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Category: Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Digitalization for Improving Elder Care

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    As economies face the growing challenge of supporting aging populations, traditional care systems often struggle due to gaps in infrastructure, trained personnel, and accessible healthcare. In this context, digital technologies are increasingly recognized as transformative tools for elder care. This book examines how digital solutions such as robotics and telemedicine can help address the needs of aging populations, enhance care quality, and support inclusive development.

    The discussions explore both the opportunities and challenges of the digital transformation in terms of social inclusion for elder care. Through diverse case studies, the book highlights the importance of involving older people as active participants in the digital economy rather than passive recipients—an essential step in bridging the digital divide. With practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners, it is a vital resource for advancing efficient, dignified, and high-quality elder care in the digital age.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Issues Largest Panda Bonds

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    News Release | 31 March 2025

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    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (31 March 2025) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has successfully issued a CNY8.3 billion (about $1.15 billion), 3-year bond issue, its largest Panda Bonds to date, raising significant capital to support its development projects for both sovereign and private sector borrowers. The bonds, issued on 17 March 2025, carry a 1.81% coupon. 

    This issuance marks a significant milestone for ADB, as it represents the largest Panda Bonds issued to date in 2025, and the largest local currency bond issued by ADB. The bonds were well received by both domestic and international investors, reflecting strong confidence in ADB’s commitment to sustainable development.

    “We are delighted with the successful issuance of our latest Panda Bonds,” said ADB Treasurer Tobias Hoschka. “This achievement underscores the robust demand for high-quality, sustainable investment opportunities in the Chinese bond market. The proceeds from this issuance will be instrumental in advancing our mission to foster economic growth and reduce poverty in the region.”

    The Panda Bonds are part of ADB’s ongoing efforts to diversify its funding sources and tap into the growing pool of local currency capital in Asia and the Pacific. The funds raised will be used to finance a range of projects aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable development in ADB’s member countries.

    ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung To Launch Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, the Most Powerful Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner in the World

    Source: Samsung

    ▲ Bespoke AI Jet Ultra in a hallway
     
    Samsung Electronics today announced the global rollout of the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, the world’s most powerful cordless stick vacuum cleaner,1 which was unveiled at the Welcome to Bespoke AI global event held this month. Featuring the upgraded AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 and advanced HEPA filtration system, this latest innovation builds on Samsung’s leadership in smart home cleaning appliances.
     
    “Samsung has proven its next level innovation in the cordless stick vacuum cleaner segment by launching the most powerful model in the world,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Building on the previous achievement of the Bespoke Jet AI, which was the world’s first UL verified AI-powered cordless stick vacuum cleaner,2 we’re confident that this new model will be a true game changer in the global market.”

     
     
    Clean Thoroughly With the World’s Most Powerful Suction Power
    ▲ Bespoke AI Jet Ultra in a living room
     
    The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra boasts suction power of up to 400W3 to tackle even the toughest cleaning tasks. The HexaJet Motor is the key component that generates high suction power. Its unique Hexagon stator structure with a second-stage diffuser and an impeller with the reduced thickness improve airflow and increase motor efficiency, thus enabling up to 400W of suction power. Plus, the motor allows the vacuum cleaner to run for up to 100 minutes on one battery when using Min mode,4 so users can clean their whole house in one go.

     
     
    Intelligent Cleaning Support Through AI Cleaning Mode 2.0
    ▲ Bespoke AI Jet Ultra in a dress room
     
    The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra also introduces the upgraded AI Cleaning Mode 2.0.5 By sensing the brush load and vacuuming air pressure, this mode can classify a total of six different cleaning environments6 using Samsung’s AI Optimum Tech and automatically adjust the cleaning performance. When using the Active Dual Brush, it can recognize whether a carpet is normal or long-pile. The vacuum cleaner senses corners7 with the Slim LED Brush+, as well. And by adjusting the suction power and brush speed8 for the different cleaning environments, it uses power more efficiently, reducing battery power use by 21% and increasing maneuverability by 8% with performance akin to Mid mode.9

     
     
    Advanced HEPA Filtration System
    Complementing this powerful and intelligent experience, Samsung has enhanced the filtration system to ensure dust particles are captured when air is expelled from the vacuum cleaner. The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra features a Multi-layered Filtration system that effectively traps fine dust.10 When air comes in, internal compartments like the cyclone and a metal mesh grille filter catch dust particles in succession. As a result, it achieves a filtration efficiency of 99.999%.11

     
    Another distinctive benefit is that Samsung has implemented HEPA filtration into its Multi-layered Filtration system. With this system, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra captures dust particles as small as 0.3µm, allowing less dust12 to escape into the air.
     
     
    1 Based on testing by SLG Prüf- und Zertifizierungs GmbH, in accordance with the IEC 62885-4 Cl.5.8 standard, using a handheld type vacuum cleaner (with no brush) in Jet mode. The results were compared to cordless stick vacuum models available on the market with a stated suction power within 30% of the actual suction power of the Samsung model tested by SLG. Based on sales data between January 2024 and December 2024 as compiled by an independent market research institute.2 In May 2023 it was the first cordless stick vacuum cleaner to receive AI certification from UL Solutions, a leading independent safety science organization.3 Based on testing by SLG Prüf- und Zertifizierungs GmbH, in accordance with the IEC 62885-4 Cl.5.8 standard. Measured at the inlet of the non-motorized tool when the dustbin is empty, using Jet Mode and a large capacity battery that is fully charged. Lasts up to 1 min.4 The stated run time applies when using a large capacity battery (3970mAh) and the minimum power level with a non-motorized tool attached. Results may vary depending on actual usage.5 The updated functions of AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 can be activated after registering the stick vacuum cleaner on the SmartThings App. The operation of AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 may be limited in certain environments, such as when the All-in-one Clean Station is unplugged or Wi-Fi connection is unstable or the Bluetooth connection status between the stick vacuum cleaner and the All-in-one Clean Station is unstable. If AI Cleaning mode 2.0 does not work frequently, please move the All-in-one Clean Station to a space without obstacles nearby. To enable continuous function updates, users should keep the Wi-Fi in the house on at all times.6 The ability to identify different cleaning environments and the time it takes to change the settings can be affected by environmental conditions.7 Corner and floor-wall joint detection only operates in hard floor environments. “Corner” refers to the area where two flat and closed walls meet. The suction power increases about 2-3.5 seconds after the brush is pressed against the wall. If the brush contacts only one side of the corner or if there is a gap in the corner, it may not be recognized as a corner, and the recognition accuracy and reaction speed may vary depending on the wall shape and actual usage environment.8 The brush rotation speed (rpm) can only be adjusted when using the Active Dual Brush.9 Based on internal testing when using the Slim LED Brush+, in accordance with the global average ratio of the floor composition – wooden floor 76% and carpet 24%. It achieves the same cleaning performance as Mid mode with 2% or less difference in cleaning efficiency, in accordance with the IEC 62885-2 Cl. 5.1 and 5.4 standard. The battery consumption was measured based on the actual amount of power consumed while using the vacuum cleaner for 35 minutes from a fully charged state. The maneuverability is based on the actual measured value in accordance with the IEC 62885-2 Cl. 7.3.9 standard. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.10 Refers to dust particles in the size range of 0.5 to 4.2µm.11 Based on internal test in accordance with the IEC 62885-2 Cl. 5.11 standard, using Jet Mode. Results may vary depending on actual usage.12 Based on testing by SGS-IBR Laboratories, in accordance with the ASTM F3150 standard, using Jet Mode. Results may vary depending on actual usage. Compared to our non-HEPA filter model. Refers to dust particles with the size of 0.3µm or above.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 2024: CNB brought inflation down to 2% target and made record profit

    Source: Czech National Bank

    The Czech National Bank (CNB) made a profit of CZK 151.4 billion in 2024, the highest in its history. The record profit was driven, among other factors, by measures implemented by the Bank Board over the past two years. In 2024, the CNB thus managed to erase another part of its accumulated loss, which had reached CZK 487 billion in 2022. At the same time, the central bank restored price stability in the country last year. Maintaining price stability is its primary objective.

    In addition to price stability, the Bank Board has focused on achieving greater efficiency and long-term sustainable profitability of the central bank over the past two years. “Our main mandate is low inflation and financial stability. In the space of two years, we reduced inflation from 17.5% to our target of 2% in February 2024,” said CNB Governor Aleš Michl. In 2024 as a whole, average inflation was 2.4%, the lowest in six years. “However, we are also looking at how to eliminate the accounting loss we inherited from the previous Bank Board. Our goal is to lay the foundations for a long-term profitable central bank for future generations,” he added.

    The CNB has taken a variety of measures to improve its profits. For example, it is gradually adjusting the composition of its international reserves, which are among the highest in the world relative to GDP. These reserves guarantee the CNB full independence in the conduct of monetary policy. However, they also make its profits very volatile, as they are held in foreign currencies and are thus sensitive to movements in the koruna’s exchange rate. The Bank Board has therefore decided to boost the potential long-term returns on the international reserves by gradually increasing the share of equity investments. At the same time, the CNB is buying gold to diversify the portfolio and make it less volatile. In 2024, this strategy, combined with favourable market conditions, delivered very solid portfolio performance, as reflected in returns totalling CZK 161 billion.

    The exchange rate also had a positive impact on last year’s profit. The koruna depreciated against the euro and the US dollar at the start of the year and remained relatively weak until December. This resulted in a foreign exchange gain of CZK 137 billion.

    Although the CNB posted its best-ever profit, its performance in the years ahead will be affected by a number of variables, such as changes in market conditions and exchange rate fluctuations. The record profit in 2024 should thus be viewed with caution. It should not be automatically assumed that the CNB will make such large profits in the coming years.

    The gradual lowering of the CNB’s key interest rate caused the cost of conducting domestic monetary policy to fall from CZK 187 billion in 2023 to CZK 145 billion in 2024. The CNB has also changed the reserve requirement parameters over the past two years. It ended the remuneration of the minimum reserves of banks and credit unions in October 2023, and it increased the reserve requirement ratio with effect from 2 January 2025. “We are reducing the cost of conducting monetary policy without compromising its effectiveness. That said, we are also looking for savings in the CNB’s operations, as we believe that public institutions should be managed efficiently as well,” Aleš Michl added.

    Thanks to a series of measures adopted by the Bank Board, operating expenses rose by just 1.3% year on year in 2024, the lowest increase in ten years. A 5% reduction in the number of employees, a streamlining of the CNB’s organisation structure and changes to internal competences contributed to a substantial slowdown in the growth of personnel costs, which rose by only 0.5% year on year. This efficiency drive made it possible to maintain solid, 4.4% growth in staff pay while keeping down growth in total operating expenses. The branch network is also currently undergoing an extensive transformation. A key part of this process is the transition to digital communication, which will soon significantly simplify and speed up services for all clients regardless of their region. It will also foster further operational savings in the future.

    Thanks in part to the positive impact of these and other measures on the CNB’s profits, the Bank Board has succeeded in reducing the CNB’s accumulated loss of previous years by CZK 210 billion over the last two years. This loss currently amounts to CZK 277 billion.

    Details on the CNB’s profit are available in the financial report and financial statements for 2024 approved by the Bank Board at its meeting on 20 March.

    The CNB is not a part of the public budgets of the Czech Republic. It is not funded by taxes and its expenses are not covered by the taxpayer.

    CNB profit/loss 2022–2024

    Year

    		 Profit/loss
    in CZK billions    		 Accumulated loss of previous years
    in CZK billions
    2022 -412 -487
    2023 +55 -429[1]
    2024 +151 -277

    Jakub Holas
    Director, CNB Communications Division

    [1] The accumulated loss for 2023 was revised due to a change in the accounting method. For details, see the CNB’s financial statements as of 31 December 2024, section 2.25.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Expands Its Smart Laundry Offerings With Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo

    Source: Samsung

    ▲ Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo_Dark Steel
     
    Samsung Electronics today announced the addition of the Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo1 — an All-in-One Washer and Electric Dryer with a 7-inch AI Home touchscreen – to its lineup of Bespoke AI Laundry appliances. The combined unit eliminates the need to transfer laundry between washing and drying, while also bringing fast drying performance and intelligent functionality that makes laundry remarkably convenient.
     
    Samsung has continued to innovate in the laundry room to offer consumers a wide array of washer and dryer models for spaces of all sizes and layouts. The Bespoke AI Laundry Ventless Combo was a standout in 2024, as it raised the bar for all-in-one washer-dryers by eliminating the common performance sacrifices associated with the format. The new Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo builds on its innovation and success, giving consumers another stylish and convenient space-saving option.
     
    “At Samsung, our mission is to create smart home solutions that make life easier, more efficient and more sustainable, elevating home space to the next level in both performance and style,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo brings exceptional time-saving efficiency to the laundry room in a compact all-in-one solution.”
     
     
    Convenient, Time Saving Functionality
    ▲ Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo_SuperSpeed
     
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo is a powerful model that washes and dries clothes completely in a single machine in just 68 minutes2 when using the Super Speed cycle. Its roomy 5.3 cu. ft. Ultra Capacity drum lets users do more laundry in a single load, and its vented design uses the internal heater and fan to move hot air through clothes and vent out moisture, ensuring clothes are always dried quickly and thoroughly. For even more convenience, the Vented Combo can simply swap out the currently installed washer and electric vented dryer.
     
    And with Samsung’s AI Bubble technology, users can enjoy clean clothes, cycle after cycle. Water, air and detergent combine to create a cleansing foam that seeps into fabrics for an effective wash. To tackle tough stains without spending time pretreating them, the Steam Wash cycle comes into action. The drum releases steam to thoroughly saturate every item in the load and ensure an effective deep clean.
     
     
    Effortless Operation
    ▲ Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo_Lifestyle
     
    Like the other products in Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry lineup, the Vented Combo automates the process of washing and drying clothes, streamlining laundry routine and making it faster, easier experiences. Its intuitive 7-inch AI Home display is simple to use and gives a quick access to the Combo’s settings for effortless operation. And for those busy moments when the user is multi-tasking or has their hands full, convenient Voice Control capabilities let them give commands to turn the Combo on or off, access settings and more.3
     

    Samsung’s AI Opti Wash & Dry technology uses powerful AI sensors to detect soil levels and fabrics, automatically adjusting settings as needed during the cycle to deliver a better wash and dry.4 For added convenience, the Flex Auto Dispense System automatically dispenses up to 47 loads5 of detergent — or users can choose to split the compartment, so it dispenses up to 34 loads of fabric softener and 25 loads of detergent. And when the clothes are finished drying, the Auto Open Door pops open, allowing leftover moisture to evaporate, preventing unpleasant, musty odor so clothes are fresh and dry when taken out.

     
    And with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, users can also get end-of-cycle alerts and remotely start, stop or delay the Combo from their mobile phone, using the SmartThings app.6
     

    Innovations To Improve Energy Efficiency
    ▲ Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo_Lifestyle1
     
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo is engineered for seamless sustainable living. As an ENERGY STAR® Certified washer-dryer, it has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for delivering energy efficiency along with the latest in technological innovation.7
     
    SmartThings Energy allows them to monitor power consumption and estimate their monthly electricity bill for improved control over their energy usage.8 They can also turn on AI Energy Mode9 to have the Vented Combo automatically optimize its energy consumption and reduce usage by up to 30%.10 The Vented Combo is also equipped with Samsung’s Less Microfiber cycle setting, which allows users to gently clean synthetic textiles while reducing 39% of microfibers released into the ocean.11

     

    Availability and Pre-Orders
    Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo comes in two premium colors — Dark Steel and Brushed Black for the U.S. consumers. Only the Brushed Black is available in Canada and the Dark Steel in Mexico. For those who prefer the ventless version, the Bespoke AI Laundry Ventless Combo with Heat Pump is available in Dark Steel.
     
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo is now available for pre-order in the U.S. and will be available in Canada and Mexico in 2Q of 2025.
     
     
    1 Among 27″ combo washer/dryers. Sold only in USA, Canada and Mexico.2 Based on using a Super Speed cycle only with a 10 lb. DOE load (cotton 50% + polyester 50%). Individual results may vary based on actual load content.3 Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. Bixby availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby only recognizes certain accents and dialects of English (U.K.), English (U.S.), English (India), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain) and Portuguese (Brazil).4 Fabric sensing operates for 8 lbs (3.6kg) and under. Based on AI algorithm using IEC 8 lbs (3.6kg) load. To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together. Results may vary.5 Expected number of loads: Detergent compartment can hold general detergent for up to 25 loads. Flex compartment can hold one of the following: softener for up to 34 loads, general detergent for up to 22 loads or specialty detergent for up to 29 loads. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.6 Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.7 Visit www.energystar.gov for more information on ENERGY STAR® guidelines.8 Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.9 Can be applied on Towels, AI Opti Wash & Dry , Heavy Duty, Super Speed, Small Load cycle only when the selected washing temperature is ‘hot.’ Applicable to wash only.10 Based on internal testing with IEC 8lbs. (3.6kg) load except for Small Load cycle [IEC 4lbs. (1.8kg) load]. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.11 Based on testing by the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab using a 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing the Synthetics cycle on a Samsung conventional model 27″ washing machine with US design and the Less Microfiber cycle. Results may vary depending on the actual clothes and usage conditions. Applicable to wash only.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Electronics Unveils ‘AI Home’ Vision at Welcome to Bespoke AI Event

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung Electronics unveiled its refreshed “AI Home” vision and innovative appliance lineup at its global launch event, Welcome to Bespoke AI, in Seoul, Korea. With a focus on providing a more secure and intuitive user experience, the company introduced an AI Home experience, showcasing advanced AI features and a wider range of screen-enabled appliances.
     
    Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics, opened the global press conference by introducing the company’s vision for creating an AI Home that harmoniously connects various devices and, as a result, caters to user needs in every room of the home.
     
    “Through our Bespoke AI appliances, Samsung has brought an AI Home to life that not only enhances everyday convenience but also enables energy savings and care,” said Jeong Seung Moon. “We will continue to expand the advanced AI Home to more households, leveraging smart screens, Bixby and Knox security.”
     

    The 2025 Bespoke AI Appliance Lineup
    ▲ Samsung unveiled the new Bespoke AI appliances for 2025.
     
    During the event, Samsung introduced its Bespoke AI appliances for 2025, which bring new and innovative functionalities to solve users’ difficult problems.
     
    At the heart of the company’s vision is the AI Home display.1 Built upon the innovation of the first introduction of the AI Home display last year, the AI Home with new size options has been expanded to a broad range of new products, such as Bespoke AI Refrigerators, the Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo, Washers and Dryers.2

     
    The 9-inch AI Home screen on the Bespoke AI Refrigerator lineup increases consumers’ options by offering a similar experience to what’s available on the larger AI Family Hub screen. With the upgraded AI Vision Inside,3 food management has been enhanced with new features such as automatic recognition of processed food items,4 for models with the AI Family Hub and those with the AI Home. Through the 7-inch AI Home in the Bespoke AI Laundry, users can intuitively control the washing and drying cycles, as well as monitor and control other connected devices.5
     

    Moreover, the new Bespoke AI appliances bring enhanced features that adapt to consumer needs. For example, the Bespoke AI Hybrid Refrigerator utilizes AI to efficiently cool the inside of the fridge, detecting its current status and predicting internal temperature changes to effectively adapt cooling.
     
    The Bespoke AI Laundry includes new functions to enhance consumer convenience, with new standalone models that have upgraded AI Wash and AI Dry to AI Wash+ and AI Dry+,6 as well as models to be launched in Europe, using up to 55% less energy than class A minimum requirements for the washer.7 Also, Samsung unveiled the new Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo, which is the first ever vented combo in its class.8 It significantly reduces drying time, finishing both washing and drying in 68 minutes with its Super Speed cycle.

     
    Samsung is continuing to innovate its vacuum cleaner lineup, as well. The cordless stick vacuum cleaner, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, will be launched with the world’s most powerful9 suction power of up to 400W.10 The upgraded AI Cleaning Mode 2.011 classifies more diverse environments12 like corners13 and the type of carpets14 for improved cleaning performance.

     
    Samsung also revealed the Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra.15 Not only is the robot vacuum cleaner designed to climb thresholds, but it is also enhanced with AI Object Recognition for complex environments,16 which can recognize obstacles as small as 1cm, and even transparent liquids17 for better cleaning results. And when it encounters corners or walls, the brush pops out, allowing it to clean areas that can be difficult for typical robot vacuum cleaners to deal with.

     
     
    Samsung Home Appliances Bring Easy To Use, Care and Saving to Consumers
    Samsung elaborated further on its “AI Home” vision and its commitment to integrating AI across the connected experience to cater to diverse lifestyles — through the core benefits of Easy to Use, Care and Saving.
     
    Thanks to the adoption of the AI Home display, users will find it easier than ever to engage with the full functionality of their Bespoke AI appliances. The smart screen is now an even better central control hub, even connecting third party devices through SmartThings without the need for a separate hub device.18 Users can also utilize features like the refrigerators’ Daily Board to receive personalized information and better manage their day — or use Map View to effortlessly monitor and control other connected devices.

     
    The upgraded Bixby allows for easier control of appliances through voice commands and enhances usability through new features like Voice ID.19 It personalizes services by recognizing the user’s voice, automatically switching to the Samsung account of the speaker and showing their calendar on the screen. And if that person also uses the low vision option on their Galaxy smartphone, it will be automatically synced to the screen for a better viewing experience.
     
    New SmartThings services were also introduced during the event, including Family Care,20 which sends an alert to other family members if a user’s movement is not detected at the set time — or if there is no activity for a certain amount of time after the last activity. It is also possible to use the robot vacuum cleaner to look for signs of an emergency, with all of this functionality being tightly secured by Samsung Knox.
     
     
    Continued Efforts To Deliver Reliable Experiences
    To complete its “AI Home” vision for 2025, Samsung shone a light on how it is pushing the boundaries of innovation, prioritizing a trusted experience for users.
     
    First, Samsung will apply enhanced Knox security to devices across the lineup so that users will be able to enjoy their AI Home experience with peace of mind. This year in particular, Trust Chain, which is part of Knox Matrix, is applied to all Wi-Fi enabled appliances launching in 2025. Users can continuously monitor products’ security status in real time through the dashboard.21
     
    Knox Vault is also applied to home appliances for the first time,22 storing particularly sensitive user information, such as passwords and authentication information, in a separate hardware chip to ensure protection. Furthermore, to protect against the potential of future quantum attacks, Samsung’s security is also equipped with post-quantum cryptography (PQC), a part of Knox Matrix Credential Sync, for its screen-applied products.23

     
    Another key priority for Samsung is making sure that customers can use the latest software features on their existing appliances without buying new ones. With Smart Forward,24 the software update service through SmartThings, Samsung continuously updates its appliances with new features to enhance the consumer experience.
     
    Samsung is also actively improving product maintenance. SmartThings Home Care utilizes AI to diagnose each appliance’s status, and if signs of malfunction are detected, it sends a notification in advance. In addition, a technical support representative can provide guidance on remote measures based on pre-diagnosis results.25 This support feature has already expanded to more countries, including France, Netherlands and Canada, following Korea and the United States.
     
    By integrating all of these wide-ranging initiatives, Samsung aims to create safer and more reliable smart home experiences that users can enjoy with comfort and peace of mind.
     
    ▲ Samsung DA held a global event to unveil its vision and new products.
     
     
    1 AI Home display refers to the 7″ or 9″ LCD screen on the product. Does not mean all services available on the AI Home are AI or generate information or outcome using AI. Certain functions accessible through the AI Home utilize AI-based algorithms, which can be updated periodically to improve accuracy. AI-based algorithms may generate incomplete or incorrect information.2 AI Home is available on select models, and its availability may vary by region.3 Available on select T-Type and French Door refrigerator models. As of April 2025, AI Vision Inside can recognize 37 food items like fresh fruits and veggies. If the food is not recognizable, it may be listed as an unknown item. AI Vision Inside cannot identify or list any food items in the fridge door bins or freezer. It recognizes food items based on deep learning models, which may be updated periodically to improve accuracy.4 AI Vision Inside will recognize and recommend that users save processed food items that have been placed inside multiple times, allowing up to 50 items to be saved with the designated name. Processed foods are limited to those that keep a certain packaged form. AI Home recommends saving the item after it has been input more than 4 times during 30 days.5 A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. Third-party devices must be SmartThings compatible.6 Based on an advanced AI-created algorithm. It may not detect certain fabrics or accurately identify them when a load includes a mixture of different fabric types. To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together. For US, the names of features are applied differently; AI OptiWash and AI OptiDry to AI OptiWash+ and AI OptiDry+.7 Based on Samsung internal testing. The energy consumption of this 9KG model is EEI 21.8, which is 55% more energy efficient compared to the minimum threshold of energy efficiency class A (EEI 52 for 9KG models). Energy ratings tested with Eco 40-60 program, 55% savings tested with Eco 40-60 program.8 Among 27” vented washer/dryers. Sold only in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.9 Based on testing by SLG Prüf- und Zertifizierungs GmbH, in accordance with the IEC 62885-4 Cl.5.8 standard, using a handheld type vacuum cleaner (with no brush) in Jet mode. The results were compared to cordless stick vacuum models available on the market with a stated suction power within 30% of the actual suction power of the Samsung model tested by SLG. Based on sales data between January 2024 and December 2024 as compiled by an independent market research institute.10 Based on testing by SLG Prüf- und Zertifizierungs GmbH, in accordance with the IEC 62885-4 Cl.5.8 standard. Measured at the inlet of the non-motorized tool when the dustbin is empty, using Jet Mode and a large capacity battery that is fully charged. Lasts up to 1 min.11 The updated functions of AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 can be activated after registering the stick vacuum cleaner on the SmartThings App. The operation of AI Cleaning mode 2.0 may be limited in certain environments, such as when the All-in-one Clean Station is unplugged or Wi-Fi connection is unstable or the Bluetooth connection status between the stick vacuum cleaner and the All-in-one Clean Station is unstable. If AI Cleaning mode 2.0 does not work frequently, please move the All-in-one Clean Station to a space without obstacles nearby. To enable continuous function updates, keep Wi-Fi on in the house on at all times.12 The ability to identify different cleaning environments and the time it takes to change the settings can be affected by environmental conditions.13 When used with Slim LED Brush+. Corner and floor-wall joint detection only operates in hard floor environments. “Corner” refers to the area where two flat and closed walls meet. The suction power increases about 2-3.5 seconds after the brush is pressed against the wall. If the brush contacts only one side of the corner or if there is a gap in the corner, it may not be recognized as a corner, and the recognition accuracy and reaction speed may vary depending on the wall shape and actual usage environment.14 When used with Active Dual Brush.15 Product features are still in development and may change. It does not guarantee final specifications.16 Based on our deep learning model trained using a predefined set of data and may yield incomplete or incorrect information. New datasets may be introduced to our learning model from time to time to enhance its accuracy.17 A liquid spill is defined as having a size of 7cm x 7cm or larger. Identification may be affected by the size of the stain or the environmental conditions of the floor, such as the floor pattern.18 Available in the refrigerators’ 32” AI Family Hub and/or 9” AI Home. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. All products must be connected to SmartThings. Only 3rd party devices that are compatible with SmartThings can be registered.19 Bixby availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby only recognizes certain accents and dialects of English (U.K.), English (U.S.), English (India), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain) and Portuguese (Brazil). Voice ID will be available starting May of 2025 through Smart Forward update. Launch date may differ according to region and country. Bixby activated Samsung Account is required. Up to six accounts can be registered per device. To increase the accuracy of identifying each voice, it is recommended for you to register your voice in quiet surroundings. Voice ID is done based on the tone of voice used during registration process. Any change or modification to your voice may lead to misidentification.20 Appliance must support Wi-Fi and connect to SmartThings to activate service. Users can activate the service on the SmartThings.21 Trust Chain Dashboard is applied to appliances with 7-inch or 9-inch AI Home, and AI Family Hub screen launching in 2025.22 Knox Vault is applied to Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra and appliances with 7-inch or 9-inch AI Home, and AI Family Hub screen launching in 2025, except Bespoke AI Oven.23 PQC is applied to appliances with 7-inch or 9-inch AI Home, and AI Family Hub screen launching in 2025, except Bespoke AI Oven.24 Smart Forward updates are available for software only, and for models released after 2017 that are equipped with standardized OCF protocol. Adequate hardware specifications may be required for certain updates. Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.25 Applicable to appliances launched after 2018 and is supported on models with standardized OCF protocol released from 2018 onward. Supported features may vary according to region and country. Appliance must support Wi-Fi and connect to SmartThings to activate service.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Electronics and KT Corporation Collaborate on 6G Research To Improve Signal Quality

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics and KT Corporation (KT), South Korea’s major telecommunications company, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this month to jointly research and develop next-generation communication technologies aimed at improving 6G signal quality. As part of this collaboration, the two companies will advance multi-antenna technologies to expand coverage across potential 6G frequency bands and explore AI integration in wireless communication to improve network stability and performance.
     

     
    Amid ongoing global discussions on future communication standards, Samsung and KT have begun research into eXtreme multiple-input multiple-output1 (X-MIMO) — an ultra-high-density antenna technology designed to enhance 6G coverage and increase data transmission speeds.
     
    The World Radiocommunication Conference2 2023 (WRC-23), hosted by the International Telecommunication Union3 (ITU), identified the 7 GHz band (7.125–8.4 GHz) as a candidate frequency for 6G. The global mobile communications industry considers this band as a key option due to its favorable frequency characteristics and spectrum availability. However, because the 7 GHz band operates at a higher frequency than the 3.5 GHz C-band used in 5G, it experiences greater signal path loss. Mitigating this loss is critical to achieving communication coverage comparable to that of 5G.

     
    To address this challenge, the companies will research beamforming technology, which transmits focused signals in specific directions, and multi-spatial transmission technology, which uses multiple beams to deliver data to several users simultaneously. In X-MIMO systems operating in the 7 GHz band, more antennas will be used compared to 5G — requiring system architectures capable of efficiently managing ultra-high-density antennas.
     
    Both companies plan to explore the convergence of telecommunications and AI to deliver an improved user experience, particularly in edge coverage areas. For example, AI can be used to predict and proactively respond to potential communication disruptions such as video streaming interruptions.
     
    “We are committed to developing innovative 6G technologies that enhance both the operational efficiency of the 7GHz band and the overall user experience,” said Angelo Jeongho Park, Executive Vice President and Head of Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC), Samsung Research at Samsung Electronics. “Our collaboration with KT will serve as a key foundation for advancing next-generation communications through reasonable, cost-effective investments.”
     
    “Through this joint research with Samsung Electronics, we expect to secure next-generation network technologies that differentiate the quality of the user experience,” said, Jong-Sik Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Future Network Laboratory at KT. “We will further strengthen our efforts in developing core 6G technologies to lead future mobile communication innovations.”
     
     
    1 Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology improves communication performance by utilizing multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver.2 The World Radio Communication Conference (WRC) is an intergovernmental event organized by the ITU to coordinate global frequency usage.3 The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies with 193 Member States and more than 1,000 companies, universities, research institutes and international and regional organizations.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Electronics Showcases Interactive Installation at Art Basel Hong Kong as the Official Art TV Partner

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics, the Official Art TV of Art Basel, delivered an immersive experience at Art Basel Hong Kong, the premier global art fair, from March 28-30. Attendees who visited Samsung’s ArtCube lounge discovered a new appreciation for artworks displayed on Samsung’s premium 2025 Smart TV lineup, including The Frame, MICRO LED and Neo QLED 8K.
     
    ▲ Artist Marc Dennis is standing inside the Samsung ArtCube, surrounded by his artworks.
     
    “Samsung continues to make digital art accessible to more people through our premium display lineup,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display Business. “As the leader in Art TVs and Official Visual Display partner of Art Basel, the world’s most prestigious art fair, we remain committed to bringing the Art Basel experience to a wider audience with the Samsung Art Store.”
     
    ▲ Visitors at the Samsung ArtCube enjoyed various artworks on MICRO LED.
     
    This year, Art Basel Hong Kong highlighted 240 galleries from 42 countries, with more than half of the artworks coming from Asia and the Asia-Pacific, showcasing the region’s dynamic cultural landscape.
     
    At the fair, Samsung hosted a dedicated ArtCube lounge under the concept, ‘Borderless: Dive into the Art,’ featuring specially curated art collections available in stunning 4K quality on the Samsung Art Store. Additionally, visitors were able to experience artworks by five contemporary artists, including Kunyong Lee, Aerosyn-lex Mestrovic, Saya Woolfalk, Marc Dennis and Jules de Balincount.
     
    ▲ Artist Jules de Balincourt is standing inside the Samsung ArtCube, surrounded by his artworks displayed on Samsung Art TVs.
     
    The ArtCube lounge featured five premium Samsung TVs, including The Frame, MICRO LED and Neo QLED 8K, delivering a breathtaking digital art experience. Upon stepping into the ArtCube lounge, visitors were welcomed by a display of artworks unfolding across the screens, creating an endlessly expanding and immersive artistic environment that unlocked a new appreciation of digital art.
     
    ▲ (From left) Hayley Romer, CGO at Art Basel converses with Daria Greene, Head of Content and Curation at Samsung.
     
    In addition to its dynamic lounge experience, Daria Greene, Head of Content and Curation at Samsung, hosted a series of panel discussions featuring influential voices from the contemporary art world. These sessions included:
     
    Bridging Worlds: How Technology is Transforming Art Appreciation & Accessibility
    This conversation with Hayley Romer, Chief Growth Officer at Art Basel, delved into how digital innovation redefined the way art was created, displayed and appreciated—making it more immersive and accessible to global audiences than ever before. Romer mentioned, “In partnership with Samsung, we are updating our artworks in the Samsung Art Store every quarter. It is a lot of fun to find and explore the lovely pieces chosen by Art Basel, as well as those from museums.”
    Blending Old & New: A Fireside Chat with Marc DennisRenowned hyper-realistic painter Marc Dennis joined the discussion about his artistic practice of skillfully blending Old Master techniques with modern themes to craft art that was both timeless and provocative. “Unlike in traditional museums, Samsung Art TVs allow people to spend as much time as they want with artworks, which is important to me because my works are very detailed,” Dennis explained.
     
     
    ▲ Hyper-realistic artist Marc Dennis describes how the Samsung Neo QLED 8K showcases this artwork with meticulous distinction.
     
    Samsung recently launched a new Art Store collection featuring 23 curated artworks from Art Basel Hong Kong’s renowned galleries, made available on March 17, 2025. Global subscribers to the Art Store can now enjoy more than 3,000 pieces from world-leading museums and galleries, available on Samsung TVs including The Frame, MICRO LED, Neo QLED and QLED TVs.
     
    ▲ Samsung ArtCube displayed artworks created by artist Aerosyn-lex Mestrovic.
     
    For more information, visit www.samsung.com.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Solves: Tips To Recover From The Clocks Going Forward

    Source: Samsung

    Do you find yourself feeling more tired once the clocks spring forward for British Summer Time? Well, you’re not alone. Although losing an hour the night of Daylight Saving Time (DST) may seem insignificant, a study of the sleep patterns of Samsung Health users[1] across the world including 40 European countries reveals disruptions to sleep patterns can be felt weeks later, hitting younger age groups the hardest.
     
     
    Clock Changes Takes a Toll on Sleep, With Younger Generations Most Disrupted
     
    When looking into how much of an impact the clock change has on people the morning after, one thing is clear: everyone’s sleep patterns are affected. In fact, people fall asleep on average 37 minutes later than the previous night, and wake up 34 minutes earlier. While losing sleep isn’t easy at any age, those in their twenties likely felt it the most, losing half-an-hour more than everyone else thanks to an extremely late bedtime and a seeming inability to sleep in.
     

     
    Sleep patterns remained inconsistent in the days following the time change as people struggled to return to their regular bedtimes and wake times, and those in their twenties again seemed to be affected the most. Unable to get their sleep patterns under control, this cohort continued to fall sleep more than 20 minutes later than normal, yet woke up only 5 minutes later – missing critical rest. By the third week, sleep patterns for all age groups were still not back to normal, with bedtimes 3 minutes later and wake up times still 14 minutes earlier than average.
     

     
    Sleep Score – calculated based on an evaluation of a user’s total sleep time, time awake, sleep cycle, plus physical and mental recovery – was at the worst level for weeks after – and again, people in their twenties appeared to be most affected. When looking at the seven-day Sleep Score average, the twenties age group demonstrated the slowest score recovery rate, while older age groups adapted much quicker.
     
     
    Useful Tips to Help You Recover for a Good Night’s Sleep
     
    The time transition clearly affects the sleep patterns of all age groups long after the clocks change, but for younger generations, prioritising sleep management during this time couldn’t be more important. Sleep is essential for rest and repair of our body, as well as good physical and mental health[2].
     
    In recognition of the clock changes, Sleep scientist and Samsung Wellness Council member, Vanessa Hill, shares useful tips in collaboration with Samsung Health on how to harness technology to understand your sleep patterns and habits for a better night’s rest as the clocks change.
     
     

     
    Creating an ideal sleep environment is critical to a good night’s sleep.
    Later this month, a Samsung Health app update[3] will make this possible by receiving insights into the key factors that influence sleep quality, including temperature, humidity, air quality and light intensity via a Sleep environment report[4] – leveraging Samsung’s home-based technology and the power of its extensive device ecosystem. With a better understanding of how your environment affects sleep, you can easily optimise your room conditions for an improved night’s rest.
     
     
    In addition to perfecting your sleep environment, understanding how activity levels can impact sleep quality is key.
    Samsung Health updates also bring enhancements to Energy Score, which provides an indicator of how much energy users can expend throughout the day. In addition to sleep and heart rate, a new detailed factor about activity – Activity Balance – will help you understand overall conditions in greater detail by evaluating the consistency of activity levels based on recent data from the past 2 weeks.
     
     
    It can be helpful to understand how you’re sleeping and then make necessary adjustments through sleep coaching.
    Sleep Coaching[5] makes this simple by seamlessly tracking your sleep patterns over 7 days and assigning a sleep animal based on the results. With a personally tailored coaching program, develop healthy habits and routines that set you on a positive path to achieving your sleep goals.
     
     

     
     
    [1] Findings analysed sleep data of Samsung Health users via Galaxy Watch series and Galaxy Ring during DST in the spring of 2024.
    [2] https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/sleep/
    [3] Not intended for use in the detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition. Certain features may vary by market, carrier or paired device.
    [4] Sleep Environment report feature will be available on smartphone with One UI 7 and Samsung Health app version 6.29.5 or later.
    [5] Requires sleep data of at least 7 days, including 2 days off.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Announces Partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ “A Minecraft Movie”

    Source: Samsung

    LONDON, UK – 28th March 2025 – Today, Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd. announces its partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures’ “A Minecraft Movie”, the first-ever big screen, live-action adaptation of Minecraft, the best-selling video game of all time. Driven by a shared belief in the power of self-expression, the partnership seeks to inspire a new wave of creativity among consumers.
     
    “A Minecraft Movie” celebrates creativity, curiosity and limitless possibilities – values that are at the heart of Samsung’s innovation. Just as the film brings imagination to life, Samsung technology powers exploration and curiosity, enabling users to unleash their creativity and embrace their potential.
     
    With an ecosystem of interconnected products that seamlessly work together, Samsung technology continues to push the boundaries of innovation to equip users with the tools to unlock their unique creative expression.
     
    Transform sketches into polished digital masterpieces with Galaxy AI on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, or immerse in breathtaking visuals with the Neo QLED 8K TV‘s unparalleled clarity and vibrant colours. You can even discover your inner chef with new flavours and personalised recommendations from the Family Hub SpaceMax Smart Fridge Freezer.
     
    Whatever your next adventure, Samsung technology serves as a portal to a world of creative possibilities that empower users to embrace, curate and share their unique visions.
     
    Benjamin Braun, CMO Samsung Europe says: “Anchored in personalisation and providing tools that push the boundaries of what’s possible for creative expression, our latest partnership with ‘A Minecraft Movie’ is the perfect extension of Samsung’s long-established relationship with Warner Bros. Pictures. Our product ecosystem and AI technology empowers users to embrace their creative potential.”
     
    Dana Nussbaum, Executive Vice President, Warner Bros. Pictures Worldwide Marketing says: “We’re delighted to partner with Samsung on ‘A Minecraft Movie’. This collaboration is all about breaking new ground – harnessing the innovation at the core of the film to inspire creativity and spark imagination worldwide. Together, we’re empowering global audiences with the tools to push the boundaries of their creativity and share their stories in exciting, new ways.”
     

     

     
    With anticipation building ahead of the release, the official “A Minecraft Movie” movie trailer will be available exclusively on Samsung TVs in European retail stores for shoppers to view in breath taking 8k. Samsung is also launching a ‘Portal to a World of Deals’ in collaboration with “A Minecraft Movie” across 25 countries, featuring specials offers & bundles to celebrate this incredible partnership.
     
    To further bring this partnership to life, Samsung will be hosting a group of content creators at the “A Minecraft Movie” premiere on the 30th March. The exclusive event will showcase first-hand how Samsung technology, powered by Galaxy AI, serves as a gateway for self-expression and discovery, empowering consumers to explore their creative identities.
     
    Check out the “A Minecraft Movie” trailer here.
     
    Additional information about Samsung’s products can be found at samsung.com/uk/.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN joins ASEAN Foreign Ministers in a Special Emergency Meeting in the aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today joined ASEAN Foreign Ministers and the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste in a Special Emergency Meeting to discuss ASEAN’s humanitarian assistance to Myanmar in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck central Myanmar, on 28 March 2025. At the Meeting, held via videoconference, ASEAN reaffirmed its support of relief and recovery efforts, based on priorities identified by Myanmar, with the assistance of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre).

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN joins ASEAN Foreign Ministers in a Special Emergency Meeting in the aftermath of the earthquake in Myanmar appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Outcome of the Special Emergency Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers in the Aftermath of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    1. A Special Emergency Meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers was held on 30 March 2025 via videoconference following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025, affecting the peoples of Myanmar and Thailand.

    2. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to the peoples of Myanmar and Thailand who were affected by the earthquake, resulting in significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction, particularly in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and surrounding areas.

    To read full statement please click here.
    The post ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Outcome of the Special Emergency Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers in the Aftermath of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: BOC Aviation orders 70 A320neo Family aircraft

    Source: Airbus

    Headline: BOC Aviation orders 70 A320neo Family aircraft

    BOC Aviation, one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors, has placed a firm order with Airbus for an additional 70 A320neo Family aircraft. With this order, BOC Aviation’s backlog of aircraft to be delivered becomes the largest in its history with Airbus.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Osaka/Kansai Expo: Construction of Panasonic Group Pavilion “The Land of NOMO” Completed, Allowing Adults and Children to “Unlock” with the Latest Technology

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Osaka/Kansai Expo: Construction of Panasonic Group Pavilion “The Land of NOMO” Completed, Allowing Adults and Children to “Unlock” with the Latest Technology

    The April 13 opening of the 2025 Japan International Expo (Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, “Expo 2025”) is rapidly approaching. In mid-February, a completion ceremony for Panasonic Group’s hands-on “The Land of Nomo” pavilion was held at the venue for Expo 2025 on Yumeshima in Konohana-ku, Osaka. Based on the concept of “Set your heart and mind free, and the world will open up,” the pavilion has various features to stimulate the senses of children—leaders of the next generation—and “Unlock” their imaginations. In the following we introduce more details about the completed pavilion, including features of each area, together with comments from architect Yuko Nagayama, who designed the building, and Michiko Ogawa, Director in charge of Kansai External Relations and EXPO Promotion at Panasonic Holdings Co.

    Construction Completed on The Land of NOMO and Its “Unlock” Experience

    The Panasonic Group’s The Land of NOMO pavilion was designed as a place where children, especially those from the Alpha generation, could experience the concept of “circulation,” which is the idea that everything is connected—matter, minds, sustainability, and well-being.
    The keyword “recycling” is both a theme connecting exhibition content and also a feature of the pavilion’s design. The pavilion’s resource-recycling architecture, which actively utilizes recycled iron and copper recovered from end-of-Life appliances and waste materials from factories, achieves total carbon neutrality from procurement through dismantling. Commenting on the design, Nagayama said that it extends beyond reuse and usability to also express “Joy and Beauty.” 

    The recently completed “The Land of NOMO” consists of the 922 m2 “Unlock Experience Area” and the 165 m2 “Earth” exhibition area1. The Land of NOMO’s tagline is “Unlock your nature.”
    1 Total floor area of The Land of NOMO is 1,731.64 m2, and the site area occupies 3,508.08 m2

    The façade is covered with a membrane made of layered organdie2 and a special metal. The effect is of soft fabric fluttering in the sea breeze. Said Nagayama: “It’s a structure that changes its appearance and reveals different shapes depending on how you look at it.”
    2 A thin, light, and transparent fabric

    The façade was completed at the end of January 2025, and consists of 730 organdie membranes installed on 1,404 frames. The façade is formed by these stacked curved frames, which represent “circulation.” As many as 20 units are stacked together in some parts of the façade.

    Outside the pavilion is displayed a prototype of a “glass-type perovskite solar cell” designed by artist Kaede Wajima, in collaboration with HERALBONY Co., Ltd., a company involved in a number of projects to decorate the city with art created by artists with disabilities.

    During Expo 2025, The Land of NOMO pavilion will be lit up at night using electricity generated from hydrogen derived from zero-carbon electricity. A lighting ceremony was held on March 1 at the pavilion, which will be lit up with lights and mist to create a fantastic effect on the façade.

    [embedded content]

    A Glimpse of the Panasonic Group Pavilion “The Land of NOMO”

    Unlock Experience Area—What to Expect in Each ZONE

    The Land of NOMO is made up of the Unlock Experience Area and the “Earth” exhibition area. The Unlock Experience Area provides an experience that allows children to become aware of the sensitivities that lie dormant within themselves, freeing them from preconceived notions and unleashing their hidden powers.
    The Unlock Experience Area has four zones and is an immersive space that stimulates the five senses by making full use of the Panasonic Group’s “spatial production” technologies related to light, video, sound, and air. In addition, using facial expression and behavior analysis techniques based on research into “Human Insight,” the possibilities and stories of each individual are depicted using a “butterfly” motif that reflects the person’s individuality and characteristics.

    ZONE 1: Deep within the Mirror Pond—Wandering through the Land of Nomo

    ZONE 1 uses technology based on “Space Tune ”—a 23.4-channel 3D sound system composed of high-quality Technics speakers and high-brightness projectors—to adjust the optimal sound quality according to the room’s setup. 
    Participants who wander into the zone have their senses sharpened cross-modally through three-dimensional sound, visuals, and vibrations, allowing them to fully perceive the world of “wind, water, light, and life”—elements they usually take for granted—beginning their Unlock experience.

    ZONE 2: NOMO Forest—Exploring the Unknown World

    ZONE 2 is a beautiful forest full of life and energy. The key to this experience is a crystal device embedded with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

    The person experiencing the installation holds the crystal in their hand and explores the unknown world as their heart (sensitivity) guides them. When the crystal is held up to exhibits representing rocks and trees, they respond with sound and light. 
    Six cameras are installed in this area, and the movements of the person experiencing the installation are analyzed based on information from the wireless tags and cameras.

    ZONE 3: The Valley of Ancient Trees—Releasing Butterflies from Crystals

    ZONE 3 has 17 ancient trees, each containing transparent OLED displays and four cameras for facial expression analysis. When participants peer into the ancient trees, their expressions are analyzed, and the behavioral data from ZONE 2 is analyzed using a “sensibility model.” This results in a display of visuals reflecting the individuality and characteristics of each person. Next, a “butterfly” is released from a crystal and guides them through the “Waterfall = Mist Wall.”

    Waterfall—Taking a Courageous Step Forward

    Here they encounter a Mist Wall3 7 meters wide and 3.5 meters high. A screen of mist in the shape of a waterfall is created using Silky Fine Mist, an extremely fine mist produced by dual-fluid nozzles. Images of butterflies and other objects are projected onto the mist using a high-brightness projectors. Summoning up their courage, they step into the space beyond.
    3 A screen of images made from extremely fine mist with a particle diameter of 6μm, created using technology that suppresses diffusion and delivers air currents over long distances.

    ZONE 4: Into the Wide Open Sky—Butterflies Flap Their Wings and Harmonize

    ZONE 4 is a dynamic immersive theater where images are projected in a 360° space by 21 high-brightness projectors, and sound and visuals interact three-dimensionally. When people hold their crystal devices to the designated spots and use a “leaf-like fan device” to make wind, “butterflies” are born on the floor and produce various sounds as they flap their wings into the great sky. The separate sounds eventually harmonize, creating music, while vortex rings (mist rings) with a diameter of 1.3 meters4 are projected from five points on the ceiling, creating an immersive space.
    4 A ring of mist created using a technology that traps and propels the mist in a vortex of air

    Holding their crystal in this space projects the person’s personal “butterfly” onto the floor. Fanning the butterfly with a fan releases it into the sky.

    After the experience, when participants return the crystal device to the designated location, each person receives an Unlock Card that reflects their experience results. By accessing the QR code printed on the card, they can look back on their experience in The Land of NOMO.

    Earth Area—Experience the Society of the Future Where People and Nature Circulate Together

    The Earth Area is a place where people can think together about a better future within an exhibition space where the cycles of human activity and natural activity interact with each other. Children visiting The Land of NOMO will have the opportunity to experience a future in which people and nature expand each other’s potential through an intuitive experience of touch and smell.
    The exhibition space introduces the following five technologies that will help make the future a reality:
    The Future of Food with the Power of Photosynthetic Microorganisms: Cyanobacteria (Photosynthetic Microorganisms)
    The Future of Energy with “Power-Generating Glass”: Perovskite Solar Cells
    The Future of Manufacturing Returning to Nature: Biodegradable Cellulose Fiber
    The Future of Lighting with the Power of Luminous Microorganisms: Bio-Light (Luminous Microorganisms)
    The Future of Human and Nature’s Cyclical Activities: Bio-Sensory Dome

    The Future of Food with the Power of Photosynthetic Microorganisms: Cyanobacteria (Photosynthetic Microorganisms)

    The Future of Energy with “Power-Generating Glass”: Perovskite Solar Cells

    The Future of Manufacturing Returning to Nature: Biodegradable Cellulose Fiber

    The Future of Lighting with the Power of Luminous Microorganisms: Bio-Light (Luminous Microorganisms)

    The Future of Human and Nature’s Cyclical Activities: Bio-Sensory Dome

    Hoping People Will Genuinely Enjoy a World Carefully Constructed by Adults

    Ogawa and Nagayama shared their thoughts following the completion ceremony.
    “This project, which began in October 2021, has finally reached the completion ceremony, and I feel like we’ve come a long way,” said Ogawa. “This pavilion was made possible by the support of nearly 200 engineers from the Panasonic Group who worked on it alongside their usual jobs, and I think that the objects and technologies that adults have created with such care will resonate with children in some way. I hope that they experience a sense of excitement, and that each person carries this feeling with them for a long time. I would be pleased if many people, both children and adults, have the opportunity to let go and enjoy the Unlock experience.”
    “Children, so to speak, are ‘formless beings’ who are constantly changing. You could say that they’re still in the process of discovering what shape they will be,” said Nagayama. “It would be wonderful if these children could first see the facade of The Land of NOMO and be fascinated by the constantly changing colors and movements. I hope that they will see themselves in the ever-changing pavilion and be exhilarated.”

    The Panasonic Group is promoting a variety of initiatives to realize “an ideal society offering material and spiritual affluence” and a better life for people everywhere. As a company founded in Osaka, Panasonic will convey the technological capabilities and appeal of Japanese companies to visitors from around the world during Expo 2025.

    Related Videos

    [embedded content]

    Recap: The Journey to Completion of “The Land of NOMO”

    Related Articles

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Energy and Sumitomo Metal Mining to Collaborate in Recycling of Nickel for Lithium-Ion Batteries, Advancing Closed-Loop Circular Economy Initiatives

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic Energy and Sumitomo Metal Mining to Collaborate in Recycling of Nickel for Lithium-Ion Batteries, Advancing Closed-Loop Circular Economy Initiatives

    Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. has issued a press release entitled “Panasonic Energy and Sumitomo Metal Mining to Collaborate in Recycling of Nickel for Lithium-Ion Batteries, Advancing Closed-Loop Circular Economy Initiatives” You can read the press release with the following PDF link.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: African Development Bank approves $19.85 million grant for emergency support to the most vulnerable in Sudan’s conflict areas

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a $19.85 million grant to support emergency humanitarian operations in Sudan, with a strong focus on improving women’s livelihoods and easing the impact of the ongoing conflict on communities and infrastructure.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: India’s diagnostic imaging market set to surpass $7 billion in 2033, with portable imaging leading accessibility push, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    India’s diagnostic imaging market set to surpass $7 billion in 2033, with portable imaging leading accessibility push, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    India’s diagnostic imaging market is poised for substantial growth, driven by rising healthcare expenditure, increasing chronic disease burden, and a growing demand for accessible diagnostic solutions. Against this backdrop, the market is expected to exceed $7 billion in 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7%, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s research reveals that India currently accounts for around 20% of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) diagnostic imaging devices market in 2024. The increased adoption of portable imaging solutions is expected to be a key driver of market expansion, especially in underserved and rural regions where traditional infrastructure is limited.

    Rohit Anand, Practice Head – Medical Devices at GlobalData, comments: “Portable imaging devices are transforming healthcare delivery in India. In emergency and trauma situations, these devices enable rapid on-site diagnostics, reducing the need for patient transfers and enhancing care delivery. Moreover, for smaller healthcare centers, they may offer a cost-effective alternative to full-scale imaging setups, improving access without substantial capital investment.”

    The recent technological advancements are further propelling the clinical impact of portable imaging. Innovations such as AI-powered image analysis, miniaturization, and wireless connectivity are improving diagnostic accuracy and data sharing. Devices like Butterfly iQ+ handheld ultrasound, Carestream’s Motion Mobile X-ray, and Fujifilm’s lightweight FDR Xair X-ray system exemplify the growing momentum in the market. Additionally, portable MRI and CT systems, enhanced by technologies like photon counting and compact MRI magnets, are delivering higher resolution and lower radiation exposure.

    Anand adds: “The integration of portable imaging into point-of-care settings enhances early disease detection and supports real-time diagnostics, leading to timely interventions and improved patient outcomes. This is particularly vital for extending healthcare access to remote and resource-constrained communities.”

    However, the widespread adoption of portable imaging in India still in nascent stage. High ownership costs, complex import regulations, and limited service infrastructure are the key barriers. Ongoing maintenance requirements and the need for skilled personnel further add to the cost burden.

    Anand continues: “To unlock the full potential of portable imaging, it is essential to address regulatory bottlenecks, streamline import processes, and support networks. These steps will be critical to ensure affordability and scale adoption across the country.”

    Looking ahead, portable imaging is expected to complement the traditional imaging methods, offering a hybrid diagnostic approach. While stationary systems will continue to be vital for complex procedures, portable devices will revolutionize point-of-care diagnostics by improving efficiency, reducing wait times, and expanding access.

    Anand concludes: “The future of diagnostic imaging in India lies in this hybrid model. As income levels rise and awareness of preventive care grows, the demand for portable imaging will accelerate. This evolution promises to reshape healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes across the nation.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: GlobalData finds companies across sectors posting jobs around Vertex AI

    Source: GlobalData

    Vertex AI is an advanced platform from Google Cloud that facilitates the work of data scientists and machine learning (ML) engineers by simplifying the process of training models and managing ML projects. The demand for AI-related positions has seen a significant growth, particularly in fields related to ML and generative AI (GenAI). Against this backdrop, companies across sectors are seen posting jobs related to Vertex AI, finds GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Sherla Sriprada, Business Fundamentals Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “As the demand for AI-driven solutions continues to surge, companies are prioritizing Vertex AI in specialized fields such as ML, data engineering, and AI ethics. This shift is reshaping hiring patterns, emphasizing candidates with specialized expertise in Vertex AI to drive their initiatives forward.”

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Job Analytics Database reveals an increase in job postings focused on Vertex AI across sectors including technology, retail, financial services, and pharma.

    Technology industry is focusing on initiatives such as designing, implementing, and deploying AI/ML solutions on the google cloud platform (GCP), particularly using vertex AI. Additionally, it involves leading product strategy for Gemini’s coding capabilities, developing no-code/low-code agent builders, and establishing quality standards while integrating third-party APIs.

    Technology companies are seeking to hire professionals with experience in building advanced analytics frameworks using tools like bigquery ML and tensorflow, as well as designing and maintaining data pipelines with GCP services such as dataflow and Vertex AI.

    Financial services industry is seeking to hire professionals with experience in AI/ML to design and implement secure, high-performing end-to-end data solutions for fintech initiatives that translates business problems in the financial domain into technical solutions that leverage machine learning. Firms are also focused on developing and testing AI models using Vertex AI and BQML to generate insights from both structured and unstructured data.

    Retail companies are looking at initiatives such as automating data jobs on GCP and utilizing services such as bigquery, dataflow, dataproc, apache airflow, and Vertex AI pipelines. This approach aims to establish a reliable and scalable data infrastructure for business consumption. Furthermore, it involves analyzing large-scale datasets and developing statistical models with Vertex AI to generate actionable insights that promote operational efficiency, revenue growth, and improved customer satisfaction.

    Pharma companies are exploring scalable generative AI solutions for various applications, including drug discovery, medical writing automation, clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and real-world evidence generation. Additionally, these companies are seeking experience in front-end API development using fastAPI and cloud AI services such as AWS Bedrock, Azure OpenAI, and google Vertex AI.

    Sriprada concludes: “As organizations continue to embed AI across core functions, the demand for professionals is set to rise. This trend underscores a broader industry pivot toward scalable, secure, and efficient AI deployment frameworks that accelerate innovation and competitive differentiation.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New owners need WH Smith customers to keep up with the Jones, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    New owners need WH Smith customers to keep up with the Jones, says GlobalData

    Posted in Retail

    Following the news that WH Smith has sold its UK high street business to a private equity firm, Modella Capital, in a £76m deal;

    Zoe Mills, Lead Retail Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:

    “The high street business has consistently pulled down group revenue over the last three years, with this arm of the company accounting for under 25% of group revenue. WH Smith’s struggles in its high street arm have come amid slow reactions to weakening demand for its core offer, with consumers turning to Home Bargains and B&M for stationery and greeting cards, unable to justify WH Smith’s higher price points. Modella Capital, which owns Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop, should be a good fit for WH Smith’s high street arm, with it able to take learnings from Hobbycraft to enhance its proposition and give these high street locations a much-needed injection of cash to bring them up to scratch.

    “One significant challenge for its new owner will be the loss of the WH Smith name, as this is not included in the sale. Given its long history and the affection it is held in by consumers, it is not clear how easily a transition to TGJones will be received.

    “WH Smith’s store portfolio has been well managed, and it has an average remaining lease length of under two years, meaning that Modella Capital will not be committed to keeping unprofitable stores open for long. It should consolidate its store portfolio, shuttering inefficient stores, and improve the remaining store estate to bring all remaining locations to a high standard.

    “WH Smith’s attention on its flourishing travel division is the best course of action, and as it shakes off its high street fascia, it should move through 2025 in a new and better position. It must focus on expanding its proposition in these travel hubs to ensure it is a one-stop shop destination for travellers.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: It was wonderful to be back in Korea and Japan this week spending time with customers, partners, and employees and seeing our mission in action. [See more.]

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: It was wonderful to be back in Korea and Japan this week spending time with customers, partners, and employees and seeing our mission in action. [See more.]

    It was wonderful to be back in Korea and Japan this week spending time with customers, partners, and employees and seeing our mission in action. From meeting with students in Tokyo who participated in an AI hackathon, to announcing the expansion of our AI capacity in the country, launching a new skilling initiative in Korea with our partner KT, and meeting developers at a showcase in Seoul, it was inspiring to see firsthand how our platforms and tools are creating new economic opportunities and empowering people and organizations across every sector in both countries. We are deeply grateful to the many customers and partners who have put their trust in us as they transform in this era of AI.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Costa Rica’s and Albania’s accessions to the GPA 2012 edge closer to conclusion

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Costa Rica’s and Albania’s accessions to the GPA 2012 edge closer to conclusion

    Progress on accessions to the GPA 2012
    Parties welcomed Costa Rica’s “final” market access offer submitted in January 2025. Reaffirming its strong commitment to acceding to the GPA 2012 as soon as practicable, Costa Rica’s representative, Leonor Obando, said: “We are prepared to accept the challenges and opportunities that membership in the GPA will provide. We firmly believe that our accession will not only improve Costa Rica’s economy but will also serve as a catalyst for the expansion of the GPA to the Latin American region.” Costa Rica is the first Central American WTO member seeking to become a party to the Agreement. 
    Progress was also achieved on Albania’s accession, with parties welcoming the “final” market access offer it submitted in January. Albania’s representative Reida Kashta stated: “We would like to conclude our accession negotiations as soon as possible and are collaborating with GPA parties towards this objective.”
    The Committee also discussed the ongoing GPA accession negotiations of China, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan. 
    An infographic explaining accession to the Agreement is available here.
    Improving SME participation in government procurement  
    As a follow-up to a recent Committee decision on best practices for supporting the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in government procurement, the Dominican Republic shared information about its initiatives to increase dialogue with the private sector and promote a more inclusive procurement environment. GPA parties welcomed this information.
    Greater access to historical GPA documents
    The Committee’s decision to derestrict additional historical documents will provide the public with greater access to records of past Committee meetings on the WTO website.
    Work programme on sustainable procurement
    Parties welcomed the publication on the WTO website of compilations of green public procurement-related provisions that certain GPA parties have implemented in their domestic government procurement systems or included in international instruments, such as free trade agreements. These compilations emerged from the Committee’s agreed Work programme on sustainable procurement and can be accessed here.
    Further upgrade to the e-GPA Gateway
    The WTO Secretariat provided an update on a new e-GPA notification system, jointly developed by the Intellectual Property, Government Procurement and Competition Division and the Information Technology Solutions Division to enable parties to submit GPA notifications online for the first time. The new system, which will be launched after further testing, follows the release of a separate component of the e-GPA Gateway modernization in 2024.
    Background
    The GPA 2012 is a plurilateral agreement that aims to open government procurement markets among its parties on a reciprocal basis and to the extent agreed between GPA parties. It also aims to make government procurement more transparent and to promote good governance.
    The Agreement currently has 22 parties, covering 49 WTO members, including the European Union and its 27 member states (counted as one party). While open to all WTO members, it is binding only for those members that have acceded to it. The list of current GPA parties can be found here.
    Reciprocal market opening assists GPA parties in purchasing goods and services that offer the best value for money. The Agreement provides legal guarantees of non-discrimination for the goods, services and suppliers of GPA parties in covered procurement activities, which are worth an estimated USD 1.7 trillion annually. Government procurement typically accounts for about 15 per cent of developed and developing economies’ GDP. 
    In October, an event was held at the WTO to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the GPA 2012 entering into force in 2014. The event’s summary can be found here.
    Next meeting
    The next meeting of the Committee on Government Procurement is scheduled to take place on 18 June.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Fannie Mae Releases February 2025 Monthly Summary

    Source: Fannie Mae

    WASHINGTON, DC – Fannie Mae’s (FNMA/OTCQB) February 2025 Monthly Summary is now available. The monthly summary report contains information about Fannie Mae’s monthly and year-to-date activities for our gross mortgage portfolio, mortgage-backed securities and other guarantees, interest rate risk measures, and serious delinquency rates.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: How Businesses Can Help Close the AI Knowledge Gap

    Source: Samsung

    From accessibility to health and education, artificial intelligence (AI) is driving fresh ideas and transformative advancements, unlocking new possibilities for everyone. But how can we ensure the next generation has the knowledge and tools to shape the future of AI?
    In a new Fast Company opinion article, Samsung Electronics America’s CMO, Allison Stransky, shares insights on bridging AI literacy gaps and how businesses must step up by supporting education and expanding access to AI knowledge, tools, and career opportunities for all.
    The unity of creativity and the scale of AI has a special appeal for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who crave authenticity and individuality. As the native AI generations, they engage with it as a tool for their own individual creative expression and learning. Samsung has a unique perspective on how these cohorts are eager to embrace AI’s power for good. Gen Z and Gen Alpha students participating in Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition for public middle and high school students are using AI to create solutions that drive positive change.

    But as AI becomes more ubiquitous, equitable access to AI knowledge and tools remains a challenge. The business community, which will be hiring its future workforce from the Gen Z and Gen Alpha population, must step up to close these gaps in knowledge and resources by championing AI education. According to Allison, “We all have a responsibility to play a pivotal role in ensuring AI’s transformative potential remains accessible and beneficial to all, starting with advocating for education that demystifies AI and bridges the knowledge gap.”
    Read Allison’s full Fast Company byline here.
    To learn more about Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, please visit www.samsung.com/solve and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Battery Storage Industry Unveils National Blueprint for Safety

    Source: American Clean Power Association (ACP)

    Headline: Battery Storage Industry Unveils National Blueprint for Safety

    New Assessment Demonstrates Effectiveness of Safety Standards and Modern Battery Design 
    WASHINGTON, D.C., March 28, 2025 — Today, the American Clean Power Association (ACP) released a comprehensive framework to ensure the safety of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in every community across the United States, informed by a new assessment of previous fire incidents at BESS facilities.  
    The assessment, conducted by the Fire and Risk Alliance, analyzed historical data and scientific studies on fire incidents over the last decade in the U.S. The findings indicate no impact to public health or surrounding communities from the incidents studied. ACP’s Battery Storage Blueprint for Safety outlines key actions and policy recommendations for state and local jurisdictions to regulate battery storage, enforce the country’s most rigorous safety standards, and ensure coordination on safety and emergency response in all communities. 
    “The energy storage industry is committed to a proactive and tireless approach to safety and reliability. At its core, energy storage facilities are critical infrastructure designed to protect people from power outages,” said ACP VP of Energy Storage Noah Roberts. “Like substations, transformers, and transmission lines, energy storage systems deliver needed power in times when we need it most. Every community across the country should have confidence that the battery storage facilities keeping their lights on and utility bills affordable adhere to the most rigorous safety requirements. This is why we have released the battery storage industry’s comprehensive, actionable blueprint for safety.”  
    New Assessment Demonstrates Battery Storage Safety Measures Are EffectiveThe assessment’s key finding reveals that, in all reviewed cases of environmental sampling related to the BESS fire events, no previous incidents resulted in contaminant concentrations that would pose a public health concern or require further remediation.  
    As the investigation into the fire at the Moss Landing facility—increasingly viewed as an anomaly, and a system located in a 1950’s gas turbine hall—is ongoing, the assessment underscores the importance of modern designs and recently published standards: “Many documented BESS fires involved early-generation systems that predate modern safety standards. The implementation of robust national codes and advancements in ESS design have significantly improved fire safety and reduced risks.” 
    Battery Storage Industry Advances America’s Most Rigorous & Vetted Safety StandardA critical component of the Blueprint is understanding where the industry has been successful in efforts across the country to advocate for enforcement of the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for energy storage, NFPA 855. The set of standards includes exhaustive requirements and ensures facilities use certified batteries and equipment.  
    In Michigan and Indiana, the energy storage industry helped advance new laws requiring compliance with NFPA 855. In Maryland and New York, the energy storage industry supported new regulations that enforced the latest NFPA 855 requirements. In California, the industry offered a suite of policy recommendations to address unique safety questions arising from the Moss Landing incident, including enforcing key provisions of NFPA 855.  
    Framework to Guide State & Local Permitting Rules for Battery StorageThe battery energy storage industry believes that state and local regulations will play a vital role in ensuring that every community has access to this important technology. In addition to working with fire officials and state policymakers to advance safety standards, the industry has developed a framework to help local governments effectively regulate the construction of battery storage facilities. ACP’s Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems Model Ordinance was designed with NFPA 855 as the core principle and integrates the national safety standard’s requirements throughout permitting rules.  
    With the 2026 edition of NFPA 855 expected to be finalized and published in 2025, the energy storage industry is already incorporating key enhanced requirements and is ready to work with states and local governments to implement the latest version of the standard. This will include updating the Model Ordinance, to be re-released in 2025.  
    Ongoing Commitment to Safety & Reliability: A Comprehensive Three-Part StrategyPolicy makers will play an important role in helping to ensure batteries continue to be deployed responsibly and effectively. To that end, the energy storage industry has developed a three-part strategy that includes policy recommendations and safety requirements aimed at holistically addressing concerns generated from the Moss Landing fire.  
    The following policy proposal and strategy recommendations can help minimize both the likelihood of future incidents and potential impacts: 
    Ensuring Safety at All Future Energy Storage Facilities: Requiring all battery storage facilities to comply with the latest published version of NFPA 855. State and local governments should proactively adopt and enforce this safety standard. 
    Advancing Safety at Existing Battery Storage Sites: Reviewing facilities built prior to the first adoption of NFPA 855 in the Fall of 2019 and considering a hazard mitigation analysis (HMA). State and local governments can require an HMA and corrective action, including the use of fire barriers or engineered solutions to meet large-scale fire testing requirements. All facilities should maintain an emergency response plan submitted with the local fire and emergency response authority. 
    Strengthening Coordination with Fire Departments & Local Communities: The industry and state and local governments should regularly coordinate on safety planning, inform siting and permitting requirements, continuously improve safety practices, and regularly provide training to facility operators and the fire service.  
    The energy storage industry is committed to acting swiftly, in partnership with fire departments, safety experts, policymakers, and regulators to enact these recommendations.  
    Learn more about the energy storage industry’s efforts to advance this commitment at energystorage.org.   

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Mortgage Rates Expected to Move Lower in 2025 and 2026

    Source: Fannie Mae

    WASHINGTON, DC – Mortgage rates are now expected to end 2025 and 2026 at 6.3 percent and 6.2 percent, respectively, downward revisions of three-tenths for each, according to the March 2025 commentary from the Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group. The lower mortgage rate outlook resulted in a small upward revision to the ESR Group’s existing home sales outlook in 2025, though expectations for total home sales remain subdued. On a Q4/Q4 basis, real gross domestic product (GDP) is now expected to be 1.7 percent in 2025 and 2.1 percent in 2026, modest downward revisions owing to weaker incoming data and greater clarity on trade policy.

    “We expect the recent pullback in mortgage rates will provide a small boost to home sales this year,” said Mark Palim, Fannie Mae Senior Vice President and Chief Economist. “While our latest forecast calls for a period of modestly slower economic growth, historically, interest rates have been the most important driver of home sales. We think mortgage rates will move even lower within the next quarter and ultimately close the year at approximately 6.3 percent, which could be low enough to generate some extra sales from any would-be buyers still waiting on the sidelines.”

    Visit the Economic and Strategic Research site at fanniemae.com to read the full March 2025 Economic Outlook, including the Economic Developments Commentary, Economic Forecast, and Housing Forecast. To receive e-mail updates with other housing market research from Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research Group, please click here .

    Opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, beliefs, and other views of Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group included in these materials should not be construed as indicating Fannie Mae’s business prospects or expected results, are based on assumptions, and are subject to change without notice. How this information affects Fannie Mae will depend on many factors. Although the ESR Group bases its opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, beliefs, and other views on information it considers reliable, it does not guarantee that the information provided in these materials is accurate, current, or suitable for any particular purpose. Changes in the assumptions or the information underlying these views could produce materially different results. The analyses, opinions, estimates, forecasts, beliefs, and other views published by the ESR Group represent the views of that group as of the date indicated and do not necessarily represent the views of Fannie Mae or its management.

    About the ESR Group
    Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research Group, led by Chief Economist Mark Palim, studies current data, analyzes historical and emerging trends, and conducts surveys of consumer and mortgage lender groups to provide forecasts and analyses on the economy, housing, and mortgage markets.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Monthly Data on India’s International Trade in Services for the Month of February 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The value of exports and imports of services during February 2025 is given in the following table.

    International Trade in Services
    (US$ million)
    Month Receipts (Exports) Payments (Imports)
    October – 2024 34,411
    (22.7)    		 17,232
    (28.0)
    November – 2024 32,109
    (14.2)    		 17,246
    (26.1)
    December – 2024 36,967
    (16.9)    		 17,799
    (13.9)
    January – 2025 34,726
    (12.0)    		 16,706
    (12.6)
    February – 2025 31,625
    (11.6)    		 14,506
    (-4.8)
    Notes: (i) Data for January-February are provisional while those for October-December are revised on pro-rata basis using balance of payments statistics of Q3:2024-25; and
    (ii) Figures in parentheses are growth rates over the corresponding month of the previous year which have been revised on the basis of balance of payments statistics.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2504

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: A Letter From Independent Director Bob Pease to Phillips 66 Shareholders

    Source: Phillips

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) today released the following letter from Independent Director Bob Pease to the Company’s shareholders:
    Shareholders of Phillips 66:
    I joined the Phillips 66 Board of Directors in February 2024. My appointment came as a result of an agreement between Elliott Management and Phillips 66. At the time, Elliott Management said I would bring to the Board “extensive experience in refining and energy more broadly.”
    Now Elliott wants me off the Board.
    Today I’m writing you, our shareholders, to lay out the truth about the Phillips 66 Board and why my own view of Elliott’s campaign for change at the Phillips 66 has evolved.
    I’ll start first with why I agreed to join the Phillips 66 Board in this relatively unusual manner. I’m a refinery guy first and foremost, holding numerous leadership roles, particularly in downstream businesses. When I joined the Board, Elliott’s primary demand was for Phillips 66 to improve its performance in refining. My experience was a perfect fit. Joining the Board then with Elliott’s endorsement felt like a win-win.
    I worried that joining a board with the endorsement of a well-known activist hedge fund may not be the best way to win the hearts and minds of other board members. I have been around long enough to know human nature, so I believed it would take some time to have an impact on this Board.
    I was wrong. My experience, insight and voice were immediately welcomed. In fact, I was encouraged early on to look closely at refining plans and challenge management.
    The level of debate, in-depth analysis and looking under every stone that I have seen so far on this Board is exactly what shareholders should want in the Board room.
    The Phillips 66 Board has delivered strong operational performance in refining while constantly exploring opportunities to create value across the full portfolio. Our integrated model has delivered synergies between the businesses and less volatile cash flows – it is a competitive advantage. We have set ambitious goals and are committed to maintaining best-in-class asset integrity while delivering a secure, competitive, and growing dividend; pursuing further accretive growth; and returning over 50% of our net operating cash flow to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
    You simply don’t achieve results like this without a high functioning, deeply engaged Board.
    In my view, it was Elliott’s inconsistent engagement that has proven most peculiar. There would be long silences, followed by rapid public action. What I saw from the Board was a clear commitment to getting to the right answer but a real struggle to understand and engage with an apparently highly distracted shareholder in Elliott.
    We have only been met with a declaration that there were “no next steps” and then continued public assaults, even while Elliott refused to allow us to meet their nominees. Then came their notification that Elliott would in fact be running four nominees for election at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. With my re-nomination to the Board confirmed, that meant I would be targeted for replacement by Elliott’s nominees, just a year after they publicly supported me. I do not know why Elliott now wants me off the Board.
    The Phillips 66 Board is committed to shareholder value creation.
    We are committed to challenging management to deliver results. We are committed to acting, when necessary, but we are not a group that makes sweeping, irreversible costly change in response to short-term market fluctuations and speculative valuations.
    We will always act in the best interest of our long-term shareholders for long-term value creation.
    Sincerely,
    Bob Pease Independent Director
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
    Forward-Looking Statements
    This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws relating to Phillips 66’s operations, strategy and performance. Words such as “anticipated,” “committed,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: changes in governmental policies or laws that relate to our operations, including regulations that seek to limit or restrict refining, marketing and midstream operations or regulate profits, pricing, or taxation of our products or feedstocks, or other regulations that restrict feedstock imports or product exports; our ability to timely obtain or maintain permits necessary for projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum, renewable fuels and natural gas prices, and refining, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; changes to worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for renewable fuels; potential liability from pending or future litigation; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under existing or future environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs for constructing, modifying or operating our facilities; our ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that we have announced or may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting our products; the level and success of drilling and production volumes around our midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; lack of, or disruptions in, adequate and reliable transportation for our products; failure to complete construction of capital projects on time or within budget; our ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance with laws; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets, which may also impact our ability to repurchase shares and declare and pay dividends; potential disruption of our operations due to accidents, weather events, including as a result of climate change, acts of terrorism or cyberattacks; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including armed hostilities (such as the Russia-Ukraine war), expropriation of assets, and other diplomatic developments; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and property and equipment and/or strategic decisions with respect to our asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of environmental rules and regulations; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates); political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to our business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of equity affiliates we do not control; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Phillips 66’s businesses generally as set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
    Additional Information
    On March 26, 2025, Phillips 66 filed a preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Proxy Statement”) and accompanying WHITE proxy card with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”) and its solicitation of proxies for Phillips 66’s director nominees and for other matters to be voted on. The Proxy Statement is in preliminary form and Phillips 66 intends to file and mail to shareholders of record entitled to vote at the 2025 Annual Meeting a definitive proxy statement and other documents, including a WHITE proxy card. Phillips 66 may also file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding its solicitation of proxies for the 2025 Annual Meeting. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement or other document that Phillips 66 has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with any solicitation by Phillips 66. PHILLIPS 66 SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (AND ANY AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT SOLICITATION MATERIALS FILED WITH THE SEC AS THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders may obtain copies of the Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement and other documents (including the WHITE proxy card) filed by Phillips 66 with the SEC without charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by Phillips 66 with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at Phillips 66’s investor relations website at https://investor.phillips66.com or upon written request sent to Phillips 66, 2331 CityWest Boulevard, Houston, TX 77042, Attention: Investor Relations.
    Certain Information Regarding Participants
    Phillips 66, its directors, its director nominees and certain of its executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in connection with the solicitation of proxies from Phillips 66 shareholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the names of such persons and their respective interests in Phillips 66, by securities holdings or otherwise, is available in the Proxy Statement, which was filed with the SEC on March 26, 2025, and will be included in Phillips 66’s definitive proxy statement, once available, including in the sections captioned “Beneficial Ownership of Phillips 66 Securities” and “Appendix C: Supplemental Information Regarding Participants in the Solicitation.” To the extent that Phillips 66’s directors and executive officers who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation have acquired or disposed of securities holdings since the applicable “as of” date disclosed in the Proxy Statement, such transactions have been or will be reflected on Statements of Changes in Ownership of Securities on Form 4 or Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3 filed with the SEC. These documents are or will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Modeling the term structure | Discussion paper 07/2025: Christoph Memmel, Lotta Heckmann-Draisbach

    Source: Bundesbank

    Non-technical summary

    Research Question

    The term structure of interest rates, i.e. the representation of the interest rates in dependence of the maturity, may have a complex course. Usually, it is increasing, meaning rates (per year) are higher for longer maturities. Depending on the horizon, the term structure can be modelled with a different number of parameters. The representation with more parameters increases the precision, but also increases the complexity, which may hamper the search for closed-form solutions for relevant variables. How many parameters are therefore optimal for which purpose and application?

    Contribution

    We present a model for the term structure of interest rates that depends on two parameters, namely one parameter for the short-term interest level and one parameter for the slope. This model makes it possible to derive closed-form solutions for important values of risk management (present value, duration and convexity) and we give a new interpretation to the convexity, namely as the sensitivity of a bond with respect to the slope of the term structure.

    Results

    In our study of Germany (period 1975-2023), we show empirically that the term structure of German government bonds can be well described by the presented model if the horizon is about one year (or longer). In different applications, we estimate the contribution of maturity transformation to the German banks’ interest income to about 12% and we deduce an estimate for the probability of the interest hike in 2022/23.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Developments in India’s Balance of Payments during the Third Quarter (October-December) of 2024-25

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Preliminary data on India’s balance of payments (BoP) for the third quarter (Q3), i.e., October-December 2024-25, are presented in Statements I and II.

    Key Features of India’s BoP in Q3:2024-25

    • India’s current account deficit (CAD) increased to US$ 11.5 billion (1.1 per cent of GDP) in Q3:2024-25 from US$ 10.4 billion (1.1 per cent of GDP) in Q3:2023-24 but moderated from US$ 16.7 billion (1.8 per cent of GDP)1 in Q2:2024-25.2

    • Merchandise trade deficit increased to US$ 79.2 billion in Q3:2024-25 from US$ 71.6 billion in Q3:2023-24.

    • Net services receipts increased to US$ 51.2 billion in Q3:2024-25 from US$ 45.0 billion a year ago. Services exports have risen on a y-o-y basis across major categories such as business services, computer services, transportation services and travel services.

    • Net outgo on the primary income account, primarily reflecting payments of investment income, increased to US$ 16.7 billion in Q3:2024-25 from US$ 13.1 billion in Q3:2023-24.

    • Personal transfer receipts, mainly representing remittances by Indians employed overseas, rose to US$ 35.1 billion in Q3: 2024-25 from US$ 30.6 billion in Q3:2023-24.

    • In the financial account, foreign direct investment recorded a net outflow of US$ 2.8 billion in Q3:2024-25 as against an inflow of US$ 4.0 billion in the corresponding period of 2023-24.

    • Foreign portfolio investment recorded a net outflow of US$ 11.4 billion in Q3:2024-25 as against an inflow of US$ 12.0 billion in Q3:2023-24.

    • Net inflows under external commercial borrowings (ECBs) to India amounted to US$ 4.3 billion in Q3:2024-25, as against an outflow of US$ 2.7 billion in the corresponding period a year ago.

    • Non-resident deposits (NRI deposits) recorded a net inflow of US$ 3.1 billion, lower than US$ 3.9 billion a year ago.

    • There was a depletion of US$ 37.7 billion to the foreign exchange reserves (on a BoP basis) in Q3:2024-25 as against an accretion of US$ 6.0 billion in Q3:2023-24 (Table 1).

    BoP During April-December 2024

    • India’s CAD widened to US$ 37.0 billion (1.3 per cent of GDP) during April-December 2024 from US$ 30.6 billion (1.1 per cent of GDP) during April-December 2023 primarily on account of a higher merchandise trade deficit.

    • Net invisibles receipts were higher during April-December 2024 than a year ago on account of services and transfers.

    • Net FDI inflow at US$ 1.6 billion during April-December 2024 was lower than US$ 7.8 billion during April-December 2023.

    • During April-December 2024, portfolio investment recorded a net inflow of US$ 9.4 billion, lower than US$ 32.7 billion during the corresponding period a year ago.

    • There was a depletion of US$ 13.8 billion to the foreign exchange reserves (on a BoP basis) during April-December 2024.

    Table 1: Major Items of India’s Balance of Payments
    (US$ billion)
      October- December 2023 PR October-December 2024 P April – December 2023 PR April – December 2024 P
      Credit Debit Net Credit Debit Net Credit Debit Net Credit Debit Net
    A. Current Account 236.0 246.4 -10.4 261.6 273.1 -11.5 689.3 719.9 -30.6 753.2 790.2 -37.0
    1. Goods 106.6 178.3 -71.6 109.8 189.0 -79.2 319.8 512.7 -192.9 325.5 552.8 -227.2
        of which:                        
          POL 20.2 46.0 -25.9 12.6 48.4 -35.7 61.9 130.0 -68.1 49.3 141.4 -92.1
    2. Services 87.8 42.8 45.0 103.5 52.3 51.2 251.7 131.6 120.1 285.5 150.0 135.5
    3. Primary Income 10.1 23.2 -13.1 12.3 29.0 -16.7 31.0 65.9 -34.9 41.3 78.6 -37.3
    4. Secondary Income 31.5 2.2 29.3 36.1 2.9 33.2 86.8 9.7 77.1 100.9 8.9 92.0
    B. Capital Account and Financial Account 216.3 205.0 11.3 320.0 309.1 10.9 603.9 573.0 30.9 898.7 862.2 36.4
        of which:                        
    1. Direct Investment 18.9 14.9 4.0 20.8 23.6 -2.8 54.7 46.9 7.8 66.2 64.6 1.6
    2. Portfolio Investment 125.5 113.5 12.0 171.4 182.8 -11.4 327.2 294.5 32.7 513.4 503.9 9.4
    3. Other Investments 65.9 62.4 3.5 83.4 90.4 -7.0 205.2 176.9 28.2 261.9 235.5 26.4
        of which:                        
          NRI Deposits 22.4 18.5 3.9 25.9 22.8 3.1 62.5 53.2 9.3 78.3 64.9 13.3
          ECBs to India 3.9 6.6 -2.7 11.2 6.9 4.3 21.7 20.7 1.0 32.1 21.1 11.0
    4. Reserve Assets [Increase (-)/Decrease (+)] 0.0 6.0 -6.0 37.7 0.0 37.7 0.0 32.9 -32.9 37.7 23.8 13.8
    C. Errors & Omissions (-) (A+B) 0.0 0.9 -0.9 0.6 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.3 -0.3 0.6 0.0 0.6
    PR: Partially Revised; and P: Preliminary.
    Note: Total of sub-components may not tally with aggregate due to rounding off.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2498

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Citizens Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd., Jalandhar

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated March 27, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹15.00 lakh (Rupees Fifteen Lakh only) on The Citizens Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd., Jalandhar (the bank) for non-compliance with 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, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI 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 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:

    In non-adherence to directions issued under SAF, the bank had:

    1. sanctioned / renewed loans and advances to single borrowers beyond the applicable regulatory limits; and

    2. offered interest rates on term deposits and savings deposits higher than those offered by State Bank of India.

    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: 2024-2025/2497

    MIL OSI Economics –