survey states.

    The ongoing expansion of the Indian services sector had a positive impact on recruitment. Employment rose for the thirty-seventh consecutive month in June, with the rate of job growth outpacing its long-run average, although it was lower than the record figure achieved in May.

    The rate of input cost inflation across India’s service economy eased to a ten-month low in June, and was below its long-run average. Despite easing from May, the rate of charge inflation remained above the series trend. Outstanding business expanded at a slight rate that was nevertheless faster than in May.

    According to the survey, optimism regarding the outlook for output levels in one-year time was sustained, with 18 per cent of service providers forecasting growth. This proportion of upbeat firms was, however, the lowest since mid-2022. Hence, the overall level of confidence fell and was below its long-run average.

    The HSBC India Composite PMI, which combines services and manufacturing activity, rose to 61.0 in June from 59.3, marking the fastest expansion in 14 months. The manufacturing PMI data released this week showed manufacturing activity growth accelerated in June, in tune with the strong services sector performance.

    (IANS)

  • SDRF rescues 40 devotees stranded due to landslide in Uttarakhand’s Sonprayag

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Amid relentless rainfall and worsening weather conditions in Uttarakhand, around 40 devotees returning from Kedarnath Dham were rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Thursday after being stranded near the Sonprayag landslide zone.

    The pilgrims were stranded following a sudden landslide around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, which blocked the route with debris, making further movement impossible.

    The landslide struck near Sonprayag, a key transit point along the Kedarnath Yatra route. Responding swiftly, SDRF teams launched a high-risk nighttime rescue operation.

    Video footage released by the SDRF showed personnel carefully navigating through dangerous terrain and heavy debris to evacuate the stranded pilgrims to safety.

    The hill state continues to face widespread disruption due to ongoing heavy rainfall. The Badrinath National Highway was blocked near Badrish Hotel in Umtta following another landslide, according to Chamoli Police.

    Similarly, the Yamunotri National Highway has sustained severe damage, with sections of the road between Silai Band and Ojri washed away due to incessant downpours.

    Multiple agencies, including the SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and forest department personnel, are working in coordination to assist pilgrims and residents alike. Teams are creating temporary trails, providing transportation, and guiding people through alternate safe routes to ensure timely and secure transit.

    Essential services have also been significantly impacted.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rain and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely to persist across several districts.

    “Intense to very intense spells of rain are expected at isolated locations in Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Nainital, and Bageshwar districts,” the IMD said in a statement.

    Other hilly districts are also likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall in isolated pockets in the coming days.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • SDRF rescues 40 devotees stranded due to landslide in Uttarakhand’s Sonprayag

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Amid relentless rainfall and worsening weather conditions in Uttarakhand, around 40 devotees returning from Kedarnath Dham were rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Thursday after being stranded near the Sonprayag landslide zone.

    The pilgrims were stranded following a sudden landslide around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, which blocked the route with debris, making further movement impossible.

    The landslide struck near Sonprayag, a key transit point along the Kedarnath Yatra route. Responding swiftly, SDRF teams launched a high-risk nighttime rescue operation.

    Video footage released by the SDRF showed personnel carefully navigating through dangerous terrain and heavy debris to evacuate the stranded pilgrims to safety.

    The hill state continues to face widespread disruption due to ongoing heavy rainfall. The Badrinath National Highway was blocked near Badrish Hotel in Umtta following another landslide, according to Chamoli Police.

    Similarly, the Yamunotri National Highway has sustained severe damage, with sections of the road between Silai Band and Ojri washed away due to incessant downpours.

    Multiple agencies, including the SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and forest department personnel, are working in coordination to assist pilgrims and residents alike. Teams are creating temporary trails, providing transportation, and guiding people through alternate safe routes to ensure timely and secure transit.

    Essential services have also been significantly impacted.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rain and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely to persist across several districts.

    “Intense to very intense spells of rain are expected at isolated locations in Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Nainital, and Bageshwar districts,” the IMD said in a statement.

    Other hilly districts are also likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall in isolated pockets in the coming days.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Four dead, 30 missing after ferry sinks near Indonesia’s Bali

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Four people died, 30 were missing and 31 survived after a ferry carrying 65 people sank near the Indonesian island of Bali, the country’s Search and Rescue agency said on Thursday, as rescuers raced to find victims in the rough sea.

    The KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank almost half an hour after leaving East Java province’s Banyuwangi port on its way to Bali late on Wednesday, the agency said on Thursday.

    The boat was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members, as well as 22 vehicles, the agency said.

    A search for the missing is underway although it is being hampered by strong currents and winds, the agency said, adding it had deployed a helicopter to the location and 13 underwater rescuers.

    Video provided by the national rescue agency Basarnas showed what appeared to be the body of one person being carried to shore from a fishing boat in calm seas.

    There has been no official statement on the nationalities of the passengers, but a manifest list broadcast by news channel MetroTV indicated there were no foreigners on board.

    Ferries are a common mode of transport in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, and accidents are common as lax safety standards often allow vessels to be overloaded without adequate life-saving equipment.

    A small ferry capsized in 2023 near Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, killing at least 15 people.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Summer Library Festival 2025 to explore local cultural stories with readers (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Summer Library Festival 2025 to explore local cultural stories with readers  
         A series of interesting parent-child workshops will be held at public libraries in various districts, where parents and children can learn more about the life and culture of Hong Kong, such as the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, street food and the love for giant pandas through making handicrafts together such as small ornaments, clay keychains and origami. Young readers can participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) workshops with their parents to make mini neon signs and distinctive music boxes, while learning about the science behind them. For teenaged and adult readers, they can participate in the Landscape Painting with Hong Kong Characteristics workshops to learn about drawing and painting Hong Kong’s beautiful scenery with coffee and pencils, or the Transportation 3D Origami workshops to make paper crafts of Hong Kong’s public transport icons.
     
         Storytelling workshops with the theme of traditional festivals will also be held at public libraries in various districts. Children will learn about the significance of traditional festivals and make related handicrafts in the workshops to cultivate their interest in reading. The storytelling workshops will be conducted in Cantonese, Putonghua or English.
     
         The HKPL will launch an online programme with the theme “From the Dining Table to the Writing Desk”. In the four-episode series, Professor Tam Ka-chai and Dr Tsang Cheuk-yin will guide readers to learn more about the history and cultural meanings in Hong Kong’s food culture and recommend related books. The programme videos will be uploaded onto the HKPL YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/hkplgovhkchannel 
         Public libraries in Kwai Tsing District, Southern District and Sham Shui Po District will also organise various activities including exhibitions on the history of Hong Kong in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and intangible cultural heritage, different handicraft as well as traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy workshops, large-scale calligraphy performances featuring the history and culture of the Qin and Han dynasties, and more.

         All activities are free of charge. Seat reservations are required for some of the programmes. For details, please visit the SLF 2025 website. Members of the public can also visit the “Reading is Joyful” Facebook page (

    www.facebook.com/readingisjoyfulIssued at HKT 15:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –