NewzIntel.com

Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: DMG Blockchain Solutions Announces Preliminary April Operational Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. (TSX-V: DMGI) (OTCQB: DMGGF) (FRANKFURT: 6AX) (“DMG” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company, today announces its preliminary operational results for April 2025:

    • Bitcoin Mined: 30 BTC (vs 32 BTC in Mar 2025)
    • Hashrate: 1.93 EH/s (vs 1.82 EH/s in Mar 2025)
    • Bitcoin Holdings: 351 BTC (vs 458 BTC in Mar 2025)

    DMG’s April results reflect stable mining operations alongside key strategic investments. The Company mined 30 BTC during the month, slightly down from 32 BTC in March due to increased network difficulty and one day shorter duration. Meanwhile, DMG increased its realized hashrate to 1.93 EH/s, supported by the deployment of additional Bitmain S21+ Hydro miners and has now reached its 2.1 EH/s target, which may be slightly trimmed on an ongoing operational basis, at least through the summer months, to best manage its fleet in a higher ambient temperature environment.

    DMG liquidated a portion of its Bitcoin holdings, reducing its treasury from 458 BTC in March to 351 BTC in April. Proceeds were used mainly to fund the acquisition of 2 megawatts capacity of prefabricated artificial intelligence (AI) data center infrastructure as well to make the first material paydown on its Sygnum Bank loan, which had a $20 million balance at the end of March. These actions mark a significant step in executing DMG’s broader strategy to shift its data center capacity towards AI, while delevering its balance sheet.

    Sheldon Bennett, DMG’s CEO, commented, “We remain focused on advancing our AI strategy while maintaining a cash generating Bitcoin operation. With the purchase of 2 megawatts of AI data center infrastructure, we have made a demonstrative shift to utilize the returns generated from Bitcoin mining to fund our initial AI capital expenditures, which we believe will accelerate our ability to secure off-take agreements. Our focus remains on high-value government and enterprise users seeking sovereign AI solutions for Canada.”

    About DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc.

    DMG is a publicly traded and vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company that manages, operates and develops end-to-end digital solutions to monetize the digital asset and artificial intelligence compute ecosystems. Systemic Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of DMG, is an integral component of DMG’s carbon-neutral Bitcoin ecosystem, which enables financial institutions to move Bitcoin in a sustainable and regulatory-compliant manner.

    For additional information about DMG Blockchain Solutions and its initiatives, please visit www.dmgblockchain.com. Follow @dmgblockchain on X, LinkedIn and Facebook, and subscribe to the DMG YouTube channel to stay updated with the latest developments and insights.

    For further information, please contact:

    On behalf of the Board of Directors,

    Sheldon Bennett, CEO & Director
    Tel: +1 (778) 300-5406
    Email: investors@dmgblockchain.com
    Web: www.dmgblockchain.com

    For Investor Relations:
    investors@dmgblockchain.com

    For Media Inquiries:
    Chantelle Borrelli
    Head of Communications
    chantelle@dmgblockchain.com

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains forward-looking information or statements based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements regarding DMG’s strategies and plans, executing on DMG’s broader strategy to shift its data center capacity towards AI, securing high-value AI off-take agreements, the opportunity and plans to monetize bitcoin transactions and provide additional products and services to customers and users, the continued investment in Bitcoin network software infrastructure and applications, the expected allocation of capital, developing and executing on the Company’s products and services, increasing self-mining, increasing hashrate, efforts to improve the operation of its mining fleet, the potential trimming of self-mining due to higher ambient temperature environment, the launch of products and services, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Company’s technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information.

    Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty rate or Bitcoin hashrate may materially affect the future performance of DMG’s production of bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of bitcoin and an increase in hashrate mining difficulty.

    Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as “may”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe” and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, market and other conditions, volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company, business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition; the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products; regulatory uncertainties; access to equipment; market conditions and the demand and pricing for products; the demand and pricing of bitcoin; the demand and pricing of Gen AI data centers and usage; security threats, including a loss/theft of DMG’s bitcoin; DMG’s relationships with its customers, distributors and business partners; the inability to add more power to DMG’s facilities; DMG’s ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet customers’ needs; the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; competition in the industry; the impact of technology changes on the products and industry; failure to develop new and innovative products; the ability to successfully maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and defend third-party claims of infringement of their intellectual property rights; the impact of intellectual property litigation that could materially and adversely affect the business; the ability to manage working capital; and the dependence on key personnel. DMG may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, the ability to successfully develop software, that there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business, anticipated costs, the ability to secure sufficient capital to complete its business plans, the ability to achieve goals and the price of bitcoin. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The securities of DMG are considered highly speculative due to the nature of DMG’s business. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, DMG’s past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, equipment failures, lack of supply of equipment, power and infrastructure, failure to obtain any permits required to operate the business, the impact of technology changes on the industry, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, secure equipment, and hire personnel, competition, security threats including stolen bitcoin from DMG or its customers, consumer sentiment towards DMG’s products, services and blockchain and Gen AI technology generally, failure to develop new and innovative products, litigation, adverse weather or climate events, increase in operating costs, increase in equipment and labor costs, equipment failures, decrease in the price of Bitcoin, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of or statements made by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Daily progress for Thursday, 10 April 2025

    Source:

    Order Paper for Thursday, 10 April 2025

    2.00pm

    Business statement

    Hon Chris Bishop, Leader of the House, made a statement about the business of the House for the sitting week commencing on Tuesday, 6 May 2025.

    Government motion

    A motion acknowledging Claire Trevett’s service in the Press Gallery was agreed to. 

    Introduction of bills

    The following bills were introduced:

    Oral questions

    Twelve questions to Ministers were answered. 

    Government Business

    The second reading of the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill was not agreed to.

    The Medicines Amendment Bill was read a first time and referred to the Health Committee to be reported by 4 months and 1 day after the bill received its first reading.

    The United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill was read a first time and referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee.

    The report of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, International treaty examination of the NZ – UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and Agreement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on the Promotion and Protection of Investments, was noted.

    The debate on the first reading of the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2) was interrupted with 10 speeches remaining.

    Adjournment 

    At 6.00pm the House adjourned.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why Zelensky – not Trump – may have ‘won’ the US-Ukraine minerals deal

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Eve Warburton, Research Fellow, Department of Political and Social Change, and Director, Indonesia Institute, Australian National University

    Last week, the Trump administration signed a deal with Ukraine that gives it privileged access to Ukraine’s natural resources.

    Some news outlets described the deal as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “caving” to US President Donald Trump’s demands.

    But we see the agreement as the result of clever bargaining on the part of Ukraine’s war-time president.

    So, what does the deal mean for Ukraine? And will this be help strengthen America’s mineral supply chains?

    Ukraine’s natural resource wealth

    Ukraine is home to 5% of the world’s critical mineral wealth, including 22 of the 34 minerals identified by the European Union as vital for defence, construction and high-tech manufacturing.

    However, there’s a big difference between resources (what’s in the ground) and reserves (what can be commercially exploited). Ukraine’s proven mineral reserves are limited.

    Further, Ukraine has an estimated mineral wealth of around US$14.8 trillion (A$23 trillion), but more than half of this is in territories currently occupied by Russia.

    What does the new deal mean for Ukraine?

    American support for overseas conflict is usually about securing US economic interests — often in the form of resource exploitation. From the Middle East to Asia, US interventions abroad have enabled access for American firms to other countries’ oil, gas and minerals.

    But the first iteration of the Ukraine mineral deal, which Zelensky rejected in February, had been an especially brazen resource grab by Trump’s government. It required Ukraine to cede sovereignty over its land and resources to one country (the US), in order to defend itself from attacks by another (Russia).

    These terms were highly exploitative of a country fighting against a years-long military occupation. In addition, they violated Ukraine’s constitution, which puts the ownership of Ukraine’s natural resources in the hands of the Ukrainian people. Were Zelensky to accept this, he would have faced a tremendous backlash from the public.

    In comparison, the new deal sounds like a strategic and (potentially) commercial win for Ukraine.

    First, this agreement is more just, and it’s aligned with Ukraine’s short- and medium-term interests. Zelenksy describes it as an “equal partnership” that will modernise Ukraine.

    Under the terms, Ukraine will set up a United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund for foreign investments into the country’s economy, which will be jointly governed by both countries.

    Ukraine will contribute 50% of the income from royalties and licenses to develop critical minerals, oil and gas reserves, while the US can make its contributions in-kind, such as through military assistance or technology transfers.

    Ukraine maintains ownership over its natural resources and state enterprises. And the licensing agreements will not require substantial changes to the country’s laws, or disrupt its future integration with Europe.

    Importantly, there is no mention of retroactive debts for the US military assistance already received by Ukraine. This would have created a dangerous precedent, allowing other nations to seek to claim similar debts from Ukraine.

    Finally, the deal also signals the Trump administration’s commitment to “a free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine” – albeit, still without any security guarantees.

    Profits may be a long time coming

    Unsurprisingly, the Trump administration and conservative media in the US are framing the deal as a win.

    For too long, Trump argues, Ukraine has enjoyed US taxpayer-funded military assistance, and such assistance now has a price tag. The administration has described the deal to Americans as a profit-making endeavour that can recoup monies spent defending Ukrainian interests.

    But in reality, profits are a long way off.

    The terms of the agreement clearly state the fund’s investment will be directed at new resource projects. Existing operations and state-owned projects will fall outside the terms of the agreement.

    Mining projects typically work within long time frames. The move from exploration to production is a slow, high-risk and enormously expensive process. It can often take over a decade.

    Add to this complexity the fact that some experts are sceptical Ukraine even has enormously valuable reserves. And to bring any promising deposits to market will require major investments.

    What’s perhaps more important

    It’s possible, however, that profits are a secondary calculation for the US. Boxing out China is likely to be as – if not more – important.

    Like other Western nations, the US is desperate to diversify its critical mineral supply chains.

    China controls not just a large proportion of the world’s known rare earths deposits, it also has a monopoly on the processing of most critical minerals used in green energy and defence technologies.

    The US fears China will weaponise its market dominance against strategic rivals. This is why Western governments increasingly make mineral supply chain resilience central to their foreign policy and defence strategies.

    Given Beijing’s closeness to Moscow and their deepening cooperation on natural resources, the US-Ukraine deal may prevent Russia — and, by extension, China — from accessing Ukrainian minerals. The terms of the agreement are explicit: “states and persons who have acted adversely towards Ukraine must not benefit from its reconstruction”.

    Finally, the performance of “the deal” matters just as much to Trump. Getting Zelensky to sign on the dotted line is progress in itself, plays well to Trump’s base at home, and puts pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to the table.

    So, the deal is a win for Zelensky because it gives the US a stake in an independent Ukraine. But even if Ukraine’s critical mineral reserves turn out to be less valuable than expected, it may not matter to Trump.

    Eve Warburton receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Westpac Scholars Trust.

    Olga Boichak is a director of the Foundation of Ukrainian Studies in Australia. She receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Westpac Scholars Trust.

    – ref. Why Zelensky – not Trump – may have ‘won’ the US-Ukraine minerals deal – https://theconversation.com/why-zelensky-not-trump-may-have-won-the-us-ukraine-minerals-deal-255875

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Colleagues Demand DOJ Reverse Cancellation of Hundreds of Public Safety Grants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    05.05.25
    Cantwell, Colleagues Demand DOJ Reverse Cancellation of Hundreds of Public Safety Grants
    Trump Administration seeks to cut $55 million in grant funding for six Washington state public safety programs
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined nearly 30 Democratic senators in sending a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) urging Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen Henneberg to reverse the abrupt cancellation of hundreds of public safety grants that serve crime victims and improve public safety in communities across the country. The Trump Administration is attempting to cut grant funding for 365 programs nationwide, including cutting $55 million in grant funding for six Washington state public safety and victim service programs. The letter also instructs DOJ to provide information about its decision to cancel the grants. 
    “On April 22, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) notified hundreds of grant recipients across the country, without warning, that their funding had been terminated, effective immediately. Many of these grants are authorized by Congress and support programs that have enhanced public safety in communities rural and urban, affluent and poor, Democratic and Republican. While this Administration continues to market itself as the  administration of law and order and public safety, DOJ has decided to defund programs that  prosecutors, police and sheriff’s departments, judges, mental health service providers,  academics, and more depend on to advance the Department’s longstanding ‘core mission of  keeping Americans safe and vigorously enforcing the law,’” the Senators wrote. 
    “Based on public reporting, outreach from grantees, and a DOJ Justice Management Division (JMD) spreadsheet (Encl. 1), it appears that the Department defunded at least 365 public safety grants on April 22, 2025. A review of this information reveals that these grants provide support for victims of crime and resources for communities to ensure public safety,” the Senators continued.
    For example, with these grant terminations, the Department has defunded programs that support victims of crime, combat rape in prison, assist people with mental health disorders, reduce and prevent violence, and support successful reentry. These examples offer only a sample of the critical funding that DOJ abruptly terminated. In Washington state, DOJ cancelled six grants totaling over $55 million. These grants included:
    Three awards worth over $48 million to the National CASA Association to train court appointed special advocates (CASA) who represent abused and neglected children in legal proceedings.
    Two awards totaling $6 million to the Children and Youth Justice Center to prevent violent crime by creating on-the-ground partnerships with community members, law enforcement, victim service providers, and other local stakeholders.
    One award worth $250,000 to the Washington State Department of Corrections to reduce sexual abuse in state correctional facilities.
    “The magnitude of these defunding measures, Congress’ role in authorizing and appropriating grant funds, and the negative impacts that the sudden termination of funding will have on public safety in communities across the country, requires the immediate review of the processes and decisions that led to the cancellation of these critical grants,” the Senators wrote.
    The Senators requested answers to nine questions about the cancellations, including whether the Department has reallocated the money to other programs and how officials determined which grants should be cancelled. 
    A DOJ JMD spreadsheet lists 365 grants totaling $811 million that were terminated on April 22.
    Does this spreadsheet represent the entire universe of grants that were terminated?  
    Are there grants that were terminated that are not reflected on the list? If so, provide the information in every column for these grants. 
    Which grants that were terminated on April 22 have since been restored? For each grant restored, please provide the reason for its restoration.  
    How were the grants that were terminated chosen? What were the factors  considered in making the determination to terminate? Where the affected grantees were state or local jurisdictions, did the political party of state or local officials in  those jurisdictions influence the determination to terminate? 
    Were there entire categories of grants that were terminated? If so, provide the  categories.  
    What is the legal basis for terminating grant funds that are statutorily required? 
    Has DOJ reallocated the funds it rescinded on April 22? Provide any specific  programs or purposes to which these funds will be reallocated. 
    Will DOJ terminate any more grants, from any of its funding components, that have been obligated or are in cycle? If so, provide the grant-making component and the grants that will be terminated or are under consideration to be terminated.  
    Was former Tesla employee turned-DOGE staffer Tarak Makecha solely responsible for selecting which grants to terminate? Provide the names of all individuals within DOJ who reviewed or approved the cancellation of the grants.  
    Did any White House officials review the grants to be terminated or otherwise have any involvement in the decision to terminate the grants? Provide their names.
    “Additionally, we advise that the Department restore immediately the grants terminated on April 22. The cursory termination of these programs imperils the public safety of the victims and communities that rely on these critical resources,” the Senators concluded.
    The letter was led by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and is cosigned by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Chris Murphy (D-CT). 
    The full text of the letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government turns back clock on pay equity for teachers

    Source: Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)

    “This claim has followed a robust and agreed process between all parties,” said PPTA Te Wehengarua President Chris Abercrombie.

    “We’ve conducted more than 300 interviews with teachers and comparator roles across the sector, using a consistent, agreed-upon tool to gather data. That evidence has been through consultation with both teachers and principals. To have the Government now walk away from that work is nothing short of disgraceful.”

    The Government’s announcement comes with no attempt to engage in a fair public process. “The Minister’s decision to bypass the select committee stage shows a lack of confidence in the public’s response. This Government knows New Zealanders value fairness—and it’s clearly afraid to face the backlash.”
    Chris Abercrombie said the move sends a disturbing signal in the lead-up to teacher collective negotiations. “This Government has made a choice—a deliberate choice not to value work that is predominantly done by women. It’s a message to teachers, many of whom engaged in the claim process in good faith, that their contribution doesn’t count. It feels like we’ve been sent back to the 1950s.
    “The integrity of the pay equity process is now being undermined by political interference. Every step in this process has met legal and procedural standards, and was conducted in good faith under an agreement with previous governments.
    “This isn’t just about teachers. This is about whether Aotearoa New Zealand is committed to addressing the historical undervaluation of women’s work. This decision breaks faith with that commitment.”
    Chris Abercrombie said the implications would be felt beyond the pay equity process. “At a time of ongoing teacher shortages, this sends the worst possible message about how we treat and retain our workforce. It’s also a blow to the trust teachers have in a process that was supposed to deliver justice and fairness. Our members are rightly angry.
    “When delivering last year’s budget and its completely unaffordable tax cuts, the Finance Minister said that her coalition government represented ‘the parties of the worker.’ 

    “No Government that was for the worker would treat this pay equity process – a process which goes to the heart of treating workers fairly – with such contempt. It’s mean-spirited, unfair and just plain wrong.”

    Last modified on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 12:43

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Request Biden White House and NARA Records on Politically-Motivated Investigations into President Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are calling on the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to release all government records demonstrating the Biden administration’s role in advancing investigations into then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. The senators are also opening an inquiry into NARA and its Inspector General’s role in those investigations.  
    The chairmen requested:
    All records between or among Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI and Biden White House officials referring or relating to President Trump’s election interference case, that began as the Arctic Frost investigation and ultimately became part of Jack Smith’s elector case. 
    All records between or among DOJ, FBI and Biden White House officials referring or relating to the investigation into President Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified information.
    All NARA records, including the NARA Office of Inspector General, referring, or relating to the Arctic Frost and the classified document investigation. 
    Read their full letter to NARA here. 
    Previous Arctic Frost oversight:
    April 9, 2025: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Release Additional Arctic Frost Records Detailing Sweeping Anti-Trump Investigation
    March 14, 2025: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Release Records Showing FBI Obtained Trump, Pence Cell Phones, Conducted Sweeping Interviews to Advance Anti-Trump Arctic Frost Investigation
    February 25, 2025: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Call for Investigation into Potential Criminal Leaks, Violations of FBI Information Sharing Policies
    January 30, 2025: Sens. Johnson, Grassley Make Public Whistleblower Records Revealing DOJ and FBI Plot to Pin Trump in Jack Smith Elector Case  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Department of Justice Announces Civil Rights Investigation into the Consideration of Race in Prosecutorial Decision making by Minnesota’s Hennepin County

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: U.S. Department of Justice Announces Civil Rights Investigation into the Consideration of Race in Prosecutorial Decision making by Minnesota’s Hennepin County

    Under our Constitution, no government may distribute different burdens or benefits on the basis of race without facing strict judicial scrutiny. This is especially true in the criminal justice system. Any attempt to subject Americans to different punishments or penalties based on race violates the Constitution and a number of federal civil rights laws.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Tuesday, 6 May 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    80 Border Regions’ instrument for development and growth (BRIDGEforEU)
    Sandro Gozi (A10-0058/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 81 Amending Regulation (EU) 2016/1011 as regards the scope of the rules for benchmarks, the use in the Union of benchmarks provided by an administrator located in a third country, and certain reporting requirements
    Jonás Fernández (A10-0060/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 82 European Union labour market statistics on businesses
    Irene Tinagli (A10-0057/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 60 Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers: application EGF/2024/003 BE/Van Hool – Belgium
    Janusz Lewandowski (A10-0080/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 41 Protection of the European Union’s financial interests – combating fraud – annual report 2023
    Gilles Boyer (A10-0049/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 40 Control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2023
    Ondřej Knotek (A10-0068/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 20 A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world
    Siegfried Mureşan, Carla Tavares (A10-0076/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00     – Joint alternative motions for resolutions Friday, 2 May 2025, 10:00 66 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Commission, executive agencies and European Development Funds
    Niclas Herbst (A10-0074/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 68 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Council and Council
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0052/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 69 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Court of Justice of the European Union
    Cristian Terheş (A10-0050/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 70 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Court of Auditors
    Dick Erixon (A10-0047/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 71 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Economic and Social Committee
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0054/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 72 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Committee of the Regions
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0046/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 73 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Ombudsman
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0055/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 74 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Data Protection Supervisor
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0053/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 75 Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European External Action Service
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0069/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 76 Discharge 2023: European Public Prosecutor’s Office
    Tomáš Zdechovský (A10-0051/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 77 Discharge 2023: Agencies
    Erik Marquardt (A10-0065/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 78 Discharge 2023: Joint Undertakings
    Michal Wiezik (A10-0056/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 39 The European Water Resilience Strategy
    Thomas Bajada (A10-0073/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 43 2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye
    Nacho Sánchez Amor (A10-0067/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00 102 2023 and 2024 reports on Serbia
    Tonino Picula (A10-0072/2025)      – Amendments Friday, 2 May 2025, 12:00 104 2023 and 2024 reports on Kosovo
    Riho Terras (A10-0075/2025)      – Amendments Friday, 2 May 2025, 12:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 2 May 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 5 May 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 6 May 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Monday, 5 May 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    41 Protection of the European Union’s financial interests – combating fraud – annual report 2023
    Gilles Boyer (A10-0049/2025) 
        – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00
    40 Control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2023
    Ondřej Knotek (A10-0068/2025) 
        – Amendments Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 13:00
    Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 2 May 2025, 12:00
    Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 5 May 2025, 19:00
    Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 6 May 2025, 19:00
    Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Absorption of Recovery and Resilience Facility funds by Greece – E-000948/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Recovery and Resilience Facility[1] (RRF) supports 103 investments and 76 reforms in Greece as set out in a national plan (Greece 2.0) submitted by the Greek authorities to the Commission.

    Disbursement of funds is based on satisfactory fulfilment of related milestones and targets following an assessment carried out by the Commission[2].

    This assessment concerns the fulfilment of the requirements set out in the Council Implementing Decision[3] and verification is based on related evidence submitted by the Greek authorities (e.g. adoption of a law).

    So far, 51% of RRF funds has been disbursed to Greece, and following the recent endorsement by the Commission of the fifth payment request for EUR 3.1 billion, total disbursements to the country will reach 59% in the next months.

    The Greek authorities have adopted measures to facilitate the smooth implementation of the plan and boost administrative capacity, including through the establishment of a dedicated agency (EYSTA) that is part of the Greek Ministry of Economy and Finance.

    In the Council’s country-specific recommendations to Greece of July 2024[4], Greece is further recommended to strengthen administrative capacity to manage EU funds, including RRF funds, accelerate investments, and maintain momentum in the implementation of reforms.

    Greece is notably recommended to address challenges related to: (i) lengthy litigation processes in public procurement procedures that risk causing delays in investments; (ii) slow transfer of property rights; and (iii) weak coordination among Ministries.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/803810c9-c307-412e-8e9e-238ae6e76734_en?filename=COM_2024_591_1_EN_annexe_proposition_cp_part1_v4.pdf
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/96abbf09-3934-40a6-b234-f60c93928a87_en?filename=com_2024_608_1_en.pdf
    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Support for the 100 climate-neutral cities under the Green Deal – E-000580/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In Greece there is a momentum for the EU Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission[1]; of the six Greek cities selected for the Cities Mission, five have already received the Mission Label.

    These cities established the ‘Climanet’ network, and the Greek Government announced EUR 20 million to be allocated to these cities for the preparation of studies and the financing of projects[2].

    At European level, 53 Cities have so far been awarded with a Mission Label. A further 33 Climate City Contracts are now under review. 80 more cities have joined the Twinning Learning Programme[3] to replicate good practices: nine are Greek cities[4].

    The Climate City Capital Hub[5], launched in June 2024, helps labelled cities[6] to get projects ready for investment. It offers advice on financing solutions, in cooperation with existing advisory services, such as those offered by the European Investment Bank (EIB), and puts cities in touch with investors.

    Through the ‘Enabling City Transformation Programme’ under Horizon Europe, EUR 21 million were secured in 2024 to deploy advisory services of the EIB[7]. In addition, the EIB ringfenced a lending envelope of EUR 2 billion for the labelled cities to support the implementation of their decarbonisation strategies.

    Greek Mission cities will also receive support from EU Cohesion Policy and, in line with the European Regional Development Fund/Cohesion Fund Regulation[8], they are implementing their sustainable urban development strategies, to support energy efficiency, climate adaptation, smart cities and green transport projects.

    Finally, EU actions, such as the Covenant of Mayors[9], the Green City Accord[10], the European Urban Initiative[11], the URBACT IV programme[12] and others, support cities in capacity-building and knowledge exchange.

    • [1] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/climate-neutral-and-smart-cities_en
    • [2] https://2030.ioannina.gr/?page_id=1121
    • [3] https://netzerocities.eu/twinning-learning-programme/
    • [4] These are Penteli, Palaio Faliro, Mytilene and Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni (selected for Cohort 1); Chalkida and Chios (in Cohort 2); Fyli, Heraklion and Larisa (in Cohort 3).
    • [5] https://netzerocities.eu/capital-hub/
    • [6] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/document/942e747e-3ccf-4121-a973-9cc8032fc421_en
    • [7] Including European Local ENergy Assistance (https://www.eib.org/en/products/advisory-services/elena/index)
      and the InvestEU Advisory Hub (https://investeu.europa.eu/investeu-programme/investeu-advisory-hub_en).
    • [8]  OJ L231, 30/06/2021, Article 11.
    • [9] https://eu-mayors.ec.europa.eu/en/home
    • [10] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/urban-environment/green-city-accord_en
    • [11] https://www.urban-initiative.eu/
    • [12] https://urbact.eu/

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Total funding to Türkiye – E-001586/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001586/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    Türkiye has been funded mainly through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). From 2002-2022, Türkiye received more than €9 billion, with the objectives of ‘supporting political reforms, strengthening civil society, protecting the environment and promoting regional development and the rule of law’.

    During the first IPA programming period (2007–2013), Türkiye received around €4.8 billion. In the second phase (2014–2020), €4.5 billion was approved, but part of this was ‘frozen’ due to events following the ‘2016 coup’. From 2021 onwards, funding continued under supposedly stricter conditions and supposedly increased oversight.

    The EU has also provided funding for ‘humanitarian programmes for Syrian refugees in Türkiye, through the Facility for Refugees in Türkiye’, amounting to over €6 billion since 2016 to date.

    In total, Türkiye has received over €18 billion from the EU through these two main mechanisms. In addition, the European Investment Bank has provided Türkiye with loans of €29.3 billion for 278 projects from 1987 to 2018, further strengthening the EU’s financial support to the country.

    Can the Commission, in terms of the value of the euro today, calculate the total amount of grants, technical assistance and soft loans to Türkiye?

    Submitted: 21.4.2025

    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Beneficiaries and amounts invested under the MediaInvest instrument? – E-000858/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    MediaInvest[1], a part of the InvestEU[2] programme, is a dedicated equity investment vehicle aimed at stimulating private investment in the audiovisual and gaming sectors. It is implemented by the European Investment Fund[3] (EIF) on behalf of the Commission.

    To date, the EIF has signed four deals under MediaInvest ( Logical Content Ventures (France), focusing on content production; Behold Ventures (Sweden) focusing on video games sector; IPR.VC (Finland) focusing on European films and TV series; Together S.L.P (France), focusing on audiovisual small and medium enterprises).

    The EIF publishes once a year on its website a list of (i) financial intermediaries[4] being supported via InvestEU, including MediaInvest; and (ii) final beneficiaries[5] that have received financial support via InvestEU for an amount of at least EUR 500 000.

    As announced in the communication ‘The Road to the next multiannual financial framework’[6], the Commission intends to present its proposal for the next multiannual financial framework in July 2025.

    InvestEU aim at ensuring that financial intermediaries commit to invest a minimum amount into EU eligible companies. In addition, MediaInvest requires that a significant percentage of the investments targets audiovisual projects based in the EU.

    • [1] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/mediainvest
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM:4516649
    • [3] eif.org/index.htm
    • [4] www.eif.org
    • [5] https://www.eif.org/InvestEU/equity_products/ieu-equity-visibility-report-final-recipients.pdf
    • [6] COM(2025) 46 final.
    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Choosing economic cooperation with Türkiye without clear political conditions goes against European values – E-001678/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001678/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Kefalogiannis (PPE)

    Choosing economic cooperation with Türkiye without clear political conditions goes against European values, putting the credibility of the Union at risk.

    The ‘High-Level Economic Dialogue’ between the EU and Türkiye, held under the auspices of the Commission with the participation of the Turkish Minister of Finance, raises questions about the EU’s consistency. The dialogue, the first since 2019, is taking place at a time when Türkiye is stepping up attacks on press freedom and the persecution of mayors and others.

    The EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee has decided to postpone the meeting in Ankara and, despite the correct decision of the Commissioner for Enlargement to cancel her participation in the diplomatic forum in Antalya and her participation in the Parliamentary Committee, the EU – by way of its decision to co-organise the economic dialogue – is raising questions about the consistency of its approach towards Türkiye. The EU must ensure that economic relations with Türkiye do not undermine its unwavering commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.

    The Commission is therefore asked:

    • 1.What criteria were taken into account for the resumption of the economic dialogue?
    • 2.How is it ensured that the resumption of EU-Türkiye economic relations is not perceived by Türkiye as a reward for its authoritarian policies?

    Submitted: 25.4.2025

    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Funding, payments and learner fees – Youth Guarantee

    Source:

    For the full requirements, see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year.
    Funding mechanism
    The Minister responsible for tertiary education issues the YG funding mechanism. The funding mechanism outlines the general form and essential components of the fund. It provides the mandate for the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to allocate the funding and what the funding can be used for, and details how we administer the fund.
    Funding is agreed through a tertiary education organisation’s (TEO’s) Investment Plan. For more information see Plan guidance and toolkit.
    A TEO that receives YG funding is required to:

    The overall amount of YG funding available is set through the Government’s annual budget process. We determine the appropriate amount of YG funding for a TEO through the annual investment process and in-year additional funding requests (if available). 
    Funding allocation and payments
    Funding allocations, including any amendments, are available through the My Allocations and Payments app on Ngā Kete.
    YG funding is paid in equal monthly instalments.
    After each Single Data Return (SDR) submission we pay (and recover) Youth Guarantee Exceptional Circumstances Travel Assistance funding.
    For the calculation of indicative allocations see the methodology from the relevant year. The most recent information is at the top.
    For more details regarding your specific allocation, please contact customerservice@tec.govt.nz or your Relationship Manager.
    Funding rates
    There are two funding rates for all YG provision – the trades and non-trades rates per EFTS.
    The trades funding rate applies to trades provision at Levels 2 and 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
    The non-trades rate applies to all other provision at Levels 1 to 3 on the NZQCF.
    This page provides information on the YG funding rates.
    Funding wash-ups
    For the calculation of funding wash-ups see the methodology and technical specifications from the relevant year.
    Premium allocation
    We will allocate the 50% funding premium for the Level 1 and 2 programmes in your Level 1 and 2 commitment
    We will allocate the YG premium based on your Level 1 and 2 commitments in your YG Mix of Provision (MoP).
    We will calculate your final delivery against your total YG allocation, including the Level 1 and 2 premium and recovery if you were overpaid.
    We will adjust your premium allocation, if required, due to other significant Plan changes
    Significant Plan changes during the year may affect the amount of Level 1 and 2 premium required, for example if we have agreed a change in the total allocated, or there is a change in the distribution of your commitments within the allocation. If necessary, we will recalculate and adjust your premium allocation.
    We will carefully review your submitted MoP to ensure we allocate the correct amount
    We will monitor closely to ensure you allocate accurately as agreed with TEC in your MoP. This includes any changes agreed within the year. We will only accept and approve the MoP if the commitment is within the MoP tolerance (tolerance value identified in MoP instructions tab), and the distribution of the funding is in line with what was agreed and approved by the TEC. MoPs must be submitted in a timely matter.
    We will take into account previous delivery patterns, and any specific agreements you have with us regarding changes to your MoP.
    Wellbeing and pathways support subsidy
    The wellbeing and pathways support subsidy is intended to fund a range of services tailored to the needs of individual learners. This may include:

    career planning and advice
    specific cultural and learning support that is easy for the learner to access
    an orientation programme that informs learners about access to financial assistance
    extra-curricular activities
    regular activities with other YG learners
    building workplace connections, and/or

    From 2023, TEOs are expected to work with learners and their whānau to develop a pathway plan to map “where to from here”. The plan should support each learner’s needs to move to further study and/or employment. For more information on what should be included in the pathway plan refer to the YG funding conditions
    We will allocate the wellbeing and pathways support allocation based on your total EFTS commitment in your MoP
    We will calculate and pay the subsidy separately to your other YG funding.
    We will not recover any of the subsidy where under-delivery occurs.
    We will pay the subsidy on all eligible Flexible Funding over-delivery (up to 102% of your allocation) based on your December SDR reporting.
    We will adjust your wellbeing and pathways support allocation, if required, due to other significant Plan changes
    Significant Plan changes during the year may affect the amount of wellbeing and pathways support allocation you are entitled to, for example if we have agreed a change in the total allocated. If necessary, we will recalculate and adjust your wellbeing and pathways support allocation.
    Travel assistance funding
    For the full travel assistance funding requirements, see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year.
    Travel assistance funding must only be used to pay for the actual cost of transport. We expect TEOs to take an “actual and reasonable” approach to the reimbursement of learner travel costs. This means if a learner uses:

    public transport, the reimbursement of the student must be based on the appropriate concession rate, or
    private transport, where suitable public transport is not available, a reasonable reimbursement rate should be established by the TEO on a case-by-case basis.

    If the TEO supplies the transport, the cost of the travel must not exceed 80 cents per kilometre travelled.
    Travel assistance funding that is paid directly to a learner must only be used to cover or reimburse costs associated with travel to and from the YG course.
    Records
    The TEO must keep records of all learner travel expenses and TEO reimbursements to learners.
    If the TEO supplies transport to learners, it must keep records of travel expenses. All travel records are to be made available to us on request. Records must include:

    a daily travel logbook that sets out the kilometres travelled in relation to each learner, and
    the source of funding for each learner’s enrolment at the TEO (for example, whether the learner is enrolled in a YG funded programme or otherwise).

    Inland Revenue
    If the TEO supplies transport, the TEO must keep records of travel expenses in line with Inland Revenue requirements.
    There may be tax implications in the way that travel reimbursements are administered. Contact Inland Revenue directly for further information.
    When reimbursing learners for travel, in general, TEOs are not able to claim GST input tax on this cost because the payments are made to individuals who are not registered for GST. GST input tax can only be claimed if the TEO has incurred the cost itself and can produce a GST invoice in support of the claim.
    Travel subsidy
    The travel assistance subsidy is expected to adequately meet the costs associated with normal learner travel needs.
    As the travel subsidy is allocated per EFTS, the TEO may cross-subsidise by using more than the per EFTS rate for some learners (ie, where they have particularly high travel expenses), and less than the per EFTS rate for others (where they do not require the full amount).
    The TEO must reimburse each learner within a reasonable time after they have incurred the cost.
    Exceptional Circumstances Transport Assistance funding
    Exceptional Circumstances Transport Assistance (ECTA) funding is to provide additional transport assistance to learners who live in relatively isolated areas who may have higher transport needs.
    For the full exceptional circumstances transport assistance funding requirements, see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year.
    ECTA funding is based on EFTS delivered, and the rural isolation of the site where the delivery took place. The rural isolation of TEOs’ delivery sites uses a classification system developed by Statistics New Zealand. 
    Based on the urban/rural classification we provide a “top-up” payment per YG EFTS at each delivery site as reported in each SDR submission.
    Funding calculation
    Disaggregated courses must add up to the total credit value of the qualification, but unlike Delivery Qualification (DQ) funding, Youth Guarantee is not funded at the course level.
    For a trades programme at Levels 2 and 3 the funding calculation is: trades rate per EFTS x programme EFTS value. Trades programmes include NCEA where at least 50% of the courses are classified under Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) and above on the NZQCF delivery classification codes – alphabetic and numeric – as C1, L1, or P1. 
    For a non-trades programmes the funding calculation is: non-trades rate per EFTS x programme EFTS value. Non-trade programmes include NCEA where less than 50% of the courses are classified as trades courses.
    Specifically, we calculate a TEO’s consumed funding using:

    the number of valid domestic student enrolments, measured by equivalent full-time students (EFTS), and
    the programmes, and their component courses, in which a valid domestic student is enrolled.

    To calculate a TEO’s consumed Youth Guarantee funding, we use the following elements:

    the metric (EFTS value)
    delivery classification
    funding category (trades/non-trades, which may also depend on level on the NZQCF), and
    funding rate. 

    Example only (rates may differ depending on year):

    Step

    Funding calculation 

    Example

    1

    Assign the programme an EFTS value

    A TEO’s NZ2104 New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage (Level 3) obtained through half a year of academic year study has a value of 0.5 EFTS.
    Note: We use 120 credits per EFTS for all programmes in STEO.

    2

    Assign the programme a funding rate

    This is determined in conjunction with us. The rate will be trade or non-trade, depending on whether the majority of course EFTS are trades or non-trades.

    3

    Disaggregate the programme into courses
    Calculate the EFTS factor of each course (Note: We use 120 credits per EFTS for all courses in STEO)
    Classify the courses

    The programme is disaggregated into three courses.
    Each course has an EFTS factor of 0.1667 EFTS.
    The subject matter of these courses is classified as #22 (Trades) in the Delivery Classification Guide.

    4

    Apply the funding category

    Refer to Funding category (CATEGORY) under information about courses:
    The funding category alphabetic code is used to determine the category of the course as P (Trades #22).
    The funding category numeric code is used to determine the category of the course as 1 (non-degree course with no research requirement, including certificates and diplomas). 

    5

    Apply funding rates

    The funding rate for provision towards a trade programme, including transport subsidy, is $14,981 per EFTS, plus $2,000 per EFTS wellbeing and pathways support subsidy.

    6

    Multiply the funding rate by the number of valid enrolments

    For 10 students on each of the 3 courses, each course attracts Youth Guarantee funding of $28,307.33 (excl. GST) calculated as (0.1667 x $14,981 x 10 = $24,973.33) + (0.1667 x $2,000 x 10 = $3,334.00).
    This means the programme attracts $84,921.99 funding if 10 students enrol in each of the 3 programme courses.
    Note: From 2023, for Level 1 and 2 programmes, we pay a 50% premium in addition to each EFTS reported in your Single Data Return (SDR). This is to acknowledge our YG definition of an EFTS being 80 credits for Level 1 and 2 programme delivery.

    Calculating funding for Level 1 and 2 provision
    From 2023 onwards, we recognise that 80 credits is a full-time, full-year workload for a learner enrolled in a Level 1 or 2 Youth Guarantee programme (or programmes) (one EFTS).
    As a result TEOs will receive 50% more funding for delivery of EFTS towards Level 1 and 2 programmes.
    The amount paid will be determined by the volume of Levels 1–3 course enrolment EFTS that lead towards Level 1 and 2 Youth Guarantee qualifications, as reported in the SDR.
    We will fund up to 120 credits worth of delivery per learner in a calendar year.
    You must not enrol a learner in more than:

    1.5 EFTS (120 credits) for programmes leading to Level 1 and/or 2 Youth Guarantee qualifications; and
    1.0 EFTS (120 credits) for programmes leading to Level 3 Youth Guarantee qualifications.

    We will continue to fund up to 120 credits worth of delivery per learner in a calendar year.

    Student’s 2023 enrolments

    Credits

    2023 EFTS

    Credits ‘funded’

    Definition

    Delivered

    Reported in the SDR

    Funded (includes premium payment)

    New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2)

    60

    80 credits

    0.7500

    0.5000

    0.7500*

    60

    New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3)

    65

    120 credits

    0.5417

    0.5417

    0.5417

    65

    Total

    125

    N/A

    1.2917

    1.0417

    1.2917

    125

    *  0.500 Level 2 EFTS reported in the SDR plus the 50% premium = 0.750 Level 2 EFTS funded.
    Re-enrolling a Youth Guarantee student
    Where a YG learner requires further study to complete their programme, their study can only be to complete courses that they have not yet passed. This can include content not yet studied or content studied and assessed, but requiring a re-sit. 
    Note: A learner who turns 25 years old while enrolled is not eligible to re-enrol.
    For example:
    A TEO enrols a learner in all courses linked to a 60-credit (0.5 EFTS) Level 3 programme. The sum of the course EFTS factors is 0.5 EFTS.
    The learner passes/achieves 30 credits from the 60-credit course enrolments. The TEO is funded 0.5 EFTS, for the 60 credits of courses the learner was enrolled in.
    The TEO re-enrols the learner in a second period of study for the remaining 30 credits not yet achieved. The TEO is funded 0.25 EFTS for the 30 credits of courses the learner was re-enrolled in.
    The learner successfully completes the courses and is awarded the qualification.
    The learner will have received 0.75 EFTS worth of provision (90 credits), and the TEO will be funded for 0.75 EFTS delivery (0.5 + 0.25 EFTS) (assuming funding conditions are met for each course enrolment). 
    Note: The TEO will report 0.25 EFTS (30 credits) unsuccessful course completions, and 0.5 EFTS (60 credits) successful course completions.
    Calculating EFTS remaining vs consumed
    To determine the exact value of the EFTS remaining for a returning learner, the following formula should be used:

    Qual EFTS value – (credits completed/total qual credits x qual EFTS value) = remaining EFTS

    For example:
    0.5 – (30/60 x 0.5)
    = 0.5 – 0.25
    = 0.25 remaining EFTS

    Notes: 
    You will need to ensure that when a learner needs more time to complete their programme, other learners are enrolled to ensure you deliver fully on your Mix of Provision (MoP) EFTS commitment and consume all funding for the year. 
    Consider a learner’s course re-enrolments before you enrol them in a further programme. Where a learner does not complete a course successfully and you re-enrol them and claim funding, the learner is consuming additional EFTS towards their entitlements.
    Flexible funding
    We fund eligible TEOs for eligible Youth Guarantee provision above the amount the TEO has been approved to deliver. This is to provide TEOs with flexibility to meet additional learner demand. 
    For further information about flexible funding, please see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year.
    Flexible funding:

    is payable for provision towards qualifications that we have agreed to fund in your Mix of Provision (MoP)
    does not mean we have changed your approved funding allocation, and
    is subject to the conditions that we have imposed on your funding.

    The external evaluation and review (EER) category referred to in the funding conditions will be the highest published EER category for the TEO during the funding year to which flexible funding is being applied.
    Flexible funding is calculated using the December Single Data Return (SDR). Payments are made in March of the following year.
    Suspending or revoking funding
    Under clause 16 of Schedule 18 of the Education and Training Act 2020 (the Act), we may suspend or revoke some or all funding given under section 425 of the Act if we are satisfied on reasonable grounds that:

    when measured against performance indicators, the TEO has not achieved, or is not achieving, an outcome anticipated in its Investment Plan for a tertiary education programme or activity in relation to which funding has been given under section 425 of the Act, or
    the TEO has not complied, or is not complying, with a condition on which funding has been given under section 425 of the Act, or
    the TEO has not provided, or is not providing, adequate and timely information required by the TEC or Ministry of Education under section 425 of the Act.

    If a TEO has its funding approval revoked in accordance with clause 16 of Schedule 18 of the Act, the unspent portion of funding is repayable to us on demand (see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year). We may offset the amount against any funding payable to the TEO. 
    Subcontracting
    Subcontracting refers to a situation in which a TEO uses TEC funding to pay another organisation to deliver teaching or assessment on its behalf. This excludes:

    teaching and learning activities contracted to individuals or organisations that are not TEOs (for example, an employee on a fixed-term contract, an honorary staff member, or a contract for teaching and learning services with a subject-matter expert for part of the programme such as for First Aid provision)
    research activities or postgraduate research supervision, and
    learning that occurs within vocational placements such a workplace placement or practicum.

    A TEO must not subcontract delivery of any YG funded programme without the prior written approval of NZQA and without prior written consent from us.
    Note: To gain approval, you must demonstrate how the subcontracting arrangement would benefit the YG programme.
    If we approve a subcontract arrangement
    Subcontracting can be agreed in two ways
    If we approve a subcontract arrangement, the subcontracting can be agreed to within a TEO’s Investment Plan (Plan). The subcontracting specified in the Plan will be permitted for the period of the Plan. If the Plan expires then approval will need to be obtained from us again.
    Subcontracting can also be agreed outside of a Plan. Again, the subcontracting specified will be permitted for the period agreed with us.
    At any time, TEOs can contact us to discuss proposed subcontracting.
    Subcontracting TEO obligations
    As specified in section 425 of the Education and Training Act 2020, it is a condition of a TEO receiving funding under section 425 that the TEO will supply to us, from time to time as required by us, and in a form specified by us, any financial, statistical, or other information that we require the TEO to supply.
    Therefore, at any time, we can request information regarding subcontracted activities from the TEO (that has subcontracted another party to carry out the activities).
    In addition, a TEO that has subcontracted another party to carry out its activities:

    must comply with any conditions imposed by us within a consent to subcontract; and
    must ensure that the subcontracted party does not further subcontract any functions; and
    will be accountable to us for the use of the YG funding, including in respect to legislative and funding condition requirements.

    Student Allowance and Student Loan Scheme payments
    A programme must be approved for TEC funding before a learner can access the Student Allowance and Student Loan Schemes. YG learners are only eligible for some aspects of the Student Loan Scheme. For further information on eligibility visit StudyLink.
    Programmes delivered full-time
    We will only approve a YG funded programmes for learner access to Student Allowance Student Loan Schemes if the programme:

    is delivered full-time
    runs for a minimum of 12 weeks, and
    has an EFTS value of at least 0.3.

    A full-time YG programme must be made up of at least 0.5 EFTS, comprising one or more qualifications. Where there is recognition of prior learning (RPL) for some of the programme, the learner’s individual programme following RPL must be at least 0.5 EFTS.
    Programmes delivered part-time
    A programme of less than 0.3 EFTS is classified as part-time regardless of the number of weeks over which it is delivered. A part-time programme is not eligible for learner access to the Student Allowance Scheme.
    For a YG funded part-time programme leading to a qualification, we will only approve learner access to the Student Loan Scheme if the programme meets one of the following criteria:

    it runs for 32 weeks or more and has an EFTS value of at least 0.3 EFTS, or
    it runs for fewer than 32 weeks with an EFTS value of between 0.25 and 0.3 EFTS.

    Loan entry threshold
    The loan entry threshold (LET) is used to identify the minimum EFTS value required for a learner’s individual study programme to be deemed full-time. This affects learner eligibility for the Student Allowance and Student Loan Schemes. A programme that is not deemed to be full-time (ie, not approved for access to the Student Allowance and Student Loan Schemes) can nevertheless be funded through YG. 
    The LET is determined by matching a range of gross weeks to a range of EFTS values. A gross week is the total length of enrolment in a programme, including holiday weeks.
    The table below shows this relationship. Programmes of less than 0.3 EFTS may still be eligible for learner access to the Student Loan Scheme.

    Loan entry threshold table

    Length of enrolment(Gross weeks)

    Loan entry threshold(EFTS)

    12

    0.3

    13

    0.3

    14

    0.3

    15

    0.3

    16

    0.4

    17

    0.4

    18

    0.4

    19

    0.4

    20

    0.5

    21

    0.525

    22

    0.55

    23

    0.575

    24

    0.6

    25

    0.625

    26

    0.65

    27

    0.675

    28

    0.7

    29

    0.725

    30

    0.75

    31

    0.775

    32–52

    0.8

    53 or more

    1.0

    Student allowances – paid practical work
    Learners that undertake paid practical work as part of their course of study are not entitled to any student allowance payments for the week(s) they undertake that work. It is important that you discuss this with your learners.
    For more information on student allowance entitlements and paid practical work please see StudyLink.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Sentenced to Serve More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison after Traveling to Oklahoma to Engage in Sexual Acts with a Minor

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – BRYAN DEVIN CRUZ, 25, of Texas, has been sentenced to serve 210 months in federal prison for interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    Public record reflects that, in April 2024, an officer with the Moore Police Department (MPD) was dispatched to a home on reports of a stranger peeking into the window of a 13-year-old girl. MPD then deployed a thermal imaging drone to survey the area and located the suspect, later identified as Cruz, moving away from the property. Cruz was arrested shortly after. The minor’s parents consented to the search of a laptop used by the teenager. Investigators learned the teen and Cruz met online through an online application, and that Cruz told the minor he was a high school student and claimed to be 17 years old. Eventually, Cruz expressed interest in meeting the minor, and traveled from Dallas, Texas, to the minor’s residence on April 5, 2024, with the purpose of engaging in illicit activity.

    On May 7, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Indictment against Cruz, charging him with coercion and enticement of a minor and interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor. On September 12, 2024, Cruz pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment, and admitted he traveled from Dallas, Texas, to Moore, Oklahoma, for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.

    At the sentencing hearing on May 1, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Cruz to serve 210 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the need to protect the public from further crime and the nature and circumstances of the offense, indicating that Cruz’s conduct was pervasive, rather than isolated.

    This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Moore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis Chop Shop Operator Pleads Guilty

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A man on Monday admitted running a “chop shop” that aided car thieves connected to a local gang.

    Jorge Alberto Luviano-Martinez, 41, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of operating a chop shop. As part of his plea, he admitted running a chop shop in the 2900 block of Cass Avenue in St. Louis. Members of a local gang, “Big 5,” discussed obtaining electronic keys for stolen vehicles from Luviano-Martinez and switching vehicle identification numbers (VINs) on stolen vehicles. Investigators conducted a court-approved search of the shop on June 10, 2024, finding eight stolen vehicles. One vehicle had its VIN replaced with a new VIN and another vehicle had a VIN removed.

    Before the search warrant was served, investigators saw Luviano-Martinez leaving the property in a stolen Jeep. He refused to stop for police, instead leading officers on a chase that lasted about 15 minutes. After driving down a dead end street, Luviano-Martinez jumped out of the Jeep and over a fence, but was arrested.

    “Our investigation shut down two chop shops, disrupting a scheme in which gang members were able to easily profit from vehicle thefts,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “The impact should help stem the flow of rising vehicle thefts across the region.”

    Luviano-Martinez, also known as “Charlie Cruz,” is scheduled to be sentenced in August. The charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both prison and a fine. 

    The FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen is prosecuting the case.

    The investigation was conducted by the St. Louis Gateway Strike Force, which is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and includes members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. The OCDETF strike forces are permanent, multi-agency, prosecutor-led teams that conduct intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Banking – ASB recruiting 80 home ownership specialists to prepare for refixing surge

    Source: ASB

    ASB is on a hiring drive to recruit 80 additional home ownership specialists as it prepares for a surge in home loan applications. 80 percent of New Zealand homeowners are expected to refix their home loan within the next year, according to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. While most of the 80 full time specialists have now been recruited, there are still some roles being advertised. The specialists will work across the bank’s in-house home ownership team and mortgage adviser-led business.

    With many Kiwi having locked in short-term rates when interest rates were higher, Adam Boyd, Executive General Manager of Personal Banking says ASB is already seeing a change in customer behaviour, with people starting to fix for longer terms. “As a result of falling rates, we expect 55 percent of our home loan customers will have locked in rates under 6 percent by December this year, compared to 40 percent in March 2025.”

    ASB is also simplifying its refinance process so that Kiwi coming to the end of their fixed rate term at another bank can receive a decision on moving to an ASB loan quicker and more easily. For its mortgage adviser-led business, ASB has introduced a system to improve the quality of applications being submitted so they can be processed more quickly.  

    ASB was named Canstar’s 2025 Bank of the Year – Home Loans Award winner. The award recognised that ASB delivers mortgage products that combine ‘the best features with the lowest costs, plus provides great customer service at every stage of the mortgage journey’. ASB also won Canstar’s Outstanding Value Awards in four categories – Home Lender, Investment Home Lender, Fixed Home Lender, and Investment Fixed Home Lender.

    “We are seeing elevated demand for our home loans. By growing our teams and enhancing our refinance process, we’ll be able to turn around applications faster, both for our customers and the mortgage advisers we work with, while continuing to deliver great service,” says Boyd.

    “We continue to offer competitive pricing, having dropped fixed rate mortgages six times this year. Our one-year fixed term rate is currently joint market leading, at 4.99 percent.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Culture Takes Steps to Halt Auction of Piprahwa Relics by Sotheby’s Hong Kong

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Culture Takes Steps to Halt Auction of Piprahwa Relics by Sotheby’s Hong Kong

    Sotheby’s responds to the legal notice with the assurance that full attention is given to this matter

    Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 8:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has taken swift and comprehensive measures to prevent the auction of the sacred Piprahwa Relics by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, underscoring India’s commitment to protecting its cultural and religious heritage. These relics, excavated from the Piprahwa Stupa—widely recognized as the ancient city of Kapilavastu, the birthplace of Lord Buddha—hold immense historical and spiritual significance.

    The Piprahwa Relics, which include bone fragments, soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, and offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones, were excavated by William Claxton Peppé in 1898. An inscription in Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms these as relics of the Buddha, deposited by the Sakya clan. The majority of these relics were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata, in 1899 and are classified as ‘AA’ antiquities under Indian law, prohibiting their removal or sale. While a portion of the bone relics was gifted to the King of Siam, a selection retained by Peppé’s descendants has now been listed for auction.

    Upon learning of the proposed auction, the Ministry of Culture initiated the following actions:

    1. The Ministry collected detailed background information on the auction and issued a legal notice to Sotheby’s Hong Kong to stop the auction immediately. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) also requested the Consulate General of Hong Kong to take up the matter with authorities there demanding the immediate cessation of the auction.
    2. During a bilateral meeting on May 2, 2025, Culture Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat raised the issue with Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, United Kingdom. The Minister emphasized the cultural and religious significance of the relics and urged immediate action to halt the auction and facilitate their repatriation.
    3. On May 5, 2025, the Secretary of Culture convened a high-level review meeting to outline further steps. The Ministry of External Affairs has been requested to engage with embassies in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong through its Europe West and East Asia Divisions to ensure the auction is stopped.
    4. The Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) has been asked to coordinate with its counterpart in Hong Kong to highlight the illegality of the auction and ensure compliance with international laws.
    5. Ivy Wong, Ivy Wong, Associate General Counsel Sotheby’s in her reply to the legal notice assured that our full attention is given to this matter.

    The Ministry of Culture remains steadfast in its efforts to protect India’s cultural heritage and ensure the repatriation of the Piprahwa Relics. We call upon Sotheby’s Hong Kong to immediately withdraw the relics from auction and cooperate with Indian authorities to return these sacred artifacts to their rightful place.

    ****

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary, DFS reviews performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and progress on amalgamation plan

    Source: Government of India

    Secretary, DFS reviews performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and progress on amalgamation plan

    Shri. M. Nagaraju urges RRBs to leverage its lending in Agriculture and allied activities, MSME and Government sponsored schemes

    Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 7:25PM by PIB Delhi

    Sh. M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, reviewed performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and progress on amalgamation plan in Mumbai.

    Chairman, NABARD and officials of DFS, Sponsor banks, SIDBI, Reserve Bank of India and Chairpersons of all RRBs were also present.

     

    With the implementation of One State-One RRB, RRBs have been urged to leverage its lending in Agriculture and allied activities, MSME and Government sponsored schemes. RRBs have grown in their reach to more than 22,000 branches, covering 700 districts of the country and more than 92% of its branches are in rural/semi urban areas. RRBs have recorded consolidated net profit of ₹7,148 crore in FY 2024-25. Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) has reached a new low of 5.3%, lowest in a decade period. Secretary, DFS urged the rural banks to continue to focus on their amalgamation process and long-term sustainability.

     

    Secretary, DFS asked Sponsor Banks to guide RRBs in their amalgamation process and provide level playing field for long term sustainability. Sponsor banks should continue to facilitate technology upgradation in RRBs and to complete integration process adhering to the strict timelines of 30-09-2025. He also suggested Sponsor Banks and RRBs to also address HR related issues emerging in the process.

     He asked sponsor banks and RRBs to recognize the challenges that lie ahead. Sponsor banks in consultation with RRBs to draft a roadmap for RRBs for next 5 years.

    **************

    NB/AD

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s first mortgage backed Pass Through Certificates listed on the National Stock Exchange

    Source: Government of India

    India’s first mortgage backed Pass Through Certificates listed on the National Stock Exchange

    Secretary, DFS stresses the importance of housing sector and the housing finance sector for the growth of the economy

    Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 7:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance listed India’s first Mortgage backed Pass Through Certificates (PTC) structured by RMBS Development Company Limited on the National stock Exchange on 05 May 2025.  Listing was done by Shri M. Nagaraju by ringing the bell. The listing ceremony was attended by several Heads of Banks, Housing Finance Companies and other financial institutions.

    These PTCs are backed by pool of housing loans originated by LIC Housing Finance Limited. The issue of Rs. 1,000 crores (1,00,000 PTCs of Face value of Rs. 1,00,000/-). was fully subscribed.

    This is the first issue of a PTC where the coupon was discovered on the “Electronic Book Provider (EBP)“ platform of the National Stock Exchange. The final maturity of the PTC issued will be nearly twenty years and the coupon is 7.26% per annum. The rating of the Instrument is AAA(SO) by CRISIL and CARE Ratings. These PTCs are issued in demat form and are transferable. As the PTC is listed on a stock exchange, they can be traded in the secondary market.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Nagaraju stressed the importance of housing sector and the housing finance sector for the growth of our economy. He stated that housing finance has many forward and backward linkages with many other industries including the infrastructure. With a country of such vast population, housing needs have to be addressed at the earliest to achieve overall economic development.

    He stated that securitization can act an integrating factor for housing finance market and the debt market. Reiterating the importance of RMBS, he stated that it could act as a catalyst for the growth of the housing finance sector.

    ****

    NB/AD

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NCA-F Hosts Workshop on AI Standards for Telecommunications & ICTs

    Source: Government of India

    NCA-F Hosts Workshop on AI Standards for Telecommunications & ICTs

    BIMSTEC Nations and Global Experts Convene to Shape Ethical, Inclusive AI Standards

    India Aims to Lead in both AI Standardization and Manufacturing, affirms Member (F), DCC ,Sh Manish Sinha

    Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC: “Regional collaboration on AI standards is not optional—it is essential for ensuring that emerging technologies serve our collective development goals”

    Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, ITU, stresses that standards are key enablers of trust, innovation, and sustainability

    Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

    A four-day workshop on “AI Standards for Increasing the Efficiency of Telecommunications & ICTs: Shaping the Future Responsibly” was inaugurated today at the National Communications Academy–Finance (NCA-F) in New Delhi. Organized jointly by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area Office & Innovation Centre and the NCA-F, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, the event brings together participants from BIMSTEC countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka & India— and Maldives; alongside international experts, regulators, industry associations, startups, and academia to collaborate on building trustworthy and globally harmonized AI standards for telecommunications and ICT.

     

    The inaugural session featured keynote addresses by eminent dignitaries, including Shri Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), DCC, DoT; Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, ITU; Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General, BIMSTEC, and Ms. Madhavi Das, Director General, NCA-F. The session set the tone for a forward-looking discussion on AI’s role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure & Bridging the Standardization Gap.  

       

    Delivering the keynote address, Shri Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), DCC, DoT, welcomed the participants and praised the collaborative efforts between NCA-F and the ITU Area Office, recognizing it as a model of institutional partnership. He acknowledged the significance of guests staying on campus, which fosters closer interaction and deeper engagement, enhancing the quality of participation throughout the workshop. He also emphasized the critical importance of consensus within the ITU framework for developing AI standards that are both inclusive and globally harmonized, ensuring that these technologies benefit all nations. He also spoke about India’s commitment to economic inclusivity, particularly through initiatives like Digital Bharat Nidhi.

    Furthermore, Shri Manish Sinha highlighted India’s dual focus on advancing AI standardization while also strengthening its manufacturing sector. He underscored the Telecommunication Engineering Centre’s (TEC) pivotal role in promoting ethical AI development through fairness assessments and rating mechanisms and acknowledged the valuable contributions of TSDSI in creating technical standards that ensure AI systems are secure, interoperable, and globally aligned.

    He urged all participants to engage actively in shaping practical AI standards, build strong cross-border partnerships, and envision future-ready, ethical AI applications that can accelerate sustainable development. He expressed confidence that the workshop would serve as a launchpad for regional cooperation and innovation in AI-driven telecom and ICT solutions.

    Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, through a recorded message, reinforced the importance of multilateral collaboration: “Regional collaboration on AI standards is not optional—it is essential for ensuring that emerging technologies serve our collective development goals,” he said. “By investing in standards today, we secure a future where AI can drive growth across all our member nations in a responsible and interoperable way.”

    Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, ITU, thanked BIMSTEC, NCA-F, the department of telecom, & the Government of India for hosting the workshop, emphasizing that AI has moved from research to everyday life, with a projected $15 Trillion contribution to the global economy by 2030. She highlighted the workshop’s aim to develop inclusive, interoperable, and responsible AI standards, and stressed that standards are key enablers of trust, innovation, and sustainability.

    Ms. Madhavi Das, Director General, NCA-F, in her Welcome Address emphasized, “AI is a transformational force—but without strong, inclusive standards, it risks leaving many behind.” She highlighted NCA-F’s collaboration with the ITU Local Area Office to bridge the standardisation gap through stakeholder workshops, adding, “Standardization is not just a technical process; it is a commitment to safety, ethics, and equitable access in a rapidly evolving digital world.”

    The Director General, NCA-F, also stressed the importance of participative engagement and ethically grounded contributions from all member states to ensure equity in AI standardization. Reflecting India’s ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. She warmly welcomed participants and underscored the value of mutual respect and knowledge-sharing.

    Over the four days, the workshop will feature simulation exercises, expert panels, country presentations, hands-on sessions on drafting and negotiating technical contributions, and field visits.

    About NCA-F

    NCA–Finance (NCA-F), part of Department of Telecommunication’s National Communication Academy,  is an UTKRISHT-graded premier Central Training Institute, recognized by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). It provides induction and in-service training to officers of the Indian Posts & Telecom Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS) and other officials across DoT and DoP. NCA-F’s core training areas include telecom policy, spectrum management, revenue assurance, USOF projects, financial regulations, and digital inclusion. It also emphasizes leadership and soft skills development, and regularly hosts national and international workshops in collaboration with institutions like ITU, WHO, TRAI, RBI Staff College, LBSNAA, and IIT Bombay.

    ***

     

    <><><>

    Samrat

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Shaheen Joins Senior Senate Colleagues in Demanding Investigation into Elon Musk’s Alleged Abuse of White House Position for Personal Gain

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    **Shaheen introduced new legislation last month that would prevent Special Government Employees like Musk from receiving federal contracts or grant payments to companies they own**
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a top member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, on Friday joined several of her high-ranking Senate officials in sending a letter to President Trump to demand an investigation into recent reports that Elon Musk—senior White House advisor and Special Government Employee—has used his role to advance personal business interests abroad. In the letter led by U.S. Senator Mark Warner, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the lawmakers reference an alarming pattern in which Musk allegedly utilized influence in the  policy making process to pressure foreign governments—including India, South Africa, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Pakistan and Lesotho—into granting favorable treatment to his satellite internet provider Starlink in apparent exchange for U.S. policy concessions.  
    Last month, Shaheen unveiled new legislation that would prevent federal contracts or grant payments to companies owned or controlled by any person who became a Special Government Employee on or after January 1, 2025. 
    The Senators wrote, in part: “Public servants must serve Americans, not their own bank accounts. These alleged actions are an egregious breach of public trust, degrade our credibility with allies and partners, and potentially violate U.S. laws.”  
    The letter details instances of Musk meeting with foreign leaders – including those from India and Bangladesh – inside the White House complex and the Blair House, shortly before their governments fast-tracked regulatory approvals for Starlink. In one example, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission issued what was described as “the swiftest recommendation” in its history for a Starlink license shortly after officials requested a delay in U.S.-imposed tariffs and met with Musk on White House grounds. 
    The Senators continued: “The White House and the Blair House are not merely buildings – they are enduring symbols of American democracy and service. To use this public property for personal enrichment is not only a betrayal of the public trust – it also sends a dangerous signal that power is not a solemn responsibility, but an asset to be exploited for personal gain.” 
    They concluded: “Brazen corruption of that sort is seen in despotic regimes, not the United States of America. We call for you to investigate these claims about Musk and to make public any findings. And we call for an accounting to Congress of Musk and his associates’ use of government positions for personal benefit.” 
    Click here to view the letter. 
    In addition to Shaheen and Warner, the letter was signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member, Senate Finance Committee; Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee; Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member, Senate Budget Committee; Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member, Senate Armed Services Committee; Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; Ed Markey (D-MA), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works; Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member, Senate Agriculture Committee; and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Johnson Request Biden White House and NARA Records on Politically-Motivated Investigations into President Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are calling on the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to release all government records demonstrating the Biden administration’s role in advancing investigations into then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. The senators are also opening an inquiry into NARA and its Inspector General’s role in those investigations. 
    The chairmen requested:

    All records between or among Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI and Biden White House officials referring or relating to President Trump’s election interference case, that began as the Arctic Frost investigation and ultimately became part of Jack Smith’s elector case.
    All records between or among DOJ, FBI and Biden White House officials referring or relating to the investigation into President Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified information.
    All NARA records, including the NARA Office of Inspector General, referring or relating to the Arctic Frost and the classified document investigations.

    Read their full letter to NARA HERE.
    Previous Arctic Frost oversight:
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Heinrich, Luján Statement on President Trump’s 2026 Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Heinrich and Luján: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s budget will further tank the economy and throw working families under the bus. As New Mexico’s senators, we’ll fight back”
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) released the following statement onPresident Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Preliminary Budget Request, which proposes slashing critical investments that benefit New Mexico families to fund massive tax cuts for billionaires like Elon Musk:
    “Donald Trump’s budget doesn’t put New Mexico families first — it jeopardizes Medicaid and slashes nutrition programs and services hardworking people rely on, all to fund massive tax handouts to Trump, Elon Musk, and their billionaire donors.
    “This proposal would drive up the cost of health care, groceries, housing, and utilities; gut public school and pre-K funding; defund cancer research; weaken law enforcement’s ability to fight drug trafficking; and strip resources from wildland firefighters, farmers, Tribes, and rural communities. It also threatens our public lands — paving the way for Republicans’ massive sell-off. 
    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s budget will further tank the economy and throw working families under the bus. As New Mexico’s senators, we’ll fight back — to protect Medicaid and Social Security, defend every dollar we’ve secured for our communities, and keep putting New Mexico families first.”
    Among all of his proposed cuts, President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Preliminary Budget Request:
    HEALTH:
    Slashes funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by $33 billion (-26%).
    Slashes funding for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by $674 million. CMS helps ensure over 100 million Americans have access to affordable, high-quality health insurance by overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
    Cuts funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $18 billion or more than 40% — decimating funding for lifesaving medical treatments and cures.
    Decimates funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by cutting $3.6 billion — hollowing out the agency’s ability to save lives and protect Americans from health threats.
    Guts funding for substance use prevention and treatment and mental health services by $1 billion (roughly –15%) and eliminates the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — the agency with expertise in tackling the substance use and mental health crises.
    Eliminates the Title X program, which helps nearly 3 million patients get preventative care, birth control, cancer screenings, and more in every state.
    EDUCATION:
    Guts funding for the U.S. Department of Education by $12 billion (-15%).
    Eliminates all funding for Preschool Development Grants, which help states strengthen their early childhood education system and get parents the child care and pre-K they need.
    Eliminates and cuts dozens of elementary and secondary education programs (the vast majority of which are not specified), underscoring that President Trump’s vision for returning education to the states means state and local taxpayers will pay more to support students and educators at their local schools as a result of major cuts in federal funding.
    Eliminates several higher education programs, including TRIO, GEAR UP, Federal Work Study, Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS), and more, which help Americans pursue a postsecondary education and further their careers.
    Slashes funding for the U.S. Department of Labor by $4.6 billion (-35%).
    Proposes to “Make America Skilled Again” by cutting workforce training programs that help Americans develop skills and secure good-paying jobs by roughly a third. 
    Eliminates Job Corps and the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
    Eliminates AmeriCorps, which enables over 200,000 Americans to help serve communities across the country, including by responding to natural disasters, supporting veterans, fighting the opioid epidemic, helping older Americans age with dignity, and working in our schools, educating and supporting students.
    HOUSING:
    Eviscerates the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with a 43.6% cut.
    Slashes HUD rental assistance programs by 42.8% while foisting responsibility over those programs onto state and local governments. Over 10 million Americans rely on HUD rental assistance, the vast majority of whom are seniors, people with disabilities, and children. This will rip the roofs off Americans’ heads and put even more families at risk of homelessness.
    Eliminates or cuts federal programs most targeted to build more affordable housing and address this country’s housing supply shortage, including in Tribal country. 
    Eliminates the Community Development Block Grant that cities and towns across the country use to improve the quality of life for their citizens every day.
    PUBLIC SAFETY:
    Slashes the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) budget by at least $3.7 billion (-10%).
    Guts funding for grants to help keep communities safe by over $1 billion (-26%).
    Cuts funding for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) salaries and expenses by $545 million (-5%), endangering Americans’ safety.
    Cuts funding for Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) salaries and expenses by $212 million (-7%), weakening the agency’s capacity to crack down on drug trafficking. Also proposes shuttering major DEA offices in countries around the world, noting that those countries “are equipped to counter drug trafficking on their own.”
    Cuts funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) salaries and expenses by $468 million (-29%) as part of the administration’s ongoing attempt to dismantle the agency in charge of enforcing our country’s gun laws.
    Cuts $1.386 billion (-22%) from the U.S. Forest Service, gutting grant funding for state and Tribal wildfire risk reduction, volunteer fire departments, and much more. The proposal would cut at least 2,000 National Forest System staff positions, which will severely harm the administration’s stated goals of improving forest management.
    Cuts funding for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement account by $1.3 billion (-91%) which helps prevent human trafficking, stop drug trafficking, and much more, with direct implications for American communities.
    Proposes a reckless $209 million cut for NOAA’s weather satellites, which play a critical role in ensuring Americans have accurate weather forecasting and will result in a gap in observations when the current satellites retire early in the next decade.
    NUTRITION:
    Eliminates the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides food assistance to low-income individuals 60 years of age and older to supplement diets and addressing potential nutrient deficiencies. The preliminary budget request does not mention any of the other 16 Nutrition Programs, including WIC, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and the National School Lunch Program.
    PUBLIC LANDS:
    Cuts $900 million (- 30%) from National Park Service operations, abandoning national parks the administration says should now be transferred to the states, while providing no funding for states to manage massive new obligations that such a dramatic move would entail. This would incentivize states to sell off public lands to the highest bidder, threatening valued open space and areas of natural and historical value to local communities.
    AGRICULTURE:
    Guts funding for agricultural research, which is critical to ensuring American agriculture is competitive with the rest of the world and provides key resources to help farmers and ranchers prepare and adapt in an uncertain environment. Zeroes out foreign food aid that supports American farmers and is a lifeline for people living in extreme poverty across the world.
    TRIBES:
    Slashes $911 million (-24%) for core Tribal programs that uphold the federal government’s legally-obligated and court-ordered trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal nations. 
    Decimates core Tribal programs, including road maintenance, housing, and programs for children and families. 
    Nearly eliminates funding for construction of Tribal schools, which are already too often dilapidated, and cuts Tribal law enforcement funding by 20%.
    RURAL COMMUNITIES:
    Slashes investments in core Rural Development programs by $721 million, including investments in safe drinking water, affordable housing, and resources to bolster the rural economy.
    Cuts funding for the U.S. Department of Commerce by $1.9 billion (-18%). Outright eliminates the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), which helps economically distressed communities across America get ahead.
    Eliminates all Community Services Block Grant funding ($770 million) for community-based anti-poverty programs that help individuals and families access services to alleviate the causes of poverty.
    Eliminates funding to 27 states by zeroing out funding for 6 of 7 regional commissions, which provide grants in economically distressed communities for disaster mitigation, opioid crisis support programming, workforce training, and much more. This includes eliminating the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC).
    The Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC) is one of eight authorized federal regional commissions and authorities, which are congressionally-chartered, federal-state partnerships created to promote economic development in their respective regions. Congress first authorized the establishment of the SBRC in 2008 to promote economic development in the southern border regions of New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Texas.
    Last year, Heinrich secured an expansion of the SBRC’s jurisdiction to include the following counties in New Mexico: Bernalillo, Cibola, Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Roosevelt, Torrance, Lea, and Valencia. These are in addition to Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Sierra, Socorro, Lincoln, Otero, Eddy, Doña Ana, and Chaves Counties in New Mexico, which are already included within the SBRC’s jurisdiction.
    In 2023, Heinrich led the introduction of the Southwest Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act, legislation to reauthorize and fully fund the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC). The bill was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and former-U.S. Senators Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), and Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.).
    INFRASTRUCTURE:
    Cuts funding for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation by $600 million (-34%), gutting investments in key restoration projects.
    Cuts funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by $2 billion (-23%), slashing funding used to maintain our nation’s ports and harbors.
    Cuts funding for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) non-disaster grants that help communities prepare for disasters, support efforts to prevent violence and terrorism, prepare emergency responders, and more.
    Eliminates funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, ending support for more than 1,500 local public television and radio stations. 
    Eliminates funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the support provided to libraries and museums throughout the United States.
    Cuts funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by more than half by abandoning state and Tribal programs that build and maintain drinking water and sewer systems, starving states of longstanding federal funding provided to pay for states’ work enforcing federal laws, and decimating funding for cleaning up toxic Superfund sites. The request would also effectively eliminate research funding used to better understand the impacts on human health from polluted air and water and from toxic chemicals. 
    ENERGY:
    Slashes funding for the Department of Energy overall by $4.7 billion (-9.4%).
    Guts funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs by $2.572 billion (-74%) and proposes to rescind $15.25 billion from Infrastructure Law energy programs, which will raise energy costs for American consumers by halting vital innovation and energy projects.
    Eliminates the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps 6 million American households heat and cool their homes.
    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
    Slashes funding for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Entrepreneurial Development Programs by $167 million, proposing the elimination of nearly all programs, including programs that support veterans as they work to start and grow a small business.
    Eliminates $291 million in funding for all current Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) financial assistance awards, which help leverage private capital to support the development of child care centers, housing, health care facilities, and small businesses. Since 2010, CDFIs have financed over 1.3 million businesses and 557,000 affordable homes.
    Completely eliminates the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, which provide funding for every state and every congressional district for cultural economic development and the creative economy.
    Guts funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by $1.5 billion, which would eliminate all manner of programs that create good jobs, help local economies, and support ocean research, health, and coastal resilience.
    More than halves funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) with a $5.2 billion (-57%) cut. Cuts funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science by $1.148 billion (-14%). Together, these proposed cuts would decimate America’s edge in essential scientific research that would otherwise drive future economic growth.
    FOREIGN ASSISTANCE:
    Guts funding for the U.S. Department of State and America’s international security, economic, and humanitarian assistance programs by $31.2 billion (-48%).
    Cuts funding for lifesaving and other humanitarian assistance by $4.7 billion (-54%), which will lead to preventable deaths and suffering across the globe, and threaten Americans’ safety and well-being by undercutting our efforts to stop disease outbreaks and prevent conflict. A cut of this magnitude will also lead to more migration of people fleeing poverty, conflict, and natural disasters.
    Slashes economic growth and development funding across multiple agencies and accounts by $6 billion (67%) and proposes the final dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
    Guts funding for global health initiatives by $6.2 billion (-62%).
    Reneges on our treaty dues for the United Nations (U.N.), U.N. Peacekeeping operations, and a majority of other international organizations.
    SPACE EXPLORATION:
    Cuts National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) funding by $6 billion (-24%), the largest single-year cut to NASA in U.S. history, which would mark an incredible retreat for American leadership and ambition in space. Terminates the Artemis Campaign to establish a human presence on the Moon after the Artemis III mission. Slashes funding for the Science Mission Directorate by $3.43 billion (-47%), which would cancel numerous current and planned missions to better understand our universe, solar system, and Earth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hopkinsville, Kentucky Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville man was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking and money laundering conspiracy.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Jay Brown, 55, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release, for one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 400 grams of a fentanyl mixture, one count of distributing methamphetamine, two counts of attempting to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of engaging in a money laundering conspiracy. The events related to his convictions spanned from January 25, 2021, through September 20, 2023, in Christian County, Kentucky. Brown was on supervised release for a previous federal conviction at the time he committed these offenses.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty, the Hopkinsville Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the ATF Bowling Green Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations Paducah, the United States Postal Investigations Service Bowling Green, with assistance from the Kentucky State Police, the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, and the Madisonville Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

    This case was sentenced under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Midwest City Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Property Management Company

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – SHERRIE BILLINGS, 53, of Midwest City, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and making and subscribing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    According to public record, in January 2017, Billings worked as a regional property manager for Manhattan Management Company, LLC (“MMC”), out of New York. MMC owned four apartment complexes in Oklahoma City. Her duties included maintaining daily upkeep, maintenance, and inspections of the properties, and she had access to an MMC bank account and credit card for such maintenance. Court documents allege that from January 2017 through July 2022, Billings defrauded MMC by issuing unauthorized checks from MMC’s bank account and utilizing the company credit card, both for her own personal use. During this time period, Billings issued approximately 385 unauthorized checks, illegally withdrawing approximately $1,660,238.00 from MMC’s account. To conceal her scheme, Billings manufactured fraudulent payment vouchers to legitimate vendors and emailed the fraudulent vouchers to MMC’s bookkeeper to be added to the company ledger. Billings also used the MMC credit card for personal expenses, which defrauded the company out of approximately $49,798.00. Public record further alleges that on April 14, 2022, Billings filled out a federal income tax return form on which she reported income that was substantially lower than the actual income she received as a result of the criminal behavior described above. 

    On April 2, 2025, Billings was charged by Information with wire fraud and making and subscribing a false tax return. On May 2, 2025, Billings pleaded guilty to the two-count Information, and admitted she knowingly devised a scheme to defraud MMC, and that she knowingly filed a federal income tax return form on which she reported an income amount she knew was substantially lower than what she received for the year. 

    At sentencing, Billings faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud charge and up to three years in prison for the tax charge, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 per count. 

    This case is the result of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Brown is prosecuting the case. 

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, law enforcement partners arrest 8 illegal aliens, 1 American during large-scale EBT benefit fraud operation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in coordination with the U.S. Secret Service and other federal, state and local partners, carried out a large-scale enforcement and interdiction operation targeting high-traffic ATM locations known for rampant fraudulent electronic benefit transfer card activity May 1 and 2.

    “This operation underscores ICE Homeland Security Investigations’ unwavering commitment — alongside our law enforcement partners — to defend public assistance programs from exploitation,” said ICE HSI Los Angeles acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “This kind of fraud doesn’t just target government systems — it robs struggling families, children and seniors of the essential resources they rely on to survive. We will not stand by while criminals prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

    ICE HSI’s El Camino Real Task Force, which includes special agents with ICE HSI and the U.S. Secret Service, as well as officers with the Los Angeles Police Department, is conducting the investigations in this matter.

    Criminals, many from Romania, have historically targeted EBT cash fund allocations to victim accounts at the beginning of each month to maximize withdrawal amounts. These individuals employ deceptive means and methods of skimming card information before ultimately reloading the stolen information onto magnetic card strips for later use.  

    This operation yielded nine arrests, including eight Romanian illegal aliens, one Mexican illegal alien, and one U.S. citizen. Special agents seized approximately 100 fraudulent cards and arrested the nine subjects for violations of 18 U.S.C. 1029. Following completion of their criminal judicial process, the eight illegal aliens will be transferred to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations custody pending removal proceedings.  

    Recent enforcement operations in February, March and April 2025 resulted in the federal arrest of 32 suspects, including 27 foreign nationals. These enforcement operations have involved strong partnerships between ICE, the U.S. Secret Service, and several state and local law enforcement agencies.

    “ICE HSI prioritizes identity and benefit fraud crimes that originate outside the United States through our Document and Benefit Fraud Task Forces,” said Pasciucco. “Criminals who exploit government programs and steal from the American people will be aggressively pursued. We are dismantling the criminal organizations behind these schemes and making it clear: Fraud will not go unanswered.”

    If you suspect someone may be involved in or a victim of human trafficking, contact local law enforcement, dial 911 or call the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Statement on President Trump Executive Order Targeting Gain-of-Function Research

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    U.S. President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to halt U.S. federal funding of gain-of-function research in overseas countries, like China and Iran, without proper oversight measures. In response to the Executive Order, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “President Trump’s decisive action against gain-of-function research is a significant step towards greater government agency accountability. While this news is welcomed by many who have closely investigated COVID-19 origins, I believe future congressional action is essential to monitoring gain-of-function research of concern, reforming our public health agencies and protecting American life from risky experiments that involve dangerous virus transmission in humans.”

    BACKGROUND

    In the 118th Congress, Rep. Griffith chaired the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.

    Rep. Griffith chaired hearings on various issues, including but not limited to topics of biosafety and risky research. 

    Rep. Griffith was the lead Energy and Commerce Member in numerous forums with public health officials that were in various leadership positions during the outbreak of COVID-19, including working closely with the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.

    During this time, Chairman Griffith participated in closed-door transcribed interviews questioning former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci and questioning former National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Frances Collins.

    Rep. Griffith was also a key figure in examining EcoHealth Alliance President Dr. Peter Daszak. 

    EcoHealth is the company that received grants from NIAID which in turn gave subgrants to the Wuhan Institute of Virology to conduct research on Coronavirus evolution and transmission. 

    Because of questions asked by Rep. Griffith related to significant inconsistencies and delays in required reports, among others, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that Dr. Daszak and EcoHealth Alliance would be debarred for five years, cutting them off from U.S. federal funding.

    In January of 2025, the Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump was considering an Executive Order to halt federal funding to gain-of-function research. In response, Rep. Griffith called on President Trump to scrutinize the country’s national gain-of-function research policy.

    Some of Rep. Griffith’s e-newsletters on these topics can be found here and here.

    In March, Rep. Griffith introduced the Risky Research Review Act and the Royalty Transparency Act to rein in the federal health bureaucracy.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Kneat Expands Executive Leadership Team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LIMERICK, Ireland, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — kneat.com, inc. (TSX: KSI) (OTC: KSIOF) (“Kneat” or the “Company”) a leader in digitizing and automating validation and quality processes, today announced the expansion of its executive leadership team.

    As a product-led company that continues to scale for efficiencies and satisfy the growing demand from global customers, Kneat’s innovation and product development are critical pillars for success. To optimise product operational excellence and strategic planning, Kneat is expanding its senior management team to provide the necessary strategic leadership, governance and cadence as it grows.

    In early June, Kevin Fitzgerald, Kneat co-founder and Chief Product Officer, will step out of his current role and not seek re-election to the Board of Directors to take on the newly created role of Chief Innovation Officer. This will enable Kevin to dedicate his focus and attention on the strategic vision and innovation of Kneat product, ensuring clarity of product definition and alignment of product requests and features to that vision.

    At that time, Donal O’Sullivan will join Kneat to fill the role of Chief Product Officer. Donal has more than 25 years’ experience in software development leadership roles. Donal joins Kneat from My Compliance Office where he is currently acting as CPO.

    Prior to this, Donal served as Global Head of Analytics Product Management in PICO Ltd for four years, having previously served in Corvil for 18 years as Head of product Management and Director of Product Management. His responsibilities included leading the Product Management team, Product Marketing, Sales Enablement, Pricing and Bundling product, as well as managing the Corvil Portfolio to deliver significant growth. PICO, a provider of IT performance and operational analytics systems, acquired Corvil, and Donal successfully merged the best of Corvil’s product capabilities with PICO’s strong record of service delivery.

    “Donal’s varied and extensive software development and product management leadership experience will be hugely beneficial as we become a bigger company. With Donal on board and Kevin able to focus exclusively on developing the Kneat Gx platform to its full potential, we are better equipped to capture the exceptional opportunity in front of us today.”

    – Eddie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Kneat. 

    About Kneat

    Kneat Solutions provides leading companies in highly regulated industries with unparalleled efficiency in validation and compliance through its digital validation platform Kneat Gx. As an industry leader in customer satisfaction, Kneat boasts an excellent record for implementation, powered by our user-friendly design, expert support, and on-demand training academy. Kneat Gx is an industry-leading digital validation platform that enables highly regulated companies to manage any validation discipline from end-to-end. Kneat Gx is fully ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified, fully validated, and 21 CFR Part 11/Annex 11 compliant. Multiple independent customer studies show up to 40% reduction in documentation cycle times, up to 20% faster speed to market, and a higher compliance standard.

    Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

    Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, certain information presented constitutes “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the relationship between Kneat and the customer, Kneat’s business development activities, the use and implementation timelines of Kneat’s software within the customer’s validation processes, the ability and intent of the customer to scale the use of Kneat’s software within the customer’s organization, our ability to win business from new customers and expand business from existing customers, our expected use of the net proceeds from the IPF Facility and the public equity financing completed in both February and October 2024 and the anticipated effects thereof on the business and operations of the company, and the compliance of Kneat’s platform under regulatory audit and inspection. These and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties may cause Kneat’s actual results, performance, achievements and developments to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by forward-looking statements.

    For further information:

    Katie Keita, Kneat Investor Relations
    P: + 1 902-706-9074
    E: katie.keita@kneat.com

    The MIL Network –