NewzIntel.com

Category: Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Rosneft Supports Project to Create Genomic Database of Arctic Organisms

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: Rosneft Supports Project to Create Genomic Database of Arctic Organisms

    Rosneft, together with Innopraktika, a non-governmental development institute, and the Centre for Whole-Genome Sequencing, has launched a unique project to create a genomic database of living organisms in the Russian Arctic. This information is essential for long-term planning for the sustainable development of the region and the conservation of its fragile ecosystems.

    In the first phase, specialists in different taxonomic groups will analyse the biodiversity of the Arctic and select the most valuable species for study.

    Priority work includes the assembly of the complete polar bear genome, which will be carried out by staff from the Centre for Whole-Genome Sequencing. The high-performance computing cluster, one of the top 20 supercomputers in Russia, enables fast and high-quality processing of huge amounts of information and obtaining the most accurate data for subsequent interpretation.

    Specialists from Lomonosov Moscow State University and other leading research institutes in the country were also involved to create a roadmap for the new project and identify priority research areas. Using cutting-edge genetic technologies, scientists will study the mechanisms of speciation and the ability of Arctic animals to adapt to harsh environmental conditions, clarify the taxonomic status of individual species, and develop recommendations for monitoring the health of Arctic ecosystems.

    The new environmental initiative is part of Rosneft’s comprehensive research programme in the Russian Arctic. The Company’s Arctic Research Centre is carrying out the most ambitious programme of research in the region since Soviet times, with more than 50 major expeditions over the past 10 years and unprecedented geographical coverage of hydrometeorological, geological and biological research.

    Reference:

    The creation of genetic databases and whole-genome sequencing are designed to preserve genetic information to protect endangered species. Scientists are studying their evolution and characteristics, investigating the extent of anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems, and calculating ways to mitigate potential threats.

    In recent years, many projects have been launched to analyse genomic data (Bird 10,000 Genomes Project (B10K) in China, international mammalian genome analysis project Zoonomia Project, etc.), but this is the first initiative to study the genomes of organisms from the Russian Arctic.

    Rosneft
    Information Division
    September 11, 2024

    Keywords: Environmental news 2024

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the 7th AMCA + China Meeting

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn today attended the 7th AMCA + China Meeting held in Melaka, Malaysia. The meeting acknowledged the deepening cultural ties between ASEAN and China, with 2024-2025 designated as the ASEAN-China Years of People-to-People Exchanges. The meeting was also apprised of the implementation of joint initiatives especially in the areas of heritage preservation and human resource development under the ASEAN Plus China Cooperation Work Plan in Culture and the Arts (2022-2025).

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the 7th AMCA + China Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The new iPad mini is available today

    Source: Apple

    Headline: The new iPad mini is available today

    QUICK READ October 23, 2024

    Beginning today, the ultraportable new iPad mini, powered by the A17 Pro chip and built for Apple Intelligence, is now available. Starting at just $499 with double the storage of the previous generation, the new iPad mini delivers incredible value and the full iPad experience in an ultraportable design.

    A17 Pro delivers a huge performance boost for iPad mini, unlocking entirely new experiences — including pro apps used by designers, pilots, doctors, and others — and making it faster than ever for users to edit photos, dive into more immersive AR applications, and more. A17 Pro also brings support for Apple Intelligence, the easy-to-use personal intelligence system that understands personal context to deliver intelligence that is helpful and relevant while protecting user privacy. Deeply integrated into iPadOS 18, Apple Intelligence harnesses the power of Apple silicon and Apple-built generative models to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. The first set of Apple Intelligence features will be available in U.S. English as a free software update this month with iPadOS 18.1 on the new iPad mini, with more features rolling out in the coming months.1

    With faster connectivity, users can do even more on iPad mini while on the go. The new iPad mini supports Wi-Fi 6E, so users can download files, play games online, and stream movies even faster, and the USB-C port delivers 2x faster wired connections than the previous generation, with data transfers up to 10Gbps.

    The 12MP wide back camera on the new iPad mini now supports Smart HDR 4 and uses machine learning to detect and scan documents right in the Camera app.

    The versatility and advanced capabilities of the new iPad mini are taken to a whole new level with support for Apple Pencil Pro, and iPadOS 18 brings powerful features that enhance the iPad experience.
    Available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, the new iPad mini starts at $499 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi model, and $649 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The new iPad mini starts with 128GB of storage — double the storage of the previous generation. The new iPad mini is also available in 256GB and 512GB configurations. For full details, visit apple.com/shop/buy-ipad.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Change happens – and why central banks care

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    It is a great pleasure for me to join you today. Many thanks to the staff at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia for the invitation. 1

    BIS Innovation Hub

    Today I want to talk about change and central banks. But before I begin, allow me to briefly introduce the BIS Innovation Hub. The Bank for International Settlements supports central banks in their pursuit of monetary and financial stability by fostering international cooperation. The Innovation Hub was created five years ago and can be described as a joint venture between the BIS and the central banks who host our seven centres. The Innovation Hub has almost 100 people working together across the world. Our mandate is to follow and explore new technology and, when suitable, develop public goods. And to do that we research technologies and challenges that matter to central banks by building proofs of concept or prototypes. In more than 30 projects to date, we have collaborated with central banks and other partners to demonstrate the art of the possible. Currently, tokenisation and artificial intelligence are important areas for us, where we have multiple projects under way. Another crucial area is ensuring the integrity and safety in the financial system by exploring possible improvements to services like payments. Again, we aim to demonstrate the art of the possible. Adopting some of the technologies or implementing the outcomes of our projects is not up to us. Ultimately, countries’ authorities decide what becomes reality in their jurisdictions.

    So why am I here? Well, when I was asked to join you here at the Philadelphia Fed, I immediately said yes. Maybe too fast, because the organisers kept asking me what I wanted to announce. I had to disappoint them. This is not a public service announcement. I am not trying to sell you anything. What I want to do in the next 10 minutes is explain why central banks care about change and innovation – and why that matters to us all.  

    Technology and change

    Let me start with innovation and change, for which I will look to Adam Smith. Who better? The Wealth of Nations was published about 250 years ago. And Adam Smith uses the example of moving goods by road or by ship. Canal companies were the big techs of the day. They could move things faster and cheaper, and only the most niche products chose the horse and cart. Yet 100 years later, the transport network and – by extension the industrial capacity of Britain – was totally unrecognisable.

    What changed? In that time, railways happened. Or more accurately, innovation changed how railways were used. There were railways when Adam Smith was writing. But they were small, private and horse-drawn. He did not even mention them as a contender to roads and ships. But 50 years of innovation in steam engines – to make them smaller, faster and more efficient – would make railways far superior to canals. Following some smaller private railways, the first public railway – from Liverpool to Manchester – opened in 1830. At that time, there were about 125 miles of railways in England. Over the next 40 years, this grew to 13,000 miles. Canals were dead in the water.

    Was the change smooth, clearly predictable and always rational and obvious? No. Was it just the technology advantages that catalysed the change? No. It was many things. Financial innovations meant that investments in railways were easier. Yet this also created a financial bubble. Early safety regulations reassured a sceptical public – but not before some terrible accidents. Competition drove further innovation but resulted in a grossly inefficient network. When agreement on a standardised width of railway gauge was eventually brokered, network effects could be enhanced. The standard adopted was George Stephenson’s 4 feet, 8 1⁄2 inches, which spread across England and internationally. I have been told the United States uses it too.

    But why am I telling you a story about something that happened in England hundreds of years ago? Well first, I enjoy history. But second, because it is a great example of how technologies change. Do you see any parallels with today? Railways did not just “win” overnight. They were initially less efficient than canals. Canal owners saw the threat and organised resistance. Yet railways improved faster than canals could – at least once steam engines became technologically and commercially viable. Investment played a significant role in this. So, at times, did safety regulations and politics. There were battles about which standards should be used. And importantly, change driven by technology and innovation is not an elegant dance. It is a race and a tussle and sometimes a mess.

    To really make the point, allow me one more historical example closer to home. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York recently published an article about when securities markets scrapped paper in the 1960s and ’70s. At that time, IBM and Honeywell were in a race to develop more powerful computers. And stockbrokers were racing one another to use them for competitive advantage. The winners of that race went on to dominate securities markets for decades because they bought out the failing houses that could not operate their computers as effectively. And the digital infrastructures they created, based on the paper processes before them, are the ones we use now. And they are the same infrastructures now experimenting with tokenisation and are maybe on the cusp of another change.

    Understanding change

    How do industries and society manage these huge changes? Almost all industries have regulations of various kinds to ensure safety, competition and transparency – standards with a large or small “s” that are adhered to. Yet finance has something that planes, trains and automobiles do not. Finance has central banks. And why do they care about innovation and change?

    First, for monetary analysis. For central banks to set interest rates to stabilise prices they have to understand the economy. The data collection and analysis of credit, demand, output, supply, costs, prices and labour markets all roll up to into determining monetary policy. And innovation can have a huge impact. AI is an obvious example. But digitalisation more broadly has had and will continue to have a fundamental impact on the global economy. For effective policymaking, central banks need to understand where things are heading. So they must follow and explore innovation and its implications. 

    Second, central banks care about innovation because of their oversight role. For prudential supervision of banks and market infrastructure, it is necessary to understand how technology is being used and the effect of any large changes. Financial stability analyses are increasingly concerned with how financial and operational risks interact. Technology is a significant variable in that analysis.

    Third, central banks do not just think; within their mandate, they act. To deliver on their monetary policy objectives, they decide where interest rates need to be. And then they act through their market operations to make that happen. Central banks want safe settlement and so they offer it – by operating payment systems to safely and reliably move substantial amounts of money every day. And they provide banknotes.

    It is because central banks act that they are really part of any change – not on the sidelines or just observing, but really involved. As part of the financial ecosystem, central banks offer settlement in central bank money, which is the safest settlement asset possible and a pillar of a stable and robust financial system. And this is what makes them so different from a regulator in any other space. To put it very simply, if central banks think technology is changing, they need to consider and adapt as well. And they need to change operations and systems that require the highest possible resilience from cyber threats and operational risk. That puts a very different slant on any decision and perhaps adds some caution. It might also add some practicality. And importantly for an economist, it gives central banks skin in the technology game – and the right incentives.

    Incentives matter. Trust in money is grounded on two things. The first is the central bank’s monetary policy framework and operational independence. The second is the competence to carry out its role. And that competence increasingly means the ability to use technology better. To do that we experiment. We collaborate. We get involved. But our role is not to win or to profit or to tell the private sector how to run their business. The private sector will always know what customers need and want better than the public sector. But it is also important to have the public sector involved, with public policy objectives such as stability, safety, interoperability and compliance.

    BIS and international cooperation

    To close I want to talk about how these themes of technology, change and incentives play out internationally. Central banks are different from one another. But I have spoken for almost 10 minutes about their interests and incentives as a homogeneous group. And if I can do that, they must be similar enough to cooperate.

    The BIS’s job is to help and guide central bank cooperation. Given what I have said, that should be easy. But collaboration is not always simple. Yet, with the right governance and communications, building knowledge by running projects together could reap great rewards for central banks.

    Our projects are “just” a first look at what is possible. Projects are not a commitment. Some of the questions like whether there is a need for central bank digital currency or digital identity can only be answered politically. The central bank is one of many advisers on a decision that should be made with other players in our societies. That is right and that is normal. Yet the fact remains, for good policymaking on any subject, you need understanding. And with technology, you need to experiment and collaborate to obtain that understanding. 

    So, I thank you again for the invitation and attention. I will close with a quote from Adam Smith: “I have never known much good done, by those who affected to trade for the public good.” Eerily, he foresaw a version of what US president Ronald Reagan famously highlighted as the nine most terrifying words: “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” The BIS Innovation Hub has a mandate to explore technology and to develop public goods. But others ultimately decide what could be changed. Our job is to learn and advise them so that when change happens, it can happen for the better.

    Thank you for listening.  

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Discovering Rome’s hidden treasures with an AI virtual assistant

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Discovering Rome’s hidden treasures with an AI virtual assistant

    On a sunny Monday morning in late September, a river of travelers flowed slowly through the Piazza della Rotonda. The focal point of the piazza is the Pantheon, the nearly 2,000- year-old temple to all the Roman gods, and is one of the city’s most popular landmarks.

    Fronted by imposing rows of Corinthian columns, it merits the attention it draws. Nearly every visitor slowed down for a photo or selfie, vainly attempting to capture its perfect proportion in pixels.

    Antonio Preiti, himself a citizen of Rome, was also using his smartphone in front of the Pantheon. He opened a conversation with a simple question: Is there a quiet, historic place nearby where we can have lunch?

    A virtual tour guide named Julia, commissioned by the city of Rome and powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service using GPT-4o, responded that the Piazza Mattei, also known as the Turtle Square, was just 15 minutes away on foot. There we would find another place typical of Rome, with layers that traverse thousands of years. Preiti and two companions set off, following Julia’s directions.

    The AI virtual assistant is the brainchild of Preiti and the government of Rome, which is preparing to greet as many as 35 million extra visitors in 2025 for the celebration of the Catholic Jubilee. The name Julia was chosen, Preiti says, “because it is short, fairly common across many languages and it has a deep connection to Rome and its history. Julia is a typically Roman name: Julius Caesar’s daughter was named Giulia, Augustus’s daughter was named Giulia, and one of the oldest families in Rome had the Latin name ‘gens Julia’.”

    Working with Microsoft and NTT DATA, a global provider of business and technology services, and Intellera, a consulting company in the Accenture Group, the city hopes that Julia will create a quiet revolution in how visitors experience the city. By equipping travelers with a trusted guide, the city wants to enrich their experiences beyond the typical tourist circuit, all while easing congestion around the most popular sites.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Advancing biodiversity with AI

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Advancing biodiversity with AI

    The health of our society is deeply intertwined with the health of our planet. While much of the global conversation around the environment focuses on the devastating impacts of climate change, it is crucial to recognize that climate and biodiversity are part of a broader ecological system. The loss and degradation of nature is both a result of and a contributor to climate disruption, as healthy ecosystems play a vital role in regulating the climate. Since 1970, global wildlife populations have plummeted by 70%. And in the last century, nearly 500 vertebrate species have been lost forever. 

    This week, leaders from around the world are gathering for COP16, a United Nations conference in Cali, Colombia, to drive actions to reverse this trend. COP16 will focus on advancing global efforts to implement the UN Biodiversity Plan, which highlights the critical role that companies must play in building a nature-positive world. 

    Microsoft is committed to helping the world drive progress on the UN Biodiversity Plan. Using our technology, investment, and voice, we work to advance the protection and restoration of nature.  Microsoft will be participating in COP16 to share our work and learnings, participate in high-level meetings and panel discussions, and perhaps most importantly, listen, to explore what more we can do to tackle this critical challenge together. 

    Leveraging AI to Boost Biodiversity  

    At Microsoft, we believe we must use technology that matches the scale and complexity of the challenges we face. Given the vastness and complexity of Earth’s ecosystems, AI is emerging as an indispensable conservation tool. AI can empower us with the speed and scale necessary to analyze and better understand Earth’s biodiversity. 

    Technology can not only coexist with nature but help it thrive. One such example is Project Guacamaya, which combines the power of AI with satellite imagery, wildlife imagery, and acoustic data to monitor deforestation and protect biodiversity in the Amazon. Nearly five million acres of the Amazon were deforested in 2022, a 21% increase from the previous year. Thanks to Project Guacamaya, a joint effort of the CinfonIA Research Center at Universidad de los Andes, Instituto SINCHI, Instituto Humboldt, Planet Labs PBC and Microsoft AI for Good Lab, AI is helping protect this tremendous natural resource.   

    YouTube Video

    One aspect of Project Guacamaya involves using AI to identify bird and non-bird sounds in the Amazon. The project has so far analyzed more than 100,000 sounds and achieved over 80% reliability in species identification. Because AI offers real-time analysis, this tool allows researchers and conservationists to respond quickly and effectively to ecological shifts. As Zhongqi Miao, AI for Good Lab’s lead bioacoustics research scientist, noted, “By converting sounds from nature into measurable data, AI helps monitor wildlife populations and track changes in ecosystems.”  

    Building AI and Conservation Skills 

    It’s imperative that the global workforce be prepared to address the biodiversity crisis. This means training more green talent. A LinkedIn study found that the share of green talent in 48 evaluated countries increased by a median of 12.3% between 2022 and 2023. This is promising progress, but we must increase the momentum: the same study found that only one in eight workers around the world has at least one green skill, such as those related to solar power or electric vehicles.  

    We also need to ensure that our green workforce can leverage technology to advance sustainability. Applying advanced AI models in real-world conservation scenarios can be challenging due to their complexity and the need for specialized knowledge. That’s why researchers involved with Project Guacamaya released Pytorch Wildlife, an open-source platform available on GitHub designed for creating, modifying, and sharing powerful AI conservation models.  

    Pytorch Wildlife’s intuitive, user-friendly interface, accessible through local installation or Hugging Face, enables users to detect and classify animals in images and videos. With an emphasis on usability and accessibility, Pytorch Wildlife can be used by individuals with limited or no technical background. It also offers a modular codebase to simplify feature expansion and further development. 

    Strengthening Corporate Investments in Nature 

    In 2020, Microsoft launched a new ecosystems and biodiversity initiative in which we pledged to protect more land than we use while leveraging our voice, tools, and investments to protect and restore ecosystems. We know that our efforts alone won’t be enough to drive the pace and scale of progress needed. When it comes to advancing biodiversity and sustainability, governments, the science community, NGOs, and the private sector all have a vital role to play.   

    Other Microsoft efforts to boost biodiversity in Latin America include projects to restore and protect freshwater ecosystems in São Paulo; drive wetland restoration through on-the-ground efforts, public policy advocacy, collective action, and scientific research in Chile; restore traditional wetland agriculture methods to conserve Lake Xochimilco and the Axolotl; and protect 236,000 acres in the biodiversity hotspot of Belize’s Maya Forest.  

    Our nature-based carbon removal investments, including those with Mombak and BTG Pactual, are also aligned with our commitment to become carbon negative by 2030. Our agreement with BTG Pactual, which is the largest known carbon dioxide removal credit transaction to date, is part of BTG Pactual’s $1 billion reforestation and restoration strategy in Latin America. Parties interested in learning more should join us for a panel discussion with BTG Pactual at the Bloom 24 event in Cali, Colombia, on October 25. 

    Through our $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund, we support innovative solutions that can provide scaled positive impact for people and the planet across our four sustainability pillars: carbon, water, waste, and ecosystem. The companies in our portfolio are pairing cutting-edge technologies and datasets with the latest in Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and cloud computing, to create data-driven solutions that enable better decision-making and action for natural ecosystems. Our recent investments include: 

    • Yard Stick – a soil carbon monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) company that has created an innovative soil carbon IoT device, paired with data analytics and insights to measure and track soil carbon at farm scale.
    • Vibrant Planet – a prioritization system for land management restoration efforts.
    • Farmland LP – an investment management firm that buys conventional farmland and transitions it to organic farmland, utilizing regenerative agriculture practices.    

    Lessons for the Future 

    Over the last four years, we have made progress in contributing to a nature-positive world. However, our journey has not been without challenges. There is more to do and more to learn. It can be difficult for companies to invest holistically in ecosystem health because they often lack the knowledge, tools, and incentives needed to do so. Recently, we collaborated with an international team of experts to explore what is needed to overcome these challenges. In this whitepaper, we outline eight important lessons:  

    1. Build incentives to invest in ecosystem health: Establish mechanisms that recognize and reward companies for investing in nature-based solutions that improve ecosystem health and ensure local community benefits and stewardship. 
    2. Agree on science-based standards for ecosystem health: Civil society and companies need to collaborate with scientists to agree on corporate standards for characterizing how sustainability investments affect ecosystem health. 
    3. Make science accessible and build capacity to use it: All actors need to use the best available science to evaluate ecological and social risks, design projects that enhance ecosystem health, and assess it effectively.   
    4. Accept tradeoffs and work to minimize them: While not all sustainability benefits can be maximized at once, strategic planning can reduce negative impacts and optimize positive outcomes.  
    5. Innovate to derisk investment: Nature-based investments face risks from the variability of natural systems; better tools are needed to understand, insure, and manage these risks. 
    6. Expand blended finance: Combining public and private capital can reduce financial risks to private investors and attract more investment into nature-based solutions. 
    7. Invest beyond capital: While funding is vital, projects and startups also need strategic support, including expertise, long-term demand signals, and market access. 
    8. Leverage AI for scale, speed, and reliability: AI can help companies prioritize ecosystem health by enabling cheaper, more effective measurement, trade-off analysis, and risk management.  

    The challenges facing our ecosystems are substantial, but so too are the resources at our disposal. Our COP16 convening in Cali ahead of COP30 in Brazil next year will help bring much-needed global focus to this critical topic in a vibrant part of our planet – known for its unparalleled biodiversity and its important role in regulating climate patterns and safeguarding ecosystems globally. We are looking forward to continuing to explore ways we can collectively take action and leverage technology to protect and preserve ecosystems for generations to come.   

    Tags: AI, AI for Earth, AI for Good, AI for Good Labs, biodiversity, Climate Innovation Fund, Environment, Environmental Sustainability, sustainability

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Messi’s MLS Cup Playoffs debut to stream free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Messi’s MLS Cup Playoffs debut to stream free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

    October 23, 2024

    UPDATE

    Lionel Messi’s historic MLS Cup Playoffs debut to stream free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

    Round One of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs kicks off this Friday on MLS Season Pass, on apple.com, in Apple Store locations around the world, and on TikTok

    Lionel Messi makes his historic MLS Cup Playoffs debut this Friday, October 25, as the playoffs return to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV for a free primetime match. The top-seeded Inter Miami CF kicks off against Atlanta United FC at 8:30 p.m. EDT for the Round One Best-of-3 Series.

    After joining Inter Miami CF last season and leading the club to claim the Supporters’ Shield and single-season points record earlier this month, Messi is aiming to reach yet another milestone in his legendary career with a record 47th trophy.

    Fans can tune in on Apple TV to enjoy the match in its entirety, and have an incredible breadth of options to watch live, including through the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs and streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and on the web at tv.apple.com.

    Additionally, top-ranked clubs — including defending MLS Cup and Leagues Cup champions Columbus Crew, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup winners Los Angeles FC, and more — are vying to claim the 29th MLS Cup. MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is the only place fans can watch every playoff match with no blackouts, culminating with the MLS Cup final on December 7.

    “We’re offering Friday’s match to fans worldwide on MLS Season Pass at no cost to celebrate an amazing season and Messi making his first-ever appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. “This is a historic moment, and we’re thrilled that viewers have such an extensive array of ways to watch.”

    “Our partnership with Apple has brought MLS to global audiences in innovative ways, and making this opening playoff match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United available at no cost is another example of our commitment to connect with fans,” said Don Garber, MLS’s commissioner. “The Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs are going to be intense from start to finish, so we’re excited to kick things off on Apple TV with this matchup of two great clubs featuring some of our sport’s biggest stars.”

    “The history books could be rewritten with the MLS Cup Playoffs, when you consider Inter Miami winning the Supporters’ Shield, breaking the record for most points in a season, and ultimately vying for the MLS Cup,” said Taylor Twellman, MLS Season Pass’s lead analyst. “The attention on the playoffs will be unlike anything we’ve seen, because with every trophy Messi wins, he becomes more and more the greatest of all time. And the best part is everyone is coming to try to knock him off the mantle. It’s going to be fun to watch it all unfold.”

    “Following 38 matchdays of fantastic regular-season soccer, we’re coming to the most beautiful time of the season,” said Sammy Sadovnik, MLS Season Pass’s Spanish-language play-by-play announcer. “Miami’s success will depend on both their ability to maintain the consistency they’ve displayed in the regular season and the talents of Leo Messi, the best player in the world.”

    More Ways to Watch

    In addition to broadcasting free on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, Friday night’s match will also stream live on apple.com and in Apple Store locations across the world, including Apple Fifth Avenue in New York City, Apple Union Square in San Francisco, and Apple The Grove in Los Angeles, in addition to Apple Store locations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Korea, and Mexico.

    Fans on TikTok can enjoy a special “Player Spotlight: Messi” presentation of Friday’s match where the camera will be trained on Messi as he lights up the pitch. The stream will broadcast live on the @MLS TikTok profile and be simulcast on the @InterMiamiCF TikTok profile, beginning five minutes before kickoff. This will mark the first time TikTok has streamed an entire live soccer match with a single-player focus. Fans can register on TikTok to stream the live event.

    The match will be provided at no additional cost to all DIRECTV residential satellite customers on channel 622 and all DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS customers on channel 9475.

    Round One Best-of-3 Series: Game One Schedule

    Friday, October 25
     Inter Miami CF vs. Atlanta United FC
    8:30 p.m. EDT

    Saturday, October 26
     LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids
    11 p.m. EDT

    Sunday, October 27
     Orlando City SC vs. Charlotte FC
    7:30 p.m. EDT

    LAFC vs. TBD (winner of today’s Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Portland Timbers wild card match)
     9:45 p.m. EDT

    Monday, October 28
     FC Cincinnati vs. New York City FC
    6:45 p.m. EDT

    Seattle Sounders FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC
    9 p.m. EDT

    Tuesday, October 29
     Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls
    6:45 p.m. EDT

    Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota United FC
    9 p.m. EDT

    How to Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

    MLS Season Pass will broadcast every match of the postseason, including the MLS Cup final presented by Audi. MLS Season Pass is available through the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, as well as on the web at tv.apple.com. Fans can also access MLS Season Pass from the Apple TV app on Apple Vision Pro, where they can watch games alongside other apps in their physical space; within an Environment, so the screen feels 100 feet wide; and in Spatial Audio for an even more immersive viewing experience.

    Fans in more than 100 countries and regions can sign up for MLS Season Pass for $9.99 for the remainder of the season. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up for a subscription to MLS Season Pass for free for the remainder of the 2024 season. For more information, and to subscribe to MLS Season Pass, visit apple.co/_MLS_.

    Follow the MLS Cup Playoffs with the Apple Sports App

    The free Apple Sports app for iPhone is the best way for fans to stay up to date on scores, stats, standings, and their favorite clubs throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs.1 Users can easily navigate between scores and upcoming games, explore play-by-play information, team stats, lineup details, live betting odds, and tap to watch matches on MLS Season Pass in the Apple TV app.2 Apple Sports also seamlessly syncs with favorites selected within the My Sports experience, including in the Apple TV app and Apple News. With iOS 18 and watchOS 11, the Apple Sports app now offers Live Activities for all teams and leagues available in the app for the first time ever, delivering live scores and play-by-play info at a quick glance to a user’s iPhone and Apple Watch Lock Screens.3

    1. Available in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada.
    2. A subscription is required.
    3. Live Activities require iOS 18 and watchOS 11 or later.

    Press Contacts

    Sam Citron

    Apple

    citron@apple.com

    Hayden Zelson

    Apple

    h_zelson@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Rosneft Renovates Two Schools in Samara Region

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: Rosneft Renovates Two Schools in Samara Region

    Rosneft financed the renovation of primary general education school No. 28 and secondary comprehensive school No. 29 in Syzran. The large-scale renovation of educational facilities was carried out under the cooperation agreement between Rosneft and the Samara Region Government.

    Rosneft is actively involved in the social and economic development of its operating regions. Thanks to the Company’s support, a number of major social projects have been implemented in Samara Region.

    School No. 28 underwent its first major renovation in 70 years. The building, which accommodates 440 students, has had its roof, windows and doors completely replaced, its unique stucco and frescoes on the façade restored, its technical networks renewed, its staircases reinforced, and fire alarms and CCTV systems installed both inside and outside the building. In addition, the classrooms, canteen and cloakroom have been refurbished to make it easier for people with reduced mobility to move around.

    The Company also financed major works to improve the surrounding area. In particular, a universal playground has been created for students and neighbourhood residents, and street fitness equipment has been installed.

    The Company also financed the reconstruction of the middle and high school building of the secondary comprehensive school No. 29. All the building’s technical networks were replaced, fire alarm and CCTV systems were installed and the facade was renovated. The renovation allowed for an increase in classroom and ancillary space. The sports hall has been completely renovated.

    As a result of a major overhaul, the middle and high school buildings and the primary school building, which was reconstructed with Rosneft funds last year, now form a single landscaped space.

    The reconstruction of schools No. 28 and 29 has made it possible to create comfortable conditions for children’s education and to improve the efficiency of the implementation of state education programmes.

    Reference:

    Samara Region is one of the key regions of Rosneft’s operations, where the Company is represented by enterprises of the full production cycle: upstream, midstream and downstream.

    The cooperation agreement between Samara Region and Rosneft has been in force since 2014. Within the framework of the agreement, activities are carried out to address the priority issues of the socio-economic development of the territories. Thanks to the Company’s support, a number of major social projects have been implemented in the region: educational institutions have been built or renovated in several cities and districts, ice palaces have been built, a new swimming complex has been opened in Samara, the Palace of Culture has been reconstructed, and a polyclinic has been overhauled in Syzran.

    Rosneft
    Information Division
    September 2, 2024

    Keywords: Social News 2024

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Rosneft Opens Master’s Programme for Foreign Students in Ufa

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: Rosneft Opens Master’s Programme for Foreign Students in Ufa

    The Rosneft Scientific Institute in Ufa has opened a master’s programme in Petroleum Engineering for international students at the Ufa State Petroleum Technological University (USPTU). Ten applicants from Egypt, Nigeria and Cameroon were the first students on the programme.

    As part of the programme, Company specialists will work with university lecturers to teach students how to design, develop and produce onshore and offshore oil and gas fields, work with Rosneft’s digital software products, learn about innovative well drilling technologies and much more.

    Classes will be held in English. In this way, the specialised educational programme will be available to the majority of foreign students who do not speak Russian.

    To date, Rosneft Ufa Institute has opened 11 special and multi-disciplinary departments in the leading universities of the Republic of Bashkortostan: Ufa University of Science and Technology and Ufa State Petroleum Technological University. The departments reach more than 750 students. The most proactive will be invited for internships and paid apprenticeships. This year, more than 40 top graduates joined the Institute. Their theses proposed innovative solutions to the Company’s production challenges.

    Rosneft
    Information Division
    September 3, 2024

    Keywords: Social News 2024

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Our most global, transparent Global Diversity & Inclusion Report yet

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Our most global, transparent Global Diversity & Inclusion Report yet

    Today, I am sharing Microsoft’s 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Report, our most global and transparent report to date. This marks our sixth consecutive annual report and the eleventh year sharing our global workforce data, highlighting our progress and areas of opportunity.

    Our ongoing focus on diversity and inclusion is directly tied to our inherently inclusive mission — to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, enabling us to innovate in the era of AI. As we approach our company’s 50th anniversary, we remain deeply committed to D&I because it is what creates transformational solutions to the most complex challenges for customers, partners and the world.

    Key data

    We gather a range of data, which is presented in specific ways throughout the report. In the following section, it is important to understand the distinction between our *Broader Microsoft business and our **Core Microsoft business.

    New and expanded data

    • Datacenters: As we lead the AI platform shift, our workforce continues to expand to include employees with varied backgrounds and roles, and we are sharing new data this year on a growing employee population in datacenter roles. The population of datacenter employees grew 23.9% globally and 28.9% in the US in 2024, more than tripling since 2020.
    • In our most global report to date, we expanded new global Self-ID data to include Indigenous and military employees, as well as those with disabilities. For example, 5.7% of global employees in our core Microsoft business self-identified as having a disability, an increase of 0.2 percentage points year over year.
    • We continue to have pay equity. For median unadjusted pay analysis, the data shows we have made progress in narrowing the gaps. This year we expanded pay equity analysis and median unadjusted pay analysis to not only include women inside and outside the US, but also include a combined view of women globally. Increasing representation for women and racial and ethnic minority groups at more senior levels, combined with maintaining pay equity for all, will continue to reduce the median unadjusted pay gap. 

    Representation

    • Representation of women in our core Microsoft workforce is 31.6%, an increase of 0.4 percentage points year over year. Additionally, the representation of women in technical roles is 27.2%, an increase of 0.5 percentage points year over year.
    • Representation of women in our core Microsoft workforce rose year over year at all leadership levels except Executive.
    • Leadership representation in our core Microsoft workforce of Black and African American employees at the Partner + Executive level grew to 4.3%, an increase of 0.5 percentage points year over year. Leadership representation in our core Microsoft workforce of Hispanic and Latinx employees at the Executive level rose to 4.6%, an increase of 0.8 percentage points year over year.
    • In our broader Microsoft workforce, representation of racial and ethnic minority groups is 53.9%, an increase of 0.6 percentage points year over year.

    Culture and inclusion in focus

    Employee sentiment and engagement

    • Our semi-annual Employee Signals survey focuses on employee experience and helps us deepen our understanding so we can adjust our efforts where needed. These insights show that employees continue to feel like they are thriving, with a global and US score of 76. Within Employee Signals, we focus on thriving, which we define as “being energized and empowered to do meaningful work.” This is designed to measure employees’ sense of purpose, which is important to personal and professional fulfillment. We survey employees on three dimensions of thriving: Feeling energized, feeling empowered and doing meaningful work.
    • Our Daily Signals survey results indicate employee perceptions around Microsoft’s commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace increased two points year over year to an average score of 79.
    • Since introducing the concept of allyship to employees in 2018, we have inspired and led a positive impact on our culture. As of June 2024, 95.6% of employees reported some level of awareness of the concept of allyship, up from 65.0% in 2019 when we first started asking employees about their awareness.

    A commitment that spans decades

    Our annual D&I report not only reviews our data, but also illuminates the intentional strategy and actions that have helped us make progress across our company’s journey.

    Examples include:

    • Being one of the first Fortune 500 companies to expand antidiscrimination policy and benefits to LGBTQIA+ employees in 1989.
    • Announcing our Racial Equity Initiative in June 2020, outlining actions and progress we expect to make by 2025 to help address racial injustice and inequity in the US for Black and African American communities.
    • Launching immersive D&I learning simulations in 2021, allowing employees to practice crucial D&I skills, such as recognizing and addressing bias, responding to microaggressions and demonstrating effective allyship.
    • Building on more than a decade of helping to reskill military service members through our Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA), and this year expanding this skilling opportunity to train military spouses for portable, in-demand IT roles.
    • Introducing pronouns and self-expression features in Microsoft 365, an innovation brought directly to fruition because we listened to, and collaborated with, customers, partners and employees who asked for these features.

    A mission as bold as ours

    At Microsoft, we’re guided by our mission, worldview and culture. Our mission is the why; it drives our actions. Our worldview is the what, shaping our strategy and products. Culture is the how, influencing everything with a focus on growth and innovation. Culture is also the who: Who makes up the workforce, who services our customers, who innovates the future of tech. The diversity of the workforce, combined with inclusion, unlocks individual and collective potential. This is what is necessary to stay relevant, compete at scale and win.

    Every person. Every organization. Every day. Everywhere.

    Here’s to making progress for the next 50 years.

    Lindsay-Rae

    Notes

    * Broader Microsoft business: Includes the core Microsoft business, plus minimally integrated companies. Employees of joint ventures and newly acquired companies are not included in the data, including Activision, Blizzard, and King. LinkedIn was acquired in December 2016, GitHub was acquired in June 2018, and Activision, Blizzard, and King were acquired in October 2023. We provide standalone data for these three acquisitions. Nuance Communications was acquired in March 2022 and fully integrated in August 2023. 

    **Core Microsoft business: Represents 88.4% of the worldwide broader Microsoft workforce. 

    Tags: Diversity and Inclusion Report

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint IMF-Regional Financing Arrangements Press Release on the Ninth High-level RFAs Dialogue

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    October 23, 2024

    Washington, DC: The 9th High-level Regional Financing Arrangements (RFAs) Dialogue was held on 23 October 2024 in Washington DC at a time when the global economic outlook is improving but remains weak amid a complex geoeconomic environment and elevated policy uncertainty. The heightened volatility observed in global financial markets over the summer reaffirmed the importance of having a strong Global Financial Safety Net, including effective collaboration between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and RFAs, to safeguard against external risks.

    During the dialogue, representatives from the IMF and  the RFAs (the Arab Monetary Fund, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office cum the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation, the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement, the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development, the European Commission, the European Stability Mechanism, and the Latin American Reserve Fund) provided an update on institutional activities since their last meeting in October 2023 in Marrakech, covering a range of issues from policy and instrument enhancements to capacity and analytical developments.

    The exchange demonstrated the RFAs’ continued efforts to prepare their institutions for an uncertain economic and financial landscape, marked by risks of geoeconomic fragmentation, the threat of climate change, and a transforming global economy under the influence of artificial intelligence and digital progress. 

    The IMF is continuing to adapt to ensure that its policy advice, financial resources, and capacity development can best support its global membership. IMF staff updated RFAs on recent lending toolkit reforms that directly benefit its membership while reinforcing the IMF’s strong financial position. The recently completed Review of Charges and the Surcharge Policy reduces charges and surcharges on regular IMF lending, and the Review of the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust puts in place a comprehensive package that secures the concessional lending capacity to support low-income countries. IMF staff also discussed how the institution is implementing its Climate Strategy across its operations. As the institution at the center of the global financial safety net, the IMF serves as a critical platform for cooperation to tackle global economic challenges.

    The IMF and RFAs appreciated the exchange of views with Joaquim Levy and Siddharth Tiwari, in their capacity as members of the Bretton Woods Committee Multilateral Reform Working Group, on how to empower multilateralism amid geoeconomic fragmentation. The roundtable discussion offered an opportunity to explore the role that RFAs can play in advancing global solutions to shared challenges. The RFAs stressed that the IMF and the World Bank, with their global memberships and decades-long expertise, are best suited to take the lead in such efforts. The RFAs can support the Bretton Woods institutions’ work by leveraging their regional knowledge and the close ties that they have cultivated with each other and the IMF in recent years. Participants also welcomed the timely update from the French co-chair of the G20 International Financial Architecture Working Group on the group’s priorities, especially on its quest towards a more effective and representative global financial architecture.

    Recognising that the system of international cooperation is under strain, the IMF and RFAs reiterated their continued commitment to maintain an open and candid dialogue to share crisis experiences and expertise and support multilateralism.

    The 9th Joint RFA Research Seminar will be held in Colombia in the first half of 2025. The 10th High-level RFA Dialogue will be convened at the margins of the next IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in October 2025.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: As US election nears, Russia, Iran and China step up influence efforts

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: As US election nears, Russia, Iran and China step up influence efforts

    With two weeks until Election Day 2024, the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) observes sustained influence efforts by Russia, Iran, and China aimed at undermining U.S. democratic processes. Since our last two reports, the U.S. government has taken many actions revealing cyber and influence activity from foreign adversaries related to election 2024. Most recently, that includes revealing malicious Iranian cyber actors’ sending of “stolen, non-public material from former President Trump’s campaign” to both individuals then associated with President Biden’s campaign and U.S. media organizations, and the indictment of three Iranian actors for the hack-and-leak operation targeting the Trump-Vance campaign. 

    We also noted in our last report that while Iranian actors have focused their cyber-influence operations on the Trump campaign, Russian actors decisively pivoted toward the Harris campaign once she entered the race. Since then, Russian actors continue to integrate generative AI into their content, Iranian groups ramp up their preparations to enable cyber-influence operations, while Chinese actors shift focus to several down-ballot candidates and members of Congress. Russian actors have notably attempted to target the Harris-Walz campaign by attacking the candidates’ characters.  

    History has shown foreign actors’ ability to rapidly distribute deceptive content can significantly impact public perception and electoral outcomes. With a particular focus on the 48 hours before and after Election Day, voters, government institutions, candidates, and parties must remain vigilant against deceptive and suspicious activity online. Early detection and fact-checking remain essential to countering these efforts and maintaining election integrity.  

    We discuss this activity in our fifth election report by the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) released today.

    Russia stays focused on the Harris-Walz campaign

    Russian operatives continue to take steps to undermine the Harris-Walz campaign. Russian actors continue to create AI-enhanced deepfake videos about Vice President Harris. In one video, Harris is depicted as allegedly making derogatory comments about former President Donald Trump. In another from a Kremlin-aligned troll farm we track as Storm-1516, Harris is accused of illegal poaching in Zambia. Finally, another video spreads disinformation about Democratic vice president nominee Tim Walz, gaining more than 5 million views on X in the first 24 hours.  

    While most of these videos received minimal engagement, they underscore Russia’s ongoing use of both traditional and AI-generated content to influence U.S. audiences and stoke political discord. We have also seen some actors shifting their content publishing strategy from Telegram to X to reach U.S. audiences. 

    Escalating hostilities in the Middle East have not slowed Iran’s cyber-influence operations

    Iran has proved that it can run multiple operations against varying targets simultaneously. Despite escalating tensions with Israel, Iran continues its efforts to influence U.S. audiences. Most recently, MTAC observed Iranian activity, disguised as “Bushnell’s Men,” calling on Americans to boycott the elections due to the candidates’ support for Israel. The group’s previous efforts to incite anti-Israeli protests at universities further illustrate their use of divisive social issues to sow conflict among communities in the U.S.  

    Additionally, the Iranian cyber group Microsoft tracks as Cotton Sandstorm has been actively scouting election-related websites and media outlets, suggesting preparations for more direct influence operations as Election Day nears. The actor’s history of election interference and their pattern of cyber-influence operations underscores the persistent threat they pose. 

    China targets down-ballot candidates and members of Congress

    Chinese influence operations have focused on down-ballot Republican candidates and members of Congress that advocate for anti-Chinese policies. This includes campaigns against Rep. Barry Moore, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, and Sen. Marco Rubio (not currently up for re-election this cycle). Actors have parroted antisemitic messages, amplified accusations of corruption, and promoted opposition candidates. While not always resulting in high levels of engagement, these efforts demonstrate China’s sustained attempts influence U.S. politics across the board.  

    Remaining vigilant to online threats.

    During times of heightened emotion, conflict, and competition, manipulated images, audio, and video often travel further and faster across audiences than during an average news cycle. Foreign actors have proven nimble and capable of inserting deceptive content and distributing it rapidly during these moments. We expect Russia, Iran, and China to continue their efforts, including using AI, and may employ tactics that seek to cast doubt about the integrity of the election’s outcome. MTAC will continue to monitor this activity and provide updates publicly to promote education and protect institutions from any form of foreign interference.

    Microsoft will not endorse a candidate or political party. 

    Previous MTAC Election Reports:

    Tags: AI, China, cyber influence, deepfakes, election, elections, generative ai, Iran, Microsoft Threat Analysis Center, MTAC, Russia

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: APEC Finance Ministers Forge Strategies Focused on Sustainable, Digital and Resilient Finances Lima, Peru | 22 October 2024 APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting

    Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

    As the global economic landscape continues to face economic,  financial and environmental challenges, APEC Finance Ministers from across the region are working together under this year’s theme to promote a more sustainable, digital and resilient future.  In 2024, the Finance Ministers’ Process (FMP) seeks to address economic integration, digital transformation and the broader social dimensions of growth.

    APEC Finance Ministers met in Lima, Peru on Monday where they were joined by representatives of international organizations and the private sector to discuss policy responses and future prospects for the region. Setting the tone for the meeting, Erick Lahura, Chief of Cabinet of Peru’s Ministry of Economy, opened the session and highlighted the imperative for APEC economies to collaborate closely in achieving the vision for a more resilient and inclusive Asia-Pacific.

    “To ensure the long-term prosperity of the Asia-Pacific, we must focus on sustainable practices, digital transformation and building resilience across our economies,” said Lahura. “This year, our work within the FMP will guide us toward a region that is stronger, more connected and better prepared to face future challenges.”

    A key topic was the importance of sustainable finance, with a special focus on the implementation of the four policy areas: domestic carbon pricing and non-pricing measures, sustainable energy transitions, sustainable infrastructure financing, and the sustainable finance initiative. Members emphasized the significance of resilient finance, particularly in enhancing policies related to hydrometeorological risk.

    Along this line, Finance Ministers announced the launch of Sustainable Finance Initiative (SFI) as a flexible, voluntary and non-binding collaboration tool between the public and private sectors and international organizations to promote the development of voluntary information sharing tools and capacity building resources on sustainable finance issues. The SFI was designed to empower financial institutions, regulators and investors to develop expertise in sustainable finance, ultimately contributing to the promotion of green and inclusive economic growth while addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality.

    Besides, in a region where nearly 40 percent of the world’s disasters strike, with over 140 of those affecting more than 64 million people in 2022 and economic costs reaching USD 65 billion in 2023, APEC member economies committed to enhance their resilience by building deeper financial markets. Finance ministers are confident that resiliency can be bolstered through the development of innovative disaster risk financing and insurance mechanisms, and other risk transfer instruments available through capital markets.

    Members also emphasized the significance of digital finance, highlighting the progress made this year in two key policy areas: open finance and digital financial inclusion. Ambassador Carlos Vasquez, the APEC 2024 SOM Chair, noted the transformative impact of Peru’s FinTech sector in driving financial inclusion and the small business empowerment. He pointed out that Peru now hosts over 237 FinTech companies, with digital payment transactions increasing by 113 percent over the past year. “Our collective efforts to harness technology for the benefit of all ensures that everyone benefits from the growth opportunities we are working towards”, Vasquez indicated.

    Dr Rebecca Sta Maria, executive director of the APEC Secretariat, highlighted the need for a whole-of-APEC approach to ensure that the social dimensions of economic growth are addressed, particularly in improving the quality of life through decent jobs, sustainable private investment and inclusive financial systems.

    “Our work makes a meaningful impact when we focus on improving the quality of life for our people,” Dr Sta Maria explained. “Whether it be through regional economic integration or digital transformation, we must ultimately emphasize social inclusion and equity.”

    Other measures in the spotlight included strategies to combat rising protectionism and promote trade facilitation. The need for continued vigilance in monetary policies was highlighted, especially in light of recent interest rate adjustments and their potential impact on currency valuations and inflation.

    Carlos Kuriyama, director of APEC Policy Support Unit, reported a steady GDP growth of 3.6 percent in the APEC region for the first half of 2024, a slight increase from the previous year.

    “Economic recovery has been bolstered by improving consumption rates and easing inflation, although risks such as protectionism, supply chain uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions remain critical concerns,” Kuriyama concluded.

    Finally, the Minister of Economy and Finance of Peru, José Arista, concluded the meeting highlighting that Peru proposed a very ambitious plan for this year, with the most number of decisions, innovations and documents adopted in all the history of the Finance Ministers’ Process, and appreciates the work of all APEC economies, APEC Secretariat, APEC Business Advisory Council and international organizations for making this possible.

    For further details, please contact:

    APEC Media at [email protected]

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable — 3rd Cochairs Progress Report

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    October 23, 2024

    Washington, DC: The Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) met today and reviewed progress on the work to improve debt restructuring processes and timelines, and to help address debt vulnerabilities. Participants also discussed priority areas for the work going forward. At the end of the meeting, the International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, and Finance Minister of Brazil Fernando Haddad, co-chairs of the GSDR, issued the attached GSDR 3rd Cochairs Report as well as the compilation of technical issues discussed by the GSDR so far.

    The GSDR brings together debtor countries and official and private creditors with the objective to build common understanding among key stakeholders on debt sustainability and debt restructuring challenges, and ways to address them.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team introduces two new deployable assets

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team introduces two new deployable assets

    • Two new Verizon Frontline prototypes join the nearly 600 deployable assets in the Verizon fleet.
    • The two assets are both capable of establishing their own off-grid network, allowing first responders to communicate with each other in challenging situations

    BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Frontline today announced the launch of two new deployable asset prototypes designed to support the mission-critical communications needs of first responders during public safety operations.

    Created as part of the Verizon Frontline Innovation Program, the newly-developed Off-Grid, Cross-Communications Network trailer, or OXEN, and Emergency Response Incident Command Center vehicle, or ERICC, are the latest deployable assets available for use by public safety agencies via the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team.

    Recently, both were deployed in support of public safety agencies in Milwaukee, Wisc., at the Republican National Convention, and in Chicago at the Democratic National Convention.

    The OXEN is a ruggedized trailer built to provide first responders with a full range of Verizon Frontline connectivity options, including 5G Ultra Wideband (UW), 4G LTE and satellite backhaul. The asset also offers mobile edge compute capabilities and radio interoperability. The OXEN can be powered by solar, shoreline power, or a diesel generator.

    The ERICC is a retrofitted vehicle built to provide first responders who don’t have their own command center with a functional mobile workspace for three to five people, giving them better situational awareness during emergency response operations and the ability to establish off- grid communications.

    “The OXEN and ERICC have already proven themselves capable in real world responses across the country this year,” said Jason Mitchell, an associate director with Verizon Frontline’s Crisis Response Team. “The OXEN is well outfitted for many scenarios, including wildfire response, where the rugged nature of this asset will aid public safety agencies immensely. The ERICC builds on that by enabling command and control for incident commanders in a variety of locations.”

    One feature of the OXEN that sets it apart from similar assets is its integration with Team Awareness Kit (TAK) applications. TAK enhances real-time decision-making by enabling geospatial information, real-time position location information data, and live video feeds tailored to meet the unique needs of each operation. TAK can be displayed directly on the inside and outside of the OXEN during response operations, giving public safety professionals better situational awareness.

    The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team provides on-demand, emergency assistance during crisis situations to government agencies and emergency responders on a 24/7 basis at no cost to the supported agencies. Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team members set up portable cell sites, Wi-Fi hotspots, charging stations and other Verizon Frontline devices and solutions that enable communications and/or boost network performance.

    Verizon Frontline is the advanced network and technology built for first responders – developed over three decades of partnership with public safety officials and agencies on the front lines – to meet their unique and evolving needs. Learn more at our site.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DDG Ellard highlights importance of WTO collaboration with World Customs Organization

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

    I would like to begin by expressing my sincere thanks to Secretary General Ian Saunders and the World Customs Organization for inviting me to speak with you today. It is an honour to address such a distinguished group of delegates whose work plays a vital role in the global trading system. Your expertise, innovation, and commitment not only drive the efficient movement of goods but also shape the frameworks that govern international trade.

    The WTO and the WCO have a long history of collaboration. First, the Technical Committee on Customs Valuation and the Technical Committee on Rules of Origin at the WCO were both created by the WTO Agreements on Customs Valuation and Rules of Origin back in 1995.  We are approaching the milestone of 30 years of collaboration on both topics. Second, the Harmonized System Nomenclature serves as the lingua franca for all WTO Members, providing standardized reference in negotiations, trade monitoring, and dispute settlement.

    The dynamic partnership between the WTO and the WCO has always been essential for the success of global trading system. At the WTO, our Members create the legal frameworks that facilitate trade and promote transparency and fairness. These frameworks could not exist without the technical expertise of the WCO and its members to ensure they are operationally effective and sustainable in the real world of trade.

    Equally, the work of the WCO delegates frequently informs policy discussions at the WTO. The standards and tools developed here—whether through the Harmonized System, the SAFE Framework of Standards [1], or other initiatives — provide a solid technical foundation for our trade agreements. They ensure that WTO rules reflect the practical and everyday dynamics of cross-border operations and customs procedures.

    In other words, our organizations share a deeply symbiotic relationship that not only aligns our efforts, but also strengthens them. Together, we create a dynamic and mutually reinforcing system that makes trade efficient, secure, predictable, adaptable, and ready for the future.

    Today’s meeting

    I was particularly pleased to see several topics in today’s program that align closely with the WTO’s ongoing work. These discussions highlight the continued importance of our collaboration as we both, together, address the evolving landscape of international trade.

    One of the most pressing topics is digital customs. As the world moves deeper into the digital age, e-commerce is expanding rapidly, driving the need for modernized customs procedures. At the WTO, we are actively engaging in discussions on digital trade policies, and the WCO’s technical insights have been invaluable. For instance, during a workshop held under the multilateral Work Programme on E-commerce, the WCO shared key updates on its tools and initiatives related to cross-border e-commerce as a contribution to discussions on the legal and regulatory frameworks for e-commerce. In addition, the stabilized text of the Joint Statement Initiative on E-commerce makes specific reference to the WCO Data Model in the context of the single window provision, emphasizing how WCO standards support the digitalization of customs processes. Your experiences in developing digital customs practices will play a crucial role in how WTO Members shape policies to support the proliferation of this sector.

    The agenda item on green customs demonstrates our collective commitment to addressing sustainability challenges through customs procedures that protect the environment and promote responsible trade. The WCO has been actively collaborating with the WTO, particularly through the Committee on Market Access thematic session on ‘Greening the Harmonized System.’ I was particularly interested to see that the WCO presented findings on aligning the HS with environmental policy needs, highlighting its efforts to refine classification criteria to better address environmental policy objectives. This collaboration reinforces how trade policy and customs practices must evolve together to achieve sustainability goals.

    Today’s meeting serves as another example of our close cooperation. At the end of the week, the Chairperson of the WTO Trade Facilitation Committee will provide an update on the key advancements from the Committee’s most recent meeting, focusing on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). We are also looking forward to discussions on the important role of National Trade Facilitation Committees in supporting cooperation between customs and other stakeholders at the national level. We all realize that such coordination is a critical ingredient of success in trade facilitation reform, but it is also a challenging task to undertake. I look forward to hearing insights of WCO members in this regard.

    Other collaboration

    But our collaboration goes beyond today’s agenda. Let me share some examples.

    First, the WCO and the WTO have a long-standing partnership through the WTO Committee on Market Access (CMA), where the WCO Secretariat is regularly invited to speak about HS amendments or other topics of common interest, such as the most recent thematic session on supply chain resilience. During this session, the WCO showcased the critical role of customs administrations in maintaining the flow of goods during crises and introduced its newly endorsed definition of ‘Customs-Industry Resilience.’ This work demonstrated how strategic interventions can restore critical supply chains swiftly and mitigate disruptions, showing the vital role of customs expertise in shaping WTO policies on trade resilience.

    Another example of successful collaboration is with the WTO Informal Working Group on MSMEs. This Working Group developed a compendium of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) measures with a focus on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which was presented at the WCO SAFE Working Group Meeting in November 2023. The final version, which was issued earlier this year, incorporates feedback received from WCO members. I would like to thank the WCO and its members for their support to this initiative. The WTO MSME Group and the WCO are now working on a joint document that will build on the recently published AEO compendium and incorporate new insights from the recent WCO survey on AEOs. This collaboration represents another significant step in integrating MSMEs into AEO programmes and facilitating MSME participation in global trade.

    I take this opportunity to thank the WCO and SG Saunders once again for organizing an insightful and well-attended session on digitalization, MSMEs, Single Window, and AEOs at our Public Forum Back in September — I was delighted to participate and learned much from the panel, including the impressive work undertaken by the Thai customs service and the concrete role of the private sector through the ICC.

    As these examples highlight, the work done here at the WCO directly informs policy discussions at the WTO. By sharing best practices and developing technical standards, you ensure that global trade frameworks remain both practical and responsive to real-world challenges.

    Looking ahead, we recognize the challenges that lie before us. The digitalization of trade, the need for more resilient supply chains, and the push for sustainable trade practices will all require close cooperation between the WTO and WCO. Therefore, we are seeking to deepen the WTO-WCO cooperation through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU aims to formalize our existing ties and foster even closer cooperation and consultation on issues of mutual interest, particularly in customs operations and trade policy.

    The MOU acknowledges the complexity of modern international trade and the critical role that customs administrations play in facilitating trade flows while addressing challenges, such as IP rights enforcement, supply chain security, and compliance management. It also emphasizes the importance of transparency, consistency, and integrity in customs procedures, ensuring that trade policy is aligned with practical implementation.

    Through the MOU, we will engage in specific projects in areas like commodity classification, valuation, origin determination, trade facilitation, and e-commerce. We will also explore emerging topics like green customs and the prevention of illicit trade. These initiatives will strengthen the connection between customs and trade policy while enhancing the capabilities of our members. Separate project agreements will guide the implementation of these initiatives.

    We will continue to seek the WCO’s insights and expertise as we develop policies that address emerging trends in areas such as e-commerce, digital trade, and security. Our partnership is essential in ensuring that trade policies remain relevant, adaptable, and effective.

    In conclusion, I would like to once again thank the WCO Secretary General and all of the delegates here today for your ongoing commitment to advancing global trade. At the WTO, we appreciate that your work ensures that trade moves efficiently and securely, while also shaping the existing and evolving policies that govern our trading system.

    I am confident that today’s discussions will further build upon the collaboration between the WCO and the WTO, allowing us to better address the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that will shape the future of global trade.

    Thank you.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Galaxy Tech Forum ③ Galaxy AI: Redefining the Mobile Experience Paradigm

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung hosted the Galaxy Tech Forums on January 23 in San Jose, California. The panels provided an in-depth exploration of Samsung’s AI innovations and the challenges they address across four key areas — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI. During the Galaxy AI session, experts examined the potential of AI agents and their role in shaping the future.
     
     
    Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S25 series at Galaxy Unpacked 2025, marking the beginning of the next era of mobile AI.
     
    To explore the latest flagship smartphones and the transformative potential of AI agents, Samsung Newsroom joined the third Galaxy Tech Forum session, titled “True AI Companion: Impact on Life and What’s Next.”
     
    ▲ (From left to right) Bob O’Donnell, Sameer Samat, Jay Kim, Christopher Patrick and Dr. Chris Brauer
     
     
    More Natural, Intuitive and User-Friendly Mobile AI
    The session kicked off with welcome remarks from Jay Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.
     
    “Yesterday was a very exciting day for us as we launched the Galaxy S25. It’s another big step forward in the AI era,” Kim said. “We’re very excited to be here with our partners today, especially (excited) to talk about everything we did together to launch the Galaxy S25 series.”
     
    ▲ Jay Kim from Samsung Electronics
     
    Moderator Bob O’Donnell, President and Founder of TECHnalysis Research, posed questions to the panelists about the benefits the Galaxy S25 series will bring to users, as well as the barriers blocking certain consumers from using mobile AI.
     
    “AI should make users’ lives better. We study consumer habits, constantly trying to gain a better understanding of our customers,” Kim said. “Ultimately, what we’re trying to do is minimize how much effort it takes to input while maximizing the output. To do that, we look at what consumers do on their phones, define the potential use cases alongside our partners, and put it all together in our devices for the best possible consumer experience.”
     
    ▲The Galaxy Tech Forum discussion on Galaxy AI
     
    “Multimodality can help people become more efficient while AI agents can help people become more productive,” Kim continued. He also highlighted Samsung’s commitment to openly collaborating with its partners to drive progress forward and expressed his excitement for the possibilities AI innovations will bring as part of a new chapter in mobile technology.
     
     
    Expanding the Galaxy AI Ecosystem Through Open Collaboration
    During the session, Samsung offered an inside look at the work done in partnership with Google and Qualcomm to perfect the Galaxy S25 series’ AI innovations.
     
    “Even though the benefit value of mobile AI is really high, it’s of no use if you can’t access it. We had to look at what was already part of the consumer experience and contemplate how we could enhance those experiences in a way that would bring real benefits, but still be easy enough to access,” Kim explained. He noted that close collaboration was essential, particularly in integrating Google’s Gemini intelligence and Qualcomm’s on-device processing capabilities.
     
    ▲ Sameer Samat from Google
     
    “Truly helpful AI must fit naturally into our daily lives. AI is a tool and not an end in itself, and what matters to consumers the most is how helpful AI can be for them,” said Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google. “LLMs represent a massive leap in how computers understand human language. Now, you can speak in completely natural language, removing any friction from the overall experience.”
     
    “With Galaxy S25, I’m optimistic that people will quickly adapt to using an AI agent to help them get things done in very natural ways.”
     
    ▲ Christopher Patrick from Qualcomm
     
    Key drivers of multimodal AI capabilities, like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, were also highlighted, showcasing technology that simultaneously processes multiple forms of information, including voice, images and text.
     
    “The Galaxy S25 series is going to be a completely new experience. You’ll be able to engage with your personalized AI assistant like never before; it doesn’t just feel like interacting with a real person, it perceives your environment and can interact with content shown on your camera,” said Christopher Patrick, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Mobile Handsets at Qualcomm. “Our collaboration with Samsung to customize the chipset to make these new capabilities feel seamless is something I’m really proud of.”
     
     
    Breaking Barriers: Mobile AI’s Role in Enhancing Quality of Life
    During the session, Samsung also presented the findings of a global study conducted in partnership with London-based research firm, Symmetry, that examined the link between mobile AI use and quality of life. The speakers delved into the study’s key implications and offered valuable insights.
     
    ▲ Dr. Chris Brauer from Goldsmiths, University of London, and Symmetry
     
    “The rate of AI innovation is astounding, but what struck me about the research we did with Samsung was that the rate of mobile AI adoption is also rising at a rapid rate,” said Dr. Chris Brauer, Director of Innovation in the Institute of Management Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London, and Chief Innovation Officer at Symmetry. “Frequent consumer use of mobile AI globally has nearly doubled in just six months, jumping from 16% in July to 27% in January.” Dr. Brauer also outlined key findings concerning certain barriers to entry the research found around mobile AI.
     
    “We found a really interesting theme among those less willing to adopt the technology: doubt,” Dr. Brauer said. “Doubt in AI’s ability to bring meaningful benefits to everyday life (56%), doubt and a lack of high confidence to use AI to its full potential (85%) and doubt around privacy and whether AI can be trusted (90%). There’s immense potential with this technology, but what’s also clear are the very real barriers that must be addressed responsibly for wider adoption to take place.”
     
    ▲ The Galaxy AI discussion session at the Galaxy Tech Forums
     
    The Galaxy AI session concluded with the panelists agreeing that mobile AI innovation is set to revolutionize every aspect of modern life. As representatives of the fast-moving industry, they also vowed to develop related technologies in a responsible manner beneficial to all of humanity.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Video] [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] A Day Powered by Galaxy AI: Exploring San Jose With the Galaxy S25 Ultra

    Source: Samsung

    What if you spent an entire day relying solely on the AI capabilities of the Galaxy S25 Ultra? K, a professional on a business trip to San Jose, California, decided to put this to the test.
     
    On January 22, the day of Galaxy Unpacked 2025, K set out across San Jose with the Galaxy S25 Ultra in her hand. She began her journey with the Now Brief feature, which provided her with real-time weather and schedule updates as she headed to the SAP Center, where Unpacked was held. After finishing her work there, K quickly located a nearby restaurant using voice commands and placed an order in the local language with ease.
     
    Throughout the day, K captured the vibrant sights of San Jose with her mobile AI companion. Using the device’s Galaxy AI-powered editing tools and Audio Eraser feature, she polished her photos and videos, removing unwanted objects and noise in the backgrounds to create professional-grade content.
     
    Catch all the highlights of K’s AI adventure with the Galaxy S25 Ultra in the vlog below.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Galaxy Tech Forum ② Health AI: Integrated Wellness Solutions for Smarter Health Management

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung hosted the Galaxy Tech Forums on January 23 in San Jose, California. The panels provided an in-depth exploration of Samsung’s AI innovations and the challenges they address across four key areas — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI. During the Health AI session, experts shared insights into how AI technologies are shaping the future of daily health management.
     
     
    Samsung Electronics is leveraging AI technology to enhance its comprehensive health solutions, delivering more meaningful and personalized health experiences.
     
    To understand how Samsung’s AI ecosystem is poised to transform the future of wellness, Samsung Newsroom observed the second Tech Forum session, titled “The Role of Technology for a Healthier Life.”
     
    ▲ (From left to right) Dr. Vanessa Hill, Dr. Hon Pak, Dr. Patrick O’Connor, Emily English and Dr. Kyu Rhee
     
     
    Healthy Living Starts With a Holistic Approach
    Moderator Dr. Vanessa Hill, an award-winning science communicator and sleep scientist, started the discussion by providing insights into the practical utility of today’s health technology.
     
    While advancements such as wearable devices, health apps and telehealth platforms have made health management more accessible, the sheer volume of information can lead to confusion — making it easy to overlook critical insights amid an overwhelming sea of data.
     
    ▲ Dr. Patrick O’Connor from the University of Georgia
     
    “The issue is not the amount of data but the fragmentation,” said Dr. Patrick O’Connor, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Mary Frances Early College of Education, University of Georgia. “The key is to bring the scattered data together to create a comprehensive understanding, as health requires a holistic approach due to the interconnectedness of so many factors.”
     
    “As a sleep scientist I know the importance of gathering health data around the clock. Identifying abnormalities in metrics like heart rate, temperature or even snoring during sleep is key to not only unlocking better sleep, but better overall health,” said Dr. Hill, who emphasized that sleep is the foundation of holistic health.
     
     
    Personalized Care Through Various Health Metrics and Continuous Tracking
    The discussion also explored the importance of adding new health metrics to track, and monitoring those metrics in a continuous manner.
     
    ▲ Dr. Kyu Rhee from the NACHC
     
    “Continuous health monitoring of physical activity, sleep, nutrition and stress should become new, additional vital signs for users and health professionals,” said Dr. Kyu Rhee, President and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). “Combining this essential health data with clinical data powered by AI insights has the potential to transform the health system by improving health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and empowering patients, their caregivers and healthcare teams.”
     
    ▲ Dr. Hon Pak from Samsung Electronics
     
    One health metric receiving a substantial amount of attention from both Samsung and the digital health industry in general is blood glucose.
     
    “Blood glucose is an area Samsung has been deeply invested in, and we’ve made significant progress in developing CGM-integrated nutrition coaching as well as enhancing non-invasive technologies for tracking blood glucose levels,” said Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, sharing the company’s roadmap for blood glucose management and end-to-end (E2E) healthcare experiences. “These advancements are all part of our work to deliver more proactive and preventive disease detection solutions to everyone, helping lower healthcare burdens on people, their families and society at large.”
     
    ▲ Emily English, a BSc nutritionist
     
    “There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to health and nutrition, it’s a journey that requires a holistic understanding of yourself,” said Emily English, a BSc nutritionist. “Wellness technology is helping provide a full 360-view of your life. New solutions that offer easy access to health metrics like blood glucose will offer a more holistic understanding of our bodies and revolutionize the way we manage our everyday health.”
     
     
    Ushering in the Era of Personalized Health Insights
    The discussion touched on how AI can translate tracked health data into actionable and meaningful insights.
     
    ▲ The Tech Forum discussion on Health AI
     
    In an effort to consolidate disparate data onto a single platform, Samsung has collaborated with Dr. O’Connor’s research team to develop Energy Score — a feature that enhances the digital healthcare experience. “New AI-enabled features like Energy Score have become a jumping off point for broader health innovations,” explained Dr. Pak. Calculated based on health indicators such as activity levels, sleep, heart rate during sleep and heart rate variability during sleep, Energy Score exemplifies how wearable devices and AI can support a holistic and personalized approach to health and wellness management.
     
    ▲ Dr. Patrick O’Connor describes Energy Score.
     
    “Monitoring overall readiness might benefit from minimally invasive brain sensing technology,” said Dr. O’Connor. “Today, we are able to leverage non-invasive technology, the available science and AI to generate an Energy Score, helping translate complex data into an intuitive and understandable index.”
     
    Dr. Pak also teased Samsung’s upcoming plans to expand the AI capabilities of Energy Score to include nutrition, mental health and even mobile usage patterns — offering users deeper and more comprehensive insights into their overall well-being.
     
    The Health AI session underscored the importance of a holistic approach to health management, highlighting the potential of personalized health experiences powered by continuous health monitoring. As AI becomes an indispensable partner in modern wellness, Samsung’s innovative technology is set to drive a new era of tailored and comprehensive health solutions.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Galaxy Tech Forum ④ Home AI: Redefining the Future of Smart Living

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung hosted the Galaxy Tech Forums on January 23 in San Jose, California. The panels provided an in-depth exploration of Samsung’s AI innovations and the challenges they address across four key areas — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI. During the Home AI session, experts touched on Samsung’s outlook for the future of smart homes.
     
     
    Samsung Electronics is reimagining smart homes through Home AI, a new vision of smart living that understands user needs and delivers hyper-personalized experiences.
     
    Samsung Newsroom attended the final Tech Forum session, titled “Understanding Home, Understanding You: Rethinking the Role of the Home in the Era of AI,” to examine the transformative potential of AI in smart home innovation and the need for collaboration to deliver on the promise of Home AI.
     
    ▲ (From left to right) Tobin Richardson, Jaeyeon Jung, Patrick Chomet and Carolina Milanesi
     
     
    Smart UI as the Gateway to Home AI
    User interface (UI) is a critical element in the Home AI experience, serving as the bridge between users and their mobile devices, TVs, home appliances and more.
     
    ▲ Patrick Chomet from Samsung Electronics
     
    “UI is a key area in the age of AI,” said Patrick Chomet, Mobile Strategy Advisor at Samsung Electronics. “With the advent of LLM multimodal AI, a big shift has taken place in User Interface (UI), enabling people to get things done in natural and simple ways such as gesture, voice or text interaction. Users no longer needs to understand devices, rather the device should understand the user’s intent.”
     
    He explained how intelligent user interfaces not only enable more intuitive interactions but also procure deeper understandings of user context and intent, which brands can use to optimize in-home solutions.
     
    ▲ Jaeyeon Jung from Samsung Electronics
     
    “We have implemented an intuitive and concise UI for various SmartThings features,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings Team at Samsung Electronics.
     
    She engaged the audience with examples of the latest SmartThings functions including Quick Remote, a feature that enables users to control their TVs with a connected Galaxy smartphone; 3D Map View, a feature that allows users to manage their entire home and check energy consumption through Galaxy smartphones and tablets; and Home Insight, a feature that provides timely home reports and delivers personalized recommendations to users.
     

    The Role of Platforms and Standardization in Shaping Smart Homes
    The panelists then delved into the efforts required to make Home AI a reality. Moderator Carolina Milanesi, CEO and founder of Heart of Tech and President at Creative Strategies, introduced the topics of integrated AI platforms and industry standards to guide the discussion.
     
    “As we scale our AI platform to reach across applications, services and multiple devices, the experience can be optimized around the user,” said Chomet. “User context and richer insights can be gathered to deliver relevant and truly personalized experiences.”
     
    ▲ Jaeyeon Jung and Patrick Chomet from Samsung Electronics
     
    “The SmartThings platform is 10 years in the making and while the concept of a smart home isn’t new, AI technology is what is truly creating the intelligent home” added Jung, highlighting how a consistent and connected AI platform empowers users to enjoy effortless convenience from anywhere. “The transition from a device-centric philosophy to an AI-powered, user-centric one provides users with a personalized, connected experience that feels like home — no matter where they are.”
     
    ▲ Tobin Richardson from the Connectivity Standards Alliance
     
    Tobin Richardson, President and CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), noted the importance of industry standards in building an ecosystem in which devices can be connected simply, securely and seamlessly.
     
    “Building blocks for AI in the home are grounded in seamless connectivity, with AI relying on device interoperability to thrive. A common language like Matter enables devices to communicate effortlessly, setting the stage for AI innovation,” he said, highlighting that the goal is not just to create a perfect connected experience but to foster a robust and trustworthy industry while making smart homes more accessible and reliable.
     
    “Alliance Members like Samsung are doing remarkable work in the AI space, showcasing how technology can adapt to users’ needs, creating a smarter and more personalized living experience,” said Richardson, reaffirming the company’s dedication to collaboration. “I am continually inspired to see how these advancements are shaping the future of connected homes.”
     
     
    A More Personalized, Secure Smart Home
    Addressing concerns regarding the challenge of providing personalized experiences in homes shared by multiple people, Chomet spoke on how AI technology can understand intent and context to provide an optimized experience for each user. He emphasized that Samsung will innovate for multi-device connectivity, rather than individual products.
     
    ▲ Patrick Chomet, Jaeyeon Jung and Tobin Richardson
     
    Jung also cited practical cases of how Samsung Health and SmartThings are connecting data and devices to provide hyper-personalized health experiences. For example, Samsung Health and SmartThings can optimize sleep environments by automatically adjusting temperature and humidity based on users’ sleep patterns and the environmental conditions they live in. When Galaxy devices recognize that users have been exercising, SmartThings will activate appliances such as air conditioners and washing machines upon their return home.
     
    ▲ Carolina Milanesi poses questions to the panelists.
     
    The discussion then touched on the critical role of security and the protection of personal information in smart homes.
     
    “Samsung places the highest priority on security in every aspect,” said Jung. She highlighted how Knox Matrix safeguards the smart home ecosystem while Knox Vault protects hardware. “By integrating the expansive SmartThings ecosystem and AI with the robust security of Samsung Knox, users can enjoy personalized smart living experiences safely.”
     
    “With more than eight out of ten consumers stating that security is ‘important’ or ‘very important’ to them, security and privacy protection are key factors,” said Richardson, echoing the importance of trust in connected devices. “Matter, our next-generation smart home standard, is built with security in mind and offers a level of trust and clarity users can rely on.”
     
    The Home AI session highlighted the advancements AI brings to creating smarter, safer and more adaptive living spaces. By combining hyper-personalized experiences with advanced security measures, Samsung’s innovations are paving the way for a new era of intelligent, connected homes that integrate into every aspect of daily life.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Iceland donates an additional CHF 200,000 to WTO Fish Fund

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Iceland donates an additional CHF 200,000 to WTO Fish Fund

    Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “I warmly welcome Iceland’s second contribution to the WTO Fish Fund, which reflects its strong commitment to sustainable fisheries and multilateral cooperation. Building on its previous donation, this latest contribution will be instrumental in supporting developing and LDC members as they work to implement the historic Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.”
    Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland said: “Iceland is proud to support the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism as part of our longstanding commitment to sustainable fisheries and ocean health. By contributing to this fund, we aim to assist developing and least-developed countries in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, ensuring that they have the tools and capacity to join global efforts to protect marine ecosystems. Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 reminds us that collective action is essential, and Iceland remains dedicated to playing its part in fostering sustainable and equitable use of our shared ocean resources.”
    The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies will enter into force upon its acceptance by two-thirds of WTO members. Eighty-nine WTO members have formally accepted the Agreement. Twenty-two more formal acceptances are needed for the Agreement to come into effect. Because the new Agreement will involve adjustments and enhancements to WTO members’ legislative and administrative frameworks, their transparency and notification obligations, and their fisheries management policies and practices, Article 7 of the Agreement provides for the creation of a voluntary funding mechanism to finance targeted technical assistance and capacity building to help developing and least developed country members with implementation.
    The Fund is operated by the WTO, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Bank Group. These core partners bring together relevant expertise to support members seeking assistance to implement the Agreement.
    Iceland contributed CHF 500,000 to the Fish Fund in September 2023; including the most recent donation, Iceland has contributed a total of CHF 700,000 to the Fish Fund. Between 2002 and 2025, Iceland has contributed CHF 1,025,000 to various WTO technical assistance trust funds.
    More information on the fund, which became ready to accept donations on 8 November 2022, is available here.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon unveils AI strategy to power next-gen AI demands

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon unveils AI strategy to power next-gen AI demands

    NEW YORK, N.Y. – Fueled by the unprecedented demand for network capacity and computational power, Verizon Business today unveiled Verizon AI Connect, an integrated suite of solutions and products designed to enable businesses to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) workloads at scale.

    While training current advanced AI models requires immense computing resources, the shift towards real-time decision-making – known as inferencing – is poised to drive massive demand for additional computing power. According to McKinsey, 60-70% of AI workloads are expected to shift to real-time inference by 2030, creating an urgent need for low-latency connectivity, compute and security at the edge beyond current demand.

    To meet current and future demand from hyperscalers, cloud providers and global enterprises, Verizon is building on its strategy to power the AI ecosystem with reimagined existing assets integrated in Verizon’s intelligent and programmable network. From the macro 5G network and high-speed fiber connectivity to edge compute environments and space, power and cooling infrastructure, Verizon AI Connect is designed to deliver AI workloads as needed. Today, Google Cloud and Meta are already leveraging additional capacity to support their AI workloads.

    “We are seeing significant demand for reliable network infrastructure that can support existing AI workloads,” said Kyle Malady, CEO, Verizon Business. “As the technology evolves, our industry leadership, best-in-class edge-to-cloud connectivity, programmable network and assets will enable us to meet these needs and accelerate innovation.”

    Building the AI Ecosystem

    In addition, Verizon is expanding its AI ecosystem through key partnerships and collaborations.

    • NVIDIA. Verizon recently announced its work with NVIDIA to reimagine how GPU-based edge platforms can be integrated into Verizon’s 5G private networks.
    • Vultr. Today, Verizon is sharing a new partnership with Vultr, a leading global GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) and cloud computing provider.
    • Google Cloud. Verizon and Google Cloud have also collaborated on advanced AI solutions for network maintenance and anomaly detection, showcasing the power of AI to optimize network performance and predict potential issues.
    • Meta. Verizon and Meta have an existing strategic partnership across numerous products, technologies and business units. Verizon AI Connect will expand this partnership into network infrastructure, a differentiator for both companies in helping to build the AI ecosystem.

    AI Ecosystem Customer & Partner Quotes

    “Verizon provides a robust network infrastructure that can support demanding AI workloads,” said Bikash Koley, VP, Google Global Networking and Infrastructure. “With Verizon’s advanced network capabilities, we can accelerate the development and deployment of AI solutions. Verizon will benefit from these solutions by leveraging Google Cloud’s AI and data platform to transform its customer, employee and network experience.”

    “As we continue to deliver critical infrastructure for our apps and technologies, we’re strengthening our network with AI and the future in mind. This means partnering with Verizon to build and operate networks that support our existing services, while accelerating more intelligent and predictive capabilities that will serve the people that use our products,” said Gaya Nagarajan, VP, Network Infrastructure at Meta.

    “Telecom networks are uniquely positioned to provide a distributed AI infrastructure that meets enterprise needs,” said Ronnie Vasishta, Senior Vice President of Telecom, NVIDIA. “NVIDIA AI and accelerated computing, integrated with Verizon’s network, allows enterprises to easily adopt AI-powered services at scale.”

    “GPUs play a crucial role in powering AI workloads, and rapidly growing demand for real-time inference is driving the need for AI infrastructure at the edge,” said J.J. Kardwell, CEO of Vultr. “With demand for data centers and GPU processing power outpacing supply, Verizon’s connectivity infrastructure is uniquely positioned to support our growth. Through Verizon AI Connect, we can extend our global cloud footprint and bring cutting-edge AI solutions to Verizon Business’ global customers.”

    For more information on Verizon AI Connect, visit verizon.com/aiconnect.

     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Advanced trade policy course underway at WTO

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Advanced trade policy course underway at WTO

    The course is designed to foster participants’ autonomy in conducting WTO-related work, enabling them to effectively engage in trade policy formulation, implementation and monitoring, as well as in WTO negotiations and dispute settlement. Legal and economic aspects of WTO rules will be addressed through interactive sessions, which will provide opportunities to share experiences on contemporary trade issues.
    In his opening remarks, the WTO Permanent Representative of Barbados and Patron of the course, Ambassador Matthew Wilson, emphasized the importance of multilateralism and strategic partnerships. He said: “Multilateralism must never be taken for granted. Gaining a seat at the negotiating table is not easy. To influence global politics — whether it be trade, human rights, climate change or the digital revolution — it is crucial to work with other economies on consolidating global cooperation.”
    In addition to honing their negotiation skills, Ambassador Wilson encouraged participants to share their experiences and to actively engage with each other in a critical and constructive manner.
    Emphasizing the pivotal role of these courses as part of the WTO’s technical assistance activities, Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang referred to his own participation in the programme after the WTO was created in 1995. He said: “I benefited a lot from this course, not only from the knowledge and expertise point of view but also by taking advantage of the opportunity to establish a network of contacts, many of whom became my counterparts during trade negotiations and with whom I worked on various bilateral and multilateral initiatives. I encourage you to participate actively in order to make the most of the time you have invested in this course.”
    Participants in this year’s course hail from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East.  Six come from least-developed countries.
    The list of participants is here.
    The programme can be found here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon delivered strong customer growth and profitability in 2024

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon delivered strong customer growth and profitability in 2024

    Download News Release PDF

    Download 4Q Financials PDF

    Download Non-GAAP Reconciliations PDF

    Key 2024 Highlights

    • Delivered on financial guidance
    • Revenue growth with strong operational results
    • More than doubled wireless postpaid phone net additions compared to 2023
    • Continued to take broadband market share with Fios and fixed wireless access
    • Strong execution against capital allocation priorities, including strategic transactions
    • Well-positioned with strong outlook for 2025

    NEW YORK – Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) today reported strong operational and financial results for the fourth-quarter and full-year 2024, further extending its industry leadership with new products and services that continued to resonate with customers. With solid momentum on its strategy to grow connections and strengthen customer relationships, the company delivered on its 2024 financial guidance, demonstrating strong performance and success across its three priorities of growing wireless service revenue, expanding adjusted EBITDA and generating strong free cash flow.   

    “With innovations powered by the best network in the country, we are bringing the best experiences to our customers, in life and work. Customizable offerings like myPlan, myHome, Verizon Business Complete and Total Wireless feature the control, simplicity and value our customers expect,” said Verizon Chairman and CEO Hans Vestberg. “It’s only going to get better this year and beyond, as we have continued to strengthen Verizon with the pending Frontier acquisition, new satellite partnerships, and ongoing AI enablement, which we expect will enhance and broaden our network for everybody we serve.”

    2024 Financial Highlights

    Consolidated: Verizon delivers on 2024 financial guidance and extends industry leadership through operational excellence and customer focus

    • Full-year 2024 earnings per share (EPS) of $4.14 compared to $2.75 for full-year 2023; adjusted EPS1, excluding special items, of $4.59 compared to full-year 2023 adjusted EPS1 of $4.71.
    • Total operating revenue of $134.8 billion for full-year 2024, up 0.6 percent compared to full-year 2023.
    • Full-year 2024 cash flow from operations totaled $36.9 billion compared to $37.5 billion in 2023. This result reflects higher cash taxes, as well as higher interest expense. Full-year cash flow from operations includes a one-time contribution of approximately $2.0 billion from Verizon’s tower transaction with Vertical Bridge and reflects fourth quarter severance payments related to our voluntary separation program of approximately $600 million.
    • Full-year 2024 capital expenditures were $17.1 billion.
    • Full-year 2024 free cash flow1 of $19.8 billion compared to $18.7 billion in full-year 2023.

    4Q 2024 Highlights

    Consolidated: Strong fourth-quarter performance results in revenue increases

    • Earnings per share of $1.18 in fourth-quarter 2024 compared to EPS of $(0.64) in fourth-quarter 2023; adjusted EPS1, excluding special items, of $1.10 compared to $1.08 in fourth-quarter 2023.
    • Fourth-quarter 2024 financial results reflected a pre-tax gain from special items of $477 million. This includes a mark-to-market adjustment for our pension and other post-employment benefit (OPEB) liabilities of $668 million, partially offset by amortization of intangible assets related to Tracfone and other acquisitions of $191 million.
    • Total operating revenue of $35.7 billion in fourth-quarter 2024, up 1.6 percent compared to fourth-quarter 2023.
    • Consolidated net income for fourth-quarter 2024 was $5.1 billion compared to a net loss of $2.6 billion in fourth-quarter 2023. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA1 was $11.9 billion in fourth-quarter 2024 compared to $11.7 billion in fourth-quarter 2023. This result was driven by wireless service revenue growth, partially offset by the impact of higher upgrade volumes and continued declines in Business wireline revenue.
    • Verizon’s total unsecured debt as of the end of fourth-quarter 2024 was $117.9 billion, an $8.5 billion decrease compared to third-quarter 2024 and $10.6 billion lower year over year. The company’s net unsecured debt1 at the end of fourth-quarter 2024 was $113.7 billion. At the end of fourth-quarter 2024, Verizon’s ratio of unsecured debt to net income (LTM) was 6.6 times and net unsecured debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA ratio1 was 2.3 times.

    Mobility: Industry-leading wireless service revenue and double-digit growth in postpaid phone net adds

    • Wireless service revenue2 grew sequentially for the 18th consecutive quarter. Total wireless service revenue2 in fourth-quarter 2024 was $20.0 billion, up 3.1 percent year over year, driven primarily by pricing actions implemented in recent quarters, sales of perks and add-on services and growth in fixed wireless access.
    • Wireless equipment revenue of $7.5 billion in fourth-quarter 2024, up 0.6 percent compared to fourth-quarter 2023, predominantly due to increased upgrade volumes in the quarter.
    • Total postpaid phone net additions of 568,000 in fourth-quarter 2024, up from 449,000 in fourth-quarter 2023.

    Broadband: Verizon continued to take broadband market share with strong demand for best in class Fios and fixed wireless access offerings

    • Broadband net additions of 408,000 in fourth-quarter 2024, continuing the quarterly pace of over 350,000 broadband net additions.
    • Total fixed wireless access net additions of 373,000 in fourth-quarter 2024, growing the base to nearly 4.6 million fixed wireless subscribers. The company is well-positioned to achieve the next milestone of 8 to 9 million fixed wireless access subscribers by 2028.
    • Fios internet net additions were 51,000 compared to 55,000 in fourth-quarter 2023.
    • Total broadband connections grew to more than 12.3 million as of the end of fourth-quarter 2024, representing a 15.0 percent increase year over year. 

    Verizon Consumer: Positive net additions with strongest quarterly phone gross additions result in five years

    • Total Verizon Consumer revenue in fourth-quarter 2024 was $27.6 billion, an increase of 2.2 percent year over year, predominantly driven by gains in service revenue.
    • Wireless service revenue in fourth-quarter 2024 was $16.5 billion, up 3.0 percent year over year, primarily driven by growth in Consumer wireless postpaid average revenue per account (ARPA) from pricing actions and continued fixed wireless access adoption.
    • Consumer wireless retail postpaid churn was 1.12 percent in fourth-quarter 2024, and wireless retail postpaid phone churn was 0.89 percent.
    • Consumer ARPA of $139.77 in fourth-quarter 2024, an increase of 4.2 percent compared to fourth-quarter 2023.
    • In fourth-quarter 2024, Consumer reported 426,000 wireless retail postpaid phone net additions, up 34.0 percent from fourth-quarter 2023. This improvement was driven by a 5.5 percent year over year increase in postpaid phone gross additions, which represented the strongest quarterly result for postpaid phone gross additions in five years.
    • Excluding the contribution from the company’s second number offering, Consumer reported 82,000 wireless retail postpaid phone net additions for the year, meeting the goal of positive net additions for 2024, and 367,000 wireless retail postpaid phone net additions for fourth-quarter 2024.
    • Excluding SafeLink, Verizon’s brand offering access to government-sponsored connectivity benefits and programs, in fourth-quarter 2024 Consumer reported 65,000 wireless retail prepaid net additions compared to 263,000 net losses in fourth-quarter 2023.
    • Consumer reported 216,000 fixed wireless net additions and 47,000 Fios Internet net additions in fourth-quarter 2024. Consumer Fios revenue was $2.9 billion in fourth-quarter 2024.
    • In fourth-quarter 2024, Consumer operating income was $6.9 billion, a decrease of 1.9 percent year over year, and segment operating income margin was 25.1 percent, compared to 26.1 percent in fourth-quarter 2023. Segment EBITDA1 in fourth-quarter 2024 was $10.3 billion, a decrease of 0.4 percent year over year. Improvements in Consumer wireless service revenue were more than offset by increases in upgrade volumes and the impact of related promotions in the period. Segment EBITDA margin1 in fourth-quarter 2024 was 37.5 percent compared to 38.5 percent in fourth-quarter 2023.

    Verizon Business: Strong wireless service revenue driven by continued wireless customer growth

    • Business wireless service revenue in fourth-quarter 2024 was $3.5 billion, an increase of 3.4 percent year over year. This result was driven by continued strong net additions for both mobility and fixed wireless access, as well as benefits from pricing actions implemented in recent quarters.
    • Total Verizon Business revenue was $7.5 billion in fourth-quarter 2024, a decrease of 1.5 percent year over year, as increases in wireless service revenue were more than offset by decreases in wireline revenue.
    • Business reported 283,000 wireless retail postpaid net additions in fourth-quarter 2024. This result included 142,000 postpaid phone net additions. Our value proposition continued to resonate across all customer groups with particular strength in small and medium businesses.
    • Business wireless retail postpaid churn was 1.45 percent in fourth-quarter 2024, and wireless retail postpaid phone churn was 1.09 percent.
    • Business reported 157,000 fixed wireless net additions in fourth-quarter 2024.
    • In fourth-quarter 2024, Verizon Business operating income was $594 million, an increase of 34.1 percent year over year, resulting in segment operating income margin of 7.9 percent, an increase from 5.8 percent in fourth-quarter 2023. Segment EBITDA1 in fourth-quarter 2024 was $1.7 billion, an increase of 3.0 percent year over year. The result was driven by wireless service revenue growth partially offset by wireline revenue declines. Segment EBITDA margin1 in fourth-quarter 2024 was 22.1 percent, an increase from 21.1 percent in fourth-quarter 2023.

    Outlook and guidance

    The company does not provide a reconciliation for certain of the following adjusted (non-GAAP) forecasts because it cannot, without unreasonable effort, predict the special items that could arise, and the company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information.  

    For 2025, Verizon expects the following:

    • Total wireless service revenue growth2 3 of 2.0 percent to 2.8 percent.
    • Adjusted EBITDA growth1 of 2.0 percent to 3.5 percent.
    • Adjusted EPS1 growth of 0 to 3.0 percent.
    • Cash flow from operations of $35.0 billion to $37.0 billion.
    • Capital expenditures between $17.5 billion and $18.5 billion.
    • Free cash flow1 of $17.5 billion to $18.5 billion.

    1 Non-GAAP financial measure. See the accompanying schedules and http://www.verizon.com/about/investors for reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures cited in this document to most directly comparable financial measures under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

    2 Total wireless service revenue represents the sum of Consumer and Business segments.

    3 Reflects the reclassification of recurring device protection and insurance related plan revenues from other revenue into wireless service revenue beginning January 2025. Where applicable, historical results will be recast to conform to the updated presentation. Reclassified 2024 annual revenues were more than $2.9 billion.

    Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.

    Forward-looking statements

    In this communication we have made forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our estimates and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations. Forward-looking statements also include those preceded or followed by the words “anticipates,” “assumes,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “hopes,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets” or similar expressions. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The following important factors, along with those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), could affect future results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements: the effects of competition in the markets in which we operate, including the inability to successfully respond to competitive factors such as prices, promotional incentives and evolving consumer preferences; failure to take advantage of, or respond to competitors’ use of, developments in technology, including artificial intelligence, and address changes in consumer demand; performance issues or delays in the deployment of our 5G network resulting in significant costs or a reduction in the anticipated benefits of the enhancement to our networks; the inability to implement our business strategy; adverse conditions in the U.S. and international economies, including inflation and changing interest rates in the markets in which we operate; cyberattacks impacting our networks or systems and any resulting financial or reputational impact; damage to our infrastructure or disruption of our operations from natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, acts of war, terrorist attacks or other hostile acts and any resulting financial or reputational impact; disruption of our key suppliers’ or vendors’ provisioning of products or services, including as a result of geopolitical factors or the potential impacts of global climate change; material adverse changes in labor matters and any resulting financial or operational impact; damage to our reputation or brands; the impact of public health crises on our business, operations, employees and customers; changes in the regulatory environment in which we operate, including any increase in restrictions on our ability to operate our networks or businesses; allegations regarding the release of hazardous materials or pollutants into the environment from our, or our predecessors’, network assets and any related government investigations, regulatory developments, litigation, penalties and other liability, remediation and compliance costs, operational impacts or reputational damage; our high level of indebtedness; significant litigation and any resulting material expenses incurred in defending against lawsuits or paying awards or settlements; an adverse change in the ratings afforded our debt securities by nationally accredited ratings organizations or adverse conditions in the credit markets affecting the cost, including interest rates, and/or availability of further financing; significant increases in benefit plan costs or lower investment returns on plan assets; changes in tax laws or regulations, or in their interpretation, or challenges to our tax positions, resulting in additional tax expense or liabilities; changes in accounting assumptions that regulatory agencies, including the SEC, may require or that result from changes in the accounting rules or their application, which could result in an impact on earnings; and risks associated with mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic transactions, including our ability to consummate the proposed acquisition of Frontier Communications Parent, Inc. and obtain cost savings, synergies and other anticipated benefits within the expected time period or at all.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Davos: DG suggests deep breaths and to “chill” over trade tensions; ministers show WTO support

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Davos: DG suggests deep breaths and to “chill” over trade tensions; ministers show WTO support

    The WEF’s annual meeting was held under the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”. In her speaking engagements and interactions with heads of state, government officials and business leaders, DG Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the importance of the WTO for the world economy and for addressing current global challenges. She also underlined the risks of further economic fragmentation and the trade opportunities arising from advancements in artificial intelligence and the green economy. In addition, she warned against escalating trade tensions, which could potentially trigger a damaging trade war.
    At an event on 21 January titled Finding Growth in Uncertain Times, she stated that trade has remained resilient despite recent crises, emphasizing that “trade will still be a source of growth.” She highlighted findings from a recent WTO study indicating the potential for double-digit trade growth if artificial intelligence tools are adopted, as they can reduce trade costs and boost productivity. DG Okonjo-Iweala also underscored the WTO’s relevance beyond the issue of tariffs, noting its role in ensuring food and product safety standards for imported goods. She cautioned against the risks of further trade fragmentation: “We’ve done simulations that show that fragmenting into two geopolitical trading blocs and adding trade policy uncertainty may lead to a real loss in global GDP in the longer term of 6.4%. This is like losing the economy of Japan and Korea combined.”
    DG Okonjo-Iweala discussed the role of trade in environmental preservation at the session Squaring the Climate-Trade Circle on 22 January.  “You can’t have the adoption of clean energy technology without trade,” she said. She also proposed that countries produce and export goods in line with their environmental comparative advantage, or the products causing the least damage in terms of carbon emissions.
    On 23 January, DG Okonjo-Iweala took part in a townhall titled Debating Tariffs alongside Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity. “It is easy to use tariffs, it is attractive as a policy tool, but I hope we have a strong analysis of what this means,” she said. When asked about potential new tariffs being discussed in the United States, the Director-General warned against a spiral of retaliation that could impact the global economy, as observed in the 1930s when raising tariffs worsened the economic crisis. “If we have tit-for-tat retaliation and we go to where we were in the 1930s, we are going to see double-digit global GDP losses. That’s catastrophic. Everyone will pay, and the poor countries will pay even more,” she stressed.
    On 24 January, the Director-General attended a ministerial gathering on WTO issues at the invitation of Guy Parmelin, Swiss Federal Councillor and head of the Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. Ministers considered the way ahead for the Organization and initial plans for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, to be held in March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
    DG Okonjo-Iweala encouraged members to move away from “business as usual” and long-held positions. She invited them instead to advance work on the organization’s reform. “The context is changing, we must deliver, and we must modernize,” she said. According to the summary of the meeting shared by Mr Parmelin, ministers “underlined the significance of the WTO and the rules-based, transparent and predictable multilateral trading system”.  

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Identity fraud: BaFin warns consumers about the company Strategic Assets

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the company Strategic Assets and the services it is offering. BaFin suspects the unknown operators of the website strategicassets.pro of offering consumers financial, investment and cryptoasset services without the required authorisation.

    The unknown operators are contacting consumers, claiming that their offer is from Baden-Württembergische Wertpapierbörse GmbH or Börse Stuttgart GmbH. In addition, when advertising its services, the company claims to be supervised by BaFin. However, none of this information is correct. This is a case of identity fraud. Moreover, BaFin does not supervise Strategic Assets.

    BaFin is issuing this information on the basis of section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG) and section 10 (7) of the German Cryptomarkets Supervision Act (Kryptomaerkteaufsichtsgesetz).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Galaxy Tech Forum ① Sustainability: Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung hosted the Galaxy Tech Forum on January 23 in San Jose, California. The panels provided an in-depth exploration of Samsung’s AI innovations and the challenges they address across four key areas — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI. During the Sustainability session, experts explored how Samsung’s forward-thinking technology and strategic collaborations are building a more sustainable future.
     
     
    Following Galaxy Unpacked 2025, Samsung Electronics held its Galaxy Tech Forum event on January 23 in San Jose, California. Tech leaders and experts from around the world discussed the future of AI at Blanco, an Urban Venue, a three-story space located in the heart of Silicon Valley that blends historic architecture with a modern white design.
     
    ▲ Blanco, an Urban Venue
     
    The forum was organized into four sessions — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI — each addressing the transformative changes and challenges innovation will bring to these areas. With around 100 media representatives and industry professionals in attendance, the panels centered on the disruptive potential of AI and offered blueprints for future technologies across various sectors.
     
    Samsung Newsroom visited the first Galaxy Tech Forum session, titled “How Mobile Technology Can Accelerate a Sustainable Future,” to learn about Samsung’s mobile innovations and partnerships that are contributing to a brighter tomorrow.
     
     
    Driving Mobile Innovation and Sustainability
    Samsung is committed to accelerating a sustainable future for both people and the planet.
     
    ▲ (From left to right) Tamara Gondo, Michael Stewart, Dr. Stuart Sandin, Daniel Araujo and Cassie Smith
     
    Despite the numerous benefits offered to modern society, the rapid growth of the mobile industry has also brought significant environmental challenges. To address those challenges, Samsung has made the actualization of a sustainable future a cornerstone of the company’s vision for mobile devices.
     
    ▲ Daniel Araujo from Samsung Electronics
     
    “We’ve made significant progress in fostering sustainable practices throughout our product lifecycle and this is only possible through open collaboration with like-minded partners. And there is even more to come,” said Daniel Araujo, Head of Sustainability Management Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.
     
    “Each device of the S25 series will include at least 50% recycled cobalt, and for the first time in Galaxy history, the battery of the S25 model will be made with recycled cobalt sourced from previously used Galaxy smartphones,” he continued, highlighting Samsung’s advancements in product circularity.
     
     
    Leveraging Galaxy Camera Technology To Restore Vital Marine Ecosystems
    Since the launch of the Galaxy S22 series in 2022, Samsung has incorporated over 150 tonnes of discarded fishing nets — equivalent to the weight of 15 million plastic water bottles — into Galaxy products. Along the way, the company has recognized the critical threat ocean-bound plastic poses to coral reefs and has taken a leading role in restoration efforts through strategic partnerships.
     
    Dr. Stuart Sandin, a professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego said coral reefs are home to a quarter of all marine life, and over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income and protection from storms and erosion. He added that with more than 50% of the world’s coral reefs already lost and ocean-bound plastic threatening the remaining marine ecosystems, new restoration methods using mobile technology are gaining traction.
     
    ▲ Dr. Stuart Sandin from the University of California San Diego, Scripps Institute of Oceanography
     
    “We partnered with Samsung because of our shared commitment to innovation and collaboration. Our optimistic and technology-forward approach is contributing to new solutions for coral reef restoration,” said Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees — a nonprofit dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems. His announcement of the organization’s partnership with Samsung was followed by a trailer for an upcoming documentary about the collaborative efforts between the companies.
     
    ▲ Michael Stewart from Seatrees
     

    ▲ Trailer for the documentary ‘Coral in Focus’
     
    Araujo explained that to support Seatrees’ efforts, Samsung developed Ocean Mode1 — a new camera setting that optimizes underwater photography on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. He discussed how the feature will provide valuable visual data that can be used to 3D map coral reefs to aid efforts for their restoration. The panelists acknowledged that mobile technology is making environmental conservation more accessible since high-quality data can now be collected with lightweight, user-friendly smartphones.
     
     
    Empowering Young Leaders Through Technology
    “Beyond environmental efforts, Samsung has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to empower future generations in achieving the Global Goals,” explained moderator Cassie Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate Sustainability and U.S. Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics America. The success of Samsung’s five-year partnership with the UNDP led to the launch of the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17 initiative.
     
    ▲ Cassie Smith from Samsung Electronics America
     
    “Being part of Generation17 gave me confidence, access to resources and a global platform, which opened up a world of possibilities that inspired me to grow my business, Liberty Society, and its impact,” said Tamara Gondo, CEO of Liberty Society — a social enterprise that funds upskilling for marginalized women. “Participating in global events such as Mobile World Congress and the United Nations General Assembly gave me a seat at the decision-making table.”
     
    ▲ Tamara Gondo, CEO of Liberty Society and a Generation17 Young Leader
     
    Araujo underscored Tamara’s remarks and stressed the importance of young leaders in achieving the Global Goals, encouraging ongoing efforts and inviting attendees to look forward to the new group of Young Leaders later this year.
     
    The Sustainability session provided an in-depth exploration of how mobile technology can address environmental and social challenges. Samsung’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability is paving the way for meaningful change on a global scale.
     
     
    1 Exclusively developed for this project and only available to Seatrees and its partners.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Signature of MGCS Project Company shareholder agreement

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Signature of MGCS Project Company shareholder agreement

    Friday, January 24, 2025 – Thales, KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France and Rheinmetall Landsysteme signed the articles of association for MGCS Project Company GmbH, Cologne, on Thursday 23 January 2025 in Paris in the presence of the French Minister of Defence, Sébastien Lecornu, and the German Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius.

    MGCS, which stands for Main Ground Combat System, is a German-Franco armament program designed to replace the Leopard 2 and Leclerc main battle tanks with a cross-platform combat system by 2040.

    The signing of the shareholder agreement marks an essential step in the forthcoming creation of the MGCS Project Company. After negotiating a contract with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), acting on behalf of the two states through a German-Franco Combined Project Team (CPT), this project company will be responsible as the industrial prime contractor for the implementation of the next phase of the MGCS program. In particular, it will consolidate the concept and the main technological pillars of the system.

    The company will be equally owned by the parties, 25% each, with a national workshare of 50% Germany and 50% France, and will be based in Cologne, Germany.

    The industrial partners in the MGCS program are delighted with this signature, which follows on from the impetus given by the French and German governments in the spring of 2024, with the signing of a Letter Of Intent (LOI).

    About KNDS:

    KNDS is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France.

    KNDS forms a Group of around 10,000 employees, with a 2023 turnover of 3.3 billion euro, an order backlog of around 16 billion euro and incoming orders of 7.8 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.

    The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe. The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, it offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base.

    KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.

    Press contact: guillem.monsonis@knds.fr

    About Rheinmetall:

    Rheinmetall AG of Duesseldorf, a listed company, is a leading international defence contractor and a driver of future-oriented technological and industrial innovation in civil markets. With over 31,000 employees and 171 sites worldwide, Rheinmetall generated sales of €7.2 billion in 2023. With its technologies, products and systems, the company creates the indispensable basis for peace, freedom and sustainable development security. Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH is part of the Rheinmetall Division Vehicle Systems Europe and is one of the leading land system manufacturers.

    Media contact: oliver.hoffmann@rheinmetall.com

    About Thales:

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

    The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

    Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4bn.

    Media contact: camille.heck@thalesgroup.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Trade dynamics under geopolitical risk | Discussion paper 03/2025: Makram Khalil, David Osten, Felix Strobel

    Source: Bundesbank

    Non-technical summary

    Research Question

    In recent years, geopolitical tensions and associated risks have risen around the world. Global geopolitical risk surged after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At that time, geopolitical risk spiked particularly for Russia and its neighbouring countries. In addition, geopolitical risk rose sharply in China and Taiwan in recent years, due to the geopolitical rivalry between the US and China and mounting tensions around the political status of Taiwan. As some of these countries are important exporters in the global trade and production network, the question arises to which extent rising geopolitical tensions disrupt trade flows.

    Contribution

    In this paper, we use detailed customs data in a panel spanning 20 years to investigate the role of the import channel for the transmission of geopolitical risk in trading partner countries. Particularly, we take the perspectives of the US and the euro area and study the effects of trading-partner geopolitical risk on import volumes and import prices.

    Results

    We find that trading-partner geopolitical risk shocks lower import volumes and raise import prices. The decline in imports is particularly strong when geopolitical risk shocks hit countries that exhibit a greater geopolitical distance to the US and the euro area, or when geopolitical risk shocks hit countries that are under US sanctions. Thus, increasing geopolitical risk triggers dynamics that may be conducive to a fragmentation of global trade. A case in point are large effects of geopolitical risk shocks in China. We find that US and euro area imports from non-Chinese trading partners are also affected by such shocks, which also owes to US dollar and global oil price movements as well as trading-partner value chain linkages with China.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Datson Exports Ltd., West Bengal

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated January 15, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.00 lakh (Rupees One lakh only) on Datson Exports Ltd., West Bengal (the company) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Managing Risks and Code of Conduct in Outsourcing of Financial Services by NBFCs’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 58 G(1)(b) read with Section 58B(5)(aa) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

    The statutory inspection of the company was conducted with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the company advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the company’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the company was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The company had outsourced one of its decision-making functions, viz., sanction of loans, to its Digital Lending Application (DLA) partner.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the company with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the company.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1999

    MIL OSI Economics –