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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK 🔴 LIVE: Prime Minister’s Questions with British Sign Language (BSL) – 11 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYOzDzhz3mE

    MIL OSI Video –

    June 11, 2025
  • India leads global push for Ocean Conservation at UNOC3, unveils Deep-Sea Mission and plastic clean-up initiatives

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India made a compelling case for urgent global action to protect ocean health at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, with Union Minister of Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiling ambitious strides in deep-sea exploration, marine plastic clean-up, and sustainable fisheries. Representing India at the conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, Dr. Singh called for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty, swift ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, and introduced the ‘SAHAV’ digital ocean data portal, reinforcing India’s leadership in global marine governance.

    Speaking under the conference theme “Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean,” Dr. Singh emphasized India’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. He outlined India’s multi-pronged strategy to combat ocean degradation through science, innovation, and inclusive partnerships. A centerpiece of India’s efforts is the Deep Ocean Mission’s ‘Samudrayaan’ project, set to deploy the nation’s first manned submersible by 2026 to explore ocean depths up to 6,000 meters, marking a significant leap in scientific capability.

    Dr. Singh highlighted India’s progress in tackling marine pollution through the ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ campaign, which has cleaned over 1,000 km of coastline and removed more than 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste since 2022. A draft marine litter policy is in place, and India is actively supporting negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty to establish a legally binding international framework. Additionally, India has expanded its Marine Protected Areas to cover 6.6% of its Exclusive Economic Zone, contributing to global biodiversity goals.

    The minister showcased India’s Blue Economy initiatives, driven by the Sagarmala Programme and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Over 600 port-led infrastructure projects worth $80 billion have been operationalized, while $2.5 billion in investments have modernized the fisheries sector, resulting in a 10% rise in fish production and the creation of over 1,000 fish farmer producer organizations since 2022. India has also restored over 10,000 hectares of mangroves and implemented shoreline management plans using nature-based solutions, integrating ocean-based climate actions into its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

    India’s leadership in global ocean governance was further demonstrated through its co-leadership in ‘Blue Talks’ with France and Costa Rica and its participation in high-level events, such as the India-Norway side session on Marine Spatial Planning. The launch of the ‘SAHAV’ portal at UNOC3 enhances India’s commitment to transparent, science-based ocean management.

    Urging the adoption of a robust ‘Nice Ocean Action Plan,’ Dr. Singh called for global investment in innovation, ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, and finalization of the plastics treaty. “The ocean is our shared heritage and responsibility,” he declared, affirming India’s readiness to collaborate with governments, private sectors, civil society, and indigenous communities for a sustainable ocean future. India’s proactive stance at UNOC3 signals its transformation from a coastal nation to a global leader in shaping ocean policy.

    June 11, 2025
  • Don’t think it as conflict between India and Pakistan, it is India vs ‘Terroristan’: EAM Jaishankar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Reiterating that India will not give in to any kind of nuclear blackmail, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday reaffirmed that the country strongly believes in zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

    “This is not a conflict between two states per se. This is actually a response to the threat and to the practice of terrorism. So, I would urge you to don’t think of it as India-Pakistan, think of it as India and ‘Terroristan’, you would then appreciate,” Jaishankar said while addressing a joint press conference with European Union High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas in Brussels.

    Asserting that terrorism is a shared and interconnected challenge for the global community, the EAM mentioned that it is imperative that there must be strong international cooperation and understanding on the matter.

    EAM Jaishankar and Kallas were addressing the media after holding the first strategic dialogue between India and the European Union where both sides held an open and productive meeting with discussions focused on defence and security – including maritime, cyber and space.

    “Nuclear threats cannot pay off. This is a mutual concern. We see different actors in the world using it. In this global changing world, we need more partners, and therefore we are working to intensify our cooperation regarding security and defence,” Kallas stated.

    EAM Jaishankar highlighted that both sides exchanged views on global order, including the situation in Europe, the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Indo-Pacific.

    “My visit to Brussels is taking place three months after that of the EU College of Commissioners to India. Even in that time, it was apparent that the world order was in the midst of a profound change. These trends have intensified in many ways. We have entered an era of multipolarity and strategic autonomy, which are two important forces for India and the EU to forge deeper ties. Working towards that goal requires intensified cooperation in many domains,” he stated

    “There will be situations when our perspectives will not be entirely identical and which is understandable. But what is important is that we expand common ground and understanding and enhance levels of trust,” he added.

    Jaishankar also mentioned that India aims to conclude the ambitious India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year.

    “Stabilising and de-risking the international economy today is a strategic priority for us. This has many dimensions, including more resilient and reliable supply chains as well as increasing trust and transparency in digital interactions. Creating stronger economic and technology partnerships between major players acquires greater value. It is with that perspective that we support the goal of concluding an ambitious and balanced India-EU FTA by the end of this year,” the EAM remarked.

    (IANS)

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: No Limit Casinos That Are Making Waves in the 2025 Gambling Scene- By All iGaming Experts!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The online gambling industry is evolving with the rise of no limit casinos, offering high rollers and players flexibility to deposit, withdraw, and bet without restrictions. These platforms, also known as no limit casinos or no limit casino online platforms, provide unparalleled control over your gaming experience. However, with great freedom comes the need for caution—choosing the right platform is crucial to avoid risks like unfair practices. 

    >> Check Out The Full List Of No Limit Casinos, As Rated By All iGaming

    All iGaming, a trusted authority in online gambling reviews, offers expert evaluations to help players find the best no limit casinos, including highroller and no withdrawal limit casinos. This guide explores what sets no limit casinos apart and how to choose a safe and rewarding platform in 2025.

    ➡️ Why Choose All iGaming For No Limit Casino Reviews

    All iGaming has earned its reputation as a trusted resource by prioritizing player needs above all else. Unlike generic review sites that may rely on flashy promotions, All iGaming conducts thorough, objective assessments of every no limit casino to ensure it meets stringent standards for safety, fairness, and performance. Their evaluations focus on what matters most to players: secure transactions, diverse game offerings, transparent bonuses, and responsive support.

    By highlighting both the strengths and potential drawbacks of each no limit casino online, All iGaming empowers players to make choices that align with their preferences. Whether you’re a high roller looking for a platform with no betting limits or a player seeking anonymity through minimal KYC requirements, All iGaming’s detailed reviews provide the clarity you need. Their commitment to transparency makes them an invaluable partner in navigating the exciting yet complex world of no limit gambling.

    >>Get the Full Breakdown of No Limit Casinos You Can Trust

    ➡️How All iGaming Ranks The Top No Limit Casinos

    All iGaming employs a meticulous, player-centric evaluation process to identify the best no limit casinos. Each platform is assessed across several critical factors that define a superior gaming experience. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key criteria:

    Criteria Description
    Licensing and Compliance Casinos must hold valid licenses from reputable authorities like Malta Gaming Authority or Curaçao eGaming to ensure regulatory compliance and player protection.
    Transaction Flexibility Platforms should offer unrestricted deposits and withdrawals, supporting fast and secure payment methods like cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, and credit cards.
    Game Variety A diverse library with high-stakes options, including slots, table games, and live dealer games, is essential for a no limit casino.
    Bonus Structures Bonuses should have clear terms, low or no wagering requirements, and no caps on winnings to benefit both high rollers and casual players.
    Customer Support 24/7 support through live chat, email, or platforms like Discord ensures prompt assistance, especially for large transactions.
    Privacy and Security Robust measures like SSL encryption and 2FA, along with no or low KYC options, balance player privacy with regulatory compliance.

    ✔️Licensing and Compliance

    A valid license from a trusted authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or Curaçao eGaming, is non-negotiable. All iGaming verifies licensing details to ensure that every no limit casino adheres to strict regulatory standards, protecting players from rogue operators and fostering a secure gaming environment.

    ✔️Transaction Flexibility

    The hallmark of a no limit deposit casino or no withdrawal limit casino is the ability to manage funds without restrictions. All iGaming tests the speed and security of deposit and withdrawal processes, ensuring support for popular payment methods like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and traditional options such as e-wallets and credit cards.

    Cryptocurrencies are particularly valued for their near-instant transactions and lack of limits, making them ideal for high rollers seeking a seamless experience.

    ✔️Game Variety and High Stakes Options

    The best no limit casinos offer a rich selection of games, including slots, poker, blackjack, and live dealer options, all without betting caps. All iGaming evaluates game libraries from top providers like Betsoft, Playtech, and Microgaming, ensuring competitive Return to Player (RTP) rates and high-stakes options that cater to players seeking a highroller online casino experience.

    >>See Which No Limit Casinos Made the Cut for 2025

    ✔️Bonus Structures Suitable for High Rollers

    Bonuses can significantly enhance the gaming experience, but unclear terms can lead to frustration. All iGaming carefully examines wagering requirements, bonus caps, and eligibility criteria to recommend casinos with transparent, player-friendly offers.

    These may include deposit matches, cashback, or free spins designed to appeal to both high rollers and casual players.

    ✔️Customer Support

    Responsive customer support is critical, especially for players handling large transactions in a no limit casino. All iGaming assesses the availability and quality of support channels, such as 24/7 live chat, email, or platforms like Discord, ensuring players receive prompt and professional assistance when needed.

    ✔️Privacy and Security

    For players who prioritize anonymity, All iGaming highlights no limit casinos with minimal or no KYC requirements, ensuring privacy without compromising regulatory compliance. Robust security measures, including SSL encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA), protect player data and funds, creating a safe gaming environment.

    ➡️The Importance Of Selecting A Trusted No Limit Casino

    The freedom offered by no limit casinos is undeniably appealing, but it comes with risks. Unscrupulous operators may exploit players with unfair practices, delayed payouts, or inadequate security.

    All iGaming’s rigorous reviews help players avoid these pitfalls by recommending only legal and reputable no limit casinos that prioritize transparency, fairness, and player safety. By choosing a trusted platform, you can focus on the excitement of unrestricted gaming without worrying about hidden risks.

    All iGaming’s commitment to player protection ensures that you can enjoy the thrill of a no limit casino online with confidence. Their recommendations are based on thorough evaluations, giving you peace of mind as you explore high-stakes gaming opportunities.

    >>Browse Our Exclusive Guide to No Limit Casinos

    ➡️Resources From All iGaming

    All iGaming goes beyond simple rankings, offering a wealth of educational resources to enhance your gambling journey:

    • Guides on Bonuses: Learn how to evaluate casino bonuses and avoid common pitfalls, such as hidden wagering requirements.
    • Understanding No Limit Casinos: Detailed explanations of how no limit casinos operate and what to look for in a platform.
    • Transaction Safety: Tips for securely managing large transactions, particularly in a no limit deposit casino.
    • Risks of Unlicensed Platforms: Insights into the dangers of unregulated casinos and how to avoid them.
    • Emerging Trends: Updates on innovations in no limit gambling, such as blockchain technology and AI integration.
    • Responsible Gambling Strategies: Tools like budgeting tips, time limits, and self-exclusion options to promote safe play.

    These resources empower players, from seasoned high rollers to newcomers, to make informed decisions and enjoy a rewarding experience in no limit casino online platforms.

    ➡️Navigating Regulations With All iGaming

    The legal landscape of online gambling, especially for no limit casinos, can be complex and varies by region. All iGaming simplifies this process by ensuring that every recommended casino operates under reputable licenses and adheres to strict regulatory standards. Key compliance measures include:

    • Robust Data Security: SSL encryption and secure account protocols safeguard player information.
    • Transparent Game Fairness: Many no limit casinos use provably fair systems, allowing players to independently verify game outcomes.
    • Clear Transaction Policies: Transparent rules for deposits, withdrawals, and bonuses ensure clarity and fairness.
    • Responsible Gambling Tools: Features like self-exclusion and deposit limits promote safe play, even in a no limit environment.
    • Independent Audits: Regular third-party audits ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory standards.

    All iGaming also provides clear guides on KYC requirements, tax obligations, and regional regulations, helping players understand the legal aspects of their chosen no limit casino and ensuring compliance with local laws.

    >>Check Out the Top No Limit Casino Rankings by iGaming Professionals

    ➡️ Trends In No Limit Casinos For 2025

    The no limit casino industry is evolving rapidly, and All iGaming keeps players informed about the latest developments shaping the future of gaming. Key trends for 2025 include:

    • Decentralized Casinos and Web3 Integration: Built on blockchain protocols like Ethereum or Solana, decentralized casinos offer enhanced transparency and player control through smart contracts. These platforms are ideal for no limit casino online experiences, providing verifiable fairness and automated payouts.
    • NFT and Play-to-Earn Integration: Some no limit casinos are introducing NFT-based rewards and play-to-earn models, allowing players to earn unique digital assets or tokens as part of their gaming experience.
    • AI-Powered Gaming Experiences: Artificial intelligence is transforming casinos with personalized game recommendations, dynamic bonuses, and improved customer support, creating a tailored highroller – online casino experience.

    All iGaming evaluates these innovations to ensure they deliver genuine value while maintaining high standards of security and fairness, keeping players at the forefront of the no limit gambling revolution.

    ➡️Tips For Selecting A No Limit Casino

    Choosing the right no limit casino requires careful consideration. All iGaming offers the following practical tips to optimize your gaming experience:

    • Confirm Licensing: Select casinos licensed by trusted authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority or Curaçao eGaming to ensure safety and fairness.
    • Prioritize Fairness: Choose platforms with provably fair games or regular third-party audits to guarantee unbiased outcomes.
    • Scrutinize Bonuses: Look for bonuses with clear terms, low or no wagering requirements, and no caps on winnings to maximize value.
    • Test Support: Ensure the casino offers 24/7 customer support through multiple channels, such as live chat or email, for quick issue resolution.
    • Focus on Security: Opt for platforms with robust encryption, two-factor authentication, and other security measures to protect your data and funds.
    • Value Privacy: If anonymity is a priority, explore no limit casinos with no KYC or low KYC requirements, ensuring compliance with regulations.

    By following these tips, you can enjoy a seamless and secure gaming experience in a no limit casino online.

    Final Verdict On Best No Limit Casinos

    No limit casinos are reshaping online gambling by offering players the freedom to play without restrictions. With unlimited deposits, withdrawals, and high-stakes betting opportunities, these platforms cater to those seeking a highroller – online casino experience. However, this freedom comes with the need for caution, as unregulated platforms and unfair practices pose risks. Choosing a reputable no limit casino is essential for a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.

    All iGaming is your trusted guide, providing expert reviews, resources, and tools to help you navigate the complexities of no limit gambling. Their commitment to transparency ensures you can focus on the excitement of gaming while staying protected from potential risks.

    Responsible gambling is equally important in a no limit environment. All iGaming offers valuable tools like budgeting tips and self-exclusion options to help players maintain control and ensure gaming remains fun and rewarding. Whether you’re a high roller or a newcomer, All iGaming is here to guide you toward a safe, informed, and thrilling no limit casino experience.

    >>FIND THE PERFECT NO LIMIT CASINO FROM TOP CHOICES HANDPICKED BY ALL IGAMING!

    ➡️About All iGaming

    All iGaming is a trusted, independent source for online gambling reviews, providing impartial evaluations of top casinos based on thorough, player-centered assessments. The platform is dedicated to promoting responsible gambling by offering valuable educational resources, self-assessment tools, and expert guidance to encourage healthy and balanced gaming habits.

    FAQs

    • Are no limit casinos safe to use?

    Yes, provided they are licensed by reputable authorities. All iGaming recommends only casinos that adhere to strict regulations, including SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and independent audits to ensure player safety.

    • What are provably fair games?

    Provably fair games use cryptographic algorithms, often blockchain-based, to allow players to verify the fairness of game outcomes. This transparency ensures that games are not manipulated, building trust in no limit casinos.

    • What payment methods are supported by no limit casinos?

    Top no limit casinos support a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Cryptocurrencies are favored for their speed and lack of transaction limits, ideal for no limit deposit casinos and no withdrawal limit casinos.

    • Can I play at no limit casinos anonymously?

    Many no limit casinos offer no KYC or low KYC options, allowing for anonymous play. All iGaming highlights platforms that balance privacy with regulatory compliance to ensure a secure experience.

    • How do I stay safe while gambling at no limit casinos?

    Use secure payment methods, enable two-factor authentication, verify casino licenses, and set personal gambling limits. All iGaming provides guides on safe gambling practices to protect players.

    • What are the benefits of choosing a no limit casino?

    No limit casinos offer unmatched flexibility in deposits, withdrawals, and betting amounts, making them ideal for high rollers. They also provide diverse game libraries and high-stakes options for a thrilling gaming experience.

    Disclaimer

    The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, we do not endorse or guarantee the legitimacy of any listed casinos. Online gambling involves financial risk and may be subject to legal restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Please ensure compliance with local laws before engaging in any gambling activities. We encourage responsible gaming and recommend that players exercise caution when participating in online gambling. Always verify the details of any casino and consult legal advisors before making decisions.

    Email:support@alligaming.com

    Attachment

    • AlliGaminges

    The MIL Network –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: New Government bond series

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Icelandic Treasury will issue nine new Government bond series in connection with the settlement of ÍL Fund (formerly the Housing Financing Fund). The following nominal amounts will be issued:

    Series:                         ISIN:                           Nominal value:
    RIKS 29 0917               IS0000037711             67,000,000,000 kr.
    RIKS 34 1016               IS0000037737             60,353,539,382 kr.
    RIKS 36 0815               IS0000037729             59,000,000,000 kr.
    RIKS 39 1115                IS0000037745             49,000,000,000 kr.
    RIKS 41 0815               IS0000037760             50,000,000,000 kr.
    RIKS 44 1017               IS0000037778             50,313,049,596 kr.
    RIKS 47 1115                IS0000037786             48,000,000,000 kr.
    RIKS 50 0915               IS0000037794             47,000,000,000 kr.
    RIKB 32 1015               IS0000037752             56,000,000,000 kr.

    The Government bonds will be subject to the “General terms and conditions for Icelandic Government bonds” and “Specific terms” for each bond series, which can be accessed on the Government Debt Management website, www.lanamal.is. Issuance in the above-mentioned bond series related to the winding-up of ÍL Fund may be carried out in a manner other than that described in Article 3 of the General terms and conditions for Icelandic Government bonds, dated 5 June 2025.

    The MIL Network –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Kvika banki hf.: Moody’s places Kvika Banki’s ratings on review for upgrade

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Moody’s Ratings (“Moody’s”) has today placed Kvika Banki hf.’s (“Kvika”) deposit and issuer ratings on review for upgrade. The rating action follows the separate announcements from Arion Banki hf. and Íslandsbanki hf. that their respective boards of directors have proposed opening merger talks with the board of directors of Kvika. No decision has been made by Kvika’s board of directors regarding next steps.

    Please find the release from Moody’s attached.

    For further information please contact Kvika‘s investor relations, ir@kvika.is.

    Please note that this notice is a disclosure of inside information per article 7 of regulation (EU) No 596/2014 on market abuse (“MAR”), which is implemented into Icelandic law with the act on measures against market abuse No 60/2021.

    Attachment

    • Rating_Action-Moodys-Ratings-places-Kvika-10Jun2025-PR_508242

    The MIL Network –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Societe Generale: shares & voting rights as of 31 May 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NUMBER OF SHARES COMPOSING CURRENT SHARE CAPITAL AND TOTAL NUMBER OF VOTING RIGHTS AS OF 31 MAY 2025

    Regulated Information

    Paris, 10 June 2025

    Information about the total number of voting rights and shares pursuant to Article L.233-8 II of the French Commercial Code and Article 223-16 of the AMF General Regulations.

    Date Number of shares composing current share capital Total number of
    voting rights
    31 May 2025 800,316,777

    Gross: 887,657,909

    Press contacts:

    Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com
    Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com

    Societe Generale

    Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

    The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

    • French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
    • Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
    • Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.

    Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

    For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.

    Attachment

    • Societe-Generale-shares-voting-rights-as-of-31-05-2025

    The MIL Network –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Sergeant sacked after breaching standards

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A serving Met officer has been dismissed without notice for a campaign of coercive control and harassment against a woman known to him.

    Sergeant Chris Allonby, attached to the Met’s South West Command Unit, was dismissed following a misconduct hearing, which concluded on Tuesday, 10 June.

    Sgt Allonby was found to have assaulted his former partner in 2018, 2019 and 2021, all while off-duty.

    The panel heard Sgt Allonby was a verbally and emotionally abusive partner – carrying out a pattern of unwanted behaviour towards his ex-partner, as well as physical assaults.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, who leads policing in the area, said:

    “Sgt Chris Allonby exhibited consistently unacceptable and wholly inappropriate behaviour. It is right he faced disciplinary action and is no longer a part of the Metropolitan Police Service.

    “We commend the bravery of his ex-partner, who spoke up and enabled us to take action.”

    The panel found the officer had breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct. His actions amounted to gross misconduct.

    PS Allonby will now be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, banning him from employment with the police, local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: 10 killed in Austrian school shooting

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    VIENNA, June 10 (Xinhua) — At least 10 people were killed in a shooting at a school in Austria’s second-largest city of Graz, local media reported on Tuesday.

    As local media reported, citing law enforcement agencies, the incident also resulted in double-digit casualties, including injuries among students and teachers.

    According to Austria’s largest newspaper, Kronen Zeitung, the shooting took place at the BORG school on Dreierschützengasse in the Lend district at around 10:00 /08:00 GMT/ on Tuesday. Police confirmed that the suspect was a 22-year-old former student at the school. The shooter reportedly committed suicide.

    As Kronen Zeitung added, the incident is considered one of the most serious in Austrian history.

    Authorities have mobilized police forces in the region, including the deployment of a helicopter. The school has been evacuated and there is currently no threat, local police said on social media X.

    Graz, the capital of the federal state of Styria in southern Austria, is known as a student city, with four vocational schools and four universities located here. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to Turkmenistan

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 10, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • Growth slowed in 2024 due to weak hydrocarbon exports. The main economic challenge is to translate hydrocarbon wealth into more diversified, sustainable, and inclusive growth.
    • A more market-based strategy, reforms to the monetary and exchange rate frameworks, increased public spending efficiency, and enhanced governance and transparency would support the transition to a more diversified and robust economy.
    • Further improvements in the availability, quality, and reliability of economic statistics would help inform policy makers and increase transparency and credibility.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Ms. Anna Bordon visited Ashgabat during May 21-June 3, 2025. The purpose of the visit was to review the country’s economic landscape, including its financial developments, economic outlook, risks, and policies aimed at promoting diverse, inclusive, and sustainable growth. The mission met with senior government officials, representatives of the private and financial sectors, and the diplomatic community. At the end of the visit, Ms. Bordon issued the following statement: 

    “Economic activity moderated in 2024, and inflation softened in recent months. IMF staff estimate that growth slowed to 3.0 percent in 2024 from 4.5 percent in 2023, owing to weak hydrocarbon exports. Inflation decelerated from 3.8 percent at end 2024 to 1.1 percent in March 2025 owing to a sharp slowdown in food inflation combined with deflation in non-food items and low inflation in services. Credit growth and monetary conditions have been tighter since the second half of 2023, while the parallel market exchange rate has remained broadly stable. The current account surplus narrowed from 5.9 percent of GDP in 2023 to 4.4 percent in 2024.

    “Looking ahead the economy is expected to expand at around 2.3 percent in 2025 and over the medium term. Hydrocarbon exports growth is expected to be negative in 2025, but to gradually pick up to around 2 percent over the medium term while non-hydrocarbon growth is expected to remain subdued, given the challenging business environment, investment inefficiencies, significant real exchange rate overvaluation, and protectionism. Inflation is projected to pick up gradually over the medium term due to looser monetary conditions, returning to its recent historical average of 8 percent, which is primarily fueled by the long-standing policy of increasing public sector wages and pensions by 10 percent annually. The external position is projected to gradually deteriorate, shifting from a surplus to a deficit, driven by lower hydrocarbon prices, declining oil exports, and an overvalued currency. Rising wages are also expected to fuel import demand, further weakening the trade balance. Risks to the outlook remain tilted to the downside.

    “The nonhydrocarbon primary balance improved in 2024, with higher revenues more than offsetting an increase in capital spending. Looking ahead, the deficit is anticipated to narrow further over the medium term, with capital spending expected to moderate. To leverage this positive trajectory, it is crucial for Turkmenistan to focus its spending on enhancing physical and human capital. This will require improving spending efficiency and public investment management, transitioning towards performance-based public wage increases, and reforming state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

    “Strengthening fiscal reporting and public financial management (PFM) should be a top priority. Turkmenistan should expedite the implementation of medium-term budgeting, establishment of a single treasury account, and the expansion of fiscal reporting coverage. Reforming SOEs is also pivotal in managing fiscal risks, enhancing fiscal transparency, and fostering private sector development by reducing the state footprint.

    “The Central Bank of Turkmenistan (CBT) should focus on price and financial stability. Until recently, the CBT had typically kept monetary policy loose to support the government’s long-term development objectives. Since the second half of 2023, however, CBT net lending to banks has slowed considerably, owing to SOE repayments. Going forward, commercial bank lending for development purposes, if needed, should be supported by the state budget, and not by the CBT. The CBT should also modernize its central bank operations and accelerate its efforts to strengthen financial regulation, supervision, and crisis management.

    “Unifying the exchange rates would support Turkmenistan’s diversification objectives and reduce economic distortions and governance vulnerabilities. Turkmenistan should consider a significant upfront adjustment of the official exchange rate combined with sufficiently tight macroeconomic policies, a clear communication strategy, and enhanced social benefits to protect the most vulnerable. Post-adjustment, the devalued official exchange rate can remain the monetary anchor, with the CBT ready to provide FX to meet demand. Exchange restrictions on current international transactions should also be eliminated, to create a level-playing field, improve efficiency, and alleviate FX shortages. The adjustment measures and supporting reforms need to be sequenced carefully, while recognizing inherent uncertainties.

    “Turkmenistan is adequately prioritizing economic diversification. A pre-requisite for diversification is macroeconomic stability, including as a core element the unification of the exchange rates and elimination of exchange restrictions. Moving away from a centrally planned economy will require continued efforts to liberalize prices and reduce the state footprint to allocate resources more efficiently. A more market-oriented economy will also require improving governance, skills, infrastructure, digitalization, and logistics while accelerating the efforts toward WTO accession.

    “Further improvements in the availability, quality, and reliability of economic statistics would help inform policy makers and increase transparency and credibility.   

    “The IMF team is grateful to the authorities and other stakeholders for their warm hospitality and insightful and candid discussions.”

    Turkmenistan: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2022–26

     
       

     

     

     

     

     

     

       
     

    Est.

    Est.

    Est.

    Proj.

    Proj.

       

     

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

       
       

     

    Output and prices

    (Annual percentage change)

       

    Real GDP 1/

    3.0

    4.5

    3.0

    2.3

    2.3

       

    Real hydrocarbon GDP

    -6.4

    -0.6

    -10.6

    -2.6

    1.8

       

    Real nonhydrocarbon GDP

    5.2

    5.6

    5.7

    3.0

    2.3

       

    Consumer prices (end of period)

    3.0

    1.4

    3.8

    4.0

    6.0

       

    Consumer prices (period average)

    11.2

    -1.6

    4.6

    3.9

    5.0

       
     

    Investment and savings

    (In percent of GDP)

       

    Gross investment

    18.2

    17.0

    16.0

    13.0

    12.9

       

             Of which: State budget

    0.5

    0.9

    1.6

    0.7

    0.7

       

    Gross savings

    27.9

    22.9

    20.4

    15.1

    13.3

       
     

    Fiscal sector

    (In percent of GDP)

       

    Overall fiscal balance 2/

    3.4

    0.1

    -0.1

    0.3

    -0.3

       

          Revenue

    16.4

    13.8

    14.4

    14.1

    13.7

       

          Expenditure

    13.0

    13.7

    14.5

    13.8

    14.1

       

    Total public debt 3/

    7.9

    5.8

    3.6

    3.3

    3.1

       
     

    Monetary sector

    (12-month percent change, unless otherwise indicated)

       

    Credit to the economy 4/

    8.2

    0.3

    2.2

    5.4

    5.9

       

    Credit to GDP ratio

    58.6

    53.1

    49.6

    49.9

    49.6

       

        Broad money, incl. foreign currency deposits at CBT

    -2.6

    -2.5

    10.1

    5.3

    6.7

       
     

    External sector

    (In percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

       

    Exports of goods (In millions of US$)

    14,727

    12,963

    12,168

    11,218

    11,068

       

    Imports of goods (In millions of US$)

    7,188

    7,401

    7,665

    8,407

    9,085

       

    Current account balance

    9.7

    5.9

    4.4

    2.1

    0.4

       

    Foreign direct investment

    2.0

    0.9

    0.4

    0.0

    0.0

       

    Total public sector external debt

    7.9

    5.8

    3.6

    3.3

    3.1

       
             

    Memorandum items:

             

    Nominal GDP (in millions of manat)

    198,371

    219,848

    240,363

    251,884

    268,110

       

    Nominal GDP (in millions of US$)

    56,677

    62,814

    68,675

    71,967

    76,603

       
       
       

    Sources: Turkmen authorities; and Fund staff estimates and projections.

           

    1/ Staff uses its own GDP estimates given that the narrative underlying the official GDP growth estimates is hard to reconcile with other available data. In particular, official GDP growth is extremely stable, despite shocks, including the pandemic.

                       

    2/ Excluding receipts from government bond issuance and privatization proceeds.

                     

    3/ Includes domestic state government debt and external public and publicly guaranteed debt.

                   

    4/ Including credit to SOEs.

     

     

     

                         
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Mayada Ghazala

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/10/pr-25190-turkmenistan-imf-completes-2025-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN engages in a roundtable discussion at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, participated in a Roundtable Discussion hosted by the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs in Oslo, Norway, on 10 June 2025.  Dr. Kao discussed ASEAN’s priorities and initiatives, including the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, and exchanged views on regional and global developments that were of great interests to the participants.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN engages in a roundtable discussion at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers a lecture on “Developments in ASEAN: Opportunities and Challenges for Norway” at the Norwegian Centre for Geopolitics

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered a lecture at the Norwegian Centre for Geopolitics of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) in Oslo, Norway, on 10 June 2025, centred on the latest developments in ASEAN and presented opportunities and challenges for ASEAN-Norway relations. Dr. Kao also discussed and exchanged views with the participants on emerging regional and global issues.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers a lecture on “Developments in ASEAN: Opportunities and Challenges for Norway” at the Norwegian Centre for Geopolitics appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, had a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, H.E. Espen Barth Eide, on the sidelines of his working visit to Norway, on 10 June 2025. Both sides exchanged views on ASEAN-Norway relations and explored ways to further substantiate the ASEAN-Norway Sectoral Dialogue Partnership.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple services deliver powerful features and intelligent updates to users this fall

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple services deliver powerful features and intelligent updates to users this fall

    June 10, 2025

    UPDATE

    Apple services deliver powerful features and intelligent updates to users this fall

    New features include AutoMix and updates to Lyrics in Apple Music; preferred routes and Visited Places in Apple Maps; easy-to-track orders with Apple Intelligence in Apple Wallet; the introduction of Digital ID; and more

    With the release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26 this fall, Apple is bringing exciting new features and adding more intelligence across its services, delivering even greater everyday functionality to users. This includes an enhanced listening experience in Apple Music; easier navigation with preferred routes and Visited Places in Apple Maps; new ways to make and track purchases with Apple Intelligence in Apple Wallet; customized playback experiences with Apple Podcasts; a refreshed boarding pass in Wallet; the introduction of Digital ID; and more.

    “Apple’s services are integral to many parts of a user’s day, and we’re excited to bring features that pack even more power and fun into their everyday moments,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. “These updates will help users better navigate and explore the world around them with Apple Maps, offer an enhanced Apple Music experience, elevate how they shop with Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, and so much more.”

    “AI and machine learning are a core part of what makes Apple’s services feel so personal and intuitive to our users around the world,” said Jeff Robbin, Apple’s vice president of Services Engineering. “They love the ease and simplicity that intelligent features like natural language search and App Store review summaries have brought, and we’re excited to continue adding thoughtful, tailored experiences to Apple’s services — including AutoMix, which mixes songs like a DJ in Apple Music, the option to use Enhance Dialogue to isolate voices and make them sound clearer in Apple Podcasts, and more.”

    Apple Music Introduces AutoMix, Upgrades to Lyrics, and More

    Apple Music delivers an elevated listening experience with AutoMix, which mixes one song into the next, just like a DJ. Using AI to analyze audio features, it crafts unique transitions between songs with time stretching and beat matching to deliver continuous playback and an even more seamless listening experience.

    This fall, Apple Music brings Lyrics Translation, which lets users understand the meaning of their favorite songs, and Lyrics Pronunciation, which enables users to sing along when lyrics are in another language. The new features use machine learning to translate lyrics — with fine-tuning from language experts — to ensure the emotion, cultural context, and lyrical intent are fully preserved.

    With Sing, the sing-along experience reaches a whole new level, allowing users to transform iPhone into a handheld microphone for Apple TV and have their voice amplified as they belt out their favorite songs with friends. And with real-time lyrics and visual effects that light up the screen, Sing reaches a new level of fun.

    Additionally, users can pin their favorite music to the top of their Library in Apple Music for easy access.

    Apple Maps Gets More Intelligent and Personalized with Preferred Routes and Visited Places

    Apple Maps makes everyday life easier with new enhancements that help users navigate their preferred routes and keep track of places they’ve previously visited, all while protecting user privacy.1 iPhone can now use on-device intelligence to learn and understand the routes users take between the places they frequently visit, like home and work. The Maps widget then shows users a preview of their commute so they know what to expect before they leave, and commute notifications alert users of significant delays and offer alternate routes, even before their journey begins.

    With Visited Places, users can allow iPhone to intelligently detect the places they visit and spend time in — like restaurants or shops — and they’ll automatically be saved to Maps. Users can search for places they’ve visited, and easily share them with family and friends. Visited Places are built with privacy in mind; they’re protected with end-to-end encryption, cannot be accessed by Apple, and can be easily removed with just a swipe.

    A Customized Playback Experience with Apple Podcasts

    Apple Podcasts delivers more customization to the listening experience, including a wider range of playback speeds and Enhance Dialogue. Users will be able to find the perfect listening speed for them, with speed options from 0.5x to 3x, and save their preferred setting for each show. Using real-time audio processing and machine learning, users can turn on Enhance Dialogue to hear speech more clearly over background sounds.

    New Ways to Track Orders with Apple Intelligence and Apple Wallet, and Make Purchases with Apple Pay

    Apple Wallet now uses Apple Intelligence to automatically identify, summarize, and display order tracking details from emails sent from merchants or delivery carriers. This works across all orders, giving users the ability to see their full order details, progress notifications, and more, all in one place.

    Additionally, Apple Pay expands the ability to pay with rewards and installments to in-store purchases for added flexibility and choice. Users can view and pay with rewards — as well as access installment loan offers from eligible credit or debit cards — when making an Apple Pay purchase in person with iPhone.

    The ability to access installments from credit and debit cards, including from pay-over-time providers, when making an in-store Apple Pay purchase will roll out in the U.S. with Affirm, Cash App Afterpay, Klarna, Synchrony, and U.S. Bank; in the UK with Monzo and Klarna; and in Canada with Klarna. The ability to redeem rewards for in-store purchases with Apple Pay will be available beginning in the U.S. with Synchrony and U.S. Bank.2

    Send and Receive Money in Group Chats with Apple Cash

    Apple Cash provides a convenient way for users to request, send, and receive money directly within group conversations in Messages, making it easier to settle up after dinner or pay friends back for concert tickets.3 Users can send money to an individual or request money from everyone in the group.

    More Convenient Travel with a Refreshed Boarding Pass Experience and Digital ID in Wallet

    In Apple Wallet, a refreshed boarding pass experience delivers rich, relevant information straight to users’ fingertips with Live Activities that offer real-time updates about their flights. For added convenience, users can also share their flight’s Live Activities so friends and family can stay up to date on their journeys.

    Refreshed boarding passes also allow users to conveniently access Maps to navigate airports and explore local recommendations, all in one place from their pass; quickly use Find My to track important items and report lost baggage; view key services on an airline’s app, such as seat upgrades and standby lists; and more. Refreshed boarding passes will be available starting with Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Jetstar, Lufthansa Group, Qantas, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Australia.

    Digital ID offers a secure and private new way for users to store and present their ID information using their iPhone and Apple Watch. Users can seamlessly create and add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet using a U.S. passport.

    With REAL ID implementation in effect, at launch, Digital ID provides another way for users to conveniently and securely present an ID in person at select TSA checkpoints for identity verification purposes during domestic travel. Digital ID is not a replacement for a physical passport, and cannot be used for international travel and border crossing in lieu of a U.S. passport. Like all IDs in Apple Wallet, this new solution takes advantage of the privacy and security features already built into iPhone and Apple Watch.

    Additionally, Verify with Wallet on the Web enables users to seamlessly and securely present their eligible driver’s license or state ID in Wallet to websites for age and identity verification, starting with Chime, Turo, Uber Eats, and U.S. Bank, as well as the Arizona MVD, Georgia DDS, and Maryland MVA.

    Ready-Made Custom Plans Unlock Consistent Routines in Apple Fitness+

    Custom Plans in Apple Fitness+ make it simpler than ever to follow a personalized schedule, automatically creating plans based on users’ workout and meditation preferences, including their top activities, durations, trainers, music, and more.

    To keep users motivated, Stay Consistent provides a premade schedule of activities that matches their current routine. With Push Further, users receive a plan that increases the time of each day’s workout sessions — or even adds another day — making it perfect for those looking to challenge themselves. For anyone new to Fitness+, Get Started provides a ready-made plan built from selected interests or popular activities, giving users a helpful starting point. Additionally, Custom Plans are now centrally located in a dedicated Plans page.

    A New Daily Puzzle Brings a Fresh, Friendly Challenge to Apple News+

    Apple News adds Emoji Game to Apple News+ Puzzles, joining Crossword, Mini-Crossword, Quartiles, and Sudoku. Emoji Game brings to life one of users’ favorite ways to communicate in a fun and engaging way, with players challenged to use emoji to complete three phrases, with the goal of solving the puzzle in as few moves as possible. Users can share puzzles, track stats and streaks, and compete with others through Game Center leaderboards. Emoji Game features a daily puzzle available in the U.S. and for English-speaking users in Canada, and can be accessed from the Following tab in the News app.

    Apple’s services make everyday activities more personal, productive, and enjoyable, and these new features and additional intelligent updates continue to deliver thoughtful, tailored experiences to users across the globe.

    Availability

    The Apple Intelligence features detailed require supported devices, which include all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad and Mac models with M1 and later that have Apple Intelligence enabled and Siri and device language set to the same supported language: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, or Chinese (simplified). More languages will be coming by the end of this year: Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (traditional), and Vietnamese. For more information, visit apple.com/apple-intelligence. Features are subject to change. Some features may not be available in all languages or regions, and availability may vary due to local laws and regulations. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.

    1. Preferred routes and Visited Places are not available in all regions.
    2. Available on cards from participating banks and card providers in certain markets. Subject to eligibility and approval. In the U.S., Apple Pay is a service provided by Apple Payments Services LLC, a subsidiary of Apple Inc. Neither Apple Inc. nor Apple Payments Services LLC is a bank. Any card used in Apple Pay is offered by the card issuer.
    3. Apple Cash services are provided by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC. Apple Payments Services LLC, a subsidiary of Apple Inc., is a service provider of Green Dot Bank for Apple Cash accounts. Neither Apple Inc. nor Apple Payments Services LLC is a bank. Learn more about the terms and conditions. Only available in the U.S. on eligible devices.

    Press Contacts

    Heather Norton

    Apple

    heather_norton@apple.com

    Kimberly Mai

    Apple

    k_mai@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Foreign Minister focuses on Pacific resilience during visit to France

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has taken part in two major international events in Nice, France this week, focused on Pacific resilience, prosperity and security. 
    The sixth Pacific-France Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, took place in Nice overnight. 
    “The Summit brought together Pacific countries for discussions with France on regional stability, economic development and climate resilience,” Mr Peters says. 
    “New Zealand welcomes this opportunity for Pacific Islands Forum members to discuss our priorities with France.
    “France is a long-standing partner in the Pacific, and we value its support in securing the prosperity and stability of the region during a period of heightened global complexity.” 
    While in Nice, Mr Peters also attended the third United Nations Ocean Conference.
    “As a maritime state with one of the world’s largest and most biodiverse marine areas, New Zealand strongly supports a rules-based international system that secures the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans,” Mr Peters says.
    “This is especially important for ensuring a resilient and healthy Blue Pacific. We will continue to work with our partners in the region to advance our shared priorities.”
    At the conference, New Zealand re-emphasised its commitment to support Pacific partners in their efforts to enhance science-based ocean management and ensure their fisheries are sustainable and climate-resilient.
    While in Nice, Mr Peters also held bilateral meetings with leaders and Ministers from Chile, France, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Singapore, United Kingdom, and Viet Nam.
    The Foreign Minister has now travelled to Rome for high-level bilateral talks with the Italian Government, before heading to Jakarta.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: What the new British zoo standards mean for animal welfare

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Samantha Ward, Associate Professor of Zoo Animal Welfare, Nottingham Trent University

    Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko/Shutterstock

    If you visit a zoo, you might be captivated by the animals you see — majestic lions, curious meerkats, soaring birds of prey. But this is not always the case. Some zoos don’t always give us that impression of “happy animals” where they can behave naturally and be left alone by visitors if they wish.

    The UK, Scottish and Welsh governments recently released new zoo standards for Great Britain. So what does this mean for the future of zoos?

    I have been working in and with zoos for over 20 years. I am a bit of a zoo-nerd but that doesn’t mean that I like them all. I am an advocate for good animal welfare in zoos and so I can recognise the ones that are good and not so good.

    Britain is one of a few countries such as Belgium, South Korea and New Zealand that have specific zoo legislation. The new British standards will be enforced in 2027, giving below-par zoos two years to up their game.


    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.


    I speak here in my role as associate professor of zoo animal welfare at Nottingham Trent University, but I also sit on the UK Zoos Expert Committee and helped to write the new standards. One of the biggest changes is the replacement of the word “should” with “must”. The standards now say: “Zoos must provide appropriate accomodation”. This makes all elements of the guidance much more enforceable.

    One of the most common complaints I hear when I say I work with zoos is that the animals don’t have as much space as they do in the wild. That is correct: zoos cannot provide the same amount of space for a lot of species. But good quality space can allow these animals to behave like they would in wild habitats.

    One of the most controversial animals when talking about space is elephants. In 2017 the UK government issued updated requirements for them which brought in enclosure-size requirements, something that had never happened for any species in British zoos before.

    Under the new standards, zoos will have until 2040 to increase their elephant provisions. Indoor space allocation for a herd of up to four females has been doubled to 600m². This then increases by 100m² for each additional elephant (compared to 80m² in the 2017 requirements).

    Bull facilities – zoos that house individual male elephants – need to provide 320m² of indoor space per bull. Outdoor areas for bull and cow elephants must provide a minimum shared space of 20,000m² (or 2.8 UK sized football pitches) for up to five group-living adults. This must be increased by at least 2,500m² for each additional animal over two years old. This is over 30 times larger than the current standards.

    The new standards stipulate that zoos must provide more natural habitats that better replicate how elephants live in the wild. There are also requirements for more detailed behavioural monitoring and things that help keep elephants active and engaged in their environment.

    Howver, animal welfare charity the RSPCA still feels that these updates are not good enough. It believes that elephants (and some other species) are not suitable for captivity as they have complex cognitive needs and space requirements.

    From my perspective, Britain has the most specific (and now) welfare-driven standards for elephants in the world. If Britain were to ban the housing of elephants, we would be shipping them to lower quality habitats, care and monitoring. Is this really what we want for the elephants in British zoos?

    What else is changing

    Another area where there has been much criticism in the past relates to providing animals from specific climates or environments with the correct conditions, such as reptiles, amphibians, tropical birds and primates. While a high number of animals seem to cope well in the UK’s colder climate, there is research to show that some animals need specialised environments, without which they can suffer from severe health problems, low welfare and even death.

    The new standards require zoos to develop detailed environmental management plans for species that rely on artificial life-support systems such as aquariums, vivariums, tropical houses or desert habitats. Animals also cannot be removed from their enclosures for interactions or talks with the public.

    These environmental management plans outline the environmental parameters required for that animal to thrive and behave naturally, and they need to be monitored to ensure that provisions do not slip.

    Birds of prey have new welfare protections in British zoos.
    chrisdorney/Shutterstock

    There are also extra requirements for birds of prey. Although controversial, tethering is currently a recognised management practice for birds of prey, including owls, hawks and falcons. You don’t need to be a welfare scientist to understand how a bird might feel about being tethered to a post for long periods of time.

    The 2012 standards stipulated that tethered birds should be flown at least four times per week, though there were no time restrictions on how long they could be tethered. The new standards emphasise that birds can only be tethered for a maximum of four hours in a 24 hour period and only as a management tool that benefits the bird (such as training for flight displays, transportation or veterinary treatment).

    There is new emphasis on what is known as behavioural enrichment. Whether it’s puzzle feeders for primates, scent trails for big cats or novel objects for parrots, enrichment helps prevent boredom, reduce stress and promote natural behaviour.

    Enrichment can be resource intensive and therefore difficult to implement, but the new standards make it a core requirement. Enrichment activities must aim to replicate natural behaviour such as foraging, climbing or problem solving. Zoos are required to document and evaluate these activities, track how animals respond and adjust strategies accordingly.

    These updates reflect a deeper understanding of what animals need to thrive, not just survive. As a zoo welfare scientist, I feel there is always more that can be done to improve the welfare of animals in zoos (such as banning touch pools and tethering altogether).

    But it is important that zoos and aquariums evaluate the costs (to the animals) and benefits (to the visitors) to make ethical and welfare-based decisions themselves.

    These new standards will improve the conditions for animals in zoos, as well as help zoos to make the right decisions about the animals they house and care for.

    Samantha Ward is the welfare specialist on the Zoo Experts Committee, part of DEFRA, who helped write the new zoo standards.

    – ref. What the new British zoo standards mean for animal welfare – https://theconversation.com/what-the-new-british-zoo-standards-mean-for-animal-welfare-258001

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB appoints Thomas Vlassopoulos as Director General Market Infrastructure and Payments

    Source: European Central Bank

    10 June 2025

    • Directorate General Market Infrastructure and Payments oversees and coordinates the operation and development of payment systems and market infrastructure
    • It also leads the digital euro project
    • Mr Vlassopoulos will replace Ulrich Bindseil, who is leaving the ECB

    The Executive Board of the European Central Bank (ECB) has appointed Thomas Vlassopoulos as Director General Market Infrastructure and Payments. Mr Vlassopoulos will replace Ulrich Bindseil, who is leaving the ECB.

    Thomas Vlassopoulos is currently Deputy Director General Market Operations, a post he has held since May 2021. He previously headed the Monetary Analysis Division and was also Deputy Head of the Financial Stability Surveillance Division. Mr Vlassopoulos joined the ECB’s Directorate General Economics in 2008, from the Bank of Greece. Mr Vlassopoulos holds a master’s degree in economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

    The Directorate General Market Infrastructure and Payments (DG-MIP) coordinates and supports the operation and development of Eurosystem market infrastructures (TARGET Services), conducts oversight of payment, clearing and settlement systems, and acts as a catalyst for innovation in retail payments as well as exploring new technologies for wholesale central bank money settlement. It is also leading the digital euro project. Mr Vlassopoulos will be responsible for the strategic direction and management of DG-MIP, steering innovation, project workstreams and operational activities for TARGET Services, the digital euro project as well as retail and wholesale payments. He will chair a range of committees and high-level fora, maintaining working relationships with market participants and other stakeholders.

    For media queries, please contact Eszter Miltényi-Torstensson, tel.: +49 171 769 5305.

    Notes

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: President reaffirms commitment to global diplomacy 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to global diplomacy, describing the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit as a critical opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and promote the country’s leadership within the G20.

    Speaking to members of the media during a visit to Sefako Makgatho Primary School in Saulsville, Pretoria, the President confirmed that South Africa had been officially invited to attend the G7 by Canada, this year’s chair of the summit.

    “Yes, we are going to the G7. We’ve been invited by Canada, who are the conveners, who are the head of the G7 this time around. I’m hoping that when we meet the various leaders of the G7, we’ll be able to interact meaningfully with them,” President Ramaphosa said.

    The President outlined a number of key bilateral engagements scheduled on the sidelines of the summit, including meetings with the Chancellor of Germany, the Prime Minister of Canada, and the President of the United States, Donald Trump.

    “The G7 gives us an opportunity to go and propagate our message, the message about the presidency of South Africa’s G20 and how we want to see great outcomes of the G20. We’re going to use it as a platform to begin to consolidate what we want to have in November when the leaders’ summit takes place here,” the President said on Tuesday.

    President Ramaphosa is set to jet off to Canada, Kananaskis from 14-17 June to attend and participate in the G7 Leaders’ Summit. 

    READ | President Ramaphosa to attend G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada

    Reflecting on the US working visit

    Reflecting on his recent visit to the White House in Washington DC, President Ramaphosa dismissed criticism of the trip, saying it was a strategic move to reset relations with one of South Africa’s key trading partners.

    “We do confirm that our visit to the White House in the United States was a moment where South Africa set out to reset the relationship with the United States, and I do believe that we have achieved that. 

    “Many people were very critical of our going there…and some were even suggesting that we were summoned. We were not summoned. In my telephone conversation with President Trump two weeks earlier, I said, I want to come and see you. And immediately conceded to that, and later they gave us a date. So that is not summoning, it is us taking the initiative that we want to go and see him,” the President said. 

    He said there was engagement that was taking place between the Department of Trade and Industry and Competition and the Department of International Relations. “So, we’ve opened the way for us to engage seriously with the United States. And on the other hand, we were also going to talk about trade matters, and that is now underway,” the President said. 

    He added that the White House meeting was also used to underscore the importance of President Trump attending the upcoming G20 Summit, which South Africa will host in November. 

    The President added that President Trump had “immediately conceded” that the G20 is not fully effective without the participation of the United States. 

    “For us, it’s important as a nation to reposition ourselves in the very turbulent geopolitical architecture or situation that we have, and that is why it was important to go to the United States, as we will go to many other countries, both on our own continent, in the Middle East and in Asia and in Europe as well. 

    “We are a country that is exposed and has relations with many countries around the world, and where the challenges and problems, we should immediately take action to correct those,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: China welcomes more foreign companies to achieve win-win: MFA

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) — China welcomes more foreign enterprises to take root in China and go global, and work together to achieve common goals and win-win outcomes amid China’s development of new productive forces, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Tuesday.

    The diplomat made the remarks at a regular briefing for journalists, commenting on the consistent investment in China by foreign enterprises in recent times.

    “The fact that more and more foreign companies are betting on China shows that foreign public circles attach great importance to the stability of China’s high-quality development and the certainty of its high-level opening up to the outside world,” Lin Jian said, noting that this also clearly demonstrates the powerful impetus provided by China’s new-quality productive forces and scientific and technological innovation ecosystem.

    In order to accelerate its institutional opening-up, China has put forward an action plan to stabilize foreign investment in 2025 and revised and expanded the list of industries encouraged for foreign investment, he said.

    “These new stimulus measures cover sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, the digital economy and other advanced industries. In the first five months of this year, more than 73,000 foreign-invested enterprises imported and exported to China, a five-year high,” the official said.

    “At the same time, China is continuously achieving innovative breakthroughs and there is huge market demand for new industries and business formats, which is complemented by the country’s unique advantages such as a comprehensive industrial and supply chain system, rich human resources and a mature innovation ecosystem,” Lin Jian said, noting that all this encourages foreign businesses to invest in new-quality productive forces at an accelerated rate and integrate into China’s innovation chain.

    In addition, as the official representative noted, an increasing number of foreign companies prefer to carry out scientific research and development in China and export products from there to the world market, thereby creating a favorable circulation of markets, enterprises and resource factors.

    China’s development from a manufacturing outpost to an innovation engine will always be an opportunity for the world, Lin Jian said, adding that China will continue to steadily improve its business environment and provide foreign-invested companies with more policy benefits. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Simpler and clearer – by 2026 the Ministry of Digital Development will change the procedure for processing tax deductions

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Mainfin Bank –

    What will change in the procedure for receiving a tax deduction by 2026?

    The registration of a deduction for personal income tax allows Russians to return part of the tax paid when buying a home, paying for medical, sports and educational services, and also to reduce the tax base when selling real estate and transport. You can take advantage of the benefit through State Services – by 2026, the Ministry of Digital Development promises to change the procedure:

    The Federal Tax Service will independently calculate the amount of tax to be deducted; taxpayers will not have to fill out a declaration when selling apartments and cars; an automatic notification service will appear – citizens will receive a mailing about the status of 3-NDFL inspections, which will allow them to track what stage the declaration is at.

    “The innovations are intended to simplify and make the process of processing deductions more transparent – the procedure will become more convenient for taxpayers,” the Ministry of Digital Development stated.

    Let us recall that persons paying personal income tax (most often, hired workers) can return 13% of certain types of expenses in Russia. Individual entrepreneurs and persons operating on the basis of a civil-law contract are also entitled to certain benefits.

    What other changes in the area of tax deductions await Russians?

    Simplifying the procedure for processing tax deductions is not the only change planned for the near future. The authorities are also discussing other innovations:

    introduction of a tax deduction for individuals who pass the GTO and undergo regular medical examinations – Vladimir Putin made the proposal; the limit for the personal income tax deduction for the purchase of housing may be increased to 6 million rubles – the Ministry of Construction supported the initiative; work on the launch of a multifunctional service that will allow for the automation of deductions will be completed by the end of the year.

    At the same time, the indicated changes regarding the introduction of new types of benefits and increasing limits have not yet been adopted at the legislative level – currently, discussions are underway on amendments that may be adjusted during the review process.

    15:00 10.06.2025

    Source:

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //Mainfin.ru/novosti/ Obrase- and-in-Knight-K-2026-Minzifry-Menit-Procedure-Registration-Nailural-Provisions

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ places travel ban on extremist Israeli politicians

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New Zealand has joined Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway in placing travel bans on two extremist Israeli politicians, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.

     The bans will prevent Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from travelling to New Zealand.

     “Our action today is not against the Israeli people, who suffered immeasurably on October 7 and who have continued to suffer through Hamas’ ongoing refusal to release all hostages.  Nor is it designed to sanction the wider Israeli government.

     “Rather, the travel bans are targeted at two individuals who are using their leadership positions to actively undermine peace and security and remove prospects for a two-state solution.

     “New Zealand is a long-standing supporter of the two-state solution. Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have severely and deliberately undermined that by personally advocating for the annexation of Palestinian land and the expansion of illegal settlements, while inciting violence and forced displacement.

    “New Zealand’s consistent and historic position has been that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are a violation of international law. Settlements and associated violence undermine the prospects for a viable two-state solution.”

     Today’s targeted sanctions are consistent with New Zealand’s approach to other foreign policy issues, Mr Peters says.

     “New Zealand has also targeted travel bans on politicians and military leaders advocating violence or undermining democracy in other countries in the past, including Russia, Belarus and Myanmar.”

     The international community is overwhelmingly in favour of a future Palestinian state as part of a negotiated two-state solution, Mr Peters says.

     “The crisis in Gaza has made returning to a meaningful political process all the more urgent. New Zealand will continue to advocate for an end to the current conflict and an urgent restart of the Middle East Peace Process.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom on measures targeting Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Today, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom have announced sanctions and other measures targeting Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

    Settler violence is incited by extremist rhetoric which calls for Palestinians to be driven from their homes, encourages violence and human rights abuses and fundamentally rejects the two-state solution. Settler violence has led to the deaths of Palestinian civilians and the displacement of whole communities.

    We are steadfastly committed to the two-state solution which is the only way to guarantee security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long term stability in the region, but it is imperilled by extremist settler violence and settlement expansion.

    Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous. These actions are not acceptable. We have engaged the Israeli Government on this issue extensively, yet violent perpetrators continue to act with encouragement and impunity. This is why we have taken this action now – to hold those responsible to account. The Israeli Government must uphold its obligations under international law and we call on it to take meaningful action to end extremist, violent and expansionist rhetoric.

    The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel’s security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas.  Today’s measures are targeted towards individuals who in our view undermine Israel’s own security and its standing in the world. We continue to want a strong friendship with the people of Israel based on our shared ties, values and commitment to their security and future.

    Today’s measures focus on the West Bank, but of course this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza. We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid. There must be no unlawful transfer of Palestinians from Gaza or within the West Bank, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip. We will continue to work with the Israeli Government and a range of partners. We will strive to ensure an immediate ceasefire, the release now of the remaining hostages and for the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid including food. We want to see a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas and a political pathway to a two-state solution.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada imposes fourth round of sanctions on facilitators of extremist settler violence against civilians in West Bank

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations.

    This round of sanctions lists two individuals for their crucial role in facilitating the significant expansion of settlements and outposts in the West Bank, offering political cover to perpetrators of settler violence, and actively contributing to a more permissive environment for higher levels of harassment and violence by Israeli extremist settlers against Palestinian civilians.

    Extremist settler violence is leading to greater destabilization in the West Bank, resulting in the forced displacement of Palestinian communities, and increasingly threatening the viability of a two-state solution, as well as regional peace and security.

    Today’s sanctions are in coordination with the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, and are in response to the recent escalation of violence by Israeli extremist settlers and affiliates against Palestinian civilians and their property in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, contributing to insecurity for both Palestinians and Israelis.

    The two individuals are the following:

    • Itamar Ben-Gvir
    • Bezalel Smotrich

    The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel’s security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas. Canada continues to oppose the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and is committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

    These measures focus on the West Bank, but of course this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza. Canada continues to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid. There must be no unlawful transfer of Palestinians from Gaza or within the West Bank, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip. Canada will continue to work with the Israeli Government and a range of partners. Canada will strive to ensure an immediate ceasefire, the release now of the remaining hostages and for the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid including food. Canada wants to see a reconstructed Gaza, where Hamas can play no part, and ultimately a political pathway to a two-state solution.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Peru

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 10, 2025

    • After a strong recovery in 2024, growth is expected to moderate in 2025, amid global and election-related uncertainty, and thereafter to remain close to potential. Inflation is expected to remain close to the midpoint of the target band. The financial system is sound. Risks are tilted to the downside given elevated external uncertainty, but Peru has ample buffers to cope with shocks.
    • Meeting the 2025 fiscal deficit target would require additional efforts in a pre-election year. In the medium term, further fiscal consolidation measures should be identified to comply with the fiscal rule deficit targets and debt ceiling. Introducing both spending and revenue measures would make the consolidation more balanced and credible.
    • Structural reforms are urgently required to lift potential growth, including updating the fiscal decentralization framework to help boost investments in the critical mineral sector. Enhanced efforts are needed to curb the low but rising level of insecurity, reform labor and tax regulations that impose excessive costs for formalizing or growing a business, enhance the independence and integrity of judicial bodies and tools to combat corruption impunity, build resilience to natural disasters, and embrace the opportunities of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

    Washington, DC: On June 5, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the 2025 Article IV consultation[1] with Peru and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting on a lapse-of-time basis.[2]

    The economy has recovered from consecutive natural disaster shocks and social turmoil. Inflation is firmly within the target band, owing to the central bank’s early and decisive monetary tightening followed by cautious easing. The financial sector remained sound and profitable. The current account surplus further improved, underpinned by strong terms of trade. However, the fiscal position weakened. A relative political stability persists but pre-election tensions are rising. Lingering political uncertainty weighs on economic prospects and dents the appetite for structural reforms to boost potential growth.

    Growth is expected to moderate to 2.8 percent in 2025. A favorable momentum in private consumption and elevated public investment would support continued growth, but pre-election tensions would weigh on the private investment recovery while the impact of the first-round effects of the tariffs and global growth slowdown would be negative, although relatively moderate. Inflation is expected to remain within the target band of 1-3 percent. The current account balance is envisaged to remain in a surplus of 1.7 percent of GDP in 2025, with low external financing and debt rollover risks.

    Evolving risks are dominated by the potential for larger adverse impacts on global growth and commodity prices, due to prolonged trade policy uncertainty and financial market volatility, but Peru has ample buffers to cope with shocks. In the short term, key domestic risks include an intensification of political uncertainty, social unrest over security concerns, and weather-related shocks. Key external risks include trade policy uncertainty, tighter financial conditions, and commodity price volatility. Recent government initiatives to accelerate private sector involvement in public investment projects and streamline burdensome regulations could help revive private investment. Peru’s macroeconomic resilience is reinforced by very strong buffers including low public debt, abundant international reserves, and access to international capital markets on favorable terms.

    Executive Board Assessment

    After a strong recovery, growth is expected to moderate, amid global policy uncertainty and pre-election tensions, and thereafter to remain close to potential. With a closed output gap and firmly anchored inflation expectations, headline inflation would remain within the target band. The current account balance is envisaged to remain in a surplus, only gradually returning to a deficit in the medium term—stabilizing at its norm, of about 1.5 percent of GDP—as private investment recovers and terms of trade normalize. The external position in 2024 was stronger than the level implied by medium-term fundamentals and desirable policies, due to strong terms of trade and a recovery in traditional exports. Risks are tilted to the downside given elevated external uncertainty, but Peru has ample buffers to cope with shocks. Very strong macroeconomic policies and institutional policy frameworks remain in place.

    A broadly neutral monetary policy stance is appropriate. Inflation expectations are approaching 2 percent, and the output gap is closed. However, given heightened external uncertainty, monetary policy should remain data dependent. Continued exchange rate flexibility should be allowed to help cushion the impact of external shocks.

    Meeting the 2025 fiscal deficit target will require additional efforts in a pre-election year. The 2025 budget envisages a deficit of 2.2 percent of GDP, consistent with the revised fiscal rule target. A tax revenue rebound from the economic recovery and one-off factors will help reduce the deficit in 2025, but additional efforts of about 0.4 percent of GDP will be needed to secure fiscal rule compliance. Additional spending control measures would make this year’s consolidation plans more credible and balanced. In May 2025, the authorities announced initiatives to improve spending efficiency, but further efforts will be needed to comply with this year’s target.

    A combination of spending restraint and revenue-raising measures would be needed to comply with the medium-term fiscal targets. To comply with the fiscal rule deficit target of 1 percent of GDP by 2028 and the debt ceiling of 30 percent of GDP by 2035, the authorities’ medium-term consolidation plan envisages a reduction of current spending by about 0.4 percent of GDP per year between 2026 and 2028. Identifying both revenue and spending measures—including efforts to streamline tax expenditures; strengthen tax administration; and control wages, discretionary transfers, and inefficient public investment—would secure a balanced and gradual consolidation. In the absence of measures, public debt would gradually rise over the medium term, while remaining relatively low compared to peers. Legislative initiatives bearing fiscal costs, proposals that erode the tax base, and excessive reliance on private participation schemes would complicate the attainment of fiscal targets. Reforms to significantly reduce Petroperú’s costs and enhance its transparency and governance are also needed to safeguard fiscal credibility.

    Systemic risks are limited, but authorities should continue to proactively contain financial vulnerabilities. Banks are profitable, with ample liquidity and capital buffers. While elevated for small- and medium-sized firms, NPLs are expected to continue improving and would support the growth of credit. The authorities should continue to be vigilant of pockets of vulnerability, particularly in corporate loans.

    Focused macroprudential policies could reduce financial vulnerabilities from remaining dollarized credit. While the aggregate value of unhedged dollar credit is low, unhedged dollar credit tends to be riskier and concentrated in large- and medium-sized companies in the construction, commerce, and manufacturing sectors. The authorities’ regulation to introduce higher risk weighting in 2026 will help alleviate vulnerabilities from unhedged dollar credit. To ensure the stability of dollar funding for financial institutions, the authorities could consider introducing currency-specific NSFR requirements to complement the existing currency-specific LCR limits.

    Policy efforts are needed to revive the domestic capital market. It is critical to maintain the prohibition of future pension withdrawals, as approved in the recent pension reform, to protect the functioning of the domestic capital market, decrease financing costs, and lower the risks of old-age poverty. Measures to broaden the investor base through retail investment products could play a significant role in attracting funds back into the securities market.

    Financial resilience would be strengthened by addressing remaining regulatory gaps. The revised Basel III risk-weight framework and improving the activation criteria for the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) will help enhance the effectiveness of the entire regulatory framework. Completing the evaluation of recovery plans for domestic systemically important banks and expanding to the financial group level and their resolution planning will eliminate uncertainty under potential systemic events by facilitating orderly crisis management.

    Updating the fiscal decentralization framework, along other needed structural reforms, could help boost investments in the critical mineral sector and increase potential growth. A US$64 billion pipeline of mining investment projects has been mostly stalled for many years due to bureaucratic complexity and social conflicts. Unlocking these projects and channeling the additional fiscal revenues could permanently boost potential growth. Updating the fiscal decentralization framework, including redesigning natural resource revenue-sharing formulas, to improve public spending efficiency and generate high-impact public investments could help ensure that mining dividends translate into greater development. Enhanced efforts are also needed to curb the low but rising level of insecurity, reform labor and tax regulations that impose excessive costs for formalizing or growing a business, enhance the independence and integrity of judicial bodies and tools to combat corruption impunity, build resilience to natural disasters, and embrace the opportunities of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. The OECD accession process provides a clear roadmap for other critical reforms to boost the business climate, reduce informality, and reform the civil service.

     

    Peru: Selected Economic Indicators

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    Proj.

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    Social Indicators

    Poverty rate (total) 1/

    30.1

    25.9

    27.5

    29

    27.6

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Unemployment rate for Metropolitan Lima (average)

    13

    10.7

    7.8

    6.8

    6.4

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    (Annual percentage change; unless otherwise indicated)

    Production and Prices

    Real GDP

    -10.9

    13.4

    2.8

    -0.4

    3.3

    2.8

    2.6

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    Output gap (percent of potential GDP)

    -5.5

    0.8

    0.7

    -1.3

    -0.4

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Consumer prices (end of period)

    2

    6.4

    8.5

    3.2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    Consumer prices (period average)

    1.8

    4

    7.9

    6.3

    2.4

    1.7

    1.9

    2

    2

    2

    2

    Money and Credit 2/ 3/

    Broad money

    29.2

    2.7

    -0.7

    2.2

    11.6

    1.7

    5.6

    5.6

    5.6

    5.6

    5.6

    Net credit to the private sector

    14

    6.5

    3.3

    0.7

    0.9

    4.7

    5.7

    6

    6

    6

    6

    Credit-to-private-sector/GDP ratio (%)

    52.4

    45.9

    44.4

    41.8

    38.9

    38.9

    39.3

    39.8

    40.4

    40.9

    41.5

    External Sector

                       

    Exports

    -10.7

    47.4

    4.8

    2

    12.4

    5.8

    3.1

    1.9

    3.2

    3.2

    2.7

    Imports

    -15.5

    38.2

    16.7

    -11

    4.5

    4.1

    3.1

    4.1

    4.4

    4.6

    4.6

    External current account balance (percent of GDP)

    0.9

    -2.1

    -4.1

    0.7

    2.2

    1.7

    1.3

    0.4

    -0.1

    -0.8

    -1.5

    Gross reserves In billions of U.S. dollars

    74.9

    78.5

    72.2

    71.3

    79.2

    84.2

    88.7

    92.7

    96.4

    100.4

    104.9

      Percent of short-term external debt 4/

    491

    578

    509

    404

    435

    477

    505

    517

    606

    641

    635

      Percent of foreign currency deposits at    banks

    222

    229

    209

    204

    213

    220

    219

    217

    213

    210

    208

    (In percent of GDP; unless otherwise indicated)

    Public Sector

                         

    NFPS revenue

    21.8

    25.5

    27

    23.9

    22.7

    23.6

    23.1

    23.1

    23.2

    23.3

    23.4

    NFPS primary expenditure

    29.1

    26.5

    27.1

    25.1

    24.5

    24.4

    23.9

    23.5

    23.3

    23.2

    23.2

    NFPS primary balance

    -7.3

    -1

    -0.1

    -1.2

    -1.8

    -0.7

    -0.8

    -0.4

    -0.1

    0.1

    0.2

    NFPS overall balance

    -8.9

    -2.5

    -1.7

    -2.8

    -3.5

    -2.6

    -2.5

    -2.2

    -2

    -1.8

    -1.7

    NFPS structural balance 5/

    -7

    -3.9

    -2.2

    -2.6

    -3.7

    -2.9

    -2.9

    -2.5

    -2.2

    -1.9

    -1.8

    NFPS structural primary balance 5/

    -5.4

    -2.4

    -0.6

    -0.9

    -1.9

    -1.1

    -1.1

    -0.6

    -0.3

    0

    0.1

    Debt

                       

    Total external debt 6/

    43.7

    46.3

    42.7

    40.3

    38.5

    35.7

    33.8

    31.6

    30.1

    28.8

    27.4

    Gross non-financial public sector debt 7/

    34.9

    36.1

    34

    33

    32.8

    33.7

    34.7

    35.5

    35.9

    35.9

    36

    External

    14.8

    19.4

    17.6

    15.8

    15.5

    15.1

    14.8

    13.7

    13

    12.3

    11.3

    Domestic

    20

    16.7

    16.4

    17.1

    17.3

    18.5

    19.9

    21.8

    23

    23.6

    24.6

    Savings and Investment

                       

    Gross domestic investment

    18.3

    20.8

    21

    17.7

    18.1

    17.9

    18.1

    18.7

    19.1

    19.5

    19.8

    Public sector (incl. repayment certificates)

    4.3

    4.7

    5

    5

    5.3

    5.2

    4.9

    4.9

    4.9

    4.9

    4.9

    Private sector

    16.7

    20.4

    20.2

    17.9

    17.2

    17.1

    16.9

    16.7

    16.6

    16.5

    16.4

    National savings

    19.2

    18.8

    16.9

    18.4

    20.3

    19.6

    19.4

    19.1

    19

    18.7

    18.3

    Public sector

    -3.9

    2.8

    4.3

    3

    2.4

    3.6

    3.2

    3.5

    3.7

    3.9

    4

    Private sector

    23.2

    15.9

    12.6

    15.4

    17.9

    16

    16.2

    15.6

    15.3

    14.8

    14.3

    Memorandum Items

                       

    Nominal GDP (S/. billion)

    722

    878

    937

    1,001

    1,085

    1,136

    1,188

    1,242

    1,299

    1,360

    1,423

    GDP per capita (in US$)

    6,328

    6,849

    7,319

    7,930

    8,485

    8,814

    9,182

    9,505

    9,825

    10,168

    10,529

    Sources: National authorities; UNDP Human Development Indicators; and IMF staff estimates/projections.  

    1/ Defined as the percentage of households with total spending below the cost of a basic consumption basket. 

    2/ Corresponds to depository corporations. 

    3/ Foreign currency stocks are valued at end-of-period exchange rates. 

    4/ Short-term debt is defined on a residual maturity basis and includes amortization of medium and long-term debt. 

    5/ Adjusted by the economic cycle and commodity prices, and for non-structural commodity revenue. The latter uses as equilibrium commodity prices, a moving average estimate that takes 5 years of historical prices and 3 years of forward prices according to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook.  

    6/ Includes local currency debt held by non-residents and excludes global bonds held by residents. 

    7/ Includes repayment certificates and government guaranteed debt. 

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis of discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Jose De Haro

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/09/pr-25186-peru-imf-concludes-2025-art-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen, Senator Markey Reintroduce the Complete Streets Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    House the bill is being co-led by Representatives Jake Auchincloss, Adriano Espaillat, Valerie Foushee and Dina Titus

    WASHINGTON — Representative Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Senator Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today reintroduced the Complete Streets Act, which would transform America’s public roads. The bill would require states to direct a portion of their federal highway funding toward the creation of a Complete Streets Program. A “Complete Street” provides safe and accessible transportation options for children, seniors, and people with disabilities by prioritizing infrastructure for pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit users. The bill would also require that future construction projects on public roads are designed for the safety of all its road users.  

    “In recent years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of pedestrians killed by vehicles, especially in Memphis. Our country is seeing a national safety crisis on our roads. We need streets that can accommodate all means of transportation, from foot traffic and strollers to bicycles, scooters, cars, light trucks and 18-wheelers. The Complete Streets Act will transform communities and make it safer for everyone to make ‘complete’ use of our roadways and adjacent infrastructure,” said Congressman Cohen. 

    “The skyrocketing number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths in our country is a crisis. This moment calls for us to ensure our roads are designed with safety – not speed – as our top priority,” said Senator Markey. “I am grateful for Representative Cohen’s partnership to ensure we prioritize roadway safety and accessibility over a reliance on fast, fossil-fueled vehicles. Let’s build complete streets and complete communities and accelerate into a safer, more accessible future for all.”  

    The Complete Streets Act, is being co-led by Representatives Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, Adriano Espaillat of New York, Valerie Foushee of North Carolina, and Dina Titus of Nevada. It is being cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico. 

    Representative Auchincloss made the following statement:

    “Cities should be built for humans, not cars. Walkable streets are safer, better for business, and more enjoyable for children and families. Promoting walkability should be a bipartisan priority for the next infrastructure bill.”

    Representative Titus made the following statement:

    “Tragically, 2024 was the deadliest year on Clark County roads with almost 300 traffic fatalities. As we work to connect communities through investments in transportation projects, we must also create safe roadways for all motorists and pedestrians. The Complete Streets Act promotes safety, accessibility, and climate-friendly infrastructure while helping communities build safe streets through projects like protected bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks, and more accessible roadway.”

    Representative Foushee made the following statement:

    “Whether by car, bus, bike, or on foot, every person deserves to feel safe while traveling on our roadways. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Complete Streets Act, which will help build safer, more inclusive streets that serve all road users. By investing in our transportation infrastructure, we can give our cities and towns the tools they need to prevent traffic-related injuries and fatalities, reduce emissions, and improve the quality of life for all within our communities.” 

    Representative Espaillat made the following statement:

    “Traffic violence is a public health crisis, and we remain committed to ensuring the highest standards for New Yorkers,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Street safety is critical to the overall health and wellness of our families and communities as we continue to build on the progress made thus far to ensure pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, and drivers are safe during their everyday travels. The Complete Streets Act bolsters our efforts to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents during the planning and development phases of routes throughout our communities.”

     Under the Complete Streets Act, eligible local and regional entities can use funds from their state’s Complete Streets Program for technical assistance and capital funding to build safe street projects such as sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops. The legislation would also phase in a requirement for states to incorporate Complete Streets elements into all new construction and reconstruction. 

    The legislation is endorsed by the National Complete Streets Coalition, Transportation for America, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, GreenLatinos, People for Bikes and the League of American Bicyclists. 

    Senator Markey and Representative Cohen first introduced the Complete Streets Act in 2019. Elements of the Complete Streets Act were incorporated into the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which was signed into law in 2021. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Appointed to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) was appointed to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence today. In his new role, he will be involved in the nation’s approach to a wide variety of threats to national security. In response, he made the following statement:

    “I am keenly aware of how important intelligence is during a time of wars in Gaza and Ukraine and ongoing cyber and other threats from Russia, China and around the world. I appreciate Leader Jeffries’ confidence in placing me on this very important committee.”

    Congressman Cohen, a senior member of the Judiciary Committee and the Ranking Member of the Helsinki Commission, is the first member of the Intelligence Committee from Memphis. Intelligence Committee appointments are unusual in that the Minority Leader, in this case, makes the decision exclusive of any caucus recommendations.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: 5 benefits Africa’s new space agency can deliver

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Scott Firsing, Senior Research Associate, University of South Africa

    The African Space Agency was officially inaugurated in Cairo’s Space City in April 2025. The event marked a milestone in a process that had been in the works since the early 2000s. Drawing inspiration from the European Space Agency, it unites African Union (AU) member states to harness space technology for development. This is in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063, aimed at advancing Africa into a prosperous future.


    Read more: Africa has ambitious goals for 2063: plans for outer space hold the key to success


    The agency’s goal is to:

    • coordinate and implement Africa’s space ambitions by promoting collaboration among the AU’s 55 member states

    • harness space technologies for sustainable development, climate resilience and socio-economic growth

    • oversee the African Space Policy and Strategy to enhance access to space-derived data

    • foster partnerships with international space agencies like the European Space Agency and others.

    Over 20 African countries operate space programmes and more than 65 African satellites have been launched. It is my view as a global space diplomacy expert that the agency can help ensure that Africa isn’t a bystander in the space economy. This sector is projected to be worth US$1.8 trillion by 2035.

    The space agency positions Africa to address pressing challenges and take advantage of opportunities in the global space economy. These include using satellite data, boosting connectivity, driving economic growth, fostering global partnerships and training future leaders.

    Five benefits

    Valuable eyes in the sky

    Space assets, particularly Earth observation satellites, offer a number of advantages. The continent faces significant climate risks like droughts, fires and floods. This is particularly problematic as the agricultural sector is approximately 35% of Africa’s GDP and employs about half of its people across over 1 billion hectares of arable land.

    Satellite data optimises crop yields, supports climate-resilient farming, and enhances sustainable fisheries and port modernisation. Nigeria’s National Space Research and Deveopment Agency, for example, has used satellites like the NigSat-2 to monitor crop health and predict yields.

    Beyond agriculture, satellites assist in project planning in cities across Africa. Kenya uses a satellite to track urban development trends and enhance municipal urban planning capacities.

    Satellites also keep an eye on Africa’s resource-abundant territories while tackling problems like armed conflict, deforestation, and illegal migration and mining.

    The African Space Agency will help provide access to AI-enhanced satellite data. This will enable even nations with constrained resources to tackle local needs. For instance, Côte d’Ivoire’s first locally made satellite, launched in 2024, shows how African nations are building their own capabilities.


    Read more: Côte d’Ivoire is launching its first satellite for Earth observation – and it’s locally made


    By making it easier to share data, the African Space Agency also positions the continent to generate revenue in the global space data market. That fuels innovation.

    Enhancing connectivity and enabling cutting-edge technology

    Africa’s digital divide is stark. Only 38% of its population was online in 2024, compared to the global average of 68%. The African Space Agency aims to bridge this gap through satellite-based communications. This technology can deliver broadband to remote regions where cell towers and undersea cables are impractical.

    Connectivity enables education, e-commerce and telemedicine.

    Satellite services, like those provided by SpaceX’s Starlink in 21 African countries, will drive digital inclusion. In turn this promises to reduce unemployment and help entrepreneurs.

    The African Space Agency is also positioning Africa to embrace new space technologies. Examples include Japan’s 2025 demonstration of beaming solar power from space, following a US achievement in 2023.

    This could revolutionise energy access. Space-based solar power captures solar energy in orbit via satellite and transmits it as microwaves to Earth. This offers a solution to Africa’s energy poverty. It could provide reliable power to remote areas without extensive grid infrastructure.

    The African Space Agency’s role in coordinating satellite launches and data sharing will make these technologies more accessible and cost-effective.

    Driving economic growth and innovation

    Africa’s space sector, now worth over US$20 billion, is growing rapidly. The industry has seen an increase of private companies and investor support, moving beyond sole dependence on government funding. Investment is being fuelled by 327 NewSpace firms, a term used for the new emerging commercial space industry in nations such as Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. These firms often excel in satellite communication, Earth observation and component manufacturing.

    But many African nations lack resources. The agency will lower barriers by fostering collaboration, coordinating national space programmes, and reducing duplication.For example, the African Space Agency’s efforts to streamline satellite development and launches will spur local manufacturing and tech hubs.

    This means that smaller economies will be able to participate.

    Strengthening regional and global connections

    Africa’s space sector relies on partnerships with space agencies and commercial space companies based in the “space powers”. These include the US, Russia, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Israel and the United Arab Emirates. These institutions provide launch services, satellite development and ground stations.

    An example is Senegal’s GaindeSAT-1A, a CubeSat launched in 2024 via America’s SpaceX with French collaboration.

    Meanwhile, countries like South Africa are exploring local rocket programmes to enhance the agency’s self-reliance. Africa’s space ground stations are already located across the continent, supporting the European Space Agency and commercial missions. They will soon host a deep space ground station for America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

    Funding remains a challenge. African nations allocated just US$426 million to space programmes in 2025. That’s less than 1% of global spending. The European Space Agency has an US$8 billion budget.

    However, initiatives like the €100 million Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme (2025–2028) aim to boost Africa’s space sovereignty and innovation.

    The agency’s vision extends beyond Earth, with an eye on the Moon. Some members, notably Angola, Nigeria and Rwanda, have already signed the US-led Artemis Accords for lunar exploration. For their part Egypt and South Africa are collaborating with China and Russia on the International Lunar Research Station.


    Read more: Outer space: Rwanda and Nigeria sign an accord for more responsible exploration – why this matters


    Training the next generation

    A skilled workforce is critical to Africa’s space industry. The Africa Space Agency Space City plans to host a training academy. It will build on Egypt’s programmes in space project management, satellite design, and orbital simulation.

    Partnerships like the Africa-EU programme offer scholarships, while private initiatives, such as the Pathways to Space programme by Boeing and the Future African Space Explorers STEM Academy, engage students in 63 schools in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

    – 5 benefits Africa’s new space agency can deliver
    – https://theconversation.com/5-benefits-africas-new-space-agency-can-deliver-258098

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: 5 benefits Africa’s new space agency can deliver

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Scott Firsing, Senior Research Associate, University of South Africa

    The African Space Agency was officially inaugurated in Cairo’s Space City in April 2025. The event marked a milestone in a process that had been in the works since the early 2000s. Drawing inspiration from the European Space Agency, it unites African Union (AU) member states to harness space technology for development. This is in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063, aimed at advancing Africa into a prosperous future.




    Read more:
    Africa has ambitious goals for 2063: plans for outer space hold the key to success


    The agency’s goal is to:

    • coordinate and implement Africa’s space ambitions by promoting collaboration among the AU’s 55 member states

    • harness space technologies for sustainable development, climate resilience and socio-economic growth

    • oversee the African Space Policy and Strategy to enhance access to space-derived data

    • foster partnerships with international space agencies like the European Space Agency and others.

    Over 20 African countries operate space programmes and more than 65 African satellites have been launched. It is my view as a global space diplomacy expert that the agency can help ensure that Africa isn’t a bystander in the space economy. This sector is projected to be worth US$1.8 trillion by 2035.

    The space agency positions Africa to address pressing challenges and take advantage of opportunities in the global space economy. These include using satellite data, boosting connectivity, driving economic growth, fostering global partnerships and training future leaders.

    Five benefits

    Valuable eyes in the sky

    Space assets, particularly Earth observation satellites, offer a number of advantages. The continent faces significant climate risks like droughts, fires and floods. This is particularly problematic as the agricultural sector is approximately 35% of Africa’s GDP and employs about half of its people across over 1 billion hectares of arable land.

    Satellite data optimises crop yields, supports climate-resilient farming, and enhances sustainable fisheries and port modernisation. Nigeria’s National Space Research and Deveopment Agency, for example, has used satellites like the NigSat-2 to monitor crop health and predict yields.

    Beyond agriculture, satellites assist in project planning in cities across Africa. Kenya uses a satellite to track urban development trends and enhance municipal urban planning capacities.

    Satellites also keep an eye on Africa’s resource-abundant territories while tackling problems like armed conflict, deforestation, and illegal migration and mining.

    The African Space Agency will help provide access to AI-enhanced satellite data. This will enable even nations with constrained resources to tackle local needs. For instance, Côte d’Ivoire’s first locally made satellite, launched in 2024, shows how African nations are building their own capabilities.




    Read more:
    Côte d’Ivoire is launching its first satellite for Earth observation – and it’s locally made


    By making it easier to share data, the African Space Agency also positions the continent to generate revenue in the global space data market. That fuels innovation.

    Enhancing connectivity and enabling cutting-edge technology

    Africa’s digital divide is stark. Only 38% of its population was online in 2024, compared to the global average of 68%. The African Space Agency aims to bridge this gap through satellite-based communications. This technology can deliver broadband to remote regions where cell towers and undersea cables are impractical.

    Connectivity enables education, e-commerce and telemedicine.

    Satellite services, like those provided by SpaceX’s Starlink in 21 African countries, will drive digital inclusion. In turn this promises to reduce unemployment and help entrepreneurs.

    The African Space Agency is also positioning Africa to embrace new space technologies. Examples include Japan’s 2025 demonstration of beaming solar power from space, following a US achievement in 2023.

    This could revolutionise energy access. Space-based solar power captures solar energy in orbit via satellite and transmits it as microwaves to Earth. This offers a solution to Africa’s energy poverty. It could provide reliable power to remote areas without extensive grid infrastructure.

    The African Space Agency’s role in coordinating satellite launches and data sharing will make these technologies more accessible and cost-effective.

    Driving economic growth and innovation

    Africa’s space sector, now worth over US$20 billion, is growing rapidly. The industry has seen an increase of private companies and investor support, moving beyond sole dependence on government funding. Investment is being fuelled by 327 NewSpace firms, a term used for the new emerging commercial space industry in nations such as Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. These firms often excel in satellite communication, Earth observation and component manufacturing.

    But many African nations lack resources. The agency will lower barriers by fostering collaboration, coordinating national space programmes, and reducing duplication.For example, the African Space Agency’s efforts to streamline satellite development and launches will spur local manufacturing and tech hubs.

    This means that smaller economies will be able to participate.

    Strengthening regional and global connections

    Africa’s space sector relies on partnerships with space agencies and commercial space companies based in the “space powers”. These include the US, Russia, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Israel and the United Arab Emirates. These institutions provide launch services, satellite development and ground stations.

    An example is Senegal’s GaindeSAT-1A, a CubeSat launched in 2024 via America’s SpaceX with French collaboration.

    Meanwhile, countries like South Africa are exploring local rocket programmes to enhance the agency’s self-reliance. Africa’s space ground stations are already located across the continent, supporting the European Space Agency and commercial missions. They will soon host a deep space ground station for America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

    Funding remains a challenge. African nations allocated just US$426 million to space programmes in 2025. That’s less than 1% of global spending. The European Space Agency has an US$8 billion budget.

    However, initiatives like the €100 million Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme (2025–2028) aim to boost Africa’s space sovereignty and innovation.

    The agency’s vision extends beyond Earth, with an eye on the Moon. Some members, notably Angola, Nigeria and Rwanda, have already signed the US-led Artemis Accords for lunar exploration. For their part Egypt and South Africa are collaborating with China and Russia on the International Lunar Research Station.




    Read more:
    Outer space: Rwanda and Nigeria sign an accord for more responsible exploration – why this matters


    Training the next generation

    A skilled workforce is critical to Africa’s space industry. The Africa Space Agency Space City plans to host a training academy. It will build on Egypt’s programmes in space project management, satellite design, and orbital simulation.

    Partnerships like the Africa-EU programme offer scholarships, while private initiatives, such as the Pathways to Space programme by Boeing and the Future African Space Explorers STEM Academy, engage students in 63 schools in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

    Scott Firsing does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. 5 benefits Africa’s new space agency can deliver – https://theconversation.com/5-benefits-africas-new-space-agency-can-deliver-258098

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Energy Minister asks NDA to explore clean energy at Moorside

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Energy Minister asks NDA to explore clean energy at Moorside

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks asks the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to explore clean energy at Moorside.

    • Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Cumberland Council to explore clean energy development in Cumbria – protecting billpayers and supporting new jobs as part of government’s Plan for Change
    • Moorside land could be used for range of clean energy projects, from nuclear to solar to wind
    • Builds on Cumbria’s strong nuclear history and decommissioning work at Sellafield – making the region a clean energy powerhouse

    People in Cumbria could benefit from a new jobs and economic growth in Moorside, after Energy Minister Michael Shanks asked the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Cumberland Council to explore the potential for clean energy development on the land.

    The government’s nuclear decommissioning arm, which owns the site adjacent to Sellafield, will work with the local council to explore using the land for clean energy projects – opening up market discussions on privately-backed new nuclear, solar or wind as part of government’s Plan for Change.

    Cumbria has a strong nuclear history and the decommissioning work at Sellafield is a national priority. Any plans for development will consider the requirements of existing major programmes at Sellafield, including plutonium disposition, which will support thousands of skilled jobs and inject billions into Cumbria over the coming decades.

    A new clean energy project could lead to new jobs in the region, while protecting billpayers and boosting the UK’s energy security.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    Unlocking the potential of Moorside for clean energy is a significant step forward in our Plan for Change, supporting skilled jobs, economic growth and energy security in Cumbria and across the UK.

    By working closely with local partners, we can ensure that this historic region continues to lead the way in clean energy innovation, delivering real benefits for communities and protecting billpayers for years to come.

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

    Cumbria has a fantastic nuclear legacy, and opening up this land for development will build on the region’s energy expertise.

    This could lead to new jobs and economic growth in Cumbria, while boosting the nation’s energy security and protecting family finances.

    NDA Group CEO, David Peattie, said:

    Our priority will always be the delivery of our nationally important mission, to safely and securely decommission the UK’s earliest nuclear sites.

    We have unique expertise, resources and assets and we are committed to exploring how we can best utilise these to support wider energy security ambitions and low carbon energy generation.

    That includes looking to identify land not required for our mission, which could be freed up for other uses to deliver benefits to the local community and wider economy.

    Councillor Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said:

    This is great news for West Cumbria, a clean energy development will help grow and diversify our future economy.  

    The council are fully committed to working with the NDA together to understand how we can deliver maximum value and benefit from the land at Moorside for the local community.

    Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said:

    Unlocking this land gives us our best chance at new nuclear since the collapse of NuGen. Now we have the government behind us and an agreement on use of the land we can motor ahead to deliver Pioneer Park at pace.

    I will do everything in my power, working with national government and local partners, to secure West Cumbria’s nuclear future.

    Notes to editors

    There are no plans for waste disposal at Moorside, some land is required for Sellafield’s mission delivery including to enable plutonium disposition. 

    Moorside is one of several sites that has the potential to host future civil nuclear projects, though no decisions have yet been made.

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    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Faculty of Architecture took part in the VIII All-Russian Festival “Architectural Heritage”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Participants of the round table “Preservation and restoration of military memorial complexes and military burials”: Head of the Department for the restoration of cultural heritage sites of the Leningrad Region State Autonomous Cultural Institution “International Restoration Center” Tatyana Afanasyeva; Director of the Leningrad Region State Budgetary Cultural Institution “International Restoration Center “Road of Life” Olga Asanidze; Deputy Chairman of the Leningrad Region Government – Chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Vladimir Tsoi; Nadezhda Akulova; Head of the Directorate for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites of the Leningrad Region Oleg Stepanov

    From June 5 to 7, the VIII All-Russian Festival “Architectural Heritage” was held in Ryazan. The festival is an annual national event with foreign participation, a review of achievements in the field of preserving the architectural and urban heritage of our country.

    SPbGASU was represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Head of the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage Ekaterina Voznyak, Associate Professors of the Department Nadezhda Akulova, Nina Petukhova, Evgeniya Shuvaeva, Alexander Gorshkov, Senior Lecturer of the Department Maria Kolesova. Our teachers acted as moderators, speakers, and active participants in the dialogue.

    The theme of the festival this year was: “The architectural heritage of ancient cities – the cultural code of memory and its role in preserving the spiritual integrity of Russian historical settlements.” Representatives of government bodies, cultural heritage protection bodies, restoration, design and research organizations, experts in the field of architecture, urban planning, restoration took part in the discussion.

    Participants of the round table “Preservation and restoration of military memorial complexes and military burials”: Head of the Department for the restoration of cultural heritage sites of the State Autonomous Cultural Institution of the Leningrad Region “International Restoration Center” Tatyana Afanasyeva; Director of the State Budgetary Cultural Institution of the Leningrad Region “International Restoration Center “Road of Life” Olga Asanidze; Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Leningrad Region – Chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Vladimir Tsoi; Nadezhda Akulova; Head of the Directorate for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites of the Leningrad Region Oleg Stepanov

    Nadezhda Akulova became a speaker at a round table on the topic of “Preservation and restoration of military memorial complexes and military burials”, which is especially relevant in the year of the eightieth anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    “We talked about the importance of preserving the intangible in the tangible. I informed about the final qualification works of the students of our department, in which the concepts of development and preservation of the historical territories of a number of memorial complexes are deeply worked out. I shared the experience of involving students in a team of architects-restorers to prepare design documentation, which was implemented, using the example of the memorial complex “In Memory of Shot Childhood” in the village of Kirkovo, Tosnensky District, Leningrad Region,” said Nadezhda Akulova.

    Another round table in which Nadezhda Aleksandrovna took part was “Recreation of Lost Architectural Monuments: Experience of Recent Years and Prospects.” The teacher introduced the participants of the meeting to the experience of final qualification works on temple architecture and preservation of historical heritage in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.

    “I presented to my colleagues an object that was a shrine and a stronghold of Orthodoxy on the border with Swedish lands – the Makaryevskaya Pustyn monastery, located in the Tosnensky district of the Leningrad region. Currently, comprehensive work is being carried out on the monastery with both students and professionals. In 2030, the monastery will turn 500 years old, it is very important for the return and strengthening of Orthodoxy on this land and the preservation of the spiritual and historical heritage of these territories,” said Nadezhda Akulova.

    Ekaterina Voznyak, as a moderator, conducted a discussion on “Features of the educational process within the framework of the specialty “Reconstruction and restoration of architectural heritage”.

    Evgeniya Shuvaeva held a round table “Preservation of wooden architecture objects. Theoretical recommendations and practical experience”. Experts and teachers discussed theoretical and regulatory aspects of restoration and adaptation of wooden objects, as well as the features of their use.

    Participants of the round table “Preservation of wooden architecture objects”: head of the architectural workshop ARM2 OOO “NIiPI Spetsrestoratsiya” Maria Shapchenko; chief architect for restoration of the architectural bureau “Studio 44” Ilya Sabantsev; deputy director for restoration of the Kizhi Museum-Reserve Yulia Alipova; chief architect of the project of the Project Group “Rieder” Maya Rieder; Evgeniya Shuvaeva

    The Silver Diploma in the nomination “Best Textbook on Architectural Heritage” was awarded to the work “History of Protection and Restoration of Cultural Heritage Sites”, published by SPbGASU. The authors of the textbook are the chief architect of the State Museum-Reserve “Tsarskoye Selo”, a graduate of SPbGASU Maria Ryadova, the first deputy chairperson of KGIOP of St. Petersburg Ekaterina Kozyreva and Evgeniya Shuvaeva.

    According to Nadezhda Akulova, important issues of further development of SPbGASU in the field of architectural restoration were discussed outside the round tables. Together with representatives of the Committee for State Control, Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments, the Union of Restorers of Russia, the Union of Restorers of St. Petersburg, the Russian Association of Restorers, and the chief architect of the Central Scientific Restoration Design Workshops Sergei Kulikov, plans were outlined for the development of professional and federal state educational standards in restoration areas.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 11, 2025
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