Category: Politics

MIL-OSI: TransAlta Reports Strong Second Quarter 2025 Results, Advancement of Strategic Priorities and Reaffirms Guidance

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the Company) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today reported its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025.

“Our strong second quarter results illustrate the value of our diversified fleet and exceptional operational performance. Our Alberta portfolio’s hedging strategy and active asset optimization continued to generate realized prices well above spot prices while environmental credits generated by our hydro and wind assets significantly offset our gas fleet’s carbon price compliance obligation. While we continue to navigate a challenging Alberta price environment, our assets continue to perform well, and we remain confident in achieving our 2025 Outlook,” said John Kousinioris, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Our team remains focused on advancing our strategic priorities. We are pleased with the progress on our Alberta data centre strategy and the associated negotiations, which now reflect the Alberta Electric System Operator’s (AESO) approach to large load integration. The AESO currently expects Demand Transmission Service contracts to be executed in mid-September, which will secure each proponent’s access to system capacity. We continue to work closely with our counterparties and are progressing towards the execution of a data centre memorandum of understanding in relation to our system capacity allocation,” added Mr. Kousinioris.

“Finally, we continue to progress negotiations on conversion opportunities at Centralia and are working towards executing a definitive agreement later this year with our customer for the full capacity of Centralia Unit 2.”

Second Quarter 2025 Highlights

Achieved strong operational availability of 91.6 per cent in 2025, compared to 90.8 per cent in 2024
Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $349 million, compared to $316 million for the same period in 2024
Free Cash Flow (FCF)⁽¹⁾ of $177 million, or $0.60 per share, remained consistent with the same period in 2024
Adjusted earnings before income taxes⁽¹⁾ of $122 million, or $0.41 per share, compared to $112 million, or $0.37 per share, for the same period in 2024
Cash flow from operating activities of $157 million, or $0.53 per share, compared to $108 million, or $0.36 per share, from the same period in 2024
Net loss attributable to common shareholders⁽¹⁾ of $112 million, or $0.38 per share, compared to net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $56 million, or $0.18 per share, for the same period in 2024

Second Quarter 2025 Operational and Financial Highlights

$ millions, unless otherwise stated	Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
$ millions, unless otherwise stated	June 30, 2025		June 30, 2024	June 30, 2025		June 30, 2024
Operational information
Availability (%)	91.6		90.8	93.3		91.5
Production (GWh)	4,813		4,781	11,645		10,959
Select financial information
Revenues	433		582	1,191		1,529
Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾	349		316	619		658
Adjusted earnings before income taxes⁽¹⁾	122		112	150		256
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	(95	)	94	(46	)	361
Adjusted net earnings after taxes attributable to common shareholders⁽¹⁾	54		70	84		197
Net (loss) earnings attributable to common shareholders	(112	)	56	(66	)	278
Cash flows
Cash flow from operating activities	157		108	164		352
Funds from operations⁽¹⁾	252		236	431		490
Free cash flow⁽¹⁾	177		177	316		398
Per share
Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders per share⁽¹⁾	0.18		0.23	0.28		0.64
Net (loss) earnings per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted	(0.38	)	0.18	(0.22	)	0.91
Cash flow from operating activities per share	0.53		0.36	0.55		1.15
Funds from operations per share⁽¹⁾	0.85		0.78	1.45		1.60
FCF per share⁽¹⁾	0.60		0.58	1.06		1.30
Dividends declared per common share	—		0.06	0.07		0.06
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	297		303	297		306

Segmented Financial Performance

$ millions	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
$ millions	June 30, 2025		June 30, 2024		June 30, 2025		June 30, 2024
Hydro	126		83		173		170
Wind and Solar	89		88		191		177
Gas	128		142		232		267
Energy Transition	19		2		56		29
Energy Marketing	26		39		47		78
Corporate	(39	)	(38	)	(80	)	(63	)
Total adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾	349		316		619		658
Adjusted earnings before income taxes⁽¹⁾	122		112		150		256
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	(95	)	94		(46	)	361
Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders⁽¹⁾	54		70		84		197
Net (loss) earnings attributable to common shareholders	(112	)	56		(66	)	278

Key Business Developments

Credit Facility Extension

On July 16, 2025, the Company executed agreements to extend committed credit facilities totalling $2.1 billion with a syndicate of lenders. The revised agreements extend the maturity dates of the syndicated credit facility from June 30, 2028 to June 30, 2029 and the bilateral credit facilities from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

Divestiture of Poplar Hill

During the second quarter of 2025, the Company signed an agreement for the divestiture of the 48 MW Poplar Hill asset, as required by the consent agreement with the federal Competition Bureau and pursuant to the terms of the acquisition of Heartland Generation. Energy Capital Partners will be entitled to receive the proceeds from the sale of Poplar Hill, net of certain adjustments, following completion of the divestiture.

Recontracting of Ontario Wind Facilities

During the second quarter of 2025, the Company successfully recontracted its Melancthon 1, Melancthon 2 and Wolfe Island wind facilities through the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator Five-Year Medium-Term 2 Energy Contract (MT2e). MT2e will replace current energy contracts for the three wind facilities when they expire, extending the contract dates until April 30, 2031, for Melancthon 1 and April 30, 2034, for Melancthon 2 and Wolfe Island.

Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB)

On May 27, 2025, the Company announced that it had received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange to repurchase up to a maximum of 14 million common shares during the 12-month period that commenced May 31, 2025 and will terminate on May 30, 2026.

On Feb. 19, 2025, the Company announced it was allocating up to $100 million to be returned to shareholders in the form of share repurchases.

During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company purchased and cancelled a total of 1,932,800 common shares at an average price of $12.42 per common share, for a total cost of $24 million, including taxes.

Conference call and webcast

TransAlta will host a conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. MST (11:00 a.m. EST) today, August 1, 2025, to discuss our second quarter 2025 results. The call will begin with comments from John Kousinioris, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Joel Hunter, EVP Finance and Chief Financial Officer, followed by a question-and-answer period.

Second Quarter 2025 Conference Call

Webcast link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/zpy9addj

To access the conference call via telephone, please register ahead of time using the call link here: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI215de673b3704e0da46b2a02e0f35bb0. Once registered, participants will have the option of 1) dialing into the call from their phone (via a personalized PIN); or 2) clicking the “Call Me” option to receive an automated call directly to their phone.

If you are unable to participate in the call, the replay will be accessible at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/zpy9addj. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.

Related Materials

Related materials, including the consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/presentations-and-events/ and https://transalta.com/investors/results-reporting/ and have been filed under TransAlta Corporation’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Notes

1. These items (Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes, adjusted net earnings (loss) after income taxes attributable to common shareholders, funds from operations, free cash flow, adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders per share, funds from operations (FFO) per share and free cash flow (FCF) per share) are non-IFRS measures, which are not defined, have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Presenting these items from period to period provides management and investors with the ability to evaluate earnings (loss) trends more readily in comparison with prior periods’ results. Please refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures section of this earnings release for further discussion of these items, including, where applicable, reconciliations to measures calculated in accordance with IFRS.
2. During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions and Australian interest income. Therefore, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods. Refer to the Additional Non-IFRS and Supplementary Financial Measures section of this earnings release.

Non-IFRS financial measures

We use a number of financial measures to evaluate our performance and the performance of our business segments, including measures and ratios that are presented on a non-IFRS basis, as described below. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in Canadian dollars and have been derived from our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. We believe that these non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios, read together with our IFRS amounts, provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses results.

Non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios do not have standardized meanings under IFRS. They are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and should not be viewed in isolation from, as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, our IFRS results.

We calculate adjusted measures by adjusting certain IFRS measures for certain items we believe are not reflective of our ongoing operations in the period. Except as otherwise described, these adjusted measures are calculated on a consistent basis from period to period and are adjusted for specific items in each period, unless stated otherwise.

Adjusted EBITDA

Each business segment assumes responsibility for its operating results measured by adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is an important metric for management that represents our core operational results.

During the first quarter of 2025, our adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to remove the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions, which was included in adjusted EBITDA composition until the fourth quarter of 2024. The adjustment was intended to explain a timing difference between our internally and externally reported results and was useful at a time when markets were more volatile. The impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions was removed to simplify our reporting. Accordingly, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods.

During the first quarter of 2025, our adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to remove the impact of Australian interest income, which was included in adjusted EBITDA composition until the fourth quarter of 2024. Initially, on the commissioning of the South Hedland facility in July 2017, we prepaid approximately $74 million of electricity transmission and distribution costs. Interest income, which was recorded on the prepaid funds, was reclassified as a reduction in the transmission and distribution costs expensed each period to reflect the net cost to the business. The impact of Australian interest income was removed to simplify our reporting since the amounts were not material. Accordingly, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods.

Interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization are not included, as differences in accounting treatment may distort our core business results. In addition, certain reclassifications and adjustments are made to better assess results, excluding those items that may not be reflective of ongoing business performance. This presentation may facilitate the readers’ analysis of trends. The most directly comparable IFRS measure is earnings before income taxes.

Adjusted Revenue

Adjusted Revenues is Revenues (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) adjusted to exclude:

The impact of unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses and unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses on commodity transactions.

Certain assets that we own in Canada and Western Australia are fully contracted and recorded as finance leases under IFRS. We believe that it is more appropriate to reflect the payments we receive under the contracts as a capacity payment in our revenues instead of as finance lease income and a decrease in finance lease receivables.

Revenues from the Planned Divestitures as they do not reflect ongoing business performance.

Adjusted Fuel and Purchased Power

Adjusted Fuel and Purchased Power is Fuel and Purchased Power (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) adjusted to exclude fuel and purchased power from the Planned Divestitures as it does not reflect ongoing business performance.

Adjusted Gross Margin

Adjusted gross margin is calculated as adjusted revenues less adjusted fuel and purchased power and carbon compliance costs, where adjustments to revenue or fuel and purchased power were applied as stated above. The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment. The most directly comparable IFRS measure is gross margin in the consolidated statement of earnings.

Adjusted OM&A

Adjusted OM&A is OM&A (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) adjusted to exclude:

Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs, mainly comprised of severance, legal and consultant fees as these do not reflect ongoing business performance.

ERP integration costs representing planning, design and integration costs of upgrades to the existing ERP system as they represent project costs that do not occur on a regular basis, and therefore do not reflect ongoing performance.

OM&A from the Planned Divestitures as it does not reflect ongoing business performance.

Adjusted Net Other Operating Income

Adjusted Net Other Operating Income is Net Other Operating Income (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) adjusted to exclude insurance recoveries related to the Kent Hills replacement costs of the tower collapse as these relate to investing activities and are not reflective of ongoing business performance.

Adjustments to Earnings (Loss) in Addition to Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization

Fair value change in contingent consideration payable is not included as it is not reflective of ongoing business performance.
Asset impairment charges and reversals are not included as these are accounting adjustments that impact depreciation and amortization and do not reflect ongoing business performance.
Any gains or losses on asset sales or foreign exchange gains or losses are not included as these are not part of operating income.

Adjustments for Equity-Accounted Investments

During the fourth quarter of 2020, we acquired a 49 per cent interest in the Skookumchuck wind facility, which is treated as an equity investment under IFRS and our proportionate share of the net earnings is reflected as equity income on the statement of earnings under IFRS. As this investment is part of our regular power-generating operations, we have included our proportionate share of adjusted EBITDA for the Skookumchuck wind facility in our total adjusted EBITDA. In addition, in the Wind and Solar adjusted results, we have included our proportionate share of revenues and expenses to reflect the full operational results of this investment. We have not included adjusted EBITDA of other equity-accounted investments in our total adjusted EBITDA as it does not represent our regular power-generating operations.

Adjusted Earnings (Loss) before income taxes

Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes represents segmented earnings (loss) adjusted for certain items that we believe do not reflect ongoing business performance and is an important metric for evaluating performance trends in each segment.

For details of the adjustments made to earnings (loss) before income taxes (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) to calculate adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes, refer to the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis by Segment section of the MD&A.

Adjusted Net Earnings (Loss) attributable to common shareholders

Adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders represents net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders adjusted for specific reclassifications and adjustments and their tax impact, and is an important metric for evaluating performance. For details of the reclassifications and adjustments made to net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (the most directly comparable IFRS measure), please refer to the reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders in the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis by Segment section of the MD&A.

Adjusted Net Earnings (Loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders

Adjusted net earning (loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders is calculated as adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders divided by a weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The measure is useful in showing the earnings per common share for our core operational results as it excludes the impact of items that do not reflect an ongoing business performance. Adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable per common share is a non-IFRS ratio and the most directly comparable IFRS measure is net income (loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders. Refer to the reconciliation of earnings (loss) before income taxes to adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders in the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis by Segment section of the MD&A.

Funds From Operations (FFO)

Represents a proxy for cash generated from operating activities before changes in working capital and provides the ability to evaluate cash flow trends in comparison with results from prior periods. FFO is calculated as cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital and is adjusted for transactions and amounts that the Company believes are not representative of ongoing cash flows from operations.

Free Cash Flow (FCF)

Represents the amount of cash that is available to invest in growth initiatives, make scheduled principal debt repayments, repay maturing debt, pay common share dividends or repurchase common shares and provides the ability to evaluate cash flow trends in comparison with the results from prior periods. Changes in working capital are excluded so that FFO and FCF are not distorted by changes that we consider temporary in nature, reflecting, among other things, the impact of seasonal factors and timing of receipts and payments.

Non-IFRS Ratios

FFO per share, FCF per share and adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS ratios that are presented in the MD&A. Refer to the Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations to FFO and FCF and Key Non-IFRS Financial Ratios sections of the MD&A for additional information.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense is calculated as total interest expense less total interest income and non-cash items. For detailed calculation refer to the table in the Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to FFO and FCF section of this MD&A. Net Interest expense is a proxy for the actual cash interest paid that approximates the cash outflow in the FFO and FCF calculation. The most directly comparable IFRS measure is total interest expense.

FFO per share and FCF per share

FFO per share and FCF per share are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. FFO per share and FCF per share are non-IFRS ratios.

Supplementary financial measures include available liquidity, carbon compliance per MWh, fuel cost per MWh, hedged power price average per MWh, realized foreign exchange loss, sustaining capital expenditures, the Alberta electricity portfolio metrics and unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain).

Reconciliation of these non-IFRS financial measures to the most comparable IFRS measure are provided below.

Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis by Segment

The following table reflects adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes by segment and provides reconciliation to earnings (loss) before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2025:

	Hydro		Wind & Solar⁽¹⁾		Gas		Energy Transition		Energy Marketing		Corporate		Total		Equity- accounted investments⁽¹⁾		Reclass adjustments		IFRS financials
Revenues	129		59		204		73		38		(67	)	436		(3	)	—		433
Reclassifications and adjustments:
Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss	18		68		71		15		(2	)	—		170		—		(170	)	—
Decrease in finance lease receivable	—		—		7		—		—		—		7		—		(7	)	—
Finance lease income	—		2		3		—		—		—		5		—		(5	)	—
Revenues from Planned Divestitures	—		—		(3	)	—		—		—		(3	)	—		3		—
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on commodity	—		—		—		—		(2	)	—		(2	)	—		2		—
Adjusted revenue	147		129		282		88		34		(67	)	613		(3	)	(177	)	433
Fuel and purchased power	7		9		106		51		—		—		173		—		—		173
Reclassifications and adjustments:
Fuel and purchased power related to Planned Divestitures	—		—		(1	)	—		—		—		(1	)	—		1		—
Adjusted fuel and purchased power	7		9		105		51		—		—		172		—		1		173
Carbon compliance costs (recovery)	—		1		(8	)	—		—		(67	)	(74	)	—		—		(74	)
Adjusted gross margin	140		119		185		37		34		—		515		(3	)	(178	)	334
OM&A	13		25		65		18		8		45		174		(1	)	—		173
Reclassifications and adjustments:
OM&A related to Planned Divestitures	—		—		(1	)	—		—		—		(1	)	—		1		—
ERP integration costs	—		—		—		—		—		(6	)	(6	)	—		6		—
Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs	—		—		—		—		—		(1	)	(1	)	—		1		—
Adjusted OM&A	13		25		64		18		8		38		166		(1	)	8		173
Taxes, other than income taxes	1		5		5		—		—		1		12		—		—		12
Net other operating income	—		—		(12	)	—		—		—		(12	)	—		—		(12	)
Adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾	126		89		128		19		26		(39	)	349
Depreciation and amortization	(8	)	(52	)	(74	)	(13	)	—		(4	)	(151	)	1		—		(150	)
Equity income	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		1		1
Interest income	—		—		—		—		—		7		7		(1	)	—		6
Interest expense	—		—		—		—		—		(89	)	(89	)	1		—		(88	)
Realized foreign exchange gain	—		—		—		—		—		6		6		—		—		6
Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes⁽²⁾	118		37		54		6		26		(119	)	122
Reclassifications and adjustments above	(18	)	(70	)	(80	)	(15	)	4		(7	)	(186	)
Finance lease income	—		2		3		—		—		—		5		—		—		5
Skookumchuk earnings reclass to Equity income⁽¹⁾	—		(1	)	—		—		—		1		—		—		—		—
Asset impairment charges	—		—		—		(11	)	—		(2	)	(13	)	—		—		(13	)
Unrealized foreign exchange loss	—		—		—		—		—		(23	)	(23	)	—		—		(23	)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	100		(32	)	(23	)	(20	)	30		(150	)	(95	)	—		—		(95	)

The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.
Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes are non-IFRS measures, are not defined, have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Refer to the Additional Non-IFRS and Supplementary Financial Measures section of this earnings release.

	Hydro		Wind & Solar⁽¹⁾		Gas		Energy Transition		Energy Marketing		Corporate		Total		Equity- accounted investments⁽¹⁾		Reclass adjustments		IFRS financials
Revenues	99		112		284		79		47		(34	)	587		(5	)	—		582
Reclassifications and adjustments:
Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss	1		8		10		(14	)	1		—		6		—		(6	)	—
Decrease in finance lease receivable	—		—		5		—		—		—		5		—		(5	)	—
Finance lease income	—		2		2		—		—		—		4		—		(4	)	—
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on commodity	—		—		(1	)	—		—		—		(1	)	—		1		—
Adjusted revenue	100		122		300		65		48		(34	)	601		(5	)	(14	)	582
Fuel and purchased power	3		8		97		46		—		—		154		—		—		154
Carbon compliance costs (recovery)	—		—		26		—		—		(34	)	(8	)	—		—		(8	)
Adjusted gross margin	97		114		177		19		48		—		455		(5	)	(14	)	436
OM&A	13		24		42		15		9		42		145		(1	)	—		144
Reclassifications and adjustments:
Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs	—		—		—		—		—		(4	)	(4	)	—		4		—
Adjusted OM&A	13		24		42		15		9		38		141		(1	)	4		144
Taxes, other than income taxes	1		4		3		2		—		—		10		(1	)	—		9
Net other operating income	—		(2	)	(10	)	—		—		—		(12	)	—		—		(12	)
Adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾⁽³⁾	83		88		142		2		39		(38	)	316		—		—		—
Depreciation and amortization	(8	)	(47	)	(56	)	(15	)	(1	)	(5	)	(132	)	1		—		(131	)
Equity income	—		—		—		—		—		1		1		—		2		3
Interest income	—		—		—		—		—		8		8		—		—		8
Interest expense	—		—		—		—		—		(80	)	(80	)	—		—		(80	)
Realized foreign exchange loss⁽³⁾	—		—		—		—		—		(1	)	(1	)	—		—		(1	)
Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes⁽²⁾	75		41		86		(13	)	38		(115	)	112		—		—		—
Reclassifications and adjustments above	(1	)	(10	)	(16	)	14		(1	)	(4	)	(18	)	—		—		—
Finance lease income	—		2		2		—		—		—		4		—		—		4
Skookumchuk earnings reclass to Equity income⁽¹⁾	—		(2	)	—		—		—		2		—		—		—		—
Asset impairment (charges) reversals	—		(1	)	—		1		—		(5	)	(5	)	—		—		(5	)
Gain on sale of assets and other⁽³⁾	—		—		—		1		—		—		1		—		—		1
Unrealized foreign exchange loss⁽³⁾	—		—		—		—		—		(1	)	(1	)	—		—		(1	)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	74		30		72		3		37		(122	)	94		—		—		94

The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.
Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes are non-IFRS measures, are not defined, have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Refer to the Additional Non-IFRS and Supplementary Financial Measures section of this earnings release.
During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions and Australian interest income. Therefore, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods.

	Hydro		Wind & Solar⁽¹⁾		Gas		Energy Transition		Energy Marketing		Corporate		Total		Equity- accounted investments⁽¹⁾		Reclass adjustments		IFRS financials
Revenues	215		166		594		227		65		(66	)	1,201		(10	)	—		1,191
Reclassifications and adjustments:
Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss	(3	)	104		39		14		(1	)	—		153		—		(153	)	—
Decrease in finance lease receivable	—		1		14		—		—		—		15		—		(15	)	—
Finance lease income	—		3		8		—		—		—		11		—		(11	)	—
Revenues from Planned Divestitures	—		—		(7	)	—		—		—		(7	)	—		7		—
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on commodity	—		—		—		—		(2	)	—		(2	)	—		2		—
Adjusted revenue	212		274		648		241		62		(66	)	1,371		(10	)	(170	)	1,191
Fuel and purchased power	11		19		269		149		—		2		450		—		—		450
Reclassifications and adjustments:
Fuel and purchased power related to Planned Divestitures	—		—		(3	)	—		—		—		(3	)	—		3		—
Adjusted fuel and purchased power	11		19		266		149		—		2		447		—		3		450
Carbon compliance costs (recovery)	—		2		41		—		—		(68	)	(25	)	—		—		(25	)
Adjusted gross margin	201		253		341		92		62		—		949		(10	)	(173	)	766
OM&A	26		54		124		35		15		94		348		(2	)	—		346
Reclassifications and adjustments:
OM&A related to Planned Divestitures	—		—		(3	)	—		—		—		(3	)	—		3		—
ERP integration costs	—		—		—		—		—		(10	)	(10	)	—		10		—
Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs	—		—		—		—		—		(5	)	(5	)	—		5		—
Adjusted OM&A	26		54		121		35		15		79		330		(2	)	18		346
Taxes, other than income taxes	2		10		10		1		—		1		24		—		—		24
Net other operating income	—		(4	)	(22	)	—		—		—		(26	)	—		—		(26	)
Reclassifications and adjustments:
Insurance recovery	—		2		—		—		—		—		2		—		(2	)	—
Adjusted net other operating income	—		(2	)	(22	)	—		—		—		(24	)	—		(2	)	(26	)
Adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾	173		191		232		56		47		(80	)	619
Depreciation and amortization	(17	)	(105	)	(138	)	(28	)	(2	)	(9	)	(299	)	3		—		(296	)
Equity income	—		—		—		—		—		(1	)	(1	)	—		4		3
Interest income	—		—		—		—		—		12		12		(1	)	—		11
Interest expense	—		—		—		—		—		(183	)	(183	)	2		—		(181	)
Realized foreign exchange gain	—		—		—		—		—		2		2		—		—		2
Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes⁽²⁾	156		86		94		28		45		(259	)	150
Reclassifications and adjustments above	3		(106	)	(60	)	(14	)	3		(15	)	(189	)
Finance lease income	—		3		8		—		—		—		11		—		—		11
Skookumchuk earnings reclass to Equity income⁽¹⁾	—		(4	)	—		—		—		4		—		—		—		—
Fair value change in contingent consideration payable	—		—		34		—		—		—		34		—		—		34
Asset impairment (charges) reversals	—		—		(34	)	13		—		(7	)	(28	)	—		—		(28	)
Loss on sale of assets and other	—		—		—		—		—		(1	)	(1	)	—		—		(1	)
Unrealized foreign exchange loss	—		—		—		—		—		(23	)	(23	)	—		—		(23	)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	159		(21	)	42		27		48		(301	)	(46	)	—		—		(46	)

The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.
Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes are non-IFRS measures, are not defined, have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Refer to the Additional Non-IFRS and Supplementary Financial Measures section of this earnings release.

	Hydro		Wind & Solar⁽¹⁾		Gas		Energy Transition		Energy Marketing		Corporate		Total		Equity- accounted investments⁽¹⁾		Reclass adjustments		IFRS financials
Revenues	211		251		717		296		99		(34	)	1,540		(11	)	—		1,529
Reclassifications and adjustments:
Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss	(4	)	(13	)	(81	)	(20	)	(2	)	—		(120	)	—		120		—
Decrease in finance lease receivable	—		1		9		—		—		—		10		—		(10	)	—
Finance lease income	—		3		3		—		—		—		6		—		(6	)	—
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on commodity	—		—		(2	)	—		—		—		(2	)	—		2		—
Adjusted revenue	207		242		646		276		97		(34	)	1,434		(11	)	106		1,529
Fuel and purchased power	9		17		239		212		—		—		477		—		—		477
Carbon compliance costs (recovery)	—		—		66		—		—		(34	)	32		—		—		32
Adjusted gross margin	198		225		341		64		97		—		925		(11	)	106		1,020
OM&A	26		44		88		33		19		70		280		(2	)	—		278
Reclassifications and adjustments:
Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs	—		—		—		—		—		(7	)	(7	)	—		7		—
Adjusted OM&A	26		44		88		33		19		63		273		(2	)	7		278
Taxes, other than income taxes	2		8		6		2		—		—		18		(1	)	—		17
Net other operating income	—		(4	)	(20	)	—		—		—		(24	)	—		—		(24	)
Adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾⁽³⁾	170		177		267		29		78		(63	)	658
Depreciation and amortization	(15	)	(90	)	(111	)	(31	)	(2	)	(9	)	(258	)	3		—		(255	)
Equity income	—		—		—		—		—		(1	)	(1	)	—		5		4
Interest income	—		—		—		—		—		15		15		—		—		15
Interest expense	—		—		—		—		—		(149	)	(149	)	—		—		(149	)
Realized foreign exchange loss⁽⁴⁾	—		—		—		—		—		(9	)	(9	)	—		—		(9	)
Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes⁽²⁾	155		87		156		(2	)	76		(216	)	256
Reclassifications and adjustments above	4		9		71		20		2		(7	)	99
Finance lease income	—		3		3		—		—		—		6		—		—		6
Skookumchuk earnings reclass to Equity income⁽¹⁾	—		(5	)	—		—		—		5		—		—		—		—
Asset impairment (charges) reversals	—		(5	)	—		4		—		(5	)	(6	)	—		—		(6	)
Gain on sale of assets and other⁽⁴⁾	—		—		—		1		—		2		3		—		—		3
Unrealized foreign exchange gain⁽⁴⁾	—		—		—		—		—		3		3		—		—		3
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	159		89		230		23		78		(218	)	361		—		—		361

The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.
Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes are non-IFRS measures, are not defined, have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Refer to the Additional Non-IFRS and Supplementary Financial Measures section of this earnings release.
During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions and Australian interest income. Therefore, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods.

Reconciliation of Earnings Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Net Earnings attributable to common shareholders

The following table reflects reconciliation of (loss) earnings before income taxes to adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024:

	Three months ended June 30				Six months ended June 30
	2025		2024		2025		2024
(Loss) earnings before income taxes	(95	)	94		(46	)	361
Income tax expense	11		28		18		57
Net (loss) earnings	(106	)	66		(64	)	304
Net (loss) earnings attributable to non-controlling interests	(7	)	(3	)	(11	)	13
Preferred share dividends	13		13		13		13
Net (loss) earnings attributable to common shareholders	(112	)	56		(66	)	278
Adjustments and reclassifications (pre-tax):
Adjustments and reclassifications to Revenues	177		14		170		(106	)
Adjustments and reclassifications to Fuel and purchased power	1		—		3		—
Adjustments and reclassifications to OM&A	8		4		18		7
Adjustments and reclassifications to Net other operating income	—		—		(2	)	—
Fair value change in contingent consideration payable (gain)	—		—		(34	)	—
Finance lease income	(5	)	(4	)	(11	)	(6	)
Asset impairment charges	13		5		28		6
Loss (gain) on sale of assets and other	—		(1	)	1		(3	)
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain)⁽¹⁾	23		—		23		(3	)
Calculated tax (expense) recovery on adjustments and reclassifications⁽²⁾	(51	)	(4	)	(46	)	24
Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders⁽³⁾	54		70		84		197
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period	297		303		297		306
Net (loss) income per common share attributable to common shareholders	(0.38	)	0.18		(0.22	)	0.91
Adjustments and reclassifications (net of tax)	0.56		0.05		0.50		(0.26	)
Adjusted net earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders⁽³⁾	0.18		0.23		0.28		0.64

Unrealized foreign exchange (loss) gain is a supplementary financial measure. Refer to the Additional Non-IFRS and Supplementary Financial Measures section of this MD&A for more details.
Represents a theoretical tax calculated by applying the Company’s consolidated effective tax rate of 23.3 per cent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 (three and six months ended June 30, 2024 — 23.3 per cent). The amount does not take into account the impact of different tax jurisdictions the Company’s operations are domiciled and does not include the impact of deferred taxes.
Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders and Adjusted net earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders are non-IFRS measures, are not defined, have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The most directly comparable IFRS measures are net earnings attributable to common shareholders and net earnings per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures section in this earnings release for more details.

Reconciliation of cash flow from operations to FFO and FCF

The table below reconciles our cash flow from operating activities to our FFO and FCF:

	Three months ended June 30				Six months ended June 30
	2025		2024		2025		2024
Cash flow from operating activities⁽¹⁾	157		108		164		352
Change in non-cash operating working capital balances	81		114		198		107
Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital	238		222		362		459
Adjustments
Share of adjusted FFO from joint venture⁽¹⁾	1		2		3		4
Decrease in finance lease receivable	7		5		15		10
Clean energy transition provisions and adjustments	—		2		—		2
Brazeau penalties payment	—		—		33		—
Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs	2		4		8		7
Other⁽²⁾	4		1		10		8
FFO⁽³⁾	252		236		431		490
Deduct:
Sustaining capital expenditures⁽¹⁾	(57	)	(40	)	(80	)	(40	)
Dividends paid on preferred shares	(13	)	(13	)	(26	)	(26	)
Distributions paid to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests	(2	)	(5	)	(2	)	(24	)
Principal payments on lease liabilities	—		(1	)	(1	)	(2	)
Other	(3	)	—		(6	)	—
FCF⁽³⁾	177		177		316		398
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period	297		303		297		306
Cash flow from operating activities per share	0.53		0.36		0.55		1.15
FFO per share⁽³⁾	0.85		0.78		1.45		1.60
FCF per share⁽³⁾	0.60		0.58		1.06		1.30

Includes our share of amounts for the Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity-accounted joint venture.
Other consists of production tax credits, which is a reduction to tax equity debt, less distributions from an equity-accounted joint venture.
These items are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions and Australian interest income. Therefore, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section in this earnings release.

The table below provides a reconciliation of our adjusted EBITDA to our FFO and FCF:

	Three months ended June 30				Six months ended June 30
$ millions, unless otherwise stated	2025		2024		2025		2024
Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾⁽⁵⁾	349		316		619		658
Provisions	(2	)	6		6		6
Net interest expense⁽²⁾	(66	)	(57	)	(138	)	(105	)
Current income tax expense	(46	)	(33	)	(59	)	(60	)
Realized foreign exchange gain (loss)⁽³⁾	4		(1	)	2		(9	)
Decommissioning and restoration costs settled	(11	)	(12	)	(20	)	(19	)
Other non-cash items	24		17		21		19
FFO⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	252		236		431		490
Deduct:
Sustaining capital expenditures⁽³⁾⁽⁵⁾	(57	)	(40	)	(80	)	(40	)
Dividends paid on preferred shares	(13	)	(13	)	(26	)	(26	)
Distributions paid to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests	(2	)	(5	)	(2	)	(24	)
Principal payments on lease liabilities	—		(1	)	(1	)	(2	)
Other	(3	)	—		(6	)	—
FCF⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	177		177		316		398

Adjusted EBITDA is defined in the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures of this earnings release and reconciled to earnings (loss) before income taxes above. During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions and Australian interest income. Therefore, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods.
Net interest expense is a non-IFRS measure, is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Refer to the table below for detailed calculation.
Supplementary financial measure. Refer to the Additional Non-IFRS and Supplementary Financial Measures section of this earnings release.
These items are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. FFO and FCF are defined in the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section in this earnings release and reconciled to cash flow from operating activities above.
Includes our share of amounts for Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity-accounted joint venture.

Net interest expense in the reconciliation of our adjusted EBITDA to our FFO and FCF is calculated as follows:

	Three months ended June 30				Six months ended June 30
	2025		2024		2025		2024
Interest expense	88		80		181		149
Less: Interest Income	(6	)	(8	)	(11	)	(15	)
Less: non-cash items⁽¹⁾	(16	)	(15	)	(32	)	(29	)
Net Interest Expense	66		57		138		105

Non-cash items include accretion of provisions, financing cost amortization and other non-cash items.

TransAlta is in the process of filing its unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes, as well as the associated Management’s Discussion & Analysis (MD&A). These documents will be available today on the Investors section of TransAlta’s website at www.transalta.com or through SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

About TransAlta Corporation:

TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of thermal generation and hydro-electric power. For over 114 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Future-Fit Business Benchmark, which also defines sustainable goals for businesses. Our reporting on climate change management has been guided by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S2 Climate-related Disclosures Standard and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 70 per cent reduction in GHG emissions or 22.7 million tonnes CO2e since 2015 and received an upgraded MSCI ESG rating of AA.

For more information about TransAlta, visit our web site at transalta.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes “forward-looking information,” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, and “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are not facts, but only predictions and generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as “may”, “will”, “can”, “could”, “would”, “shall”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “forecast”, “foresee”, “potential”, “enable”, “continue” or other comparable terminology. These statements are not guarantees of our future performance, events or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual performance, events or results to be materially different from those set out in or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements about the following, among other things: the strategic objectives of the Company and that the execution of the Company’s strategy will realize value for shareholders; our capital allocation and financing strategy; our sustainability goals and targets, including those in our 2024 Sustainability Report; our 2025 Outlook; our financial and operational performance, including our hedge position; optimizing and diversifying our existing assets; the increasingly contracted nature of our fleet; expectations about strategies for growth and expansion; data centre opportunities, including the AESO’s expectation around the timing of execution of Demand Transmission Service contracts and entering into a data centre memorandum of understanding; opportunities for Centralia redevelopment, including the execution of a definitive agreement with our customer for the full capacity of Centralia Unit 2; expectations regarding ongoing and future transactions, including the sale of Poplar Hill; expected costs and schedules for planned projects; expected regulatory processes and outcomes, including in relation to the Alberta restructured energy market; the completion and closing of acquisition and divestiture transactions which are subject to customary closing terms and conditions, the power generation industry and the supply and demand of electricity; the cyclicality of our business; expected outcomes with respect to legal proceedings; the expected impact of future tax and accounting changes; and expected industry, market and economic conditions.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on many assumptions including, but not limited to, the following: no significant changes to applicable laws and regulations; no unexpected delays in obtaining required regulatory approvals; no material adverse impacts to investment and credit markets; no significant changes to power price and hedging assumptions; no significant changes to gas commodity price assumptions and transport costs; no significant changes to interest rates; no significant changes to the demand and growth of renewables generation; no significant changes to the integrity and reliability of our facilities; no significant changes to the Company’s debt and credit ratings; no unforeseen changes to economic and market conditions; no significant event occurring outside the ordinary course of business; and realization of expected impacts from ongoing and future transactions.

These assumptions are based on information currently available to TransAlta, including information obtained from third-party sources. Actual results may differ materially from those predicted. Factors that may adversely impact what is expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in power prices; changes in supply and demand for electricity; our ability to contract our electricity generation for prices that will provide expected returns; our ability to replace contracts as they expire; risks associated with development projects and acquisitions; failure to complete divestitures on the terms and conditions specified or at all; any difficulty raising needed capital in the future on reasonable terms or at all; our ability to achieve our targets relating to ESG; long-term commitments on gas transportation capacity that may not be fully utilized over time; changes to the legislative, regulatory and political environments; environmental requirements and changes in, or liabilities under, these requirements; operational risks involving our facilities, including unplanned outages and equipment failure; disruptions in the transmission and distribution of electricity; reductions in production; impairments and/or writedowns of assets; adverse impacts on our information technology systems and our internal control systems, including increased cybersecurity threats; commodity risk management and energy trading risks; reduced labour availability and ability to continue to staff our operations and facilities; disruptions to our supply chains; climate-change related risks; reductions to our generating units’ relative efficiency or capacity factors; general economic risks, including deterioration of equity and debt markets, increasing interest rates or rising inflation; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including potential trade tariffs; industry risk and competition; counterparty credit risk; inadequacy or unavailability of insurance coverage; increases in the Company’s income taxes and any risk of reassessments; legal, regulatory and contractual disputes and proceedings involving the Company; reliance on key personnel; and labour relations matters.

The foregoing risk factors, among others, are described in further detail under the heading “Governance and Risk Management” in the MD&A, which section is incorporated by reference herein.

Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully when evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made only as of the date hereof and we do not undertake to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. The purpose of the financial outlooks contained herein is to give the reader information about management’s current expectations and plans and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Note: All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

For more information:

*Investor Inquiries:*	*Media Inquiries:*
Phone: 1-800-387-3598 in Canada and U.S.	Phone: 1-855-255-9184
Email: investor_relations@transalta.com	Email: ta_media_relations@transalta.com

The MIL Network –

August 5, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Bloodshed at GHF-run Gaza aid sites ‘a great sin’, says former top UN official

Asia Pacific Report

A former senior UN aid official has condemned the bloodshed at the notorious US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s aid food depots, describing the distribition system as having turned into a “catastrophe”.

The number of aid seekers killed continues to climb daily beyond 1000.

Martin Griffiths, director of Mediation Group International and the former Under Secretary General of the UN Humanitarian Affairs Office, said: “I think when many of us saw the first plans of the GHF to launch this operation in Gaza, we were immediately appalled by the way they were proposing to manage it.”

“It was clearly militarised. They’d have their own security contractors,” he told Al Jazeera.

“They’d have [Israeli military] camps placed right beside them. We know now that they are, in fact, under instructions by [the Israeli military].

“All of this is a crime. All of this is a deep betrayal of humanitarian values.

“But what I at least did not sufficiently anticipate was the killing and was the absolutely critical result of this operation, this sole humanitarian operation allowed by Israel in Gaza,” Griffiths added.

“The 1000 killed are an incredible statistic. I had no idea it would go that high and it’s going on daily. It’s not stopping.

“I think it’s a catastrophe more than a disappointment,” he said. “I think it’s a great sin. I think it’s a great crime.”

Humanitarian aid advocate Martin Griffiths . . . We know now that [GHF] are, in fact, under instructions by [the Israeli military]. All of this is a crime.” Image: Wikipedia

Commenting about US envoy Steve Witkoff and US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee’s planned visit to GHF-run aid distribution sites in Gaza, he said this was “likely to be choreographed”.

However, he acknowledged it was still an “important form of witness”.

“I’m glad that they’re going,” Griffiths said.

“Maybe they will see things that are unexpected. I can’t imagine because we’ve seen so much. But I don’t see it leading to a major change.

“If I was one of the two million Gazans starving to death, this is a day I would like to go to an aid distribution point,” Griffiths added.

“There’s slightly less risk probably than any other day.”

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

August 5, 2025
India Post Payments Bank launches Aadhaar-based face authentication for digital transactions

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) on Friday announced the nationwide rollout of Aadhaar-based face authentication for customer transactions, a move aimed at enhancing ease of access and financial inclusion for the elderly, differently-abled and those facing biometric authentication issues.

Developed under the framework of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the feature enables customers to carry out banking services using facial recognition, eliminating the need for physical biometrics like fingerprints or one-time passwords (OTPs).

“This is not just a technological enhancement but a commitment to dignified and inclusive banking,” said IPPB Managing Director and CEO R Viswesvaran. “With Aadhaar-based face authentication, we are ensuring that no customer is left behind due to limitations in fingerprint or OTP-based verification.”

The feature supports a range of services including account opening, balance inquiries, fund transfers, and utility payments. It is expected to make banking faster, contactless, and safer—especially during health emergencies where physical contact poses risks.

The IPPB said the new authentication system aligns with the government’s Digital India and Financial Inclusion missions. Customers across rural and urban India will benefit, particularly those with worn-out fingerprints or limited access to smartphones.

The bank, established in 2018 under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, operates through a vast network of around 1.65 lakh post offices and over 3 lakh postal employees. Its digital model leverages India Stack technologies to offer paperless and presence-less banking services at the doorstep, serving over 11 crore customers across 5.57 lakh villages and towns.

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi, Nepali president exchange congratulations on 70th anniversary of ties

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

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel on Friday exchanged congratulations on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Noting that China and Nepal are connected by mountains and rivers, and their friendly exchanges have a long history, Xi said that no matter how the international and regional situations change, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, and engaged in mutually beneficial cooperation, setting a model for friendly relations between countries with different social systems and of different sizes.

In recent years, China-Nepal relations have seen sound and stable development, and political mutual trust has grown ever stronger, said Xi, adding that the Belt and Road cooperation as well as cooperation in various fields have witnessed increasing expansion, and the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity between the two sides has been continuously deepened.

Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal relations, and is ready to work with Poudel to take the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in all fields, so as to better benefit the peoples of both countries, and contribute to regional peace and development.

For his part, Poudel said that over the past 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have consistently upheld mutual trust, sovereign equality and peaceful coexistence, adding that their friendship has withstood the test of time.

Noting that China is a trustworthy neighbor and development partner of Nepal, he said Nepal is grateful for China’s long-standing support for its development and for respecting Nepal’s sovereignty and independence.

Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China principle and looks forward to working hand in hand with China to further deepen cooperation in various sectors, and realize the shared vision of peace, progress and prosperity, he added.

MIL OSI China News –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Trade – Trump’s tariffs cement new multipolar global economy: deVere CEO

Source: deVere Group

August 1 2025 – Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs are not just reshaping global trade – they are accelerating the rise of a multipolar global economy.

The shift away from a US-dominated system is no longer theoretical, it is active and accelerating.

“Multipolarity now defines the direction of global trade,” says Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations.

“These tariffs are forcing countries to rewire their trade, capital, and strategic priorities. The world is moving toward multiple centres of economic power and influence.”

Effective August 7, the US will impose tariffs on nearly every major trading partner.

Countries running a trade deficit with the US face a 15% floor. Canada has been hit with 35%. Brazil, 50%.

India now faces a 25% rate, alongside a financial penalty for continuing energy and defence ties with Russia—despite being positioned by Trump as a close ally.

“India’s inclusion shows how quickly partners can become pressure points. This pressure is already nudging New Delhi toward deeper cooperation with trade rival Beijing. The consequences will be long-term.”

While trade deals with China and Mexico remain under negotiation, the broader international response is already unfolding.

“Beijing, Moscow, and increasingly Delhi are coordinating more closely on trade, infrastructure and investment. Long-time allies like Switzerland and Taiwan are reassessing risk. Many governments are seeking to reduce exposure to Washington’s economic leverage altogether.

“This isn’t a rerun of past trade disputes. It is a global shift away from reliance on the US as the central node. New trade networks are forming by necessity, not necessarily by preference.”

Diplomatic talks with China have intensified in recent months, with meetings in Geneva, London and Stockholm.

Beijing is focused on securing a continued freeze on US semiconductor export controls. Washington is demanding action on fentanyl, greater access for American firms, and increased Chinese purchases of US goods. But the real story lies beyond the negotiating table.

“Tariffs are being baked in as permanent features of the new economic order. Countries are responding by building systems that can operate without US permission.”

The US tariff list now stretches across continents. Switzerland faces 39%. South Africa, Libya, Algeria, Serbia, and several others between 30% and 41%. Taiwan, Israel, Pakistan, and Norway are all in the 15–20% range. The sweep is deliberate—and global.

“Markets are adjusting. Capital is shifting. Supply chains are realigning around regional strength, not global scale.”

Nigel Green continues: “The dollar remains dominant, but its influence is no longer unchallenged.

“Central banks are pursuing alternatives. Reserve diversification is accelerating. Regional trading blocs are pushing forward with new payments infrastructure, less reliant on Washington’s rules.

“This fragmentation is the new baseline. The post-war consensus on trade and financial cooperation is fading. What replaces it is a world of multiple economic power and influence centres, each with their own rules and reach.”

For investors, the implications are direct. Correlations are weakening. Policy risk is climbing. Exposure to geopolitical realignment is no longer abstract, it’s active.

“Anyone still expecting a return to the old system is behind the curve. This is the direction of travel now. Global trade will be multipolar. Capital allocation must reflect that.”

The deVere CEO concludes: “It locks in a new world order where influence is distributed, and alignment is increasingly transactional. For global investors, it marks the start of a generation-defining realignment.

“From here, economic and trade power is going to become more fragmented—and competition for it more intense.”

deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CNC bids farewell to Hunterston after 20 years
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

News story

CNC bids farewell to Hunterston after 20 years

After providing continuous armed policing for the last 20 years, today (Fri 1 Aug 2025) the CNC officially ceased operations at Hunterston Nuclear Power Station
Hunterston Nuclear Power Station

Having successfully provided continuous armed policing for the last 20 years, today (Friday 1 August 2025) the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) officially ceased operations at Hunterston Nuclear Power Station in Ayrshire, Scotland.

A carefully planned and managed cessation process has ensured that CNC officers and staff have been supported into redeployment, retirement or new roles at other organisations, while business as usual at the site remained unaffected.

Chief Constable Simon Chesterman, showed his appreciation, saying:

“I would like to thank all the CNC officers and staff who have worked hard to protect the Hunterston site over the past two decades. Their positive and professional outlook throughout those years has been exemplary.

“This same professional approach has ensured the CNC maintained business as usual, providing high level armed policing as it always has done at the site, whilst simultaneously carrying out a complex cessation process with professionalism and commitment.

“Many colleagues have supported the cessation process, and I would like to pay tribute to them for all the hard work which has gone on behind the scenes to make the cessation process a success.”

The cessation was the first the force has been part of since withdrawing from Wylfa, in Wales, in April 2016. The cessation process is part of the normal business cycle for licenced civil nuclear sites – once a nuclear power station ceases generation and defueling operations are concluded, the site security classification can be downgraded.

The formal cessation process was carried out by the CNC in coordination with key partners, including EDF, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).

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Published 1 August 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The procedure for obtaining licenses and permits has been optimized for businesses

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a federal law that enshrines the reduction of the terms for issuing licenses and permits, as well as a reduction in the number of documents required to obtain them. The corresponding amendments to 69 federal laws were prepared by the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia on the instructions of Deputy Chairman and Chief of Staff of the Government Dmitry Grigorenko.

The signed federal law is the result of four years of work to reduce the time it takes to issue licenses, permits and the number of required documents, to transfer permits to electronic form and to make other simplifications for businesses and citizens. At the same time, the optimization of those government services that have shown positive results and for which it has been possible to obtain confirmation in practice that permits can be issued in a shorter time frame and with a smaller package of documents for the applicant is being consolidated.

The optimization affected a number of key economic areas that are most in demand by businesses and citizens. These include, in particular, permitting regimes in the areas of transport, construction, nature management and environmental protection, industrial safety, education, communications, tourism, accreditation of legal entities, and many others.

The law also permanently establishes a number of tools that have made it possible to optimize the process of obtaining licenses and permits and which will now be constantly applied in practice. For example, a comprehensive application. With its help, you can apply for several permits at once by submitting one application on the Unified State Services Portal. By the end of 2025, it is planned to implement about 20 comprehensive applications on the portal.

In addition, the mechanisms of interdepartmental information exchange are enshrined in law, when at the stage of preparing applications to the permitting agency on the Unified Public Services portal the necessary information is automatically pulled up. And also the proactive mode of operation of the Unified Public Services portal: the portal systems will remind businesses and citizens about the need to extend permits and automatically send a pre-filled application for their registration.

The process of optimizing the issuance of licenses and permits has allowed us to reduce the number of requested documents and the time required to obtain permits by half on average. In the future, it is planned to adopt more than 250 by-laws to implement the provisions set forth in the federal law.

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Government sets new airspace class for drones

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Resolution of July 31, 2025 No. 1133

Document

Resolution of July 31, 2025 No. 1133

A new airspace class H (“h”) has appeared in Russia, intended for flights of unmanned aerial vehicles. The decree on introducing the corresponding changes to the Federal Rules for the Use of Russian Airspace was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The adopted decision will create conditions for the further development of civil unmanned aviation and ensure flight safety.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the establishment of a separate airspace class to simplify the operations of unmanned aerial systems following a meeting on the development of unmanned aerial systems held on January 28, 2025. “H” became the fourth class in Russian airspace – until now it included classes A, C and G.

Class H is established in the airspace from 0 to 150 m from the earth’s (water’s) surface and on routes specially designated for flights of unmanned aerial vehicles at altitudes below 3050 m.

Information on flight routes for unmanned aerial systems and the conditions for their use will be published by Rosaviatsia.

“Our country has become one of the few that has approved a separate class of airspace for drones,” said Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev. “This is a truly important step that will improve the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the airspace and simplify their operation in the context of the ever-growing demand for use in various industries.”

According to Vitaly Savelyev, the large-scale work carried out by the Russian Ministry of Transport and Rosaviatsia on regulatory regulation of the industry will continue.

“We are constantly analyzing the law enforcement practice of using unmanned aerial vehicles and are working on fine-tuning this area,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

The signed document introduces changes toGovernment Resolution of March 11, 2010 No. 138.

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canada-U.S. trade

Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

“President Trump has announced that the United States will increase its tariffs to 35% on those Canadian exports that are not covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA. While the Canadian government is disappointed by this action, we remain committed to CUSMA, which is the world’s second-largest free trade agreement by trading volume.

The U.S. application of CUSMA means that the U.S. average tariff rate on Canadian goods remains one of its lowest for all of its trading partners. Other sectors of our economy – including lumber, steel, aluminum, and automobiles – are, however, heavily impacted by U.S. duties and tariffs. For such sectors, the Canadian government will act to protect Canadian jobs, invest in our industrial competitiveness, buy Canadian, and diversify our export markets.

The United States has justified its most recent trade action on the basis of the cross-border flow of fentanyl, despite the fact that Canada accounts for only 1% of U.S. fentanyl imports and has been working intensively to further reduce these volumes. Canada’s government is making historic investments in border security to arrest drug traffickers, take down transnational gangs, and end migrant smuggling. These include thousands of new law enforcement and border security officers, aerial surveillance, intelligence and security operations, and the strongest border legislation in our history. We will continue working with the United States to stop the scourge of fentanyl and save lives in both our countries.

While we will continue to negotiate with the United States on our trading relationship, the Canadian government is laser focused on what we can control: building Canada strong. The federal government, provinces, and territories are working together to cut down trade barriers to build one Canadian economy. We are developing a series of major nation-building projects with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners. Together, these initiatives have the potential to catalyse over half a trillion dollars of new investments in Canada.

Canadians will be our own best customer, creating more well-paying careers at home, as we strengthen and diversify our trading partnerships throughout the world. We can give ourselves more than any foreign government can ever take away by building with Canadian workers and by using Canadian resources to benefit all Canadians.”

MIL OSI Canada News –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Uganda Strengthens Emergency Response Capacity Through African Volunteers Health Corps (AVoHC) – Strengthening and Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies (SURGE) Training

Source: APO – Report:

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With support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating with the Government of Uganda to train 78 multidisciplinary One Health responders under the Strengthening and Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies (SURGE) flagship programme.

The AVoHC-SURGE training, a cornerstone of WHO’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) strategy, is designed and led by WHO to equip countries with skilled, coordinated teams capable of deploying rapidly during health emergencies. In Uganda, WHO has convened and facilitated a diverse group of participants from multiple sectors, including health, agriculture, internal affairs, animal and fisheries industries, and the Uganda Defence Forces, reflecting the One Health approach to managing threats at the human–animal–environment interface.

“This training equips Uganda with the human capacity to respond quickly and decisively when emergencies occur. I commend the Ministry of Health for its leadership and commitment to strengthening emergency readiness,” said Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative to Uganda.

Through WHO’s technical guidance, the training immerses participants in intensive sessions covering outbreak investigation, risk assessment, coordination, Gender based violence and Prevention and response of sexual exploitation, abuse and Harassment and rapid deployment operations. Practical simulations and scenario-based exercises replicate the realities of emergency response, ensuring participants are ready for coordinated action in the field.

For many participants, the experience is transformative: “I am honoured to attend the AVoHC-SURGE training by WHO Uganda. I gained critical skills in rapid response, coordination, and outbreak investigation, which empowers me to protect lives and build stronger, safer communities,” shared Dr Andama Adinani, one of the participants from the district local government.

Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing how WHO’s training builds technical capacity and strengthens networks across ministries and disciplines; connections that are critical to a cohesive national response when emergencies strike.

The inclusion of responders from multiple ministries underscores the Government of Uganda’s commitment to a multisectoral approach, supported by WHO’s technical expertise. Emergencies such as Ebola, Marburg, cholera, and zoonotic diseases require coordination between human health, animal health, and environmental sectors. By strengthening this integrated response capacity, Uganda, through WHO’s SURGE programme is better prepared to contain outbreaks before they escalate.

“Preparedness is an investment in the future. Every skill gained here, every relationship built across ministries, will help us act faster, smarter, and more effectively to protect Ugandans,” Lubwama Benard, Deputy Incident Commander, Ministry of Health.

The AvoHC-SURGE initiative, supported by FCDO and implemented by WHO across Africa, has been rolled out in several countries. So far 27 out of the 30 countries have completed their trainings and the details of the trained teams have been uploaded in the responders database.

As health threats grow increasingly complex, WHO’s continued support to Uganda in strengthening its national response capacity offers a model for other countries in the region. With a trained cadre of 78 multidisciplinary responders ready for deployment, the country is poised to respond to public health emergencies with speed, precision, and confidence.

Designed for impact, this training represents a best preparedness and readiness practice model to improve capacity to manage emergencies, disasters and other climate related emergencies on the African content.

– on behalf of World Health Organization – Uganda.

MIL OSI Africa –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund Announces Distribution of $0.08 per Share for August 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HOUSTON, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) announced today a monthly distribution of $0.08 per share for August 2025. This distribution is payable to common stockholders on August 29, 2025 (as outlined in the table below).

The Company declares distributions on a monthly basis, with its next distribution expected to be declared in early September. Payment of future distributions is subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, as well as meeting the covenants on the Company’s debt agreements and the terms of its preferred stock.

Record Date / Ex-Date Payment Date Distribution Amount Return of Capital Estimate

8/15/25 8/29/25 $0.08 30%⁽¹⁾

^{(1) This estimate is based on the Company’s anticipated earnings and profits. The final determination of the tax character of distributions will not be determinable until after the end of fiscal 2025 and may differ substantially from this preliminary information.}

Kayne Anderson Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (NYSE: KYN) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE. The Company’s investment objective is to provide a high after-tax total return with an emphasis on making cash distributions to stockholders. KYN intends to achieve this objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of Energy Infrastructure Companies. See Glossary of Key Terms in the Company’s most recent quarterly report for a description of these investment categories and the meaning of capitalized terms.

The Company pays cash distributions to common stockholders at a rate that may be adjusted from time to time. Distribution amounts are not guaranteed and may vary depending on a number of factors, including changes in portfolio holdings and market conditions.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale is not permitted. Nothing contained in this press release is intended to recommend any investment policy or investment strategy or consider any investor’s specific objectives or circumstances. Before investing, please consult with your investment, tax, or legal adviser regarding your individual circumstances.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This communication contains statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, or beliefs about future events. These and other statements not relating strictly to historical or current facts constitute forward-looking statements as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties. These risks include but are not limited to changes in economic and political conditions; regulatory and legal changes; energy industry risk; leverage risk; valuation risk; interest rate risk; tax risk; and other risks discussed in detail in the Company’s filings with the SEC, available at www.kaynefunds.com or www.sec.gov. Actual events could differ materially from these statements or our present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Kayne Anderson undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein. There is no assurance that the Company’s investment objectives will be attained.

Contact investor relations at 877-657-3863 or cef@kayneanderson.com.

The MIL Network –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: HM Land Registry accepts Qualified Electronic Signatures
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

HM Land Registry accepts Qualified Electronic Signatures

Adopting this technology will bring greater security and ease for anyone involved in buying or selling residential or commercial property.
New Africa/Shutterstock.com

Qualified Electronic Signatures are the most secure form of electronic signature – no paper or witness needed.

The signature tools use long-established, well-regulated technology.

HM Land Registry is encouraging lawyers and their clients to start using Qualified Electronic Signatures now.

Customers who are interested in submitting applications using the technology should contact QES@landregistry.gov.uk.

HM Land Registry has invited conveyancers to start submitting applications including documents signed using a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) tool. The organisation is keen to support interested lawyers, their clients and lenders, as the property market increasingly looks towards the new signature technology for the benefits it offers them and their clients.

By removing the need for a third party to witness the execution of a deed, replacing this step with a highly secure electronic signature, the technology affords greater flexibility and simplicity.

The electronic signature also offers greater security and assurance for everyone involved in a property transaction.

Andy Roddy, Deputy Director – Digital Services at HM Land Registry, said:

We are excited to enable our customers the option to use Qualified Electronic Signatures in their land registration applications. This marks another major step forward in our ongoing digital transformation, as we keep pace with – and meet the needs of – our most technologically advanced customers. We hope all of our customers will be able to benefit from this new and valuable technology.

To ensure customers are supported, and their QES applications handled correctly, HM Land Registry invites all customers interested in using the technology to contact QES@landregistry.gov.uk. We will provide more information in coming months about our work with QES applications.

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Published 1 August 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Opportunity to deliver HLPAS in Hereford and Worcester
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Opportunity to deliver HLPAS in Hereford and Worcester

Opportunity to deliver Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) in Hereford and Worcester (including Kidderminster and Redditch)
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) funds the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) throughout England and Wales to provide:

Early legal advice to anyone at risk of possession proceedings and loss of their home – advice can be provided in relation to housing, debt and welfare benefits issues

In-court duty on the day emergency advice and advocacy to anyone facing possession proceedings

The service enables anyone at risk of losing their home or facing possession proceedings to get free legal advice, and representation in court, regardless of their financial circumstances.

As a result, the LAA is inviting providers who hold Housing and Debt contracts to express an interest in delivering HLPAS in Hereford and Worcester (which also includes the courts in Kidderminster and Redditch).

Next Steps

Please contact civil.contracts@justice.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday 8 August 2025 to express your interest in delivery of the service, following which you will receive details of next steps.

Further detail on the HLPAS Service can be found at Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) – GOV.UK

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Published 1 August 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Chargé inaugurates new accommodation facility in Hamat
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story

UK Chargé inaugurates new accommodation facility in Hamat

English

العربيَّة

The building, funded by the UK Ministry of Defence will support UK personnel to deliver a variety of training and support to Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) units.
UK-Lebanon military cooperation

Ahead of Lebanese Army Day on 1 August the UK Chargé D’Affaires Victoria Dunne, accompanied by Defence Attaché Lt Col Charles Smith, inaugurated a new military accommodation facility in Hamat on Thursday 31 July.

The building, funded by the UK Ministry of Defence will support UK personnel to deliver a variety of training and support to various Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) units. This includes leadership development for junior officers and infantry skills courses, including for female LAF personnel.

The UK continues to be a steadfast supporter of the LAF, the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon, supporting with training, kit and equipment.

Chargé D’Affaires Victoria Dunne said:

A huge congratulations to the LAF on their 80th anniversary whose bravery defending Lebanon internally and on the borders is admirable.

I am thrilled to be in Hamat today to inaugurate this new accommodation facility.

We are proud of our partnership with the LAF and ongoing support for the development of its capabilities, including through training.

Defence Attaché Charles Smith said:

Today is another milestone for UK-Lebanese defence cooperation.

The provision of accommodation and facilities will assist UK personnel in delivering high-impact training to various LAF brigades and units, including to female officers and soldiers.

It also demonstrates that the UK remains a proud and enduring partner to the LAF.

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Published 1 August 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The results of the selection for the All-Russian project “Professional Team of the First” have been summed up

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On August 1, 2025, the results of the selection for the All-Russian project “Professional Team of the First” were announced, the correspondence stage of which is carried out by the State University of Management together with the Russian Movement of Children and Youth “Movement of the First”.

The project is a comprehensive professional development program, in which about 3,000 curators of primary branches of the “First Movement” at universities and colleges, responsible for educational work and youth policy, students aged 16 to 25 years old, participate in the correspondence stage.

The correspondence stage will be held in the format of an online course on the topic: “Management of the primary branch of the “First Movement” based on an educational organization.” As part of the course, project participants will undergo training with mandatory study of disciplines, midterm testing and complete project work. Successful completion of the correspondence course gives the right to participate in the competitive selection for full-time training – participation in forums that will be held in eight federal districts of the Russian Federation.

Participants invited to the online course have already been sent letters with further instructions and access to the Digital Corpus of the State University of Management. You can view the list of those selected according to the instructions.

We wish everyone fruitful learning!

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by Palazzo Chigi on the EU Court of Justice’s decision regarding safe countries

Source: Government of Italy (English)

The EU Court of Justice’s decision regarding safe countries of origin of illegal migrants is surprising. The judiciary, this time at European level, is once again encroaching on areas that are outside its purview, in the face of responsibilities that are political in nature. The EU Court of Justice has decided to hand the decision over to any national judicial authority, not on individual cases, but on the part of migration policy related to the rules governing returns and expulsions of irregular migrants.

So, for example, with regard to the identification of so-called ‘safe countries’, it gives precedence to the decision by the national judicial authority, even if this is based on private sources rather than the results of complex investigations that have been carried out by the ministries involved and evaluated by the sovereign Parliament.

This is a step that should concern everyone – including the political forces that are today rejoicing over the verdict – because it further reduces the already narrow margins of autonomy that governments and parliaments have to legislate on and manage migration. The court’s decision weakens policies to combat mass illegal immigration and defend national borders.

It is peculiar that this is happening just a few months before the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum comes into force, which contains stricter rules, also with regard to the criteria for identifying such countries: this Pact is the result of joint work by the Commission, Parliament and Council of the European Union.

For the ten months before the EU Pact takes effect, the Italian Government will not cease to seek every possible technical or regulatory solution to safeguard citizens’ security.

MIL OSI Europe News –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Regional Workshop on the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Fiscal Expenditure Methodology for Francophone and Lusophone States

Source: APO – Report:

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The ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with the World Bank, has launched a four-day regional workshop from the 28th to the 31st of July,2025 in Dakar, Senegal focused on strengthening the capacity of francophone and lusophone Member States to evaluate and manage tax expenditures.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Representative of the Minister of Finance of Senegal, Mr. Issa Faye warmly welcomed delegates on behalf of the Government and people of Senegal. He emphasized the country’s commitment to greater fiscal transparency and effective public resource management. “Tax exemptions, if well-targeted, can be tools for growth and poverty reduction. However, their real impact must be rigorously measured” he noted. Senegal’s hosting of the event, he added, reflects its strong support for regional fiscal harmonization and cooperation.

Mr. Rajiv Kumar, representing the World Bank, acknowledged the progress made by several ECOWAS Member States and encouraged greater transparency and systematic reporting. “World Bank is pleased to partner with ECOWAS to deliver this important workshop that aims to strengthen the capacity of member states to manage the fiscal and economic impact of tax expenditures,” he stated.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Zelma Yollande Nobre Fassinou, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Senegal, emphasized the importance of the workshop and expressed gratitude to the Government of Senegal for its continued support for regional integration efforts. She highlighted that “Tax expenditures,when not properly evaluated, can undermine domestic resource mobilization and limit the capacity of our governments to finance vital programs.” Ambassador Fassinou emphasized that the workshop is not only a platform for technical learning but also an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and enhance collective governance in line with the 2023 ECOWAS Directive on Tax Expenditures. She further noted the importance of timely submission of tax expenditure reports by Member States, in alignment with the provisions of the Directive, as an important step towards improved transparency and accountability in fiscal policy across the region.

Ambassador Fassinou also highlighted the workshop’s aim to encourage open dialogue and peer exchange, noting that participants will present their national frameworks, challenges, and best practices. “This workshop provides an ideal platform to deepen our shared understanding, align our methodologies, and enhance regional cooperation in managing fiscal incentives” she said.

The workshop features technical sessions, practical exercises, and country presentations aimed at improving governance, transparency and alignment of tax incentives with national development strategies. Participants include officials from finance ministries, tax administrations and regional and international partners.

This workshop reinforces ECOWAS’ commitment to strengthening national capacities and aligning fiscal practices with regional integration objectives.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

MIL OSI Africa –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: From ‘God Emperor Trump’ to ‘St. Luigi,’ memes power the politics of feeling

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Stuart J. Murray, Professor of Rhetoric and Ethics | Professeur titulaire en rhétorique et éthique, Carleton University

Why do images of Donald Trump as a galactic emperor or Luigi Mangione as a Catholic saint resonate so deeply with some people? Memes don’t just entertain — they shape how we identify with power, grievance and justice in the digital age.

A meme is a decontextualized video or image — often captioned — that circulates an idea, behaviour or style, primarily through social media. As they spread, memes are adapted, remixed and transformed, helping to solidify the communities around them.

Trump, the meme pope

Days after Pope Francis’s death in April 2025, Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself in papal regalia on Truth Social. The White House’s official X account then shared it, amplifying its reach.

Trump quickly dismissed it as a joke, but the image lingered.

Two days later, another emerged: Trump as galactic emperor, blending Star Wars aesthetics with the visual rhetoric of Warhammer 40,000, a popular dystopian sci-fi franchise featuring authoritarian rulers, imperial armies and endless war.

Trump memes like these once circulated semi-ironically in social media subcultures like Reddit and 4chan under the banner “God Emperor Trump.”

But what might previously have seemed like absurdist cosplay now carries the symbolic weight of executive power, blending religious and imperial imagery to project Trump as a mythical figure, not just a politician.

In-jokes

As I’ve argued in an article on MAGA and empathy, these memes draw on cultural codes not to parody power but to usurp it as instruments of official political communication.

Fact-checking can’t stop them. We know they are factually untrue, but they feel true and consolidate a shared sentiment among Trump’s base.

The meme is not a joke — it’s an in-joke only the in-group understands.

And that’s the point.

A meme is an accelerant, delivering compressed emotional payloads, short-circuiting debate and reinforcing people’s political identifications. Propelled by algorithms and designed to go viral, memes solicit immediate responses — outrage, loyalty, disgust, amusement.

Memes don’t ask what’s true or what’s just.

Instead, they curate — and encode — emotional alignment, replacing liberalism’s democratic ideal of reasoned public discourse with viral attachment: grievance recoded as identity.

Elon Musk and weaponizing empathy

On Feb. 20, 2025, days after Trump appointed Elon Musk to head his new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the Tesla founder appeared at the Conservative Political Action Conference, an annual gathering of conservative activists and officials from across the U.S.

At the conference, Musk brandished a chainsaw, declaring: “I have become the meme!.” An image of him holding the chainsaw later actually became a meme.

The image projects libertarian efficiency and masculine bravado, but it more than just mocks bureaucracy — it glorifies cutting ties to domestic, global and humanitarian responsibilities.

Far from being merely a meme, it advances a policy of neglect that intentionally lets others die.

Experts estimate that DOGE’s purge of USAID could result in 14 million preventable deaths over the next five years, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations whose historical exploitation helped generate the wealth now wielded as power.

Individuals vs. the collective

But we are not meant to feel empathy. In early 2025, Musk called empathy “the fundamental weakness of western civilization,” claiming it is “weaponized by the left.”

Yet Musk doesn’t reject empathy entirely — only empathy for individuals, which he said risks “civilizational suicide.”

Read more:
MAGA’s ‘war on empathy’ might not be original, but it is dangerous

Instead, Musk believes we must have empathy for “civilization as a whole.” Such rhetoric — sacrificing individuals for the collective — recalls a chilling Nazi-era slogan: Du bist nichts, dein Volk ist alles (“You are nothing, your people are everything”). Musk has also drawn criticism for making public Nazi salutes and ethno-nationalist statements advocating for white people.

Read more:
How Elon Musk’s chatbot Grok could be helping bring about an era of techno-fascism

Mangione, the meme martyr

If Trump and Musk memes stage fantasies of absolute power, Mangione memes reply with fantasies of redemptive rupture.

Accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Mangione has been lionized in memes that champion vulnerability and social justice, opposing the billionaire class — figures like Trump and Musk — who put profits over people.

These memes appear to oppose the MAGA meme machine, encoding class struggle as quiet defiance and anti-authoritarianism. Unlike Musk’s chainsaw-wielding bravado, which seems to mask a fragile ego, Mangione memes project a humble, rebellious heartthrob.

Yet, like Trump and Musk, Mangione has become a brand. His face adorns T-shirts and “St. Luigi” prayer candles, capitalizing on the popular meme that emerged soon after his arrest. This commodification mirrors right-wing meme economies, even if the message differs.

Emotional saturation

Mangione memes have helped raise over $1.2 million for his legal defence.

They don’t just reflect feeling — they organize it, channelling it into cultural, political and literal currency, including a Luigi crypto coin ($LUIGI) and a musical.

These memes share MAGA meme tactics: relentless repetition and emotional saturation. Instead of encouraging thoughtful debate, they rally communities around shared grievances, acts of defiance and collective faith.

Feeling our way through the feed

From MAGA to Mangione, meme-mythologies often function as rationalizations of violence — whether framed as righteous, purifying or revolutionary. But what unites Trump’s papal cosplay, Musk’s chainsaw and Mangione’s martyrdom isn’t their message but their form.

Whether cloaked in MAGA nostalgia or social justice sentiments, memes that appear to resist power often reproduce the structures that made that power so intoxicating in the first place.

We’ve seen how official White House and Department of Homeland Security social media memes have become increasingly cruel, sinister, polarizing and even radicalizing.

Read more:
‘Alligator Alcatraz’ showcases Donald Trump’s penchant for visual cruelty

Meanwhile, some liberals on the left continue to promote what is known as the “marketplace of ideas” — the belief that truth will prevail if all ideas are allowed to circulate freely. But reason doesn’t always triumph over power. And memes aren’t just ideas: they’re technologies that bypass deliberation to shape our feelings, identities and ways of communicating.

Consumed by media

We no longer “consume” media: we’re a function of the algorithms and AI powering today’s platforms. Like memes, AI tools like large language models can churn out plausible content that is nonetheless hateful, divisive and patently untrue.

Musk’s “I have become the meme” therefore reveals a paradox: he claims to master the meme, but no one can control its circulation or uptake. Trump and Mangione, too, are less individuals than avatars — produced by a digital culture that pre-shapes our perceptions of them.

The violence, however, is very real. If one violent act doesn’t justify counter-violence, it nonetheless structures and occasions it. Each side claims it is just.

Memes don’t ask: can we intentionally let others die and still be just? Answering this question is nearly impossible in a meme world. The answer will be a meme. And it will be a joke.

Stuart J. Murray receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

– ref. From ‘God Emperor Trump’ to ‘St. Luigi,’ memes power the politics of feeling – https://theconversation.com/from-god-emperor-trump-to-st-luigi-memes-power-the-politics-of-feeling-260388

MIL OSI Analysis –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Flawed notions of objectivity are hampering Canadian newsrooms when it comes to Gaza

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Gabriela Perdomo, Assistant Professor, Mount Royal University

The response of Canada’s legacy news media to the Israeli government’s military action in Gaza for more than 640 days points to a problem within major Canadian news organizations, according to a new Canadian book, When Genocide Wasn’t News.

In the book, journalists — some writing under pseudonyms — say their newsrooms have been severely hampered by a culture of fear and an adherence to a notion of objectivity that no longer serves the public.

Israel’s relentless military actions in the Gaza Strip following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and taking of 251 hostages by Hamas should be prominently featured news. The Israeli Defence Forces’ illegal attacks on children, hospitals and aid workers should also be making constant headlines. But news coverage on these attacks is scarce or misleading.

I research and teach media, monitor the news and edit an online publication about journalism in Canada. My PhD thesis focused on Latin America and examined how the mandate to be objective can be confusing in times of war. I also explored questions about how journalists understand and apply objectivity in different contexts.

I found journalists who support peace efforts can easily be accused of being “biased” in favour of those promoting peace.

Not all wars covered equally

Not all wars are covered the same. Noureddine Miladi, a media and communications professor at Qatar University, found Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 received far greater coverage in mainstream media than the war in Gaza. Part of this difference in coverage lies in the ability to send reporters to cover events first hand, which is impossible in the Gaza Strip, where outside journalists are banned from entry.

Read more:
The chilling effects of trying to report on the Israel-Gaza war

Another major factor affecting coverage is how newsrooms understand and apply their norms, including objectivity. Journalism production is influenced and impacted by the dynamics of place and power that surround it.

As Carleton University journalism professor Duncan McCue argues, an unexamined adherence to objectivity can perpetuate colonial points of view. University of British Columbia journalism professors Candis Callison and Mary Lynn Young, authors of a book about journalism’s racial reckoning in Canada, also make this argument.

Accusations of antisemitism

Accusations of bias can have an outsized impact on reporting and be used to silence journalists.

According to some journalists, there is an atmosphere of fear when it comes to reporting on the Middle East in mainstream newsrooms in Canada. Some have self-censored in response to threats.

Not only do journalists say they are facing threats, they also face a context in which governments, such as the province of Ontario, are adhering to definitions of antisemitism that equate it to criticism of Israel.

In Canada, news organizations and individual journalists attempting to report on the violence in the Gaza Strip are being accused of antisemitism by groups such as Honest Reporting, according to the Canadian Press Freedom Project. This means almost anyone reporting on the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza will receive hundreds of messages claiming the report is antisemitic.

Since many scholars and the United Nations Special Committee to investigate Israeli practices have called the Israeli government’s methods “consistent with genocide, including use of starvation as weapon of war,” urgent reporting is needed — and it’s not antisemitism to call out what experts have labelled global injustices.

Left-wing bias?

The culmination of decades of this type of criticism of news media has included a right-wing narrative that accuses media of a liberal bias. The trope of the liberal media as a threat has had a steady hold of the public imagination across North America since the Cold War.

Reporters who focused on stories about human rights, questioned the tactics and budgets of the military industrial complex or challenged the mistreatment of socialist activists as being unpatriotic were accused of having a liberal, left-wing, even communist, slant.

This isn’t a phemomenon limited to North America. Latin American politicians have a long history of using “left-wing bias” labels as a powerful tool to intimidate journalists.

Read more:
How news coverage influences countries’ emergency aid budgets – new research

What do journalists owe peace?

Research shows that audiences value objective journalism, or reporting that they deem non-partisan and keeps opinions at bay. But consumers also increasingly value journalism that is empathetic and emotionally resonant.

After United States President Donald Trump was first elected in 2016, journalism scholars recognized that a major failure of news coverage during the presidential campaign was not calling things what they were. For example, journalists used euphemisms such as “he misspoke” instead of reporting that Trump was lying, contributing to a crisis of relevance in journalism.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Israel-Gaza war has killed more journalistsr than in any other conflict it’s documented. But the allegedly deliberate targeting of journalists in Gaza, of whom at least 225 have been killed, has garnered little attention in newsrooms, despite calls by dozens of independent journalists to make the issue more visible.

This is another unprecedented set of events that should be reported on for Canadian audiences.

How will Canadian newsrooms do better? One idea could be that newsrooms join forces to fend off accusations of bias and antisemitism. They could start with reclaiming objectivity as a practice of information-gathering and moving away from objectivity as an ideal of dispassionate reporting.

They could also embrace, instead of fear, journalism’s liberal roots and reclaim journalism from a standpoint of clarity where actions against the rule of law, abuses of power, war profiteering, crimes against humanity — any illiberal acts — clearly fall on the wrong side of the liberal-democratic balance and therefore demand to be denounced. As veteran CBC journalist Carol Off has said, we need to denounce illiberal acts as anti-democratic ideology.

Every inhabitant of Gaza remains in imminent peril today, and the media have a responsibility to inform us about it.

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

– ref. Flawed notions of objectivity are hampering Canadian newsrooms when it comes to Gaza – https://theconversation.com/flawed-notions-of-objectivity-are-hampering-canadian-newsrooms-when-it-comes-to-gaza-260552

MIL OSI Analysis –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Why Donald Trump has stopped some conflicts but is failing with Ukraine and Gaza

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

In yet another twist in his unpredictable decision making, US president Donald Trump has dramatically shortened his original 50-day ultimatum to Vladimir Putin to call a ceasefire in Ukraine to a mere ten days. It’s an unmistakable sign of Trump’s frustration with the Russian leader who he now appears to view as the main obstacle to ending the war.

Progress has been similarly limited on another of Trump’s flagship foreign policy projects: ending the war in Gaza. As a humanitarian catastrophe engulfs the territory, Trump and some of his Maga base are finally challenging Israel’s denials that, after almost two years of war, many Gazans now face a real risk of starvation.

In neither case have his efforts to mediate and bring an end to the violence borne any fruit. But not all of Trump’s efforts to stop violence in conflicts elsewhere in the world have been similarly futile. The administration brokered a ceasefire between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which the two countries’ foreign ministers signed in Washington on June 27.

The US president has also claimed to be behind the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May after the two sides had engaged in several days of fierce combat following a terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir by a Pakistan-backed rebel group. And, drawing a clear parallel between this conflict and the border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand in July, Trump announced he had pushed both countries’ leaders to negotiate a ceasefire.

All of these ceasefires, so far, have held. By contrast, the ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, to which Trump contributed in January, even before he was inaugurated for his second term, broke down in March and fighting has escalated ever since. A short-lived ceasefire in Ukraine in April was barely worth its name given the countless violations.

Mixed record

Three factors can explain Trump’s mixed record of peacemaking to date. First, the US president is more likely to succeed in stopping the fighting where he has leverage and is willing to use it to force foreign leaders to bend to his will. For example, Trump was very clear that there would be no trade negotiations with Thailand or Cambodia “until such time as the fighting STOPS”.

The crucial difference, so far, with the situation in the war against Ukraine is that Trump has, and has used, similar leverage only with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky. This led to a US-Ukraine agreement on a 30-day ceasefire proposal just two weeks after the now-notorious row between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office.

The mere threat of sanctions against Russia, by contrast, has done little to persuade Putin to accept whatever deal might Trump offer him. Trump’s threats – which he has never followed through on – did not work in January or May. The Kremlin’s initial reactions to the latest ultimatum from the White House do not indicate a change in Putin’s attitude.

A second factor that may explain why Trump has had peacemaking success in some cases but not others is the level of complexity of US interests involved. When it comes to US relations with Russia and Israel, there is a lot more at stake for Trump.

The US president still appears keen to strike a grand bargain with Russia and China under which Washington, Beijing and Moscow would agree to recognise, and not interfere in, their respective spheres of influence. This could explains his hesitation so far to follow through on his threats to Putin.

Similarly, US interests in the Middle East – whether it’s over Iran’s nuclear programme or relations with America’s Gulf allies – have put strains on the alliance with Israel. Trump also needs to weigh carefully the impact of any move against, or in support of, Israel on his domestic support base.

In the deal Trump brokered between Rwanda and the DRC, the issues at stake were much simpler: access for US investors to the mineral riches of the eastern DRC. Just days into his second term, Trump acknowledged that the conflict was a “very serious problem”. Congo’s president, Felix Tshisekedi, responded by offering the US access to minerals in exchange for pushing Rwanda to a deal to end the invasion and stop supporting proxy forces in the DRC.

This leads to the third factor that has enabled Trump’s peace-making success so far: simpler solutions are easier to achieve. Thailand and Cambodia and India and Pakistan can go back to the situation before their recent fighting. That does not resolve any of the underlying issues in their conflicts, but returns their relations to some form of non-violent stability.

It is ultimately also in the interests of the conflict parties. They have had a chance to make their violent statements and reinforce what they will and won’t tolerate from the other side. The required investment by an external mediator to end battles that have achieved what the warring sides want anyway – to avoid further escalation – is consequently quite limited.

Complex conflicts

Getting to any kind of stability in Ukraine or the Middle East by contrast requires prolonged engagement and attention to detail. These conflicts are at a stage in which a return to how things were before is not in the interests of the parties or their external backers. Nudging warring parties along on the path to agreement under such conditions requires a well-designed process, which is absent in Ukraine and failing in Gaza.

Thanks to funding and personnel cuts, the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, is now required to perform multiple roles. Trump relies on personal envoys with at best limited foreign policy expertise, while insisting he makes all the decisions. This ultimately suggests that the White House simply may not have the bandwidth for the level of engagement that would be necessary to get to a deal in Ukraine and the Middle East.

This is a self-inflicted opportunity lost, not only for the United States but also for the long-suffering people of Ukraine and the Middle East.

Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

– ref. Why Donald Trump has stopped some conflicts but is failing with Ukraine and Gaza – https://theconversation.com/why-donald-trump-has-stopped-some-conflicts-but-is-failing-with-ukraine-and-gaza-262241

MIL OSI Analysis –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Five companies shut down for filing false and forged accounts
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Five companies shut down for filing false and forged accounts

Companies falsely claimed to have hundreds of millions of pounds in turnover and profits
Automarket Europe Limited, Integra Group Limited, Maxell Limited, Montana & Montana Limited, and Supermarket Plus Ltd filed false accounts showing turnovers of up to £642 million despite having no genuine business activity

All five companies shared office addresses in South London and Croydon. They also falsely named reputable accountants as auditors, and failed to co-operate with Insolvency Service investigations before being shut down

The companies were investigated by the Insolvency Service as a result of referrals from Companies House following legislation to improve corporate standards

Five companies which submitted false accounts showing hundreds of millions of pounds of profits have been shut down following investigations by the Insolvency Service and Companies House.

Automarket Europe Limited, Integra Group Limited, Maxell Limited, Montana & Montana Limited, and Supermarket Plus Ltd claimed to trade as everything from supermarkets to car dealerships but no evidence was found of any true business activity.

The Insolvency Service investigations came following referrals from Companies House as part of the implementation of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, introduced to improve transparency over UK companies.

Companies House now has powers to remove false, misleading or incorrect information from company registers. The Act also strengthens collaboration between the Insolvency Service and Companies House to crack down on the misuse of UK corporate structures.

The five companies were all wound-up at the High Court in Manchester on Thursday 31 July.

Dave Magrath, Director of Investigation and Enforcement Services at the Insolvency Service, said:

Our investigators were concerned that there was a genuine risk that these wildly inaccurate accounts could have been used to mislead potential customers and suppliers into providing credit in the future based on completely fabricated financial information.

Protecting the integrity of the Companies House register is crucial because UK businesses rely on this information to make informed decisions about who they trade with, lend to, and invest in. When companies submit false information, it undermines confidence in our entire business environment.

By working together with Companies House, we can take decisive action to remove rogue companies from the system. This protects legitimate businesses and delivers the economic confidence that underpins growth and prosperity.

Investigations found that the companies were connected through a shared director and/or shareholder and registered office addresses in South Croydon and South London.

All submitted accounts claiming hundreds of millions of pounds in profits but containing glaring inconsistencies. Each company also falsely named respected chartered accountants and solicitors in the accounts.

Automarket Europe Limited claimed a turnover of £327 million and net profit of £198 million for 2022. However, its declared assets jumped from £629,220 in 2021 to £84 million in the following year’s accounts – with no explanation for the increase.

Integra Group Limited reported similar figures, claiming £302 million turnover and £186 million profit for 2022. Again, net assets leapt from £602,374 in 2021 to £233 million in 2022.

Maxell Limited went even further, claiming a turnover of £440 million and £229 million in profits in 2022. According to its accounts, assets grew from £618,496 to £422 million in one year.

Montana & Montana Limited falsely named PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) as its auditors across multiple years. PWC confirmed they had never worked for the company and requested the accounts be removed. The company’s supposed assets ranged from minus £20 million to plus £194 million.

Supermarket Plus Ltd claimed the highest turnover of all – £642 million – with £330 million profit in 2022. Its assets supposedly increased from £402,431 to £410 million.

Despite the filed accounts claiming the companies ran substantial operations, they were written in poor English and provided no evidence of genuine trading activity.

All five companies failed to co-operate with Insolvency Service investigations or provide up-to-date accounting records.

Accounts filed by Automarket Europe Limited, Maxell Limited, and Supermarket Plus Ltd were also removed from Companies House after being found to be “factually inaccurate and forged”.

Adrian Landeg, Head of Integrity, Compliance & Enforcement at Companies House, said:

By working closely with our stakeholders we’re now able to utilise the powers in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act to take decisive action where false, misleading, or incorrect information is identified on the register.

These powers have also strengthened collaboration with our partners at the Insolvency Service which, as this case demonstrates, enables us to crack down on the misuse of UK corporate structures, improve the quality of information on the register and support economic growth.

The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator of Automarket Europe Limited, Integra Group Limited, Maxell Limited, Montana & Montana Limited, and Supermarket Plus Ltd.

All enquiries concerning the affairs of the five companies should be made to the Official Receiver of the Public Interest Unit: 16th Floor, 1 Westfield Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1HZ. Email piu.or@insolvency.gov.uk.

Further information

Automarket Europe Limited (company number 05700104)

Integra Group Limited (company number 10047540)

Maxell Limited (company number 06912995)

Montana & Montana Limited (company number 07540705)

Supermarket Plus Ltd (company number 08044175)

The Insolvency Service can investigate complaints about corporate abuse by live companies. This may include serious misconduct, fraud, scams or dishonest practice in the way the company operates. Further information on our live investigations can be found here

The Insolvency Service’s new investigation and enforcement strategy will see the agency play a leading role in tackling economic crime and improving corporate standards, including supporting Companies House in maintaining the integrity of its registers

Further information about the work of the Insolvency Service, and how to complain about financial misconduct, is available here.

About us

The Insolvency Service is a government agency that helps to deliver economic confidence by supporting those in financial distress, tackling financial wrongdoing and maximising returns to creditors.

The Insolvency Service is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade.

Read more about what we do

Press Office

Journalists with enquiries can call the Insolvency Service Press Office on 0303 003 1743 or email press.office@insolvency.gov.uk (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Out of hours

For any out of hours media enquiries, please contact the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) newsdesk on 020 7215 2000.

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Updates to this page

Published 31 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Department of Justice, CIA Transmit Declassified Durham Documents to Senator Chuck Grassley

Source: US State of California

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice transmitted the declassified Appendix of the Durham Report to the Senate Judiciary Committee following collaboration with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This transmission advances President Donald J. Trump’s directive for maximum transparency and underscores the Attorney General’s commitment to that objective. It also fulfills a request for disclosure by Senate Judiciary Chairman Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), whose leadership on this issue has been instrumental.

This latest transmission to Senate Republicans follows the Department’s recent disclosure of information related to the FBI’s handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server and mishandling of classified information.

Following the transmission of new Durham documents, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and FBI Director Kash Patel released the following statements:

“Today, the Department of Justice provided Chairman Grassley with previously classified information relating to Special Counsel Durham’s investigation into possible coordination between the Clinton campaign and the Obama administration to interfere with the 2016 presidential election. This Department of Justice, alongside the CIA, is committed to truth and transparency and will continue to support good-faith efforts by Congress to hold our government accountable.” – Attorney General Pamela Bondi

“Today, CIA and the Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi are taking a bold step forward in declassifying the underlying intelligence in the Durham appendix showing the false Trump-Russia collusion narrative for what it was – a coordinated plan to prevent and destroy Donald Trump’s presidency. CIA stands with the Department and is committed to transparency and rebuilding trust in the IC. The American people deserve the opportunity to see the evidence for themselves.” – CIA Director John Ratcliffe

“The American people deserve the full, unfiltered truth about the Russia collusion hoax and the political abuse of our justice system it exposed. Today’s declassification and release of documents tied to the Durham report is another step toward that accountability. The FBI will continue working tirelessly with our federal partners at DOJ, CIA, and more to uncover the facts that should have been brought to light years ago. I’m grateful to Chairman Grassley for his steadfast leadership on this issue, and I look forward to our continued partnership in exposing one of the most shameful frauds ever perpetrated on the American public.” – FBI Director Kash Patel

MIL OSI USA News –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Department of Justice, CIA Transmit Declassified Durham Documents to Senator Chuck Grassley

Source: United States Attorneys General

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice transmitted the declassified Appendix of the Durham Report to the Senate Judiciary Committee following collaboration with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This transmission advances President Donald J. Trump’s directive for maximum transparency and underscores the Attorney General’s commitment to that objective. It also fulfills a request for disclosure by Senate Judiciary Chairman Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), whose leadership on this issue has been instrumental.

This latest transmission to Senate Republicans follows the Department’s recent disclosure of information related to the FBI’s handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server and mishandling of classified information.

Following the transmission of new Durham documents, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and FBI Director Kash Patel released the following statements:

“Today, the Department of Justice provided Chairman Grassley with previously classified information relating to Special Counsel Durham’s investigation into possible coordination between the Clinton campaign and the Obama administration to interfere with the 2016 presidential election. This Department of Justice, alongside the CIA, is committed to truth and transparency and will continue to support good-faith efforts by Congress to hold our government accountable.” – Attorney General Pamela Bondi

“Today, CIA and the Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi are taking a bold step forward in declassifying the underlying intelligence in the Durham appendix showing the false Trump-Russia collusion narrative for what it was – a coordinated plan to prevent and destroy Donald Trump’s presidency. CIA stands with the Department and is committed to transparency and rebuilding trust in the IC. The American people deserve the opportunity to see the evidence for themselves.” – CIA Director John Ratcliffe

“The American people deserve the full, unfiltered truth about the Russia collusion hoax and the political abuse of our justice system it exposed. Today’s declassification and release of documents tied to the Durham report is another step toward that accountability. The FBI will continue working tirelessly with our federal partners at DOJ, CIA, and more to uncover the facts that should have been brought to light years ago. I’m grateful to Chairman Grassley for his steadfast leadership on this issue, and I look forward to our continued partnership in exposing one of the most shameful frauds ever perpetrated on the American public.” – FBI Director Kash Patel

MIL Security OSI –

August 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: Introducing 1 Hour Payday Loans Online from 1F Cash Advance! Experience Instant Approval Loans with No Credit Check and Get Your Quick Cash the Same Day You Apply

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOULDER, Colo., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 1F Cash Advance, a responsive fintech committed to delivering fast, people-focused financial solutions, today announces the nationwide launch of its enhanced 1-Hour Payday Loan product. Designed to support Americans with bad credit facing unexpected expenses, the product offers quick financial relief. It addresses record-high financial stress levels affecting households across the country.

Get Cash in 1 Hour – Apply for a Payday Loan Today!

1F Cash Advance leverages AI and machine learning to evaluate a broader range of data points, such as social media activity, online transaction patterns, and utility payments, to assess borrower creditworthiness. This innovative approach eliminates the need for a traditional credit check, a benefit that is appreciated by people with limited or poor credit history who are often rejected by banks.

Using advanced AI analytics, 1F Cash Advance creates personalized loan packages tailored to each borrower’s unique financial profile and needs. This ensures borrowers receive customized solutions rather than standardized, one-size-fits-all offers.

“Our 1-hour payday loans are built for speed. You apply online, answer a few quick questions, and hear back in minutes,” says Marsha Welch, financial expert at 1F Cash Advance. “The whole idea is to resolve the emergency immediately before it turns into something more serious.”

As financial demands become more varied and time-sensitive, 1F Cash Advance has expanded its offerings, developing multiple loan options that address a wide range of everyday challenges:

Today, the urgency and scale of consumer financial insecurity have intensified throughout 2024 and into 2025. The following statistics illustrate this trend:

Consumer prices rose by 3.0% over the year leading up to January 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many families are still feeling the pressure, even though inflation isn’t as high as it was in 2022.
About 37% of Americans say they wouldn’t be able to handle a $400 emergency expense, based on a Federal Reserve report.
More than 12 million people now rely on short-term payday loans each year. Just three years ago, that number was around 900,000.

1-hour payday loans fit today’s fast-paced lifestyle, letting qualified borrowers get $100 to $1,000 almost instantly. You receive a guaranteed approval with no credit check and repay the loan by your next paycheck. The goal: to help Americans manage pressing financial obligations, such as rent, utilities, medical bills, or car repairs, without unnecessary delays or burdensome red tape.

Apply Now for a 1 Hour Payday Loan – Quick Approval, Instant Relief!

Unlike conventional loans, which often require collateral or an extensive credit history, these cash advances are unsecured and highly accessible. Applicants need only meet basic eligibility criteria: be a legal adult with a government-issued ID, a consistent income stream, and an active checking account.

1F Cash Advance utilizes automated systems to verify income and banking history in real-time, without relying on full credit reports. Once approved, funds are deposited directly into the customer’s bank account the same day.

“It’s a practice that keeps doors open to more people, even for those with bad credit history,” says Latoria Williams, founder & CEO at 1F Cash Advance. “In many cases, approvals arrive in as little as 15 minutes, and the money is on its way before the end of the day.”

“Speed matters when you’re staring down a utility shutoff or an urgent repair,” adds Marsha Welch. “But clarity is just as important. Even a fast form at 1F Cash Advance is still a legal contract.”

What makes 1-hour payday loans so appealing is their simplicity: one online form replaces piles of paperwork, no collateral changes hands, and everything stays confidential. The company believes it provides a modern alternative to borrowing from friends or paying overdraft fees, especially for households with tight budgets.

For many, bridging a short-term cash gap with a clear, straightforward option is well worth the service cost. While fees typically range from $10 to $30 per $100 borrowed, responsible borrowing and transparent terms keep the process manageable. Edward Evans, managing editor and money management expert at 1F Cash Advance, argues that clear disclosures and automated underwriting keep the process transparent: “Fast money should never mean hidden terms. Our goal is relief today without regret tomorrow.”

From the Field: Statistics & Real Voices of Local Managers

Experts from 1F Cash Advance analyzed data from their offices nationwide to determine the source of online applications. The leaders were Texas, California, Florida, and Mississippi; these four states account for the majority of commission fees. 1F Cash Advance experts predict that this figure will grow even more in 2024 after receiving final data.

Usage maps highlight strong demand across the South, Midwest, and Western states. Meanwhile, in regions like New York, Massachusetts, West Virginia, and Oregon, where lending rules are more restrictive, activity remains minimal.

“1-hour payday loans requests have increased by about 40% over the past two months. Most are for repairs, vehicle or HVAC, a consistent theme.” – José Ramirez, manager from the Texas office.

“High cost of living in LA and the Bay Area means urgent needs crop up often. We’ve seen overdraft protections and quick payday solutions become essential tools.” – Priya Singh, manager from the California location

“Midwestern tight budgets show demand for low-sum advances, typical borrowings are $300–$500, often for auto or rent.” – Mark Walters, loan officer from the Ohio store

“Tourism jobs with irregular pay cycles push us into gig-focused solutions. Approvals are up 35% year‑over‑year.” – Maria Lopez, manager from the Florida store

1F Cash Advance has emerged as a nimble fintech leader in an industry now serving over $21 million annually in short-term loans.

Their early adoption of immediately payout technology, combined with strong compliance controls and credit risk data analytics, positions us for rapid scaling. Key metrics include:

Year-over-year loan volume increased by 75% in Q1 2025.
Net default rate held below 8%, significantly lower than the 15–20% industry average.
Customer retention rate exceeds 60%, with high repeat usage among borrowers with stable repayment histories.

Regional differences in short-term lending come down to two main factors: what states allow and local economic conditions. Texas and Mississippi have looser rules, so people use 1-hour payday loan services more. New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon have strict laws that basically shut down access.

The economy plays a big role too. California and Florida have tons of gig workers – Uber drivers, delivery people, restaurant staff – who never know what their next paycheck will look like. In tourist areas like Florida and parts of Tennessee, work is seasonal and people get stuck between jobs. Rural areas down South and in the Midwest deal with bad credit and high unemployment, so folks can’t get regular bank loans.

Things might change next year. Some Midwest states are talking about copying Illinois and capping rates at 36%. 1F Cash Advance worry’s this could backfire – if rates get too low, people might end up borrowing from sketchy offshore websites instead.

Rising Demand for 1-Hour Payday Loans: Key Reasons

All signs indicate that the demand for 1-hour Payday Loans will grow, and there are several reasons for this.

On May 29, 2025, a federal appeals court allowed President Trump’s 10% import tariff to remain in place while legal battles continued. As a result, many retailers are warning customers to expect higher prices on everyday goods as additional costs are passed through the supply chain.

And Americans are already reacting. According to 1F Cash Advance, 1-hour payday loan inquiries increased by 19% in just one week following the court decision.

“When prices rise before paychecks do, families look for fast cash that arrives the right now,” explains Latoria Williams.

Additionally, the gig economy continues to expand. Upwork’s Freelance Forward report reveals that 38% of U.S. workers, about 64 million people, now earn their main income through freelance or gig work. These workers don’t receive paid time off and often wait for client payments, meaning their income can fluctuate significantly from one week to the next.

“Freelancers can plan their budget, but they can’t lock in a payday,” says Edward Evans. When a client pays late, even a quick $300 advance can be the difference between missing rent and staying on track with repairs. Technology is making access to emergency funds even easier — another reason why interest is growing.

How Technology Redefining 1-Hour Payday Loans

As AI-powered approval tools and real-time access to banking data gain traction, a new era of financial inclusion and responsiveness is emerging. Technologies like FedNow®, the Federal Reserve’s real-time payment service, are paving the way for 24/7 banking, including nights and weekends — a significant step forward in meeting the demands of today’s digital-first economy.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way creditworthiness is assessed. Instead of relying solely on traditional FICO scores, modern AI models evaluate a broader range of financial behaviors, such as transaction history, income stability, and bill payment patterns. This shift expands access to credit for millions who were previously overlooked by traditional systems, especially gig workers and individuals with non-traditional income streams.

The launch of FedNow® brings true real-time payments to the U.S. financial system. For consumers, this means instant access to funds — whether it’s loan disbursements, paychecks, or repayments. For lenders, it enables a smooth and efficient flow of capital, improving both borrower satisfaction and operational processes.

These innovations are particularly important for underbanked populations and gig workers, who often face inconsistent income and limited access to credit. Borrowers with poor credit can get guaranteed approval through AI-driven decisions and instant funding. Flexible repayment schedules match their payday or gig income, making it easier to manage unique financial needs.

How These Advances Position 1F Cash Advance

All this tech progress means 1F Cash Advance can offer 1-hour loan services that actually work. They’re not just promising speed — they can deliver it. Here’s how they stack up against your other options when you need cash fast:

Feature	1F Cash Advance	Traditional Banks	Credit Cards	Other Payday Lenders
Approval Speed	Within 15 minutes	Days to weeks	Instantly if approved	Same day or next day
Funding Time	Usually within 24 hours or the same day	1–5 business days	Immediately usable	Often same-day
Transparency	Clear fees & terms upfront	Regulated disclosure	Hidden fees, variable APR	Often vague or misleading
Credit Score Impact	Soft check or none	Hard check, strict	Depends on usage	No credit check advertised
Accessibility	Online, low barriers	High credit & income reqs	Credit-dependent	Widely available
Loan Amounts	$100–$5,000 typical	$1,000–$50,000	Based on the limit	$100–$1,500
Repayment Flexibility	Flexible terms	Strict terms	High interest if unpaid	Lump sum or rollover fees
Use Case Fit	Emergency, short-term needs	Large, planned expenses	Ongoing purchases	Emergency, short-term

Quick Cash in Just 1 Hour – Payday Loans with Guaranteed Approval!

Look, what used to be cutting-edge is becoming standard. Everyone expects faster service now, whether it’s food delivery or getting a loan with no credit check. The combination of smart AI approval systems and instant payments means companies like 1F Cash Advance can actually help people who banks won’t touch. And when you need money in an hour, that tech backbone is what makes 1-hour payday loans reliable instead of just another empty promise.

About 1F Cash Advance

Founded in 2019, 1F Cash Advance was created to help consumers access the funds they need and overcome everyday financial emergencies. The company operates under fair lending laws and uses encryption technologies to protect customer data.

Headquartered in Boulder, CO, 1F Cash Advance combines digital convenience with local accessibility. In addition to its nationwide online service, the company operates over 80 physical locations across the U.S., including in Texas, Nevada, Kansas, and Tennessee.

Committed to transparency and customer care, 1F Cash Advance has earned high trust ratings and consistently positive reviews from its clients.

Media Contact Info

Mailing Address

1F Cash Advance, LLC

1942 Broadway St., STE 314C Boulder, CO 80302

Main Office Location

2770 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO 80302

Website: https://1firstcashadvance.org

E-mail: info@1firstcashadvance.org

Phone: (720) 428-2247

Social Media:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/49624086-d128-46fd-8edb-9d978d3c425d

The MIL Network –

August 5, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: On The Senate Floor, Durbin Urges The Release Of Political Prisoners In The UAE, Azerbaijan, Tunisia, & Guatemala

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

July 31, 2025

WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) highlighted the plight of political prisoners in four nations and called for their immediate and unconditional release. These political prisoners have been outspoken in their support for democracy, freedom of the press, human rights, and basic freedoms.

During his remarks, Durbin reflected on past American voices in the fight for democracy, including President Reagan who told the Soviets at the Brandenburg Gate to “tear down this wall,” and John McCain who joined thousands of Ukrainians aspiring for freedom on the Maidan Square.

“From time to time I come to the floor to discuss political prisoners jailed by some of the world’s worst regimes. I have often been joined in efforts to secure their release by colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including then-Senator and now Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
You see, despite periods of retreat on the global stage, the United States has been seen as a beacon of hope for those who want a more free and democratic society, and this American voice has also enjoyed broad bipartisan support,” said Durbin.

Durbin first highlighted Ahmed Mansoor who has been imprisoned for over eight years in the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Mansoor is considered one of the last major human rights voices in the Emirates—one tragically held at times in solitary confinement unable to contact his family. He was arrested under the guise that his social media posts advocating for human rights threatened social harmony.

“Despite dismal conditions of his incarceration, he remains steadfast in his commitment to human rights—even conducting multiple hunger strikes in protest of his jail conditions, the same conditions he spoke out against before his detention. Recently his outrageous 15-year sentence was upheld on appeal. We have strong ties and shared interests with the UAE, but its continued involvement in the horrific Sudanese civil war and incarceration of Mr. Mansoor complicate that relationship. I appeal to the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to show compassion and allow Mr. Mansoor’s release on humanitarian grounds,” Durbin said.

Durbin then highlighted a political prisoner in Azerbaijan—Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu—who was forcibly dragged from his vehicle with his wife and severely beaten. He was taken to a prison well known fortorture, where he was denied medication and legal representation.

“His [Dr. Ibadoghlu’s] crime? Investigating and writing on the rampant corruption stemming from Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry. While he was eventually placed under house arrest in April 2024, he has still been denied a trial, legal representation, and access to adequate medical care, and his family continues to suffer harassment. He is one of the many wrongfully detained individuals in Azerbaijan who should be released,” said Durbin.

Durbin then spoke about a political prisoner in Tunisia, originally one of the most promising nations to emerge from the Arab Spring. Sonia Dahmani, a prominent Tunisian lawyer and political commentator who was arrested in May 2024 for her radio and television commentary. She faces five separate legal proceedings and an additional 10 years pending charges. Her sister, Ramla, was also sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for advocating for her sister’s case on social media.

“Ms. Dahmani has endured appalling prison conditions, including sexual assault, and denial of basic medical care. I urge President Saied: release her on humanitarian charges and drop any remaining charges, including against her sister,” Durbin continued.

Lastly, Durbin spoke about two cases in Guatemala—including the troubling jailing of journalist José Rubén Zamora and legal harassment of anti-corruption prosecutor, Virginia Laparra.

“Their incarceration occurred amid multiple efforts to derail the peaceful transition of power to President Arevalo last year. Both were eventually released from prison to house arrest, but Mr. Zamora has now been sent back to prison and Ms. Laparra continues to face baseless legal harassment from holdovers from the previous regime. Both deserve full release and dropping of remaining charges,” said Durbin.

Durbin concluded, “What we do here matters around the world, for the large and small battles occurring for freedom and democracy. My friend and jailed Russian dissident Vladimir Kara Murza wrote the following from his Russia gulag a few years ago, ‘The prisoner’s worst nightmare is the thought of being forgotten… I always knew how true those words were — and how important were international campaigns of solidarity with prisoners of conscience. I now feel it with my own skin.’ So, let me remind Ahmed, Gubad, Sonia, José Rubén, and Virginia—you are not forgotten… Don’t give up hope. I will continue to be that voice to remind the world of the incarceration and treatment [of the political prisoners.] We need to be a beacon of hope and freedom in the United States.”

Following the speech, Durbin met with Mr. Zamora’s son, José, and Dr. Ibadoghlu’s son, Emin. They also watched Durbin’s floor speech from the Senate gallery.

Video of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s floor speech is available here for TV Stations.

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MIL OSI USA News –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adam Smith Responds to WSJ Op-Ed, Calls for Immediate Humanitarian Ceasefire and a New Path Forward in Gaza

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

SEATTLE, WA – Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement in response to the ongoing war in Gaza and a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed by William A. Galston titled “Hamas Will Never Surrender,” calling for Israel to accept a ceasefire in return for the release of hostages, and a new strategy to rebuild Gaza and empower credible Palestinian governance:

“William Galston’s op-ed in the Wall Street Journal acknowledges a hard truth: Hamas will never surrender. That truth underscores the urgent need for a fundamental shift in strategy. After nearly two years of war, it’s clear that the complete destruction of Hamas is not a feasible or sustainable goal and the cost of continuing to try is far too high.

“Hamas is a terrorist organization and bears full responsibility for the horrific October 7 attacks. But continuing this war indefinitely, with devastating consequences for innocent Palestinian civilians, will not bring peace or security to Israel or the region.

“There are Palestinians who reject Hamas’s violence and extremism and they must be empowered to lead. A new path forward is the only way to achieve long-term peace and security. The current course of continued military operations, displacement, and indefinite occupation risks even greater instability, can undermine key regional partnerships, and diminishes Israel’s moral and strategic standing.

“It is time for an immediate ceasefire to address the humanitarian crisis and for Israel to accept a permanent ceasefire in exchange for the return of the remaining hostages. Israel must begin working with the United States, Arab partners, and the international community to support credible Palestinian alternatives to Hamas to govern Gaza and the West Bank.

“We can continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself while recognizing that the military campaign has reached its limits. The time has come to shift from endless war to a political strategy that brings hostages home, delivers humanitarian relief, and builds the foundations for lasting peace. The United States must lead that effort.”

MIL OSI USA News –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Department of Justice Announces Compensation Process for Victims Trafficked Through Backpage.com

Source: United States Attorneys General 7

Today, the Department of Justice announced the launch of the Backpage remission process to compensate victims whose trafficking was facilitated through the Backpage.com website. This marks the largest remission process to date to compensate victims of human trafficking.

“Backpage.com facilitated the exploitation of women and children as one of the largest online advertisers for commercial sex and sex trafficking over its 14-year existence,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Backpage and its executives made millions off the trafficking of victims. Today’s announcement underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to use forfeiture to take the profit out of crime and to compensate victims.”

“Backpage used its position as the leading commercial sex advertisement website to make millions of dollars through their corrupt and heinous peddling of people,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona. “The District of Arizona was proud to hold its executives accountable though criminal convictions and is proud to continue our efforts by forfeiting those ill-gotten gains to compensate real victims.”

“Today’s announcement shows the FBI’s commitment to ensuring that those who profit from human trafficking face the consequences of their actions,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “We will continue to work alongside partners to thwart this industry by decimating its capacity for monetary gain while seeking safeguards for its victims.”

“Sex trafficking is one of the most horrific crimes we confront as a society,” said Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation. “While traffickers try to operate in the shadows, the money always leaves a trail—and that’s where we come in. IRS-CI is committed to following that financial trail to expose criminal networks and help bring justice to survivors. We’re proud to work with our federal partners to dismantle those who profit from exploitation. Victims in this case should file their petitions by Feb. 2, 2026, to access the compensation they rightfully deserve.”

From 2004 to April 2018, criminals used Backpage.com as an online platform to facilitate commercial sex and sex trafficking, including trafficking of minors. In April 2018, the government seized Backpage.com. To date, Backpage.com, its owners, and key executives and businesses related to the platform have been found guilty of criminal offenses, including conspiring to facilitate unlawful commercial sex using a facility in interstate or foreign commerce and money laundering, and have been sentenced to federal terms of imprisonment.

In December 2024, the Department of Justice forfeited over $200 million in assets traceable to Backpage’s profits. These funds are now available to compensate victims for eligible losses. The Department of Justice has retained Epiq Global Inc. (Epiq) to serve as the Remission Administrator for this matter.

Victims whose sex trafficking was facilitated through advertisements posted on Backpage.com between Jan. 1, 2004, and April 6, 2018, and who incurred financial losses related to their trafficking may be eligible for remission. Individuals, their representatives, or estates of deceased victims may file a petition online or may obtain a Petition Form online at https://www.backpageremission.com/. Victims may also call, email, or write to the Remission Administrator to request that a Petition Form be sent to them.

The deadline to file a petition for remission is Feb, 2, 2026. For more information about the remission process – including eligibility requirements, updates, and frequently asked questions – please visit the official website at https://www.backpageremission.com/ or contact Epiq at 1-888-859-9206 toll-free, or 1-971-316-5053 for international calls, charges may apply. The Remission Administrator and the Justice Department will not ask for any payment to participate in this remission process.

The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigated this matter.

Senior Trial Attorney Austin Berry of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rapp with assistance on forfeiture from Joseph Bozdech of the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Galatzan, Chief of the Central District of California’s Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section, handled the asset forfeiture aspects of the related civil cases. Special Agent Richard Robinson of IRS-CI, Special Agent Desirae Tolhurst of the FBI, USPIS Inspectors Lyndon Versoza and Quoc Thai, and Analyst Jane Chung with the Joint Regional Intelligence Center, spearheaded the investigation.

The Department of Justice, through the Asset Forfeiture Program, works diligently to compensate victims of crime. Since 2000, the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), which oversees the Asset Forfeiture Program’s victim compensation program, has successfully used its specialized expertise to return more than $12 billion in forfeited assets to victims of crime. MLARS Senior Attorney Advisor Jane K. Lee and Attorney Advisor Brittany R. Van Camp with the section’s Program Management and Training Unit are leading the remission process.

MIL Security OSI –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: The One Big Beautiful Bill Protects Rural Hospitals
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
Washington, D.C.–Through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes the single largest investment in rural health care since the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003.

Rural hospitals have faced ongoing issues for many years, including low patient volumes, inadequate workforces, crumbling infrastructure, outdated technology and changing reimbursement trends. The fiscal vulnerabilities they face are multifaceted and often unique to each facility. The $50 billion rural hospital fund is intended to provide immediate relief to rural hospitals while allowing facilities to establish the tools necessary to be successful in the long term.

“This legislation makes the largest investment in decades in rural health care, ensuring states have the resources they need to address the unique challenges facing their rural hospitals,” said Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “This is an efficient way to ensure the sustainability of our rural health care facilities while protecting taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud and abuse.”

Read the fact sheet about the Rural Health Transformation Program HERE.

Key Points About the Rural Health Transformation Program:

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) supplies $50 billion to stabilize and strengthen rural hospitals and providers.

Fifty percent of the $50 billion funding allocation will be divided equally among states that submit an application to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The remaining 50 percent will be distributed to states based on a formula developed by the CMS Administrator. The law requires the CMS Administrator to consider a state’s rural population, proportion of health care facilities in rural areas and situation of hospitals that serve a high proportion of low-income patients.

Assuming all 50 states apply and are approved, each state will receive at least $100 million per year for five years.

Because rural hospitals and providers face vulnerabilities that are multifaceted and unique, the RHTP allows the states–who know the issues in their communities better than the federal government–to work with providers to determine the best use of funds. This will give rural hospitals the tools to stabilize their finances in the short term and offer states the opportunity to create a long-term plan.

Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
MIL OSI USA News –
August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Road projects suspended amidst funding crisis

Source: APO

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At least 27 major road and bridge projects across Uganda have been suspended or drastically slowed down due to a crippling government funding shortfall, the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, has told Parliament.

The Minister, who presented to Parliament a statement on the state of roads in the country, on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, attributed this to delayed payments and land acquisition issues, affecting projects like the Masindi-Biiso and Kabale-Kiziranfumbi oil roads, Kampala-Mpigi Expressway, and Kampala-Jinja Highway.

“As of July 2025, 27 projects have been affected by either full suspension or significant reduction in progress. These include 18 fully funded by the Government of Uganda, where contractors have suspended or slowed down works due to delayed payments, and nine externally financed projects, where delays are primarily attributed to the Government’s inability to provide timely counterpart funding,” he said.

The funding shortfall is attributed to a massive gap of Shs2.472 trillion in the financial year 2025/2026 where only Shs682 billion of the required Shs3.153 trillion was provided. The government is also carrying over Shs1.071 trillion in arrears from previous years, accumulating commercial interest and monthly cost claims from contractors.

The situation is further complicated by land acquisition issues, with Shs443 billion needed for compensation and enabling access to sites, which has grounded externally funded projects.

“The cumulative effect of these suspensions and delays has led to slow absorption of project resources, exposure to financial claims, risk of asset deterioration, and reputational concerns,” he stated.

The minister said that Uganda’s road infrastructure is deteriorating rapidly, with 1,993 kilometers requiring urgent periodic maintenance and 260 kilometers needing rehabilitation.

“If not implemented, these roads degrade and instead require rehabilitation which costs about Shs2.59 billion per kilometer three times the periodic maintenance cost,” he warned adding that “This could result in a preventable fiscal loss of up to Shs180 billion.”

Gen. Katumba warned that if not urgently addressed, these disruptions will compromise Uganda’s ability to deliver critical national infrastructure and maintain the existing network.

The minister called for urgent financial intervention, emphasizing the importance of the road network to economic growth, regional integration, and service delivery.

Despite the urgency of the situation, Parliament was unable to hold a substantive debate on the matter after it emerged that none of the ministers from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development were present to respond to the funding concerns raised in the report.

Government Chief Whip, Hon. Hamson Obua informed the House that the responsible ministers were all away on official engagements.

Speaker Anita Among insisted that the Chief Whip must take responsibility.

“That is your role as Government Chief Whip; you are the one supposed to ensure members are in the House. This is not for debate. Whip, we shall hold you accountable,” she said.

The Speaker deferred the debate on the statement to Tuesday, 05 August 2025.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

MIL OSI Africa –

August 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: African countries make bold commitments to end preventable deaths of children under five by 2030
Source: APO

African countries have made bold pledges to address the continent’s maternal and child mortality crisis, as a challenging health landscape, shrinking resources, climate change and conflict threaten to reverse decades of progress in child survival.

Nearly five million children (https://apo-opa.co/44TWUFA) die from preventable causes before the age of five every year. Close to 60 per cent of these deaths occur in Africa, many of them caused by infectious diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria and meningitis. This is despite the existence of proven interventions such as vaccines, which have saved 154 million lives (https://apo-opa.co/4l6542n) over the past 50 years

As the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline looms, African governments are now doubling down on their commitments to end preventable deaths of children under five as envisioned by the global goals over the next five years.

Speaking during the just concluded Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025 (www.ChildHealthForum2025.com), which took place in Maputo, Mozambique, representatives from various African countries joined the co-hosting Governments of Mozambique and Sierra Leone and partners including the Government of Spain, the “la Caixa” Foundation, the Gates Foundation and UNICEF in sharing their commitments to prioritize child survival.

Addressing participants during the official opening ceremony, H.E Daniel Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, said: “The Convention on the Rights of the Child establishes that all children have the right to survive and grow up healthy. Mozambique has made notable progress in safeguarding these rights, reducing child mortality from 201 to 60 per 1,000 live births between 1997 and 2022. These gains are the result of decades of structural investments in maternal and child health – one of the key pillars of our Government’s Five-Year Plan 2025–2029.”

Despite such promising progress, Africa is still home to the majority of countries that are off-track to meet the SDGs. Noting this, government representatives and partners called for bold action to strengthen regional leadership; establish robust accountability; address inequities and mobilize sustainable financing.

“This is a defining moment for Africa; one of the greatest opportunities for resilience and strong African leadership. This forum brought us together not to discuss challenges, but to inspire action and save children’s lives. We have the tools, the science, the vaccines, diagnostics and treatments. What we need now is political commitment, suitable access, timely care and sustained investments across the continuum of care to enable us to accelerate progress toward the future we envision,” Hon. Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health, Sierra Leone.

Stakeholders at the three-day forum also advocated for deeper, more effective multistakeholder collaboration to enhance resourcing of primary health care and integration of child survival services.

“We are calling on stakeholders to prioritize high-impact, high-return interventions alongside mobilizing resources for child survival to build sustainability and efficiency within health systems. This will translate into significant gains not just for families and communities, but for economies and the continent as a whole,” said Hon. Dr. Ussene Isse, Minister of Health of Mozambique.

Acknowledging the urgent need to prioritize reaching the most vulnerable and marginalized communities with the full range of maternal health and child survival interventions across primary health care, immunization, nutrition, and disease prevention programs, countries and partners united in a joint Call to Action and commitments to:
- Strengthen regional leadership: Foster partnerships between national and regional health organizations including the African Union, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), West African Health Organization (WAHO), East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), and other stakeholders with capacity to contribute to child survival.
- Establish robust accountability: Ensure governments, partners, and civil society are held accountable for their child survival commitments at national, regional, and global levels, and report progress regularly.
- Address inequities: Focus on the most vulnerable children, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, by removing barriers to care, improving maternal education, and addressing risk factors such as malnutrition, lack of access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, and air pollution, especially household.
- Mobilize sustainable financing: Increase domestic and international funding for child survival, prioritizing cost-effective interventions and life-saving commodities that strengthen health systems, and securing sustainable financing solutions for reaching the most vulnerable groups, including in fragile and conflict affected states. Ensure these resources are flexible, to reduce fragmentation and direct funds where and when they’re needed most.
- Invest in Primary Health Care (PHC): Increase domestic investment in resilient PHC systems, including at the community level. This includes securing continuum of care, appropriate referral systems, and quality of care at primary and referral level; equipping health facilities with diagnostic tools and essential medicines for pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea, as well as sustainable energy sources and internet to support diagnostics, therapeutics, and data sharing; strengthening multi-sectoral partnerships, and training health workers to promptly diagnose and treat childhood infections and malnutrition.
- Invest decisively in prevention, preparedness, and response to public health emergencies, especially cholera, as a strategic priority. This includes strengthening multi-sectoral coordination, domestic financing, WASH infrastructure, critical supplies, community engagement, and humanitarian access. Without such investment, routine health services will remain vulnerable to repeated and severe disruptions.
- Accelerate vaccine coverage: Achieve and sustain >90% coverage of life-saving vaccines, including pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP), measles, rotavirus, malaria, meningitis, and typhoid vaccines, prioritizing zero-dose children and integrating vaccine delivery with nutrition and other high-impact child health services—with partnerships facilitating cross-sectoral collaboration—to reach the most vulnerable.
- Integrate the delivery of child survival services to improve access, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness: Explore opportunities to deliver child survival interventions and innovations through existing community-based platforms, and identify where continuous care can occur across maternal, newborn and child health care provisions.
- Enhance surveillance and innovation: Leverage data from initiatives like the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Network to anticipate and respond to epidemiological trends, inform targeted interventions and accelerate the development and deployment of new tools.
“We have a shared responsibility to ensure that every child has a chance to live and thrive. As we make these promises to Africa’s children, we must—governments, partners and civil society— hold each other accountable for these child survival commitments at national, regional, and global levels, report progress regularly, and act decisively to close gaps in child survival so that no child dies from a preventable infectious disease,” said Theo Sowa, Chairperson of the Forum.

For the detailed Call to Action and 13 Country Commitments, click here (https://apo-opa.co/44VOOfD).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025.

For interview requests, please contact:
For Mozambique-based media:
maider.mavie@ins.gov.mz

For regional and international media:
wgaitho@globalhealthstrategies.com and wkariuki@globalhealthstrategies.com

About the Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025:
The Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025 brought together stakeholders across selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions including senior health ministry officials, development agencies, donors, academia, civil society, and the private sector. It focused on new and underutilized tools to deliver progress on child survival, more effective infectious disease risk mitigation and surveillance strategies, more efficient models of service delivery, the need for robust prioritization exercises including for routine immunization systems and new vaccine introductions, and innovative child survival financing options.

The forum was co-hosted by the Governments of Mozambique and Sierra Leone, and partners including the Government of Spain, the ”la Caixa” Foundation, the Gates Foundation and UNICEF.

For more information on the forum, visit: www.ChildHealthForum2025.com

Media files

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MIL OSI Africa –
August 5, 2025

Record Date / Ex-Date	Payment Date	Distribution Amount		Return of Capital Estimate
8/15/25	8/29/25	$0.08		30%⁽¹⁾

Category: Politics

CNC bids farewell to Hunterston after 20 years

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Document

Resolution of July 31, 2025 No. 1133

HM Land Registry accepts Qualified Electronic Signatures

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Opportunity to deliver HLPAS in Hereford and Worcester

Next Steps

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UK Chargé inaugurates new accommodation facility in Hamat

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Trump, the meme pope

In-jokes

Elon Musk and weaponizing empathy

Individuals vs. the collective

Mangione, the meme martyr

Emotional saturation

Feeling our way through the feed

Consumed by media

Not all wars covered equally

Accusations of antisemitism

Left-wing bias?

What do journalists owe peace?

Mixed record

Complex conflicts

Five companies shut down for filing false and forged accounts

Further information

About us

Press Office

Out of hours

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