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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Global: DeepSeek shatters beliefs about the cost of AI, leaving US tech giants reeling

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Michael J. Davern, Professor of Accounting & Business Information Systems, The University of Melbourne

    Almost A$1 trillion (US$600 billion) was wiped off the value of artificial intelligence microchip maker Nvidia overnight on Monday, when a little-known Chinese startup, DeepSeek, threatened to upend the US tech market.

    While Nvidia suffered the biggest one-day loss in sharemarket history, other tech giants – Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon, who are investing heavily in competing AI tools including ChatGPT and Gemini – were also hit.

    The rout was caused by investors’ shock at the claimed performance of DeepSeek’s new R1 chatbot. The Chinese AI was reported to be more advanced than its competitors and less expensive to develop.

    DeepSeek R1 has soared, becoming the top free downloaded app on Apple’s app store, as US technology and related stock prices fell dramatically.

    Why tech stocks took a deep dive

    The market was surprised by DeepSeek providing what amounts to cheaper technology but comparable performance.

    This has dramatically changed the market’s expectations of computing power, showing more can be done for less. It has also compromised the competitiveness of the US tech companies’ existing AI products and developments.

    Stock prices are driven by market expectations. The claimed performance of DeepSeek R1 prompted a major revision of expectations about what was technologically possible and about how cheaply AI could be developed and operated.

    Investors have rapidly incorporated the news of a low-cost Chinese AI competitor into stock prices, anticipating this new entrant could disrupt the market and erode the competitive advantage of existing leaders.

    Who is DeepSeek and what is R1?

    DeepSeek was founded in 2023 by Chinese hedge fund High Flyer, which had been exclusively using AI in trading since 2021.

    DeepSeek develops large language models (LLMs) that can underpin chatbots and other AI-based tools. R1 is the latest iteration of DeepSeek’s chatbot and underlying model. It builds on earlier versions of generative AI models developed by DeepSeek, and considerable amounts of data, but is a surprising leap forward in performance and cost.

    R1 is the latest version of DeepSeek’s chatbot.
    Koshiro K/Shutterstock

    Technology investors believe R1 matches or outperforms competitors, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4.o1 on numerous benchmarks.

    However, there are some key differences:

    1. The model underlying R1 operates in a much less intensive manner. It is much cheaper to develop and run, requiring less data and computing power.

    2. The training of the model was possible despite the US export ban preventing Chinese companies such as DeepSeek from accessing chips from US companies such as Nvidia. The Biden administration had introduced laws restricting the sale of certain computer chips and machinery to China, in a move intended to block its rival from accessing some of the world’s most advanced technology.

    3. The training data and data uploaded to R1 sit on servers in China. Given concerns about data privacy and intellectual property have already been raised about US-based companies, having data under jurisdiction of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is arguably even more concerning.

    4. The chatbot program code is free to download, read and modify, unlike ChatGPT. This is however somewhat a false transparency – what matters more is the underlying model, not the Chatbot code.

    5. R1 is known to censor its responses in line with Chinese Communist Party values.

    The future of AI and tech stocks

    It is unknown whether this crash in price of tech stocks is an irrational panic that will reverse, or whether it simply reflects correct pricing. The future costs and benefits of AI are still uncertain.

    This is both a technological and an economic question.

    In technological terms, it is yet to be seen whether R1 really does require less computing power and less data to train and use.

    Economically, there are potential winners and losers. AI users may win with cheaper access to AI, and LLMs in particular, leading to increased adoption and associated productivity gains. Existing producers such as Nvidia may lose out in what was a market with few real competitors.

    More broadly, society may benefit from less computationally intensive, and therefore more energy-efficient, AI. However, the geopolitical risk of a single country capturing the market, together with concerns about data privacy, intellectual property and censorship may outweigh the benefits.

    Michael J. Davern has previously received funding from CPA Australia for industry research into Artificial Intelligence.

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

    – ref. DeepSeek shatters beliefs about the cost of AI, leaving US tech giants reeling – https://theconversation.com/deepseek-shatters-beliefs-about-the-cost-of-ai-leaving-us-tech-giants-reeling-248424

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: When news is stressful, how do you balance staying informed with ‘doomscrolling’?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Lisa Harrison, Lecturer in Digital Communications, Flinders University

    Mart Production/Pexels

    It all begins innocently – a late-night peek at your favourite social media site before bed. You catch a headline that grabs your attention with “breaking news” you can’t afford to miss.

    Like following digital breadcrumbs, one click leads to another. Before you know it, you’re tumbling down a rabbit hole of endless updates and emotionally charged social media posts. Two hours later, your shoulders are tense, your stomach is in knots, but you can’t put your phone down.

    This endless scrolling through bad news – known as “doomscrolling” – sneaks up on us.

    It’s important to stay in touch with what’s happening in the world. Being informed helps us make better decisions, engage meaningfully in our communities, and respond effectively to changes that affect our lives and those around us.

    But just like a healthy diet, we must be smart about our news consumption to avoid it taking a toll on our health.

    The good news is there are proven ways to stay informed without letting it take over your life. Research shows setting clear boundaries around your news consumption can make a huge difference. So, how can you strike the right balance?

    How to set boundaries with news consumption

    It’s worth considering why you feel compelled to stay constantly informed. Ask yourself: “will this information change what I can do about it?”.

    Often, we scroll not because the information is actionable, but because we are trying to gain a sense of control in an uncertain world.

    Research shows scrolling through negative news can disrupt your sleep and increase anxiety. To make sure your media consumption is intentional, there are a few steps you can take.

    Be picky with the news sources you read. Choose a few trusted outlets instead of letting social media algorithms decide what you see. It’s like sticking to a balanced meal plan, but for your mind.

    While engaging with the news, pay close attention to how you’re feeling. When you notice physical signs of anxiety or emotional distress, that is your cue to take a break.

    Set aside time earlier in the day with clear boundaries around your news consumption: maybe with your morning coffee or during your lunch break, whatever works for your schedule. Consider implementing a “digital sunset”, too. This is a cut-off time for news and social media, ideally an hour or two before bedtime, to give your mind time to process what you have learned without disrupting your sleep.

    The world will always be there, but you will be in a better head space to process what is happening.

    You don’t have to feel helpless

    Taking breaks from consuming news is not burying your head in the sand – it’s practising self care. Studies have shown that people who set healthy boundaries around news consumption are often better equipped to engage meaningfully on important issues and take constructive action when needed.

    When you check the news, be an active consumer. Instead of endless scrolling:

    • choose one or two in-depth articles to read thoroughly

    • discuss the news with colleagues, friends and family to process your feelings

    • look for solution-focused news stories that highlight positive change

    • take meaningful action on issues you care about.

    There are also various apps and tools that can help you form healthier digital habits. Productivity apps use various approaches to help you stay focused, providing ways to snap you out of mindless scrolling.

    News curation apps and apps that allow you to save articles to read later can help you establish a balanced news diet, and remove the urgent need to read everything immediately.

    Many smartphones now come equipped with screen time management features, such as Apple’s Screen Time or Android’s Digital Wellbeing. You can use these to monitor your scrolling habits and to manage how much time you spend on social media or news apps.

    One useful feature is to block apps from use during certain times of day or after you’ve used them for a set amount of time.

    Screen time management features allow you to pause or block apps from use.
    The Conversation

    Stay mindful, stay engaged

    Staying informed doesn’t mean staying constantly connected. By mindfully setting boundaries and using supportive tools, you can keep up with important events while protecting your wellbeing.

    If you’re trying productivity apps and other tools, start small. Choose one tool that resonates with you rather than trying everything at once. Set realistic goals that fit your life, and use these apps’ insights to understand your habits better.

    Pay attention to what triggers your doomscrolling and adjust your settings accordingly. Remember, these tools work best when combined with offline activities you enjoy.

    The goal isn’t to disconnect completely, but to find a sustainable balance between staying informed and maintaining peace of mind. With thoughtful boundaries and the right support tools, you can stay engaged with the world while keeping your mental health intact.

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

    – ref. When news is stressful, how do you balance staying informed with ‘doomscrolling’? – https://theconversation.com/when-news-is-stressful-how-do-you-balance-staying-informed-with-doomscrolling-248017

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Spring Session of Online Financial Literacy Lessons to Begin January 30

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    This year there will be more broadcasts in the Far East: the region has an increased number of lecturers ready to speak in real time, convenient for schoolchildren.

    The program will feature two new lessons that will tell you how not to become a victim of financial fraudsters, what drops do and why it is dangerous. Participants will learn to recognize suspicious calls and messages, protect their accounts from hacking and learn how to avoid financial losses and use bank cards safely.

    You can join the online lessons with your class or individually. There are 29 lessons on financial literacy and career guidance in the schedule. For the convenience of students, the classes will be held from 01:00 to 18:00 Moscow time.

    The spring session will last until April 18. You can choose a lesson and register for it on the project website.

    The Bank of Russia has been conducting online lessons on financial literacy since 2015. During the 2024/2025 academic year, about 29 thousand educational institutions joined them. Over the entire period, they have received almost 26 million views.

    Preview photo: Inside Creative House / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    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: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23321

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On holding auctions on January 29, 2025 to place OFZ issues No. 26235RMFS and No. 26238RMFS

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    For bidders

    We inform you that, based on the letter of the Bank of Russia and in accordance with Part I. General Part and Part II. Stock Market Section of the Rules for Conducting Trading on the Stock Market, Deposit Market and Credit Market of Moscow Exchange PJSC, the order establishes the form, time, term and procedure for holding auctions for the placement and trading of the following federal loan bonds:

    1.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26235RMFS from 10/12/2020
    Date of the auction January 29, 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code SE26235RMFS0
    ISIN code RO000A1028E3
    Calculation code B01
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 12:00 – 12:30; bid execution period: 13:00 – 18:00.

    2.

    Name of the Issuer Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
    Name of security federal loan bonds with constant coupon income
    State registration number of the issue 26238RMFS from 11.06.2021
    Date of the auction January 29, 2025
    Information about the placement (trading mode, placement form) The placement of Bonds will be carried out in the Trading Mode “Placement: Auction” by holding an Auction to determine the placement price. BoardId: PACT (Settlements: Ruble)
    Trade code SE26238RMFS4
    ISIN code RO000A1038V6
    Calculation code B01
    Additional conditions of placement The share of non-competitive bids in relation to the total volume of bids submitted by the Bidder may not exceed 90%.
    Trading time Trading hours: bid collection period: 14:30 – 15:00; bid execution period: 15:30 – 18:00.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    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: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/28/2025, 14:47 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the rollover rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment of the CIAN security (CIAN-addr) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    01/28/2025 14:47

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 28.01.2025, 14-47 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -20.0%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -0.56 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 57.72%) of the CIAN security (CIAN-addr) were changed.

    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: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Consolidated report of the temporary administration, LLC “Bank BKF”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

    Full company name

    Limited Liability Company “Bank of Corporate Finance”

    Abbreviated company name

    LLC “Bank BKF”

    Registration number

    2684

    Date of registration by the Bank of Russia

    02/11/1994

    Primary state registration number

    1027739542050 (11/13/2002)

    BIC

    044525215

    Address from the charter

    123376, Moscow, Krasnaya Presnya st., 24

    Actual address

    123376, Moscow, Krasnaya Presnya st., 24

    Telephone

    (495) 514-08-10, (495) 514-08-11

    Charter

    Date of approval of the latest version of the charter: 19.06.2018, agreed changes to the charter: other changes (17.11.2023)

    Authorized capital

    RUB 550,000,000.00, date of change in the authorized capital: 06.12.2010

    License (date of issue/last replacement)Banks with a basic license are banks that have a license that has the word “basic” in its name. All other active banks are banks with a universal license.

    The license was revoked by the order of the Bank of Russia OD-1888 dated 11/15/2024

    Participation in the deposit insurance system

    Yes

    Brand name in English

    Corporate Finance Bank LLK; KFB LLK

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: New Issuer Announces Entry to MOEX Start Pre-IPO Platform

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    On January 28, 2025, the MOEX Start platform will begin an over-the-counter placement of shares of JSC Digital Habits, a Russian supplier and developer of digital solutions for fintech companies and banks. Security code – DGTL.

    As part of the placement, the company will offer investors 30,000,000 shares of the additional issue at a price of 30 rubles per ordinary share. The securities will be available only to qualified investors. The collection of investor proposals will be conducted from January 28 to February 13, 2025..

    The MOEX Start service provides Russian non-public companies with the opportunity to attract capital for their development by placing shares through a closed subscription based on the infrastructure of the National Clearing Center (part of the Moscow Exchange Group).

    After the placement, shares can be added to the list of instruments of the over-the-counter stock market with the central counterparty of the Moscow Exchange, on the basis of which the platform operates. The presence of a liquid secondary market significantly simplifies transactions with securities for shareholders and new investors, and also helps the company to obtain a market valuation in the future. At the same time, investors who did not participate in the placement transaction have the opportunity to purchase the securities they are interested in at any convenient time.

    JSC Digital Habits owns the IT companies Digital Habits, Finetive and KIN Platform and provides custom software development services for banks, as well as developing its own platform for rapid testing and launch of IT projects.

    The Moscow Exchange Group is the only multifunctional platform in Russia for trading shares, bonds, derivatives, currencies, money market instruments and commodities. The Moscow Exchange Group includes the central depository (JSC NCO NSD) and the clearing center (JSC NCO NCC), which acts as the central counterparty in the markets, which allows the Moscow Exchange to provide its clients with a full cycle of trading and post-trading services.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    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: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/28/2025, 10-36 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment of the CIAN security (CIAN-addr) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    01/28/2025 10:36

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 28.01.2025, 10-36 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -20.0%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -0.39 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 46.36%) of the CIAN security (CIAN-addr) were changed.

    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: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/28/2025, 10-19 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A105DR1 (FSK RS BO7) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    01/28/2025 10:19

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on 28.01.2025, 10-19 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 102.81) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1122.92 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 18.75%) of the security RU000A105DR1 (FSK RS BO7) were changed.

    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: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Information on the financial status of KB Garant-Invest (JSC)

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

    Full company name

    Commercial Bank “Garant-Invest” (Joint-Stock Company)

    Abbreviated company name

    KB “Garant-Invest” (JSC)

    Registration number

    2576

    Date of registration by the Bank of Russia

    11/12/1993

    Primary state registration number

    1037739429320 (05.02.2003)

    BIC

    044525109

    Address from the charter

    127051, Moscow, 1st Kolobovsky lane, bldg. 23

    Actual address

    127051, Moscow, 1st Kolobovsky lane, bldg. 23

    Telephone

    (495) 650-90-03

    Charter

    Date of approval of the latest version of the charter: 03.10.2014, agreed changes to the charter: other changes (25.05.2018)

    Authorized capital

    RUB 725,035,190.00, date of change in the authorized capital: 12/22/2017

    License (date of issue/last replacement)Banks with a basic license are banks that have a license that has the word “basic” in its name. All other active banks are banks with a universal license.

    The license was revoked by the order of the Bank of Russia OD-2303 dated 12/26/2024

    Participation in the deposit insurance system

    Yes

    Brand name in English

    Guarantor Invest Bank Neint Stotsk, guarantor-invest bank

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Four Federal Treasury deposit auctions will take place on 28.01.2025

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 01/28/2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025027
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 1,090,000
    Placement period, in days 2
    Date of deposit 01/28/2025
    Refund date 01/30/2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Fix
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum 20.05
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds –
    Minimum spread, % per annum –
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 09:30 to 09:40
    Pre-applications: from 09:30 to 09:35
    Applications in competition mode: from 09:35 to 09:40
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 09:40 to 09:50
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 09:40 to 10:00
    Submission of an offer to credit institutions to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 10:00 to 10:50
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 10:00 to 10:50
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n
    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 01/28/2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025028
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 10,000
    Placement period, in days 182
    Date of deposit 01/28/2025
    Refund date 07/29/2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Flotting
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum –
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds Ruonmds
    Minimum spread, % per annum 0.00
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 12:00 to 12:10
    Pre-applications: from 12:00 to 12:05
    Applications in competition mode: from 12:05 to 12:10
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 12:10 to 12:20
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 12:10 to 12:30
    Submission to credit institutions of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 12:30 to 13:20
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 12:30 to 13:20
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

    RUONmDS = RUONIA – DS, where

    RUONIA – the value of the indicative weighted rate of overnight ruble loans (deposits) RUONIA, expressed in hundredths of a percent, published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued. In the absence of a RUONIA rate value published on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued, the last of the published RUONIA rate values is taken into account.

    DS – discount – a value expressed in hundredths of a percent and rounded (according to the rules of mathematical rounding) to two decimal places, calculated by multiplying the value of the Key Rate of the Bank of Russia by the value of the required reserve ratio for other liabilities of credit institutions for banks with a universal license, non-bank credit institutions (except for long-term ones) in the currency of the Russian Federation, valid on the date for which interest is accrued, and published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet.

    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 01/28/2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 32025001
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the Social Fund of Russia (SV)
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 16.6
    Placement period, in days 41
    Date of deposit 01/28/2025
    Refund date 03/10/2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Flotting
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum –
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds Ruonmds
    Minimum spread, % per annum 0.00
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Special
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 16:00 to 16:10
    Pre-applications: from 16:00 to 16:05
    Applications in competition mode: from 16:05 to 16:10
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 16:10 to 16:20
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 16:10 to 16:30
    Submission to credit institutions of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 16:30 to 17:20
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 16:30 to 17:20
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

    RUONmDS = RUONIA – DS, where

    RUONIA – the value of the indicative weighted rate of overnight ruble loans (deposits) RUONIA, expressed in hundredths of a percent, published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued. In the absence of a RUONIA rate value published on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued, the last of the published RUONIA rate values is taken into account.

    DS – discount – a value expressed in hundredths of a percent and rounded (according to the rules of mathematical rounding) to two decimal places, calculated by multiplying the value of the Key Rate of the Bank of Russia by the value of the required reserve ratio for other liabilities of credit institutions for banks with a universal license, non-bank credit institutions (except for long-term ones) in the currency of the Russian Federation, valid on the date for which interest is accrued, and published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet.

    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 01/28/2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025029
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 10,000
    Placement period, in days 2
    Date of deposit 01/28/2025
    Refund date 01/30/2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Fix
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum 20.05
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds –
    Minimum spread, % per annum –
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 18:30 to 18:40
    Pre-applications: from 18:30 to 18:35
    Applications in competition mode: from 18:35 to 18:40
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 18:40 to 18:50
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 18:40 to 18:50
    Submission of an offer to credit institutions to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 18:50 to 19:30
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 18:50 to 19:30
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

    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: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow enterprises will take part in 30 foreign exhibitions with the support of the Mosprom Centre

    Source: Moscow Metro

    This year, Moscow’s export-focused companies will have enhanced opportunities to connect with international partners, with the MosProm center organizing 25 international business missions and facilitating participation in 5 major international trade shows. These initiatives, which include both in-person and virtual engagements, will provide Moscow producers with vital platforms for discussions with overseas collaborators. This was announced by Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

    Tastes of Moscow.

    As directed by Sergey Sobyanin, the city is prioritizing support for export-oriented enterprises in expanding their presence in global markets. Our main objective is to increase the volume of exports of Moscow-produced industrial goods and agricultural products to friendly nations. Moscow manufacturers will showcase their products at international exhibitions in China, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. They will also engage in direct negotiations with potential buyers and distributors from Mexico, the UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Mongolia, and countries across Africa and the CIS, – stated Maksim Liksutov.

    MosProm was established in 2019 to increase the recognition and presence of Moscow-made products in overseas markets. One of the most effective programs offered by MosProm is its buyer program. This initiative allows companies to participate in specialized international trade shows and business missions, where they can conduct business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) negotiations with prospective clients for Moscow-produced goods. This offers local industrial companies the opportunity to expand their export reach and product offerings, establish new partnerships and client relationships, and attract valuable investment.

    Tastes of Moscow.

    MosProm specialists provide comprehensive support to Moscow-based manufacturers at every stage of their foreign trade activities. Thanks to MosProm’s assistance, Moscow’s non-resource, non-energy producers have successfully reoriented their export flows and found new partners in markets across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the CIS, – emphasized Anatoly Garbuzov, Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the city’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy.

    Furthermore, Moscow exporters benefit greatly from national support programs. The International Cooperation and Export national project is a comprehensive suite of informational, financial, insurance, and logistical support measures. The project includes the My Export digital platform, which offers a range of support services for businesses. These services include free expert consultations, market analytics, assistance in marketing goods on international marketplaces, online training programs, and more.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VA statement regarding grants, loans and other financial assistance programs

    Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

    Skip to content

    WASHINGTON — In response to the Office of Management and Budget’s Jan. 27 memo (M-25-13) regarding temporarily pausing certain agency grant, loan and financial assistance programs, the Department of Veterans Affairs today announced it has conducted a comprehensive analysis of all its federal financial assistance programs and consulted with OMB.

    VA has determined that all 44 of its financial assistance programs will continue uninterrupted and that all VA programs and operations will continue uninterrupted.

    “This will have no impact on VA health care, benefits or beneficiaries,” said Acting VA Secretary Todd Hunter.

    Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov

    Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.

    Contact us online through Ask VA

    Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.

    Learn about our chatbot and ask a question

    Subscribe today to receive these news releases in your inbox.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard interdicts lancha crew, seizes 200 pounds of illegally caught fish off Texas coast

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 01/28/2025 08:00 PM EST

     News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
    Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Detachment Texas
    Office: 281-464-4810
    After Hours: 832-293-1293
    PA Detachment Texas online newsroom

     

    01/28/2025 07:44 PM EST

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coast Guard interdicted a lancha and seized 200 pounds of illegally caught fish in federal waters off southern Texas, Tuesday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Wearable Devices Ltd. Announces Pricing of $2.5 Million Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Yokneam Illit, Israel, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wearable Devices Ltd. (the “Company” or “Wearable Devices”) (Nasdaq: WLDS, WLDSW), an award-winning pioneer in artificial intelligence (“AI”)-based wearable gesture control technology, today announced the pricing of its “reasonable best efforts” public offering with a single institutional investor for the purchase and sale of up 2,500,000 ordinary shares (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) and warrants to purchase up to 2,500,000 ordinary shares, at a combined offering price of $1.00 per share and accompanying warrant (the “Offering”). The Company expects to receive aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $2.5 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses and assuming no exercise of the warrants. The warrants will have an exercise price of $1.00 per share, will be exercisable immediately and will expire five years from the issuance date.

    The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about January 30, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

    A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners is acting as the sole placement agent for the Offering.

    In connection with the Offering, the Company also agreed to amend existing warrants that were previously issued to the investor participating in the Offering to purchase up to 822,000 ordinary shares of the Company, with an exercise price of $2.50 per share. Effective upon closing of the Offering, such existing warrants will be amended to reduce the exercise price to $1.00 per share and will expire five years following the closing of the Offering.

    The securities described above are being offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-1, as amended (File No. 333-284023), previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which was declared effective on January 28, 2025. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. Copies of the preliminary prospectus and, when available, copies of the final prospectus, relating to the Offering may be obtained on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained, when available, from A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, 590 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10022, or by telephone at (212) 624-2060, or by email at prospectus@allianceg.com.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in this Offering, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

    About Wearable Devices Ltd.

    Wearable Devices Ltd. is a pioneering growth company revolutionizing human-computer interaction through its AI-powered neural input technology for both consumer and business markets. Leveraging proprietary sensors, software, and advanced AI algorithms, the Company’s innovative products, including the Mudra Band for iOS and Mudra Link for Android, enable seamless, touch-free interaction by transforming subtle finger and wrist movements into intuitive controls. These groundbreaking solutions enhance gaming, and the rapidly expanding AR/VR/XR landscapes. The Company offers a dual-channel business model: direct-to-consumer sales and enterprise licensing. Its flagship Mudra Band integrates functional and stylish design with cutting-edge AI to empower consumers, while its enterprise solutions provide businesses with the tools to deliver immersive and interactive experiences. By setting the input standard for the XR market, Wearable Devices is redefining user experiences and driving innovation in one of the fastest-growing tech sectors. Wearable Devices’ ordinary shares and warrants trade on the Nasdaq under the symbols “WLDS” and “WLDSW,” respectively.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “will” or other comparable terms. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss the expected closing date of the Offering, the use of proceeds, and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the trading of our ordinary shares or warrants and the development of a liquid trading market; our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on March 15, 2024 and our other filings with the SEC, including the registration statement on Form F-1, as amended (File No. 333-284023). We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Michal Efraty
    IR@wearabledevices.co.il

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Reunion dinner on the eve of Spring Festival

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

    Reunion dinner on the eve of Spring Festival

    Updated: January 29, 2025 07:35 Xinhua
    Villager Chen Fangjin has a reunion meal with his family members at Shanhouhu Village of Jinhua City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Jan. 28, 2025. Dining with family members in a reunion meal has been a cherished tradition for the Chinese on the eve of the Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An actor in the costume of the God of Wealth extends greetings to customers at a restaurant in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chefs cook reunion meals at a restaurant in Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People have reunion meals at a restaurant in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Firefighters have a meal at a fire station in Taizhou City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People have a reunion meal at a restaurant in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A firefighter has a reunion meal with his family members at a fire station in Taizhou City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A worker arranges cooking of reunion meals at a restaurant in Nantong City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People have reunion meals at a restaurant in Wuhu City, east China’s Anhui Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Families of newborns have a reunion meal with staff at the canteen of a maternal and child care service center in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People have reunion meals at a restaurant in Wuhu City, east China’s Anhui Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Airport in Beijing sees influx of inbound travelers on eve of Spring Festival

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

    Airport in Beijing sees influx of inbound travelers on eve of Spring Festival

    Updated: January 29, 2025 08:05 Xinhua
    A mixed Chinese-foreign family pose for a photo at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. Beijing Capital International Airport saw an influx of inbound travelers on Tuesday, the eve of Spring Festival 2025. While many Chinese nationals returned home to celebrate the Spring Festival, some foreign visitors took advantage of visa-free or transit visa exemption policies to experience the festive atmosphere in China’s capital city. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists from Vietnam wait for entry inspection at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Immigration officer Chen Miao (1st R) hands out a Spring Festival decoration carrying the Chinese “Fu” character, which symbolizes good fortune, to tourists at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An immigration officer issues a temporary entry permit to a British passport holder at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An immigration officer adjusts the date on an immigration stamp at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists from South Korea display the immigration stamps on their passports at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Immigration officer Chen Miao (1st R) handles transit visa exemption procedures for tourists from the U.S. at the immigration area of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: People’s life gradually returns to normal in quake-affected county of Xizang

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

    People’s life gradually returns to normal in quake-affected county of Xizang

    Updated: January 29, 2025 08:08 Xinhua
    A man pastes Spring Festival couplets at a temporary shelter in Gyiru Village, Lnaze County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 26, 2025. Lnaze County is one of the counties affected seriously by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake which struck southwest China’s Xizang earlier this month. As the Chinese Lunar New Year and Tibetan New Year approach, people in the affected area moved into newly constructed makeshift houses and received food packages with beef, tea leaves, sugar, highland barley wine, etc. As relief efforts continue and life gradually returns to normal, affected people feel the warmth and support pouring in from all directions. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A woman hangs festive decoration at a temporary shelter in Gyiru Village, Lnaze County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Volunteers write Spring Festival couplets at a temporary shelter in Gyiru Village, Lnaze County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People receive food packages at a temporary shelter in Gyabgag Village, Lnaze County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – College of GPs welcomes newest GP and rural hospital medicine trainees

    Source: Royal NZ College of General Practitioners

    The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) welcomes the 221 year 1 registrars who have started their journeys to becoming specialist general practitioners or rural hospital doctors.
    Of this group, 201 registrars are starting on the General Practice Education Programme (GPEP) and 20 are starting on the Rural Hospital Medicine (RHM) training programme.
    With 90 percent of medical conditions being treated in the community, the College continues to advocate for well-resourced training programmes for our community-based workforce who are valued and supported to care for their patients.
    College Chief Executive Toby Beaglehole says, “We’re delighted that our new registrars have recognised the impact they can have on improving health outcomes by working on the frontline in their communities.
    “Growing our workforce continues to be a priority for the College this year. The new Health Minister has signalled his commitment to increasing access to general practice, which will come from having more specialists trained and working in the community, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss this with him.”
    College President Dr Samantha Murton says, “We know the value that we bring to healthcare, which comes from the vast depth and breadth of knowledge and skills that we build on during our specialist training, and throughout our careers.
    “To all our new registrars I say welcome, we’re so glad you’ve joined us, and I hope you take every opportunity to get involved, ask questions and share your own experiences about your journey that has led you into choosing this highly rewarding career.”
    Chair of the College’s Division of Rural Hospital Medicine (DRHM) Dr Andrew Laurenson says, “Having these new rural trainees entering the programme is a great boost as we work towards having an accessible and thriving rural health workforce for the approximately 900,000 New Zealanders who live rurally.”
    More information about the programmes and how to apply is available on the College website: https://www.rnzcgp.org.nz/study-with-us/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Celebrate without fireworks this Lunar New Year

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking people to be vigilant during their Lunar New Year celebrations.
    “We want everybody to have a wonderful time celebrating Lunar New Year, but we’re asking people to avoid using fireworks or sky lanterns as part of their celebrations,” Community Education Manager Tom Ronaldson says.
    Some parts of the country are in prohibited and restricted fire seasons, and a ban on fireworks has been imposed for parts of Mid-South Canterbury and Otago.
    These areas are Lake Clearwater and Lake Camp in the Ashburton Lakes area, the Mackenzie Basin, Naseby, Upper Waitaki zones, Central Otago and Central Lakes zones which include Wakatipu Basin, Wānaka and Hāwea areas.
    A fireworks ban means you can’t light and set off any fireworks, including sparklers.
    Sky lanterns also pose a significant risk to buildings and vegetation.
    “We strongly recommend you do not light lanterns, as you have no control over where they travel. If they land in dry vegetation, they can quickly cause a fire,” Tom Ronaldson says.
    “This includes tethered lanterns, as there is a risk of them becoming untethered and causing a fire.
    “We’ve seen hot, dry and windy conditions in many parts of the country this summer, which means much of our vegetation is dry and ready to ignite,” he says.
    “Again, we strongly encourage you to celebrate without fireworks or sky lanterns. But if you do decide to use them, please go to www.checkitsalright.nz to find out if it’s safe to do so.
    “The website advises on the risk for different types of fire activity, provides fire safety advice, and tells you what fire restrictions your location is under if you aren’t sure.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation with Bolivia

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    January 28, 2025

    Washington, DC: On March 22nd, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation1 for Bolivia. This also included a discussion of the findings of the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) exercise for Bolivia.[1]

    Bolivia’s growth momentum moderated in 2023, to 2.5 percent, from declining natural gas production, less public investment, and financial market turmoil. Price controls, food and fuel subsidies, export restrictions, and strong agricultural production held inflation below 2 percent at year-end. However, the combination of lower natural gas exports, high fuel imports, a large fiscal deficit―increasingly financed by the central bank―and an overvalued exchange rate contributed to a wider current account deficit (estimated at 5 percent of GDP for 2023) and near-depletion of international reserves. Public debt increased to nearly 84 percent of GDP by end-2023. Sovereign spreads rose sharply in early 2023 as the foreign exchange (FX) shortage became apparent and a mid-sized bank (Banco Fassil) failed. Consequently, banks were forced to restrict the withdrawal of FX deposits, heightening financial sector stability risks.

    Growth is anticipated to decelerate to 1.6 percent in 2024, holding at around 2.2-2.3 percent in the medium term under the continuation of the current policies. Inflation is forecast to reach 4.5 percent in 2024, stabilizing around 4 percent thereafter. The outlook is however predicated on significantly improved access to external financing, without which the risk of disorderly fiscal and/or exchange rate adjustment is elevated. External factors such as reduced demand, intensified global conflicts disrupting trade routes, commodity price volatility, or a renewed tightening of financial conditions could worsen fiscal and external imbalances, impede growth, and destabilize the domestic financial sector.

    Additionally, extreme weather events, like the 2023 droughts and recent floods, pose a risk to Bolivia’s agricultural sector and critical infrastructure. Domestically, a faster decline in hydrocarbon production, higher inflation due to FX scarcity, or confidence shocks could further impact growth, hurt real incomes and exacerbate financial stability risks. Social unrest stemming from inequality and security concerns remains a concern, as evidenced by the prolonged road blockages of early 2024. On the upside, Bolivia could potentially benefit from the global shift towards green energy due to its vast lithium resources, although developing the lithium sector and scaling up domestic production capacity will likely take time.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed Bolivia’s socioeconomic progress over the past several years but expressed concerns about the difficult financial situation Bolivia currently finds itself in, with low reserves, uncertain fiscal financing, and pressures in parallel exchange markets. Directors stressed the urgency of a shift from current unsustainable policies to avoid a disorderly adjustment that would exert significant social and economic hardship.

    Directors called for continued constructive engagement on a sustainable policy mix that is likely to require both fiscal adjustment phased in over the next few years and an up front step devaluation to more quickly address the external imbalance and allow for a build up of reserves. They emphasized the importance of improving the social safety net to shield poorer households from inflation pressures following a realignment of the exchange rate. Directors also emphasized the importance of strengthening fiscal institutions to underpin the credibility of the planned adjustment and to improve central bank governance in support of a shift to a crawling peg and, eventually, to inflation targeting.

    Directors recommended a strengthening of the central banks’ capacity to conduct sterilization operations and to lift lending rate caps to improve the allocation of capital and enhance monetary policy transmission. They also underscored the need to improve crisis preparedness and contingency planning in line with FSAP recommendations to safeguard financial stability.

    Directors recommended a range of supply side reforms to unlock private investment, boost productivity and enhance competitiveness. These should include phasing out export ceilings and price controls and better prioritizing public investment projects. A stronger regulatory framework for hydrocarbon and lithium exploration could be instrumental in increasing investment in those sectors. Directors also called for enhancing AML/CFT framework and ensuring the timely publication of key macroeconomic data.

     

    Table 1. Bolivia: Selected Economic and Social Indicators, 2022–2026

    Population (millions, 2021)

    11.8

    Poverty rate (percent, 2021)

    36.3

    Population growth rate (percent, 2021)

    1.4

    Adult literacy rate (percent, 2021)

    94.8

    Life expectancy at birth (years, 2021)

    72

    GDP per capita (US$, 2021)

    3,437

    Total unemployment rate (2021)

    7.0

    IMF Quota (SDR, millions)

    240.1

    Est.

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    Income and prices

    Real GDP

    3.6

    2.5

    1.6

    2.2

    2.2

    Nominal GDP

    8.9

    4.9

    6.2

    6.5

    6.2

    CPI inflation (period average)

    1.7

    2.6

    4.5

    4.2

    3.9

    CPI inflation (end of period)

    3.1

    2.1

    4.8

    4.0

    3.9

    Investment and savings 1/

    Total investment

    15.1

    15.9

    16.6

    16.3

    16.0

    Of which: Public sector

    5.7

    5.0

    6.0

    6.0

    6.0

    Gross national savings

    12.5

    8.6

    10.5

    10.3

    10.5

    Of which: Public sector

    -1.4

    -2.0

    -1.9

    -1.5

    -1.2

    Combined public sector

    Revenues and grants

    28.9

    28.3

    27.6

    27.4

    27.1

    Of which: Hydrocarbon related revenue

    6.0

    5.4

    4.3

    3.9

    3.5

    Expenditure

    36.0

    35.3

    35.5

    34.8

    34.3

    Current

    30.3

    30.3

    29.5

    28.8

    28.3

    Capital 2/

    5.7

    5.0

    6.0

    6.0

    6.0

    Net lending/borrowing (overall balance)

    -7.1

    -7.0

    -7.9

    -7.5

    -7.2

    Of which: Non-hydrocarbon balance

    -12.8

    -12.2

    -12.0

    -11.2

    -10.5

    Total gross NFPS debt 3/

    80.4

    83.6

    86.7

    88.9

    90.9

    External sector

    Current account 1/

    -0.4

    -5.0

    -5.7

    -5.8

    -5.6

    Exports of goods and services

    32.6

    28.5

    27.0

    26.9

    26.5

    Of which: Natural gas

    6.7

    3.8

    3.4

    3.0

    2.7

    Imports of goods and services

    32.9

    34.4

    33.6

    33.6

    32.7

    Capital account

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Financial account (-= net inflow)

    -1.5

    -0.5

    -5.3

    -5.8

    -5.6

    Of which: Direct investment net

    -0.8

    -0.6

    -0.6

    -0.9

    -0.9

    Of which: Other investment, net

    -0.3

    -0.3

    -4.6

    -4.7

    -5.1

    Net errors and omissions

    -3.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Terms of trade index (percent change)

    -1.6

    1.2

    -0.6

    0.0

    0.2

    Central Bank gross foreign reserves 4/ 5/ 6/

    In millions of U.S. dollars

    3,796

    1,808

    1,653

    1,555

    1,556

    In months of imports of goods and services

    2.8

    1.3

    1.1

    1.0

    1.0

    In percent of GDP

    8.6

    3.9

    3.4

    3.0

    2.8

    In percent of ARA

    44.5

    20.8

    18.2

    16.2

    15.5

    Money and credit

    Credit to the private sector (percent change)

    6.3

    -0.4

    3.0

    4.3

    5.1

    Credit to the private sector (percent of GDP)

    74.2

    70.5

    68.4

    67.0

    66.3

    Broad money (percent of GDP)

    85.2

    82.8

    81.2

    80.0

    78.9

    Memorandum items:

    Nominal GDP (in billions of U.S. dollars)

    44.3

    46.5

    49.3

    52.5

    55.8

    Bolivianos/U.S. dollar (end-of-period) 7/

    6.9

    6.9

    …

    …

    …

    REER, period average (percent change) 8/

    -0.9

    -1.9

    …

    …

    …

    Oil prices (in U.S. dollars per barrel)

    96.4

    80.6

    77.7

    73.8

    70.9

    Energy-related subsidies to SOEs (percent of GDP) 9/

    4.4

    4.0

    3.5

    2.7

    2.4

    Sources: Bolivian authorities (MEFP, Ministry of Planning, BCB, INE, UDAPE); IMF; Fund staff calculations.
    1/ The discrepancy between the current account and the savings-investment balance reflects methodological differences. For the projection years, the discrepancy is assumed to remain constant in dollar value.
    2/ Includes nationalization costs and net lending.
    3/ Public debt includes SOE’s borrowing from the BCB (but not from other domestic institutions) and BCB loans to FINPRO and FNDR.
    4/ Excludes reserves from the Latin American Reserve Fund (FLAR) and Offshore Liquidity Requirements (RAL).
    5/ All foreign assets valued at market prices.
    6/ Includes a repurchase line of US$99.2 million maturing in 2025.
    7/ Official (buy) exchange rate.
    8/ The REER based on authorities’ methodology is different from that of the IMF (see 2018 and 2017 Staff Reports).
    9/ Includes the cost of subsidy borne by public enterprises and incentives for hydrocarbon exploration investments in the projection period.

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

    [1] The Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP), established in 1999, is a comprehensive and in-depth assessment of a country’s financial sector. FSAPs provide input for Article IV consultations and thus enhance Fund surveillance. FSAPs are mandatory for the 47 jurisdictions with systemically important financial sectors and otherwise conducted upon request from member countries. The key findings of an FSAP are summarized in a Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA).

    [2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.


    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Rosa Hernandez

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Brexit cost: higher energy bills and lower investment

    Source: Scottish Government

    Scottish Government calls for closer energy links with Europe.

    The Scottish Government is calling for closer co-operation with Europe to help lower energy bills and boost investment.

    Ahead of upcoming UK Government talks with the EU the Scottish Government has published a report, identifying  a number of opportunities to more closely align with the European Union on energy matters.

    These include:

    • accelerating the adoption of more efficient UK-EU electricity trading arrangements to bring down energy costs for consumers
    • linking the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS) to help reduce costs and barriers to trade

    Estimates from the UK energy industry predict that unless the UK moves toward closer cooperation with the EU on energy and climate, it may lead to additional costs of up to £10billion in 2024-25, through higher energy bills and lower Treasury revenues.

    The Scottish Government’s wants Scotland to be an EU member state, however the report published today sets out immediate actions which would rebuild closer collaboration with the EU on energy and climate matters and offset some of the damage caused by Brexit.

    Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin said: “As we approach the fifth anniversary of Brexit, the costs to the people of Scotland are becoming ever clearer.

    “The best future for Scotland is to be a member state of the EU. But we will always be a voice for closer co-operation with our fellow Europeans – in particular around issues which impact us all such as lowering energy bills and driving up investment in renewables.

    “This paper highlights the key areas where working together is vital for achieving our shared ambitions – driving economic growth, reducing costs, strengthening energy security and substantially contributing to our shared climate goals.

    “We have a pivotal role to play and stand ready to work collaboratively with the UK Government and wider partners to re-build a closer relationship with Europe in this space.”

    Background

    Read the Closer energy and climate cooperation with the EU report

    Energy UK Explains: the cost of the UK-EU relationship for energy – Energy UK

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Updated Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, building a more inclusive Australia

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Good morning. It’s so great to be with you all today. 

    I begin this morning by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet, the Wadawurrung peoples, and pay my respects to elders past and present. 
    I extend this acknowledgement to all First Nations people joining us here today. 

    It is great to be here at this Having a Say Conference so that we can launch the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy. 
    The Strategy is Australia’s plan to make life better for people with disability. 

    It talks about what we can do together to make Australia inclusive – so everyone can live good lives, take part in the community as equals, and be treated with respect. 
    I am so happy to be here with Victoria’s Minister for Disability, Minister Lizzie Blandthorn, along with Jane Spring, the Chair of the Strategy’s Advisory Council.
    We are here together to show our shared commitment to improve outcomes for people with disability.

    I would like to thank VALiD’s Chair, Arthur Rogers, and the CEO, Fionn Skiotis, for inviting us to be here this morning.  

    In fact, I would like to thank the whole VALiD team for the fantastic work they do every day, and have been doing since 1989.

    Having a say, learning from each other, and supporting each other is really important, and I want you to know that your voices are being heard and are feeding into the decisions that governments make. 

    The message of ‘nothing about us without us’ has been heard loud and clear. 

    It is your voices, your thoughts, feelings and experiences, that guide our policies and the changes we want to make with you.

    Because we all know that you are only able to participate fully in your communities when you get to have a say about what you need, what you want, and are treated with respect.  
    And what an amazing group of leaders, thinkers and communicators we have here with us today.

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

    Australia’s Disability Strategy sets out our vision for an inclusive Australia. 

    It is a commitment by all levels of government to take actions to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia.

    An Australia where the 5.5 million people with disability have the support they need to live the life they want and participate as equal members in the community. 

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

    Following the Disability Royal Commission’s report, all governments agreed to review Australia’s Disability Strategy.

    Hearing from the disability community was so important when we started looking at what was working and what we could make better about the Strategy. 

    The updated Strategy is something I am very proud to share with you today. 

    We listened to the disability community, held public consultation and partnered with states and territories, the Strategy’s Advisory Council and Disability Representative Organisations, to understand what was most important.

    The updates to the Strategy reflect what we have heard since the original launch of the Strategy 3 years ago, including through the Royal Commission.

    We heard from you that having accessible housing and reducing homelessness was a really important issue for people with disability – and that’s why the updated Strategy now has a priority focus area on this.

    And there are three new Targeted Action Plans that are focused on improving the lives of people with disability across 3 very important areas.

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

    These new Targeted Action Plans include actions that are based on what the disability community has told us is the most important work we need to focus on.
    Over the next three years, we will focus on the key areas of:

    • Changing Community Attitudes
    • Inclusive Homes and Communities; and
    • Safety, Rights and Justice.

    The Commonwealth, States and Territories and local governments have agreed to these action plans and to work together to deliver. 

    We know that people with disability can face barriers because other people don’t understand what it means to live with disability. 

    And that’s why increasing understanding of disability and changing community attitudes is so important. 

    Sometimes people may not even realise that their actions are making it harder for people with disability to be included. This could be something as simple as writing something down for someone instead of only speaking. Or adjusting lighting in a public space.

    If people have a better understanding about the barriers people with disability face, they can take the steps to remove these barriers.

    So, the Community Attitudes Targeted Action Plan will focus on improving community understanding so people can take action to improve the inclusion and participation of people with disability in Australian society.

    We’ve already taken important steps towards this goal under the current Strategy. 

    One example is our investment of $19.6 million (over the next 4 years) for an inclusion and accessibility fund. This will help professionals, like doctors, to improve the way they communicate and better include people with disability in the things that are important to them. 

    We are all safer when the information we need to make decisions is easy to find and we are included, feel welcome, and can easily seek support and connections. 

    Through the inclusive Homes and Communities Targeted Action Plan we will also keep working to make housing stock and our broader community more accessible for everyone. 

    For example, governments have been working together to build over 41 Changing Places, including here in Victoria – like the Aqua Centre in Sale and at the Yarraville Gardens.

    These new accessible facilities make it easier for people with complex needs to move around their community and to travel further from their home. 

    We have also committed to improving the accessibility of public transport – because people with disability should be able to easily get around in their communities.

    Every Australian deserves access to safe, affordable and accessible housing, no matter their circumstances. This new Targeted Action Plan will also focus on housing accessibility for people with disability. 

    States and territories will increase the supply of accessible housing for people with disability.

    And the Commonwealth will be looking at ways to make it easier for people renting to find properties that will meet their access needs.

    These actions will build on the 2024 National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness – that helps people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, and supports social housing and homelessness services.

    Finally, the new Safety, Rights and Justice Targeted Action Plan sets out key actions to reduce and prevent people with disability from experiencing harm.

    It outlines improved supports for those at risk of harm, and lays out pathways for action if things do go wrong. This includes introducing things like standard processes for identifying and supporting people with disability in prisons and making sure people know about supports that are available if they have experienced violence.

    With advice from people with disability, and your representative organisations, all levels of government will work together to implement these action plans.

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

    In the updated Strategy we also have a renewed focus on data and evidence.

    Because we want to make sure that the actions that we are taking are making a tangible difference to the lives of people with disability. 

    Our Data Improvement Plan will help show the progress we are making, but also to identify where we need to do more. 

    The updated Strategy also reflects what you have told us and what we have heard, as well as describing the work that we have done together over the past three years across the country.

    We have provided information to make the Strategy clearer and developed videos to help explain what the Strategy is all about.

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

    Over the past three years, our Albanese Labor Government has been working hard to help people with disability across Australia to thrive. 

    And as Minister I have been working very hard to bring Australia’s Disability Strategy from words on a page, to life. 

    I have completely redesigned employment services for people with disability to drive a strong focus on quality and put the goals and aspirations of people with disability at the centre.

    We are investing in more peer support across Australia – so that people can connect with others like them to give advice and so they don’t feel alone.

    For the first time, airports and airlines will have to properly help people with disability – making it easier for people with disability to travel by planes.

    Clear information is now available about how to support people with disability when there are emergencies – like fires or floods.

    And we have made people with disability a key focus in the creative arts through a dedicated plan to support inclusion of people with disability, which includes things like music, films and live shows.

    These are just some of the things our Government has been doing to bring the Strategy to life.

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

    I am very optimistic about the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy and the changes that we will make together to achieve the Strategy’s goals to benefit all Australians with disability, and their families. 

    I encourage every person here today to share your thoughts, experiences and ideas with one another. Have your say, because it matters.

    Our Government has heard what you want from the Strategy, and we will continue to work with you to ensure our work reflects your lived experiences. 

    Thank you again for the time with you today. And my thanks to the speakers who have shared their time so we could come to talk about how we will use the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy to help everyone to live better lives. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: More road deaths likely if evidence not followed

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Any road deaths as a result of increased speed limits will now be on the Government’s hands.

    “Where it is safe to do so, we do not oppose raising speed limits. However, the Government’s making many of these changes based on a campaign promise, rather than evidence,” Labour’s transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said.

    “We know this, because the previous Transport Minister encouraged National Party supporters to submit on his own bill. He was not interested in the opposing views of safety campaigners.

    “I would like to see the evidence that it is safe to raise speed limits on these roads, not the National Party opinion that it is.

    “It is an absolute tragedy that we go into every long weekend expecting a road toll. It should not be normal for Kiwis to lose loved ones to people driving too fast.

    “While we do not oppose travelling at faster speeds on roads where it is safe to do so, I do remain concerned about the potential for more deaths on the roads as a result of these changes,” Tangi Utikere said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Social Issues – IHC urges collective fix to address root causes of child poverty

    Source: IHC

    IHC is urging policymakers, educators and the community to come together to address the root causes of poverty and ensure that no child is left behind, including children with an intellectual disability.

    A new survey from KidsCan has found that thousands of children in New Zealand are beginning the school year without essential basics.

    IHC Director of Advocacy Tania Thomas says these findings are a call to action.

    “Children with intellectual disabilities are not just facing much higher financial hardship than most; they’re facing exclusion from opportunities to thrive and participate in society,” says Tania. “It’s unacceptable, and we must do better.”

    Forthcoming research from IHC, using data from Stats NZ’s integrated data infrastructure, sheds light on the disproportionate and rarely discussed impact of the child poverty crisis on intellectually disabled children. The findings, set to be published in February, reveal that these children are twice as likely as their peers to experience material hardship.

    Key findings include:

    Financial Strain: 42 percent of households with an intellectually disabled child cannot pay an unavoidable bill within a month without borrowing, compared to 18 percent of households in the general population.
    Food Insecurity: People with intellectual disability are three times more likely than other New Zealanders to miss out on meals with meat or a vegetarian equivalent at least every second day.
    Social Exclusion: Children with an intellectual disability experience significant barriers to social participation, such as their family being unable to afford school trips or events (13 percent vs. 2 percent in the general population) and not hosting friends to play and eat (26 percent vs. 9 percent in the general population).
    Hardship Increases with Age: Unlike the general population, people with an intellectual disability have increased levels of hardship as they age.

    Tania says this IHC research highlights the compounded disadvantages that families of intellectually disabled children face, particularly as they prepare for the school year.

    “Essential expenses such as uniforms, stationery and extracurricular activities strain already stretched budgets, leaving many children with an intellectual disability at a disadvantage from the outset.

    “Investing in targeted support for families with intellectually disabled children is not only an ethical imperative but also a societal one.”

    About IHC New Zealand

    IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – The government has begun to “go through the motions” of questioning Israeli soldiers at the border but it’s just a “look busy” policy – too little too late! – PSNA

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    The government has begun questioning Israeli soldiers about their military service in Gaza at the New Zealand border as revealed in a Times of Israel story today which says:

     

    “New Zealand’s government immigration authority has begun to require Israelis applying for a visa to report details of their military service as a condition for entry, and at least one person has been denied admission after doing so, The Times of Israel has learned”

     

    However, the details of the questions asked reveals the government is simply “going through the motions” to weed out possible war criminals.

     

    The key questions asked are:

     

    • “Have you been associated with any intelligence service or group, or law enforcement agency?”
    • “Have you been associated with any group or organization that has used or promoted violence or human rights abuses to further their aims?”
    • “Have you committed or been involved in war crimes, crimes against humanity, or human rights abuses?”

     

    It’s obvious how every soldier will answer those questions and New Zealand is none the wiser.  

     

    What the story also reveals is that the rejection rate for visas for Israelis coming here has not changed since the genocide began in Gaza.

     

    An analysis of INZ statistical data indicates that the rejection rate for Israeli visa applications to New Zealand during the war has been approximately four percent. This is not unusually high compared to previous years or the rejection rates for citizens of other developed countries.

     

    It’s clear the questioning of Israeli soldiers is not revealing people involved in war crimes and is a “look busy” policy. This gives more reason for the government to adopt PSNA policy and suspend all visas for anyone who has served in the IDF since 7 October 2023.

     

    The government must also uphold the International Court of Justice Advisory opinion (19 July 2024) which calls on the government to end support for Israel’s illegal occupation. This means we should also deny entry to every Israeli wanting to visit here who has an address in an illegal Israeli settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

      

    John Minto

    National Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy On Trump Freezing All Federal Grants: This Is What A King Does

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    January 28, 2025

    [embedded content]
    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined Senate Democrats at a press conference on Tuesday raising the alarm about the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo directing agencies to freeze federal funding.
    Full transcript of Murphy’s remarks:
    “This is an attempt by Donald Trump to seize power. It sounds like a provocative thing to say, but how else do you describe what we have watched happen over the last week? The broad immunization of political violence, the illegal firing of inspectors general there to make sure that the money of the taxpayers isn’t stolen, and today, the illegal and unconstitutional decision to put the President of the United States, and no one else, in charge of who gets federal money and who doesn’t.
    “What President Trump is doing is seizing control of the federal budget and deciding by himself who gets money and who doesn’t for two reasons. One, he wants to bank money so that he can afford his massive tax cut for billionaires and corporations, but second, so that he can hand out money to his friends, to the companies that are run by his billionaire donors, to states that voted for him, to congressional districts with members of Congress who are loyal to him, and so that he can deny money to any organization run by Democrats, to companies that are competitors to his billionaire friends, to congressional districts represented by his political opponents.
    “This what a king does. This is not how a democracy works. One man does not decide how taxpayers’ money is spent so that it only gets sent to the President’s political friends, and it gets used to punish his political enemies.
    “The scope of the damage that will be done is enormous to poor kids who rely on Head Start programs, to families who desperately need that cancer research done, to veterans who, if they miss one or two appointments, their life falls apart suddenly overnight.
    “We have to understand what is happening in context. The President wants you to be distracted by the day-to-day announcements, but put together, the pardoning of the violent rioters, the firing of the inspectors general, and today, the stoppage of federal funding, leaving the decision only to the political whims of President Trump, represents the gravest, most serious constitutional crisis of our lifetime, and one that threatens to undermine the very premise of American democracy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish rocket launch boost to get Britain back into space race

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    A landmark Scottish rocket launch is set to solidify the UK as a European leader in the space sector.

    £20 million to launch the first UK made orbital rocket from Saxavord.

    • Landmark Scottish rocket launch set to boost UK’s launching power and make Britain a European space leader
    • £20 million government investment will help to fund the construction and launch of the first UK-manufactured and UK-launched orbital rocket
    • Orbex’s rocket Prime will encourage economic investment and support high-skilled jobs, as part of the Plan for Change

    A landmark Scottish rocket launch is set to solidify the UK as a European leader in the space sector, following a £20 million government investment in UK launch company Orbex to build and launch a rocket from the shores of Scotland.

    Tech Secretary Peter Kyle announced the investment today (29th January) at Brussels’ European Space Conference, positioning Britain as a leading international partner and cooperator in Europe’s access to space. The investment will help to fund Orbex’s rocket Prime, the first UK-manufactured and UK-launched orbital rocket.

    Prime is set to take off from late 2025 at Scottish spaceport SaxaVord, one of two licensed vertical launch spaceports in Europe. It will catalyse the UK’s position as a leading small satellite manufacturer and global space leader, and support 140 highly paid jobs in the region as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    The investment will contribute to this government’s mission to grow the economy, boosting the UK’s ability to regularly launch rockets into orbit from its shores and attracting launch investment into the UK.

    With European demand for satellites up to 2033 forecasted to be worth $50 billion, even 2% of this would bring around $1 billion in revenues for the UK economy alone.

    Developing Britain’s launch capabilities is already helping to bring new jobs and economic benefits to communities and organisations across the UK. So far, the Prime project has created more than 140 highly skilled jobs in Forres, with many more anticipated as the company continues to grow.

    The launch of Prime will also help to inspire a new generation of British space professionals. By showcasing the pivotal role of Britain in the space age, government is investing now to ensure a sector that is vibrant, innovative, and above all, successful in achieving our goal for the UK to become a leading European provider of small satellite launch.

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    Britain’s impressive toolkit of scientific talent, world class facilities, and unique geography means we stand ready to lead the charge and to work together with our international partners as a key part of the new space revolution in Europe.

    By investing £20 million in this rocket launch, we are not only helping the country to become a leading destination for small satellite launches in Europe but bringing highly skilled jobs and investment to communities and organisations across the UK, as part of our Plan for Change.   

    Supporting Orbex’s launch will also turbocharge the country’s position in the space sector and inspire our next generation of space professionals, who will be able to design, test, build and launch British rockets, carrying British satellites, from British soil.

    Designed to launch satellites into orbit, Prime will benefit from the UK’s latitude, with Scotland’s geographical positioning providing easy access to valuable polar orbits.

    The British-built Prime is also Europe-leading in its pioneering approach to sustainability.  It is poised to become the first in a new generation of ultra green launch systems, powered by renewable bio-propane fuel, which cuts carbon emissions significantly compared to other similarly sized rockets being developed elsewhere around the world.

    The rocket is also designed to be re-useable. Upon returning to Earth, what does not burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere will be recovered and components will be refurbished and reused in future projects.    

    Britain is already a key player in the satellite industry, with Glasgow building more satellites than any other city in Europe.

    Dr Paul Bate CEO UK Space Agency said:

    Space is a fast-growing global industry and there is a real opportunity for the UK to play a greater role now than ever before. This new government investment is not just about launching a rocket, but building a more prosperous future for all, powered by space technology.

    Orbex is a highly innovative company that can serve customers in the UK, Europe and beyond with its Prime launch vehicle, create hundreds of high skilled jobs in Scotland and inspire a new generation to reach for the stars. We will work closely with them as we countdown to launch, continue to develop our national space capabilities, and strengthen our international partnerships.

    Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill, said:

    It’s an exciting time for the Scottish space sector and this £20 million investment from the UK government in Orbex will help Scotland maintain our position as a leader as we look forward to the first satellite launch later this year.

    This important industry is playing a vital role in our Plan for Change, helping economic growth and employing thousands of people in good quality jobs, often in small towns and rural communities, across the country.

    Phillip Chambers, CEO of Orbex, said:

    This first of a kind investment by the UK government demonstrates its confidence in the UK’s space rocket manufacturing and launch sector and is an exciting start to the opening of our Series D fundraising. We are entering the final preparations to deliver the most flexible and environmentally sustainable launch services to the global satellite industry.

    This investment paves the way not only for us to launch our first rocket this year but also to develop a larger rocket to enable us to compete in the European Launcher Challenge. These development goals are crucial to our longer-term development.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environment Agency secures record commitments from water sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The EA, working closely with Natural England, has secured the largest ever environmental commitment from water companies since privatisation.  

    The Environment Agency working closely with Natural England has secured the largest ever commitment from water companies to clean up the environment and invest in new infrastructure since privatisation.   

    The Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) sets out over 24,000 actions water companies must take over the next five years to meet their legal requirements for the environment. This series of targeted interventions represents a £22.1bn investment in the environment – four times more than was secured in the last Price Review and will deliver tangible benefits for our water system and for customers. 

    As part of the PR24 process the Environment Agency assessed actions proposed by water companies and, alongside Ofwat and Natural England, provided technical guidance to make sure these actions will provide direct solutions to environmental pressures and help drive nature recovery. 

    The agreed actions will lead to improvements in water infrastructure to secure future supply, habitats and biodiversity and drinking water quality. For example, water companies have submitted plans to establish trials to remove nitrate, restore nationally important chalk streams, and install bespoke biosecurity measures to remove invasive species.  

    Further goals set out under WINEP include:  

    • Reducing the amount of water abstracted, leading to an estimated 60 million litres of water being retained in the environment every day, 

    • Protecting and enhancing of 13,500 km rivers,  

    • Upgrading 2,350 storm overflows leading to an estimated annual reduction of sewage spills by of 85,000 annually, 

    • Improving 21 newly designated bathing water sites across England, 

    • Reducing phosphorous inputs to the environment at over 800 sewage treatment works, 

    • Installing 3,500 monitors at emergency overflows sites.

    Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency said: 

    This unprecedented level of investment represents a vital step forward towards ensuring we have clean, safe, and abundant water now and for future generations. 

    Working with the water companies on this £22bn programme is a crucial way to realise the government’s goals of stimulating development and boosting economic growth, while ensuring the sector can meet its ambitious environment commitments.

    We will work closely with Defra, Ofwat and other regulators to monitor water company progress and ensure they deliver what has been promised. If water companies fail to carry out their legal obligations to the environment, we will take action.” 

    Steve Reed, Secretary of State for the Environment said: 

    It is no secret that our water system needs fixing and that our rivers, lakes and seas are choked by pollution.  

    Customers deserve the money they pay in bills to go towards improving the service they receive, and that is why the Government will ringfence money earmarked for investment, so it can only be spent on projects like these. 

    We are also going further to fix our water system through the Water (Special Measures) Bill, by introducing new powers to ban the payment of bonuses for polluting water bosses and bring criminal charges against lawbreakers.” 

    Natural England provides advice and guidance where water company activity may influence protected sites ,including Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), such as through water abstraction and discharges, and how this can be improved through the WINEP.  

    Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, said: 

    The scale of investment in the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) is a positive step towards delivering sustainable outcomes for the water environment, nature recovery, biodiversity improvement and sustainable growth.  

    Natural England will be working to maximise the opportunity of this significant investment, to get full value for money via integrated approaches and work with our partners including the Environment Agency, water companies and Defra to help deliver this ambitious programme.

    Chris Walters, Senior Director, Price Review 2024 at Ofwat said:  

    We welcome the EA’s publication of the WINEP programme. In December we approved a record £104bn investment package, including over £22bn for WINEP.  

    This quadruples the investment of the last five years, providing water companies with an opportunity to turn around their environmental performance and regain customers’ trust by improving services.  

    We will monitor companies and hold them to account for their investment programmes so that they do this”.

    David Henderson, Chief Executive, Water UK said:

    This programme will be the largest amount of money ever spent on the natural environment. It will help to support economic growth, build more homes, secure our water supplies and end sewage entering our rivers and seas.

    The Environment Agency and other regulators will drive water companies to embrace state-of-the-art technologies and groundbreaking innovations when delivering the actions set out under WINEP.  

    These collaborative efforts are crucial to cutting pollution, managing water efficiency, and increasing resilience to climate change for the benefit of both nature and people. By doing so we and industry can stimulate development and support the Government’s objective of boosting economic growth.  

    The investment was secured through Ofwat’s final determinations announced in December and has been factored into upcoming changes to customer bills. 

    The WINEP data set will be published at 0800 on 29 January on GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Joint statement on Australian state, territory and local government response to the launch of the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    The Australian Federal Government, all state and territory governments and the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), have today reaffirmed their commitment to building a more inclusive Australia, where all people with disability can participate on an equal basis, through the release of the updated Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031.

    As part of the joint response to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, Australian and state and territory governments accepted the Royal Commission’s recommendation to review the Strategy.  

    Throughout the review, people with disability, representative organisations and the Strategy’s Advisory Council shared their important perspectives on how governments can continue to improve the everyday lives of people with disability.

    All governments are committed to the Strategy’s vision and policy priorities of breaking down barriers and creating accessible, inclusive communities where all people with disability can participate on an equal basis.

    Governments have also established new Targeted Action Plans (TAPs) under the Strategy to apply an intensive focusing on Community Attitudes, Safety, Rights and Justice and Inclusive Homes and Communities, which are all areas that people with disability have identified as being of critical importance.

    Each state, territory and many local governments are also implementing disability plan(s) in place to progress reform consistent with the Strategy.  

    Governments will continue to work closely with the disability community, employers, unions, non-government organisations and the broader community as we move forward with this work, ensuring the voices, experience and lived expertise of people with disability are directly shaping the reforms that affect them.

    Signed by the Prime Minister, all First Ministers and the President of ALGA, the Strategy is our national framework, based on the social model of disability, to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia over ten years.

    The updated Strategy is accompanied by a range of supporting resources, including:

    • An updated 10-year milestone roadmap
    • A revised Data Improvement Plan
    • Guide to applying Australia’s Disability Strategy
    • Educational videos to outline what we have heard in the review and changes that are made
    • An accessible factsheet on updates to the Strategy.

    MIL OSI News –