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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Unprecedented interest to RFI for rail, port projects

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Transport has received 162 formal responses from the private sector in the Request for Information (RFI) in rail and port projects.

    This, as part of government’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the country’s rail and port systems.

    These include 51 responses for the iron ore and manganese corridor, 48 responses for the coal and chrome corridor and 63 responses for the container and automotive intermodal corridor. 

    In March 2025, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy launched an online Request for Information to develop an enabling environment for private sector participation and enhanced investment in rail and port infrastructure and operations.

    “Creecy indicated in March 2025 that South Africa’s rail and port infrastructure faces substantial challenges, including declining performance; theft and vandalism; under- investment, and operational inefficiencies. All of these hinder trade and economic growth.

    “The limited availability of state resources to fund infrastructure development and address backlogs has intensified these challenges, severely restricting the ability of state-owned entities to fulfil their critical mandates,” the department said on Wednesday.

    Government, together with Transnet, has received numerous unsolicited proposals from the private sector offering investment, skills, and expertise to support the rehabilitation and reform of the country’s struggling rail and port systems.

    This overwhelming interest made it clear that the department and Transnet needed to engage in broad and inclusive market engagement before issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to ensure that these RFPs are well responded to.

    READ | Government approves R51 billion guarantee facility for Transnet

    According to the department, the RFI portal on the departmental website recorded 11 600 visits, which is an indication of a huge amount of interest. 

    The RFIs were completed online and accessed through the Department of Transport website. 
    “The portal remained open for eight weeks, from 24 March to 9 May 2025. However, due to an overwhelming interest from the stakeholders, the deadline was extended to 30 May 2025.”

    The department has commenced with its assessment of the responses to the RFI with all information submitted being treated with strict confidentiality and used exclusively to inform the development of potential Private Sector Participation (PSP) projects.
    In addition, the department intends to make further announcements in due course regarding the commencement of any procurement programme in respect of the PSP projects.

    In this initial phase of the PSP process, the RFI focuses on the following corridors:
    •    Northern-Cape to Saldanha Bulk Minerals Corridor PSP Project primarily for iron ore and manganese exports, and the Northern-Cape to Nelson Mandela Bay Corridor, primarily for manganese exports.
    •    Limpopo and Mpumalanga to Richards Bay Bulk Minerals Corridor PSP Project for coal and chrome exports, including coal exports from mines in Lephalale, Limpopo; chrome exports from the ‘Western Limb’ mines in the Rustenburg- Brits region in North-West; and coal exports from various mines across Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal to the Port of Richards Bay.
    •    Intermodal Supply Chain PSP Project focusses on the container and automotive sectors, on the Gauteng—Durban port (KZN), Gauteng—Eastern Cape (East London, Port Elizabeth, Ngqura), and Gauteng—Western Cape (Cape Town) corridors.

    In July 2025, a second batch of the RFI will be released which will focus on passenger rail initiatives. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Parliament updated on work undertaken to set up Transformation Fund

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The establishment of the R100 billion Transformation Fund marks a significant step towards addressing the historical funding gaps that have hindered the growth of black-owned businesses in South Africa.

    This is according to the Acting Deputy Director-General (DDG) of Transformation and Competition at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Susan Mangole.

    She was part of a delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, who briefed the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry during a virtual meeting on the work the department has undertaken so far to set up the fund.

    READ I Transformation Fund to drive inclusive economic growth

    In March, the department published a draft concept document on the Transformation Fund and called for public comments in a period that ended on 28 May 2025. The department further undertook a public engagement process which targeted different stakeholders to elicit their inputs into the document. 

    During the briefing, Mangole emphasised that the fund does not seek to bring additional tax burdens on businesses or any other requirements beyond mechanisms that already exist in line with the Section 11(2)(b) of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act 2003. 

    “The Transformation Fund will be anchored by the B-BBEE policy provisions and therefore the R100 billion over the next five years will be sourced from the Competition Commission’s public interest commitments, Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) funds, Equity Equivalent Investments from multinational companies, and other government funding initiatives,” Mangole said.

    In her presentation, Mangole highlighted some of the inputs received during the window of the public participation process and indicated the department is currently reviewing them.

    “Some of the comments and inputs received include a call for clarity on how the fund will work with existing ESD funds, particularly those that are well functioning, a clear transformation index on how to measure the impact of the fund and that it must be complemented by compliance by big corporations in terms of market access, technical skills development, infrastructure development and support, and other non-financial support,” Mangole said.

    She added that a partnership between government and the private sector in administering the fund and an oversight committee consisting of nine members from both sides will be established to provide oversight in the running of the fund. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: HSRC calls on businesses to participate in innovation surveys

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), on behalf of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, is calling on South African businesses to participate in two of its business innovation surveys, starting on 5 June 2025, across all nine provinces.

    The South African Business Innovation Survey (BIS) and the Agricultural Business Innovation Survey (AgriBIS) will gather crucial data on how firms in the industry, services, and agriculture sectors are innovating. 

    “In a dynamic and challenging economic landscape, with rising input costs, funding constraints, and shifts in global trade dynamics, understanding how, why, and when businesses do not innovate is ever more vital. 

    “The data intends to support evidence-based policymaking and at the same time allow businesses to benchmark their innovation activity and outputs relative to their industry,” a statement issued by the council said. 

    According to the Executive Head of the HSRC’s Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII), Dr Glenda Kruss, South Africa has not made significant progress in transforming the structure of its economy to sustainably generate higher incomes and wealth for all. 

    “Economists propose the need for building dynamic sectoral clusters, which can link skills development, build technological capabilities such as design, testing, and prototyping, and support firms to pool resources, create economies of scale, and develop markets.

    “Understanding South African firms’ innovation and technological capabilities provides critical data to inform collective action, towards public and private investment that can promote our own dynamic sectoral clusters,” said Kruss.

    Businesses will be contacted to find out information about what innovations took place during the period 2022–2024, how innovations occur at the firm level, and what can be done to enhance innovation and production capabilities.

    Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Chief Director for Science and Technology Investments, Kgomotso Matjila, leads the department’s team responsible for commissioning the surveys. 

    “To grow an inclusive economy in South Africa, that is also productive and competitive, we need to design and provide the right kinds of support to incentivise and stimulate innovation investments by firms. For this, our national innovation surveys are an essential source of evidence,” said Matjila.

    Fieldwork for both surveys will be conducted by HSRC’s partner, Sigma Kairos Research and Consulting. 

    Their fieldworkers will contact business leaders and managers to complete the surveys online or via telephone interview.

    The HSRC extends its sincere thanks in advance to the South African business community, as we all work together to expand innovative solutions to drive structural change and shape the future of South Africa’s economy. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Home Affairs takes Child Protection Outreach to KZN

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, June 4, 2025

    Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza is scheduled to take the 365 Days of Child Protection Outreach to Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal this weekend.

    This as the Deputy Minster has adopted the MusaweNkosi home for orphaned and vulnerable children.

    The Deputy Minister is also expected to support the Class of 2025 Mid-term Readiness Programme at Umdlamfe Secondary School in eSikhawini, Richards Bay, where he will handover Smart ID Cards to the learners.

    Home Affairs officials recently visited Umdlamfe Secondary School and the MusaweNkosi home to assist children who wanted to apply for IDs and those requiring Late Registration of Birth for their rightful place on South Africa’s National Population Register and birth certificates. 

    Identity documents (IDs) are vital for learners’ admission to their life-changing school examinations.

    “Children who will be receiving for the first time in their lives their own IDs and birth certificates, will be empowered to seek and enjoy protection from abuse and neglect, a deliverable of the 365 Days of Child Protection Campaign and will be enabled to access government and other services,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

    “The Deputy Minister will donate Uninterrupted Power Supply units to the home to help improve living conditions ahead of the biting cold winter nights,” the department said.

    READ | 2025 Child Protection Month: Let’s root out child abuse together

    – SAnews.gov.za

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SIU secures preservation order to freeze Midstream Estate property

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a preservation order from the Special Tribunal to freeze an immovable property located at Midstream Estate, in Gauteng.

    This is pending the finalisation of civil proceedings into the alleged misuse of funds allocated by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).

    The order interdicts Israel Mathibe, Smart Safety PPE and any other party from selling, disposing, leasing, encumbering (including by granting rights of retention), transferring, donating or dealing in any manner whatsoever to the immovable property.

    The SIU said their investigation revealed that funds intended for community projects, including agricultural development and old-age homes, were diverted to purchase the property through a network of non-profit companies (NPCs) and private entities.

    SA Youth Movement NPC received R23 million for old age homes in rural provinces, but later paid R1.6 million to Smart Safety PPE, which contributed R1.6 million to the property purchase.

    Malusi We Sizwe NPC received R13 million for an agricultural project in KwaZulu-Natal but transferred R896 980 to Trizaflo (Pty) Ltd, which then paid R2.1 million toward the property.

    The property was registered under Smart Safety PPE, with Alfred Mzwakhe Sigudhla the then director of Smart Safety PPE, signing key transaction documents.

    Sigudhla, who is cited in the Tribunal order, serves as the Chairperson of the SA Youth Movement NPC, which received R23 million from the NLC for old age homes in rural provinces. 

    He signed the grant agreement on 15 September 2017, and a diversion for an additional R7.5 million on 21 May 2019, despite a lack of proof of project delivery.

    In October 2018, he signed as a Director of Smart Safety PPE in bank agreements and later remained an “interested party” on the company’s bank account after being replaced by another Director. 

    Additionally, he authorised payments amounting to R1.6 million from SA Youth Movement NPC to Smart Safety PPE, which were used to purchase the Midstream property, for which he signed the offer to purchase on 23 October 2019 on behalf of Smart Safety PPE.

    “The order of the Special Tribunal is part of implementing SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions because of corruption or negligence. 

    “The order forms part of a broader investigation into corruption involving NLC grants intended for community development projects,” the SIU said.

    The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by corruption, fraud, or maladministration. 

    In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Spaza Shop Support Fund information session to be held in Limpopo

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Limpopo spaza shop owners will get an opportunity to learn more about how they can access financial and non-financial support from the Spaza Shop Support Fund at an interactive session at the George Phadagi Town Hall, in Thohoyandou, on Friday.

    The session is part of a countrywide campaign aimed at creating awareness about the Spaza Shop Support Fund. 

    The campaign, which began in KwaZulu-Natal last month, is hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic) and the Department of Small Business Development (DSDB). 

    The R500 million fund was launched by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, and the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, in Soweto, on 8 April 2025. 

    The national education and awareness campaign is being held in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), the agencies of the DSBD and the dtic, respectively, which will be responsible for administering the fund. 

    The interactive session with spaza owners in the Vhembe District Municipality will be an opportunity to learn more about how to apply for the fund and which requirements will they be expected to comply with.

    According to Minister Tau, government is taking a concrete step to formalise and empower the informal sector with the fund. 

    Tau said supporting spaza shops would enable entrepreneurs, often women and young people, to participate fully in the economic process.

    “These small businesses generate employment, drive local commerce, and channel much-needed income into communities that have long been underserved. Studies show that small businesses account for a significant portion of job creation in South Africa. 

    “By providing spaza shop owners with financial support, infrastructure upgrades, and essential business training, we are setting the stage for sustainable job creation,” Tau said.

    Minister Ndabeni said the role played by Sedfa and NEF was truly appreciated and that the department believed this fund would go a long way in assisting shop owners that are registered and have operating permits.

    “Our partnership ensures that spaza shop owners are not only funded but are also trained, mentored, and integrated into reliable supply chains. This is about building long-term sustainability for township retail,” Ndabeni said.

    The aim of the fund is to support South African-owned township community convenience shops, including spaza shops, to increase their participation in the townships and rural areas’ retail trade sector and to provide critical financial and non-financial support to township businesses, including community convenience stores and spaza shops.

    The fund also provides various types of support including the initial purchase of stock via delivery channel partners, upgrading of building infrastructure, systems, refrigeration, shelving and security, as well as training programmes which includes Point of Sale devices, business skills, digital literacy, credit health, food safety, business compliance. 

    The fund also seeks to bolster the broader supply chain by fostering partnerships with local manufacturers, black industrialists and wholesalers. 

    Through bulk purchasing arrangements and the promotion of locally produced goods, spaza shops will benefit from reduced costs and increased access to quality products. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Social Development provides feedback on Basic Income Support policy

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Social Development is hard at work to ensure that there is basic income support for people between the ages of 18-59.

    This was revealed at the sitting of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Wednesday. This as the department presented its progress in the development of the Basic Income Support Policy.

    Work on the policy has been ongoing, with the first draft of the policy having been presented to the Social Protection, Community and Human Development Cluster Cabinet Committee (SPCHD) on 26 November 2024. 

    The committee directed that further consultations on the policy be held with internal stakeholders, focusing on affordability of the policy and linkages of its proposed beneficiaries with economic opportunities.

    The department said an interdepartmental workshop was held to give effect to this directive. The workshop affirmed the need to link the policy’s beneficiaries to other employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities. 

    A follow up workshop will be held in June 2025, followed by bilateral engagements with the Presidency, the Department of Employment and Labour and National Treasury.

    “Once the consultations are concluded, the department will approach the SPCHD Cabinet Committee again in the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, to request Cabinet to consider the revised policy, and if approved, publish it for public comments.

    “In order to ensure stability during these consultations period, the department will consult National Treasury for the SRD [Social Relief of Distress]  provision to be extended until the legislative process is complete, to ensure that its beneficiaries are protected from extreme poverty and vulnerability. 

    “The department, has for the interim, been granted an extension by the National Treasury to continue with this provision for the 2025/26 financial year,” the department explained.

    Additionally, members of the portfolio committee were pleased that the Minister Sisisi Tolashe has delivered on her budget vote commitments to stabilise the department by filling executive posts.

    Historical progress and ongoing consultations:
    •    The Basic Income Grant (BIG) was first proposed in 1998, with a technical proposal drafted in 2002, which did not gain Cabinet approval.
    •    In 2007, an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and Inter-Departmental Task Team (IDTT) were established to explore comprehensive social security reforms.
    •    In 2021 and 2022, an expert panel assessed the feasibility of Basic Income Support (BIS), considering its social and economic impact.
    •    The department proposed that the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant be made permanent, with a phased approach to increase benefits progressively.
    •    The proposed entry-level BIS grant should be set at the Lower Bound Poverty Line (LBPL), with long-term plans to eliminate poverty at the Upper Bound Poverty Line (UBPL).
    •    Extensive stakeholder consultations across all provinces informed the development of the BIS draft policy proposal.
    •    The Department had requested an extension of the SRD grant for an additional two years while finalising the BIS policy.A sub-team was established to assess the affordability of BIS, concluding that it was financially feasible based on economic modelling, though consensus with National Treasury was still pending.
    •    The department had planned to submit the draft BIS policy to Cabinet for approval by October 2024 but required further consultation with internal stakeholders such as National Treasury.
    •    The department, has for the interim, been granted an extension by the National Treasury to continue with this provision for the 2025/26 financial year.
    •    The department is engaging with the Portfolio Committee in the 2025/26 financial year to finalise the policy framework.

    – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)’s 2024 Annual Report Highlights Record Trade Support, Empowering Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Economies and Expanding Global Impact

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, June 4, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Annual Report, titled “Reaching New Frontiers.” The report captures a landmark year showcasing a period of transformative growth, expanded geographic reach, record trade finance approvals, and strengthened commitments to sustainable and inclusive development across its Member Countries.  

    In 2024, ITFC demonstrated agility and resilience amidst persistent geopolitical and economic challenges, prioritizing trade finance, facilitation, and trade development to support member countries’ national development agendas. 

    Highlights from the 2024 Annual Report 

    Record Trade Finance Approvals 

    • In 2024, ITFC approved a total of US$ 7.3 billion in trade finance across 110 operations in 26 countries. Of this amount, US$ 6.7 billion was successfully disbursed 
    • Notably, 38% of the approved financing was directed toward Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs), underscoring ITFC’s commitment to inclusive development 
    • Furthermore, 41% of the total portfolio, equivalent to US$ 3 billion, was allocated to non-energy sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and financial services 
    • ITFC successfully mobilized US$ 4.2 billion through Islamic syndications in 2024, representing 57% of its total trade finance approvals. 

    Accelerating Intra-OIC Trade 

    • A total of US$ 4.85 billion was dedicated to promoting trade among OIC member countries, marking a 6.5% increase compared to 2023 
    • These intra-OIC trade approvals accounted for 67% of ITFC’s total trade finance operations, reinforcing the Corporation’s role in fostering regional economic integration and cooperation 

    Strengthening the Private Sector 

    • In a continued effort to support private sector growth, ITFC provided US$ 1.2 billion in financing, reflecting a 14% increase over the previous year 
    • This support reached 47 financial institutions and included engagements with 19 new clients across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia 

    Delivering on Food Security Commitments 

    • To address food insecurity, ITFC approved US$ 1.75 billion in financing for agriculture and food-related operations across 10 OIC countries  
    • Since the launch of the IsDB Group’s Food Security Response Program (FSRP) in 2022, ITFC has mobilized US$ 4.73 billion in food security financing, exceeding its initial commitment of US$ 4.5 billion. 
    • ITFC financing has helped Member Countries secure stable supplies of essential food commodities, reduce price volatility, and support agricultural resilience. 
    • In Tajikistan alone, ITFC’s food security financing contributed to reaching over 200,000 households—benefiting nearly 900,000 individuals—by ensuring access to staple goods such as wheat, sugar, and edible oil. 

    Sustainability Milestone 

    • ITFC launched its first Environmental and Social (E&S) Policy in October 2024 
    • The policy rollout included a 10-year E&S action plan, a 5-year carbon reduction strategy, and strengthened governance to embed ESG principles across all operations 

    The report also highlights that the Corporation was ranked at the top as Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner in global Islamic syndications by both Refinitiv and Bloomberg, a reflection of its global leadership and strong investor confidence.  

    Additionally, the 2024 Annual Report spotlights the achievements of ITFC’s flagship programs: 

    • The Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program actively supported the development of regional value chains by hosting targeted B2B meetings and launching Africa’s first textile and leather standards program, paving the way for improved quality and competitiveness across the continent 
    • The Aid for Trade Initiative for the Arab States (AfTIAS 2.0) Program saw the implementation progress on 21 ongoing projects across Arab States, with a strategic focus on job creation, trade facilitation, and export development. These initiatives continue to empower local economies and enhance regional trade capacity 
    • Trade Connect Central Asia+ (TCCA+): ITFC advanced regional integration among six Central Asian countries through projects that promote agri-business development, investment attraction, and food security, strengthening economic ties and resilience in the region 
    • The Global SMEs Program expanded its footprint in West Africa and officially launched in Cameroon, enhancing access to trade finance and advisory services for small and medium-sized enterprises and fostering inclusive economic growth 

    In addition to its flagship programs, ITFC delivered a diverse range of integrated trade solutions and targeted interventions in 2024 that reflect its holistic development approach. Through tailored capacity-building programs, reverse linkage initiatives, and trade facilitation tools, ITFC addressed specific needs across sectors such as energy, agriculture, finance, and trade policy. Highlights include the Indonesian Coffee Export Development Program enhancing sustainable farming practices; capacity-building workshops on Islamic finance in Nigeria, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan; technical support to Togo and Mali’s electricity sectors; and the rollout of electronic Certificates of Origin to boost cross-border trade in West Africa.  

    With an eye on the future, ITFC remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the evolving priorities of its Member Countries. By driving innovation, strengthening strategic partnerships, and delivering high-impact trade finance solutions, the Corporation is poised to chart new frontiers and accelerate progress toward sustainable and inclusive development across the OIC region. 

    Read the full English version here- https://apo-opa.co/3T78A0R 

    Read the full Arabic version here- https://apo-opa.co/3FMasch

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Why services can’t realistically be tariffed and shouldn’t be 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: Why services can’t realistically be tariffed and shouldn’t be 

    In today’s digital economy, cross-border services are essential to how businesses operate, grow and compete. But while goods have long been subject to customs tariffs, applying tariffs to services would be both impractical and create significant legal, operational, and economic risks. 

    This is because services are fundamentally different from goods, making them virtually unworkable to tax at borders. Unlike physical products that customs agents can see and inspect, services are intangible—think of things like consulting, software, or design work—that often cross borders digitally or through the movement of people, rather than in shipping containers.  

    This creates multiple challenges: there is no clear moment when a service ‘enters’ a country, no global classification system comparable to the Harmonized System for goods, and no consistent method to assess what should be taxed.   

    Even when governments try to tax cross-border services – such as digital services taxes (DSTs) or withholding regimes – they face legal challenges, high enforcement costs, and risks of international retaliation, as these approaches often violate established rules or conflict with trade and tax agreements. 

    In contrast, some countries have opted for a more neutral approach by applying VAT to cross-border services—treating domestic and foreign providers equally.  

    Beyond feasibility, there is also a strong economic argument to be made against tariffs on services. Services account for more than half of global trade on a value-added basis and are vital enablers of productivity, innovation, and inclusion. Imposing tariffs would raise costs, fragment global supply chains, and disproportionately harm MSMEs and developing economies that rely on affordable cross-border services to grow and compete, including legal advice, design, IT support and marketing.  

    Tariffs on services would also increase compliance burdens and administrative costs for governments, requiring entirely new systems to monitor digital transactions, register providers, and audit contracts.  

    Exporters would not be spared either: many countries are net exporters of services in areas like finance, education, and media. Tariff measures could trigger retaliation and reduce market access for these firms. 

    In short: services can’t realistically be tariffed – and they shouldn’t be. Instead, policymakers should:  

    • Reaffirm multilateral norms by supporting the continuation of the WTO E-Commerce Moratorium and rejecting tariffs on services.  
    • Avoid unilateral tariff-like measures — such as DSTs or withholding regimes —that risk legal conflict, trade retaliation, and fragmentation. 
    • Pursue multilateral cooperation through appropriate multilateral and regional bodies to develop common rules for the taxation of the digital economy. 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    June 5, 2025

  • UAE partners with WHO to launch two-year initiative targeting child malnutrition crisis on Yemen’s Socotra Island

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United Arab Emirates and the World Health Organization have launched a comprehensive humanitarian initiative to combat severe malnutrition affecting women and children on Yemen’s Socotra Island, where international health metrics indicate crisis-level conditions among the most vulnerable populations.

    The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works announced the two-year program as part of the strategic partnership between the UAE and WHO, targeting an island where acute malnutrition rates have reached alarming thresholds that demand immediate international intervention.

    Global health reports indicate that Socotra Island’s Global Acute Malnutrition rate among children under five has reached 10.9 percent, with Severe Acute Malnutrition affecting 1.6 percent of this population. International health standards classify GAM rates between 10 and 14 percent as serious, while SAM rates above 1 percent are considered alarming, placing Socotra’s children in a critical health emergency.

    Mohamed Haji Al Khouri, Director-General of the Foundation, emphasized that the initiative reflects the UAE’s global humanitarian responsibility rooted in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continued under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s leadership. Al Khouri stated the program aims to effectively address food and health challenges through collaboration with WHO, focusing specifically on reducing maternal and child mortality caused by malnutrition.

    The comprehensive action plan encompasses multiple strategic components designed to create lasting health improvements on the isolated island. The initiative will enhance maternal, infant, and child care services while improving emergency preparedness and response capabilities for potential epidemics. Healthcare infrastructure strengthening represents a core element, involving medical staff training, medication supplies, and establishment of emergency preparedness mechanisms.

    Acting WHO Representative in Yemen Dr. Ferima Coulibaly-Zerbo described the partnership as reflecting a shared vision of building resilient health systems across Yemen. She emphasized that the collaboration with UAE and national authorities addresses urgent immediate needs while establishing foundations for long-term health security on Socotra Island.

    The program extends beyond immediate relief measures to implement sustainable solutions for malnutrition prevention and food security assurance. Community awareness campaigns will complement medical interventions, while improved disease surveillance systems will enable more effective responses based on ongoing assessments and studies.

    This initiative forms part of broader joint aid activities between the UAE and WHO throughout Yemen, designed to provide urgent food relief and prevent nutritional and health deterioration across various population groups. The partnership aims to construct stronger, more responsive and equitable health systems serving Socotra’s population while contributing to Yemen’s overall health resilience during its ongoing humanitarian crisis.

    June 5, 2025

  • Centre to conduct population census-2027 in two phases, including caste enumeration

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the Population Census-2027 will be conducted in two phases, with the inclusion of caste enumeration, marking a significant step in India’s decennial census process. The reference date for the census is set for 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027, except for the Union Territory of Ladakh and the snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, where it will be 00:00 hours on October 1, 2026.

    According to the ministry, a notification outlining the intent to conduct the census with these reference dates will be published in the official gazette on June 16, 2025, as per Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948. The census will be carried out under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948, and the Census Rules, 1990.

    The last census, conducted in 2011, was also held in two phases: Phase I (House Listing) from April 1 to September 30, 2010, and Phase II (Population Enumeration) from February 9 to February 28, 2011, with a reference date of March 1, 2011. For snow-bound areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, the census was conducted from September 11 to September 30, 2010, with a reference date of October 1, 2010.

    The Census of India 2021 was initially planned in a similar two-phase format, with Phase I scheduled for April to September 2020 and Phase II in February 2021. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted preparations, leading to the postponement of the census despite completed groundwork in some states and Union Territories.

    June 5, 2025

  • Discovery of wartime bombs prompts large-scale evacuation in Cologne, Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thousands of people were evacuated from central Cologne in western Germany on Wednesday following the discovery of three wartime bombs, in what the city authority called the largest such operation since the end of World War Two.

    An evacuation zone with a radius of 1,000 metres (1,100 yards) was cleared from 8 a.m. (0600 GMT), impacting around 20,500 residents along with many workers and hotel guests in the city’s old town and Deutz district.

    Three American bombs, each with impact fuses, were found during construction work on Monday in Deutz, a bustling area on the bank of the River Rhine.

    Bomb disposal experts plan to disarm the ordnance later on Wednesday.

    Unexploded bombs are often found in Germany, where many major cities sustained heavy damage during the war.

    The evacuation area includes one hospital, two retirement homes, nine schools, and many hotels and museums.

    “Everyone involved hopes that the defusing can be completed in the course of Wednesday. This is only possible if all those affected leave their homes or workplaces early and stay outside the evacuation area from the outset on that day,” the city authority said in a statement.

    The measures caused major transport disruptions in the city of over a million people, with Germany’s national rail operator warning that many trains would be diverted or cancelled.

    A stretch of the Rhine will be blocked off before the bomb disposal operation begins.

    The Rhine, which runs from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea via Cologne, is one of Europe’s key waterways for the transportation of commodities such as grain and coal.

    Private television station RTL, whose main office is located in the evacuation zone, interrupted its morning news programme.

    “We have to leave,” the news anchor said, grabbing his bag as the lights were turned off

    (Reuters)

    June 5, 2025

  • Jitendra Singh calls for time-bound pension grievance redressal at 13th Pension Adalat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Wednesday emphasized the urgent need for a time-bound redressal mechanism for pension-related grievances, aligning the initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s citizen-centric governance approach. Speaking at the 13th All India Pension Adalat in New Delhi, the Minister declared that “no retiree should have to chase their rights,” stressing that administrative efficiency and empathy must guide pension governance.

    The event brought together pensioners, senior government officials, and departmental representatives from across India to address long-pending grievances. Dr. Singh highlighted the success of the Pension Adalat model, calling it one of the most effective and citizen-friendly reforms in recent years. He urged departments to move from reactive grievance handling to a proactive, technology-enabled, and compassionate approach, emphasizing a “whole-of-government” strategy to resolve issues efficiently.

    Since the inception of the Pension Adalats in September 2017, 12 sessions have been held nationwide, addressing over 25,000 cases, with 18,157 grievances successfully resolved—a resolution rate of more than 71%. Citing this figure as a testament to the initiative’s success, Dr. Singh also shared moving stories of pensioners like Jasoda Devi, who received her dues after 36 years, and Anita Kanik Rani, who was granted ₹20 lakh in family pension arrears on the same day her case was heard.

    At the Adalat, the Minister released a booklet titled “Brave Soldiers and Veer Naariyan”, showcasing success stories from the 12th Pension Adalat. The collection highlights resolved cases, particularly involving defence pensioners and widows of armed forces personnel. Dr. Singh noted that these narratives represent the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring dignity and justice for retired personnel, especially women and family pensioners.

    This year’s Adalat centered around family pension issues, with a significant number of cases presented by women, either as claimants or recipients. Dr. Singh commended the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) for focusing on this critical and often overlooked area.

    The Minister also stressed the importance of expanding digital access for pensioners unable to attend in person. Initiatives like CPENGRAMS (Centralized Pension Grievance Redress and Monitoring System), integrated portals, and real-time grievance dashboards were highlighted as key tools in making grievance redressal faster and more transparent.

    Calling for stronger inter-departmental coordination, Dr. Singh urged officials to treat pensioners not just as beneficiaries, but as valued members of the administrative family. “Pension Adalats are not just forums for grievance resolution—they are indicators of administrative accountability and public trust,” he said.

    As the Adalats become a regular feature of the governance calendar, they have emerged as a vital bridge between the government and retired central employees, defence personnel, and family pensioners. Dr. Singh concluded by calling for more citizen-centric innovations and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring senior citizens are treated with respect, care, and administrative urgency.

    June 5, 2025

  • Pressure mounts on Netanyahu as opposition moves to dissolve parliament

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A member of Israel’s right-wing coalition threatened to quit the cabinet on Wednesday and support an opposition motion to dissolve parliament tabled for next week, piling pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    Latest opinion polls suggest that Netanyahu’s coalition would lose power if an election was held today, with many voters unhappy over the continued war in Gaza prompted by the attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel in October 2023.

    United Torah Judaism, one of two ultra-Orthodox parties in the coalition, said it would withdraw from the government unless it secured last-minute concessions formalising an exemption for ultra-Orthodox men from military service.

    The opposition party Yesh Atid, led by former prime minister Yair Lapid, put forward a parliamentary vote for next week to topple the government, even as the Israeli army continues battling Hamas in the Gaza Strip. It would require the support of 61 out of the 120 members of the parliament to succeed.

    “This Knesset (parliament) is finished. It has nowhere to go,” Lapid said.

    Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has remained silent on the looming crisis.

    A spokesperson for United Torah Judaism leader Yitzhak Goldknopf told Reuters the party would vote in favour of dissolving parliament unless exemption legislation was passed.

    With a week until the vote, Netanyahu and his allies still have time to negotiate over an issue that has dogged the coalition for months.

    A source close to the government said, on condition of anonymity, that negotiations within the coalition were continuing.

    Netanyahu’s coalition of secular right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties holds an 8-seat majority in parliament. United Torah Judaism has 7 seats while its ally, Shas, the other ultra-Orthodox party, has 11.

    BETTING ON A BLUFF

    The coalition is sharply divided over whether young ultra-Orthodox men who are studying in religious seminaries should be exempt from mandatory military service.

    Failing to pass an exemption risks a walkout by ultra-Orthodox lawmakers, while approving it could trigger a protest exit by secular parties.

    Coalition member Ohad Tal of Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party criticized Goldknopf for threatening to trigger elections and called on the ultra-Orthodox lawmaker to resign.

    He urged others to negotiate a new arrangement but that a blanket exemption from military service could no longer stand.

    Former Knesset member Ofer Shelah said Netanyahu was likely betting the ultra-Orthodox lawmakers were bluffing, given the polls suggested they faced defeat in any early election.

    In March, ultra-Orthodox lawmakers threatened to bring down the government over the same issue, but time passed without any action. Resentment over the informal exemption given to religious seminary students is growing and lawmakers from the ruling coalition and opposition ranks say it is no longer tenable.

    Netanyahu won election in 2022 and does not have to return to the polls until 2026. Historically, few Israeli governments serve a full term.

    He has faced widespread criticism for failing to prevent the surprise October 2023 Hamas attack that killed roughly 1,200 people, and is facing growing calls from protesters and families of hostages still held in Gaza to end the war to secure their release.

    But some in his coalition say the war must continue until Hamas is eradicated.

    Political analysts say that the ultra-Orthodox lawmakers could simply quit the government to protest their failure to secure concessions, without toppling the ruling coalition.

    (Reuters)

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: TAB Bank Prescribes $2 Million Asset-Based Line of Credit for a Medical Supply Chain Financing and Logistics Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OGDEN, Utah, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TAB Bank has provided a $2 million revolving asset-based line of credit for a Canadian medical supply chain financing and logistics company. The company opened a $2 million Certificate of Deposit (CD) at TAB Bank to serve as collateral on the loan.

    TAB Bank’s high-yield CD rate, currently at a 4.15% Annual Percentage Yield (APY), is a primary reason the medical supply chain solution provider chose to work with TAB. This strategic move allows the company to earn a return on its deposit while simultaneously building its commercial borrowing profile.

    The company offers supply chain financing and logistics support tailored specifically for North American medical service providers purchasing from local and global manufacturers. It provides a data-driven approach to procurement, inventory and end-to-end supply chain management of essential medical commodities, such as surgical supplies and medical devices for healthcare providers.

    “The medical supply chain solution provider’s decision to utilize TAB Bank’s high-yield CD as collateral is a smart, forward-thinking strategy,” said Ryan Gabriel, Vice President and Business Development Officer for the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada at TAB Bank. “It also highlights one of TAB’s key strengths—offering competitive deposit products that work hand-in-hand with our lending solutions to build value for our clients.”

    TAB Bank offers customized financial products to small and midsized businesses across a wide range of industries, like asset-based lending, equipment financing and working capital solutions. The bank’s personalized service and bold financial solutions continue to attract clients across North America.

    About TAB Bank
    At TAB Bank, our mission is to unlock dreams with bold financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses nationwide. We are committed to making financial success accessible to everyone through our innovative banking products. Our dedication drives us to continuously improve, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our clients with excellence and agility. For over 25 years, we have remained steadfast in offering tailored, technology-enabled solutions designed to simplify and enhance the banking experience. 

    For more information about how we can help you achieve your financial dreams, visit www.TABBank.com.

    Contact Information:
    Trevor Morris
    Director of Marketing
    801-624-5172
    trevor.morris@tabbank.com

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Top California Lender, LLC Closes $70 Million Loan for Multifamily Acquisition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Top California Lender, a leading private lender specializing in commercial lending, is proud to announce the successful closing of a $70 million loan to finance the acquisition of a multifamily property in Atlanta, Georgia. This significant achievement highlights the company’s expertise in facilitating large-scale real estate investments in high-growth markets across the United States.

    The loan, structured as an 18-month bridge term with an interest rate of 9.5% and interest-only payments, supports the purchase of a 400-unit Class A multifamily complex in Atlanta’s vibrant Midtown neighborhood. Valued at approximately $100 million, the property offers modern amenities and is well-positioned to meet the city’s growing demand for high-quality rental housing. The borrower, a prominent real estate investment firm, plans to enhance the complex with upgrades to attract premium tenants, capitalizing on Atlanta’s booming multifamily market. The loan features no prepayment penalty, providing the borrower with flexibility to secure long-term financing or sell the asset as market conditions evolve.

    “This closing demonstrates our ability to deliver fast, customized financing solutions for strategic acquisitions,” said Jerry Dean, CEO of Top California Lender, LLC. “We’re thrilled to support this investment in Atlanta, a market known for its robust multifamily growth, and to empower our client to unlock the property’s full potential.”

    The transaction underscores the strong demand for multifamily financing in Georgia, where population growth and urbanization continue to drive rental housing needs. Top California Lender, LLC’s efficient process, targeting closings within 30 days of approval, ensured the swift execution of this deal, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in commercial lending.

    For more information about Top California Lender’s loan programs, including Rehab/Renovation Loans, Construction Loans, Bridge Loans, Commercial Acquisition Loans, and Change of Use Loans, visit www.topcalifornialender.com or contact info@topcalifornialender.com.

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: HTX Reveals Evolving Listing Strategy: Decoding the Future of Memes and Narratives from HPOS10I to Moonpig

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, today unveiled key insights into its refined asset listing strategy, demonstrating a significant pivot from traditional evaluation metrics towards a focus on genuine community consensus, compelling narratives, and project transparency. This strategic evolution sets HTX apart from other major exchanges and reflects a deeper understanding of the shifting dynamics within the crypto market.

    Major exchanges have historically adopted divergent listing approaches. Binance often prioritizes projects with established user bases, reputable teams, or substantial strategic investments, reinforcing “official incubation” labels like Alpha and Launchpool to highlight platform empowerment and compliance. Conversely, OKX leverages its robust wallet ecosystem to foster community engagement, with on-chain performance serving as a crucial indicator of liquidity.

    HTX, however, has carved out a unique position in its latest assets listings. Moving beyond reliance on funding rounds or established venture capital, HTX’s criteria now heavily weigh community buzz, compelling narratives, and project transparency. This fresh perspective underpins a listing philosophy centered on identifying “genuine consensus”.

    The diversity of new additions in HTX’s recent New Listing zone—HPOS10I, SOON, and Moonpig—clearly demonstrates this approach. These projects, spanning viral memes, innovative technology, and organic community-driven initiatives, reflect different dimensions of the market. This illustrates how HTX Exchange develops its system for identifying high-quality assets with strong growth potential—through the lens of the platform, the project, and the user.

    Platform Perspective: Community-Led, Deep Narratives, and On-Chain Activity Define a New Listing Formula

    Exchange listings have typically focused on backend support, capital influence, or strategic wagers. However, HTX’s latest selection strategy signals a notable shift: while traffic remains a key factor, greater scrutiny is placed on the source of that traffic and the sustainability of its growth narrative.

    “HarryPotterObamaSonic10Inu” (HPOS10I), dubbed the “ultimate meme,” rose to prominence with its unique blend of chaotic narrative, community autonomy, and extensive cultural reach. What caught HTX’s attention was the genuine self-organizing power of its community and the rich narrative potential spanning NFTs, e-commerce, and multiple brand IPs. HTX’s decision to list HPOS10I signals a shift in trends: exchanges are moving beyond chasing short-term traffic to valuing the combined potential of deep narratives and ecosystem growth.

    Project Perspective: Where Tech Meets Meme with True Innovation

    In a narrative-driven market, purely technical projects often struggle to attract early liquidity without rapidly establishing an emotional connection. SOON effectively addresses this challenge.Its “Super App Stack (SAS)” model provides not only an L1-facing Rollup solution but also seamlessly integrates Web2 user scenarios, such as live streaming platforms and content portals, with on-chain technology. This establishes a closed loop from foundational technology to the end-user experience.

    HTX’s listing of SOON sends a clear message: exchanges are now encouraging “narrative-friendly tech.” “Tech that can tell a story” is becoming more sought after than purely complex, “hard-core” technical stacks.

    User Perspective: Fair Launch Grassroots Projects Can Gain Mainstream Platform Recognition

    Moonpig is a typical Pump.fun-native project, launched with no pre sales or VC backing, and driven entirely by its community. Its rapid surge in community engagement, powered by fair-launch mechanics and a lighthearted, meme-driven culture, reflects a deeply decentralized ethos. Moonpig serves as clear proof that even grassroots projects can gain recognition from centralized platforms.

    By listing Moonpig, HTX has delivered an obvious message: more organically grown, on-chain grassroots projects will have real opportunities for recognition and official listings on centralized platforms. Meme projects that organically emerge and grow within on-chain communities and meet the criteria for transparency and engagement can also earn the trust of exchanges and gain access to valuable resources.

    HTX’s Three Pillars for Spotting Tomorrow’s Valued Assets

    Based on the newly listed assets, HTX’s current listing strategy crystallizes into three core principles:

    1. Meme Projects with Lasting Narratives: The focus is on memes supported by authentic, self-governed communities and enduring cultural relevance—projects that evolve from simple memes into valuable IP beyond mere speculation.
    2. Narrative-Driven Tech Infra: Essential elements include solid tech, approachable narratives, and quick user attraction. Infra projects must leverage clear branding and “meme-like” narratives to connect with users and liquidity, rather than remaining obscure in complex whitepapers.
    3. Grassroots On-Chain Native Projects: Success depends on fair on-chain launches and genuine community consensus. “Grassroots Memes” with transparent operations, equitable beginnings, and a clean short-term track record are the next dark horses ready to gain recognition.

    As an established mainstream trading platform, HTX has distinctly shifted its listing strategy in this new cycle, shifting from a reactive “hotspot tracking” model to a more proactive, narrative-driven approach. The rationale is clear: the meme market has advanced beyond simple image-based jokes to embody deeper cultural identities and community affiliations. Concurrently, technical projects are gaining mainstream recognition not through traditional business development, but by embedding themselves into core communities through fresh narratives that better resonate with user contexts.

    Amidst this evolution, the role of exchanges is also transforming. They are no longer simply facilitators for asset listings, but increasingly act as critical selectors of compelling cultural narratives and robust consensus value.

    About HTX

    Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

    As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

    To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

    For further inquiries, please contact Ruder Finn Asia glo-media@htx-inc.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by HTX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0ccc59d1-b279-4582-a5c9-79268d2fffc8

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: AndPartners Tops $25B in Client Assets to Start 2025: An ambitious start for a new wealth management firm aimed at changing the industry for the better

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ST. LOUIS, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — &Partners, a St. Louis-based, wealth management firm focused on attracting 100–150 of the best financial advisor teams in the U.S., is pleased to announce that it has onboarded over $25 billion in client assets, catapulting the firm into the top hybrid RIA wealth managers by size in just 18 months.

    “We started this company with a commitment to creating an environment where advisors can thrive, and clients can achieve their financial dreams with confidence. And we’re doing just that,” said David Kowach, CEO and cofounder of &Partners. “The $25 billion milestone, which we reached early this year, is an important one for us as it makes us not just one of the fastest growing over the last few years, but also one of the largest hybrid RIAs in this country. We feel privileged to call the advisors we’ve onboarded partners, and we are extremely excited for the year ahead.”

    Unlike many of its competitors, &Partners is employee- and advisor-owned with a very broadly distributed equity base. Shared ownership at &Partners creates alignment across home office employees, advisors, and their clients. According to Kowach, the secret ingredient fueling the company’s success and propelling the firm’s forward momentum is the &Partners approach to ownership. “Advisors are meaningful owners of our firm, and this ownership opportunity is a key driver of our growth.”

    &Partners was founded by a team of seasoned professionals with a long history in the advisory and asset management industries. At &Partners, an institutional-quality investment platform is paired with flexible technology that can accommodate a wide range of advisor preferences. The operational and investment support is white glove by design. No call centers and no 1-800 numbers.

    The hallmark of the culture at &Partners is empowerment. The growth of the firm will be capped at approximately 150 teams of advisors to help avoid the pitfalls of a “lowest common denominator approach” to decision-making by management teams too focused on scale rather than excellence. Advisors at &Partners will have the freedom to do what is right for clients, and they will be supported by a team of professionals with an “on call” mentality. Kristi Mitchem, who founded the firm together with David Kowach and John Alexander, describes the &Partners investment team as “concierge” in its orientation.

    “We want to meet advisors and their clients where they are. Every client and advisor will have access to institutional quality investment solutions that are designed to fit their needs and their dreams—precisely.” “Our clients deserve nothing less than unwavering dedication to their financial well-being,” adds John Alexander. “At the bigger firms, bureaucracy can get in the way of sound, common sense decision-making. The size of &Partners allows us to make individualized decisions with an unwavering focus on client value creation.”

    &Partners invites both advisors and clients to experience a new era of advisory services where their needs come first. To learn more about the firm, please visit andpartners.com or contact Trevor Wade at marketing@andpartners.com.

    About &Partners

    &Partners is a rapidly growing wealth management firm built for advisors seeking greater ownership, flexibility, and community. Founded by former Wells Fargo leaders and based in Nashville, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri, the firm offers a hybrid model that combines high payouts with equity participation, institutional support, and access to a collaborative peer network. With nearly $30 billion in client assets and over 80 advisor teams as of May 2025, &Partners provides a platform where advisors can build lasting businesses on their terms — without sacrificing service, scale, or culture. Clearing and custody services are provided by National Financial Services LLC, a Fidelity company. Our mission is to change financial lives for the better by providing highly personalized advice that seeks to avoid missteps and optimize opportunities. To learn more, visit andpartners.com.

    &Partners is the enterprise trade/marketing name for Ampersand Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its subsidiary, &Partners, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and investment adviser. Securities and investment advisory services offered through &Partners, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC.

    Media Contacts: Trevor Wade, trevor.wade@andpartners.com, (415) 515-4560 and Kate Ennis, ennis@DAIPartnersPR.com, (301)580-6726

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b7a24f3e-b62d-4020-ba9d-b8afaab77fbc

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Treasury Bill Auction Announcement – RIKV 25 0917 – RIKV 25 1217

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Series RIKV 25 0917 RIKV 25 1217
    ISIN IS0000037349 IS0000037695
    Maturity Date 09/17/2025 12/17/2025
    Auction Date 06/06/2025 06/06/2025
    Settlement Date 06/11/2025 06/11/2025

    On the Auction Date, between 10:30 am and 11:00 am, the Government Debt Management will auction Treasury bills in the Series, with the ISIN numbers and with the Maturity Dates according to the table above. Payments for the Treasury bills must be received by the Central Bank before 14:00 on the Settlement Date and the Bills will be delivered in electronic form on the same day.

    Please note that the Treasury bill RIKV 25 0917 is registered electronically at Verðbréfamiðstöð Íslands hf. central securities depository (VBM). The Treasury bill RIKV 25 1217 will be registered at Nasdaq CSD.

    Further reference is made to the General Terms of Icelandic Treasury bills and General Terms of Auction for Treasury bills on the Government Debt Management website.

    For additional information please contact Tryggvi Freyr Harðarson, Government Debt Management, at +354 569 9630.

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Siili Solutions Plc: Share Repurchase 4.6.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Siili Solutions Plc       Announcement  4.6.2025  
           
           
    Siili Solutions Plc: Share Repurchase 4.6.2025    
           
    In the Helsinki Stock Exchange      
           
    Trade date           4.6.2025    
    Bourse trade         Buy    
    Share                  SIILI    
    Amount             1 100 Shares  
    Average price/ share    6,3600 EUR  
    Total cost            6 996,00 EUR  
           
           
    Siili Solutions Plc now holds a total of 3 998 shares  
    including the shares repurchased on 4.6.2025    
           
    The share buybacks are executed in compliance with Regulation   
    No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council (MAR) Article 5
    and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052.  
           
    On behalf of Siili Solutions Plc      
           
    Nordea Bank Oyj      
           
    Sami Huttunen Ilari Isomäki    
           
    Further information:      
    CFO Aleksi Kankainen      
    Email: aleksi.kankainen@siili.com      
    Tel. +358 50 584 2029      
           
    www.siili.com      
           

    Attachment

    • SIILI 4.6.2025 Trades

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Treasury Bond Auction Announcement – RIKB 27 0415 – RIKB 35 0917

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Series RIKB 27 0415 RIKB 35 0917
    ISIN IS0000036291 IS0000035574
    Maturity Date 04/15/2027 09/17/2035
    Auction Date 06/06/2025 06/06/2025
    Settlement Date 06/12/2025 06/12/2025
    10% addition 06/11/2025 06/11/2025

    On the Auction Date, between 13:30 am and 14:00 am, the Government Debt Management will auction Treasury bonds in the Series, with the ISIN numbers and with the Maturity Dates according to the table above. Payments for the Treasury bonds must be received by the Central Bank before 14:00 on the Settlement Date, and the Bonds will be delivered in electronic form on the same day. Article 6 of the General Terms of Auction for Treasury bonds applies for the right to purchase an additional 10%.

    Further reference is made to the description of the Treasury bond and the General Terms of Auction for Treasury bonds on the Government Debt Management website.

    For additional information please contact Tryggvi Freyr Harðarson, Government Debt Management, at +354 569 9630.

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Sidhu meets with United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade Jonathan Reynolds

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 4, 2025 – Paris, France – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, met with Jonathan Reynolds, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade, on the margins of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, France.

    Minister Sidhu and Secretary of State Reynolds discussed expanding trade and investment through the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement. Minister Sidhu highlighted the importance of Canada continuing to work with the United Kingdom through forums such as the G7, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and with international organizations in support of the rules-based global trading system.

    Minister Sidhu looks forward to continuing working with Secretary of State Reynolds on the Canada-UK trade relationship.

    Associated links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: The atmosphere is getting thirstier and it’s making droughts worse – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Solomon Gebrechorkos, Reserach Fellow in Climate Change Attribution, University of Oxford

    luchschenF/Shutterstock

    Droughts are becoming more severe and widespread across the globe. But it’s not just changing rainfall patterns that are to blame. The atmosphere is also getting thirstier.

    In a new study published in Nature, my colleagues and I show that this rising “atmospheric thirst” – also known as atmospheric evaporative demand (AED) – is responsible for about 40% of the increase in drought severity over the last four decades (1981-2022).

    Imagine rainfall as income and AED as spending. Even if your income (rainfall) stays the same, your balance goes into deficit if your spending (AED) increases. That’s exactly what’s happening with drought: the atmosphere is demanding more water than the land can afford to lose.

    As the planet warms, this demand grows – drawing more moisture from soils, rivers, lakes, and even plants. With this growing thirst, droughts are getting more severe even where rain hasn’t significantly declined.

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

    The process of AED describes how much water the atmosphere wants from the surface. The hotter, sunnier, windier and drier the air is, the more water it requires – even if there isn’t less rain.

    So even in places where rainfall hasn’t changed much, we’re still seeing worsening droughts. This thirstier atmosphere is drying things out faster and more intensely and introducing more stress when this water is not available.

    Our new analysis reveals that AED doesn’t just make existing droughts worse – it expands the areas affected by drought. From 2018 to 2022, the global land area experiencing drought rose by 74%, and 58% of that expansion was due to increased AED.

    Our study highlights that the year 2022 stood out as the most drought-stricken year in over four decades. More than 30% of the world’s land experienced moderate to extreme drought conditions. In both Europe and east Africa, the drought was especially severe in 2022 – this was driven largely by a sharp increase in AED, which intensified drying even where rainfall hadn’t dropped significantly.

    Crop yields are severely affected by water stress.
    Scott Book/Shutterstock

    In Europe alone, widespread drying had major consequences: reduced river flows hindered hydropower generation, crop yields suffered due to water stress, plus many cities faced water shortages. This put unprecedented pressure on water supply, agriculture and energy sectors, threatening livelihoods and economic stability.

    My team’s new research brings clarity to the dynamics of drought. We used high-quality global climate data, including temperature, wind speed, humidity and solar radiation – these are the key meteorological variables that influence how much water the atmosphere can draw from the land and vegetation. The team combined all these ingredients to measure AED – essentially, how “thirsty” the air is.

    Then, using a widely recognised drought index that includes both rainfall and this atmospheric thirst, we could track when, where and why droughts are getting more severe. With this metric, we can calculate how much of that worsening is due to the atmosphere’s growing thirst.

    The future implications of this increasing atmospheric thirst are huge, especially for regions already vulnerable to drought such as western and eastern Africa, western and south Australia, and the southwestern US where AED was responsible for more than 60% of drought severity over the past two decades.

    Without factoring in AED during drought monitoring and planning, governments and communities may underestimate the true risk they face. With global temperatures expected to rise further, we can expect even more frequent and severe droughts. We need to prepare. That involves understanding and planning for this growing atmospheric thirst.

    Driving drought

    Knowing what is causing droughts in each specific location enables smarter climate adaptation. AED must be a central part of how we monitor, model and plan for drought.

    Identifying the specific drivers of drought is essential for tailoring effective ways to cope with drought. If droughts are mainly due to declining rainfall, then the focus should be on water storage and conservation. But if AED is the main driver – as it is in many places now – then strategies must address evaporative loss (i.e. the amount of water lost from the surface and plants to the atmosphere) and plant water stress. This might involve planting drought-resistant crops, constructing irrigation systems that use water more efficiently, improving soil health or restoring habitats to keep moisture in the land.

    As our research shows, rising AED – driven by global warming – is intensifying drought severity even where rainfall hasn’t declined. Ignoring it means underestimating risk.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Solomon Gebrechorkos receives funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO; grant no. 201880) and the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC; grant no. NE/S017380/1).

    – ref. The atmosphere is getting thirstier and it’s making droughts worse – new study – https://theconversation.com/the-atmosphere-is-getting-thirstier-and-its-making-droughts-worse-new-study-258022

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tonko Reintroduces Sweeping Offshore Wind Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

    Tonko Reintroduces Sweeping Offshore Wind Bill

    Amidst administration attacks on offshore wind development, Tonko’s bill would provide needed leasing and permitting certainty to support clean energy future

    Washington, June 4, 2025

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) today reintroduced the Offshore Energy Modernization Act, legislation that provides a comprehensive blueprint to ensure the long-term viability and success of U.S. offshore wind development.
    This introduction comes amidst an onslaught of attacks from the Trump administration on wind energy development. On day one, President Trump issued an executive order blocking all new approvals, permits, and funding for wind energy, both on and offshore — potentially putting thousands of jobs and billions in industry investments on the chopping block.
    “Despite President Trump’s best efforts to tank clean energy development, offshore wind remains a massive boon and opportunity, not only for coastal regions, but across the nation — including New York’s Capital Region — in the form of good paying jobs, increased manufacturing, and development of critical components,” Congressman Tonko said. “Republicans are waking up to the benefits that wind energy presents. Robust federal leadership is needed to support long-term and responsible offshore wind development, support domestic supply chain, and drive American energy dominance. My Offshore Energy Modernization Act is the solution. I urge my colleagues join me in supporting this legislation to ensure we unlock the full potential of American offshore wind energy production and deployment.”

    The Offshore Energy Modernization Act of 2025 is the first comprehensive federal legislation to support long-term and responsible offshore wind development in the United States. This bill: 

    • Reforms the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to better reflect the realities of offshore wind development and provide long-term certainty for this emerging industry. 
    • Facilitates timely and efficient permitting of offshore renewable energy projects by providing funding for early, frequent, and robust community engagement, including Tribal consultation. 
    • Ensures that offshore renewable energy projects support good-paying, union jobs and a reliable, domestic supply chain. 
    • Invests in marine and coastal habitat protection and compensates fishing interests that have been impacted by offshore wind development. 
    • Establishes the Offshore Power Administration to provide Federal assistance to advance shared offshore transmission infrastructure. 
    • Creates new Department of Energy grant and loan guarantee opportunities to support U.S. shipbuilding needed to construct offshore wind projects. 
    A fact-sheet of the Offshore Energy Modernization Act can be found HERE.
    A section-by-section summary can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ​The EBA issues Opinions on two measures to address macroprudential risk following notifications by the Swedish FSA

    Source: European Banking Authority




    ​The EBA issues Opinions on two measures to address macroprudential risk following notifications by the Swedish FSA | European Banking Authority

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    • Press Release
    • 4 June 2025

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    Opinion of the EBA on measures in accordance with Article 458 of CRR on CRE exposures in Sweden

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    Franca Rosa Congiu

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Cato T. Laurencin 2025 Wallace H. Coulter Lecturer at Pittcon

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Laurencin’s presentation, Regenerative Engineering: The Frontier is Here, highlighted his work in regenerative engineering and how many scientific disciplines are being integrated and are blending to drive meaningful progress in clinical applications. He noted several regeneration engineering project areas that spotlight the work he and his team are doing that are having a substantial impact on human health. His work, which bridges advanced materials science, stem cell biology, physics, developmental biology, and clinical translation, is a testament to how interdisciplinary science is making measurable impact in medicine.

    Pittcon is a dynamic, international conference and exposition on laboratory science, a venue for presenting the latest advances in analytical research and scientific instrumentation, and a platform for continuing education and science-enhancing opportunity. It is a confluence of brilliant minds, groundbreaking technologies, and the unrelenting pursuit of innovation in analytical science.

    In an interview, conducted at Pittcon, with News Medical, one of the world’s leading open-access medical and life science hubs, Laurencin spoke about the importance of mentorship for the next generation of scientists, especially in regenerative engineering. He noted how deeply inspired he was by Dr. Robert Langer, at MIT, and decided to follow in his footsteps.

    In his remarks, Laurencin talked about the honor of being the Coulter Lecturer at such a prestigious event as Pittcon. “I am truly honored on multiple levels. First, it is the Coulter-endowed lectureship, and I have always respected the Coulter Foundation. They were among the first to recognize that while great science and engineering are important, they are not enough—discoveries need to be translated into real-world impact,” said Laurencin. “I am also honored to be here at Pittcon, one of the largest gatherings of scientists in the world. Being invited as the keynote speaker is a privilege, and I look forward to staying engaged with Pittcon in the future. I am very impressed with the work that is being done here.”

    Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin is the University Professor at UConn and Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UConn School of Medicine, professor of Chemical Engineering, professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. He is the chief executive officer of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, a cross-university institute named in his honor at the University of Connecticut. He is the first individual to receive the American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS) Mentor Award, the Beckman Award for Mentoring, and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Math, and Engineering Mentoring bestowed by President Obama. Nationally, the Society for Biomaterials established the Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D. Travelling Fellow Award Program for undergraduates in his honor.

    Laurencin received the 2023 Priestley Medal, the highest honor of the American Chemical Society and the Von Hippel Award, the highest honor of the Materials Research Society. He will receive the Dickson Prize for Medicine. Many of the Dickson Prize awardees have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize. Sir Cato Laurencin was bestowed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia, under the auspices of King Charles III of England. He is recognized as the leading international figure in polymeric biomaterials chemistry and engineering who has made extraordinary scientific contributions and has had profound contributions to improving human health.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for machete attack – after being arrested with firearm

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A complex investigation by Met detectives has seen a man jailed over a brutal machete attack in Clapham, highlighting the Met’s commitment to cracking down on violence and relentlessly pursuing those who endanger the lives of others.

    Nino-Tai Smith, 23 (20.02.2002), of Wandsworth Road, Nine Elms, was jailed for a total of eight years and 10 months at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, 4 June. This was reduced to seven years and three months after credit. He previously pleaded guilty on Tuesday, 4 March at the same court to charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

    Smith drove a stolen Mercedes into his victim – a man aged 25 at the time – before attacking him with a machete. It is understood that assault was motivated by a gang rivalry.

    When officers tracked Smith down, they also recovered a firearm. In connection with the firearm, Smith also pleaded guilty of possessing a firearm at Inner London Crown Court on Monday, 14 November, 2022. He was handed a five-year sentence for this offence, which he is serving concurrently with his most recent sentence.

    Detective Inspector Jonathan Summers, who heads the Met’s Central South Gangs Unit, said: “Smith’s victim was left with severe, life-changing injuries and I’m proud of the investigation team’s efforts in bringing this violent offender to justice.

    “Brilliant investigative work helped to paint a compelling picture of Smith’s guilt, and led him to plead guilty on the first day of trial.

    “Senseless violence has no place on London’s streets, and I hope this case demonstrates our determination to pursue dangerous criminals who threaten the safety of our communities.”

    On Thursday, 10 June, 2021, Smith drove a stolen Mercedes into his victim in Cedars Road, Clapham. He knocked him off his moped, before setting upon him with a machete. Smith made off, ultimately crashing the car in nearby Newby Street. He then discarded his machete and left on foot before police arrived at the scene.

    Met officers provided emergency treatment to the victim at the scene and he was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service to receive lifesaving care.

    Investigators then began making urgent enquiries to track down the perpetrator, following numerous lines of enquiry, establishing the Mercedes had been driven by Nino-Tai Smith.

    Just two days after the incident, police tracked Smith down to the Patmore Estate in Battersea. Following a chase with officers – captured on body-worn video – he was detained and officers recovered an illegal firearm in a bag that Smith had discarded at the scene.

    The investigation team spent months analysing complex phone data and evidence. This all added up to a damning case against Smith, who was shown to be an active participant in the assault after data showed he had been near the scene of the incident at the time.

    DI Summers added: “This was a heinous, premeditated attack motivated by intergang rivalry. We will always seek to prosecute such matters – even when a victim is unable for whatever reason to support a prosecution.

    “Neither intimidation nor any perceived code of silence will prevent us from relentlessly pursuing justice. The investigation team have worked tirelessly for years to achieve this amazing result, and I am again humbled by the investigators’ dedication, detective ability and professionalism.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Moser RIver — RCMP arrests two women in Moser River following an altercation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment has arrested two women in Moser River following a report of an altercation.

    This morning, at approximately 1:10 a.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of an altercation at a home on Moser River North Rd. When officers arrived, six adults were located inside the residence; five of whom displayed signs of impairment.

    While gathering information, one RCMP officer was assaulted by a 20-year-old woman from Halifax. During her arrest she assaulted a second officer.

    Through the investigation, it was learned that a 19-year-old woman present in the home, who is also from Halifax, had lied about her identity and was currently wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant. She was safely arrested.

    The 20-year-old woman was later released on conditions. She is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on July 23, at 9:30 a.m., to face two counts of Assaulting a Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest and Mischief.

    The 19-year-old woman was later released. She is scheduled to appear in court at a later date to face a charge of Obstructing a Peace Officer.

    The investigation into an assault that occurred at the home between the persons present is ongoing.

    File #: 25-78392

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: New MLPerf Training v5.0 Benchmark Results Reflect Rapid Growth and Evolution of the Field of AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, MLCommons® announced new results for the MLPerf® Training v5.0 benchmark suite, highlighting the rapid growth and evolution of the field of AI. This round of benchmark results includes a record number of total submissions, as well as increased submissions for most benchmarks in the suite compared to the v4.1 benchmark.

    MLPerf Training v5.0 introduces new Llama 3.1 405B benchmark

    The MLPerf Training benchmark suite comprises full system tests that stress models, software, and hardware for a range of machine learning (ML) applications. The open-source and peer-reviewed benchmark suite provides a level playing field for competition that drives innovation, performance, and energy efficiency for the entire industry.

    Version 5.0 introduces a new large language model pretraining benchmark based on the Llama 3.1 405B generative AI system, which is the largest model to be introduced in the training benchmark suite. It replaces the gpt3-based benchmark included in previous versions of the MLPerf Training benchmark suite. An MLPerf Training task force selected the new benchmark because it is a competitive model representative of the current state-of-the-art LLMs, including recent algorithmic updates and training on more tokens. More information on the new benchmark can be found here. Despite just being introduced, the Llama 3.1 405B benchmark is already receiving more submissions than the gpt3-based predecessor saw in previous rounds – demonstrating the popularity and importance of large-scale training.

    Rapid performance improvements for key training scenarios

    The MLPerf Training working group regularly adds emerging training workloads to the benchmark suite to ensure that it reflects industry trends. The Training 5.0 benchmark results show notable performance improvements for newer benchmarks, indicating that the industry is prioritizing emerging training workloads over older ones. The Stable Diffusion benchmark saw a 2.28x speed increase for 8-processor systems compared to the 4.1 version six months ago, and the Llama 2.0 70B LoRA benchmark increased its speed 2.10x versus version 4.1; both outpacing historical expectations for computing performance improvements over time as per Moore’s Law. Older benchmarks in the suite saw more modest performance improvements.

    On multi-node, 64-processor systems, the RetinaNet benchmark saw a 1.43x speedup compared to the prior v3.1 benchmark round (the most recent to include comparable scale systems), while the Stable Diffusion benchmark had a dramatic 3.68x increase.

    “This is the sign of a robust technology innovation cycle and co-design: AI takes advantage of new systems, but the systems are also evolving to support high-priority scenarios,” said Shriya Rishab, MLPerf Training working group co-chair.

    Increasing diversity of processors, increasing scale of systems, broadening ecosystem

    Submissions to MLPerf Training 5.0 utilized 12 unique processors, all in the available (production) category. Five of the processors have become publicly available since the last version of the benchmark suite.

    • AMD Instinct MI300X 192GB HBM3
    • AMD Instinct MI325X 256GB HBM3e
    • NVIDIA Blackwell GPU (GB200)
    • NVIDIA Blackwell GPU (B200-SXM-180GB)
    • TPU-trillium

    Submissions also included three new processor families:

    • 5th Generation AMD Epyc Processor (“Turin”)
    • Intel Xeon 6 Processor (“Granite Rapids”)
    • Neoverse V2 as part of NVIDIA GB200

    In addition, the number of multi-node systems submitted increased more than 1.8x when compared to version 4.1.

    “The picture is clear: AI workloads are scaling up, systems are scaling up to run them, and hardware innovation continues to boost performance for key scenarios,” said Hiwot Kassa, MLPerf Training working group co-chair. “In-house large scale systems were built by few companies, but the increased proliferation – and competition – in AI-optimized systems is enabling the broader community to scale up their own infrastructure. Most notably, we see an increasing cadre of cloud service providers offering access to large-scale systems, democratizing access to training large models.

    “The industry is not standing still, and neither can we. MLCommons is committed to continuing to evolve our benchmark suite so that we can capture and report on the innovation that is happening in the field of AI.”

    Record industry participation

    The MLPerf Training v5.0 round includes 201 performance results from 20 submitting organizations: AMD, ASUSTeK, Cisco Systems Inc., CoreWeave, Dell Technologies, GigaComputing, Google Cloud, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, Krai, Lambda, Lenovo, MangoBoost, Nebius, NVIDIA, Oracle, Quanta Cloud Technology, SCITIX, Supermicro, and TinyCorp.

    “We would especially like to welcome first-time MLPerf Training submitters AMD, IBM, MangoBoost, Nebius, and SCITIX,” said David Kanter, Head of MLPerf at MLCommons. ”I would also like to highlight Lenovo’s first set of power benchmark submissions in this round – energy efficiency in AI training systems is an increasingly critical issue in need of accurate measurement.”

    MLPerf Training v5.0 set a new high-water mark for the >200 submissions. The vast majority of the individual benchmark tests that carried over from the previous round saw an increase in submissions.

    Robust participation by a broad set of industry stakeholders strengthens the AI/ML ecosystem as a whole and helps to ensure that the benchmark is serving the community’s needs. We invite submitters and other stakeholders to join the MLPerf Training working group and help us continue to evolve the benchmark.

    View the results

    To view the full results for MLPerf Training v5.0 and find additional information about the benchmarks, please visit the Training benchmark page.

    About ML Commons

    MLCommons is the world’s leader in AI benchmarking. An open engineering consortium supported by over 125 members and affiliates, MLCommons has a proven record of bringing together academia, industry, and civil society to measure and improve AI. The foundation for MLCommons began with the MLPerf benchmarks in 2018, which rapidly scaled as a set of industry metrics to measure machine learning performance and promote transparency of machine learning techniques. Since then, MLCommons has continued using collective engineering to build the benchmarks and metrics required for better AI – ultimately helping to evaluate and improve AI technologies’ accuracy, safety, speed, and efficiency.

    For additional information on MLCommons and details on becoming a member, please visit MLCommons.org or email participation@mlcommons.org.

    Press Inquiries: contact press@mlcommons.org

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25f6643c-9978-4344-8c45-75336a9497dd

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7781c2e5-02ce-4b69-b92b-c12c7e3a48fd

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Altius Inspiro Names Mr. Ryo Ohashi as New President and CEO to Drive Digital Transformation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MANILA, Philippines, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Altius Inspiro, Inc. (Inspiro), a leader in digital customer experience (CX) and business process outsourcing (BPO), proudly announces Mr. Ryo Ohashi as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, signaling a bold step toward a future defined by digital transformation.

    Driving Altius Inspiro’s Future Vision

    With over 20 years of global leadership experience in industries spanning cybersecurity, ICT, electronics, and human resource management, Mr. Ohashi steps into his new role with a clear, future-focused vision for Altius Inspiro. His track record of steering cross-cultural teams and adapting to dynamic market challenges equips him to guide the company toward its next phase of innovation and operational excellence.

    A Digital-First BPO Vision

    “My vision is to transform Altius Inspiro into a fully digital BPO company where innovation seamlessly blends with strategic portfolio management,” stated Mr. Ohashi. “With our unique strengths and passionate team, this transformation is not only possible—it’s inevitable.”

    This ambitious roadmap centers on repositioning Altius Inspiro as a global digital CX and BPO leader. Mr. Ohashi emphasizes leveraging the company’s core strengths, including two decades of operational excellence and enduring relationships with long-standing marquee clients, to cement the company’s leadership in the digital-first BPO space.

    Commitment to Innovation and Growth

    Under Mr. Ohashi’s leadership, Altius Inspiro will focus on three core pillars to achieve its digital transformation goals:

    1. Relentless InnovationThe company aims to set new industry benchmarks by continually evolving its professional services to meet the demands of a fast-changing digital landscape.
    2. Global ScalabilityThe company will scale its global footprint to reach new markets and ensure its services remain accessible to enterprises worldwide.
    3. Balanced Portfolio Development

    The company is committed to building and maintaining a diversified client portfolio, ensuring long-term resilience and sustainable growth for its partners, employees, and stakeholders.

    “Backed by our solid Transformation and Operations teams, Altius nspiro is perfectly positioned to lead the charge in shaping the next generation of BPO services,” said Mr. Ohashi.

    A Trusted Global Partner

    What sets Altius Inspiro apart is a unique combination of expertise and a deeply rooted sense of community. “Our people are the heart of this organization, and our shared sense of camaraderie empowers us to deliver exceptional results for our partners. This is what makes Altius Inspiro not just a service provider but a trusted global partner,” added Mr. Ohashi.

    Charting the Path Forward

    Under Mr. Ohashi’s forward-looking leadership, Altius Inspiro is equipped to redefine the BPO industry with a digital-first approach that blends technological innovation, operational excellence, and human expertise. This new chapter promises transformational growth and lasting success for clients and employees alike.

    About Altius Inspiro, Inc. 

    Altius Inspiro is a global leader in digital customer experience management and business process outsourcing, serving Fortune 1000 companies across diverse industries. With a reputation for operational excellence and digital innovation, the company delivers next-generation CX solutions powered by strategy, advanced analytics, and technology. Altius Inspiro is a subsidiary of Altius Link, Inc., supported by shareholders KDDI Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

    For more information, visit www.inspiro.com.

    Contact:

    Raymond Boholano
    Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications
    raymond.boholano@inspiro.com

    The MIL Network –

    June 5, 2025
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