Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Environmental Justice Caucus Co-Chairs Markey, Duckworth, Booker Slam Trump Administration Plan to Eliminate EPA’s Ability to Protect Public Health from Climate Change

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (July 31, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.)—co-chairs of the U.S. Senate Environmental Justice Caucus—issued the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced his proposal to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding, a landmark determination that requires the EPA to address greenhouse gas emissions and pollution because of the threat that climate change poses to public health and welfare. By rescinding the endangerment finding, the Trump administration will effectively declaw the EPA, giving big businesses a green light to pollute our air and devastate environmental justice communities.

    “Once again, the Trump administration is sacrificing our children’s future to protect polluters in the present. Trump and Zeldin are annihilating the key legal foundation that requires our government to act on climate change because it threatens the health of Americans—their repeal of the endangerment finding is ignorant, runs counter to scientific fact and will put lives at risk. Environmental justice communities are particularly threatened by this wrong-headed decision, since they are most exposed to climate impacts and have the fewest resources to protect themselves. The Trump administration must reverse this decision—it flies in the face of science, the law, and our moral responsibility to protect our future.”

    As co-chairs of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, Markey, Duckworth, and Booker have long pushed to strengthen and defend environmental justice efforts across the country. Earlier this month, the three condemned Republicans’ cuts to environmental justice grants that were included in Donald Trump’s Big, Beautiful Betrayal. Earlier this week, Markey held a press conference outside EPA headquarters to rail against the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the endangerment finding. In March, Duckworth and Booker condemned the Trump administration for shutting down all of EPA’s environmental justice offices and slashing over 30 EPA regulations that have helped protect our nation’s public health and the environment for decades.

    In February, Markey, Duckworth, and Booker—along with Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.)—urged EPA Administrator Zeldin to reopen the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR), which Duckworth and Booker led the charge to create. Markey, Duckworth, and Booker also helped introduce legislation that would permanently codify the Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) in response to Attorney General Bondi’s order eliminating all environmental justice efforts at the DOJ.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey Builds Bipartisan Momentum with Reintroduction of His Warehouse Worker Protection Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Bill Text (PDF)

    Washington (July 31, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, along with Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Representatives Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Haley Stevens (MI-11), today reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Warehouse Worker Protection Act, legislation to prohibit dangerous speed quotas and that threaten warehouse worker safety and lead to high injury rates. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

    Major corporations often institute speed and productivity quotas for warehouse workers that force workers past their physical limits, leading to high injury rates. One in 15 Amazon warehouse workers is injured at work seriously enough to need days off or light duty to recover. Nearly 2 million Americans work in warehouses nationwide.

    The Warehouse Worker Protection Act would institute the basic standards necessary to ensure all workers experience a safe and dignified workplace. The bill would prohibit the use of dangerous speed quotas that rely on intrusive surveillance, interfere with workers’ ability to use the bathroom and take guaranteed breaks, and push workers past safe physical limits. The bill would also prohibit measures that prevent workers from exercising their right to unionize.

    “Workers deserve to clock in knowing they will return home safe and healthy at the end of their shift. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act would protect the basic health and dignity of workers from corporate bosses who time and again have prioritized unfettered greed and profit over their own people,” said Senator Markey. “I am proudly in solidarity with nearly two million warehouse workers nationwide in the fight to ensure that their rights, safety, and dignity are protected.”

    “Corporations need to prioritize their workers’ safety and well-being over profits. This bipartisan legislation will hold the warehouse industry accountable while combatting the industry’s worst practices. It’s time to put workers’ safety first and treat them with the dignity they deserve,” said Senator Hawley.

    “Corporate profits should never be placed above the safety and dignity of American workers,” said Senator Smith. “The Warehouse Worker Protection Act ends secret, aggressive productivity metrics and surveillance methods used by major companies, and instead puts power back in the hands of the workers who experience these conditions every day. Workers should never have to choose between their health and their next paycheck, and should not be harmed in service of corporate greed – this bill takes an important step in establishing safe, just workplaces for all.”

    “In 2022, three New Jersey warehouse workers tragically died on the job within weeks of each other, bringing attention to working conditions and injury rates in warehouses. Businesses can keep workers safe and earn a profit, but that’s only possible with more transparency and accountability,” said Congressman Norcross. “As a former electrician, I know firsthand what it’s like to lose a coworker on the job. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act takes necessary steps to ensure everyone can come home from work safely.”

    “Amid the vast expansion of shipping and online shopping, the warehouse workers keeping this economy moving have been left behind,” said Senator Marshall. “For too long, companies have been implementing outlandish quotas, cutting into workers’ rights and leading to injuries. That ends with this bill. I’m proud to support Senator Markey in providing proper protections for workers, ending the fear of abusive quotas.”

    “Amazon and other abusive warehouse employers are squeezing their workers for every penny of profit, leaving behind tired and broken bodies,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “These corporate criminals are destroying good jobs in an industry that once supported a strong middle class. But one thing stands in their way—that’s the Teamsters Union, along with a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who understand what’s at stake. It’s time to pass the Warehouse Worker Protection Act and put workers’ safety over corporate profits.”

    “Everyone deserves a guarantee of safety and dignity on the job, but retail giants like Amazon are raking in record profits on the backs of their workers, subjecting them to incredibly high rates of injury, unsustainable pace pressures, and punitive surveillance systems,” said Patricia Stottlemyer, Labor Rights Policy Lead at Oxfam America. “The re-introduction of the Warehouse Worker Protection Act is a critical step toward finally securing the safeguards and protections that these workers desperately need.”

    “Every day, we face unrealistic quotas and unsafe conditions just to keep our jobs at Amazon. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act gives us hope that our lives and safety will finally matter more than productivity rates. We fought for this law — and with support from Awood Center and national coalitions like Athena, we made it happen. Now we need Amazon to comply with the law or face consequences. It’s been in effect for a year, and they’re still falling short,” said an Amazon warehouse worker, supported by Awood Center, a worker center in Minnesota that uplifts East African immigrant workers.

    “At a time when Amazon warehouse workers like me are being injured at twice the rate as workers at other warehouses, this bill is a monumental step forward to holding companies like Amazon accountable and finally getting the workplace protections we deserve,” said Ronald “Mr. Ron” Sewell, an Amazon associate at ATL6 in Georgia and leader with United for Respect. “My coworkers and I are constantly putting our safety at risk to meet Amazon’s backbreaking productivity quotas, and we’ve had enough. Our lives are not expendable – we need real change to improve safety on the job, and this bill will help make that a reality.”

    “For too long, multi-billion dollar corporations like Walmart and Amazon have gotten away with forcing warehouse workers to meet unreasonable daily quotas — leading to countless injuries on the job — just so they can grow their profits. It’s long past time for that to change,” said Terrysa Guerra, Co-Executive Director of United for Respect. “These protections for warehouse workers will usher in a new era of accountability for these companies, and most importantly, will help improve workplace safety for hundreds of thousands of low-wage warehouse workers. United for Respect is thrilled to support this legislation.”

    “We’ve seen that when workers try to meet unattainable distribution center quotas, they get hurt; when they file for workers comp for their injuries, they get denied or fired. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act will protect workers from harm and blatant violation of their rights in an industry that treats them as expendable, and lead to safer, more dignified working conditions for the people who make life easier for the rest of us. Since New York’s version of this law went into effect in June, warehouse workers have already been feeling more secure in their rights. That’s something every single worker in the country deserves to feel—and why it’s so important that we pass the federal Warehouse Worker Protection Act as soon as possible,” said Vanessa Cid, Labor Organizer at For the Many.

    “Amazon’s greed has created a nationwide worker injury crisis as they put profit over people time and time again,” said Theodore A. Moore, Executive Director of ALIGN, leader of the New Yorkers for a Fair Economy coalition. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done to regulate warehouse safety in New York, but it’s time to take federal action and ensure that one of the richest companies in the world keeps their workers safe everywhere. We applaud Senator Markey’s leadership and urge Governor Hochul to lead the way with strong enforcement of New York’s Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act.”

    “We are facing a workplace injury crisis in warehouses across America,” said Irene Tung, Senior Researcher and Policy Analyst at the National Employment Law Project. “NELP’s research has found that the digital surveillance and disciplinary practices at companies like Amazon create a climate of fear for workers and astronomically high injury rates at warehouses. We urgently need the Warehouse Worker Protection Act to rein in these abuses and support workers’ right to organize for autonomy and safety on the job.”

    The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the National Employment Law Project (NELP), the Athena Coalition, and Oxfam America.

    In May 2024, Senator Markey, along with Senator Smith and then Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.), first introduced the Warehouse Worker Protection Act. In September 2024, Senator Markey celebrated the bipartisan momentum growing behind the bill.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Statement by Minister McClay following US tariff announcement

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The United States has confirmed that tariffs on New Zealand exports will increase from 10 per cent to 15 per cent from 7 August, placing us alongside other key US trading partners including Japan and South Korea.

    Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says, this decision appears to be based on a calculation of trade deficits, with countries running a surplus with the US moved to the higher rate. In New Zealand’s case, the surplus is modest, around US$500 million, and is not overly significant in the context of the US economy.

    Over the past decade, our trade relationship with the US has seen periods where the US enjoyed a significant surplus and times, like now, when New Zealand has a modest one. Overall, our trade is balanced and complementary, reflecting the strength of a long-standing partnership.

    “I am seeking an urgent call with the US Trade Representative to make New Zealand’s position clear: this increase risks harming exporters and consumers of both countries. The US currently faces an average tariff of just 0.8 per cent when exporting to New Zealand, far lower than what we face into their market,” Mr McClay says. 

    “New Zealand exports around $9 billion of goods to the US annually. At 15 per cent, the impact will be considerable for exporters, many of whom absorbed or passed on the earlier 10 per cent rate. At 15 per cent, that becomes much harder.  

    “Our focus now moves to engaging directly with the US on this current announcement to seek changes to this decision.

    “New Zealand has always stood for open, rules-based trade. We will continue to advocate strongly for a resolution that supports our exporters and maintains the strength of our trading relationship with the United States.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: Atos – Half-year 2025 results on track. Full Year 2025 targets confirmed

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Half-year 2025 results on track
    Full Year 2025 targets confirmed

    • Significant progress in the execution of the Genesis transformation plan
      • Reset of cost base well engaged, already impacting profitability
      • Over 50% of the overall Genesis restructuring target incurred
        at the end of June
      • Growth pillar initial phase achieved to deliver long-term ambition
    • Operating Margin up 80 bps proforma from 2.0% to 2.8%, to €113m (+15.4% yoy) despite the material decline in revenue, as anticipated
      • Atos SBU: +1.7 pts to 5.7% driven by initial benefits from the restructuring plan and tight contract management
      • Eviden SBU: -1.7 pts to -7.9% – consistent with previously announced seasonality
    • Significant improvement in Free Cash Flow1to -€96m (including -€154m cash restructuring) from -€593m in H1 2024
    • H1 revenue at €4,020m, down 17.4% organically due to expected impact of contracts exit and low business traction in 2024.
    • Achieved a 10 pts yoy Book-to-Bill improvement reaching 83% despite soft market environment with:
      • Improved or flat order entry in all regions apart from France
      • Continued strategic deal wins with 11 large multi-year contracts signed vs. 5 in H1 2024. The positive commercial momentum is expected to continue in H2 2025
      • Rolling 12-month pipeline increased by €1.5bn in Q2 including €1.3bn in large deals (over €30m)
    • Full Year 2025 targets and long-term trajectory confirmed   
    • Share Purchase Agreement signed with the French State for the sale of Advanced Computing activities

    Paris, August 1st, 2025 – Atos, a leading provider of AI-powered digital transformation, today announces its half year 2025 financial results.

    Philippe Salle, Atos Group Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, declared:

    “In a challenging environment, I am very encouraged by the determination of our teams in rolling-out the Genesis transformation plan with no delay. The voluntary optimization of the Group cost base is already starting to show initial benefits as shown through our half-year results: the operating margin is improving by over 15% year-on-year, a positive momentum which we intend to pursue. Our limited cash consumption is reflecting our disciplined approach to cash management, and we notice a sheer increase in enthusiasm among our customers towards the strategic refocusing of the Group.
    We also reached a new significant milestone towards the sale of our Advanced Computing activities with the signature of a share purchase agreement with the French State.
    We are looking ahead to the rest of the year and beyond with confidence and a single focus: executing on our strategy. We remain strongly committed to our 2025 targets and our long-term financial trajectory.”

    H1 2025 performance highlights

    In € million H1 2025 H1 2024 Var.   H1 2024* Organic Var.
    Revenue 4,020  4,964 (944)   4,865 (845) 
    Operating Margin 113  115 (2)   98 +15
    In % of revenue 2.8% 2.3% +0.5 pts   2.0%  +0.8 pts
    OMDA 309  373 (64)      
    In % of revenue 7.7% 7.5% +0.2 pts      
    Net income – Group share  -696 -1,941 + 1,245      
    Free Cash Flow2 -96  -593 + 497      
    Net debt (excl. IFRS 9 adjustment) -1,681  -4,218 + 2,537      

    *: at constant scope and June 2025 average exchange rates

    Operational performance

    Group revenue reached 4,020 million euros in the first half 2025, reflecting a 17.4% organic decline compared to the first half of 2024, driven by 2024 contract losses and voluntary contract exits, especially in the Atos Strategic Business Unit (SBU) in the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as overall soft market environment. The Atos SBU generated revenue of 3,603 million euros, down 17.9% organically compared to the first half of 2024. The Eviden SBU revenue was down 11.9% compared to the first half of 2024, to 417 million euros in the first half of 2025.

    Group operating margin reached 113 million euros in the first half of 2025, representing an organic 15% increase compared to the first half of 2024 and 2.8% of revenue (compared to 2.0% in the first half of 2024), despite a 845 million revenue decline year-on-year. This performance demonstrates the initial benefits of the cost reduction measures engaged since the beginning of the year, especially in the Atos SBU where the operating margin improved 18% year-on-year. The Eviden SBU profitability was lower than last year, as expected, due to a strong seasonality throughout the year.

    Disclosure in this section represents the revised reporting structure of Atos Group, following the implementation of the new organization in the first half 2025 reporting period. These are those that will be presented in the consolidated financial statements for the first half of 2025, which will be included in the 2025 half year report. Atos has identified Atos France, Atos BNN Benelux & the Nordics, Atos UK&I, Atos USA & CA, Atos GACE, Atos IM, Atos Global Delivery Centers, Eviden and Global Structures as the operating segments, mirroring the internal reporting structure. This reflects the review, management and assessment of the group’s operating results by Group Management following the implementation of the new organization.

    In € million  H1 2025 Revenue H1 2024*   Revenue Organic variation H1 2025 OM H1 2024 OM* H1 2025 OM Organic variation*  
     
    ATOS 3,603 4,391 -17.9% 204 173 5.7% +18.2%  
    Germany, Austria & Central Europe 767 831 -7.6% 1 -11 0.1% ns  
    USA & Canada 695 978 -29.0% 70 92 10.1% -24.4%  
    France 591 663 -10.8% 13 9 2.1% +45.4%  
    UK & Ireland 583 821 -29,0% 50 48 8.6% +4.5%  
    International Markets 561 668 -16.0% 46 39 8.2% +18.8%  
    BNN Benelux & the Nordics 402 425 -5.4% 23 -1 5.6% ns  
    Global Delivery Centers 5 6 -18.7% 2 -3 0.1% ns  
    Eviden 417 474 -11.9% -33 -30 -7.9% +11.5%  
    Global Structures -57 -45 -1.4% +28.8%  
    Group total 4,020 4,865 -17.4% 113 98 2.8% +15.4%  

     *: at constant scope and June 2025 average exchange rates

    Atos – Germany, Austria & Central Europe revenue was 767 million euros in the first half of 2025, representing a 7.6% organic decline compared to the first half of 2024 with a significant ramp down from a couple of large clients who implemented insourcing strategies. It also stemmed from managed exits from low profitability contracts. That was partially offset by successful fertilization and cross selling at existing clients.

    Operating margin improved by 140 basis points year-on-year despite the non-recurring treatment of some reorganization expenses in the first half of 2024. It reached breakeven in the first half of 2025 thanks to the restructured delivery of existing contract portfolio and benefits from cost-saving initiatives.

    Atos – USA & Canada revenue decreased by 284 million euros year-on-year on a proforma basis. This was driven essentially by 2024 large contract completions and ramp-downs as well as an uncertain macro and political environment. Churn on small size contracts was more than offset by growing activity at existing clients and new contracts during the period.

    Operating margin improved 60 basis points compared to the first half of 2024 despite the material impact from revenue fall thru, thanks to the Genesis-led margin optimization actions already in place. It stood at 70 million euros in the first half of 2025.

    Atos – France revenue reached 591 million euros in the first half of 2025, down 10.8% organically from the first half of 2024, due to high exposure to the recently muted public sector and the impact of financial restructuring on client perception in 2024.

    Operating margin improved by 80 basis points year-on-year thanks to the benefit of cost-cutting initiatives on indirect costs, an improved billability rate despite revenue decline and improving low profitability contract management, quality of delivery and automation.

    Atos – UK & Ireland revenue reached 583 million euros in the first half of 2025, down 29% organically year-on-year mostly as a result of planned large public sector BPO contracts completion in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Operating margin improved 280 basis points compared to the first half of 2024. In absolute terms, it was stable year-on-year despite the sharp decrease in revenue, thanks to the restructuring of low profitability contracts, successful delivery of new business and an already visible impact from cost-saving initiatives.

    Atos – International Markets revenue was down 16% organically in the first half of 2025, to 561 million euros, mostly driven by softer performance in Asia Pacific, Switzerland and Major events that had benefited from the Olympics in the first half of 2024. That was partially offset by growing revenues in South America.

    Operating margin improved by 240 bps compared to the first half of 2024 and reached 46 million euros in the first half of 2025 (up 7 million year-on-year). The contribution from lost revenue was more than offset by improved productivity, benefits from the Genesis transformation plan and lower one-off costs year-on-year with Olympics-related marketing costs incurred in the first half of 2024.

    Atos – BNN, Benelux and the Nordics revenue stood at 402 million euros in the first half of 2025, down 5.4% organically compared to the first half of 2024 with churn partially offset by growing activity at existing clients.

    Operating margin turned positive in the first half of 2025, to 23 million euros, or 5.6% of revenues. This was driven by the ramp up of higher profitability contracts and positive contribution from the Genesis action plan and continued positive service and project delivery.

    Eviden revenue was 417 million euros in the first half of 2025, down 11.9% organically year-on-year, driven by the anticipated strong seasonality in Advanced Computing (down 10.9% compared to the first half of 2024).
    Operating margin was –33 million euros, compared to -30 million euros in the first half of 2024 again, due to the seasonality in Advanced Computing. Significant revenue and profit recognition is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025. On a full-year basis the business unit is expected to generate positive operating margin.

    Global Structures costs stood at -57 million euros in the first half of 2025, compared to -45 million euros in the first half of 2024, due to the non-recurring treatment of reorganization costs in the first half of 2024 and the UEFA marketing costs incurred centrally in the first half of 2025.

    Update on the Genesis plan execution

    At the Capital Markets Day that was held on May 14, 2025, the Group unveiled “Genesis”, its strategic and transformation plan for the next 4 years. It includes 22 workstreams regrouped under 7 pillars:

    • Growth
    • Human Resources
    • Countries review
    • Portfolio review
    • Gross Margin
    • Cost review
    • Cash

    During the first half of 2025 significant progress was achieved, including the following:

    • Growth transformation: it has now passed the initial phase with a new growth and sales teams operating model deployed in all geographies and centrally. That included the right sizing and upskilling of the teams and sales enablement initiatives as well as prioritization to ensure frontline excellence and support future growth ambition. With that, processes were streamlined and optimized, enabling the sales force to concentrate efforts on meeting client needs. It is anticipated to yield results from the second half onwards
    • Countries review: to sharpen the geographical focus as announced in the Capital Markets Day, the Group exited one country and formally launched disposal processes for additional non-core countries
    • Contract portfolio review: in the first half of 2025, the Group reduced its exposure to low margin contracts (ie contracts with a project margin below 5%) to only three significant ones (vs seven at the end of 2024), and totaling a c.16 million euros negative impact on operating margin compared to c.52 million euros in the first half of 2024
    • Delivery and G&A optimization: the billability rate improved from 76% to 79% during the first half, and the General & Administrative cost base was reduced by 10% compared to the same period last year. Overall, over 50% of the 3-year restructuring envelope of 700 million euros was incurred at the end of June. The total headcount was 69,597 at the end of the period

    Order entry and backlog

    Commercial activity

    Order entry reached €3.3 billion in H1 2025, slightly lower than the reported H1 2024 level, due to:

    • Muted commercial activity in France where significant organizational changes are being implemented to improve commercial efficiency, enrich our offering and secure long term business performance. All other regions delivered roughly flat or growing order entry in the first half of the year
    • The soft market environment observed in the last few months

    Book-to-bill ratio was 83% in the first half of 2025, up from 73% in the same period of 2024. Main contract signatures in the second quarter of 2025 included two 4+ years Digital workplace deals totaling 140 million euros (of which 100 million euros in North America and 40 million euros in the UK), a 5+ years 80 million euros mainframe deal with a North American wholesaler of technology products, a 4+ years 50 million euros Cybersecurity contract in the public sector in Belgium, and two 3+ years digital applications contracts in Europe for a cumulative amount of 90 million euros with a consumer goods player on one side and a public sector body on the other.

    Backlog & commercial pipeline

    At the end of June 2025, the full backlog reached €12 billion representing 1.5 years of revenue.
    The full qualified pipeline amounted to €4.1 billion at the end of June 2025, representing 6.1 months of revenue.

    Net income

    OOI
    Other operating income and expenses amounted to –566 million euros in the first half of 2025, compared to –1,819 million euros in the first half of 2024. It mostly included restructuring and other non-recurring charges in relation to the Genesis transformation plan, as well as litigation provisions.

    Financial income
    Net financial expense was -202 million euros in the first half of 2025, compared to -175 million euros in the first half of 2024, reflecting the new debt structure of the Group and the fair value adjustment of the net debt.

    Tax
    Tax charge stood at -41 million euros in the first half of 2025, compared to -62 million euros in the first half of 2024.

    Net result group share
    As a result of the above net result Group share was a loss of –696 million euros in the first half of 2025, compared to a loss of –1,941 million euros in the first half of 2024.

    Free cash flow

    Free cash flow for the period stood at –96 million euros for the period excluding changes in working capital actions (WCA), reflecting the following items:

    • Operating margin before depreciation and amortization (OMDA) of 309 million euros
    • Capex of –93 million euros, or 2.3% of revenues
    • Leases of –122 million euros
    • Change in working capital requirement (excluding WCA) of 167 million euros, mostly driven by lower activity in the first half of 2025
    • Cash restructuring of –154 million euros, in relation to the Genesis transformation plan
    • Tax paid of -13 million euros
    • Net cash cost of debt of –80 million euros, including 18 million euros of financial income
    • Other items for –109 millions, that included litigation and onerous contracts

    Net debt and debt covenants

    At June 30, 2025, net debt was 1,681 million euros (746 million euros including IFRS 9 debt fair value adjustment), compared to 1,238 million euros as of December 31, 2024 (275 million euros including IFRS 9 debt fair value adjustment), and mainly consisted of:

    • Cash and cash equivalents for 1,364 million euros
    • Borrowings for 3,057 million euros (nominal value, excluding PIK) or 2,186 million euros including IFRS 9 fair value adjustment and PIK

    The new credit documentation requires the Group to maintain:

    • from 31 March 2025, a minimum liquidity level of €650 million, to be verified at the end of each financial quarter
    • from 30 June 2027, as from each half-year end, a maximum level of financial leverage (“Total Net Leverage Ratio Covenant”), which is defined as the ratio of Financial indebtedness (mainly excluding IFRS 16 impacts and IFRS 9 debt fair value treatment) to pre-IFRS 16 OMDA; the ceilings thus applicable will be determined no later than 30 June 2026 with reference to a flexibility of 30% in relation to the Business Plan adopted by the Group at that time; these ceilings will in any event remain between 3.5x and 4.0x.

    As of June 30, 2025, the Group financial leverage ratio (as defined in glossary) was 4.0x.

    Outlook

    The Group confirms its full year 2025 targets:

    • c. 8.5 billion euros revenue3
    • around 4% operating margin
    • net change in cash4 before debt repayment of c. -350 million euros

    The long-term financial trajectory also remains unchanged.

    In 2026, the Group expects to generate positive organic growth and net change in cash4 before debt repayment and M&A.

    In 2028, with the assumption of a disposal of Advanced Computing in FY 2026 and a progressive reduction of its geographic footprint, the Group expects:

    • to grow revenues organically to between 8.5 and 9 billion euros, representing a 5-7% CAGR between 2025 and 2028. Strategic, targeted and disciplined M&A could further increase revenue to up to 9 to 10 billion euros
    • to reach an operating margin of around 10%, supported by cost reduction measures and structural visible growth, partially offset by an acceleration of R&D investments
    • to achieve a leverage ratio below 1.5x net debt/OMDAL5. On the path to an investment grade rating, the Group expects to achieve a BB profile in 2027

    Sale of Advanced Computing

    On July 31, 2025, Atos Group signed a share purchase agreement with the French State for the sale of its Advanced Computing business, excluding Vision AI activities, for an enterprise value (EV) of €410 million, including €110m earn-outs that are based on profitability indicators for fiscal years 2025 (€50 million potential earn-out that should be paid upon closing) and 2026 (€60 million additional potential earn-out). This EV is in line with the confirmatory offer received from the French State on June 2, 2025 which has been approved by Atos Group Board of Directors.

    Atos Advanced Computing business regroups the High-Performance Computing (HPC) & Quantum as well as the Business Computing & Artificial intelligence divisions. The transaction perimeter is expected to generate revenue of circa €0.8 billion in 2025.

    The French State will become the new shareholder of these activities, further supporting the business and its development over the long term.

    Social processes for the signing of the SPA agreement are closed. The transaction is expected to close over H1 2026 once the carveout is completed and relevant authorizations have been received.

    Interim condensed consolidated financial statements

    Atos Group Board of Directors in its meeting held on July 31, 2025, has reviewed the Group interim condensed consolidated financial statements closed at June 30, 2025. The Statutory Auditors have completed their usual limited review of the half-year condensed consolidated financial statements and issued their unqualified report.

    Conference call

    Atos Group’s Management invites you to attend the first half 2025 results conference call on Friday, August 1st, 2025, at 08:00 am (CET – Paris).

    You can join the webcast of the conference via the following link:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/mz677p34

    If you want to join the conference by telephone, please register via this link:

    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIc7cb4acc36ee4ddbbe4878cdc98936fa

    Upon registration, you will receive the dial-in info and a unique PIN to join the call as well as an email confirmation with the details.

    After the conference, a replay of the webcast will be available on atos.net, in the Investors section.

    Forthcoming events

    October 20, 2025 (After Market Close) Third quarter 2025 revenue

    APPENDIX

    H1 2024 revenue and operating margin at constant scope and exchange rates reconciliation

    For the analysis of the Group’s performance, revenue and OM for H1 2025 is compared with H1 2024 revenue and OM at constant scope and foreign exchange rates. Reconciliation between the H1 2024 reported revenue and OM, and the H1 2024 revenue and OM at constant scope and foreign exchange rates is presented below, by segment.

    H1 2024 revenue H1 2024 published Restatement H1 2024 restated Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects H1 2024*
    In € million
    ATOS 4,259 234 4,493 -3 -85 -13 4,391
    Germany, Austria & Central Europe 779 62 841 0 -11 0 831
    USA & Canada 949 38 987 0 0 -9 978
    France 686 39 725 -4 -58 0 663
    UK & Ireland 791 17 808 0 0 13 821
    International Markets 675 27 702 0 -16 -17 668
    BNN Benelux & the Nordics 375 49 424 1 0 0 425
    Global Delivery Centers 4 2 6 0 0 0 6
    Eviden 705 -234 471 3 0 0 474
    Global Structures –  – 
    Group Total 4,964 0 4,964 0 -86 -13 4,865
    H1 2024 Operating Margin H1 2024 published Restatement H1 2024 restated Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects H1 2024*
    In € million
    ATOS 175 -1 174 1 -15 12 173
    Germany, Austria & Central Europe -16 2 -14 -2 -2 7 -11
    USA & Canada 97 0 96 0 0 -4 92
    France 14 -2 12 2 -10 5 9
    UK & Ireland 47 0 47 0 0 1 48
    International Markets 40 0 40 0 -3 2 39
    BNN Benelux & the Nordics -4 3 -1 -3 0 3 -1
    Global Delivery Centers -3 -3 -6 3 0 -1 -3
    Eviden -16 2 -14 -2 0 -13 -30
    Global Structures -44 -1 -45 1 0 -1 -45
    Group Total 115 0 115 0 -15 -2 98

    *: at constant scope and June 2025 average exchange rates

    Restatement corresponds to the transfer of Cybersecurity Services from Eviden to Atos.

    Scope effects amounted to €-86 million. They related to the divesture of Worldgrid in France, International Markets (Iberia) and Germany.

    Currency effects negatively contributed to revenue of -13 million. They mostly came from the depreciation of the US dollar, the Brazilian real, the Argentinian peso and the Turkish lira, partially compensated by the appreciation of the British pound.

    Q1 2024 revenue at constant scope and exchange rates reconciliation

    For the analysis of the Group’s performance, revenue for Q1 2025 is compared with Q1 2024 revenue at constant scope and foreign exchange rates.

    Q1 2024 revenue Q1 2024 published Restatement Q1 2024 restated Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects Q1 2024*
    In € million
    ATOS 2,155 118 2,273 -1 -43 22 2,251
    Germany, Austria & Central Europe 385 30 416 0 -6 0 410
    USA & Canada 474 20 493 0 0 15 509
    France 354 20 375 -2 -30 0 343
    UK & Ireland 410 9 419 0 0 10 430
    International Markets 339 14 352 0 -8 -4 341
    BNN Benelux & the Nordics 190 25 215 0 0 0 215
    Global Delivery Centers 2 1 3 0 0 0 3
    Eviden 324 -118 206 1 0 1 207
    Global Structures 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
    Group Total 2,479 0 2,479 0 -44 23 2,458

    * at constant scope and June 2025 average exchange rates

    Q2 2024 revenue at constant scope and exchange rates reconciliation

    For the analysis of the Group’s performance, revenue for Q2 2025 is compared with Q2 2024 revenue at constant scope and foreign exchange rates.

    Q2 2024 revenue Q2 2024 published Restatement Q2 2024 restated Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects Q2 2024*
    In € million 
    ATOS 2,105 116 2,220 -2 -42 -35 2,140
    Germany, Austria & Central Europe 394 31 425 0 -5 0 420
    USA & Canada 476 18 494 0 0 -24 470
    France 331 18 350 -2 -28 0 320
    UK & Ireland 380 9 389 0 0 2 391
    International Markets 337 13 350 0 -8 -13 327
    BNN Benelux & the Nordics 184 25 209 0 0 0 210
    Global Delivery Centers 2 1 3 0 0 0 3
    Eviden 381 -116 265 2 0 0 266
    Global Structures
    Group Total 2,486 0 2,486 0 -42 -36 2,407

    * at constant scope and June 2025 average exchange rates

    Q1 2025 and Q2 2025 revenue according to the new Group reporting structure

    In € million  Q1 2025 Revenue Q1 2024*   Revenue Organic variation* Q2 2025 Revenue Q2 2024*   Revenue Organic variation*  
     
    ATOS 1,861 2,251 -17.3% 1,742 2,140 -18.6%  
    Germany, Austria & Central Europe 385 410 -6.1% 382 420 -9.1%  
    USA & Canada 370 509 -27.3% 324 470 -31.0%  
    France 304 343 -11.4% 287 320 -10.2%  
    UK & Ireland 302 430 -29.6% 280 391 -28.4%  
    International Markets 290 341 -14.8% 271 327 -17.1%  
    BNN Benelux & the Nordics 206 215 -4.4% 196 210 -6.4%  
    Global Delivery Centers 2 3 -10.6% 2 3 -23.9%  
    Eviden 208 207 0.1% 210 266 -21.3%  
    Global Structures  
    Group total 2,068 2,458 -15.9% 1,952 2,407 -18.9%  

    * at constant scope and June 2025 average exchange rates

    H1 2025 consolidated Profit & Loss Account

    (in € million) 6 months ended June 30, 2025 6 months ended June 30, 2024
    Revenue 4,020 4,964
    Personnel expense -2,115 -2,615
    Non-personnel operating expense -1,792 -2,235
    Operating margin 113 115
    % of revenue 2.8% 2.3%
    Other operating income and expense -566 -1,819
    Operating income (loss) -452 -1,704
    % of revenue -11.3% -34.3%
    Net cost of financial debt -162 -73
    Other financial expense -62 -135
    Other financial income 22 33
    Net financial income (expense) -202 -175
    Net income (loss) before tax -654 -1,879
    Tax charge -41 -62
    Net income (loss) -695 -1,941
    Of which:    
    ▪ attributable to owners of the parent -696 -1,941
    ▪ non-controlling interests 1 0

    H1 2025 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

    in € million 6 months ended
    June 30, 2025
    6 months ended
    June 30, 2024
    Net income (loss) before tax -654 -1,879
    Depreciation of fixed assets 134 125
    Depreciation of right-of-use 99 138
    Net addition (release) to operating provisions -1 -10
    Net addition (release) to financial provisions 6 28
    Net addition (release) to other operating provisions 199 -55
    Amortization of intangible assets (PPA from acquisitions) 12 29
    Impairment of goodwill and other non-current assets 24 1 570
    Losses (gains) on disposals of non-current assets 3 71
    Net charge for equity-based compensation 3
    Unrealized losses (gains) on changes in fair value and other -1
    Net cost of financial debt 162 73
    Interests on lease liability 15 19
    Net cash from (used in) operating activities
    before change in working capital requirement and taxes
    -3 111
    Tax paid -13 -45
    Change in working capital requirement 43 -1 477
    Net cash from (used in) operating activities 28 -1,411
    Payment for tangible and intangible assets -93 -278
    Proceeds from disposals of tangible and intangible assets 5
    Net operating investments -93 -273
    Amounts paid for acquisitions and long-term investments -10
    Net proceeds from disposals of financial investments 1 -1
    Net long-term financial investments 1 -11
    Net cash from (used in) investing activities -92 -284
    Common stock issued 1
    Purchase and sale of treasury stock -1
    Dividends paid* -12
    Dividends paid to non-controlling interests -2
    Lease payments -122 -159
    New borrowings 470
    Repayment of borrowings -10
    Interests paid -80 -53
    Other flows related to financing activities -6 -77
    Net cash from (used in) financing activities -207 155
    Increase (decrease) in net cash and cash equivalents -271 -1,540
    Opening net cash and cash equivalents 1,739 2,295
    Increase (decrease) in net cash and cash equivalents -271 -1,540
    Impact of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents -104 4
    Closing net cash and cash equivalents 1,364 759

    H1 2025 Balance Sheet

    (in € million) June 30,
    2025
    December 31, 2024
    ASSETS    
    Goodwill 574 653
    Intangible assets 306 349
    Tangible assets 524 580
    Right-of-use assets 466 550
    Equity-accounted investments 12 12
    Non-current financial assets 98 131
    Deferred tax assets 213 184
    Total non-current assets 2,193 2,458
    Trade accounts and notes receivable 2,190 2,435
    Current taxes 90 102
    Other current assets 1,340 1,510
    Current financial instruments 0 2
    Cash and cash equivalents 1,364 1,739
    Total current assets 4,984 5,788
    TOTAL ASSETS 7,176 8,246
    (in € million) June 30,
    2025
    December 31, 2024
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
    Common stock 19 18
    Additional paid-in capital 1,887 1,887
    Consolidated retained earnings -1,302 -1,354
    Net income (loss) attributable to the owners of the parent -696 248
    Equity attributable to the owners of the parent -91 799
    Non-controlling interests 1
    Total shareholders’ equity -91 799
    Provisions for pensions and similar benefits 664 782
    Non-current provisions 465 345
    Borrowings 2,174 2,089
    Deferred tax liabilities 138 69
    Non-current lease liabilities 438 498
    Other non-current liabilities 4 3
    Total non-current liabilities 3,884 3,787
    Trade accounts and notes payable 971 1,018
    Current taxes 66 75
    Current provisions 386 315
    Current portion of borrowings 11 17
    Current lease liabilities 190 207
    Other current liabilities 1,759 2,028
    Total current liabilities 3,383 3,660
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 7,176 8,246

    Glossary

    Operational capital employed: Operational capital employed comprises net fixed assets and net working capital but excludes goodwill and net assets held for sale.

    Current and non-current assets or liabilities: A current and non-current distinction is made between assets and liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position. Atos has classified as current assets and liabilities those assets and liabilities that Atos expects to realize, use or settle during its normal cycle of operations, which can extend beyond 12 months following the period end. Current assets and liabilities, excluding the current portion of borrowings, lease liabilities and provisions, and current financial instruments represent the Group working capital requirement.

    DSO: (Days of Sales Outstanding). DSO is the amount of trade accounts receivable (including contract assets) expressed in days of revenue (on a last-in, first-out basis). The number of days is calculated in accordance with the Gregorian calendar.

    Organic growth: Organic growth represents the percent growth of a unit based on a constant scope and exchange rates basis.

    CAGR: The Compound Annual Growth Rate reflects the mean annual growth rate over a specified period of time longer than one year. It is calculating by dividing the value at the end of the period in question by its value at the beginning of that period, raise the result to the power of one divided by the period length, and subtract one from the subsequent result. As an example:

    2019-2021 revenue CAGR = (Revenue 2021 / Revenue 2018) (1/3) -1

    Operating margin: Operating margin equals to External Revenues less personnel and operating expense. It is calculated before Other Operating Income and Expense as defined below.

    Other operating income and expense: 

    Other operating income and expense include:

    • the amortization and impairment of intangible assets recognized as part of business combinations such as customer relationships, technologies and goodwill
    • when accounting for business combinations, the Group may record provisions in the opening statement of financial position for a period of 12 months beyond the business combination date. After the 12-month period, unused provisions arising from changes in circumstances are released through the income statement under “Other operating income and expense”
    • the cost of acquiring and integrating newly controlled entities, including earn out with or without presence conditions
    • the net gains or losses on disposals of consolidated companies or businesses
    • the fair value of shares granted to employees including social contributions
    • the restructuring and rationalization expense relating to business combinations or qualified as unusual, infrequent and abnormal. When a restructuring plan qualifies for Other operating income and expense, the related real estate rationalization & associated costs regarding premises are presented on the same line
    • the curtailment effects on restructuring costs and the effects of plan amendments on defined benefit plans resulting from triggering events that are not under control of Atos management
    • the net gain or loss on tangible and intangible assets that are not part of Atos core-business such as real estate
    • other unusual, abnormal and infrequent income or expense such as major disputes or litigation.

    Gross margin and indirect costs: Gross margin is composed of revenue less the direct costs of goods sold. Direct costs relate to the generation of products and/or services delivered to customers, while indirect costs include all costs related to indirect staff (defined hereafter), which are not directly linked to the realization of the revenue. The operating margin comprises gross margin less indirect costs.

    EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization): for Atos, EBITDA is based on Operating Margin less non-cash items and is referred to as OMDA (Operating Margin before Depreciation and Amortization).

    OMDA (Operating Margin before Depreciation and Amortization) is calculated as follows:

    Operating margin:

    • less – Depreciation of fixed assets (as disclosed in the “financial report”)
    • less – Depreciation of right of use (as disclosed in the “financial report”)
    • less – Net charge (release) of provisions (composed of net charge of provisions for current assets and net charge of provisions for contingencies and losses, both disclosed in the “financial report”)
    • less – Net charge (release) of provisions for pensions (as disclosed in the “financial report”).

    OMDAL: OMDA – lease repayments.

    Gearing: The proportion, expressed as a percentage of net debt to total shareholders’ equity (Group share and minority interests).

    Interest cover ratio: Operating margin divided by the net cost of financial debt, expressed as a multiple.

    Leverage ratio: Net debt (before changes in working capital actions and IFRS 9 fair value adjustment) / OMDAL rolling 12-months.

    Operating income (loss): Operating income (loss) comprises net income (loss) before deferred and current income taxes, net financial income (expense), and share of net profit (loss) of equity-accounted investments.

    Cash flow from operations: Cash flow coming from the operations and calculated as a difference between OMDA, net capital expenditures, lease payment and change in working capital requirement.

    Net cash or net debt: Net cash or net debt comprises total borrowings (bonds, short term and long-term loans, securitization and other borrowings), short-term financial assets and liabilities bearing interest with maturity of less than 12 months, less cash and cash equivalents. Liabilities associated with lease contracts and derivatives are excluded from the net debt.

    Free Cash Flow (FCF): The Free Cash Flow represents the change in net cash or net debt, excluding capital increase, share buyback, dividends paid to shareholders and non-controlling interests, net acquisition or disposal of companies.

    Earnings (loss) per share (EPS): Basic EPS is the net income (loss) divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is the net income (loss) divided by the diluted weighted-average number of common shares for the period (number of shares outstanding + dilutive instruments with dilutive effect).

    Revenue: Revenue related to Atos’ sales to third parties (excluding VAT).

    TCV (Total Contract Value): The Total Value of a Contract at signature (prevision or estimation) over its duration represents the firm order and contractual part of the contract excluding any clause on the decision of the client, as anticipated withdrawal clause, additional option or renewal.

    Order entry/bookings: The TCV, orders or amendments signed during a defined period. When an offer is won (contract signed), the total contract value is added to the backlog and the order entry is recognized.

    Book-to-bill: The Book-to-Bill is the ratio expressed in percentage of the order entry in a period divided by revenue of the same period.

    Backlog/Order cover: The value of signed contracts, orders and amendments that remain to be recognized over their contract lives.

    Pipeline: The value of revenues that may be earned from outstanding commercial proposals issued to clients. Qualified pipeline applies an estimated percentage likelihood of proposal success.

    Direct Staff: Direct staff includes permanent staff and subcontractors, whose work is billable to a third party.

    Indirect staff: Indirect staff includes permanent staff or subcontractors, who are not billable to clients. Indirect staff is not directly involved in the generation of products and/or services delivered to clients.

    Disclaimer

    This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including references, concerning the Group’s expected growth and profitability in the future which may significantly impact the expected performance indicated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are linked to factors out of the control of the Company and not precisely estimated, such as market conditions or competitors’ behaviors. Any forward-looking statements made in this document are statements about Atos’s beliefs and expectations and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements include statements that may relate to Atos’s plans, objectives, strategies, goals, future events, future revenues or synergies, or performance, and other information that is not historical information. Actual events or results may differ from those described in this document due to a number of risks and uncertainties that are described within the 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on April 10, 2025 under the registration number D.25-0238. Atos does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation or responsibility to update or amend any of the information above except as otherwise required by law.

    This document does not contain or constitute an offer of Atos’s shares for sale or an invitation or inducement to invest in Atos’s shares in France, the United States of America or any other jurisdiction. This document includes information on specific transactions that shall be considered as projects only. In particular, any decision relating to the information or projects mentioned in this document and their terms and conditions will only be made after the ongoing in-depth analysis considering tax, legal, operational, finance, HR and all other relevant aspects have been completed and will be subject to general market conditions and other customary conditions, including governance bodies and shareholders’ approval as well as appropriate processes with the relevant employee representative bodies in accordance with applicable laws.

    About Atos Group

    Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 70,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 67 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Contact

    Investor relations: investors@atos.net

    Individual shareholders: +33 8 05 65 00 75

    Media relations: globalprteam@atos.net


    1 Excluding change in Working Capital Actions

    2 Excluding change in Working Capital Actions

    3 At Dec 31, 2024 currency

    4 At constant currency

    5 Defined as Operating Margin before Depreciations, Amortization and Leases

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump demanded that 17 pharmaceutical companies reduce drug prices within 60 days

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    WASHINGTON, July 31 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday sent letters to the heads of 17 pharmaceutical companies, demanding that they lower drug prices within 60 days, threatening to take action if they refuse.

    On his Truth Social page, D. Trump published letters sent to 17 pharmaceutical manufacturers, including Eli Lilly, Pfizer and Merck. They demand that they take steps to reduce drug prices in the US.

    The letters were sent after Trump signed an executive order in May to restore the “most favored nation” policy, which is designed to lower drug prices by tying the cost of some medications in the U.S. to much lower prices in other developed countries.

    “Most of the proposals my administration has received to ‘solve’ this critical problem have promised the same thing: shifting blame and demanding policy changes that will result in billions of dollars in handouts to industry,” Trump said in the letters.

    “Going forward, the only thing I will accept from drug manufacturers is a commitment to protect American families from exorbitant drug prices and to stop European and other developed countries from freely using American innovations,” he said.

    D. Trump also warned that if the pharmaceutical companies that received the letters refuse to meet, “we will use every tool in our arsenal to protect American families from continued abuses in drug pricing.” The president did not specify what measures would be taken.

    Currently, brand-name drugs in the United States cost, on average, three times more than identical drugs in other countries, the letters say.

    Shares of major pharmaceutical companies fell after the letter news broke. On Thursday, shares of Eli Lilly and Pfizer fell more than 2 percent, while shares of Merck fell more than 4 percent. –0–

    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

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump signs executive order to change tariff rates with dozens of trading partners

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    NEW YORK, July 31 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order further changing tariff rates with nearly 70 trading partners.

    The decree introduces “additional ad valorem duties on goods from certain trading partners.”

    According to an appendix to the White House press release, most of the new tariff rates range from 10 percent to 40 percent.

    The new tariffs will come into force seven days after the date of the decree, except in cases related to logistics.

    As D. Trump noted in the document, some US trading partners, despite participating in the negotiations, proposed conditions that do not sufficiently eliminate the “imbalance” in trade relations or do not meet US demands on “economic and national security issues.”

    “Some trading partners have failed to engage with the United States or to take adequate steps to sufficiently align their actions with the United States on economic and national security issues,” the president said.

    The order requires the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Homeland Security, along with other senior officials, to publish every six months a list of countries and specific facilities used in tariff evasion schemes to inform government procurement, national security reviews, and commercial due diligence.

    In addition, key U.S. government agencies are directed and authorized to take “all necessary actions” to implement this order consistent with applicable law. –0–

    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

  • MIL-Evening Report: Marine climate interventions can have unintended consequences – we need to manage the risks

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emily M. Ogier, Associate Professor in Marine Social Science, University of Tasmania

    Stock for you, Shutterstock

    The world’s oceans are being rapidly transformed as climate change intensifies. Corals are bleaching, sea levels are rising, and seawater is becoming more acidic – making life difficult for shellfish and reef-building corals. All this and more is unfolding on our watch, with profound consequences for marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them.

    In response, scientists, governments and industries are trying to intervene.
    People all over the world are experimenting with new ways to capture and store more carbon dioxide, or make up for damage already done.

    Ocean-based climate actions include breeding more heat-tolerant corals, restoring mangroves, and farming seaweed. Such interventions offer hope, but they’re also inherently risky. Some may be ineffective, inequitable or even harmful.

    The pace of innovation is now outstripping the capacity to responsibly regulate, monitor and evaluate these interventions. This means current and future generations may not be getting value for money, or worse – the chance to avoid irreversible change may be slipping away.

    In our new research, published in Science, we reviewed the latest evidence on known and perceived risks of new ocean-based climate interventions. We then gathered emerging ideas on how to reduce those risks.

    We found the risks aren’t being widely considered, and the benefits are unclear. But there are emerging assessment tools and planning frameworks we can build on, to plan ocean-based climate actions that meet humanity’s climate goals.

    The promise and peril of marine climate interventions

    Marine climate interventions vary in scope and ambition. Examples can be found all over the world. These include:

    Some interventions are still at proof-of-concept stage, and several have been tested and abandoned. Others are facing challenges owing to complexity of monitoring and verification.

    Each has its own set of benefits, costs and risks. For example, making the ocean more alkaline may help to squeeze in more carbon from the atmosphere, but it’s difficult to verify how much carbon has been removed. This makes it hard to justify the costs and the potential damage to ecosystems, such as effects on local fish populations.

    Restoring coral can support biodiversity in the short term, but it may not last as warming exceeds their (modified) ability to adapt. This type of intervention is also expensive and labour-intensive, with unintended emissions from energy-intensive processes. So it may be impossible to scale up.

    Seaweed farming at scale would occupy thousands if not millions of square kilometres of oceans, displacing fishing, shipping and conservation. Harvesting 1 billion tonnes of seaweed carbon would require farming more than 1 million square km of the Pacific Ocean, and would deliver just 10% of the annual atmospheric carbon dioxide removal required to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

    It’s doubtful whether seaweed farming would actually remove carbon from the atmosphere. But seaweed farming can – if well-planned – produce a range of other climate-related benefits.

    Moreover, interventions often overlap in space and time, creating cumulative impacts and unintended consequences. In some cases, the projects may displace other users, undermine Indigenous rights, or erode public trust in climate science and policy. Without careful understanding and planning, these efforts could exacerbate the very problems they aim to solve.

    Governance gaps and ethical dilemmas

    One of the most pressing challenges is the lack of regulation and oversight suited to the scale and complexity of marine climate interventions.

    Existing regulations are often outdated, fragmented, or designed for land-based systems. Few countries have biosafety laws for the ocean. This means many interventions proceed without comprehensive risk assessments or community consultation.

    Ethical dilemmas abound. Who decides what constitutes a “healthy” ocean? Who bears responsibility if an intervention causes harm? And how do we ensure benefits — such as improved livelihoods or climate resilience — are equitably distributed?

    Currently, scientists, funding bodies and non-government organisations do the bulk of the decision-making. There is limited input from governments, local communities and Indigenous Peoples. This imbalance risks perpetuating historical injustices and undermining the legitimacy of many ocean-based climate actions.

    Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement has been proposed for St Ives in Cornwall.
    diego_torres, pixabug, FAL

    Toward responsible marine transformation

    We identified opportunities for scientists, policymakers, and funding bodies to work together more effectively on more comprehensive assessments of interventions.

    Guidelines and insights are emerging from experimental-scale research into capturing and storing “blue” carbon in ocean and coastal ecosystems. Similarly, a non-profit organisation in the United States has developed a code of conduct for marine carbon dioxide removal. However these guidelines are yet to be integrated into broader governance frameworks.

    Awareness of the urgent need to ensure intervention is done responsibly is also growing. Many high-level policy documents now recognise the importance of transitioning to more sustainable, equitable, and adaptive states. For example, the Samoa Climate Change Policy 2020 recognises the need to adapt coastal economies and communities to warming oceans, while also working to reduce carbon emissions.

    We can use the ocean in our fight against climate change (United Nations)

    Proceed with caution

    The ocean is central to our climate future. It absorbs heat, stores carbon, and sustains life. But it is also vulnerable — and increasingly, a site of experimentation. If we are to harness the promise of ocean-based climate action, we must do so with care, humility, and foresight.

    Responsible governance is not a barrier to innovation — it is its foundation. By embedding ethical, inclusive, and evidence-based principles into our marine climate strategies, we can chart a course toward a more resilient and equitable ocean future.

    Emily M. Ogier receives salary support from the Australia Research Council. She receives funding from The Nature Conservancy, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and the Blue economy Centre for Research Excellence. She is affiliated with the Centre for Marine Socioecology.

    Gretta Pecl receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet (Tasmania), the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, The Ian Potter Foundation and has received travel funding support from the Australian government for participation in the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change process. She is affiliated with the Biodiversity Council and the Centre for Marine Socioecology.

    Tiffany Morrison receives funding from the Australian Research Council Laureate and Discovery Programmes, WorldFish-CGIAR ( (formerly the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research), and The Nature Conservancy Science for Nature and People Partnership.

    ref. Marine climate interventions can have unintended consequences – we need to manage the risks – https://theconversation.com/marine-climate-interventions-can-have-unintended-consequences-we-need-to-manage-the-risks-262343

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US cuts tariffs on Cambodian products even further: PM

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    PHNOM PENH, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) — The United States has cut tariffs on Cambodian products to 19 percent, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on social media on Friday.

    According to him, on April 2, Washington announced a duty of 49 percent, but on July 7, after negotiations, it was reduced to 36 percent. Now the rate has been reduced for the second time. –0–

    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

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: Interest Rates Need to Come Down

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Joins Fox Business to Discuss Interest Rates and Trade Deals
    Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Fox Business to discuss the Federal Reserve’s refusal to lower interest rates, and how the President’s trade strategy isn’t harming Americans but will get us leverage on our geo-political rivals.

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview
    On the Federal Reserve not raising interest rates:
    “Well, I wasn’t surprised, because there’s a reason that President Trump calls him Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell. Let’s go back to March of 2021, and Jerome Powell says inflation is going to be transitory. It’s 18 months later, and it’s just starting to peak, and it’s not a couple months after that before it starts coming down. So, he is indeed always too late.
    “And let me put an exclamation point behind what President Trump is saying. To that average Kansas farmer back home, they have an operation loan of a million dollars. We saw interest rates on those loans go from 2% to 9% and that’s what caused a record drop in net farm income. So, he’s right. Every point matters. And I’m not saying we should drop at two or three points, but dropping at a quarter point or a half point, come on. I think that the economy would dictate that. Now we don’t know what’s holding up Jay Powell, except he’s always too late.”
    On the real impact of the trade deals President Trump has secured:
    “Well, I’m going to trust Michelle Bowman, of course. She’s from Council Grove, Kansas, but let’s just think about this for a second. Of all the goods that Americans consume, only about 11% of them are imported. Only 11%. So, let’s just suppose there’s a 10% tariff on 11% of what we consume. Well, my little math says that’s going to be a 1.1% increase, assuming that’s all passed along to the consumer, and you know, it’s not going to. So, I think that these tariffs could cause a one-time hit of one or 2%, but I think the manufacturers are going to absorb a lot of that. The wholesalers are going to absorb a lot of that as well.
    “And meanwhile, we’re trying to balance this trillion-dollar trade deficit. So, I think President Trump is right on task. Look at what he’s doing; Cambodia and Thailand today, he’s surrounded China. He’s got Indonesia done, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, the Philippines, [and] South Korea. So, he’s going to push China. They’ve got till August. The 12th is their deadline, I believe. So, President Trump is doing a good job.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: Making America Healthy Again Starts with Cost Transparency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Senator Marshall Questions Healthcare Experts on Solutions to Rising Healthcare Costs
    Washington – On Thursday,U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), questioned healthcare experts, Ms. Chris Deacon, Principal and Founder at VerSan Consulting, Dr. Benedic Ippolito, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and Mr. Wendell Potter, President of the Center for Health and Democracy, during the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing focused on making American health care more affordable.

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full exchange.
    Highlights from the hearing include:
    On Healthcare costs transparency:
    Senator Marshall: “I think that we have today before us a 90 to 10 issue. Maybe it’s 95 to 5. Americans are concerned about the cost of health care. Since I got here four years ago, eight years ago, four years ago in the Senate, I’ve talked about the pillar of transparency, more innovation and consumerism, letting patients be consumers again. So, it’s wonderful that we get an opportunity to address solutions. We’ve all described the product and the problem. Now let’s talk about solutions. I’m very proud of one of our signature legislation we’ve been working on for eight years, the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act. I appreciate Senator Hickenlooper’s support, Senator Hassan, Senator Grassley, she he and Ernst their support as well. Could you imagine walking into a grocery store, going to the meat department, and not seeing the prices on the different meats? Could you imagine going to a clothing store and not knowing what the prices are on the suits? Most of us walk up there, and we look at a suit, what’s the first thing I do? I look at the price of it. But in health care, they buried the prices. So, what our legislation attempts to do is to get price tags on health care. What a novel thought, and a couple of thoughts on what our bill does, and get your reaction. Ms. Deacon, I’ll start with you as a consumer. You have a choice of getting your hip replaced at one facility for $10,000, another one is $50,000, and that’s not unreasonable numbers to compare a hip replacement 10 versus 50. How would you, as a consumer, how would that impact the eventual cost of healthcare? If you’re in a self-insured plan and you’re running that plan, how would it impact your decisions to drive down the cost of healthcare?”
    Ms. Chris Deacon: “I mean, as a consumer, absolutely, if I had out of pocket, I would both evaluate for quality and cost to determine value, and I would likely find myself at the $10,000 clinic, but as an employer sponsor, if all of my members were to have such information, it would dramatically lower the cost of premiums every year, especially for our self-insured employers, because more consumers would be able to evaluate such terms.”
    On driving down the costs of health insurance:
    Senator Marshall: “And this is a wild guess, could it drive down the cost of health insurance for an employed, self-employed fund, 10, 20, 30, 40% perhaps. I mean, it’s a big number.”
    Ms. Chris Deacon: “Yes, we’ve absolutely seen employers that are able to do that, save 30 to 40% on premiums.”
    On group health care plans access to their own data:
    Senator Marshall: “Dr. Ippolito, another component of our bill ensures that group health care plans have access to their own claim data. Can you believe it? I have a self-insured plan, and I can’t look at my own claim data? Would that be helpful to us, specifically a self-insured plan?”
    Dr. Benedic Ippolito: “Well, sure. I mean, at a minimum, if you’re sitting there trying to think about what services are we going to use next year, what kind of plan looks good for us? If you don’t know what services you use, you can’t do that. And so, in terms of those basic tasks that your employer, who’s your agent in this world, for many of us, is tasked with providing, they need that information. So yeah, it seems like a baseline, a prerequisite.”
    On PBM price gouging:
    Senator Marshall: “So is there anyone in this panel that disagrees that price tags could not be helpful in driving down the cost of healthcare? Does anyone want to counter that argument? Okay, good. I want to turn to delinking just for a second. Of course, talking about pharmaceutical benefits. PBMs, right? Very horizontally, vertically integrated, four companies, three companies controlling 85% of the of the industry. And many of you talked about the oligo monopolies that they’re forming here, specifically Senator Kaine and I have a bill called delinking, and it delinks the money the pharmacy benefit managers make from the cost of the of the drug. So PBMs create formularies that really prevent you from using the generic drugs at less cost, they push you to the more expensive ones. So, I’ll start with Mr. Potter. Would reform such as delinking PBM compensation from the list price of medicines benefit patients in meaningful ways and drive down the cost of drugs?”
    Mr. Wendell Potter: “I absolutely agree. I think it’s very important legislation. I think there should be delinking. That game, I think, incentivizes drug companies to have a higher list price, and then the middleman that you’re showing, that they’re on that board, are sucking so much money from the pharmacy supply chain. When I was at Cigna, Cigna didn’t own a very big PBM. It bought Express grips recently, a few years ago, and now it is largely a PBM that also has insurance plans.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: AI talent mobility seen in high gear

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

    Jobseekers talk with recruitment representatives at an artificial intelligence (AI) job fair held in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang province, on June 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As the domestic artificial intelligence market draws increasing capital inflow and gains more support as a key innovation driver, talent in the sector has shown signs of heightened mobility this year, according to data released by Maimai, a domestic recruitment platform.

    As of July, 41.1 percent of employees at top AI companies in China had set their job status on the platform as “open to opportunities”, indicating a strong willingness to switch jobs, said Maimai.

    “February marked a pivotal turning point,” said Yang Ying, director of business operations at Maimai. “Since then, the number of AI professionals who switched their status to ‘open to opportunities’ has surged noticeably.”

    Yang added that about 10,000 AI professionals are newly marking themselves as open to job opportunities each month, while over 1,000 companies had posted AI-related openings on the platform by the end of July.

    The platform categorizes job status into three types: “open to opportunities”, “watching the market” and “not looking for jobs for the next six months”, designed to serve as indicators of talent mobility in different industries.

    In contrast, professionals in the broader internet industry show significantly less job-hopping intent, with only 14.7 percent marking themselves as actively seeking new roles, as of July.

    “The talent supply-demand ratio in the AI sector last year was roughly one-to-one — one candidate for each job opening. But in the first half of this year, the ratio has shifted to four candidates competing for three positions,” said Lin Fan, founder and CEO of Maimai. Lin also noted a 30 percent jump in the volume of AI job applications submitted in the first half of this year alone.

    Zhou Jian, a data analyst at the International Finance Forum, said the emerging rise of large language models such as ChatGPT was likely a watershed moment that accelerated AI development.

    “Landmark technological breakthroughs can draw heightened market attention, drive capital into AI-related sectors and serve as powerful catalysts for growth,” Zhou said.

    This week, the IFF released its report on the AI sector, which identifies talent shortages as one of the major roadblocks facing the AI industry. Still, the report remains optimistic about long-term talent growth, projecting a global increase of 2.85 million AI professionals over the next five years, bringing the total to approximately 5.85 million.

    It also showed that currently, there are about 3 million AI professionals worldwide, with 32.6 percent based in the United States and 24.4 percent in China.

    The report revealed that nearly 50 percent of AI professionals are engaged in core areas like research and development (32.6 percent) and data analytics (16.2 percent), with a dominance of R&D-related hiring across major AI companies.

    “This situation suggests that the industry is still in an early development phase,” Zhou noted.

    Campus recruitment data from Maimai showed that a significant portion of entry-level AI salaries still fall in the lower end. Positions offering monthly salaries under 20,000 yuan ($2,781) account for 32.5 percent, while those exceeding 50,000 yuan make up only 18.2 percent. More than 55 percent of roles offer salaries below 30,000 yuan.

    However, Yang from Maimai added that the recruitment platform has observed rising demand for AI talent beyond core technical roles as the country’s new economy sectors accelerate AI adoption.

    “Opportunities are increasingly emerging in non-tech functions such as product management, HR business partnering, branding and operations,” Yang said, adding that candidates with AI project experience often see a notable uptick in profile views after updating their resumes.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Joint Statement on the Inaugural Joint Oversight Committee Meeting for the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Washington – 1 August 2025

    On July 31, 2025, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda (Rwanda), along with observers from the United States, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union facilitator), and the African Union Commission held the first meeting of the Joint Oversight Committee for the Peace Agreement Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Rwanda that was signed in Washington, D.C. on June 27, 2025.

    The Joint Oversight Committee is charged with serving as a forum for implementation and dispute resolution of the peace agreement.  The Committee is responsible for receiving complaints about violations of the agreement, taking appropriate measures to address violations, and amicably settling disputes.  During the first meeting, the parties selected their Chairpersons for the Committee, adopted terms of reference to govern future meetings of the Committee, discussed progress on implementing the Agreement, and prepared for the first meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism.

    The African Union, State of Qatar, and the United States participated in these discussions to ensure complementarity and alignment between implementation efforts and on-going initiatives aimed at dialogue and durable peace in the region.  Both the DRC and Rwanda expressed their appreciation for the invaluable contributions and joint efforts of the African Union, United States, and Qatar as partners in advancing a peaceful resolution.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Rejects US Accusations Over Ukraine Crisis

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) — China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Geng Shuang on Thursday rejected U.S. accusations against China over its role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    At a Security Council meeting on Ukraine, a US envoy accused China of being the “most important supplier” to Russia’s military efforts.

    In response, the Chinese diplomat rejected the false and slanderous statements against China by the United States as absolutely unacceptable.

    China did not create the Ukrainian crisis and is not a party to it. China has never supplied lethal weapons to either side in the conflict and strictly controls the export of dual-use goods, including drones, Geng Shuang said.

    “The parties to the conflict are not under sanctions by the Security Council. China maintains normal trade relations with Russia and Ukraine. In doing so, it does not violate international law or its international obligations. China’s legitimate rights and interests should not be infringed upon,” the deputy permanent representative said. “In fact, the United States has still maintained trade with Russia. If the United States itself does this, why does it not allow others to do the same?” he added.

    The Ukrainian crisis is at a critical stage, and there is hope for a political solution. The United States cannot, on the one hand, expect China to play its role in ending the conflict as soon as possible, and on the other hand, continue to denigrate China and put pressure on it, Geng Shuang said.

    China once again calls on the United States to stop playing meaningless blame games, stop shifting responsibility to others, and play a constructive role in ending the fighting and advancing peace talks, the diplomat said.

    Resolving the Ukrainian crisis requires unity and cooperation, not division and confrontation, the deputy permanent representative added.

    Speaking about arms supplies to Ukraine, Geng Shuang expressed concern about the expanding variety and range of weapons entering the battlefield, as well as their growing lethality and destructive power.

    Reckless transfers of weapons to the battlefield will only escalate the confrontation, prolong the conflict, create risks of its spread and lead to further casualties and suffering for the populations of both sides and the entire region, he warned.

    The first priority for Russia and Ukraine is to work together to de-escalate the situation on the battlefield as quickly as possible. They must maintain the momentum of the talks, continue to seek consensus, and ultimately reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement, the diplomat said.

    Since the first day of the conflict, China has advocated peaceful resolution of disputes and called on the parties to the conflict to stop hostilities, start negotiations and restore peace as soon as possible, Geng Shuang said, adding that China will continue to cooperate with the international community to play a constructive role in an early political settlement of the crisis. –0–

    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

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nigeria: African Development Bank Approves $46 Million to Transform Healthcare in Sokoto State

    Source: APO

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $46 million loan to finance the Sokoto State Health Infrastructure Project, a transformative initiative designed to enhance healthcare access and quality in Nigeria’s Sokoto State.

    The project addresses critical health system gaps in Sokoto, where key indicators reflect a critical need for intervention. Only one in 20 children is fully vaccinated, while infant mortality stands at 104 deaths per 1,000 live births, nearly double Nigeria’s national average of 63. Less than 14 percent of health facilities in the state have functional infrastructure, and there is just one doctor for every 8,285 people — far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:1,000.

    The Bank’s financing will support the delivery of climate-smart health infrastructure across three levels of care. These include the construction and equipping of a 1,000-bed teaching hospital complex; three zonal hospitals with a combined capacity of 450 beds; and six primary healthcare canters strategically located to serve rural communities.

    The project also includes the rehabilitation of health training institutions and the development of a modern medical warehouse to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains.

    “This investment illustrates our commitment to continue working with the Government to fill critical infrastructure gaps in Nigeria’s health system while building resilient, climate-adapted healthcare facilities,” said Abdul Kamara, Director General of the African Development Bank’s Nigeria Office. “By strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Sokoto State, we are building hope and creating pathways to better health outcomes for millions of Nigerians.”

    Aligned with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021-2025) and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the project is expected to generate approximately 2,500 jobs, with 60 percent of opportunities targeting youth and 30 percent women. In addition, the project will integrate electronic health infrastructure and renewable energy systems, ensuring sustainable, energy-efficient operations while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Expanded capacity in local the medical and nursing schools will create 700 new training slots annually, helping to address the region’s acute shortage of skilled health professionals.

    The initiative builds on the Bank’s successful track record in Nigeria’s health sector, where it has financed four health infrastructure projects totaling $117.68 million. It will leverage strategic partnerships with the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organization, USAID, and other development actors to maximize impact and ensure comprehensive health system strengthening.

    The African Development Bank Group remains committed to enhancing the quality of life for Africa’s people through targeted investments in resilient health infrastructure that drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media Contact:
    Natalie Nkembuh,
    Communication and Media Relations Department  
    media@afdb.org

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ ‘lagging behind’ world by failing to recognise Palestinian statehood, says former PM Helen Clark

    By Craig McCulloch, RNZ News acting political editor

    New Zealand is lagging behind the rest of the world through its failure to recognise Palestinian statehood, says Former Prime Minister Helen Clark.

    Canada yesterday became the latest country to announce it would formally recognise the state of Palestine when world leaders met at the UN General Assembly in September.

    It follows recent similar commitments from the France and the United Kingdom.

    On Wednesday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon suggested the discussion was a distraction and said the immediate focus should be on getting humanitarian aid into Gaza.

    But, speaking to RNZ Midday Report, Clark said New Zealand needed to come on board.

    “We are watching a catastrophe unfold in Gaza. We’re watching starvation. We’re watching famine conditions for many. Many are using the word genocide,” she said.

    “If New Zealand can’t act in these circumstances, when can it act?”

    Elders call for recognition
    “The Elders, a group of world leaders of which Clark is a part, last month issued a call for countries to recognise the state of Palestine, calling it the “beginning, not the end of a political pathway towards lasting peace”.

    Clark said the government seemed to be trying avoid the ire of the United States by waiting until the peace process was well underway or nearing its end.

    “That is no longer tenable,” she said.

    “New Zealand really is lagging behind.”

    Even before the recent commitments from France, Canada and the UK, 147 of the UN’s 193 member states had recognised the Palestinian state.

    Clark said the hope was that the series of recognitions from major Western states would first shift the US position and then Israel’s.

    “When the US moves, Israel eventually jumps because it owes so much to the United States for the support, financial, military and otherwise,” she said.

    “At some point, Israel has to smell the coffee.”

    Surprised over Peters
    Clark said she was “a little surprised” that Foreign Minister Winston Peters had not been more forward-leaning given he historically had strongly advocated New Zealand’s even-handed position.

    On Wednesday, New Zealand signed a joint statement with 14 other countries expressing a willingness to recognise the State of Palestine as a necessary step towards a two-state solution.

    However, later speaking in Parliament, Peters said that was conditional on first seeing progress from Palestine, including representative governance, commitment to non-violence, and security guarantees for Israel.

    “If we are to recognise the state of Palestine, New Zealand wants to know that what we are recognising is a legitimate, representative, viable, political entity,” Peters told MPs.

    Peters also agreed with a contribution from ACT’s Simon Court that recognising the state of Palestine could be viewed as “a reward [to Hamas] for acts of terrorism” if it was done before Hamas had returned hostages or laid down arms.

    Luxon earlier told RNZ New Zealand had long supported the eventual recognition of Palestinian statehood, but that the immediate focus should be on getting aid into Gaza rather than “fragmenting and talking about all sorts of other things that are distractions”.

    “We need to put the pressure on Israel to get humanitarian assistance unfettered, at scale, at volume, into Gaza,” he told RNZ.

    “You can talk about a whole bunch of other things, but for right now, the world needs to focus.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: US Consul General pays visit to Armagh

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Lord Mayor of Armagh Stephen Moutray welcomes US Consul General James Applegate to The Palace Armagh The Palace Armagh CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

    The US Consul General, Mr James Applegate (US Consulate General Belfast), accompanied by Ms Dori Winter, Political Economic Chief, paid a visit to the Archbishops Palace, Armagh yesterday (30th July 2025) where they met with the Lord Mayor, Alderman Stephen Moutray, Chief Executive, Mr Roger Wilson and Director, Mr Paul Tamati.

    Mr Applegate and Ms Winter were happy to chat on a range of issues including the continuation of the important economic links that our Borough has with the USA and the importance of strengthening these.

    2026 also marks the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in the United States and the Consul General also talked about how Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council may possibly play a part in these celebrations.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Steil Applauds Groundbreaking Crypto Report

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) released the following statement after the release of the White House Crypto Policy Report:

    “The golden age of Digital Assets is here and America will lead,” said Steil. I applaud President Trump and AI & Crypto Czar Sacks for promoting a stable regulatory regime for digital assets in the United States. This report expresses strong support for the CLARITY Act, provides a roadmap for building on the historic signing of the GENIUS Act, and charts a path forward for ensuring U.S. leadership in the Web3 revolution.”

    Background: 

    • Congressman Steil serves as the Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.
    • Congressman Steil is an original cosponsor of the CLARITY Act. The CLARITY Act will establish a federal framework for the issuance and trading of digital assets in the United States.
    • The CLARITY Act passed through the House on July 17, 2025 on a non-partisan vote of 294-132.
       

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Veasey Statement on Republican Racist Redistricting Plan

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

    Headline: Congressman Veasey Statement on Republican Racist Redistricting Plan

    Fort Worth, TX – Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) released the following statement on the proposed congressional map by Republican lawmakers: 

    “Let’s be clear – this map is racist, it’s illegal, and it’s part of a long, ugly tradition of trying to keep Black and Brown Texas from having a voice. What Donald Trump and Greg Abbott are doing isn’t about democracy – it’s about consolidating power. Republicans are bending their knee to a wannabe king, drawing maps in backrooms to appease a man who tried to overthrow an election and now wants to overthrow the will of Texans.

    “To Trump, Abbott, and the servile Republicans, I say this: Black people in this country fought, bled, and died for the right to vote, and we will never bend the knee again to any man. Not to Trump. Not Abbott. Not to anyone who thinks they can shut us out.

    “Trump and the Republican cowards want to rig the system because they know they can’t win when every voice counts and every vote matters. So instead of earning our votes, they are trying to erase us. 

    “But we are still here. We will fight in the courts, in the streets, and at the ballot box. No matter how hard they try, we aren’t going anywhere.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Patria Reports Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Patria (Nasdaq:PAX) reported today its unaudited results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. The full detailed presentation of Patria’s second quarter 2025 results can be accessed on the Shareholders section of Patria’s website at https://ir.patria.com/.

    Alex Saigh, Patria’s CEO, said: “In 2Q we made continued progress in leveraging and expanding the diversified platform we’ve built the past several years as fundraising was a solid $1.3 billion in the quarter, bringing our total fundraising over the first half of 2025 to ~$4.5 billion. Reflecting our strong fundraising momentum and confidence in our outlook, we now expect full-year fundraising to be 5%-10% higher than our initial $6 billion target. We also reported 2Q25 FRE of $46 million, or $0.29 per share, representing year-over-year growth of 17% and 11%, respectively. Also, FEAUM grew 6% sequentially and 20% year-over-year, and we generated over $600 million of organic net inflows. Over the first half of 2025 our annualized organic growth rate exceeded 8%.

    While a looming trade war and global economic concerns create potential headwinds, we believe we are well positioned to generate the $200 to $225 million of FRE we are targeting for 2025 as the increased diversification of our platform is paying off in terms of fundraising and profitable organic growth, enhancing our confidence in the three-year targets we introduced at our Investor Day back on December 9th.”

    Financial Highlights (reported in $ USD)

    IFRS results included $12.9 million of net income attributable to Patria in Q2 2025. Patria generated Fee Related Earnings of $46.1 million in Q2 2025, up 17% from $39.5 million in Q2 2024, with an FRE margin of 56.8%. Distributable Earnings were $38.8 million for Q2 2025, or $0.24 per share.

    Dividends

    Patria declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share to record holders of common stock at the close of business on August 15th, 2025. This dividend will be paid on September 15th, 2025.

    Share Repurchase Program

    Patria’s board of directors has authorized a new share repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, Patria may repurchase up to 3 million of its outstanding Class A common shares in the open market, based on prevailing market prices, or in privately negotiated transactions, over a period beginning in August 2025 continuing until the earlier of the completion of the repurchase or August 2026, depending upon market conditions. Patria’s board of directors will review the repurchase program periodically and may authorize adjustments to its terms and size or suspend or discontinue the repurchase program. Such purchases may benefit from the safe harbors provided by Rule 10b-18 and/or Rule 10b5-1, promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased under the repurchase program will depend on several factors, including constraints specified in the Rule 10b-18 and/or Rule 10b5-1, price, general business and market conditions, and alternative investment opportunities. The repurchase program does not obligate Patria to acquire any specific number of shares in any period, and may be expanded, extended, modified or discontinued at any time.

    Conference Call

    Patria will host its second quarter 2025 earnings conference call via public webcast on August 1st, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET. To register and join, please use the following link:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/rpv5tvp5

    For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, there will be a webcast replay on the Shareholders section of Patria’s website at https://ir.patria.com/ shortly after the call’s completion.

    About Patria

    Patria is a global alternative asset management firm focused on the mid-market segment, specializing in resilient sectors across select regions. We are a leading asset manager in Latin America and have a strong presence in Europe through our extensive network of General Partners relationships. Our on-the-ground presence combines investment leaders, sector experts, company managers, and strategic relationships, allowing us to identify compelling investment opportunities accessible only to those with local proficiency. With 37 years of experience and over $48 billion in assets under management, we believe we consistently deliver attractive returns through long-term investments, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the regions where we operate. Further information is available at www.patria.com.

    Asset Classes: Private Equity, Solutions (GPMS), Credit, Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Public Equities

    Main sectors: Agribusiness, Power & Energy, Healthcare, Logistics & Transportations, Food & Beverage and Digital & Tech Services

    Investment Regions: Latin America, Europe and the U.S.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “indicator,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words, among others. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Further information on these and other factors that could affect our financial results is included in filings we have made and will make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including but not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in our periodic filings.

    Contact

    Patria Shareholder Relations
    E. PatriaShareholderRelations@patria.com
    T. +1 917 769 1611

    The MIL Network

  • Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair assumes charge as Controller Personnel Services

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair, AVSM, NM, has assumed charge as the Controller Personnel Services (CPS) at the Indian Navy on July 31. On taking over the new responsibility, the senior officer paid homage at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, honouring the sacrifices of India’s brave soldiers.

    Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991, Vice Admiral Nair is a specialist in Communications and Electronic Warfare. Over his distinguished career spanning more than three decades, he has held several key command, operational, and staff appointments.

    A Surface Warfare Officer, the Flag Officer’s sea tenures include service on INS Krishna, INS Kora, and INS Mysore. He has served as Fleet Electronic Warfare Officer and later as Fleet Communications Officer of the Western Fleet, during which he was awarded the Chief of the Naval Staff commendation for his contribution to the non-combatant evacuation of Indian nationals from Beirut during the Israel-Lebanon conflict in July 2006.

    Vice Admiral Nair has commanded INS Kirch (Missile Corvette), INS Chennai (Guided Missile Destroyer), and INS Vikramaditya (Aircraft Carrier). He has also served in various important shore appointments, including as Directing Staff at the Naval War College, Goa, Officer-in-Charge at Signal School, and Commodore (Personnel) at the Directorate of Personnel, Naval Headquarters. He was also a member of the Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council (INSOC), the Indian Navy’s think tank.

    An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the US Naval War College, Newport, USA, Vice Admiral Nair has been the recipient of several prestigious international awards, including the Robert E. Bateman International Award, Vice Admiral James H. Doyle Military Operations and International Law Prize, and the International Leadership Prize. He holds an M.Phil. in Defence and Strategic Studies from Mumbai University.

    He was awarded the Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) in 2000 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in January 2025.

    Upon promotion to Flag rank, Vice Admiral Nair served as Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Policy and Plans), where he played a pivotal role in formulating the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP 2022–37) and Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan (MIPP 2022–37). He subsequently commanded the Western Fleet in 2023–24 and led Operation Sankalp to safeguard India’s maritime interests in the region.

    Before assuming his current post, he served as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy.

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government announces measures to assist exporters

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has announced a set of measures in response to the tariff hike on South African exports to the United States, which comes into effect this month.

    “The dtic has announced a set of measures in response to the imminent 30% tariff hike on South African exports to the United States, which comes into effect on 1 August 2025.

    “These urgent interventions are part of the dtic’s ongoing commitment to protecting jobs, preserving market access in the United States, and promoting export diversification to alternate markets in Africa, the EU [European Union], Asia, Latin America, and other strategic partners,” Minister Parks Tau said in a statement ahead of the start of the implementation of the tariff.

    In Thursday’s statement, Tau said key among the interventions is the establishment of an Export Support Desk, which will serve as a direct point of contact for companies affected by the US tariff hike.

    “The Desk will provide updates on developments and tailored advisory services to exporters on alternative destinations, guidance on market entry processes, insights into compliance requirements and linkages to South African Embassies and High Commissions abroad.”

    READ | SA reaffirms commitment to US trade deal

    In July, President Cyril Ramaphosa noted the correspondence from the United States (US) President Donald Trump on the unilateral imposition of a 30% trade tariff against South Africa.

    In a letter addressed to President Ramaphosa, President Trump announced that he would subject imports from South Africa to new 30% tariffs, that would take effect from 1 August 2025.

    On Thursday, the dtic said the tariff hike poses a “direct threat” to the country’s export capacity, particularly in strategic sectors such as automotive, agro-processing, steel and chemicals, amongst others.

    “As government, we are fully committed to supporting our exporters through this challenging time. We are working with urgency and resolve to implement real and practical interventions that defend jobs and position South Africa competitively in a shifting global landscape.

    “The stakes are high and we must respond decisively to ensure our export industries remain resilient, competitive, and globally integrated into diversified markets.

    “Exporters are encouraged to engage directly with the Export Support Desk and also to visit the dtic website regularly for updates and support mechanisms. The dtic remains steadfast in its mission to assist local producers and safeguard South Africa’s trade interests amid growing global uncertainty,” the Minister explained.

    The contact details of the Export Support Desk are as follows:

    Exporters to the United States and Market Enquiries related to the Americas can contact:
    •    Ms. Nthatisi Moraloge 
    NMoraloge@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-1125
    Or 
    •    Mr. Karabo Modimokwane
    KModimokwane@thedtc.gov.za
    (012) 394-1164

    Market Enquiries related to other markets:

    In the African region exporters can contact: 
    •    Ms. Zamaswazi Nkosi 
    ZPNkosi@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-3533

    Or

    •    Mr. Mncedisi Madela
    MMadela@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-5659

    Or

    •    Ms. Sithembile Shongwe 
    SLShongwe@thedtic.gov.za 
    Or

    •    Ms. Sibongimpilo Mashatola
    SMashatola@thedtic.gov.za
    (012) 394-5507

    In ASEAN and Asia, exporters can contact:

    •    Ms. Meresina Ranphabana 
    MRanphabana@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-5918

    Or 
    •    Ms. Mundzhedzi Mahosi
    MMahosi@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-5645

    Or 
    •    Ms. Ledile Bambo  
    LBambo@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-1997

    Or 
    •    Mr. Kenneth Malatsi 
    MMahosi@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-1061

    In the Europe region, exporters can contact :

    •    Ms. Hloniphile Nkiwane
    HNkiwane@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-3496

    Or

    •    Mr. Seth Pule 
    SPule@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-3087

    In the Middle East, exporters can contact :
    •    Mr. Waseem Rinquest 
    WRinquest@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-5863

    Or

    •    Ms. Mpho Sebatana
    MSebatana@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-3415

    SAnews.gov.za 

    MIL OSI Africa

  • Trump issues executive order formalising India’s tariff at 25 percent

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As the deadline for tariffs neared, US President Donald Trump imposed the threatened tariff of 25 per cent on India starting Friday as the prolonged negotiations appeared to have stalled.

    His executive order, issued late Thursday, did not include penalty tariffs on buying Russian energy or for BRICS membership, which he had also threatened.

    When Trump initially threatened the 25 per cent tariff, India said it “will take all steps necessary to secure our national interest”.

    In the order setting the tariff rates for various countries, he claimed he was acting because “large and persistent annual US goods trade deficits constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States”.

    The 25 per cent tariff for India was higher than the rate ranging between 15 per cent and 19 per cent he imposed on most countries listed in the order.

    While India was one of the first countries to start negotiations with the US, the talks appeared to have foundered, and Trump made the threat of 25 per cent on Wednesday, but later that day, he held out a ray of hope, saying, “We’re talking to India now, we’ll see what happens”.

    He also did not issue a formal letter to India as he had to other countries.

    But it appears that last-minute negotiations did not lower the tariffs.

    While the negotiations were taking place, Trump repeatedly called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India his friends.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa continues to engage the United States (US) government on the reciprocal tariffs

    Source: APO


    .

    President Cyril Ramaphosa notes with concern the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States (US) on South African products.

    The reciprocal tariffs have been imposed by the US on a significant number of its trade partners and South Africa has not been spared. South Africa will continue negotiating with the US regarding the 30 percent tariff announced by the US, which will come into effect on or after 12h01 eastern daylight time, 7 days after 1 August 2025.

    All applicable exceptions published in the previous US Executive Order are set to remain in force and these exceptions covered products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap and energy and energy products. 

    Government has been engaging the United States, and has submitted a Framework Deal that aims to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US and our negotiators are ready pending invitation from the US. 

    In the meantime, Government is finalising a package to support companies that are vulnerable to the reciprocal tariffs. The package consists of a  number of measures to assist companies, producers and workers affected by the tariffs on SA exports to the US. The details of the measures will be announced in due course. 

    South Africa and US trade relations are complementary in nature and South African exports do not pose a threat to US industry. Importantly, SA exports to the US contain inputs from the African Continent and contribute to intra-Africa trade. 

    South Africa will continue to pursue all diplomatic efforts to safeguard its national interests.  It is important that as a country we keep our people at work and our companies producing some of the high-quality products destined for many parts of the world.

    To this end, Government will intensify its diversification strategy to create resilience of our economy and is working with export councils and industry associations, as well as top exporters to the US with a view to assist with alternative markets. In this regard, an Export Support Desk to provide updates on development and provide advisory services to exporters has been established. The details  are to be published by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition on its website. 

    Government, through the dtic is also in constant contact with the US on the  Framework Deal. The Executive order published by the United States today clarifies that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12h01 eastern daylight time, 7 days after 1 August 2025, and entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12h01 eastern daylight time on 5 October 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty and shall instead remain subject to the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed in Executive Order 14257, as amended.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI USA: CISA Rolls Out Free, Automated Tool for Fighting Malware

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: CISA Rolls Out Free, Automated Tool for Fighting Malware

    When malware threats arise, users in the public and private sector have to react quickly to protect their systems

    Thorium allows users to set up a customized and automated platform that is able to quickly analyze the threats and then add or remove tools based on the evolving needs presented by each new threat

    Thorium is capable of scheduling over 1,700 jobs per second, and then processing 10 million files per hour for each user

    “President Trump and Secretary Noem are getting CISA back on-mission, and the release of CISA’s new anti-malware tool Thorium is the next step towards that goal

    Just like individual tools in a toolbox, certain anti-malware systems are meant to be combat specific,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

     “Thorium creates a customizable and automated system that streamlines the analysis and combatting of malware with the proper tools

    This new CISA tool optimizes the collaboration between the public sector and the private sector

    ” 

    Under the Trump Administration, CISA is returning to its core mission of protecting the American homeland in cyberspace

    Tools like Thorium, and the processes that develop them, are examples of what the nation’s premiere cybersecurity agency is capable of

    For more information and installation instructions, visit Thorium on CISA

    gov

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Flood Survivors in Four More Counties May Apply for Federal Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Flood Survivors in Four More Counties May Apply for Federal Assistance

    Flood Survivors in Four More Counties May Apply for Federal Assistance

    AUSTIN, Texas – Homeowners and renters in Guadalupe, Kimble, McCulloch and Menard counties are now eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance if you were affected by the Central Texas flooding in July

    FEMA, the State of Texas and the U

    S

    Small Business Administration may be able to help with serious disaster-related needs, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss and disaster loans

    Previously, Burnet, Kerr, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson counties were designated for FEMA assistance, meaning survivors with losses in those counties could apply even if they do not live in the county or in Texas

    A total of 10 counties are now designated for federal assistance under the major presidential disaster declaration for the July 2-18 severe storms and flooding in Central Texas

    Survivors with homeowners’, renters’ and flood insurance are encouraged to file a claim with their insurance carrier as soon as possible

    By law, FEMA cannot provide funding for losses covered by your insurance

    If your policy does not cover all disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance

    FEMA works closely with the Small Business Administration, which provides low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes

    You have until Thursday, Sept

    4, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance, which is not the same as reporting your damage to the state

    Reporting disaster damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management at damage

    tdem

    texas

    gov helps officials connect you with resources and services

    The fastest way to apply to FEMA is online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    You may also use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Lines are open from 6 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    CT daily

    If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service

    Helpline specialists speak many languages

    Press 2 for Spanish

    To apply online or to download an SBA application, go to SBA

    gov/disaster

    You may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba

    gov

     The deadline to apply for an SBA physical disaster loan is also Thursday, Sept

    4

    The last day to apply for an SBA economic injury loan is April 6, 2026

    You may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center to receive in-person assistance

    To find one close to you, use your ZIP code to search FEMA

    gov/DRC

    To view an accessible video, visit What You Need to Know Before Applying for FEMA Assistance

    For the latest information about the Texas recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4879

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6
    toan

    nguyen
    Thu, 07/31/2025 – 15:35

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Migrant Crossings at the Darien Gap Continue to Plummet, Crossings Are Down 99.98%

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Migrant Crossings at the Darien Gap Continue to Plummet, Crossings Are Down 99

    98%

    lass=”text-align-center”>In May, only 13 crossings were recorded—June dropped further to just 10
    WASHINGTON – Today, the U

    S

    Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced migrant crossings at the Darien Gap have dropped 99

    98% for the months of May and June 2025 compared to a peak under the Biden Administration in August 2023

      
    Under the Biden Administration, crossings in a single month exceeded 82,000

    In May 2025, there were only 13 crossings and the number fell again in June 2025 to just 10

    This is a massive decline in illegal migration through one of the key channels normally utilized by would-be illegal aliens to invade our country

      
    “The dangerous Darien Gap trek is notorious for exposing migrants, including children and the most vulnerable, to sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “In Panama’s Darien Gap, migrants are now turning BACK before they even reach our border— only 10 migrants crossed in June

    This is more than a 99

    98% drop from the Biden high when 82,000 illegal aliens crossed in a single month

     The world is hearing our message that America’s borders are closed to lawbreakers

     Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, we have the most secure border in American history

    ” 
    With the most secure border in American history, DHS is focused on deporting those who break our nation’s laws

    If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home

    Illegal aliens who use the CBP Home App to self-deport also receive cost-free travel and a $1,000 exit bonus, paid after their return is confirmed through the app

     
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sunrise on Crew-11 Launch Attempt

    Source: NASA

    The Sun rises on the morning of July 31, 2025, ahead of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch was postponed due to an unfavorable weather forecast. Teams are now targeting 11:43 a.m. EDT Friday, Aug. 1.
    NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov will launch to the International Space Station, where they will perform research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance activities.
    Image credit: NASA/Cory S. Huston

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – DOH Urges Residents With Electric Medical Devices to Prepare for Potential Power Outages

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – DOH Urges Residents With Electric Medical Devices to Prepare for Potential Power Outages

    Posted on Jul 31, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

     

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

     

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    KENNETH S. FINK, M.D., MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    DOH URGES RESIDENTS WITH ELECTRIC MEDICAL DEVICES TO PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL POWER OUTAGES DURING RED FLAG WARNING

    25-086

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    July 31, 2025

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging residents who rely on electric- or battery-powered medical devices to prepare for potential power outages. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, due to heightened wildfire risk, underscoring the importance of power outage preparedness.

    Households with a member who depends on electricity for medical needs are urged to speak with their health care provider about backup options and planning. Families should review and update their emergency plans, including the possibility of temporarily relocating if adequate backup power is not available.

    The Pacific ADA Center offers a helpful emergency preparedness checklist, available here.

    Hawaiian Electric (HECO) may implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in high-risk areas to prevent wildfires. Residents in Honolulu, Maui and Hawaiʻi counties who use powered medical devices should review HECO’s PSPS preparedness recommendations:

    • Check if your residence is in a designated PSPS area.
    • Sign up for emergency outage alerts.
    • Complete a Medical Needs Communication Form.
    • Contact HECO’s customer service for help:
      • Oʻahu: 808-548-7311
      • Maui: 808-871-9777
      • Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi: 877-871-8461
      • Hilo: 808-969-6999
      • Kona: 808-329-3584
      • Waimea: 808-885-4605
    • Kauai Residents: Contact KIUC at 808-246-4300
    • If you have a smartphone, download the HECO app and enable notifications.

    All households are encouraged to visit www.preparenowhawaii.org for emergency preparedness tips and resources to support health and safety. For questions about electrical service, please contact your utility provider directly.

    #  #  #

    Media Contact:

    Adam LeFebvre
    Information Specialist
    Hawai‘i State Department of Health
    Phone: 808-586-4439
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump defunds federal firefighting, California steps up: introducing the world’s largest helicopter firefighting fleet

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 31, 2025

    What you need to know: California has completed a multi-year effort to modernize its aerial firefighting fleet, with the final delivery of two state-of-the-art Fire Hawk helicopters arriving in Sacramento – bringing CAL FIRE’s Fire Hawk fleet to a total of 16 stationed throughout the state.

    SACRAMENTO – In stark contrast to the Trump administration’s cuts to public safety and emergency response, California continues to ramp up its firefighting arsenal: the state now has the largest civilian helicopter firefighting fleet in the world.

    Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a monumental achievement in CAL FIRE’s ongoing commitment to protecting California, as the final two of sixteen Sikorsky S-70i Fire Hawk helicopters arrived at McClellan Airfield in Sacramento. This arrival completes a multi-year transition that significantly upgrades the department’s aerial firefighting capabilities. This year also marks the full conversion of all ten CAL FIRE Helitack bases from the Vietnam-era Huey UH-1H helicopters to the state-of-the-art Fire Hawk. It’s a full circle moment on an effort that the Governor initiated at the beginning of his first term. 

    This comprehensive modernization effort, which began with the first base receiving a Fire Hawk in 2020, represents a substantial statewide initiative and a long-term investment in the safety and protection of California’s communities, property, and natural landscapes.

    Our fleet of Fire Hawk helicopters – now the largest in the world – is a proven tool in our growing firefighting arsenal. During the devastating Los Angeles fires, we saw them in action, conducting critical missions at night which stopped the Palisades Fire from dipping into Mandeville Canyon and toward the 405 freeway. Hundreds of homes were saved because of these state-of-the-art helicopters and their heroic pilots.

    With the Trump Administration pulling back on federal firefighting, California continues to step up to protect our communities.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Earlier this month, the Governor sent a model executive order to the White House for the President to issue to help the federal government match California’s efforts and better manage its forestlands, which make up 57% of California’s forests (compared to just 3% managed by the state). 

    This comes amid the Trump administration’s dangerous cuts to the U.S. Forest Service, which also threatens the safety of communities across the state. The U.S. Forest Service has lost 10% of all positions and 25% of positions outside of direct wildfire response – both of which are likely to impact wildfire response this year. Just last week, the Trump administration proposed a massive reorganization that would shutter the Pacific Regional Forest Service office and other regional Forest Service offices across the West, compounding staff cuts and voluntary resignations across the agency.

    The world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet – just got even bigger

    The new Fire Hawk helicopters add to the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. Governor Newsom recently announced that the state’s second C-130 Hercules airtanker is ready for firefighting operations

    CAL FIRE’s history with helicopters in firefighting dates back to the 1960s, when the Department first utilized choppers for reconnaissance and transport. Their versatility and ability to operate in challenging terrain led to their adoption for fire suppression in support of ground crews. 

    “The completion of our S-70i Fire Hawk fleet and the transition of all Helitack bases is thanks to the dedication of the entire CAL FIRE aviation program,” said CAL FIRE Chief and Director Joe Tyler. “This is about equipping our firefighters with the most advanced tools available to respond to the increasing complexities of wildland fires.”

    In the 1980s, CAL FIRE began its helicopter fleet with the Bell Huey, and for over four decades, the Huey has been the workhorse of the CAL FIRE Helitack program.

    The impacts of the transition to the purpose-built S-70i Fire Hawk, which began in 2018, are significant:

    • Increased water-dropping capacity: The Fire Hawk can carry nearly three times as much water as its predecessors (1000 gallons), allowing for more effective and immediate suppression efforts.
    • Enhanced night operations: Outfitted for night operations, the Fire Hawk extends CAL FIRE’s ability to fight fires around the clock, a critical advantage in containing rapidly spreading incidents. This capability proved valuable in January when CAL FIRE responded to the Palisades Fire. Multiple CAL FIRE helicopters, and partner agency aircraft, conducted crucial night operations in the Mandeville Canyon area, dropping over 375,000 gallons of water. Operating at low altitudes under night vision goggles (NVG) and navigating complex terrain and hazards such as high-tension power lines, flight crews were instrumental in halting the fire’s advance toward residential neighborhoods. Had the fire breached Mandeville Canyon, projections indicated a rapid spread toward the 405 Freeway corridor, putting hundreds of homes at risk. The combined nighttime and daylight operations ultimately prevented structural loss and showcased the value of CAL FIRE’s modernized aerial fleet and highly trained personnel in defending high-risk urban interface zones. CAL FIRE flew its first night mission with the Fire Hawk in 2022 in response to the Electra Fire.
    • Expanded crew and capabilities: With the capacity for more crew and an external permanently affixed hoist, the Fire Hawk provides greater flexibility for personnel deployment and rescue operations.
    • Improved flight safety: These state-of-the-art helicopters offer a greater degree of safety for firefighters and the community.

    Governor Newsom receives a demo of a CAL FIRE Fire Hawk simulator.

    California’s unprecedented wildfire readiness 

    As part of the state’s ongoing investment in wildfire resilience and emergency response, CAL FIRE has significantly expanded its workforce over the past five years by adding an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions annually – nearly double that of the previous administration. Over the next four years and beyond, CAL FIRE will be hiring thousands of additional firefighters, natural resource professionals, and support personnel to meet the state’s growing demands.

    In recent months, the Governor has announced millions of dollars in investments to protect communities from wildfire – with $135 million available for new and ongoing prevention projects and $72 million going out the door to projects across the state. This is part of over $5 billion the Newsom administration, in collaboration with the legislature, has invested in wildfire and forest resilience since 2019. Additionally, 54 new vegetation management projects spanning nearly 12,000 acres have already been fast-tracked to approval under the streamlined process provided by the Governor’s March 2025 state of emergency proclamation.

    This builds on consecutive years of intensive and focused work by California to confront the severe ongoing risk of catastrophic wildfires. New, bold moves to streamline state-level regulatory processes builds long-term efforts already underway in California to increase wildfire response and forest management in the face of a hotter, drier climate.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: JULY 31, 2025-2025-011_NEWS RELEASE-HIEMA ALERTS PUBLIC TO RED FLAG WARNING-EXTREME FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS EXIST

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    JULY 31, 2025-2025-011_NEWS RELEASE-HIEMA ALERTS PUBLIC TO RED FLAG WARNING-EXTREME FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS EXIST

    Posted on Jul 31, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KAUA

     

    MAJOR GENERAL STEPHEN F. LOGAN

    DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
    LUNA HOʻOMALU PŌULIA

    HAWAIʻI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

    KEʻENA HOʻOMALU PŌULIA O HAWAIʻI

    JAMES DS. BARROS

    ADMINISTRATOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
    KAHU HOʻOMALU PŌULIA

     

     

    HIEMA ALERTS PUBLIC TO RED FLAG WARNING: EXTREME FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS EXIST

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         2025-011

    July 31, 2025

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) is alerting the public that the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for portions of the state. The Red Flag Warning is in effect until 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 1. This warning signals that critical fire weather conditions — strong winds, low humidity and dry fuels — are creating an extreme wildfire risk.

    “We cannot afford to be careless when conditions are this dangerous,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D.. “Nearly all of Hawaiʻi’s wildfires are started by human activity, which means nearly all of them are preventable. Every person in our state — residents and visitors alike – has a role to play in reducing the risk. Please take this warning seriously, avoid activities that can spark fires and do your part to keep our communities and ‘ohana safe.”

    “Red Flag Warnings are a serious call to action,” said James Barros, HIEMA Administrator. “A single spark can have devastating consequences. It is everyone’s kuleana — our shared responsibility — to prevent ignition and protect our communities.”

     

    Human-caused ignitions remain the primary threat

    Nearly 99 % of wildfires in Hawaiʻi are caused by human activity, including careless disposal of cigarette butts, unattended campfires, “hot work” such as welding that uses machinery causing sparks, burning of yard waste, and sparks along roadways and powerline corridors (dlnr.hawaii.gov). Individual actions make the difference.

     

    Fuel loads and climate conditions drive fire severity

    Non-native, fire-prone grasses and shrubs cover more than 25 % of Hawaiʻi’s landscape, creating “fine fuels” that can spread fire rapidly and unpredictably (hwmo.org). Combined with warming, drier conditions, Hawaiʻi’s fire season is effectively year-round, with about 0.5 % of state land burning each year — among the highest proportions in the nation.

     

    Resource challenges and community preparedness

    The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) manages fire response across nearly 60% of Hawaiʻi’s lands, but constrained personnel and equipment make wildfire mitigation and suppression challenging. This year’s state budget included additional staffing and funding for fire mitigation, as well as approval to reduce fuels on state lands not maintained by DOFAW.

    Residents and visitors can also help protect their homes and communities by:

    • Clearing defensible space: Remove dry vegetation and combustible materials from around structures.
    • Avoiding activities that can start fires: Do not burn debris, discard cigarettes, or use open flames outdoors.

     

    • Maintaining property: Clear gutters, trim fire-prone vegetation and secure loose items.
    • Being evacuation-ready: Know at least two ways out of your neighborhood and have an emergency kit prepared.

    Infrastructure and evacuation challenges

    HIEMA continues to work with partnering agencies and counties, utilizing modernized alert systems and enhanced public safety during fast-moving fire events.

    “Wildfire preparedness is everyone’s kuleana — from individual homeowners and landowners to public land managers, large agricultural operations and even visitors,” said State Fire Marshal Dori Booth. “We must all work together to build a safer, more resilient Hawaiʻi.”

    For real-time updates on weather conditions and warnings, visit the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/hfo and follow HIEMA on X (formerly Twitter) at @Hawaii_EMA. For more information on wildfire conditions and preparedness, visit https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/wildfire/.

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    Contact:

    1. Kīelekū Amundson

    Communications Director

    Phone: 808-733-4300 Ext 522

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News