Category: KB

MIL-OSI Africa: Parliamentary Leaders Hail Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio’s Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Chairmanship in Historic Show of Unity

Source: APO

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The parliamentary leadership of Sierra Leone’s two main political parties, the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), paid a joint courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio at State House to formally congratulate him on his recent election as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

The visitors were introduced by Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh, who explained that the Members of Parliament had come to express their appreciation for the President’s efforts in elevating Sierra Leone’s image on the international stage through his new leadership role in the sub-regional body.

Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, thanked President Bio for granting the audience. He disclosed that the joint visit followed internal consultations between SLPP and APC parliamentary leadership, who unanimously agreed to formally congratulate the President on his election.

Hon. Nyuma underscored the collaborative relationship between the Executive and the Legislature and appealed for more regular engagements with the President, not only on constitutional grounds, but also in recognition of the strong working relationship that currently exists between Parliament and the Executive.

Speaking on behalf of the opposition APC, Hon. Abdul Kargbo congratulated President Bio for the international recognition and praised him for entrusting leadership roles to young people. “We are proud as a nation of your achievement. As Members of Parliament, we recognise our roles, but we remain open and committed to the development of Sierra Leone,” he said.

He noted that all government bills that have been tabled in Parliament and were in the national interest have been passed expeditiously. He attributed this to teamwork, political maturity, and shared patriotism, which have contributed to a relatively calm and productive parliamentary environment.

In his response, President Julius Maada Bio thanked the SLPP and APC parliamentary leadership for their gesture, describing it as a demonstration of patriotism, unity, and national solidarity. “Your coming together, across party lines, to congratulate me on my ECOWAS leadership shows maturity and a common commitment to Sierra Leone,” he remarked.

President Bio reiterated that his successes were not personal achievements but national victories. “What we’ve accomplished is not about me, it is about Sierra Leone. These milestones reflect the work we are all doing together,” he said.

He expressed appreciation for the oversight role played by the opposition, acknowledging that constructive criticism helps sharpen governance and reinforces the democratic process. “Your critical voice in Parliament keeps us accountable, especially on national development, peace, and cohesion.”

President Bio encouraged Members of Parliament to continue leveraging their collective strength to advance national development. “We are smart people. With diverse views from different political parties, we can take bold, effective decisions to keep development at the center of our national agenda.”

He called for a readjustment of political ideologies towards cooperation and mutual respect, citing the importance of reducing political tension and promoting development-focused dialogue. The President proposed a national dialogue to define a long-term development agenda that every future administration would prioritize for the country’s benefit.

President Bio concluded by expressing gratitude for the visit and the congratulatory message from the Parliament.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: How to Stabilize Africa’s Debt

Source: IMF – News in Russian

How to Stabilize Africa’s Debt

By Athene Laws, Thibault Lemaire, and Nikola Spatafora

July 8, 2025

Successful debt stabilization requires measures to strengthen public finances and institutions, alongside pro-growth structural reforms and a sound macroeconomic environment

In the context of high global uncertainty, tighter global financial conditions, and rising borrowing costs, concerns about sub-Saharan Africa’s debt vulnerabilities are mounting. But the region is tackling this issue head-on and public debt ratios have stabilized on average. Our analytical note in the IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for sub-Saharan Africa uses a new data set to highlight when, how often, to what extent, and how debt stabilization was achieved.

Surprising frequency

Contrary to perception, countries in the region have often been able to stabilize or reduce their debt ratios without debt restructuring. With more than 60 debt reduction episodes (defined as periods of two or more years during which the public debt-to-GDP ratio fell), the probability that a country will experience such an episode in any given year is one in four. And these episodes have occurred even amid an unfavorable external environment, including in the aftermath of the commodity super cycle and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The debt decline in many cases was economically significant and persistent: most episodes involved a decrease of more than 10 percentage points of GDP, and almost half of those episodes lasted four or more years. For example, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s debt ratio fell by 15 percentage points of GDP during 2010–23, and Cabo Verde’s debt ratio decreased by more than 30 percentage points over 2021–23.

Sustained debt reduction typically reflects both budgetary consolidation and real economic growth. Often these two drivers go together—budgetary consolidation (that is, an increase in primary balances) is itself more likely when growth is rapid. In fragile and conflict-affected states, however, as well as low-income countries, growth is the predominant driver of many successful reductions in debt.

Securing success

Debt reduction is more likely, more significant, and more persistent if three conditions hold: the country has a solid domestic institutional framework and enjoys a supportive domestic business environment; global growth is buoyant; and global borrowing costs are low. A debt decline is also more likely when an IMF-supported arrangement is present, pointing to the importance of international financial and policy support. Relatedly, budget consolidation must be sustained over time to translate into debt consolidation. While exchange rate stability can support successful debt stabilization, maintaining an overvalued exchange rate can prove counterproductive since it is likely to lower growth and hamper overall macroeconomic stability.

By way of example, in Mauritius, a favorable domestic and external environment, solid growth, and a stable currency saw a reduction in the debt ratio of almost 20 percentage points during 2003–08.

The road ahead

The key message for policymakers is that fiscal adjustment is likely to result in stronger, more durable reductions in debt when complemented by pro-growth structural reforms and by measures to strengthen institutional frameworks. Such measures should include well-designed fiscal rules to ensure that off-budget fiscal operations do not undermine debt reduction. Efforts to cut debt are also more likely to prove successful in a context of macroeconomic stability, including low and stable inflation.

Countries aiming to sustainably reduce debt should seize the opportunity to tax and spend more efficiently. The focus should be on strengthening fiscal balances in a growth-friendly manner by broadening the tax base, removing inefficient tax exemptions, and ensuring that money is well spent.

Support from the international community, including through technical support but also through concessional financing, is critical to helping the region succeed. Most countries—especially fragile states and low-income countries—face difficult trade-offs between short-term macroeconomic stabilization, longer-term development needs, and making reforms socially acceptable. External support can make these difficult trade-offs less daunting.

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Athene Laws and Thibault Lemaire are economists, and Nikola Spatafora is a senior economist, in the IMF’s African Department.

—This blog is based on an analytical note for the IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa authored by Athene Laws, Thibault Lemaire, Rachid Pafadnam, Nikola Spatafora, and Khushboo Khandelwal.

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/07/08/cf-how-to-stabilize-africas-debt

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Happy Family, Love and Fidelity Day!

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

This year, Russia celebrates Family, Love, and Fidelity Day at the official state level for the third time. The holiday came to the secular calendar from the church calendar, where the memory of the holy spouses Peter and Fevronia is honored on July 8.

The traditional family is one of the fundamental values of humanity. In recent years, the Government of the Russian Federation has been seriously working to support this fundamental institution of society. Since January 1, 2025, a new national project “Family” has been in effect, which has become a continuation of the national project “Demography”. Its goal is to increase the number of families with children, including large families, and to strengthen family values.

The State University of Management is also working in this direction – with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, it is implementing a single comprehensive model for providing support to representatives of young families in the format of a “single window” system. Also in March of this year, a mother and child room was opened at the university, and in April the 2nd International Scientific Conference “Family in Modern Russian Society” was held.

We congratulate everyone on this bright, kind and important holiday. We wish the students of the State University of Management to find their soul mates, and to those who have already done so – an unquenchable family hearth. Women, support your men, they really need it, even if they don’t show it. Men, show your women signs of attention every day, because they are so pleased. For example, today you can give daisies – a symbol of Family, Love and Fidelity Day.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 7 July 2025 Through Edith’s eyes: bringing clear vision to Lima’s elders

Source: World Health Organisation

Over the past three years, Edith has helped organize and support more than 70 vision screening events in the Lima area, bringing clearer vision—and renewed independence—to hundreds of seniors. These campaigns are essential, she says, because many older adults simply cannot afford to visit an eye doctor or purchase eyeglasses.

“With Pensión 65, these reading glasses are free,” Edith says proudly. For her, the Para Verte Mejor programme is about more than dispensing near-vision eyeglasses—it is about restoring dignity and enhancing the quality of life through improving self-sufficiency and productivity. The seniors that she serves tell her so. “With these eyeglasses, I can see better,” one said. “They help me to read, write, and do things that I couldn’t do before.”

Para Verte Mejor delivers vision screening and near-vision eyeglasses across the country. The initiative is a partnership between the National Solidarity Assistance Programme of the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion, Pensión65, and Management Sciences for Health (MSH)-Perú, a local NGO, with the support of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and RestoringVision, the global nonprofit dedicated to tackling the challenges of presbyopia. RestoringVision partners with MSH-Perú to provide high-quality near-vision eyeglasses and technical support. Locally, MSH-Perú collaborates with Pensión 65 and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to implement vision screening and eyeglasses campaigns. To date, this partnership has given the gift of clear sight to more than 328,000 Pensión 65 beneficiaries across Peru.

In Lima, the numbers do not matter to Edith; what matters is the satisfaction she gets from helping each person. “It is support that gives them visual clarity, and therefore, a better life,” she says. “I feel happy. I enjoy my work with Pensión 65.”

Presbyopia is a frequent eyesight issue tied to aging that starts after you hit 40. It makes focusing on things up close hard, which can turn activities like reading, threading needles, or spotting small details into a challenge. It’s not an illness; it happens as the lens in the eye becomes less flexible with age. The most cost-effective treatment for presbyopia is eyeglasses. Since presbyopia happens with age, you can’t stop it from occurring. Regular eye checkups help to detect it and avoid its effects.

This story was developed by RestoringVision, based on an interview conducted and photographed by MSH-Perú.

Photo credits:Jorge Luis Verástegui Topovich and Ricardo Edu Alemán Sánchez.

“,”datePublished”:”2025-07-07T06:37:47.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/topics/health-and-well-being/disability/blindness-and-vision-impairment/edith-have-vision.jpg?sfvrsn=2d16c35a_3″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-07-07T06:37:47.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/through-edith-s-eyes–bringing-clear-vision-to-lima-s-elders”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”Article”};
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MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Polish parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Horbatowski, announces Taiwan to open market to fresh blueberries from Poland

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Polish parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Horbatowski, announces Taiwan to open market to fresh blueberries from Poland

Date：2025-07-01
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

July 1, 2025
No. 227

On July 1, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon for visiting deputies of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland—Łukasz Horbatowski, Marek Chmielewski, and Iwona Krawczyk—who also serve on the Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group. The two sides exchanged views on issues such as bilateral relations, economic and trade cooperation, and cultural exchanges.

In his remarks, Minister Lin pointed out that the Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group was the largest group of its kind in the Sejm. He thanked members of the Polish parliament for their long-term support of Taiwan through concrete actions. Minister Lin said that cooperation between Taiwan and Poland in economics, trade, higher education, judicial matters, technology, and other domains had continued to deepen in recent years. He expressed hope that, building on the existing foundations, the two countries would further work together to strengthen interactions and exchanges.

Furthermore, Minister Lin announced that Taiwan had recently approved the import of fresh blueberries from Poland. Once final administrative procedures were completed, he said, the people of Taiwan would have the opportunity to enjoy high-quality Polish blueberries, benefiting both Polish farmers and Taiwanese consumers. Minister Lin also noted that Taiwan possessed a world-leading ICT sector while Poland had outstanding professional talent and production capacity, which presented opportunities for bilateral collaboration in artificial intelligence, drones, and advanced chips. Minister Lin said he looked forward to continued collaboration between the two countries to build resilient and democratic non-red supply chains.

Mr. Horbatowski, who was visiting Taiwan for the first time, expressed his appreciation for Minister Lin’s invitation and said that he was impressed with Taiwan’s advanced political and economic development. He added that Poland, as a major exporter of agricultural products, welcomed Taiwan’s decision to approve fresh blueberry imports and added that he looked forward to continued cooperation in the agricultural and high-tech sectors to enhance the welfare of the people of both countries.

Taiwan and Poland share the universal values of freedom and democracy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote cooperation between the two nations in various fields so as to deepen their resilient partnership, create sustainable prosperity and well-being for the people of Taiwan and Poland, and uphold their hard-earned democratic achievements. (E)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 8, 2025
Alien planet lashed by huge flares from its ‘angry beast’ star

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Scientists are tracking a large gas planet experiencing quite a quandary as it orbits extremely close to a young star – a predicament never previously observed.

This exoplanet, as planets beyond our solar system are called, orbits its star so tightly that it appears to trigger flares from the stellar surface – larger than any observed from the sun – reaching several million miles (km) into space that over time may strip much of this unlucky world’s atmosphere.

The phenomenon appears to be caused by the planet’s interaction with the star’s magnetic field, according to the researchers. And this star is a kind known to flare, especially when young.

“A young star of this type is an angry beast, especially if you’re sitting as close up as this planet does,” said Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy astrophysicist Ekaterina Ilin, lead author of the study published in the journal Nature.

The star, called HIP 67522, is slightly more massive than the sun and is located about 407 light-years from Earth in the constellation Centaurus. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).

This star and planet, as well as a second smaller gas planet also detected in this planetary system, are practically newborns. Whereas the sun and our solar system’s planets are roughly 4.5 billion years old, this star is about 17 million years old, with its planets slightly younger.

The planet, named HIP 67522 b, has a diameter almost the size of Jupiter, our solar system’s largest planet, but with only 5% of Jupiter’s mass. That makes it one of the puffiest exoplanets known, with a consistency reminiscent of cotton candy (candy floss).

It orbits five times closer to its star than our solar system’s innermost planet Mercury orbits the sun, needing only seven days to complete an orbit.

A flare is an intense eruption of electromagnetic radiation emanating from the outermost part of a star’s atmosphere, called the corona. So how does HIP 67522 b elicit huge flares from the star? As it orbits, it apparently interacts with the star’s magnetic field – either through its own magnetic field or perhaps through the presence of conducting material such as iron in the planet’s composition.

“We don’t know for sure what the mechanism is. We think it is plausible that the planet moves within the star’s magnetic field and whips up a wave that travels along magnetic field lines to the star. When the wave reaches the stellar corona, it triggers flares in large magnetic field loops that store energy, which is released by the wave,” Ilin said.

“As it moves through the field like a boat on a lake, it creates waves in its wake,” Ilin added. “The flares these waves trigger when they crash into the star are a new phenomenon. This is important because it had never been observed before, especially at the intensity detected.”

The researchers believe it is a specific type of wave called an Alfvén wave, named for 20th century Swedish physicist and Nobel Prize laureate Hannes Alfvén, that propagates due to the interaction of magnetic fields.

The flares may heat up and inflate the planet’s atmosphere, which is dominated by hydrogen and helium. Being lashed by these flares could blast away lighter elements from the atmosphere and reduce the planet’s mass over perhaps hundreds of millions of years.

“At that time, it will have lost most if not all the light elements, and become what’s called a sub-Neptune – a gas planet smaller than Neptune,” Ilin said, referring to the smallest of our solar system’s gas planets.

The researchers used observations by two space telescopes: NASA’s TESS, short for Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, and the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS, short for CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite.

The plight of HIP 67522 b illustrates the many circumstances under which exoplanets exist.

“It is certainly no sheltered youth for this planet. But I am not sad about it. I enjoy diversity in all things nature, and what this planet will eventually become – perhaps a sub-Neptune rich in heavy elements that did not evaporate – is no less fascinating than what we observe today.”

(Reuters)

July 8, 2025
Portugal’s Euro campaign still alive after 1-1 draw with Italy

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

A last-gasp equaliser by Portugal’s Diana Gomes against Italy in a thrilling 1-1 draw kept her country’s Women’s Euro campaign alive as her strike cancelled out a stunning second-half goal by Cristiana Girelli on Monday.

Le Azzurre thought they were through to the quarter-finals after Girelli scored in the 70th minute, shifting the ball to her right foot at the edge of the box before unleashing a curling shot into the top right corner that goalkeeper Patricia Morais had little chance of stopping.

But Gomes brought Portugal level in the 89th when a corner hit the bar and the Portuguese worked the ball back into the box for Gomes to fire home, sending their raucous fans, who chanted and banged drums throughout the night, into utter delirium.

The draw spoiled Italy’s chance of clinching a berth in the knockout round on Monday, with Spain the only Group B team to have so far guaranteed a quarter-final spot with their 6-2 win over Belgium in the earlier match.

(Reuters)

July 8, 2025
Women’s Euros: Putellas finds flow state as Spain thump Belgium 6-2

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Spain striker Alexia Putellas scored two cracking goals as her side defeated Belgium 6-2 on Monday to all but guarantee themselves a spot in the knockout stage at the Women’s Euros, with the 31-year-old saying she found a flow state in the game that made it come easy to her.

Finding herself in the zone on a wet, blustery evening, Putellas picked up her second straight player of the game award and contributed hugely to Spain overcoming a sloppy start to put the Belgians to the sword.

“I think there are plenty of moments in a game, the team had an excellent performance, and even if we almost always have things we can improve, I believe that team is fine. We feel comfortable, if there’s something that doesn’t work we can change and adapt,” she told reporters.

Putellas opened the scoring with a typical Spanish goal midway through the first half, punctuating an intricate passing move with a powerful strike, and she netted Spain’s sixth goal late on to cap a fine individual display.

Asked whether her flow state came from her own performance or from that of the team, Putellas said it was a little bit of both.

“They go hand in hand; as an individual you think about the group and when you feel we are all together, you flow, it makes me feel good of course,” she explained. “I have this role of creating options, sometimes I finish them, sometimes others do, (but) I’m feeling great.”

Belgium proved a tough nut to crack but Putellas and her team trusted themselves to score, no matter who ended up getting the goals.

“When we have them in the low block, we have more options, we are closer to the box. It’s not that it’s better for me or affects my performance, my objective is to choose the best action in every situation,” Putellas said.

(Reuters)

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DG David Cheng-Wei Wu Visited Taiwanese Contestants of FIRST LEGO League Schedule 2025 Asia Pacific Open Championship

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu went to “1 Central Courtyard” in Macquarie University campus to visit our contestants from Taiwan.
The Taiwanese team, Whimsical , showed D.G. Wu robots assembled by themselves, and those robots were designed and coded to accomplish all tasks required in the competition.
Team Whimsical also set up a booth to demonstrate Taiwanese hospitality by offering local treats and games.
We thank Team Whimsical for perfectly promoting Taiwan’s image through their talent and technological ingenuity.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: Consensus estimates ahead of Q2 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Alm. Brand Group hereby publish consensus estimates prior to the announcement of the Q2 results.

Consensus estimates are also available via: almbrand.dk

Conference Call

Alm. Brand Group will report its Q2 2025 results on July 16 at 07:30 CET and host a conference call with management at 11:00 CET on the day of release.

Dial in for analysts and investors (pincode: 490681):

Denmark: +45 89 87 50 45

UK: +44 20 3936 2999

USA: +1 646 664 1960

Contact

Please direct any questions regarding this announcement to:

Investors and equity analysts:

Mads Thinggaard – Head of Investor Relations & ESG – mobile no. +45 2025 5469

Press:

Mikkel Luplau Schmidt – Head of Communications and Media Relations – mobile no. +45 2052 3883

Attachments
- ALMB consensus Q225 and 2025_2027
- Investor news_Consensus Q2 2025
The MIL Network –
July 8, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Interest rates are on hold at 3.85%, as the Reserve Bank opts for caution over mortgage relief

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stella Huangfu, Associate Professor, School of Economics, University of Sydney

Thurtell/Getty Images

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate at 3.85%, after cutting it in February and May.

Those earlier moves were aimed at supporting the economy as growth slowed and inflation eased. This time, however, the bank chose to pause, signalling a more cautious stance.

The decision will be hard for the millions of mortgage holders and aspiring home owners who were hoping for a cut.

But as the bank’s monetary policy board explained:

the board judged that it could wait for a little more information to confirm that inflation remains on track to reach 2.5% on a sustainable basis.

The decision surprised many. Financial markets had priced in a 90% chance of a rate cut and the big four banks – ANZ, Westpac, Commonwealth and NAB – had forecast an easing in July.

On Tuesday afternoon Treasurer Jim Chalmers, would not be drawn on whether the bank had made the right decision but did say:

it was not the result millions of Australians were hoping for or what the market was expecting.

By holding steady, the bank is signalling it is not yet fully convinced inflation is returning to target and is prepared to wait for further evidence before cutting again.

The bank also cautioned that uncertainty in the world economy remains elevated, with the final scope of trade tariffs yet to play out.

What’s behind this surprise decision?

The economy grew just 0.2% in the March quarter, with annual growth slowing to 1.3%. This was well below trend and even weaker than the 0.6% pace recorded in the December quarter. The data points to a clear loss of momentum.

Consumer spending has also remained soft. Retail sales rose only 0.2% in May, following flat or falling results in the two previous months.

Food spending declined, and sales of household goods were unchanged. Many households are still feeling the squeeze from high interest rates, rising living costs, and low confidence in the economy.

Inflation has continued to ease. May’s inflation figures showed headline inflation falling to 2.1%, while the Reserve Bank’s preferred trimmed mean – dropped to 2.4% – the lowest since late 2021.

The trimmed mean is a measure of underlying inflation that excludes the most extreme price changes (both increases and decreases) in the consumer price index basket to give a clearer picture of inflation trends.

Price pressures have eased across both goods and services, with no signs of wage-driven or second-round inflation taking hold.

Despite this, the bank decided to pause. While inflation is generally in line with its forecasts, the bank noted:

the June quarter CPI [consumer price index] figures were slightly stronger than expected at the margin.

With rates already cut twice this year and broader economic conditions evolving as expected, the Reserve Bank judged it could wait for more data before making its next move.

What happens next?

Markets still expect two more cuts this year – in August and November – which would bring the cash rate down to 3.35% by the end of 2025. But this depends on how inflation, wages and the job market evolve.

Wage growth is slowing. Private sector wages rose 3.3% over the year to March, the slowest pace since mid-2022.

The unemployment rate stayed at 4.1% in May, with little change in how many people are working or looking for jobs. The job market is still solid, but signs of slowing are emerging.

The Reserve Bank is likely to move carefully. While inflation pressures have eased, the board wants to be sure prices stay within its 2 to 3% target band. It’s also keeping an eye on the housing market. Home prices rose 0.4% in June and are now up 4.6% over the year.

That renewed strength, helped by earlier rate cuts and limited supply, could make future decisions more complicated.

Global conditions still matter

As the monetary policy board noted, “uncertainty in the world economy remains elevated”. Slowing global growth and fragile trade conditions are adding to the complexity of the bank’s task.

In Europe, economic growth is expected to reach just 0.9% this year, well below historical norms.

China’s recovery also remains uneven, despite authorities targeting 5% growth. Weak private investment and ongoing challenges in the property sector continue to weigh on momentum.

Meanwhile, global trade has stalled. The World Trade Organization expects trade volumes to fall 0.2% this year as tensions and tariffs continue to disrupt supply chains. Ongoing trade threats between the United States and China are also hurting investment and weighing on key Australian exports like resources and education.

Tuesday’s decision to hold the cash rate steady highlights the Reserve Bank’s cautious approach in a shifting economic environment.

Growth is soft, inflation has eased back within the target band, and household spending remains under pressure. But with inflation data slightly stronger than expected, the bank is choosing to wait for more confirmation before cutting again.

This isn’t a change in direction – it’s a pause for more information. The message remains clear: the Reserve Bank is prepared to act, but only when the data warrant it.

Stella Huangfu 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. Interest rates are on hold at 3.85%, as the Reserve Bank opts for caution over mortgage relief – https://theconversation.com/interest-rates-are-on-hold-at-3-85-as-the-reserve-bank-opts-for-caution-over-mortgage-relief-260310

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 8, 2025
US restores $6.8 million aid for Tibetans, State Department says

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The United States has restored $6.8 million in funding for Tibetans in South Asia, the U.S. State Department told Reuters on Tuesday, confirming comments by Tibet’s government-in-exile.

The aid had been cut by President Donald Trump’s administration as part of its “America First” policy that hit a number of programmes, including those aimed at securing food and preventing the spread of HIV in some of the world’s poorest regions.

Last week, the leader of the Tibetan government in-exile in India, Penpa Tsering said Tibetans became “collateral damage” in U.S. foreign aid cuts, and the funding had since been restored. He was speaking on the sidelines of the 90th birthday celebration of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

“The (State) Department re-instated $6.8 million in aid for Tibetans in South Asia,” a spokesperson said in response to a query from Reuters by e-mail, without saying when the funding was restored.

The U.S. has called on China to cease what it describes as interference in the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama, who fled from Tibet in 1959 in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule and took shelter in India. China has said that the succession will have to be approved by its leaders.

“The United States has had a decades-long, bipartisan commitment to support and help advance the dignity and human rights of Tibetans, as well as help Tibetans preserve their distinct religious, cultural, and linguistic identity,” the State Department spokesperson added.

(Reuters)

July 8, 2025
US restores $6.8 million aid for Tibetans, State Department says

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The United States has restored $6.8 million in funding for Tibetans in South Asia, the U.S. State Department told Reuters on Tuesday, confirming comments by Tibet’s government-in-exile.

The aid had been cut by President Donald Trump’s administration as part of its “America First” policy that hit a number of programmes, including those aimed at securing food and preventing the spread of HIV in some of the world’s poorest regions.

Last week, the leader of the Tibetan government in-exile in India, Penpa Tsering said Tibetans became “collateral damage” in U.S. foreign aid cuts, and the funding had since been restored. He was speaking on the sidelines of the 90th birthday celebration of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

“The (State) Department re-instated $6.8 million in aid for Tibetans in South Asia,” a spokesperson said in response to a query from Reuters by e-mail, without saying when the funding was restored.

The U.S. has called on China to cease what it describes as interference in the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama, who fled from Tibet in 1959 in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule and took shelter in India. China has said that the succession will have to be approved by its leaders.

“The United States has had a decades-long, bipartisan commitment to support and help advance the dignity and human rights of Tibetans, as well as help Tibetans preserve their distinct religious, cultural, and linguistic identity,” the State Department spokesperson added.

(Reuters)

July 8, 2025
NCS reports 4.1 magnitude quake in Assam’s Karbi Anglong

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Tuesday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

The tremor occurred at 9:22 am IST at a depth of 25 km, with the epicentre located at latitude 26.51°N and longitude 93.15°E, the NCS reported.

In a post on X, the NCS said, “EQ of M: 4.1, On: 08/07/2025 09:22:19 IST, Lat: 26.51 N, Long: 93.15 E, Depth: 25 Km, Location: Karbi Anglong, Assam.”

This comes a day after an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 struck the Andaman Sea at a depth of 10 km. A similar tremor, also measuring 4.5, was recorded in the same region on Sunday.

Further information is awaited. (ANI)

July 8, 2025
NCS reports 4.1 magnitude quake in Assam’s Karbi Anglong

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Tuesday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

The tremor occurred at 9:22 am IST at a depth of 25 km, with the epicentre located at latitude 26.51°N and longitude 93.15°E, the NCS reported.

In a post on X, the NCS said, “EQ of M: 4.1, On: 08/07/2025 09:22:19 IST, Lat: 26.51 N, Long: 93.15 E, Depth: 25 Km, Location: Karbi Anglong, Assam.”

This comes a day after an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 struck the Andaman Sea at a depth of 10 km. A similar tremor, also measuring 4.5, was recorded in the same region on Sunday.

Further information is awaited. (ANI)

July 8, 2025
‘Buzzing’ Archer in the selection frame for third test vs India, says McCullum

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Jofra Archer is fit and ready to go if called upon for England’s third test against India, coach Brendon McCullum said, as the injury-plagued fast bowler edges closer to a return in the longest format.

Archer has taken 42 wickets in 13 tests but has not played in the format since February 2021 after a succession of elbow injuries and back issues sidelined him for long periods.

The 30-year-old was added to the squad for the second test at Edgbaston but did not make the starting side as England suffered a crushing 336-run defeat which levelled the five-match series at 1-1.

“Jofra is looking fit, he’s looking strong, he’s looking ready to go, and he’ll come into calculations,” McCullum told reporters ahead of the July 10-14 test at Lord’s.

“It’s hugely exciting. He’s buzzing as well. He’s obviously been through his injuries and his time out of test cricket.

“We all know what he’s capable of achieving in test cricket and we hope that when the opportunity does arrive for him, he’s able to recapture, and also improve on, what he’s been able to do already in that form of the game.”

England would also resist any temptation to promote in-form Jamie Smith up the order after the wicketkeeper-batter scored 184 and 88 while batting at number seven, McCullum added.

“He’s just developing at rapid speed, and from our point of view, we’re very happy with him at number seven and with the gloves on,” he said.

“He does look world class. When we made the decision to bring Jamie Smith into test cricket, we were hopeful that he’d be able to have that sort of impact, obviously in the middle, but also being able to have the power that he’s got with the tail too.”

(Reuters)

July 8, 2025
Proceeding with the Constitutional mechanism of dealing with the judge is not the solution; what is the source of the money? It belonged to whom?-VP

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (2)

lign=”center”>I am all for independence of Judiciary; we must have courage to confront uncomfortable truths within our own institutions-VP
Pick and choose for post-retirement posts for judges seriously impairing our Judiciary- VP
The President and the Governor are the only two constitutional offices who take oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution-VP
Preamble of our Constitution was changed during a time when hundreds and thousands of people were behind the bars-VP

The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said that, “Proceeding with the Constitutional mechanism of dealing with the judge in terms of constitutional provision is one way out, but that is not a solution because we claim to be a democracy which we are. The world looks at us as a mature democracy where there has to be rule of law, equality before law which means every crime must be investigated. If the money is so huge in volume, we have to find out. Is it tainted money? What is the source of this money? How was it stocked in the official residence of a judge? It belonged to whom? Several penal provisions are violated in the process. I do hope an FIR will be registered. We must go to the root of the matter because for democracy it matters, that our judiciary in whom the faith is unshakable, it’s very foundations have been shaken. The citadel is tottering because of this incident.

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1942136665524605278

Interacting with the students and faculty members at the National University of Advance Legal Studies (NUALS) today, Referring to Shakespeare’s famous play “Julius Caesar”, Shri Dhankhar stated, “ My young friends, if you have heard of the Ides of March. Those of you who have read Julius Caesar. where the soothsayer cautioned Caesar, beware of the ideas of March. And when Caesar was going from the palace to the courtroom he spotted the soothsayer and he said- Ides of March has come. And the soothsayer said, yes, but not gone, and before the day was over, Caesar was assassinated. Ides of March is associated with misfortune and doom. Our judiciary had ides of March on the night intervening 14th and 15th March, a terrible time ! There was cash all at the residence of a Judge in large quantum. I say so because it is now in public domain, officially put up by the Supreme Court that the official residence of a judge of the High Court, cash in large amount was found. Now the point is, if that cash was found, system should have moved immediately and the first process would have been to deal with it as a criminal act. Find out those who are culpable. Bring them to justice. But so far, there has been no FIR. The government at the central level is handicapped because an FIR cannot be registered in view of a judgment of the Supreme Court rendered in early 90s.”

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1942138345347576273

Exhorting the students to have courage to confront problems, he underlined, “ We must have courage to confront problems. We must not rationalise failures. We must always remember we belong to a nation that has to define global narrative. We have to be architects of a world that lives in peace and harmony. We must have first courage to confront uncomfortable truths within our own institutions.….. I’m all for independence of Judiciary. I’m a strong votary of protecting judges. Judges deal with very difficult situations. They decide cases against the executive.They deal in certain areas where legislature matters. We must protect our Judges from frivolous litigation. So I’m not against the mechanism evolved, but when something like this happens. Some things are worrisome !”

“We had turbulent times in the judiciary recently. But the good thing — and soothing — is that a big change has taken place. We are seeing good times now for the judiciary. The present Chief Justice and his immediate predecessor gave us a new era of accountability and transparency. They are getting things back on the rails. But the earlier two years were very disturbing, very challenging. The normal system was not normal. Thoughtlessly, several steps were taken — it will take a while to undo them. Because it is very fundamental that institutions function with optimal performance”, he added

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1942125487129858376

“The judiciary in our country commands immense trust, immense respect of the people. People believe in the judiciary like no other institution. If their faith is eroded — shaken in the institution — we will be faced with a grim situation. A nation of 1.4 billion will suffer”, he further added.

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1942117656808849675

Expressing his concern over post retirement assignments for judges, he emphasised, “Certain constitutional authorities are not permitted to hold assignments after their office like a Public Service Commission member cannot take any assignment under the government. CAG can’t take that assignment. Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners can’t take that assignment because they must be free, not to be subjected to allurements and temptations. This was not for judges. Why? Because judges were expected to be totally away from it. And now we are post-retirement, post for judges. Am I right? And not all can be accommodated, only some can be accommodated. So when you can’t accommodate all, you accommodate some, there is pick and choose. When there is pick and choose, there is patronage. It is seriously impairing our judiciary.”

Underscoring the significance of the nature of oath taken by the President of India and Governors, Shri Dhankhar stated, “ The President and the Governor are the only two constitutional offices who have an oath different than the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister, Members of Parliament, Members of Assembly, and other functionaries like judges. Because all of us — the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, and others — we take oath to abide by the Constitution, but the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Governor — they take oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. Am I clear? So, their oath is not only very distinct, their oath is obligating them with the onerous task of preserving, protecting, and defending the Constitution. I hope there is realization all around about this constitutional ordainment for the post of the Governor…..Second, what stands out the President or the Governor, apart from the rest of us, like the Vice-President, Prime Minister and Chief Ministers and Ministers, is only these two designations have immunity from prosecution. No one else has. While they hold office, they are immune to any prosecution, pending or contemplated. And I am so happy and delighted that Shri Rajendra V. Arlekar is setting very high standards as Governor because a Governor is easy punching bag”.

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1942117359915094169

Speaking about the amendments to the preamble of Indian Constitution he stated, “There has been lot of issue about preamble to the Constitution. Well first let me tell you, preamble of Indian constitution is something like parenthood to children. Howsoever you may try, you can’t change your parenthood. Am I right? That’s not possible. That is preamble. Secondly, historically no country’s preamble has ever been changed. Thirdly, preamble of our Constitution was changed during a time when hundreds and thousands of people were behind the bars. The darkest period of our democracy, the emergency era. Then it was changed where the life of the Lok Sabha was also increased beyond 5 years. It was changed at a time when people had no access to the justice system. Fundamental rights were totally suspended. You need to examine it. We may do anything, we surely can’t change our parents.”

“You will have to think aloud what happened in 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act. What happened in 44th and what was left over? Why lakhs were jailed without access to judiciary? How come 9 High Courts decided in favour of the citizen but the Supreme Court, the highest court of the land failed us in ADM’s Jabalpur case. And reversed, indicating two things—-It is absolute prerogative of the executive to impose emergency and to impose emergency for as much time it takes. In 1975, it was 20 plus months, and during the proclamation of emergency period, there will be no access to Judiciary. So we forfeited at that point of time our total claim to be a democratic nation”, he added.

Underscoring the significance of doctrine of separation of powers, he said, “ Constitutional essence and spirit is optimally nurtured and sustained and it blossoms with each of the pillars of constitution working in tandem to get the nation in harmony but if the legislature, the executive and judiciary are not on the same page, if they are not in sync with each other, If there is no harmony amongst them, then the situation gets little worrisome. And that is why as law students you will be focusing on doctrine of separation of powers. The issue is not which is supreme. Each institution of the Constitution is supreme in its own area”

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1942121770250842146

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1942126293320900910

“If one institution — the judiciary, the executive, or the legislature — makes an incursion into the domain of the other, it has the potential to upset the apple cart. It can create unmanageable problems that can be potentially very dangerous for our democracy. For example, let me give it to you in layman’s language: Adjudication has to take place within the judiciary. Judgments are to be scripted by the judiciary — not by the legislature, not by the executive. And similarly, executive functions are performed by whom? By the executive. And why? Because you elect the executive — the political executive — through elections. They are accountable to you. They have to perform. They have to face elections. But if executive functions are done by, let’s say, the legislature or the judiciary — that will be antithetical to the essence and of the doctrine of separation of powers……I am aghast that a functionary of the executive like the CBI director is appointed with the participation of Chief Justice of India. Why? And just think, and steer your minds. CBI director is not the senior most person in the hierarchy. He has above him several layers, CVC, Cabinet Secretary, all Secretaries. After all, he’s heading a department. You must use your pen. Is it happening elsewhere in the world? Can it happen under our constitutional scheme? Why should an appointment of the executive be made by anyone else other than the executive. I strongly say so.”, he added.

July 8, 2025
Wartime innovation boosts Israeli defence tech growth, drawing global interest

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Israeli army reservist Zach Bergerson felt he had to take action when he saw fellow soldiers having to rely on their eyes and ears to detect swarms of enemy drones overhead.

So the high-tech professional, 36, developed a wearable device that uses mobile phone technology to warn troops of aerial threats. Like other reservists, Bergerson has leveraged his civilian expertise and military experience to bolster Israel’s defence industry.

Known as SkyHoop, his startup has since emerged from stealth mode – a period when startups typically work in secrecy – to be piloted in Ukraine with discussions under way for a trial by the U.S. Defense Department.

While U.S. President Donald Trump brokers a Gaza ceasefire, Israeli startups like Bergerson’s are drawing investment from U.S. and Israeli venture capital firms and looking to build on a growing European market for Israeli defence exports.

More than a third of all defence tech startups registered with the country’s Startup Nation Central, an organization that tracks Israeli innovation, were created since a deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, launched the war in Gaza.

In June, while Israel attacked Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile targets, their 12-day air war highlighted the efficacy of Israel’s aerial defences. Israel successfully intercepted 86% of Iran’s ballistic missile launches, the Defence Ministry said.

The changing nature of war has led to shifts in defence procurement worldwide. Western armies demand new battle-tested technology, refined by soldiers in combat. Some 20% of Israeli reservists work in the robust high-tech sector.

Israeli defence startups have drawn investment from major American venture capital firms that previously avoided the sector as it was considered riskier and mired in regulation. Israeli VC firms have emerged as well to invest in defence.

Lital Leshem, an Israeli reservist, in December co-founded Protego Ventures, a fund that has studied some 160 defence companies and raised around $100 million. She expects the fund will invest in around four companies by year’s end.

“Reservists are coming out of the battlefield and are actually putting together new companies to solve real problems that they have experienced in real time on the battlefield,” Leshem told Reuters.

These companies will face major challenges scaling up to the global market and overcoming regulatory hurdles, Leshem said, but she predicts that, like Israel’s cyber industry, it is a field in which Israeli entrepreneurs can thrive.

These startups formerly viewed the U.S. as the “holy grail” for their target market, Leshem said, but that is also changing.

EYES ON EUROPE

Israeli startups are hoping to benefit from Trump’s demand that European countries take over from the U.S. more of the burden of defending their continent.

Under a new NATO defence spending plan, countries will spend 5% of GDP – up from 2% – on defence. The figure includes 3.5% of GDP on “core defence” such as weapons and troops and 1.5% on security-related investments.

Such an increase – to be phased in over 10 years – will mean hundreds of billions of dollars more spending on defence.

Israel’s defence exports hit a record $14.8 billion in 2024, according to Defence Ministry figures released last month, while exports to Europe comprised more than 50% of these sales, up from 35% in 2023.

Despite calls from some countries to boycott Israeli weapons, “when one side is purchasing, in the end, they want to buy the best product possible,” said Reserve Brigadier General Yair Kulas, head of the Defence Ministry International Defence Cooperation Directorate.

Largely as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war, Kulas said, European states are upgrading their militaries, sending older equipment to Ukraine and replacing it with new products, many of them from Israel. Kulas said the story of Israeli weapons exports is also part of a larger global trend.

The political backlash is worrisome, Kulas said, because on the one hand Israel’s innovation is groundbreaking and world-class but there has been a “delegitimization of Israel”.

More than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of them civilians, local health officials have said, in the 21 months since Israel launched its assault on Gaza, displacing the population and leaving the territory in ruins.

“I don’t know how it will impact the results in 2025,” Kulas told Reuters. He said it is “certainly a huge challenge.”

Avi Hasson from Startup Nation Central said the surge of new defence startups created by reservists is reminiscent of a technological revolution 20 years ago that would later evolve into smartphones.

Startups may prompt larger Israeli defence companies such as ElbitESLT.TA, Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries to either try to acquire more Israeli startups and help bring them up to scale or develop their own technology at a faster pace.

“We are now in a different world,” Hasson told Reuters.

(Reuters)

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “Feat Through the Years”: Exhibition Dedicated to Heroes of the Past and Present Opened at St. Petersburg State University | St. Petersburg State University

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Saint Petersburg State University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In his welcoming speech, Vice-Rector for International Affairs of St. Petersburg University Sergey Vladimirovich Andryushin emphasized the importance of the project and thanked the students for their contribution to preserving the historical truth: “You are doing very important work. Thanks to your initiative, the memory of the exploits of our heroes and the most important, fundamental events in the history of our Motherland is preserved. It is very important that this understanding is passed on to new generations. I hope that in the future there will be even more such projects.”

The exhibition presents photographs and personal stories of combatants. The main objective of the exhibition is to draw a parallel between the exploits of past and present servicemen and to tell about their selflessness. The students who organized the project are convinced that modern Russian servicemen have the same heroic character as their ancestors, who valiantly fought the enemy, crossed rivers, and stormed Berlin.

The opening of the exhibition “Feat Through the Years” became part of the University’s large-scale program dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Throughout 2025, St. Petersburg University will host thematic lectures, concerts, and memorial meetings:

Thus, one of the stands tells about the exploits of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, machine gunner Alexander Matrosov and Hero of Russia, reconnaissance company commander Senior Lieutenant Maxim Peskov, who died sacrificing their lives in order to save their comrades in arms.

© SPbSU

Vice-Rector for Educational Work at St. Petersburg State University Vladimir Aleksandrovich Savinov noted that the exhibition allows us to understand the inseparable connection between times: “Such exhibitions at our university are not only a tribute to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War and the special military operation, but also a living connection between times. Now such projects are needed by the entire country, all our citizens, especially those who are at the front today.”

The exhibition pays special attention to the continuity of generations, as well as the role of the rear in bringing Victory closer. The exhibition is regularly updated with materials about new heroes, including doctors who saved the lives of their compatriots. Concluding the ceremony, Associate Professor of St. Petersburg University Alexander Petrovich Alekseenko emphasized the importance of preserving traditional spiritual and moral values: “Historical memory, service to the Fatherland and respect for the exploits of the defenders of the Motherland are fundamental values that the University strives to convey to its students and the entire society.”

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ombudsman briefs Legislative Council Members on work results in 2024-25

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (July 8) attended an annual meeting with the Legislative Council (LegCo) and briefed members on the progress and results of the Office of The Ombudsman’s work in 2024-25. Looking forward, the Office will drive positive change in public administration, especially by streamlining workflow and enhancing efficiency to bring about further improvement in public administration. Mr Chan also exchanged constructive views with LegCo Members on matters of mutual concern.

At the meeting, Mr Chan mentioned that in response to the motherland’s expectations of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Office will stay bold in reform, dare to break new ground, and innovate continuously. In the reporting year, the Office championed three strategic focuses and achieved satisfactory results in various areas. Mr Chan said, “On the front of mediation, the Office achieved unprecedented results during the reporting year, concluding an all-time high of 555 cases involving no or only minor maladministration.” Based on the motto of “responding to people’s needs”, the Office helped the complainants out of their predicament speedily and amicably through mediation, while the departments could also review internal procedures and make improvements, thereby enhancing the standards of public administration. The results were encouraging as the Office’s mediation work was highly commended by both complainants and departments.

Interdepartmental collaboration is another strategic focus of the Office. At the meeting, Mr Chan elaborated that after analysing the interdepartmental collaboration cases handled over the past, positive impact was observed in four major areas: clarifying the demarcation of responsibilities, grasping the crux of the matter, facilitating direct communication and experience sharing among departments, and launching joint operations. The Office has introduced a new series featuring stories of good people and good deeds on social media and its website, showcasing mediation and interdepartmental collaboration closely related to people’s livelihood and highlighting the results brought about by complaint handling.

During the reporting year, the Office spared no effort in advocating a positive complaint culture through exchange meetings, publicity campaigns, education initiatives and commendation schemes. Not only are the public encouraged to participate in social issues and voice their opinions in a constructive manner, but departments and organisations are also urged to serve the public with open-mindedness. Mr Chan firmly believes that fostering constructive suggestions and positive feedback is conducive to the promotion of good governance.

Mr Chan highlighted at the meeting several direct investigation (DI) operations widely concerned by the Government, professions and the community, including regulation of occupational safety and health in construction industry, combating abuse of public housing resources, and the arrangements for recovery, refurbishment and reallocation of public housing rental flats. A poignant DI operation was conducted into the provision of public services relating to after-death arrangements. During the reporting year, the Office made 148 recommendations to government departments or public organisations in DI operation reports. Together with the 106 recommendations made in full investigation reports, the total number of 254 recommendations soared by 37 per cent over that in 2023-24 and hit a record high in the recent five years.

The Office completed a reorganisation in July, under which it has streamlined the directorate establishment from a three-tier to a two-tier directorate structure by freezing the vacancy of Deputy Ombudsman. Instead, three Assistant Ombudsmen, all reporting directly to the Ombudsman, are appointed to head three major divisions, namely the Complaints Investigation Division, the Direct Investigation Division, and the Complaints Assessment and Support Division. The Office has deployed resources more flexibly to increase the number of Direct Investigation Teams from two to three, augment the staffing for complaints assessment, and streamline the complement of Complaints Investigation Teams and administrative and support staff. Mr Chan said, “The Office will adhere to the strategy of training and internal promotion to cultivate a contingent of experienced and competent investigation officers and support staff that are dedicated to our country and Hong Kong.”

Separately, Mr Chan reported the Office’s international liaison work, including hosting the International Ombudsman Summit 2024 and The Ombudsman’s 35th Anniversary Reception Ceremony in December last year. The event was supported and commended by the Central Government, the HKSAR Government and international counterparts, and widely reported by the media. Around 140 Mainland and overseas participants from about 40 countries and regions across six continents attended the Summit. The Office also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation with representatives from eight countries and regions across five continents, demonstrating Hong Kong’s important role as a “super connector”.

The Office actively participated in international affairs. In addition to being the Secretary of the Asian Ombudsman Association, Mr Chan was appointed earlier this year as the Chairman of the Standing By-laws Committee and a member of the United Nations and International Cooperation Working Group under the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) respectively. In May, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Australasian and Pacific Region of the IOI. Mr Chan pledged to continue playing an active role on international co-operation platforms, presenting to global audiences a good story about Hong Kong from stability to prosperity under “one country, two systems”, and leveraging the unique position of having strong support from the motherland and close connections to the world. Furthermore, the Office will maintain a close relationship with its Mainland counterparts.

Looking forward, the Office will perform the gatekeeping function under The Ombudsman Ordinance to focus resources on those complaints that require assistance. It will press ahead with promoting mediation to redress public grievances, step up DI operations and make pragmatic and effective recommendations and observations, especially on streamlining workflow and enhancing efficiency to bring about improvement in public administration. Mr Chan also remarked that the preparations for establishing the Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy are in full swing. The Academy’s first exchange session on mediation is scheduled for August 25, 2025. In line with Mr Chan’s firm belief in “prevention is better than cure”, the Academy will endeavour to instil the concept of “maladministration prevention” in public officers to enhance their vigilance and take precautions against maladministration. This also marks a new milestone of the Office in driving positive change in public administration.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 8, 2025
Williamson, Bracewell skip New Zealand’s tour to Zimbabwe

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell will skip the upcoming two-test tour of Zimbabwe with the blessing of New Zealand Cricket, while paceman Ben Sears has been ruled out by a side injury.

Rob Walter, who replaced Gary Stead as coach last month, named his first test squad on Tuesday, awarding a call-up to uncapped young fast bowler Matt Fisher and recalling experienced hands Ajaz Patel and Henry Nicholls.

“Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process,” Walter said in a news release.

“While all test matches are hugely special and important, the fact these tests aren’t part of the World Test Championship did influence the discussions on this occasion.

“We will obviously miss their talent and class, but it allows an opportunity to others and we’re lucky to be able to call on the likes of Ajaz and Henry who are both proven performers at test level.”

All-rounder Bracewell has been allowed to miss the tour to play in The Hundred in England, while paceman Kyle Jamieson has elected to stay in New Zealand for the birth of his first child.

Jamieson’s absence offers potential opportunities for Fisher and Jacob Duffy, who has played short-format matches for New Zealand but is yet to win a test cap, in the two matches in Bulawayo in late July and early August.

Team: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young

(Reuters)

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: GPA appoints Carly Ersser as Workplace Services Director
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

GPA appoints Carly Ersser as Workplace Services Director

The Government Property Agency (GPA) has confirmed the appointment of Carly Ersser as its Workplace Services Director.
The Government Property Agency (GPA) has confirmed the appointment of Carly Ersser as its Workplace Services Director, solidifying her crucial role in shaping the future of Civil Service workplaces.

Carly joined the agency as interim director in November last year, following 12 years at HM Treasury leading change programmes, workplace experience and multi-site facilities.

She will play a pivotal role at the GPA in transforming how the Civil Service operates by leading a team managing modern, efficient, and sustainable office environments across His Majesty’s Government. Carly will continue to lead initiatives that contribute significantly to halving carbon emissions from government offices and achieving net zero goals, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental standards within the public sector property portfolio.

Mark Bourgeois, the GPA’s CEO, said:

I am delighted to welcome Carly as a permanent member of the GPA team. She brings great insight from a GPA client perspective and has shown real passion in championing excellence in service delivery with a transformation mindset. Her appointment is an important milestone in the continued stabilisation and improvement at the GPA, as we work with departmental partners to support delivery of the government missions.

The Director of Workplace Services focus is on creating great places to work for civil servants across the UK, ensuring excellence in workplace experience. Carly’s confirmed leadership carries significant responsibility for the performance, security, and safety of the GPA’s operational estates functions, underpinning the agency’s reputation for managing a secure and effective government office portfolio.

She said:

I’m proud to be appointed as Workplace Services Director, and am pleased to officially continue driving forward our commitment to delivering exceptional services across the government office estate. I look forward to building on the partnerships with our clients and customers to meet evolving needs, and to strengthening our collaboration with our strategic partners and suppliers to ensure we continue to provide great places to work for civil servants.

For media enquiries, email: pressoffice@gpa.gov.uk

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Published 8 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi urges young students to contribute to world peace

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

TAIYUAN, July 8 — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has called on young students to strive to be the backbone of the nation, build a strong country and contribute to world peace.

Xi made the remarks during his inspection of Yangquan City, north China’s Shanxi Province, on Monday afternoon.

MIL OSI China News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China renews yellow alerts for high temperatures, rainstorms

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

BEIJING, July 8 — China’s national observatory renewed yellow alerts on Tuesday, warning of high temperatures and rainstorms in several regions of the country.

During daytime on Tuesday, parts of regions between the Yellow River and the Huaihe River, regions between the Yangtze River and the Huaihe River, the Jianghan Plain, areas south of the Yangtze River, southern China, Chongqing, Guizhou and Xinjiang will experience scorching weather with temperatures reaching over 35 degrees Celsius, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC).

High temperatures ranging from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius are expected in some of the aforementioned regions — with certain local areas even set to experience temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, the NMC said.

The center recommended that people take protective measures to prevent excessive sun exposure.

Also on Tuesday, the NMC renewed a yellow alert for rainstorms. From Tuesday morning to Wednesday morning, heavy rains and rainstorms are expected to hit parts of Zhejiang, Fujian, Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Shanxi and Yunnan.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

MIL OSI China News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Ninth China-Russia Expo held in Yekaterinburg, Russia

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

Visitors learn about Chinese agricultural products at the ninth China-Russia Expo in Yekaterinburg, Russia, July 7, 2025. Chinese enterprises showcase products in sectors such as electromechanical equipment, agriculture, health care, the digital economy and new energy at the event. (Xinhua/Liu Kai)

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MIL OSI China News –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: Voice Messaging App ‘buz’ Debuts ‘Kansai Vibes’ Japanese Voice Filter and Social Sharing

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — buz, the voice messaging app that recently topped app store rankings across multiple countries, has released a product update today, with a spotlight on Japanese users. The update introduces the Kansai Vibes voice filter—buz’s most technically advanced filter to date—along with a suite of new features designed to enable more user creativity and social sharing.

Kansai Vibes: Innovation in Voice Filters

The Kansai Vibes voice filter brings vibrant regional Japanese dialects—like those from Kansai, a south-central region of Japan known for its expressive speech and major cities like Osaka and Kyoto—to life using a completely new speech synthesis approach.

Instead of simple voice conversion, buz now uses automatic speech recognition (ASR) to transcribe the user’s voice, a large language model (LLM) to rewrite it in the Kansai dialect, and finally text-to-speech (TTS) to generate a fresh, natural-sounding Kansai-accented voice. Each output is randomized, allowing for a variety of tones—from playful and anxious to bold or sarcastic—and featuring both male and female voices.

The Kansai Vibes launch is part of buz’s broader push to localize content for a culturally diverse audience. By capturing the nuance and personality of one of Japan’s regional dialects, buz is deepening its appeal among Japanese users and other international users who are interested in Japanese culture.

New ‘Featured’ Tab and Social Video Sharing

The app’s new update also debuts a Featured tab, where filters come to life with dynamic previews and social-ready content designed to spark creativity and encourage sharing. Users can now export voice-based creations directly to video, complete with visual effects and captions, then easily and quickly post them across social platforms.

New creative tools introduced in this release include fresh bubble styles, updated text templates, voice-to-video generation, and support for third-party video sharing—making it easier than ever to make voice moments into compelling, shareable content.

Global Momentum and User Excitement

buz continues its organic growth, gaining strong traction across many markets as users embrace its fresh take on voice-driven social interaction. The app is also showing strong signs of popularity among young users in Japan and around the world, reflecting its broad cross-cultural appeal. In Japan, buz has ranked #5 in the Apple App Store’s Social Networking category and #7 in Google Play’s.

Additionally, buz has reached the #1 spot in the Social Networking category of 12 countries on the App Store and four countries on Google Play. It has also ranked among the top 10 social networking apps in 133 countries on the App Store and 53 countries on Google Play, including the US, UK, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines. This strong viral growth across different markets demonstrates strong growth and momentum in diverse cultural contexts. With 4.9 stars on the App Store and 4.8 stars on Google Play, buz maintains one of the highest user satisfaction ratings in its category.

Download buz:

App Store

Google Play

About buz

buz is voice messaging made fast, natural and fun. Developed by Singapore-based Vocalbeats, the leading audio-based and voice-driven messaging app bridges age, language and cultural gaps, and is part of the Company’s vision to create the world’s largest audio platform to better connect and communication. With over 29 million downloads globally, buz enables effortless connectivity among users—anytime and anywhere—through secure, clear voice transmissions and a user-centric interface.

buz is available on the App Store and Google Play.

For more information, please visit www.buz.ai.

About Vocalbeats

Vocalbeats is dedicated to building the world’s largest audio platforms to better connect and communicate while pioneering innovation in AI-powered products and experiences. The Company fosters a globally diverse and inclusive team, committed to revolutionizing audio platforms by leveraging the synergy of heterogenous perspectives. This commitment ensures the creation of innovative products that resonate worldwide.

For more information, please visit https://www.vocalbeats.com.

Media contact: media@vocalbeats.com

The MIL Network –

July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: Infinitesima Metron®3D 300mm System Released for In-line Process Control by Leading DRAM Manufacturer
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

News Highlights
- Ultra-fast, in-line atomic force microscope (AFM), the Metron_®^3D, goes online for advanced DRAM manufacturing at SK hynix in Korea
- The Metron_®^3D is able to generate images at speeds 10× that of a typical AFM, suitable for the rapid pace of high-volume manufacturing (HVM)
ABINGDON, United Kingdom, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Infinitesima today announced that SK hynix, a full stack artificial intelligence (AI) memory provider, has adopted the Metron _®^3D 300mm in-line wafer metrology system and released it for use in volume production. The Metron^3D provides three-dimensional (3D) process control with sub-nanometre accuracy, crucial for fabrication of SK hynix’s next-generation memory devices.

The release to production follows an extensive evaluation period, applying the system for characterization across multiple process steps.

Mr. Young-Hyun Choi, Head of DMI (Defect Analysis, Metrology and Inspection Technology), stated, “Three-dimensional process control at the nano-scale level is becoming increasingly important to ensure high yield in advanced DRAM processes. Infinitesima’s Metron_®^3D has demonstrated excellent sub-nanometre 3D metrology with the required cost-of-ownership necessary for HVM implementation.”

The Metron_®^3D features Infinitesima’s proprietary Rapid Probe Microscope™ (RPM™) technology that provides AFM measurement capability at 10× to 100× typical AFM throughput. The system’s capabilities also include fully automated wafer, data, and probe handling, making it optimal for in-line volume production of semiconductor devices. The investment in this metrology solution highlights SK hynix’s commitment to maintaining technical leadership in the development and manufacture of computer memory.

“We are delighted to be working with SK hynix; their support and guidance has enabled rapid qualification of our Metron_®^3D system and deployment in HVM,” stated Peter Jenkins, Infinitesima President & CEO.

About Infinitesima

Infinitesima Limited is a UK-based leader in advanced metrology solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company has pioneered an innovative technology combining atomic force microscopy’s 3-dimensional surface detection capability, high-speed laser activation, and the accuracy of interferometry, the RPM™ (Rapid Probe Microscope), protected by an extensive patent portfolio.

Semiconductor manufacturers increasingly require higher-resolution 3D metrology solutions to control next-generation processes that cannot be addressed by current optical and electron beam techniques. Infinitesima has introduced a high-speed metrology system, Metron_®^3D, featuring the company’s patented RPM™ technology, to address the growing customer need for in-line sub-nanometre* 3D process control. For more information, visit www.infinitesima.com.

* 1 nanometre (nm) is 10^-9of a meter; a single silicon atom is ~0.2 nm in diameter.

About SK hynix

SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world’s top tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAM”) and flash memory chips (“NAND flash”) for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

Company contacts

James Robinson, Product Marketing, Director

james.robinson@infinitesima.com

Peter Jenkins, President & CEO

peter.jenkins@infinitesima.com

www.infinitesima.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/6717920

The MIL Network –
July 8, 2025
MIL-OSI: GHO Capital to acquire FotoFinder Systems
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

GHO Capital to acquire FotoFinder Systems

Acquisition aligns with GHO’s strategy of investing in high growth areas of the MedTech market to improve healthcare outcomes
- FotoFinder Systems is the market leader and pioneer in dermoscopy and total body mapping, offering software/AI-enabled skin imaging devices for skin cancer detection and dermatology
- The Company is well-positioned in a growing market driven by increasing skin cancer incidence, an ageing population, and growing awareness of preventative skin health
- GHO is uniquely positioned to unlock FotoFinder’s next phase of growth through its transatlantic platform and operational expertise —supporting further global expansion and broader commercialisation into adjacent segments such as aesthetics
London, UK – 8 July 2025: GHO Capital Partners LLP (“GHO”), the European specialist investor in global healthcare, today announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire a majority holding in FotoFinder Systems (“FotoFinder” or the “Company”), the global market leader in analogue & digital dermatoscopes, total body photography systems and diagnostic software & AI for skin cancer detection and dermatology, expanding its portfolio of MedTech companies innovating in high growth therapeutic areas.

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Bad Birnbach, Bavaria, FotoFinder is a pioneer in advanced skin imaging systems and AI-powered diagnostic software, serving clinicians across Europe, the US, and RoW via its direct sales channel and extensive distributor network. Following the acquisition of US-based DermLite in 2024 —the global leader in analogue dermatoscopes based in Aliso Viejo, California — the Company has built a unique platform spanning the full spectrum of skin imaging technologies, from handheld analogue and digital devices to software/AI solutions and fully automated total body mapping systems. FotoFinder’s strong R&D capabilities have driven decades of product innovation and market leadership, delivering best-in-class imaging quality, design, usability, and software/AI — including the first and only MDR-certified AI-assisted dermatoscope in the EU.

Ken Eichmann and Stuart Quin, Partners at GHO Capital, commented: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of FotoFinder, a pioneer in advanced skin imaging and AI-enabled diagnostic software. GHO identified FotoFinder through its sub-sector origination efforts and has teamed up with Munich-based EMZ Partners in a bilateral transaction to accelerate growth. FotoFinder, headquartered in Bavaria and founded by Andreas Mayer and family, recently merged with DermLite, based in California and founded by John Bottjer, Nizar Mullani and Thorsten Trotzenberg, to create the global market leader in dermoscopy devices. We are excited to partner with Andreas, John and the combined FotoFinder/DermLite team, along with our partners at EMZ, to leverage our experience of scaling international healthcare platforms.”

Andreas Mayer, Chief Executive Officer of FotoFinder, said: “I am proud of the legacy that we have built since I founded FotoFinder together with my father over thirty years ago. Over the past three decades, we have grown into the global leader in skin-imaging solutions, which is a testament to the best-in-class quality of our offerings, our innovative AI-backed technology and our world-class R&D capabilities. GHO’s investment represents an inflexion point for the business, with its specialist healthcare industry expertise and unrivalled network, we believe GHO is the ideal partner to support the Company in unlocking this next phase of growth. We look forward to working closely with Jan and the rest of the team as we continue to develop our global expansion strategy.”

Klaus Maurer, Senior Partner at EMZ, said: “Since our investment in FotoFinder three years ago the Company has achieved continued growth, underpinned by its expanded presence in the US market through DermLite. After extensive discussions and close alignment between GHO, FotoFinder, and EMZ on the Company’s strategic direction, we believe we have laid out the best possible foundation for its future success. With its unrivalled transatlantic expertise and extensive global network, we believe now is the optimal time for GHO to lead the charge on unlocking the synergies between FotoFinder and DermLite and accelerating the growth trajectory of the overall business.”

Rising skin cancer incidence, an ageing population, and growing patient awareness for regular skin check-ups is driving the increased use of dermoscopy devices. With over 1.8 million new skin cancer cases diagnosed globally each year, there is a growing need for effective tools to support diagnosis and improve diagnostic workflows to support a critical shortage of dermatologists worldwide. FotoFinder’s cost-effective technology shortens diagnostic timelines, streamlines workflows, and supports better clinical decision-making—positioning the Company to meet growing global demand and improve outcomes in skin cancer detection and broader dermatological care.

With an existing global footprint and best-in-class product portfolio, FotoFinder is strongly positioned for continued growth across global markets. GHO’s unique capabilities in scaling healthcare businesses will allow the Company to further expand its international presence, build on existing synergies between FotoFinder and DermLite to create a fully integrated global platform, continue to deliver technology innovation and accelerate expansion into adjacent markets such as aesthetics, leveraging its existing commercial infrastructure and technology.

As part of the acquisition, GHO Operating Partner Jan De Witte will join FotoFinder’s Board of Directors as Chairman. Jan will work closely with FotoFinder’s management team to continue to deliver significant growth of the business, leveraging his experience and knowledge in the medical imaging space.

Transaction details
The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to standard regulatory approvals. FotoFinder is currently majority owned by EMZ Partners. Alongside GHO’s equity commitment, EMZ Partners and management will reinvest to hold a minority position.

Advisors
GHO was advised by Hengeler Mueller and Choate Hall & Stewart LLP (Legal), Alvarez & Marsal (Financial & Tax), L.E.K. Consulting (Commercial), Deloitte (ESG) and Palo Alto Strategy Group (Technology).

-Ends-

Further information:

GHO Capital Partners LLP

T +44 20 3700 7440

E IR@ghocapital.com

About GHO Capital

Global Healthcare Opportunities, or GHO Capital Partners LLP, is a leading specialist healthcare investment advisor based in London. We apply global capabilities and perspectives to unlock high growth healthcare opportunities, targeting Pan-European and transatlantic internationalisation to build market leading businesses of strategic global value. Our proven investment track record reflects the unrivalled depth of our industry expertise and network. We partner with strong management teams to generate long-term sustainable value, improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery to enable better, faster, more accessible healthcare. For further information, please visit www.ghocapital.com.

About FotoFinder

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Bad Birnbach, Bavaria, FotoFinder is a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge skin imaging solutions. The Company provides systems that support early skin cancer detection through Automated Total Body Mapping (ATBM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital dermoscopy. Since 2024, DermLite has been part of the FotoFinder Group. Established in 1999 and based in Aliso Viejo, California, DermLite revolutionized dermoscopy with polarized and hybrid handheld dermatoscopes. With subsidiaries in Italy and the U.S., and a strong global partner network, the FotoFinder Group serves healthcare professionals worldwide, empowering the dermatology community with sophisticated, intuitive solutions that integrate seamlessly into daily practice.

The MIL Network –
July 8, 2025

MIL-OSI: Himax Technologies, Inc. Schedules Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 8:00 AM EDT

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TAINAN, Taiwan, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, today announced that it will hold a conference call with investors and analysts on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. US Eastern Daylight Time and 8:00 p.m. Taiwan Time to discuss the Company’s second quarter 2025 financial results.

HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES, INC. SECOND QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL
DATE:	Thursday, August 7, 2025
TIME:	U.S. 8:00 a.m. EDT
	Taiwan 8:00 p.m.

Live Webcast (Video and Audio):		http://www.zucast.com/webcast/jwY1jFiZ

Toll Free Dial-in Number (Audio Only):
	Hong Kong	2112-1444
	Taiwan	0080-119-6666
	Australia	1-800-015-763
	Canada	1-877-252-8508
	China (1)	4008-423-888
	China (2)	4006-786-286
	Singapore	800-492-2072
	UK	0800-068-8186
	United States (1)	1-800-811-0860
	United States (2)	1-866-212-5567
Dial-in Number (Audio Only):
	Taiwan Domestic Access	02-3396-1191
	International Access	+886-2-3396-1191

Participant PIN Code:	3321007 #

If you choose to attend the call by dialing in via phone, please enter the Participant PIN Code 3321007 # after the call is connected. A replay of the webcast will be available beginning two hours after the call on www.himax.com.tw. This webcast can be accessed by clicking on http://www.zucast.com/webcast/jwY1jFiZ or visiting Himax’s website, where it will remain available until August 7, 2026.

About Himax Technologies, Inc.
Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEye™ Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,609 patents granted and 370 patents pending approval worldwide as of June 30, 2025.

http://www.himax.com.tw

Forward Looking Statements
Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

Company Contacts:

Karen Tiao, Head of IR/PR
Himax Technologies, Inc.
Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
www.himax.com.tw

Mark Schwalenberg, Director
Investor Relations – US Representative
MZ North America
Tel: +1-312-261-6430
Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us
www.mzgroup.us

The MIL Network –

July 8, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: Mahama underscores strong Ghana-Germany partnership

Source: APO

.

President John Dramani Mahama has bid farewell to the outgoing German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, during a meeting at the Credentials Hall within the Presidency. The courtesy visit marked the conclusion of Ambassador Krull’s four-year term of duty, which President Mahama described as highly productive.

President Mahama reiterated Ghana’s commitment to building on the strong foundation of bilateral relations between the two countries. He emphasised the potential for deepened cooperation, particularly in the critical areas of economic development and security.

The President specifically commended Germany for its consistent support towards enhancing Ghana’s security architecture, citing significant contributions to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and capacity-building initiatives for security personnel.

Addressing the evolving security landscape in the sub-region, President Mahama highlighted the growing threat posed by extreme terrorism, especially prevalent in the Sahel. He expressed Ghana’s readiness to work closely with Germany on targeted capacity training programmes aimed at bolstering regional efforts to combat this menace.

Touching upon the complex issue of irregular migration, President Mahama outlined Ghana’s collaborative efforts with international partners, including the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the European Union (EU). He stressed the importance of creating sustainable local opportunities for young people to mitigate the risks associated with perilous journeys across the Sahara and the Mediterranean.

President Mahama conveyed Ghana’s deep appreciation for Ambassador Krul’s service. “We appreciate you. You’re a friend of Ghana. And you’re welcome to visit any time you miss Ghana. You’re welcome to visit. And I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 8, 2025

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