Category: KB

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More road resurfacing to get underway as council tackles potholes

Source: City of Wolverhampton

Roads to be given a new lease of life in the coming weeks include: Cannock Road, A41 Wellington Road, Merridale Road, Lichfield Street, Neachells Lane, Wrottesley Road, Wood End Road, A4039 Millfields Road, Whitgreave Avenue, Ruskin Avenue, Hall Lane, Prestwood Road, Rookery Street and Cumberland Road, with more improvements to follow.

Resurfacing in Merridale Road starts next Monday 9 June and runs to Friday 13 June, between 9.30am and 3.30pm each day, and along the A41 Wellington Road from Wednesday 11 June to Tuesday 17 June, between 7pm and 5am, weather permitting, with crews quickly moving on to the next roads.

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We know just how important tackling potholes is to people and it is a priority for us.

“We are going to be out there resurfacing more roads right across the city in the coming weeks providing a smoother journey for all modes of transport.

“Thousands of potholes are repaired every year, but through a data led and targeted approach of preventative work we can reduce the number of defects occurring.”

The highways improvements are funded via the council’s £9.7 million highway capital budget, recently boosted by a further £2 million from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), meaning even more potholes will be filled and road resurfacing improvements carried out.

Restrictions and diversions can be seen via Causeway one.network.

Report potholes via Report a pothole.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government funds scheme to tackle on-farm drought risk
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Press release

Government funds scheme to tackle on-farm drought risk

Fully funded expert-led studies to assess water security on farms open for applications.
The Environment Agency have launched applications for a new round of specialist water assessments today (4 June), supporting farmer groups to collaborate on drought resilience measures and delivering on the government’s commitment to food security.

The £1.1 million package will support 12 fresh screening studies across England, known as Local Resource Options (LROs). They will assess the strengths and weaknesses of different water management options such as multi-farm reservoirs, treated wastewater recycling systems, or collaborative irrigation networks.

Last year, the fund provided 106 farms with recommendations and attracted positive responses from farmer groups for helping identify risks and facilitate greater co-operation between neighbours.

Proposals included building rainwater storage and distribution systems for growers of soft fruits like strawberries, wetlands to recycle treated wastewater for potato farmers or shared reservoir and irrigation networks to supply crops and aid peat restoration.

Environment Agency estimates suggest their top recommendations could provide an additional 12 billion litres of low-cost water per year to farmers, worth £53 million.

Philip Duffy, Environment Agency Chief Executive said:

Farmers say responsible access to water is vital for food production and rural economies, particularly during prolonged dry weather.

This scheme will help us draw up plans for on-farm water storage that work for the environment and food production.

Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food and Rural Affairs said:

Every farmer knows you need water to grow. This programme supports farmers to find new ways to manage water collaboratively to protect food security, long term profitability and local communities.

Storing water on wet days for use during dry periods is a great way to sustainably secure our food systems and farming businesses against the threat of drought.

Applications are open now for groups including at least two neighbouring farms and will close at 11:59 PM on 20 July 2025.

To apply or for further information, please visit the Environment Agency Water Hub

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Published 4 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to Malawi

Source: IMF – News in Russian

June 4, 2025

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

Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Justin Tyson visited Malawi from May 22 to June 3 to hold meetings with the Malawian authorities and other counterparts from the public and private sectors and civil society for the 2025 Article IV consultation. Discussions focused on policies to restore macroeconomic stability, and the structural reforms needed to foster strong, inclusive, and durable growth.

Context, Macroeconomic Outlook, and Risks

The Malawian economy has been buffeted by several shocks. Real GDP growth declined slightly to 1.8 percent in 2024 as a drought affected agricultural production, while foreign exchange and fuel shortages dampened economic activity. Over 20 percent of the population is facing high levels of food insecurity, up five percentage points over 2023. Headline inflation began easing in late-2024 and reaccelerated in early-2025 in the context of maize prices rising to historical levels, elevated money growth and an increasing official-parallel exchange rate spread.

Fiscal and monetary policy has remained too accommodative. The FY2024/25 (April/March) fiscal balance fell short of budget targets and deteriorated relative to the previous year as revenue underperformed and expenditure ceilings were exceeded. Persistent and elevated domestic fiscal financing has fueled money growth and inflation, which in turn exerts pressure on the exchange rate. Monetary policy did not tighten sufficiently in the context of elevated government domestic borrowing. The broader reform momentum has been slowing.

Consequently, domestic, and external imbalances worsened. The current account deficit expanded further to about 22 percent of GDP and gross reserves are critically low, pointing to an overvalued exchange rate. The official-parallel spread is wide and may reflect other factors beyond fundamentals. Malawi remains in external debt distress and domestic debt is growing.

The macroeconomic outlook is subdued and dependent on the agricultural sector output and foreign grant support. Under current policies, the mission expects real GDP growth to be 2.4 percent in 2025 and gradually increase to 3.4 percent over the medium term. Inflation is projected to average 29 percent in 2025 and settle at around 14 percent over the medium term. The current account deficit is projected to improve to about 17 percent of GDP in 2025 based on lower fuel prices and a rebound in key exports. General elections, scheduled for September, have reinforced political-economy constraints to macroeconomic adjustment. After the expiry of the ECF arrangement, the Malawian authorities are designing a homegrown reform program.

Risks are tilted to the downside. Lower-than-anticipated grant inflows and food production, additional global trade tensions, and delayed reforms could deepen macroeconomic instability. Greater-than-expected mining investment and production constitute an upside risk.

Fiscal Policy

Returning to a sustainable fiscal adjustment path is a priority. Tackling the rising interest bill will create space for domestically-financed investment and pro-poor spending, while also ameliorating the sovereign-bank nexus.

Domestic revenue mobilization is urgently needed to achieve fiscal sustainability in an equitable way. This could be achieved through a combination of broadening the tax base and tax policy instruments (e.g., reducing exemptions, and personal and corporate income tax reform). Improving wage bill efficiency and rebalancing expenditures towards human capital and social protection could support these efforts.

Staff welcomes public financial management improvements, which remain critical for strengthening fiscal governance and building public trust. The authorities have made progress in expanding the coverage of the Integrated Financial Management and Information System (IFMIS), bank reconciliations, and increasing the efficiency of public investment. Reform efforts should continue to, inter alia, enhance budget development, execution, and reporting, improve the procurement system, and strengthen State Owned Enterprises (SOE) oversight.

Decisive steps are needed to restore debt sustainability. The authorities have achieved some progress with their bilateral creditors and continue to engage with their external commercial creditors to ensure that external debt is sustainable. Tangible progress on external debt restructuring could pave the way for new concessional inflows. This should be supported by steps to reduce the cost of domestic borrowing.

Price Stability and Exchange Rate Policy

Tighter fiscal and monetary policies would support disinflationary efforts and ease pressure on the exchange rate. High inflation hurts the economy in general, but especially the poorest and most vulnerable. A combination of more restrictive monetary policy and an urgent fiscal adjustment, including enhanced reporting on budget execution, could reduce broad money growth, support policy credibility and re-anchor inflation expectations. Structural constraints may also be contributing to entrenched inflation expectations.

A unified and market clearing exchange rate is critical to reducing imbalances and supporting the authorities’ growth objectives. The current regime with a large and volatile spread between the parallel and official rate creates distortions, impedes exports, subsidizes some imports, and encourages informality and tax avoidance. Foreign direct investments and official aid flows are discouraged, and domestic revenues reduced. Eliminating these imbalances requires unifying the official and parallel exchange rates, at a level reflecting fundamentals and discounting speculative factors, and stabilizing the foreign exchange market. Consistency between the de facto exchange rate regime, the monetary policy framework and fiscal policy are needed to ensure sustainable growth.

Financial Sector Policies

The banking sector’s credit and foreign exchange risks should be monitored to preserve financial stability. While the sector is well-capitalized, liquid, and profitable, its significant exposure to government borrowing and the net foreign liabilities position within the banking sector require continued careful monitoring.

Increased banking sector credit to the private sector would support economic growth. Fiscal adjustment would reduce crowding out of private sector due to public borrowing and support export-oriented investment. In addition, a lower inflation and interest rate environment would further support credit to businesses.

Structural Reforms

Improving the investment climate would help attract investment, diversify the economy, and move up the value chain. Sustained multi-year prudent fiscal policies and removing price distortions (e.g., re-activating the automatic fuel price mechanism) would bolster policy credibility and strengthen external competitiveness. Addressing key structural impediments to growth would durably support efforts to raise productive capacity, reduce inflation and improve self-sustainability, as envisaged under the authorities’ Agriculture, Tourism, Mining and Manufacturing (ATMM) policy umbrella.

Further strengthening governance measures will support confidence in public service provision. Despite government reform efforts, including the two National Anti-Corruption Strategies, gaps persist. For example, the public procurement process and SOE operations would benefit from greater transparency and less discretionary decision-making.

The IMF mission team thanks the Malawian authorities and all other interlocutors for the candid discussions and their hospitality.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

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

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/04/pr-25175-malawi-imf-completes-2025-art-iv-mission

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Estimated Budgetary Effects of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Source: US Congressional Budget Office

Estimated budgetary effects of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as passed by the House of Representatives on May 22, 2025. CBO has not reviewed the legislation for effects on spending subject to appropriation. CBO has not yet completed an analysis of the macroeconomic effects of H.R. 1 or their additional budgetary effects.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Federal Jury Convicts Michigan Man on Charges of Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS and Possessing a Destructive Device

Source: US State of California

A Michigan man was convicted yesterday by a jury on charges of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, commonly known as ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and for being a felon in possession of a destructive device.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Adopt Arrest Warrant for Wenatchee Father Suspected in Murder of 3 Daughters

Source: US Marshals Service

Spokane, WA – The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is working closely with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, Washington State Department of Corrections, Washington State Patrol, and the Wenatchee Police Department to locate and apprehend Travis Caleb Decker. Decker is suspected of kidnapping and murdering his three young daughters this past weekend. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information directly leading to Decker’s arrests. The suspect is not known to be armed now but should be considered dangerous.

On May 30, the Wenatchee Police Department responded to a report of three young girls (ages 9, 8, and 5) not being returned to their mother following a scheduled visitation with their father, Decker, a 32-year-old resident of the Wenatchee area and former military member with extensive tactical training.
Law enforcement started an investigation immediately. After an Endangered Missing Person Alert was issued, a multi-agency search effort was launched across Chelan County.

On June 2, Decker’s vehicle was located in Leavenworth. A search of the immediate area led to the discovery of the deceased bodies of all three children. Decker was not located and is currently at large.

Arrest warrants were initially issued for Custodial Interference, later upgraded to Murder 1st Degree (3 counts) and Kidnapping 1st Degree (3 counts) following the recovery of the victims.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals or local law enforcement immediately, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or USMS Tip at http://www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is a U.S. Marshals-led partnership comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. The task force’s primary mission is to locate, arrest, and return to the justice system the most violent and egregious federal and state fugitives.

MIL Security OSI –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: ICE Lodges Detainer for Illegal Alien Charged with Child Rape in Massachusetts

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Despite his past criminal history in the U.S., this illegal alien and child pedophile was released into the country by the Biden Administration

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer for Lorenzo Lopez Alcario, a criminal illegal alien, who has been charged with rape of a child with force. According to local reports, the brutal sexual assault was captured on video and the child’s mother testified in court.

This criminal illegal alien from Guatemala first entered the country illegally at an unknown date and location. On July 30, 2017, Lopez was arrested by the Arlington Police Department, Arlington, VA for the Possession of Schedule I/II Controlled Substance.

On July 31, 2017, ICE arrested Lopez after he was released from the Arlington County Jail in Virginia. On September 13, 2017, an immigration judge ordered him removed from the United States. On September 28, 2017, ICE removed Lopez from the United States.

Under President Biden, this criminal illegal alien re-entered the country illegally on June 17, 2022. Despite his previous criminal arrests in the U.S. and first deportation, he was still RELEASED into the country.

“Lorenzo Lopez Alcario is a pedophile illegal alien from Guatemala who should’ve never been in the U.S. in the first place. He is being charged with committing a heinous crime—the rape of a child,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Despite his previous criminal charges and deportation, President Biden released this barbaric criminal into American communities in 2022. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, ICE lodged a detainer to ensure this criminal illegal alien will not be allowed to terrorize American citizens and will deport this child predator to prevent further victims.”

# # #

MIL Security OSI –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: DHS Unearths TSA Corruption: Sitting US Senator’s Husband Received Blanket Exemption from National Security Review After Traveling with Known or Suspected Terrorist

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s Husband Traveled with a Known or Suspected Terrorist Three Times in A Single Year

WASHINGTON —Today, the Department of Homeland Security revealed evidence detailing the politicization of TSA’s watchlisting program under the Biden administration. Discovered documents, correspondence, and timelines clearly highlight the Biden’s inconsistent application of Silent Partners Quiet Skies and watchlisting programs, circumventing security policies to benefit politically aligned friends and family at the expense of the American people.

This includes William “Billy” Shaheen, spouse of fellow democrat and sitting U.S. New Hampshire Senator, Jeane Shaheen, while surveilling political opponents like Tulsi Gabbard months after.

After Senator Shaheen directly lobbied the former Administrator, Pekoske gave repeated, explicit direction to exclude Shaheen from the Silent Partner Quiet Skies list. Pekoske granted Billy Shaheen a blanket Silent Partners Quiet Skies exemption despite Shaheen flying with a Known or Suspected Terrorist on three occasions.

All the while, Tulsi Gabbard, and many other Americans, were placed on the Silent Partners’ Quiet Skies list with little to no visibility, awareness, explanation, or oversight.

Billy Shaheen was hardly the only high-profile individual that was placed on this exclusion list. This list also included members of foreign royal families, political elites, professional athletes, and journalists. Shaheen’s blanket exemption has since been revoked.

“It is clear that this program was used as a political rolodex of the Biden Administration—weaponized against its political foes and to benefit their well-heeled friends,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “This program should have been about the equal application of security, instead it was corrupted to be about political targeting. Trump Administration will restore the integrity, privacy, and equal application of the law for all Americans, including aviation screening.”

For far too long, this program has yielded little to no measurable security impact and lay at the expense of the American traveler.

A timeline of events:

• 07/20/2023: William “Billy” Shaheen was a TSA Random Selectee on his flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS, Flight #1) to Washington-Reagan International Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to BOS (Flight #2). Billy Shaheen was flagged for the first time as Co-Traveler with a Known or Suspected Terrorist (KST).

• Shortly after Billy Shaheen’s travel, Senator Shaheen’s office made an inquiry to TSA about the Senator’s husband receiving enhanced screening on these two flights.

• 10/18/2023: Shaheen was flagged a second time as a Co-Traveler of a KST.

• It was after this flight that Senator Shaheen made a second inquiry to TSA, via a meeting with then Administrator Pekoske, about her husband being on a watchlist. TSA did not disclose any information on watchlisting.

• 10/20/2023: Shaheen was then approved by then Assistant Administrator for Intelligence and Analysis Nykamp (she departed TSA in March 2025), acting on then TSA Administrator Pekoske’s Authority, to be added to the Secure Flight Exclusion List.

• This means that Shaheen was excluded from any future TSA Random Selectee designation, and Rules-based Selectee designation, such as Quiet Skies, Association Based Rule Selectee designation, or Silent Partner Selectee designation.

• 10/24/2023: TSA Legislative Affairs communicates with then Assistant Administrator for Intelligence and Analysis Nykamp, and refers to the action taken by Nykamp and/or Pekoske to add Shaheen to the Secure Flight Exclusion List.

• Follow on communication provide instructions to TSA Security Operations to ensure the exclusion is accurately captured in the passenger’s boarding pass status.

• Billy Shaheen stayed on the Secure Flight Exclusion List for 18 months until current TSA leadership removed him.

###

MIL Security OSI –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Greenwood — RCMP conducting further inquiries as the investigation into the homicide of Esther Jones continues

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

This week members of the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit are in Greenwood conducting further inquiries related to the homicide of Esther Jones.

The Southwest Nova Major Crime Unit continues to investigate the homicide, which occurred in Greenwood on August 31, 2024. In September 2024, Dale Allen Toole was arrested and charged with Esther’s murder, and he remains in custody, Update: Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit charge man with First Degree Murder | Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Despite the extensive investigation, Esther’s remains have not yet been located. As the investigation continues, officers will be conducting further inquiries in Greenwood over the next several days; residents can expect to see police in the area.

These inquiries are a continuation of the investigational efforts. To date, investigators have formally interviewed more than 100 people, obtained video surveillance from more than 50 businesses and homes, and searched multiple locations looking for Esther’s remains.

The Southwest Nova Major Crime Unit continues to ask anyone who may have information to contact investigators at (902) 365-3120 or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.

File #2024-1287809

MIL Security OSI –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Secretary-General of OECD

Source: ASEAN

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Secretary-General of OECD, Mathias Cormann, at the sidelines of the OECD Headquarters in Paris, France, on 4 June 2025. Their discussions explored opportunities to deepen ASEAN-OECD engagement and align OECD’s support with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Secretary-General of OECD appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the World Trade Organization (WTO)

Source: ASEAN

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the World Trade Organization (WTO), H.E. Syahril Syazli Ghazali, at the OECD Headquarters, in Paris, France, on 4 June 2025. SG Dr. Kao congratulated Malaysia on the success of the recently-concluded 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as well as underscored ASEAN’s commitment to upholding an open, transparent, rules-based multilateral trading system based on the WTO.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the World Trade Organization (WTO) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER APPLAUDS GLOBALFOUNDRIES’ NEW $3 BILLION ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT SPURRED BY HIS CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW, BRINGING TOTAL TO $16 BILLION FOR CAPITAL REGION PROJECT TO BECOME EPICENTER OF AMERICA’S…

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
Schumer Has Fought For Years To Get GlobalFoundries To Expand Current Fab & Build New, State-Of-The-Art Second Manufacturing Facility In Malta, Delivering Whopping $1.5B Award From His Bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law Last Year To Finally Make Project A Reality
Now GlobalFoundries Is Investing $3B More In The Project, Further Expanding Advanced Packaging And R&D, Because Of The Foundation Schumer Laid To Strengthen American Semiconductor Leadership
Schumer: GlobalFoundries Is Doubling Down On The Capital Region With $3B More To Make Upstate NY America’s Semiconductor Epicenter
A longtime advocate for GlobalFoundries’ growth in the Capital Region, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today applauded GlobalFoundries’ announcement that it will invest an additional $3 billion to expand its first-of-its-kind chip packaging facility at its Saratoga County location, bringing its total investment to $16 billion in the Capital Region and the country thanks to his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law.
“GlobalFoundries is writing the future of American chipmaking right here in the Capital Region. With this additional $3 billion investment, GlobalFoundries is making a whopping $16 billion investment spurred by my CHIPS & Science Law, and is doubling down on Upstate New York as America’s semiconductor epicenter,” said Senator Schumer. “Soon, America’s AI future, and the next generation of the top chips that power everything from cell phones to cars will be made in Upstate New York from start to finish! I worked for years to pass the CHIPS & Science Law, to deliver more than $1.5 billion in federal CHIPS investment for GlobalFoundries’ growth in Saratoga County, and continued announcements like this show that bet is paying off bigger than most thought possible. This is a win-win-win for GlobalFoundries, Upstate NY’s chip supply chain, and our national & economic security.”
“Today we continue to show our commitment to U.S. manufacturing by partnering with our customers to onshore critical components of the supply chain needed for datacenters, communications infrastructure, AI edge devices and more,” said Dr. Thomas Caulfield, Executive Chairman of GlobalFoundries. “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Schumer and the New York Delegation, New York has become a world class ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing and R&D. Today’s investment will reestablish secure, domestic supply chains for critical technologies and continue to bring high-paying manufacturing jobs to Upstate New York.”
GlobalFoundries is committing an additional $3 billion on advanced research and development initiatives focused on packaging innovation, silicon photonics, and next-generation GaN technologies. With the $16 billion total investment now being made, GlobalFoundries aims to collaborate with major tech companies like Apple, AMD, and General Motors to strengthen American semiconductor leadership by producing American-made chips and advancing AI, aerospace, automotive, and high-performance communication innovation.
Schumer has worked for years to help GlobalFoundries expand and delivered historic investments from his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law for GlobalFoundries and the Capital Region. Last year, Schumer secured $1.5 billion in CHIPS funding to support the expansion of GlobalFoundries’ existing fab in Malta, NY, and the construction of a second, state-of-the-art fab at the same site. Schumer later secured an additional $75 million in CHIPS funding for GlobalFoundries to create a first-of-its-kind advanced chips packaging and testing center. The new center will help GlobalFoundries increase production while bolstering national security by creating a secure facility to package, test, and manufacture semiconductors to support defense applications, AI, and high-performance computing, among other key industries. Together, these investments are expected to create thousands of good-paying manufacturing and union construction jobs in the Capital Region.
On top of the investments Schumer has secured for GlobalFoundries, the senator additionally delivered a historic $825 million in CHIPS funding to make Albany NanoTech the first flagship facility of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). The NSTC is a critical part of Schumer’s mission of re-establishing America’s leadership in the semiconductor industry and will bring together industry leaders, researchers from the nation’s top universities, innovators, workers, and entrepreneurs in the Capital Region to give them access to the most advanced chip making machinery in the world and drive the next frontier of chip innovation and manufacturing.
Currently, there are only four companies outside of China that provide current and mature foundry capabilities at the scale of GlobalFoundries, and GlobalFoundries is the only one of those companies that is headquartered in the United States. GlobalFoundries, a Trusted Foundry for the Department of Defense, is a key supplier of chips for America’s national defense, with strong partnerships with major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin. GlobalFoundries also supplies chips to America’s auto industry with partnerships in place with companies like General Motors, which saw severe shortages of chips during the pandemic, leading to increased prices for cars. Thanks to the investment Schumer has secured, GlobalFoundries is expanding its current fab focused on automotive chips to help meet soaring demand for chips in cars and get ahead of future supply chain challenges.
GlobalFoundries is a leading producer of essential chips that are critical across industries, from mobile phones and artificial intelligence to automobiles and defense technologies. Growth in AI is driving demand for the chips GlobalFoundries produces. The silicon photonics chips this new Center will produce are also in demand in the automotive, communications, radar, and other critical industries. The New York Advanced Packaging and Photonics Center will offer advanced packaging, assembly, and testing, allowing the company to more easily transform chips into individual packages ready for end-product use entirely in the United States. The Center’s new production capabilities will help onshore advanced packaging, which mostly takes place in Asia today, while further boosting GlobalFoundries’ production capacity.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025
Empowering India’s Youth: A Decade of Progress and Promise

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Over the past eleven years, the Government of India has made significant strides in empowering the youth, recognizing them as the nation’s most valuable asset. With over 65% of its population under the age of 35, India has focused on transforming its youth into a driving force for national growth through reforms in education, skilling, employment, entrepreneurship, and sports.

Revolutionizing Education

With the introduction of the National Education Policy 2020, the government aims to boost the Gross Enrolment Ratio and enhance the quality of education from preschool to university level. The number of universities has nearly doubled from 760 in 2014–15 to 1,334 in 2025, alongside significant expansions in IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.

The number of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) has grown from 16 to 23, following the addition of seven new IITs over the past decade.

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have also seen steady growth, increasing from 13 in 2014 to 21 by May 2025, reflecting a broader push to strengthen management education across the country.

In the medical education sector, the transformation has been even more striking. The number of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has more than tripled—from 7 in 2014 to 23. Medical colleges across the nation have surged from 387 to 2,045, now offering over 1.9 lakh medical seats as of 2024.

Skilling for the Future

Initiatives like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana have trained over 1.63 crore youth in industry-relevant skills. The job-readiness of graduating students has seen a sharp rise from 33.9% in 2014 to 51.3% in 2024.

Expanding Employment Opportunities

Schemes like the Rozgar Mela have distributed around 10 lakh government job appointment letters, while EPFO data shows a substantial rise in formal employment, with over 3.45 crore young subscribers added since 2020.

Boosting Entrepreneurship

The Startup India programme has supported over 1.6 lakh startups, generating more than 17.6 lakh jobs. Loan disbursement under MUDRA Yojana surged, with the credit limit raised to ₹20 lakh to aid small entrepreneurs.

Building a Sporting Nation

Through Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and hosting major events like the National Games, India is nurturing world-class athletes. Notable achievements include 6 medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a record 29 medals at the Paralympics.

Youth Engagement in Nation-Building

The Agnipath scheme and the National Youth Festival 2025 have provided platforms for leadership, service, and innovation, connecting youth directly with national development goals.

Conclusion

India’s focused efforts over the last decade have laid a solid foundation for empowering its youth. By investing in education, skills, jobs, entrepreneurship, and sports, the government is unlocking the vast potential of young Indians to lead the country toward a prosperous and developed future.

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Navy ships to Arrive in Portland for Rose Festival Fleet Week

Source: United States Navy

PORTLAND, Oregon – Sailors assigned to two U.S. Navy ships, Guided-Missile Destroyers USS Mustin (DDG 89) and USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), are scheduled to arrive in Portland to participate in annual Rose Festival Fleet Week activities, June 3-8.

MIL Security OSI –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Burger restaurant prosecuted for breach of food safety regulations

Source: St Albans City and District

Publication date: 04 Jun 2025

A burger restaurant’s operator has been prosecuted for failing to register as a food business as required by food safety and hygiene regulations.

St Albans City and District Council‘s environmental health team launched an investigation into Total Cow, High Street, Redbourn, after a customer complaint.

Enquiries revealed the business was not registered and Craig Pesch, the operator, was interviewed about the issue.

A decision was later taken to prosecute and issue a court summons after Mr Pesch failed to agree to a caution.

Mr Pesch admitted the offence of failing to register at a hearing at St Albans Magistrates Court on Wednesday 21 May.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £26 and a contribution of £500 to the Council’s legal costs.

Mr Pesch, in mitigation, apologised and said he had wrongly believed he was not required to register because he had registered a similar business in Hemel Hempstead.

Councillor Terrie Smith, Lead for Environmental Enforcement, said after the hearing:

Registering helps the Council keep an up-to-date list of all food businesses and plan hygiene inspections properly. It’s an important part of making sure food is safe and public health is protected.

We work closely with food and drink businesses across the District to help them follow all the right safety and hygiene rules.

Most businesses do a great job, and when there are issues, we usually sort them out by talking things through.

But in this case, our environmental health team faced some pushback and felt they had no choice but to take legal action.

This just goes to show that if a business ignores the rule – like failing to register – we will step in and take action if needed.

The Environmental Health team offer a mentoring service, tailored to meet a business’s specific requirements and help it achieve the highest food safety standards. You can find out more here or enquire by emailing fhrs@stalbans.gov.uk.

Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International Day of Play – Early Years Special Event Day
Source: City of Coventry

Celebrate International Day of Play across the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and Coventry Transport Museum, in collaboration with the 50 Things to Do Before You’re 5 app.
The museums will be hosting a wide variety of activities and workshops throughout the day, as part of the United Nation’s annual celebration of the power of play.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to create a new International Day of Play, with more than 140 countries as co-sponsors. The goal was to spotlight the importance of play in children’s lives, learning, and development, and to call attention to the need to protect and support children’s right to play.

On 11 June, the museums will be helping families in the city to achieve activities based on the 50 Things to Do Before You’re 5 app, from the Council’s Start for Life Team.

What to expect on the day:

Visit both the Herbert and Coventry Transport Museum to enjoy a wide range of play-based activities.

We will have a mixture of self-led activities for you to explore, along with facilitated workshops led by our Learning and Engagement Team.

Messy play activities will be included, so come prepared with spare clothes for your little ones and avoid wearing anything you are precious about.

Outdoor activities, including mud kitchen activities, potion making and nature art will happen in the community garden space at the Herbert.

The transport museum will introduce your little ones to lots of STEM inspired activity, encouraging early engineering skills, problem solving and construction.

We will provide you with an activity overview on the day, so you know what is happening, where and when, plus an easy-to-use checklist to tick of your activities as you go.

Our museum environment is very relaxed and friendly. You can join in for as long or as little as you like throughout the day.

Complete 10 or more activities across the day and receive a certificate and badge for your child.

To find out more about the 50 Things to Do Before You’re 5 app for Coventry, please visit: 50 Things to Do | Coventry
Published: Wednesday, 4th June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Quest for the mission “Salyut-7”

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Throughout the day, the Museum of Cosmonautics will host a quest dedicated to the significant mission of Salyut-7. Participants will be invited to immerse themselves in the world of cosmonautics and learn many interesting details about the historical events associated with it.

The quest questions are based not only on the rich history of spacecraft, but also on memorial items that can be seen in the museum’s permanent exhibition. In addition, participants will learn interesting facts about cosmonauts, the Salyut-7 orbital station itself, and the specifics of working on it.

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

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

HTTPS: // Rytlet.mos.ru/Event/347736257/

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Lecture “Notes from a Dead Station”

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

The Museum of Cosmonautics will host events dedicated to the outstanding flight of cosmonauts Vladimir Dzhanibekov and Viktor Savinykh, which became part of the program to save the uncontrolled orbital station Salyut-7.

At 14:00, there will be a lecture entitled “Notes from a Dead Station” by Pavel Gaiduk, an expert in the field of Russian cosmonautics. He will share stories about the world’s first manual docking with a space station. He will talk about the trials and difficulties that became part of the cosmonauts’ work in the process of restoring the functionality of the station.

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

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

HTTPS: //bytle.mo.ru/Event/347737257/

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China approves first domestically produced nine-valent HPV vaccine

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) — China’s National Medical Products Administration has approved the first domestically developed nonavalent vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV), the agency said in a statement Wednesday.

The move would end more than a decade of foreign drug dominance in China’s market.

The vaccine, which targets nine strains of HPV, is the second of its kind in the world. HPV vaccines are widely used to prevent cervical cancer in women, as well as genital cancers and warts in both men and women. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China Creates 300-Kilometer Fully Connected Quantum Secure Direct Communication Network

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) — Chinese scientists have achieved a new milestone in the development of quantum communication by successfully building a 300-kilometer-long fully connected quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) network, which is practically applicable to long-distance communication use.

A major breakthrough by a research team from Shanghai Jiaotong University has preserved the accuracy of a quantum state by more than 85 percent after transmitting data between four users over a distance of 300 km, Science and Technology Daily reported.

Published in the journal Science Bulletin, the latest research aims to overcome two key limiting factors for quantum networking – data transmission range and throughput.

The team developed an innovative dual-pumped structure with high anti-jamming capability to successfully realize QSDC over a distance of more than 300 km, while the photon pair transmission frequency was stabilized at 300 to 400 Hz, which theoretically allows for data transmission rates of several bits per second.

The result follows a team of researchers from Beijing in February this year reporting a world record in testing quantum direct communication over standard optical fibre, achieving continuous and uninterrupted data transmission over a distance of 104.8 km.

Quantum direct communication was previously proposed by researchers at Tsinghua University. It enables secure communication by using quantum states and has advantages such as detecting and preventing eavesdropping, compatibility with existing networks, simplified management processes, and covert data transmission.

QSDC systems are expected to be widely used in finance and other areas with extremely high information security requirements. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Afghan interim government leader condemns Israeli aggression in Gaza

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

KABUL, June 4 (Xinhua) — Supreme Leader of the Afghan Interim Government Haibatullah Akhundzada has condemned Israel’s ongoing military operation in the Palestinian city of Gaza as a crime against humanity.

“The Zionist attacks and acts of oppression against women, children and Muslims in Gaza and other parts of Palestine continue unabated. These acts constitute grave crimes against humanity and a grave injustice,” he said.

In his message, congratulating on the most important Muslim religious holiday of Eid al-Adha /Kurban Bayram/, celebrated on June 7 in Afghanistan, he also called for an immediate end to the brutal reprisals in Gaza.

Haibatullah Akhundzada also called on businessmen to contribute to the reconstruction process of Afghanistan, saying: “Our traders and industrialists should intensify their efforts for the development and prosperity of our country so that our nation becomes self-sufficient and does not depend on anyone.” –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: US tariffs add uncertainty for EU and Balkans – analyst

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

SARAJEVO, June 4 (Xinhua) — The U.S. proposal to impose tariffs on EU goods signals a broader shift in its policies and could cause significant damage to transatlantic economic ties, Adnan Huskic, an analyst and associate professor at the Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

“This move reflects a simplistic approach to global trade and deep-rooted mistrust of Europe,” he said. “Such measures go beyond economics and demonstrate the continued abdication of the United States’ role in ensuring security on the European continent.”

Although Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a member of the European Union, Huskic noted, it remains closely linked to EU countries, especially Germany, its main export market. “Any economic downturn in Germany or the EU will have serious side effects for Bosnia and the entire Western Balkans,” he said.

A. Huskic also expressed concern about the fragmented response of the region to global changes. “The countries of the Western Balkans often act independently of each other and do not maintain strategic cooperation. Such fragmentation makes them vulnerable to global shocks, and ultimately they have to adapt to the dynamics created by the main players in this arena.”

The change in the US approach to global interaction has created uncertainty among its partners, said A. Huskic, adding that the new reality is the United States, characterized by an inconsistent and unpredictable policy.

“The rest of the world must stand firm in defense of free trade,” he added.

The expert also pointed to Europe’s lag in emerging technologies and the need for reform. According to him, the EU is currently lagging behind in artificial intelligence and other innovative areas, and its economic model is in dire need of change.

The EU must quickly reform and seek global partners with similar goals to become more autonomous and innovative, added A. Huskic. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Michigan Man on Charges of Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS and Possessing a Destructive Device

Source: United States Attorneys General

A Michigan man was convicted yesterday by a jury on charges of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, commonly known as ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and for being a felon in possession of a destructive device.

MIL Security OSI –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Old National Again Named Among the 50 Most Community-Minded U.S. Companies by Points of Light
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

EVANSVILLE, Ind., June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NASDAQ: ONB) – For the second consecutive year, Old National Bancorp (“Old National”) has been named by Points of Light as one of “The Civic 50” honorees for 2025. This annual designation is reserved for the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation.

A global nonprofit that inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world, Points of Light has recognized the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation every year since 2012. The Civic 50 award is based on employee volunteering, community investment, corporate citizenship and social impact programs.

“Our team members love rolling up their sleeves and making a difference in their communities, as evidenced by the more than 67,000 collective volunteer hours they logged in 2024,” said Jim Ryan, Old National Chairman and CEO. “Old National is honored to again be recognized by Points of Light as an organization that truly puts our values into action.”

Combined, The Civic 50 companies for 2025 have engaged more than 460,000 employees to volunteer more than 6.5 million hours in their communities. That’s double the average for U.S. companies not in The Civic 50.

“In an ever-evolving landscape, companies are looking to ensure that they can meet the needs of their communities, customers, and stakeholders,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO, Points of Light. “Companies like Old National are leading the way in showing how social impact benefits their employee’s well-being, strengthens the communities where they do business, and brings value and meaning to their work. Their efforts provide a model for others looking to bring the benefits of volunteering and social impact to their workforce, and they’re extremely deserving of this recognition.”

The Civic 50 honorees are companies with annual U.S. revenues of at least $1 billion. They are selected based on four dimensions of their corporate citizenship and social impact programs:
- Investment of resources and volunteerism
- Integration across business functions
- Institutionalization through policies and systems
- Impact measurement
You can click here for the full list of The Civic 50 honorees. Additionally, for more information and to view Old National’s latest Community Action Report, click here.

ABOUT OLD NATIONAL
Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB) is the holding company of Old National Bank. As the fifth largest commercial bank headquartered in the Midwest, Old National proudly serves clients primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. With approximately $70 billion of assets and $37 billion of assets under management (including Bremer Financial Corporation on a pro forma basis as of March 31, 2025), Old National ranks among the top 25 banking companies headquartered in the United States. Tracing our roots to 1834, Old National focuses on building long-term, highly valued partnerships with clients while also strengthening and supporting the communities we serve. In addition to providing extensive services in consumer and commercial banking, Old National offers comprehensive wealth management and capital markets services. For more information and financial data, please visit Investor Relations at oldnational.com. In 2025, Points of Light again named Old National as one of “The Civic 50” — an honor reserved for the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States.

ABOUT POINTS OF LIGHT
Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.

Investor Relations:
Lynell Durchholz
(812) 464-1366
lynell.durchholz@oldnational.com

Media Relations:
Rick Vach
(904) 535-9489
rick.vach@oldnational.com

An image accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ef16551-151e-4885-a99d-ec031f84e1fe

The MIL Network –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: DIMO Partners with Grupo Kaufmann to Power the Future of Connected Cars in Latin America

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK and SANTIAGO, Chile, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DIMO, a leading connected vehicle platform, today announced a first-of-its-kind strategic partnership with Grupo Kaufmann, one of Latin America’s largest automotive dealership networks. With headquarters in Chile and operations spanning six countries, the company is renowned for its commitment to innovation in the automotive industry. Through this partnership, DIMO and Kaufmann are working to redefine the connected car experience for auto dealerships throughout Latin America.

In 2024, an estimated 1.7 million connected cars were projected to be sold across Latin America—a relatively small share of the region’s total annual vehicle sales. This gap reflects limited connectivity adoption, driven by the historically high cost of building top-down infrastructure, which has caused many automakers to deprioritize the region. Kaufmann aims to close this gap by leveraging DIMO’s standardized connectivity infrastructure to develop interoperable apps and services across automakers. This will bring scalable, affordable innovation to the Latin American market.

Initially, Kaufmann will deploy DIMO LTE devices for data collection and product development. After integration, it will offer customers a unique set of connected services, such as real-time diagnostics, customized maintenance alerts and rewards-based loyalty programs, further raising the standard of expertise and service excellence.

At the core of this partnership is DIMO’s transformative data model. Built with a privacy-first approach, the DIMO protocol streamlines vehicle data connectivity with user consent, enabling Kaufmann to deliver data-driven services far more cost-effectively than developing these systems in-house. With the driver’s consent, Kaufmann will gain access to real-time vehicle data. This data unlocks performance insights, personalized service recommendations, and timely outreach – laying the foundation for a proactive customer-first dealership experience. The DIMO protocol ensures drivers maintain full control over their data – fostering trust while delivering mutual value to both consumers and dealerships.

“Grupo Kaufmann recognizes that the future of connected vehicle services will be shaped by a new generation of apps and services designed for a digitally native audience,” said Alex Rawitz, Co-founder of DIMO. “The world’s new car owners want more than utilities — they want games, social experiences, rewards, and more we’ve yet to imagine. With DIMO’s infrastructure, Kaufmann can serve as the conduit for this creative energy, delivering next-generation experiences to drivers across Latin America.”

As the global automotive industry accelerates toward connected, digital-first experiences, Kaufmann is taking the lead in Latin America. Its partnership with DIMO reflects a long-term strategy to lead through innovation and sustainability, while transforming the dealership into a hub for lifelong mobility services.

“At Grupo Kaufmann, we believe the future of the automotive industry in Latin America will be defined by the ability to turn data into meaningful experiences for our customers. Our partnership with DIMO accelerates this vision by enabling efficient, secure, and scalable vehicle connectivity. It’s a key step in our digitalization strategy to position Kaufmann as a regional leader in smart mobility solutions,” said Carlos De Martini, Corporate Digital Business Manager, Grupo Kaufmann.

About DIMO

DIMO is the next-generation connected vehicle platform. Its privacy-first and AI integrated infrastructure connects drivers, automakers and developers to expedite connected vehicle application development while retaining full data ownership by drivers. Through the DIMO Mobile app, drivers gain real-time insights to improve vehicle performance, maximize savings on maintenance, and access a growing suite of marketplace applications while earning rewards in DIMO tokens. It was founded in 2021 by a team with decades of experience across automotive and fintech— including roles at ConsenSys, Vroom, GM, Volkswagen, and Chainalysis.

About Kaufmann

With more than 70 years of history, Kaufmann has established itself as one of the most influential companies in the automotive sector in Latin America. Present in Chile, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua, it represents leading brands such as Mercedes-Benz, FUSO and Freightliner, and from 2025, it will promote electromobility with the arrival of smart and its 100% electric vehicles. Its commercial network, which in Chile spans from Arica to Punta Arenas, combines a comprehensive offer of cars, buses, trucks and vans with a robust ecosystem of after-sales services, advanced technology and personalized attention.

Kaufmann’s vision is focused on leading sustainable mobility in the region, maintaining a firm commitment to innovation, operational excellence and customer experience. Its team of more than 2,500 professionals drives a culture focused on the responsible transformation of transportation.

The MIL Network –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Caro Holdings Launches AI Agent Suite to Automate Investor Relations and Financial Operations
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SHEFFIELD, United Kingdom, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Caro Holdings Inc. (OTC: CAHO), through its subsidiary, has launched an integrated suite of AI agents designed to automate manual processes across investor relations, financial reporting, compliance, and stakeholder communications. The flagship investor chatbot marks the first deployment in a platform built to streamline how public companies manage information flow and engage stakeholders.

Caro’s AI ecosystem includes specialised agents that work independently and collaboratively to automate critical business functions:

Investor Relations Agent
- Provides instant, source-verified responses to investor, analyst, and media inquiries
- Processes complex multi-document queries across filings, earnings releases, presentations, and regulatory submissions
- Delivers personalized responses based on user type (institutional investor, retail shareholder, analyst, journalist)
- Maintains conversation context for follow-up questions and detailed financial analysis
Caro is also developing additional agents that support public companies in finance, compliance, and communications, including:
- Financial Reporting Automation Agent – Generates investor-ready summaries, comparative reports, and stakeholder-specific fact sheets
- Regulatory Compliance Monitor – Tracks disclosure requirements, flags potential issues, and maintains audit trails
- Market Intelligence Agent – Monitors competitor activity, analyst sentiment, and market signals
- Stakeholder Communication Agent – Automates personalised outreach, follow-ups, and multi-channel messaging after earnings calls or key events
The platform leverages agentic AI to perform complex reasoning and decision-making previously requiring human expertise.

Early adopters report significant impact:
- 90% reduction in time spent on routine investor queries
- 75% decrease in manual report prep for meetings
- 24/7 availability, eliminating business-hour limitations
The global AI chatbot market is projected to reach $31.11 billion by 2029, with financial services AI agents alone expected to grow to $4.5 billion by 2030 at a 45.4% CAGR. This reflects strong demand for automation tools that cut costs while improving the speed and quality of stakeholder interactions.

Traditional IR teams still spend up to 80% of their time on repeatable tasks – from handling standard questions to generating boilerplate reports. Caro’s AI suite removes that burden, allowing professionals to focus on strategy and relationship-building.

Companies interested in eliminating manual investor relations processes can request a demonstration and early access at www.caroholdings.com/earlyaccess.

About Caro Holdings Inc.
Caro Holdings Inc. is dedicated to accelerating the growth of brands through digital innovation and AI-powered solutions. Its services include e-commerce strategy, digital marketing, AI voice technology, and growth capital. Learn more at www.caroholdings.com.

Caro Holdings Inc.
+1 786-755-3210
ir@caroholdings.com

The MIL Network –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: 2025 Basketball Africa League Season: By the Numbers
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

PRETORIA, South Africa, June 4, 2025/APO Group/ —

The 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com) Playoffs and Finals, which will be held at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa for the first time from Friday, June 6 – Saturday, June 14, will feature the top eight teams (https://apo-opa.co/4jvNMLd) from the three conference group phases that were held in Rabat, Morocco; Dakar, Senegal; and Kigali, Rwanda in April and May: No. 1 seed AlAhli Tripoli (Libya; 6-0), No. 2 seed Al Ittihad (Egypt; 6-0), No. 3 seed 2022 BAL champion US Monastir (Tunisia; 4-2), No. 4 seed Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria; 4-2), No. 5 seed 2024 BAL champion Petro de Luanda (Angola; 3-3), No. 6 seed Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR; Rwanda; 3-3), No. 7 seed Kriol Star (Cape Verde; 3-3) and No. 8 seed FUS de Rabat (Morocco; 2-4).

The schedule (https://apo-opa.co/3FpJLdw) for the Playoffs and Finals features four seeding games followed by an eight-game, single-elimination playoffs, culminating with the 2025 BAL Finals on June 14 at 4:00 p.m. CAT. Tickets are on sale now at BAL.NBA.com and Ticketmaster.co.za.

Below are notable facts and figures about the 2025 BAL season:
- 250,000,000 – Since 2021, the BAL has contributed more than $250 million to Africa’s GDP.
- 2,739,498 – BAL games have generated a record 2,739,498 million views on the league’s YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/441ALVe) channel this season (+69% year-over-year).
- 168,000 – The May 22 game between APR and Made by Basketball (MBB; South Africa) was the most-watched game ever on the BAL’s YouTube channel, with 168,000 unique viewers.
- 111,008 – The BAL set an attendance record with 111,008 fans attending the three conference group phases, including three sold-out opening days.
- 37,000 – Nearly 37,000 jobs were linked to the BAL playing games across the continent over the league’s first four seasons.
- 2,347 – This season, the BAL has engaged 2,347 youth and community members through social impact programming.
- 600 – More than 600 media members from 30 countries across Africa, Europe, and the U.S. were credentialed to cover the three conference group phases.
- 214 – The 2025 BAL season is reaching fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages.
- 156 – The 12 BAL teams collectively featured 156 players from a record 28 countries across Africa, Europe, Oceania and the U.S. during group phase play.
- 115 – AlAhli Tripoli scored a BAL-record 115 points in a win against the Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya) on May 18.
- 39 – MBB guard Teafale Lenard Jr. scored a BAL season-high 39 points in a 76-85 loss to the Nairobi City Thunder on May 24.
- 17 – Rivers Hoopers center Peter Olisemeka grabbed a BAL season-high 17 rebounds in a 94-77 loss to Al Ittihad on April 12.
- 13 – Petro de Luanda guard Childe Dundao set a BAL record for most assists in a game with 13 in a 103-74 win over Kriol Star on April 26.
- 12 – As part of the fourth edition of the BAL Elevate program, one NBA Academy Africa prospect joined each of the 12 BAL teams for the season.
- 8 – APR center Aliou Diarra set a BAL record for most blocked shots in a single game with eight in a 77-74 win vs. the Nairobi City Thunder on May 25.
- 8 – Al Ahli Tripoli guard Jean-Jacques Boissy made a BAL season-high eight three-pointers in an 87-77 win vs. MBB on May 17.
- 6 – A record six new teams and two new countries competed in the 2025 BAL season.
- 2 – Kriol Star is the only BAL team to win two overtime games in the same season, vs. ASC Ville de Dakar on May 1 (95-92) and vs. Petro de Luanda on May 4 (71-69).
- 2 – 2022 BAL champion US Monastir and defending champion Petro de Luanda are the only two teams to compete in all five BAL seasons.
- 1 – This season marked the first time BAL games were held in Morocco and the first time South Africa is hosting the Playoffs and Finals.
MIL OSI Africa –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Closure of Xin’an River grand bridge finished in Jiande, China’s Zhejiang

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

Closure of Xin’an River grand bridge finished in Jiande, China’s Zhejiang

Updated: June 4, 2025 21:45 Xinhua

An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows the Xin’an River grand bridge in Jiande, east China’s Zhejiang Province, June 4, 2025. As part of the Jinhua-Jiande High Speed Railway in Zhejiang, the Xin’an River grand bridge finished its closure on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows the Xin’an River grand bridge in Jiande, east China’s Zhejiang Province, June 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows the Xin’an River grand bridge in Jiande, east China’s Zhejiang Province, June 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows the construction site of the closure of the Xin’an River grand bridge in Jiande, east China’s Zhejiang Province, June 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows the construction site of the closure of the Xin’an River grand bridge in Jiande, east China’s Zhejiang Province, June 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Ecological compensation mechanism for Yangtze, Yellow rivers slated for 2027 completion

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

Ecological compensation mechanism for Yangtze, Yellow rivers slated for 2027 completion

BEIJING, June 4 — China is set to establish a unified cross-basin ecological compensation mechanism for the mainstreams of the Yangtze and Yellow rivers by 2027, as part of its broader efforts to improve water environment management, the Ministry of Finance announced on Wednesday.

According to a plan jointly issued by the ministry and four other government departments, the mechanism will expand to cover the mainstreams and major tributaries of key river basins, including the Yangtze and Yellow rivers, by 2035.

The system will feature diversified compensation measures, flexible approaches, refined standards and a mature operational framework.

China’s central fiscal authorities will play a coordinating and guiding role in implementing this mechanism — ensuring that compensation indicators and funding scales align with the water ecological conservation situation while remaining fiscally sustainable for local governments.

China first introduced plans for Yangtze and Yellow river compensation mechanisms in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Since then, the country has made significant progress in terms of ecological conservation and restoration of these rivers.

For example, the Yangtze River basin has seen a recovery in aquatic biodiversity following the imposition of a 10-year fishing ban in 2020. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 344 native fish species were recorded in the river from 2021 to 2024 — an increase of 36 species compared to the 2017-2020 period before the ban took effect.

Meanwhile, the Yellow River, China’s second-longest waterway, has also experienced steady ecological improvements, including enhanced water security and environmental quality.

MIL OSI China News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan: Rape survivors and pregnant women cut off from life-saving services as funding collapses

Source: United Nations Population Fund

CAIRO, 4 June 2025 – Hundreds of thousands of women and girls in Sudan are being left without access to emergency obstetric care or support after rape, as conflict, access constraints and devastating funding cuts cut off care and gut essential health services. UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, warns that without immediate support, women and girls will continue to pay for this crisis with their lives.

Pregnant women in crisis

Gynaecologists, nurses and midwives tell UNFPA they are witnessing more and more displaced pregnant women arriving at facilities in desperate condition after months without care, often suffering complications from constant distress, malnutrition, and physical exhaustion. Balghis, a UNFPA-supported midwife in Gedaref state told UNFPA: “By the time they reach us, it’s often a race against time to safeguard the health of the mother, the baby, or both. These are not isolated cases; they are becoming the norm.”

Over 1.1 million pregnant women in Sudan currently lack access to antenatal care, safe delivery, and postpartum care due to persistent insecurity, access limitations and inadequate funding, according to WHO. Recent funding cuts by donors have forced UNFPA to withdraw support from more than half of the 93 health facilities it was funding. In the areas most severely affected by fighting, including the regions of Al Jazirah, Kordofan, the Darfurs, and in the capital, Khartoum, 80 percent of health facilities are barely functional or completely shut down.

Rape survivors left without protection

UNFPA’s gender-based violence prevention and treatment services have also undergone sharp cuts, forcing the organization to scale back services to survivors escaping violence and to shutter 11 out of 61 safe spaces. These spaces provided safety, counselling, medical treatment and legal referrals to survivors of rape. Only one in four facilities offering clinical management of rape services across all 18 States are currently fully operational, with the Darfurs and Kordofan the most severely affected.

Around 12.1 million people in Sudan — nearly one in four, most of them women and girls — are now at risk of gender-based violence. Demand for gender-based violence services tripled last year, and more than half of those who sought support at UNFPA-supported facilities had been exposed to rape or other forms of sexual assault.

Dina, a gender-based violence specialist in Sudan, told UNFPA: “The scale and brutality of violations are beyond anything we’ve previously documented. We have documented numerous cases of adolescent girls who have survived rape and sexual violence. Many are left coping with the consequences, including unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and deep psychological trauma. It will take decades to recover from this. Yet the survivors we work with are still fighting to survive, to raise their voices, and to access justice.”

Chronic underfunding puts women and girls at further risk

Funding for gender-based violence prevention and response has been woefully inadequate for years. In 2024, humanitarian donors provided less than 20 percent of the $62.8 million required to tackle gender-based violence in Sudan. When combined with the deep cuts this year to sexual and reproductive health services which are inextricably linked to gender-based violence services, the service gap is expected to widen.

“The world is turning its back on the women and girls of Sudan,” said Laila Baker, UNFPA Arab States Regional Director. “Cuts to humanitarian funding are not just budget decisions — they are life-and-death choices. When the services that protect women’s health, safety and dignity vanish, what message do we send? That their suffering is invisible. That their lives don’t matter. This is unacceptable.”

UNFPA calls on international donors to step up with immediate, urgent funding for Sudan’s women and girls. Silence and inaction are a choice. Donors must act now — lives depend on it.

Available resources

Photos from a UNFPA-supported health centre and women and girls’ safe spaces in Gedaref and Kassala are available here: They are free to use with credit to ©UNFPA.

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About UNFPA

UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Our mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

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MIL OSI United Nations News –

June 5, 2025