NewzIntel.com

Category: Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Sahyadri Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated July 18, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹20,000 (Rupees Twenty Thousand only) on Sahyadri Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra (the bank) for non-compliance with the specific directions issued by RBI under Supervisory Action Framework (SAF). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank 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 bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had not reduced single borrower exposure limit, for fresh loans and advances, by 50% of the applicable regulatory limit in non-adherence to directions under SAF.

    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 bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/753

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI issues draft Master Direction – Digital Banking Channels Authorisation (Directions), 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank has released the draft Master Direction on ‘Digital Banking Channels Authorisation’. The comments on the draft Directions are invited from public/stakeholders till August 11, 2025. Comments/feedback may be submitted through the respective link under the ‘Connect 2 Regulate’ Section available on the RBI’s website or may alternatively be forwarded to:

    The Chief General Manager
    Registration and Authorisation Group
    Department of Regulation, Central Office
    Reserve Bank of India, 12th Floor,
    Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg,
    Fort Mumbai – 400 001
    Or
    by email.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/752

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Shahada Peoples Co-operative Bank Ltd., Shahada, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated July 16, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2 lakh (Rupees Two Lakh only) on The Shahada Peoples Co-operative Bank Ltd., Shahada, Maharashtra (the bank), for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Income Recognition, Asset Classification, Provisioning and Other Related Matters – UCBs’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank 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 bank’s reply to the notice, additional submissions made by it and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had regularised certain Non-Performing Accounts (NPAs) without repayment through genuine sources.

    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 bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/755

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Government Employees Co-operative Bank Limited, Dharwad, Karnataka

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated July 17, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on The Government Employees Co-operative Bank Limited, Dharwad, Karnataka (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’ and ‘Comprehensive Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank 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 bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had:

    1. failed to upload the KYC records of customers onto Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed timeline; and

    2. not implemented certain cyber security control measures and requirements under the Cyber Security Framework prescribed by RBI.

    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 bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/751

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Opinion] Samsung in Collaboration with DTIC: Creating Meaningful Employment & Strengthening SA Economy through EEIP

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    According to research by Thrive CFO*: Small businesses in South Africa face numerous challenges, including access to funding, competition from larger companies, limited market reach, high operating costs, lack of skilled labour, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity threats, cash flow management, limited access to technology and environmental sustainability. *
     
    To help small enterprises in South Africa to overcome some of these challenges, Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has – under its R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in 2019 – formulated programmes that address some of government’s priorities as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) challenges.
     
    This multi-million rand EEIP programme aims to empower black owned and local SMEs with a particular focus on women and start-up businesses in the ICT sector. It supports skills development, enterprise development and job creation to contribute to black economic empowerment. The EEIP is part of Samsung’s broader commitment to social responsibility and economic development within South Africa.
     
    Samsung’s EEIP programme is closely aligned to the overarching objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision for 2030 and South Africa’s framework of broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) – providing a mechanism for multi-nationals to contribute towards the development of black South Africans.
     
    This framework has allowed our company to contribute to B-BBEE goals through alternative investments, including investments in black-owned businesses, ICT development and skills development. Our EEIP programme focuses on strengthening black economic empowerment by supporting ICT entrepreneurs and fostering technological advancement, ultimately contributing to socio-economic development and job creation. South Africa’s NDP envisions a thriving SME sector as a cornerstone of the country’s inclusive, resilient economy by 2030.
     
    In essence, the NDP sees SMEs as a crucial engine for economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. This strategic plan for South Africa’s future outlines various tactics to foster SME development and ensure their long-term success. Our government, which includes our collaborative partner, DTIC, believe that SMEs can create the majority of new jobs in the country – contributing significantly to economic growth as well as play a vital role in the reduction of poverty and inequality.
     
    As Samsung, we also understand how much entrepreneurship contributes to job creation, community development and how it fosters innovation and drives economic growth. For that reason, Samsung EEIP programme and DTIC have opened the third Call to Market for the Transformative SME Development Programme – targeting suitable ICT entrepreneurs in the country, that are eager to grow their businesses for funding and support.
     
    This transformative SME Development Programme seeks to support local entrepreneurs throughout their journey as well as driving a culture of innovation and digital solutions. So, in an effort to go beyond meeting our obligations towards government and demonstrate our ongoing investment in SME development – we are in the process of recruiting suitable SMEs to participate in this EEIP SME Development Programme with the ultimate aim of contributing to economic growth and job creation.
     
    In the last two years, our criteria for this EEIP SME Development Programme focused on targeting SMEs that had been operating in the ICT and Service Centre space for at least a minimum of three years with a turnover that is less than R50M per annum. This year, our EEIP SME Development Programme “Call to Market” campaign for entries has gone with a unique approach that aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of local ICT SMEs. We have changed our focus to include start-up, micro-enterprises that are still in their infancy stage and also put a strong focus on women-owned businesses.
     
    In collaboration with DTIC, we understand that start-up businesses are generally considered high-risk ventures, particularly in the early stages. We have therefore put in place some mitigating measures coupled with key performance indicators (KPI’s) to help manage these micro-enterprises efficiently and overcome any challenges that might come our way. The specific KPIs that are used in this EEIP SME Development Programme include:
     

    Economic Impact – looks at accumulative investment in SME development, capacity building as well as the contribution to the South African economy. Also, this KPI looks at job creation, growth in revenue and the profitability of supported SMEs.
    Enterprise Development – evaluates the number of SMEs specifically black-owned as well as those that are township-based and the number of businesses supported.
    Capacity Building: looks at the number of individuals trained or upskilled, improvements in business management skills as well as access to new markets and technologies. And lastly,
    Sustainability: The environmental impact of supported businesses, long-term viability of supported SMEs as well as the number of black-owned businesses and townships-based that are supported.

     
    We made these changes because we understand the need to develop local start-up enterprises and also how gender representation plays a crucial role in the development of entrepreneurs in the country. Importantly, we strongly believe that gender inclusion in the ICT entrepreneurship space will help to unlock economic potential, drive innovation and create a more equitable and sustainable future.
     
    With this new approach in this year’s EEIP SME Development Programme, we are now able to offer a larger pool of eligible ICT SMEs in the country an opportunity to access grant funding and enterprise development support to help propel their businesses to greater heights. This improved approach aims to identify gems in the market and offer them holistic support which also includes Business Development assistance (mentoring and coaching) to help in fostering growth, a dynamic and connected information society as well as a knowledge economy.
     
    This essentially means that this holistic approach in our transformative EEIP SME Development Programme does not only focus on developing technical skills (for those organisations in the ICT sector), but also other key entrepreneurial capabilities such as soft skills that can help create sustainable businesses in South Africa and enable them to become engines for job creation.
     
    Also, our business development initiatives include an Enterprise Development Bootcamp that is part of Samsung’s EEIP Programme – which helps young entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. This fast-paced four –month long, Bootcamp programme focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills and supporting Black-owned businesses in South Africa, particularly in the areas of Service Centre repairs and ICT. It aims to accelerate and grow businesses by providing entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and financial support. 
     
    Samsung’s EEIP programme – now in its seven years of sustained success and this Enterprise Development “Call to Market” which represents the 3rd edition of our programme seeks to continue making a measurable difference to the socio-economic development of black South Africans. This year’s call follows two successful cycles and forms part of our broader commitment to the ICT sector, SME development and Vision 2030.
     
    This is our way of ensuring that we empower South Africa’s digital future by helping ICT entrepreneurs thrive as we deepen our commitment and collaboration with DTIC. The success of this EEIP SME Development Programme is highlighting the significant milestone of our EEIP in the country and the profound impact it has had on the nation’s ICT sector in conjunction with the DTIC.
     
    Our programme’s alignment with South Africa’s Vision 2030 and its success to date – has positioned this transformative SME Development Programme as one of the notably -value adding EEIPs in the sector. Furthermore, our strong and successful collaboration with the DTIC in strengthening the ICT sector through the EEIP – now complemented by our focus on providing support to start-ups in the infancy stage while also ensuring gender representation in this year’s SME Development Programme – is a true testament to shared goals for national development in the country.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Opinion] Samsung in Collaboration with DTIC: Creating Meaningful Employment & Strengthening SA Economy through EEIP

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    According to research by Thrive CFO*: Small businesses in South Africa face numerous challenges, including access to funding, competition from larger companies, limited market reach, high operating costs, lack of skilled labour, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity threats, cash flow management, limited access to technology and environmental sustainability. *
     
    To help small enterprises in South Africa to overcome some of these challenges, Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has – under its R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in 2019 – formulated programmes that address some of government’s priorities as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) challenges.
     
    This multi-million rand EEIP programme aims to empower black owned and local SMEs with a particular focus on women and start-up businesses in the ICT sector. It supports skills development, enterprise development and job creation to contribute to black economic empowerment. The EEIP is part of Samsung’s broader commitment to social responsibility and economic development within South Africa.
     
    Samsung’s EEIP programme is closely aligned to the overarching objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision for 2030 and South Africa’s framework of broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) – providing a mechanism for multi-nationals to contribute towards the development of black South Africans.
     
    This framework has allowed our company to contribute to B-BBEE goals through alternative investments, including investments in black-owned businesses, ICT development and skills development. Our EEIP programme focuses on strengthening black economic empowerment by supporting ICT entrepreneurs and fostering technological advancement, ultimately contributing to socio-economic development and job creation. South Africa’s NDP envisions a thriving SME sector as a cornerstone of the country’s inclusive, resilient economy by 2030.
     
    In essence, the NDP sees SMEs as a crucial engine for economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. This strategic plan for South Africa’s future outlines various tactics to foster SME development and ensure their long-term success. Our government, which includes our collaborative partner, DTIC, believe that SMEs can create the majority of new jobs in the country – contributing significantly to economic growth as well as play a vital role in the reduction of poverty and inequality.
     
    As Samsung, we also understand how much entrepreneurship contributes to job creation, community development and how it fosters innovation and drives economic growth. For that reason, Samsung EEIP programme and DTIC have opened the third Call to Market for the Transformative SME Development Programme – targeting suitable ICT entrepreneurs in the country, that are eager to grow their businesses for funding and support.
     
    This transformative SME Development Programme seeks to support local entrepreneurs throughout their journey as well as driving a culture of innovation and digital solutions. So, in an effort to go beyond meeting our obligations towards government and demonstrate our ongoing investment in SME development – we are in the process of recruiting suitable SMEs to participate in this EEIP SME Development Programme with the ultimate aim of contributing to economic growth and job creation.
     
    In the last two years, our criteria for this EEIP SME Development Programme focused on targeting SMEs that had been operating in the ICT and Service Centre space for at least a minimum of three years with a turnover that is less than R50M per annum. This year, our EEIP SME Development Programme “Call to Market” campaign for entries has gone with a unique approach that aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of local ICT SMEs. We have changed our focus to include start-up, micro-enterprises that are still in their infancy stage and also put a strong focus on women-owned businesses.
     
    In collaboration with DTIC, we understand that start-up businesses are generally considered high-risk ventures, particularly in the early stages. We have therefore put in place some mitigating measures coupled with key performance indicators (KPI’s) to help manage these micro-enterprises efficiently and overcome any challenges that might come our way. The specific KPIs that are used in this EEIP SME Development Programme include:
     

    Economic Impact – looks at accumulative investment in SME development, capacity building as well as the contribution to the South African economy. Also, this KPI looks at job creation, growth in revenue and the profitability of supported SMEs.
    Enterprise Development – evaluates the number of SMEs specifically black-owned as well as those that are township-based and the number of businesses supported.
    Capacity Building: looks at the number of individuals trained or upskilled, improvements in business management skills as well as access to new markets and technologies. And lastly,
    Sustainability: The environmental impact of supported businesses, long-term viability of supported SMEs as well as the number of black-owned businesses and townships-based that are supported.

     
    We made these changes because we understand the need to develop local start-up enterprises and also how gender representation plays a crucial role in the development of entrepreneurs in the country. Importantly, we strongly believe that gender inclusion in the ICT entrepreneurship space will help to unlock economic potential, drive innovation and create a more equitable and sustainable future.
     
    With this new approach in this year’s EEIP SME Development Programme, we are now able to offer a larger pool of eligible ICT SMEs in the country an opportunity to access grant funding and enterprise development support to help propel their businesses to greater heights. This improved approach aims to identify gems in the market and offer them holistic support which also includes Business Development assistance (mentoring and coaching) to help in fostering growth, a dynamic and connected information society as well as a knowledge economy.
     
    This essentially means that this holistic approach in our transformative EEIP SME Development Programme does not only focus on developing technical skills (for those organisations in the ICT sector), but also other key entrepreneurial capabilities such as soft skills that can help create sustainable businesses in South Africa and enable them to become engines for job creation.
     
    Also, our business development initiatives include an Enterprise Development Bootcamp that is part of Samsung’s EEIP Programme – which helps young entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. This fast-paced four –month long, Bootcamp programme focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills and supporting Black-owned businesses in South Africa, particularly in the areas of Service Centre repairs and ICT. It aims to accelerate and grow businesses by providing entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and financial support. 
     
    Samsung’s EEIP programme – now in its seven years of sustained success and this Enterprise Development “Call to Market” which represents the 3rd edition of our programme seeks to continue making a measurable difference to the socio-economic development of black South Africans. This year’s call follows two successful cycles and forms part of our broader commitment to the ICT sector, SME development and Vision 2030.
     
    This is our way of ensuring that we empower South Africa’s digital future by helping ICT entrepreneurs thrive as we deepen our commitment and collaboration with DTIC. The success of this EEIP SME Development Programme is highlighting the significant milestone of our EEIP in the country and the profound impact it has had on the nation’s ICT sector in conjunction with the DTIC.
     
    Our programme’s alignment with South Africa’s Vision 2030 and its success to date – has positioned this transformative SME Development Programme as one of the notably -value adding EEIPs in the sector. Furthermore, our strong and successful collaboration with the DTIC in strengthening the ICT sector through the EEIP – now complemented by our focus on providing support to start-ups in the infancy stage while also ensuring gender representation in this year’s SME Development Programme – is a true testament to shared goals for national development in the country.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Digitorial_Awesome Intelligence: How AI is Changing the Way You Use Your Smartphone with the Galaxy A56 5G & A36 5G

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung’s latest Galaxy A series marks a bold step into the AI-powered mobile future. With the introduction of the Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G, Samsung is bringing what it calls “Awesome Intelligence” directly to users’ fingertips. These new models offer futuristic features designed for everyday use – making advanced AI experiences more accessible than ever before.
     
    What Samsung has done with these devices is make AI accessible — not as a gimmick, but as a true daily companion. Whether it’s discovering something cool online, cleaning up your pics, or getting the perfect snap on the first try, Awesome Intelligence is all about helping you do more, better, and faster.
     
    These devices aren’t just about better specs — they’re about smarter experiences. Here’s a look at three AI-powered features changing the way you interact with your phone daily.
     
    Circle to Search: When Curiosity Strikes, You’re Covered
    We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling Instagram or TikTok, and someone’s wearing an outfit you love or using a gadget you need in your life. But there’s no tag, no caption, no clue.
     
    Circle to Search is one of the most powerful and practical AI tools on the Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G. Just press and hold the home button, circle what you’re curious about – a shoe, a landmark, a makeup product — and boom, instant Google-powered search results, right on your screen. Or say you spot a streetwear hoodie you like as you’re scrolling through your newsfeed. Instead of playing detective, you ‘Circle to Search’ it and get links related to the item online — all without leaving the app. Less switching, more discovering.
     

     
    This is not just next-gen browsing. This is instant, intuitive discovery built into your daily scrolling.
     
    Object Eraser: Fix Your Photos in a Tap
    Let’s be honest — the perfect shot is often ruined by someone walking into frame at the wrong time or a random object in the background. In the past, that meant either retaking the photo (if possible), using a third-party app, or just learning to live with it.
     
    With Object Eraser, those days are gone. Tap on the unwanted element in your photo — maybe it’s a photo bomber, a random shadow, or a messy pile of stuff in the background. The AI does the rest, removing the distraction and blending the image naturally.
     

     
    You’re snapping a photo at the beach. It’s an epic time out, your outfit’s fire, but there’s a stranger walking their dog in the background. One tap with Object Eraser and it’s like they were never there.
     
    Object Eraser makes every shot Insta-worthy — no filters, no stress.
     
    Enhanced Camera AI: Bring Out Your Creativity
    The Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G come equipped with a 50MP main lens, a 10-bit HDR selfie camera, and in the case of the A56 5G, an ultra-wide 12MP lens and enhanced Nightography — but it’s the AI doing the behind-the-scenes magic that levels up every shot.
     
    AI isn’t just helping take photos — it’s helping you take better ones by automatically adjusting lighting and contrast to suit your scene, recognising different subjects (like people, pets, or food) and optimising settings on the fly, and smoothing low-light noise for cleaner night shots.
     
    When you’re out for a night with friends, and the lighting in the club is, well, not ideal, there’s no need to panic because there’s a solve. But with AI-enhanced Nightography and selfie optimisation, your photos come out looking sharp, balanced, and ready to post. No edits needed.
     
    And for the group shots, the Galaxy A56 5G offers Best Face — a clever AI tool that lets you select the best expressions from a burst of photos and merge them. No more “let’s take one more” because someone blinked or looked away.
     

     
    One of the best parts is that you’re getting all this in stylish, powerful devices with immersive Super AMOLED displays, long-lasting 5000mAh batteries, and fast, reliable 5G connectivity — all wrapped in a design that’s built to last with IP67 water and dust resistance.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Digitorial_Awesome Intelligence: How AI is Changing the Way You Use Your Smartphone with the Galaxy A56 5G & A36 5G

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung’s latest Galaxy A series marks a bold step into the AI-powered mobile future. With the introduction of the Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G, Samsung is bringing what it calls “Awesome Intelligence” directly to users’ fingertips. These new models offer futuristic features designed for everyday use – making advanced AI experiences more accessible than ever before.
     
    What Samsung has done with these devices is make AI accessible — not as a gimmick, but as a true daily companion. Whether it’s discovering something cool online, cleaning up your pics, or getting the perfect snap on the first try, Awesome Intelligence is all about helping you do more, better, and faster.
     
    These devices aren’t just about better specs — they’re about smarter experiences. Here’s a look at three AI-powered features changing the way you interact with your phone daily.
     
    Circle to Search: When Curiosity Strikes, You’re Covered
    We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling Instagram or TikTok, and someone’s wearing an outfit you love or using a gadget you need in your life. But there’s no tag, no caption, no clue.
     
    Circle to Search is one of the most powerful and practical AI tools on the Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G. Just press and hold the home button, circle what you’re curious about – a shoe, a landmark, a makeup product — and boom, instant Google-powered search results, right on your screen. Or say you spot a streetwear hoodie you like as you’re scrolling through your newsfeed. Instead of playing detective, you ‘Circle to Search’ it and get links related to the item online — all without leaving the app. Less switching, more discovering.
     

     
    This is not just next-gen browsing. This is instant, intuitive discovery built into your daily scrolling.
     
    Object Eraser: Fix Your Photos in a Tap
    Let’s be honest — the perfect shot is often ruined by someone walking into frame at the wrong time or a random object in the background. In the past, that meant either retaking the photo (if possible), using a third-party app, or just learning to live with it.
     
    With Object Eraser, those days are gone. Tap on the unwanted element in your photo — maybe it’s a photo bomber, a random shadow, or a messy pile of stuff in the background. The AI does the rest, removing the distraction and blending the image naturally.
     

     
    You’re snapping a photo at the beach. It’s an epic time out, your outfit’s fire, but there’s a stranger walking their dog in the background. One tap with Object Eraser and it’s like they were never there.
     
    Object Eraser makes every shot Insta-worthy — no filters, no stress.
     
    Enhanced Camera AI: Bring Out Your Creativity
    The Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G come equipped with a 50MP main lens, a 10-bit HDR selfie camera, and in the case of the A56 5G, an ultra-wide 12MP lens and enhanced Nightography — but it’s the AI doing the behind-the-scenes magic that levels up every shot.
     
    AI isn’t just helping take photos — it’s helping you take better ones by automatically adjusting lighting and contrast to suit your scene, recognising different subjects (like people, pets, or food) and optimising settings on the fly, and smoothing low-light noise for cleaner night shots.
     
    When you’re out for a night with friends, and the lighting in the club is, well, not ideal, there’s no need to panic because there’s a solve. But with AI-enhanced Nightography and selfie optimisation, your photos come out looking sharp, balanced, and ready to post. No edits needed.
     
    And for the group shots, the Galaxy A56 5G offers Best Face — a clever AI tool that lets you select the best expressions from a burst of photos and merge them. No more “let’s take one more” because someone blinked or looked away.
     

     
    One of the best parts is that you’re getting all this in stylish, powerful devices with immersive Super AMOLED displays, long-lasting 5000mAh batteries, and fast, reliable 5G connectivity — all wrapped in a design that’s built to last with IP67 water and dust resistance.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: Enhancing the Enabling Environment for SMEs in the Lao PDR

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The government should streamline business formalization and reduce entry costs for SMEs. To achieve this, the government should fully digitize the business registration process and ensure platforms are user-friendly and accessible to enterprises of all sizes. Registration procedures should be consolidated into a single step across all provinces, including for enterprises subject to additional regulatory oversight under the “control list.” In parallel, eliminating registered capital requirements and simplifying the fee structure, based on enterprise type rather than location or sector. would further lower barriers to entry and incentivize compliance.

    Simplifying the tax system will reduce burdens and encourage formal participation. Abolishing the renewal requirement for tax TINs would eliminate an unnecessary administrative burden and reduce opportunities for informal payments. Tax reporting procedures, particularly for micro and small enterprises, should be simplified and adapted to reflect firms’ varying accounting capacities. The expansion of online tax filing systems and electronic bank transfer mechanisms would improve compliance and reduce transaction costs. Additionally, linking tax compliance to access to credit by using tax history as a basis for creditworthiness can incentivize more accurate income reporting and formal participation in the financial system.

    Modernizing institutions and scaling up e-governance will improve regulatory transparency. To reduce discretionary enforcement and promote a predictable regulatory environment, the government should expand e-government platforms for approvals, licensing, and compliance reporting. Standardized digital procedures will enhance predictability and reduce reliance on informal networks. Ensuring the consistent application of national policies across provinces is essential to providing a level playing field for businesses and increasing confidence in public institutions.

    Investments in infrastructure and skills are essential to strengthen the enabling environment. Improving the SME operating environment requires sustained investment in reliable electricity, roads, and telecommunications—especially in underserved or high-potential regions. Regulatory enforcement mechanisms should be used to ensure the quality and maintenance of infrastructure assets, such as enforcing vehicle weight limits to preserve roads. At the same time, labor market competitiveness should be addressed through wage policy reform and improved retention strategies, including vocational and on-the-job training programs that align more closely with private sector needs.

    Targeted support for women entrepreneurs can unlock inclusive business growth. To increase women’s participation in the formal economy, it is important to recognize the impact of unpaid care responsibilities and promote family-friendly workplace policies. Introducing tax concessions for childcare expenses and expanding mobile-enabled platforms would enhance access to services and information for women entrepreneurs. Targeted training programs, combined with improved access to digital trade platforms, will help address gender-specific barriers in trade, formalization, and enterprise growth.

    [1] The ProFIT survey is a collaborative effort between the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asia Foundation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Government of Australia, and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI).

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN to Participate in the ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise 2025 (ARDEX-25), in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

    Source: ASEAN

    At the joint invitation of the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre), Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat delegation to the upcoming ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise 2025 (ARDEX-25) to be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 22-24 July 2025. SG Dr. Kao is scheduled to deliver remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the ARDEX-25 and to engage in a bilateral meeting with H.E. Kitte Sangahak Bandith Kun Kim, Senior Minister in Charge of Special Missions, First Vice President of the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Chair of ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) 2025.
     
    ARDEX is the primary regional exercise for disaster management. The exercise has enabled ASEAN to strengthen coordination mechanism between ASEAN Member States, test communication channels, including the ASEAN disaster monitoring and early warning system, and identify gaps in the systems before disasters strike. Through the exercise, ASEAN also enhances its engagement with partners, including the United Nations, international organisations, and donor agencies. The exercise also helps foster trust and collaboration that extends beyond the ASEAN borders.
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to Participate in the ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise 2025 (ARDEX-25), in Phnom Penh, Cambodia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Oil Shocks and Labor Market Developments

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    This paper examines how oil shocks shape labor market outcomes across 89 countries from 1975 to 2022. Leveraging a high-frequency oil supply shock series and a rich panel of quarterly labor market data, we find that shocks raising oil prices trigger sharp and persistent employment losses, particularly in oil-importing countries, oil-intensive sectors, and among male workers. Delayed but enduring employment declines also emerge in oil-moderate sectors and among female workers, revealing broader labor market implications. In contrast, employment gains in oil-exporting countries, and following expansionary supply shocks, are comparatively modest. Labor force participation responds less consistently, with patterns displaying higher variability. These findings highlight how oil shocks transmit unevenly through labor markets, with lasting impacts across countries, sectors, and demographic groups, extending well beyond short-term macroeconomic fluctuations.

    Subject: Commodities, Economic theory, Employment, Employment rate, Labor, Labor force participation, Labor markets, Oil, Oil prices, Oil production, Prices, Production, Supply shocks, Unemployment

    Keywords: Bank of England, Cross-country labor adjustment, Employment, Employment heterogeneity, Employment rate, Global, High-frequency identification, Interim surveillance review, Labor force participation, Labor market, Labor markets, Oil, Oil exports, Oil prices, Oil production, Oil supply shocks, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Supply shocks, Unemployment, Unemployment rate

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Accounting and Fiscal Reporting in EU Countries

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Financial Imbalances, Systemic Stress, and Macroprudential Implications

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    The effectiveness of macroprudential policy framework depends to a large extent on how the process of monitoring and assessing systemic risks and the calibration of macroprudential policy tools are operationalized in practice. This paper has two main contributions. First we propose an enhanced composite indicator, the Systemic Vulnerabilities Index (SVI), which captures the buildup of systemic vulnerabilities. The index is built on an innovative approach that uses optimal aggregation of subindices, and without imposing exogenous constraints. Specifically, making use of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for a broad set of relevant input variables, we determine their relative importance in contributing to the buildup of systemic vulnerabilities. Subsequent use of Monte Carlo simulation techniques allows us to select the optimal SVI that best predicts future credit losses. The proposed SVI captures both time and sectoral dimensions of the buildup of risks. We provide evidence showing a superior performance of the SVI, compared to the traditional credit-to-GDP gap in documenting risk accumulation. We investigate the relationship between our SVI and financial condition index and provide evidence of a negative correlation between the two, whereby a loosening of financial conditions is associated with more accumulation of imbalances. Second, we provide a framework that guides on how the SVI can be used for increasing Countercyclical Capital Buffer (CCyB) beyond its neutral level. Specifically, we propose a mapping that shows how the SVI can help determine the timing of setting a CCyB beyond the neutral rate as well as its magnitude.

    Subject: Countercyclical capital buffers, Credit, Financial institutions, Financial regulation and supervision, Financial sector policy and analysis, Financial sector stability, Macroprudential policy, Money, Nonperforming loans, Systemic risk

    Keywords: Countercyclical capital buffers, Credit, Credit-to-GDP Gap, Financial Imbalances, Financial sector stability, Global, Macroprudential policy, Macroprudential Policy, Nonperforming loans, Systemic risk

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Trade Partners’ Responses to US Tariffs

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    Recently announced and enacted US tariffs reduce partners’ access to the US market and lead to trade diversion. Impacted countries may respond in (at least) three ways: imposing retaliatory tariffs on the US, resorting to industrial policy to support their producers, and/or signing trade agreements to find new market access opportunities. Relying on a quantitative trade model, we study the trade and welfare implications of these policy responses. Retaliation hurts US exports, can improve the terms of trade, but also creates distortions. Subsidies can expand exports, making up for lost markets in the US, but they are costly, increase distortions especially for the subsidizers, and worsen trade diversion effects that could eventually lead to new tariffs targeting subsidizers. Seeking deeper integration with other partners can help countries expand trade while reducing distortions. Even in presence of US tariffs, real income for the liberalizing countries and the world is higher when partners choose to deepen integration as part of their policy strategy.

    Subject: Economic integration, Exports, Imports, International trade, Tariffs, Taxes, Trade agreements, Trade policy

    Keywords: East Asia, Exports, Global, Imports, Industrial policy, Retaliation, Tariffs, Tariffs, Trade agreements, Trade agreements, Trade policy

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members call for reinvigorated work on technology transfer, elect new Chair

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Members call for reinvigorated work on technology transfer, elect new Chair

    Members welcomed the election of Ambassador Eheth, who succeeded Ambassador Raimondas Ališauskas of Lithuania, and expressed appreciation for the outgoing Chair’s leadership over the past year in advancing the Group’s work.
    In his opening remarks, Ambassador Eheth underscored the continued relevance and growing importance of the Group’s mandate. He noted that technology transfer is vital for “strengthening productive capacity, upgrading infrastructure, and building resilience,”. He also highlighted its role in “supporting structural transformation, responding to environmental challenges, and ensuring that the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence and its applications in trade benefit all and do not further widen the gap between members at different stages of development.”
    In a discussion initiated by India, members exchanged views on how to advance work on technology transfer and build momentum towards the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), to be held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in March 2026.
    Ambassador Eheth encouraged members to “continue sharing national experiences on how trade has facilitated technology transfer and supported development”. He reaffirmed the value of the practice –  introduced by his predecessor – of hearing from chairs of other WTO bodies. This, he noted, “enriches the Group’s work by illustrating the cross-cutting nature of technology transfer and its relevance across the WTO’s agenda.”
    Looking ahead, the Chair announced his intention to hold informal consultations in September to hear members’ views on how best to advance the Group’s work. “I am committed to helping advance not only the mandate of this Group, but also the broader objectives of the Organization as set out in the preamble of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO: raising standards of living, ensuring steadily growing real income, and supporting sustainable development in a manner consistent with the needs and aspirations of all members,” he said.
    The next formal meeting of the working group is scheduled for November 2025.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN hosts Farewell Dinner for Outgoing Ambassador of Norway to ASEAN

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this evening hosted a farewell dinner in honour of H.E. Kjell Tormod Pettersen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to ASEAN, who has completed his tenure in Jakarta. On this occasion, both sides exchanged views on advancing ASEAN–Norway relations, particularly as ASEAN and Norway commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Sectoral Dialogue Partnership this year. Dr. Kao also expressed his sincere appreciation to Ambassador Pettersen for his dedication and efforts in strengthening ASEAN-Norway relations throughout his tenure, including the successful arrangements for the Working Visit of SG Dr. Kao to Norway, in June 2025.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN hosts Farewell Dinner for Outgoing Ambassador of Norway to ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Working Together, Growing Stronger: Responsible Governance for a Resilient UCB Sector – Valedictory Address by Shri Swaminathan J, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India at the Seminar for Directors of Urban Co-operative Banks held in CAB, Pune on Friday, July 11, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Working Together, Growing Stronger: Responsible Governance for a Resilient UCB Sector
    (Valedictory Address by Shri Swaminathan J, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India at the Seminar for Directors of Urban Co-operative Banks held in CAB, Pune on Friday, July 11, 2025)

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Catalysing Sustainable & Green Infrastructure Financing for Achieving Net Zero – Inaugural Address delivered by Shri M Rajeshwar Rao, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India – July 03, 2025 – at the Conference on Green Infrastructure Finance at College of Agriculture Banking, RBI, Pune

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Catalysing Sustainable & Green Infrastructure Financing for Achieving Net Zero
    (Inaugural Address delivered by Shri M Rajeshwar Rao, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India – July 03, 2025 – at the Conference on Green Infrastructure Finance at College of Agriculture Banking, RBI, Pune)

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN briefs the Diplomatic Corps and the Media on Key Takeaways from the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Source: ASEAN

    At the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat today, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, briefed the diplomatic corps and the media on the key outcomes of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), Post-Ministerial Conferences (PMC), 26th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, 15th EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum and Related Meetings, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 8-11 July 2025. Representatives from ASEAN Committees in Third Countries and International Organisations (ACTCs) also joined the Briefing virtually. Dr. Kao shared the key takeaways from the series of meetings, which underscored ASEAN Centrality, the continued relevance of ASEAN-led mechanisms, and the strong support from external partners for ASEAN Community-building efforts, following the recent adoption of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future by the ASEAN Leaders in May 2025. The briefing was livestreamed to the general public via the ASEAN Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
     

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN briefs the Diplomatic Corps and the Media on Key Takeaways from the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction held on July 18, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 7-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 2,00,000
    Total amount of offers received (in ₹ crore) 2,07,584
    Amount accepted (in ₹ crore) 2,00,027
    Cut off Rate (%) 5.49
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 5.49
    Partial Acceptance Percentage of offers received at cut off rate 95.94

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/737

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction held on July 18, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 7-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 2,00,000
    Total amount of offers received (in ₹ crore) 2,07,584
    Amount accepted (in ₹ crore) 2,00,027
    Cut off Rate (%) 5.49
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 5.49
    Partial Acceptance Percentage of offers received at cut off rate 95.94

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/737

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of Underwriting Auction conducted on July 18, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In the underwriting auction conducted on July 18, 2025, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:

    Nomenclature of the Security Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Additional Competitive Underwriting Amount Accepted
    (₹ crore)    		 Total Amount underwritten
    (₹ crore)    		 ACU Commission Cut-off rate
    (Paise per ₹100)
    New GS 2030 15,000 7,518 7,482 15,000 0.09
    7.09% GS 2054 12,000 6,006 5,994 12,000 0.23
    Auction for the sale of securities will be held on July 18, 2025.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/736

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: From OLED to Solar Cells: The Precision and Potential of Panasonic’s Industrial Inkjet Printing

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: From OLED to Solar Cells: The Precision and Potential of Panasonic’s Industrial Inkjet Printing

    Perovskite solar cells created using inkjet technology.
    Improved transparency makes them practical for windows.

    Yoshida: We see two paths for evolution. One is further improvement in terms of resolution. The other is compatibility with high-viscosity inks; once this has been achieved, it will be possible to precisely apply ink containing dispersed particles, expanding the range of applications.
    We are particularly interested in perovskite solar cells, which are expected to become the next generation of solar cells.
    Our proprietary large-area coating method utilizing inkjet technology makes it possible to uniformly coat the core power generating material onto large glass substrates. This enables thin and lightweight designs that were not possible with conventional products, while maintaining high power generation efficiency.
    Nakatani: Another major advantage of inkjet technology is its high material utilization efficiency and the resulting design flexibility. With conventional manufacturing methods, it was sometimes necessary to coat the entire surface with material and then remove the excess. In contrast, inkjet technology precisely deposits ink only in the areas where the power generation layer is required. This reduces wasteful use of expensive materials.
    Usui: The ability to apply the material precisely to the target area creates unique value. For example, by using a striped coating pattern for the power-generating layer, it is possible to create window glass that combines power-generating capability with translucence. A major advantage of the inkjet method is that a window can generate energy but still function as a window. Of course, not needing a vacuum environment during manufacturing and minimizing material waste are also extremely important from the standpoint of energy conservation and sustainability.
    Yoshida: In this way, our inkjet technology brings two values to perovskite solar cells: “large area and high efficiency” and “high design flexibility.” This will make it possible to install solar cells in locations previously considered too difficult—such as the walls and windows of buildings—and we believe that this will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AI with Intention: A Catalyst for Purpose-Driven Innovation

    Source: Samsung

    Start a conversation about artificial intelligence (AI) and you’re bound to hear a litany of concerns and fears. But, what if the most important conversation about AI isn’t what it can do—but how we choose to use it?
    Technology’s superpower lies in how it helps people—how it connects us, supports our everyday lives, and opens doors for the next generation of innovators and changemakers. And right now, AI is one of the most exciting and powerful technologies shaping our world.
    In a new Fast Company opinion article, Samsung Electronics America’s CMO, Allison Stransky, shares how AI can expand access, empower the next generation of changemakers, and help businesses innovate more responsibly, “I’m always ready to be an advocate for the transformative power of AI to help create positive change – and an advocate of ‘AI for Good.’”

     AI FOR GOOD: Samsung Electronics America CMO Allison Stransky spotlights student-led AI innovations—from cancer detection to smart wound care—that earned national honors in the Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition.
    The power of AI stems from its ability to unite creativity and personalization at scale. When implemented from a purpose-driven place, AI can be a tremendous positive force. And the real impact happens when this technology is used by curious, creative people with a passion for solving real problems – who want to do that with the clear purpose of fostering positive change and reimagining what’s possible. When empathy and innovation come together, that’s where AI turbocharges our ability to be a force for good.

    According to Allison, “It’s vital that people begin seeing AI as a strategic tool, not a shortcut or a replacement for learning. Young innovators shouldn’t use AI just for the sake of it. Instead, they should consider that the most powerful impact often comes from addressing small, overlooked problems that can make a big difference in people’s lives.”
    While there’s still much to learn about AI, one thing’s for certain: its rapid evolution means today’s innovations are just the beginning. To stay ahead, businesses must go beyond the hype and design AI strategies rooted in empathy, relevance, and long-term impact. We’ll be living in a world shaped by the choices we make today. So, let’s build with intention and purpose—because the future we want depends on it.
    Read Allison’s full Fast Company byline here.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon to report earnings July 21, 2025

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon to report earnings July 21, 2025

    NEW YORK, N.Y. – Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) will report second-quarter 2025 earnings on Monday, July 21, 2025.

    The company will present results on a webcast beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Second-quarter 2025 materials will be available at 7:00 a.m. ET on Verizon’s Investor Relations website, https://www.verizon.com/about/investors. These materials will include:

    • Detailed information on Verizon’s second quarter results;
    • Verizon’s earnings news release; and
    • Financial tables.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: UK gives CHF 850,000 to boost developing economies’ capacity to negotiate trade deals

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Over the past 10 years, the Global Trust Fund has covered on average 50 per cent of the costs allocated to trade-related training activities designed for government officials from developing economies. Services, agriculture and trade facilitation are among the broad range of areas covered.

    The UK Ambassador to the WTO, Simon Manley, said: “The UK is pleased to be working with the WTO’s Global Trust Fund to ensure that trade in services – and in particular the Trade in Services for Development initiative – helps developing countries harness the benefits of this sector for job creation and economic development. As the fastest-growing area of international trade, services offer a key pathway for these countries to better integrate into the multilateral trading system.”

    The Trade in Services for Development initiative is an Aid for Trade work programme developed jointly by the WTO and the World Bank to help developing economies and LDCs benefit more fully from the economic growth and development opportunities resulting from services trade.

    WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “We are grateful to the UK for generously supporting the WTO’s efforts to boost the trading and negotiating capacities of developing economies and LDCs. This support will help government officials translate the international market opportunities undergirded by WTO rules into concrete benefits for businesses and people in their home countries.”

    Overall, the UK has contributed over CHF 14 million (close to GBP 13 million) to the various WTO trust funds over more than 20 years.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: TAU Systems and Thales announce pioneering collaboration in laser-driven particle acceleration

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: TAU Systems and Thales announce pioneering collaboration in laser-driven particle acceleration

    Austin, TX – July 17, 2025 – TAU Systems, the developer of next-generation ultrafast laser-plasma accelerators, today announced the collaboration with solid-state laser producer Thales. The collaboration leverages Thales’ expertise in high peak power laser systems and TAU Systems’ innovation in laser-driven particle acceleration.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Video] [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Galaxy and the City: Lighting Up NYC, One Fold at a Time

    Source: Samsung

    What’s the first city that comes to mind when you think of energy, creativity and culture?
     
    For many, it’s New York City — where skyscrapers touch the sky, scenes unfold on screen and culture thrives in every corner. And now, it’s also the place to get hands-on with Samsung Electronics’ latest mobile devices.
     
    On July 9, the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Watch8 series made their grand debut at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in Brooklyn. But the excitement didn’t stop there.
     
    Just across the East River, the Galaxy Experience Space in SoHo, Manhattan, is now open for visitors to explore the latest Galaxy innovations up close. From immersive product demos to daily workshops and even exclusive influencer meet-ups, the space offers an interactive playground for all things Galaxy.
     
    And the experience goes far beyond four walls. From Flatiron Public Plaza and Union Square Park to Chelsea Triangle and Astor Place, Galaxy Hangouts are popping up all over Manhattan’s most iconic spots. It’s the ultimate city-wide showcase, teeming with the unmistakable energy of New York.
     
    Ready to experience it yourself? Check out the video below and see how Galaxy is unfolding across the streets of New York.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI to conduct 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under LAF on July 18, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on Friday, July 18, 2025, as under:

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor
    (day)    		 Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 2,00,000 7 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM July 25, 2025
    (Friday)

    2. The operational guidelines for the auction as given in the Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2019-2020/1947 dated February 13, 2020 will remain the same.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/734

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Thane District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., Thane, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated July 14, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.10 lakh (Rupees Two Lakh Ten Thousand only) on Thane District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., Thane, Maharashtra (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by NABARD with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank 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 bank’s reply to the notice, additional submissions made by it and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had failed to put in place a system of periodic updation of KYC of its customers as per the prescribed periodicity.

    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 bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/730

    MIL OSI Economics –