Category: Politics

MIL-OSI USA: President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Michigan

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: President Donald J

Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Michigan

President Donald J

Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Michigan

WASHINGTON – FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Michigan to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe winter storm from March 28-30, 2025

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair and replacement of eligible facilities damaged by the severe winter storm in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Kalkaska, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

Darrin Ricketts has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments

amy

ashbridge
Wed, 07/23/2025 – 19:59

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: President Donald J

Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana

President Donald J

Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana

WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Indiana to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding from March 30 – April 9, 2025

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair and replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding in Bartholomew, Brown, Clark, Crawford, Decatur, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Harrison, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Marshall, Martin, Montgomery, Morgan, Orange, Owen, Perry, Switzerland, Vanderburgh, Warrick and Washington counties

Joseph P

Cirone has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments

erika

suzuki
Wed, 07/23/2025 – 20:01

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oregon

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: President Donald J

Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oregon

President Donald J

Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Oregon

WASHINGTON — FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Oregon to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides from March 13-20, 2025

Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in Coos, Curry and Douglas counties

John F

Harrison has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further assessments

amy

ashbridge
Wed, 07/23/2025 – 20:14

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: TransUnion Announces Second Quarter 2025 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Exceeded second quarter 2025 financial guidance across all key financial metrics
Delivered 9 percent organic constant currency revenue growth (10 percent reported) led by U.S. Financial Services
De-levered to 2.8x Leverage Ratio at quarter-end and repurchased $47 million shares through mid-July
Raising 2025 financial guidance, we now expect to deliver 6 to 7 percent revenue growth for the year on both a reported and organic constant currency basis

CHICAGO, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) (the “Company”) today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

Second Quarter 2025 Results

Revenue:

Total revenue for the quarter was $1,140 million, an increase of 10 percent (10 percent on a constant currency basis and 9 percent on an organic constant currency basis), compared with the second quarter of 2024.

Earnings:

Net income attributable to TransUnion was $110 million for the quarter, compared with $85 million for the second quarter of 2024. Diluted earnings per share was $0.56, compared with $0.44 in the second quarter of 2024. Net income attributable to TransUnion margin was 9.6 percent, compared with 8.2 percent in the second quarter of 2024.
Adjusted Net Income was $213 million for the quarter, compared with $193 million for the second quarter of 2024. Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share was $1.08, compared with $0.99 in the second quarter of 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA was $407 million for the quarter, compared with $377 million for the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 8 percent (8 percent on a constant currency basis). Adjusted EBITDA margin was 35.7 percent, compared with 36.2 percent in the second quarter of 2024.

“In the second quarter, TransUnion delivered strong results that again exceeded financial guidance,” said Chris Cartwright, President and CEO. “U.S. Markets revenue grew 10 percent, led by Financial Services and Insurance. International grew 6 percent on an organic constant currency basis, with India accelerating to 8 percent growth and Canada and Africa delivering double-digit growth.”

“We are raising our 2025 guidance, reflecting strong results in the first half of the year and ongoing business momentum, balanced against continuing market uncertainty. We now expect revenue growth of 6 to 7 percent.”

“After the last several years of investment, we are now focused on execution and value creation. Through our transformation, we now have more and better solutions than ever. We are already seeing the emerging benefits of our accelerated pace of innovation and believe we are well-positioned to drive a generation of industry-leading growth.”

Second Quarter 2025 Segment Results

Segment revenue and Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2025, which includes the revenue from Monevo in Consumer Interactive and United Kingdom and the corresponding Adjusted EBITDA in U.S. Markets and International, and the related growth rates compared with the second quarter of 2024 were as follows:

(in millions)	Second Quarter 2025		Reported Growth Rate		Constant Currency Growth Rate		Organic Constant Currency Growth Rate
U.S. Markets:
Financial Services	$	420	17	%	17	%	17	%
Emerging Verticals		324	5	%	5	%	5	%
Consumer Interactive		147	3	%	3	%	2	%
Total U.S. Markets Revenue	$	890	10	%	10	%	10	%

U.S. Markets Adjusted EBITDA	$	337	7	%	7	%	7	%

International:
Canada	$	42	9	%	10	%	10	%
Latin America		34	(1	)%	4	%	4	%
United Kingdom		67	19	%	13	%	5	%
Africa		18	15	%	14	%	14	%
India		67	5	%	8	%	8	%
Asia Pacific		24	(7	)%	(8	)%	(8	)%
Total International Revenue	$	253	7	%	7	%	6	%

International Adjusted EBITDA	$	108	7	%	8	%	8	%

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents was $688 million at June 30, 2025 and $679 million at December 31, 2024.

For the six months ended June 30, 2025, cash provided by operating activities was $344 million, compared with $349 million in 2024. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to higher income tax payments, the timing of accounts receivable collections and higher bonus payouts, mostly offset by improved operating performance and lower interest expense in 2025 compared with 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, cash used in investing activities was $224 million, compared with $127 million in 2024. The increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to our acquisition of Monevo, a current year investment in a note receivable and an increase in capital expenditures. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, capital expenditures were $145 million, compared with $131 million in 2024. Capital expenditures as a percent of revenue represented 7% and 6%, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, cash used in financing activities was $127 million, compared with $150 million in 2024. Cash used in financing activities was lower primarily due to higher debt repayments in 2024, partially offset by stock buybacks in 2025.

Third Quarter and Full Year 2025 Outlook

Our guidance is based on a number of assumptions that are subject to change, many of which are outside of the control of the Company, including general macroeconomic conditions, interest rates and inflation. There are numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve the results expressed by this guidance.

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2025						Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2025
(in millions, except per share data)	Low			High			Low			High
Revenue, as reported	$	1,115		$	1,135		$	4,432		$	4,472
Revenue growth¹:
As reported		3	%		5	%		6	%		7	%
Constant currency^{1, 2}		3	%		5	%		6	%		7	%
Organic constant currency^{1, 3}		2	%		4	%		6	%		7	%

Net income attributable to TransUnion	$	78		$	87		$	412		$	432
Net income attributable to TransUnion growth		14	%		28	%		45	%		52	%
Net income attributable to TransUnion margin		7.0	%		7.7	%		9.3	%		9.7	%

Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.39		$	0.44		$	2.07		$	2.18
Diluted Earnings per Share growth		13	%		27	%		43	%		51	%

Adjusted EBITDA, as reported⁵	$	397		$	411		$	1,580		$	1,610
Adjusted EBITDA growth, as reported⁴		1	%		4	%		5	%		7	%
Adjusted EBITDA margin		35.6	%		36.2	%		35.7	%		36.0	%

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share⁵	$	0.99		$	1.04		$	4.03		$	4.14
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share growth	(5		)%		—	%		3	%		6	%

Additional revenue growth assumptions:

The impact of changing exchange rates is expected to have less than 0.5 point of headwind for Q3 2025 and less than 0.5 point of headwind for FY 2025.
The impact of the recent acquisition is expected to have approximately 1 point of benefit for Q3 2025 and approximately 0.5 point of benefit for FY 2025.
The impact of mortgage is expected to be approximately 2 points of benefit for Q3 2025 and 2 points of benefit for FY 2025.
Constant currency growth rates assume foreign currency exchange rates are consistent between years. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
Organic constant currency growth rates are constant currency growth excluding inorganic growth. Inorganic growth represents growth attributable to the first twelve months of activity for recent business acquisitions.

Additional Adjusted EBITDA assumptions:

The impact of changing foreign currency exchange rates is expected to have less than 0.5 point of headwind for Q3 2025 and less than 0.5 point of headwind for FY 2025.
For a reconciliation of the above non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, refer to Schedule 7 of this Earnings Release.

Earnings Webcast Details

In conjunction with this release, TransUnion will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. Central Time to discuss the business results for the quarter and certain forward-looking information. This session and the accompanying presentation materials may be accessed at www.transunion.com/tru. A replay of the call will also be available at this website following the conclusion of the call.

About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good^® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world.

http://www.transunion.com/business

Availability of Information on TransUnion’s Website

Investors and others should note that TransUnion routinely announces material information to investors and the marketplace using SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts and the TransUnion Investor Relations website. While not all of the information that the Company posts to the TransUnion Investor Relations website is of a material nature, some information could be deemed to be material. Accordingly, the Company encourages investors, the media and others interested in TransUnion to review the information that it shares on www.transunion.com/tru.

Forward-Looking Statements

This earnings release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of TransUnion’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this earnings release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations, including our guidance and descriptions of our business plans and strategies. These statements often include words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “guidance,” “suggest,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “potential,” “continues,” “seeks,” “predicts,” or the negatives of these words and other similar expressions.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, or that could materially affect our financial results or such forward-looking statements include:

macroeconomic effects and changes in market conditions, including the impact of tariffs, inflation, risk of recession, and industry trends and adverse developments in the debt, consumer credit and financial services markets, including the impact on the carrying value of our assets in all of the markets where we operate;
our ability to provide competitive services and prices;
our ability to retain or renew existing agreements with large or long-term customers;
our ability to maintain the security and integrity of our data;
our ability to deliver services timely without interruption;
our ability to maintain our access to data sources;
government regulation and changes in the regulatory environment;
litigation or regulatory proceedings;
our approach to the use of artificial intelligence;
our ability to effectively manage our costs;
our efforts to execute our transformation plan and achieve the anticipated benefits and savings;
our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures;
economic and political stability in the United States and risks associated with the international markets where we operate;
our ability to effectively develop and maintain strategic alliances and joint ventures;
our ability to timely develop new services and the market’s willingness to adopt our new services;
our ability to manage and expand our operations and keep up with rapidly changing technologies;
our ability to acquire businesses, successfully secure financing for our acquisitions, timely consummate our acquisitions, successfully integrate the operations of our acquisitions, control the costs of integrating our acquisitions and realize the intended benefits of such acquisitions;
our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property, trade secrets and other forms of unpatented intellectual property;
our ability to defend our intellectual property from infringement claims by third parties;
the ability of our outside service providers and key vendors to fulfill their obligations to us;
further consolidation in our end-customer markets;
the increased availability of free or inexpensive consumer information;
losses against which we do not insure;
our ability to make timely payments of principal and interest on our indebtedness;
our ability to satisfy covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness;
our ability to maintain our liquidity;
stock price volatility;
our dividend payments;
share repurchase plans;
dividend rate;
our reliance on key management personnel; and
changes in tax laws or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our tax returns.

There may be other factors, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this report in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

The forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release speak only as of the date of this earnings release. We undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this earnings release.

For More Information

TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (in millions, except per share data)

	June 30, 2025			December 31, 2024
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	687.5		$	679.5
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $27.4 and $19.9		895.9			798.9
Other current assets		322.3			323.4
Total current assets		1,905.7			1,801.8
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $536.4 and $506.3		228.5			203.5
Goodwill		5,256.7			5,144.3
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $2,522.2 and $2,294.5		3,238.7			3,257.5
Other assets		488.1			577.7
Total assets	$	11,117.7		$	10,984.8
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	$	345.1		$	294.6
Current portion of long-term debt		76.1			70.6
Other current liabilities		519.9			694.4
Total current liabilities		941.1			1,059.6
Long-term debt		5,060.4			5,076.6
Deferred taxes		370.7			415.3
Other liabilities		119.3			114.5
Total liabilities		6,491.5			6,666.0
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 100.0 million shares authorized; none issued or outstanding as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively		—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1.0 billion shares authorized at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, 201.4 million and 201.5 million shares issued at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, and 194.8 million and 194.9 million shares outstanding as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively		2.0			2.0
Additional paid-in capital		2,600.7			2,558.9
Treasury stock at cost; 6.7 million and 6.6 million shares at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively		(342.0	)		(334.6	)
Retained earnings		2,571.1			2,357.9
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(311.6	)		(367.2	)
Total TransUnion stockholders’ equity		4,520.2			4,217.0
Noncontrolling interests		106.0			101.8
Total stockholders’ equity		4,626.2			4,318.8
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	11,117.7		$	10,984.8

TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (in millions, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025			2024			2025			2024
Revenue	$	1,139.7		$	1,040.8		$	2,235.5		$	2,062.0
Operating expenses
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization below)		469.9			406.7			915.5			813.0
Selling, general and administrative		335.0			310.8			591.8			616.4
Depreciation and amortization		142.7			132.9			281.6			266.9
Restructuring		—			8.1			—			26.3
Total operating expenses		947.5			858.4			1,788.9			1,722.4
Operating income		192.2			182.4			446.6			339.6
Non-operating income and (expense)
Interest expense		(55.7	)		(67.9	)		(111.8	)		(136.5	)
Interest income		8.8			6.7			17.3			12.1
Earnings from equity method investments		5.0			4.6			9.3			9.3
Other income and (expense), net		6.6			(5.1	)		(10.8	)		(20.8	)
Total non-operating income and (expense)		(35.4	)		(61.7	)		(96.0	)		(135.9	)
Income before income taxes		156.8			120.7			350.5			203.7
Provision for income taxes		(44.4	)		(31.0	)		(85.4	)		(44.1	)
Net income		112.4			89.7			265.1			159.7
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(2.8	)		(4.7	)		(7.4	)		(9.5	)
Net income attributable to TransUnion	$	109.6		$	85.0		$	257.7		$	150.1

Basic earnings per common share from:
Net income attributable to TransUnion	$	0.56		$	0.44		$	1.32		$	0.77
Diluted earnings per common share from:
Net income attributable to TransUnion	$	0.56		$	0.44		$	1.31		$	0.77
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic		195.0			194.2			195.0			194.2
Diluted		197.2			195.2			197.2			195.3

As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (in millions)

	Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025			2024
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	265.1		$	159.7
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		281.6			266.9
Loss on repayment of loans		—			2.6
Deferred taxes		(54.1	)		(63.6	)
Stock-based compensation		70.5			51.8
Other		29.1			19.5
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable		(98.4	)		(71.3	)
Other current and long-term assets		8.0			45.1
Trade accounts payable		37.1			53.7
Other current and long-term liabilities		(195.1	)		(115.2	)
Cash provided by operating activities		343.8			349.2
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(145.4	)		(130.7	)
Proceeds from sale/maturities of other investments		0.2			—
Investments in consolidated affiliates, net of cash acquired		(55.7	)		—
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates and notes receivable		(25.0	)		(4.4	)
Proceeds from the sale of investments in nonconsolidated affiliates		—			3.8
Other		2.2			4.8
Cash used in investing activities		(223.7	)		(126.5	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from term loans		—			934.9
Repayments of term loans		—			(927.9	)
Repayments of debt		(43.2	)		(99.4	)
Debt financing fees		—			(13.5	)
Dividends to shareholders		(45.1	)		(41.4	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		10.5			12.4
Employee taxes paid on restricted stock units recorded as treasury stock		(7.4	)		(11.4	)
Repurchase of common stock		(38.8	)		—
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(3.3	)		(3.8	)
Cash used in financing activities		(127.3	)		(150.1	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		15.2			(5.6	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		8.0			67.0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		679.5			476.2
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	687.5		$	543.2

As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We present Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes, Adjusted Effective Tax Rate and Leverage Ratio for all periods presented. These are important financial measures for the Company but are not financial measures as defined by GAAP. These financial measures should be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant GAAP financial measures and are not presented as alternative measures of GAAP. Other companies in our industry may define or calculate these measures differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, including operating income, operating margin, effective tax rate, net income attributable to the Company, diluted earnings per share or cash provided by operating activities. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are presented in the tables below.

We present Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share, Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate as supplemental measures of our operating performance because these measures eliminate the impact of certain items that we do not consider indicative of our cash operations and ongoing operating performance. These are measures frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of the operating performance of companies similar to ours.

Our board of directors and executive management team use Adjusted EBITDA as an incentive compensation measure for most eligible employees and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share as an incentive compensation measure for certain of our senior executives.

Under the credit agreement governing our Senior Secured Credit Facility, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments and paying dividends is tied to our Leverage Ratio which is partially based on Adjusted EBITDA. Investors also use our Leverage Ratio to assess our ability to service our debt and make other capital allocation decisions.

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA

Management has excluded the following items from net income attributable to TransUnion in order to calculate Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

Net interest expense is the sum of interest expense and interest income as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Provision for income taxes, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Depreciation and amortization, as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Stock-based compensation is used as an incentive to engage and retain our employees. It is predominantly a non-cash expense. We exclude stock-based compensation because it may not correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations during the period since it is measured at the grant date fair value and it is subject to variability as a result of performance conditions and timing of grants. These expenses are reported within cost of services and selling, general and administrative on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Operating model optimization program represents employee separation costs, facility lease exit costs and other business process optimization expenses incurred in connection with the transformation plan discussed further in “Results of Operations – Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2025. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business. Further, these costs will vary and may not be comparable during the transformation initiative as we progress toward an optimized operating model. These costs are reported primarily in restructuring and selling, general and administrative on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Accelerated technology investment includes Project Rise and the final phase of our technology investment announced in November 2023. Project Rise was announced in February 2020 and was originally expected to be completed in 2022. Following our acquisition of Neustar in December 2021, we recognized the opportunity to take advantage of Neustar’s capabilities to enhance and complement our cloud-based technology already under development as part of Project Rise. As a result, we extended Project Rise’s timeline to 2024 and increased the total estimated cost to approximately $240 million. In November 2023, we announced our plans to further leverage Neustar’s technology to standardize and streamline our product delivery platforms and to build a single global platform for fulfillment of our product lines. The additional investment is expected to be approximately $90 million during 2024 and 2025 and represents the final phase of the technology investment in our global technology infrastructure and core customer applications. We expect that the accelerated technology investment will fundamentally transform our technology infrastructure by implementing a global cloud-based approach to streamline product development, increase the efficiency of ongoing operations and maintenance and enable a continuous improvement approach to avoid the need for another major technology overhaul in the foreseeable future. The unique effort to build a secure, reliable and performant hybrid cloud infrastructure requires us to dedicate separate resources in order to develop the new cloud-based infrastructure in parallel with our current on-premise environment by maintaining our existing technology team to ensure no disruptions to our customers. The costs associated with the accelerated technology investment are incremental and redundant costs that will not recur after the program has been completed and are not representative of our underlying operating performance. Therefore, we believe that excluding these costs from our non-GAAP measures provides a better reflection of our ongoing cost structure. These costs are primarily reported in cost of services and therefore do not include amounts that are capitalized as internally developed software.
Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization expenses are non-recurring expenses associated with specific transactions (exploratory or executed) and consist of (i) transaction and integration costs, (ii) post-acquisition adjustments to contingent consideration or to assets and liabilities that occurred after the acquisition measurement period, (iii) fair value and impairment adjustments related to investments and call and put options, including gains or losses on a step acquisition, (iv) transition services agreement income, and (v) a loss on disposal of a business. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business operations and vary depending upon the timing of such transactions. These expenses are reported in costs of services, selling, general and administrative and other income and (expenses), net, on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Net other adjustments principally relate to: (i) deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancing, (ii) currency remeasurement on foreign operations, (iii) other debt financing expenses consisting primarily of revolving credit facility deferred financing fee amortization and commitment fees and expenses associated with ratings agencies and interest rate hedging, (iv) certain legal and regulatory expenses, net, and (v) other non-operating (income) expense. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business and create variability between periods based on the nature and timing of the expense or income. These costs are reported in selling, general and administrative and in non-operating income and expense, net as applicable based on their nature on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin

Management defines Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin as Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenue as reported.

Adjusted Net Income

Management has excluded the following items from net income attributable to TransUnion in order to calculate Adjusted Net Income for the periods presented:

Amortization of certain intangible assets represents non-cash amortization expenses related to assets that arose from our 2012 change in control transaction and business combinations occurring after our 2012 change in control. We exclude these expenses as we believe they are not directly correlated to the underlying performance of our business operations and vary dependent upon the timing of the transactions that give rise to these assets. Amortization of intangible assets is included in depreciation and amortization on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Stock-based compensation (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above)
Operating model optimization program (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above)
Accelerated technology investment (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above)
Mergers and acquisitions, divestiture and business optimization (see Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above)
Net other is consistent with the definition in Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA above except that other debt financing expenses and certain other miscellaneous income and expense that are included in the adjustment to calculate Adjusted EBITDA are excluded in the adjustment made to calculate Adjusted Net Income.
Total adjustments for income taxes relates to the cumulative adjustments discussed below for Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes. This adjustment is made for the reasons indicated in Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes below. Adjustments related to the provision for income taxes are included in the line item by this name on our Consolidated Statements of operations.

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

Management defines Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share as Adjusted Net Income divided by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding.

Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes

Management has excluded the following items from our provision for income taxes for the periods presented:

Tax effect of above adjustments represents the income tax effect of the adjustments related to Adjusted Net Income described above. The tax rate applied to each adjustment is based on the nature of each line item. We include the tax effect of the adjustments made to Adjusted Net Income to provide a comprehensive view of our adjusted net income.
Excess tax expense (benefit) for stock-based compensation is the permanent difference between expenses recognized for book purposes and expenses recognized for tax purposes, in each case related to stock-based compensation expense. We exclude this amount from the Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes in order to be consistent with the exclusion of stock-based compensation from the calculation of Adjusted Net Income.
Other principally relates to (i) deferred tax adjustments, including rate changes, (ii) infrequent or unusual valuation allowance adjustments, (iii) return to provision, tax authority audit adjustments, and reserves related to prior periods, and (iv) other non-recurring items. We exclude these items because they create variability that impacts comparability between periods.

Adjusted Effective Tax Rate

Management defines Adjusted Effective Tax Rate as Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes divided by Adjusted income before income taxes. We calculate adjusted income before income taxes by excluding the pre-tax adjustments in the calculation of Adjusted Net Income discussed above and noncontrolling interest related to these pre-tax adjustments from income before income taxes.

Leverage Ratio

Management defines Leverage Ratio as net debt divided by Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the most recent twelve-month period including twelve months of Adjusted EBITDA from significant acquisitions. Net debt is defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents as reported on the balance sheet as of the end of the period.

This earnings release presents constant currency growth rates assuming foreign currency exchange rates are consistent between years. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. This earnings release also presents organic constant currency growth rates, which assumes consistent foreign currency exchange rates between years and also eliminates the impact of our recent acquisitions. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and the impacts of recent acquisitions.

Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures and is a measure we may refer to.

Refer to Schedules 1 through 7 for a reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

SCHEDULE 1 TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth rates as Reported, CC, and Organic CC (Unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 compared with the Three Months Ended June 30, 2024								For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
	Reported		CC Growth¹		Inorganic		Organic CC Growth²		Reported		CC Growth¹		Inorganic		Organic CC Growth²
Revenue:
Consolidated	9.5	%	9.5	%	0.7	%	8.9	%	8.4	%	8.8	%	0.3	%	8.5	%
U.S. Markets	10.0	%	10.0	%	0.3	%	9.8	%	9.3	%	9.3	%	0.1	%	9.2	%
Financial Services	17.1	%	17.1	%	—	%	17.1	%	15.9	%	15.9	%	—	%	15.9	%
Emerging Verticals	4.9	%	4.9	%	—	%	4.9	%	5.4	%	5.4	%	—	%	5.4	%
Consumer Interactive	3.3	%	3.3	%	1.5	%	1.8	%	1.3	%	1.3	%	0.7	%	0.5	%
International	7.4	%	7.4	%	2.0	%	5.5	%	4.9	%	6.7	%	1.0	%	5.7	%
Canada	9.0	%	10.5	%	—	%	10.5	%	4.8	%	8.7	%	—	%	8.7	%
Latin America	(1.0	)%	4.0	%	—	%	4.0	%	(0.8	)%	5.5	%	—	%	5.5	%
United Kingdom	18.7	%	12.6	%	8.4	%	4.6	%	13.8	%	11.0	%	4.3	%	7.0	%
Africa	15.0	%	13.7	%	—	%	13.7	%	13.5	%	11.7	%	—	%	11.7	%
India	4.8	%	7.6	%	—	%	7.6	%	0.5	%	4.0	%	—	%	4.0	%
Asia Pacific	(6.8	)%	(7.7	)%	—	%	(7.7	)%	—	%	—	%	—	%	—	%

Adjusted EBITDA:
Consolidated	8.1	%	8.3	%	—	%	8.3	%	9.4	%	10.2	%	—	%	10.2	%
U.S. Markets	6.8	%	6.8	%	—	%	6.8	%	9.4	%	9.4	%	—	%	9.4	%
International	7.2	%	8.0	%	—	%	7.9	%	4.9	%	7.6	%	—	%	7.6	%

Constant Currency (“CC”) growth rates assume foreign currency exchange rates are consistent between years. This allows financial results to be evaluated without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
Organic CC growth rate is the CC growth rate less the inorganic growth rate.

SCHEDULE 2 TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated and Segment Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin (Unaudited) (dollars in millions)

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025			2024			2025			2024
Revenue:
U.S. Markets gross revenue
Financial Services	$	419.9		$	358.7		$	823.5		$	710.4
Emerging Verticals		323.6			308.5			638.5			606.0
Consumer Interactive		146.9			142.1			285.1			281.5
U.S. Markets gross revenue	$	890.4		$	809.3		$	1,747.0		$	1,597.8

International gross revenue
Canada	$	42.3		$	38.8		$	80.1		$	76.5
Latin America		34.1			34.5			66.9			67.4
United Kingdom		67.2			56.6			126.1			110.8
Africa		18.2			15.8			35.1			30.9
India		66.6			63.5			135.3			134.6
Asia Pacific		24.5			26.2			51.5			51.5
International gross revenue	$	252.9		$	235.4		$	495.0		$	471.7

Total gross revenue	$	1,143.2		$	1,044.7		$	2,242.1		$	2,069.6

Intersegment revenue eliminations
U.S. Markets	$	(1.9	)	$	(2.4	)	$	(3.5	)	$	(4.7	)
International		(1.6	)		(1.5	)		(3.1	)		(3.0	)
Total intersegment revenue eliminations	$	(3.5	)	$	(3.9	)	$	(6.6	)	$	(7.6	)

Total revenue as reported	$	1,139.7		$	1,040.8		$	2,235.5		$	2,062.0

Adjusted EBITDA:
U.S. Markets	$	337.2		$	315.8		$	657.4		$	600.9
International		108.0			100.8			217.8			207.6
Corporate		(38.2	)		(40.0	)		(71.0	)		(73.8	)
Adjusted EBITDA Margin:¹
U.S. Markets		37.9	%		39.0	%		37.6	%		37.6	%
International		42.7	%		42.8	%		44.0	%		44.0	%

Segment Adjusted EBITDA Margins are calculated using segment gross revenue and segment Adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated using total revenue as reported and consolidated Adjusted EBITDA.

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025			2024			2025			2024
Reconciliation of Net income attributable to TransUnion to consolidated Adjusted EBITDA:
Net income attributable to TransUnion	$	109.6		$	85.0		$	257.7		$	150.1
Net interest expense		47.0			61.2			94.5			124.4
Provision for income taxes		44.4			31.0			85.4			44.1
Depreciation and amortization		142.7			132.9			281.6			266.9
EBITDA	$	343.7		$	310.1		$	719.2		$	585.4
Adjustments to EBITDA:
Stock-based compensation		40.2			27.8			70.5			51.9
Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization¹		(4.6	)		0.7			13.2			9.8
Accelerated technology investment²		23.2			18.2			43.3			36.8
Operating model optimization program³		5.4			14.6			15.2			39.1
Net other⁴		(0.8	)		5.2			(57.3	)		11.7
Total adjustments to EBITDA	$	63.3		$	66.5		$	85.0		$	149.3
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA	$	407.0		$	376.6		$	804.1		$	734.7

Net income attributable to TransUnion margin		9.6	%		8.2	%		11.5	%		7.3	%
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin⁵		35.7	%		36.2	%		36.0	%		35.6	%

As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the tables above and footnotes below.

Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization consisted of the following adjustments:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025			2024			2025		2024
Transaction and integration costs	$	2.9		$	1.2		$	8.2	$	3.4
Fair value and impairment adjustments		(7.6	)		0.7			5.0		0.8
Post-acquisition adjustments		—			(1.2	)		—		5.7
Total mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization	$	(4.6	)	$	0.7		$	13.2	$	9.8

Represents expenses associated with our accelerated technology investment to migrate to the cloud. There are three components of the accelerated technology investment: (i) building foundational capabilities, which includes establishing a modern, API-based and services-oriented software architecture, (ii) the migration of each application and customer data to the new enterprise platform, including the redundant software costs during the migration period, as well as the efforts to decommission the legacy system, and (iii) program enablement, which includes dedicated resources to support the planning and execution of the program. The amounts for each category of cost are as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025		2024		2025		2024
Foundational Capabilities	$	4.2	$	8.3	$	11.7	$	15.0
Migration Management		19.0		8.7		31.6		18.8
Program Enablement		—		1.2		—		2.9
Total accelerated technology investment	$	23.2	$	18.2	$	43.3	$	36.8

Operating model optimization consisted of the following adjustments:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025		2024		2025		2024
Employee separation	$	—	$	7.9	$	—	$	24.6
Facility exit		—		0.2		—		1.7
Business process optimization		5.4		6.5		15.2		12.8
Total operating model optimization	$	5.4	$	14.6	$	15.2	$	39.1

Net other consisted of the following adjustments:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025			2024			2025			2024
Deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancing	$	—		$	6.0		$	(0.1	)	$	9.1
Other debt financing expenses		0.6			0.6			1.1			1.1
Currency remeasurement on foreign operations		(1.5	)		(1.3	)		(2.1	)		1.3
Legal and regulatory expenses, net		—			—			(56.0	)		—
Other non-operating (income) expense		0.2			(0.1	)		(0.1	)		0.2
Total other adjustments	$	(0.8	)	$	5.2		$	(57.3	)	$	11.7

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA by total revenue.

SCHEDULE 3 TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share (Unaudited) (in millions, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025			2024			2025			2024
Income attributable to TransUnion	$	109.6		$	85.0		$	257.7		$	150.1

Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic		195.0			194.2			195.0			194.2
Diluted		197.2			195.2			197.2			195.3

Basic earnings per common share from:
Net income attributable to TransUnion	$	0.56		$	0.44		$	1.32		$	0.77
Diluted earnings per common share from:
Net income attributable to TransUnion	$	0.56		$	0.44		$	1.31		$	0.77

Reconciliation of Net income attributable to TransUnion to Adjusted Net Income:
Net income attributable to TransUnion	$	109.6		$	85.0		$	257.7		$	150.1
Adjustments before income tax items:
Amortization of certain intangible assets¹		73.1			71.3			143.9			143.3
Stock-based compensation		40.2			27.8			70.5			51.9
Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization²		(4.6	)		0.7			13.2			9.8
Accelerated technology investment³		23.2			18.2			43.3			36.8
Operating model optimization program⁴		5.4			14.6			15.2			39.1
Net other⁵		(1.5	)		4.8			(58.2	)		10.7
Total adjustments before income tax items	$	135.6		$	137.4		$	227.9		$	291.6
Total adjustments for income taxes⁶		(32.1	)		(29.4	)		(64.8	)		(69.7	)
Adjusted Net Income	$	213.1		$	193.0		$	420.7		$	372.0

Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic		195.0			194.2			195.0			194.2
Diluted		197.2			195.2			197.2			195.3

Adjusted Earnings per Share:
Basic	$	1.09		$	0.99		$	2.16		$	1.92
Diluted	$	1.08		$	0.99		$	2.13		$	1.90

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025			2024			2025			2024
Reconciliation of Diluted earnings per share from Net income attributable to TransUnion to Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share:
Diluted earnings per common share from:
Net income attributable to TransUnion	$	0.56		$	0.44		$	1.31		$	0.77
Adjustments before income tax items:
Amortization of certain intangible assets¹		0.37			0.37			0.73			0.73
Stock-based compensation		0.20			0.14			0.36			0.27
Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization²		(0.02	)		—			0.07			0.05
Accelerated technology investment³		0.12			0.09			0.22			0.19
Operating model optimization program⁴		0.03			0.08			0.08			0.20
Net other⁵		(0.01	)		0.02			(0.30	)		0.05
Total adjustments before income tax items	$	0.69		$	0.70		$	1.16		$	1.49
Total adjustments for income taxes⁶		(0.16	)		(0.15	)		(0.33	)		(0.36	)
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.08		$	0.99		$	2.13		$	1.90

Each component of earnings per share is calculated independently, therefore, rounding differences exist in the table above.

	1.	Consists of amortization of intangible assets from our 2012 change-in-control transaction and amortization of intangible assets established in business acquisitions after our 2012 change-in-control transaction.
	2.	Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization consisted of the following adjustments:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025			2024			2025		2024
Transaction and integration costs	$	2.9		$	1.2		$	8.2	$	3.4
Fair value and impairment adjustments		(7.6	)		0.7			5.0		0.8
Post-acquisition adjustments		—			(1.2	)		—		5.7
Total mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization	$	(4.6	)	$	0.7		$	13.2	$	9.8

Represents expenses associated with our accelerated technology investment to migrate to the cloud. There are three components of the accelerated technology investment: (i) building foundational capabilities which includes establishing a modern, API-based and services-oriented software architecture, (ii) the migration of each application and customer data to the new enterprise platform, including the redundant software costs during the migration period, as well as the efforts to decommission the legacy system, and (iii) program enablement, which includes dedicated resources to support the planning and execution of the program. The amounts for each category of cost are as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025		2024		2025		2024
Foundational Capabilities	$	4.2	$	8.3	$	11.7	$	15.0
Migration Management		19.0		8.7		31.6		18.8
Program Enablement		—		1.2		—		2.9
Total accelerated technology investment	$	23.2	$	18.2	$	43.3	$	36.8

Operating model optimization consisted of the following adjustments:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025		2024		2025		2024
Employee separation	$	—	$	7.9	$	—	$	24.6
Facility exit		—		0.2		—		1.7
Business process optimization		5.4		6.5		15.2		12.8
Total operating model optimization	$	5.4	$	14.6	$	15.2	$	39.1

Net other consisted of the following adjustments:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025			2024			2025			2024
Deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancing	$	—		$	6.0		$	(0.1	)	$	9.1
Currency remeasurement on foreign operations		(1.5	)		(1.3	)		(2.1	)		1.3
Legal and regulatory expenses, net		—			—			(56.0	)		—
Other non-operating (income) and expense		—			0.1			—			0.3
Total other adjustments	$	(1.5	)	$	4.8		$	(58.2	)	$	10.7

Total adjustments for income taxes represents the total of adjustments discussed to calculate the Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes.

SCHEDULE 4 TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate (Unaudited) (dollars in millions)

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025			2024			2025			2024
Income before income taxes	$	156.8		$	120.7		$	350.5		$	203.7
Total adjustments before income tax items from Schedule 3		135.6			137.4			227.9			291.6
Adjusted income before income taxes	$	292.4		$	258.1		$	578.5		$	495.3

Reconciliation of Provision for income taxes to Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes:
Provision for income taxes		(44.4	)		(31.0	)		(85.4	)		(44.1	)
Adjustments for income taxes:
Tax effect of above adjustments		(33.0	)		(31.7	)		(65.3	)		(66.7	)
Eliminate impact of excess tax expense for stock-based compensation		(0.2	)		(0.1	)		0.3			0.9
Other¹		1.1			2.5			0.2			(4.0	)
Total adjustments for income taxes	$	(32.1	)	$	(29.4	)	$	(64.8	)	$	(69.7	)
Adjusted Provision for Income Taxes	$	(76.5	)	$	(60.4	)	$	(150.3	)	$	(113.8	)

Effective tax rate		28.3	%		25.7	%		24.4	%		21.6	%
Adjusted Effective Tax Rate		26.2	%		23.4	%		26.0	%		23.0	%

As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

Other adjustments for income taxes include:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025			2024			2025			2024
Deferred tax adjustments	$	(2.9	)	$	—		$	(7.4	)	$	(5.2	)
Valuation allowance adjustments		(0.7	)		—			1.5			0.2
Return to provision, audit adjustments and reserves related to prior periods		3.9			3.3			4.9			2.3
Other adjustments		0.8			(0.8	)		1.2			(1.3	)
Total other adjustments	$	1.1		$	2.5		$	0.2		$	(4.0	)

SCHEDULE 5 TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES Leverage Ratio (Unaudited) (dollars in millions)

	Trailing Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2025
Reconciliation of Net income attributable to TransUnion to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA:
Net income attributable to TransUnion	$	391.9
Net interest expense		206.8
Provision for income taxes		140.2
Depreciation and amortization		552.5
EBITDA	$	1,291.4
Adjustments to EBITDA:
Stock-based compensation	$	139.9
Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization¹		29.9
Accelerated technology investment²		90.8
Operating model optimization program³		71.0
Net other⁴		(47.2	)
Total adjustments to EBITDA	$	284.3
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA		1,575.7
Adjusted EBITDA for Pre-Acquisition Period⁵		1.7
Leverage Ratio Adjusted EBITDA	$	1,577.4

Total debt	$	5,136.5
Less: Cash and cash equivalents		687.5
Net Debt	$	4,449.0

Ratio of Net Debt to Net income attributable to TransUnion		11.4
Leverage Ratio		2.8

As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

Mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization consisted of the following adjustments:

	Trailing Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2025
Transaction and integration costs	$	16.0
Fair value and impairment adjustments		12.6
Post-acquisition adjustments		1.3
Total mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and business optimization	$	29.9

Represents expenses associated with our accelerated technology investment to migrate to the cloud. There are three components of the accelerated technology investment: (i) building foundational capabilities which includes establishing a modern, API-based and services-oriented software architecture, (ii) the migration of each application and customer data to the new enterprise platform including the redundant software costs during the migration period, as well as the efforts to decommission the legacy system, and (iii) program enablement, which includes dedicated resources to support the planning and execution of the program. The amounts for each category of cost are as follows:

	Trailing Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2025
Foundational Capabilities	$	32.3
Migration Management		55.9
Program Enablement		2.5
Total accelerated technology investment	$	90.8

Operating model optimization consisted of the following adjustments:

	Trailing Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2025
Employee separation	$	—
Facility exit		40.5
Business process optimization		30.5
Total operating model optimization	$	71.0

Net other consisted of the following adjustments:

	Trailing Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2025
Deferred loan fee expense from debt prepayments and refinancings	$	8.6
Other debt financing expenses		2.3
Currency remeasurement on foreign operations		(1.3	)
Legal and regulatory expenses, net		(56.0	)
Other non-operating (income) and expense		(0.8	)
Total other adjustments	$	(47.2	)

The trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2025 includes the nine months of Adjusted EBITDA related to Monevo prior to our acquisition in April 2025.

SCHEDULE 6 TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES Segment Depreciation and Amortization (Unaudited) (in millions)

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2025		2024		2025		2024

U.S. Markets	$	105.2	$	99.4	$	206.4	$	200.1
International		36.6		32.5		73.2		64.7
Corporate		0.9		1.0		2.0		2.0
Total depreciation and amortization	$	142.7	$	132.9	$	281.6	$	266.9

As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

SCHEDULE 7 TRANSUNION AND SUBSIDIARIES Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Guidance (Unaudited) (in millions, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2025						Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2025
	Low			High			Low			High
Guidance reconciliation of Net income attributable to TransUnion to Adjusted EBITDA:
Net income attributable to TransUnion	$	78		$	87		$	412		$	432
Interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization		235			239			931			940
EBITDA	$	312		$	326		$	1,342		$	1,372
Stock-based compensation, mergers, acquisitions divestitures and business optimization-related expenses and other adjustments¹		85			85			238			238
Adjusted EBITDA	$	397		$	411		$	1,580		$	1,610

Net income attributable to TransUnion margin		7.0	%		7.7	%		9.3	%		9.7	%
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin²		35.6	%		36.2	%		35.7	%		36.0	%

Guidance reconciliation of Diluted earnings per share to Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share:
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.39		$	0.44		$	2.07		$	2.18
Adjustments to diluted earnings per share¹		0.60			0.60			1.96			1.96
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.99		$	1.04		$	4.03		$	4.14

As a result of displaying amounts in millions, rounding differences may exist in the table above.

These adjustments include the same adjustments we make to our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income as discussed in the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section of our Earnings Release.
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA by total revenue.

The MIL Network –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: Resilience at the Core: Reframing Social Development for a Risk-Prone World
Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Venue

Qatar National Convention Centre, Doha (Room TBC)
Background

The Second World Summit for Social Development takes place at a defining moment for global development. As the 2030 Agenda enters its final stretch, only 17% of SDG targets are currently on track. The promise to end poverty, expand decent work, and reduce inequalities is faltering under the weight of intersecting crises, from escalating climate extremes and pandemics to economic shocks and pandemics. At the same time, 2025 also marks the final implementation phase of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

In this context, disasters have become a structural feature of development, not isolated events. Each year, they affect over 100 million people, disrupt livelihoods, displace millions, and erase decades of progress in a matter of hours. These impacts are not evenly distributed: they disproportionately affect people in vulnerable situations such as women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and those living in poverty, further entrenching cycles of inequality and exclusion.

Social development systems such as social protection, health, education, and employment are not designed to withstand compounding shocks. Most social protection schemes do not anticipate risk or reach the most exposed communities. Critical infrastructure is rarely built with future hazards in mind. According to the Global Assessment Report 2025, more than 80 percent of global disaster losses are linked to sectors critical to human development, including education, health, housing, and transport. These systemic weaknesses are not only exposing people to greater risk but are also locking countries into cycles of crisis and recovery, rather than enabling sustainable and inclusive progress.

Yet this crisis presents an opportunity, the 2023 Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework and the outcome of the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction – The Geneva Call for Disaster Risk Reduction – highlighted that countries which invest in risk-informed planning, governance, and infrastructure experience fewer lives lost, faster recoveries, and more equitable development. DRR is not solely a matter of responding to disasters; it is fundamentally about reshaping the way public systems are designed and implemented, to be more inclusive, forward-looking, and resilient to a broad spectrum of risks. Risk-informed development means making deliberate choices to anticipate, plan for, reduce and prevent disaster risk. It means aligning DRR with poverty eradication, decent work, housing, and inclusion – not as an add-on, but as a core strategy for sustainable development. This requires political will, institutional change, and financing systems that reward prevention and protect the most vulnerable.

The 2025 World Summit on Social Development is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reposition DRR as a foundation for social justice and equity. Building resilience is not only a technical imperative, it is a social and moral one. This Solutions Session will spotlight the transformative potential of DRR to protect development gains, tackle root causes of vulnerability, and ensure no one is left behind.

Objective

This Solutions Session will challenge the conventional view of DRR as a siloed technical tool and reframe it as a transformative accelerator of social development. It will:
Highlight policy shifts where governments use data, anticipatory action, and inclusive design to future-proof their development pathways.
Catalyze institutional and policy shifts across Member States, the UN system and the private sector to mainstream DRR as a core approach to achieving inclusive, risk-informed, and future-ready social development.
MIL OSI United Nations News –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 24 July 2025 Departmental update WHO unveils health and environment scorecards for 194 countries

Source: World Health Organisation

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the 2024 update of its health and environment country scorecards, assessing how countries are managing eight major environmental threats to health across sectors. These threats include air pollution, unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), climate change, loss of biodiversity, exposure to chemicals, and radiation, occupational risks, and environmental risks in and around health care facilities. This year’s edition also introduces a new summary score, offering a concise snapshot of how environmental conditions are impacting people’s health.

WHO’s health and environment country scorecards serve as a valuable tool for guiding national action. They provide detailed data across the eight key areas linking environment, climate change, and health policies, promoting cross-sectoral engagement, and helping governments prioritize evidence-based interventions.

“Tackling environmental risks isn’t optional—it’s a prescription for better health, stronger economies, and a safer future. You can’t have healthy people on a sick planet,” said Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health. “We urge all countries to take bold, coordinated action across sectors to reduce environmental threats. Investing in clean air, safe water, and climate-protective policies is not just good for the planet. It’s essential for the health and future of their people.”

From among countries, Norway and Canada received the highest scores overall. Among income groups, Argentina scored highest for upper-middle-income countries, Jordan for lower-middle-income, and Malawi for low-income countries. European countries led in regional averages, followed by the Americas, Western Pacific, and Eastern Mediterranean, and other regions.

In this third round of scorecards, the introduction of the summary score marks a significant step forward in helping countries prioritize action on health and environment. The summary score is designed to condense a wide range of environmental health indicators into a single, accessible measure. Comprising 25 key indicators across environment, climate change, and health, the score enables countries to track progress at national, regional, and global levels—highlighting trends in exposures, health impacts, policy implementation, as well as identifying critical data gaps.

The scorecards support countries in conducting situation assessments and setting evidence-based priorities for action. While large disparities exist between countries, shaped in part by differing levels of economic resources, every country has an opportunity to strengthen efforts to reduce environmental health risks.

“The updated scorecards, together with the summary score, now bring new visibility to the links between environment and health at country level,” said Dr Annette Pruess, Unit Head, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO. “This is a powerful tool for governments to identify challenges and shape targeted responses.”

About 25% of the global burden of disease is linked to environmental threats that are largely preventable. By addressing these environmental risk factors through stronger policies, cleaner technologies, and sustainable practices, we can significantly reduce preventable illnesses and deaths—improving health outcomes while protecting our planet.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao Health, Animal and Plant Quarantine and Food Safety Control Meeting 2025 held online

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao Health, Animal and Plant Quarantine and Food Safety Control Meeting 2025 was held online for two consecutive days and concluded today (July 24). Representatives from the three places shared experiences and exchanged views on various topics within the fields of health, animal and plant quarantine, and food safety control. The three places agreed to further strengthen exchanges and co-operation.

Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Ms Irene Young, said that with the acceleration of the integration process of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the movement of people, trade in goods, and economic interactions among the three places have become increasingly frequent. The governments of the three places have been working closely together in areas such as health, animal and plant quarantine, and food safety control, achieving significant results across various fields. The meeting enabled experts from the three places to exchange insights, taking the collaboration to new heights.

The Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui, also said at the meeting that the meeting would further strengthen collaboration on health quarantine between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. This will help build a robust cross-boundary public health protection system that safeguards the health and safety of people travelling to and from the three places, creating a “Healthy Bay Area”.

Representatives from the Mainland and the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) attending the meeting included the Deputy Director General of the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Feng Guoqing; the Acting Chairman of the Administration Committee on Municipal Affairs of the Municipal Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Mr Mak Kim-meng; and the Director of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of the Health Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Dr Leong Iek-hou.

Other representatives from Hong Kong were the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Donald Ng; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; and Acting Controller of the Centre for Food Safety, Dr Yonnie Lam and Dr Terence Cheung.

The Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao Health, Animal and Plant Quarantine and Food Safety Control Meeting is held every two years.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: MEXC Research: Every Second Gen Z Trader Now Relies on AI for Crypto Trading Decisions
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has released a new behavioral intelligence report showing a dramatic generational shift in crypto trading patterns. Based on in-platform analytics of over 780,000 Gen Z users (aged 18–27), the report finds that two-thirds of this cohort either currently rely on or are willing to adopt AI-powered tools as part of their trading strategies.

The MEXC data reveals a clear generational divide in how traders interact with technology, manage risk, and emotionally navigate volatile markets. With 67% of Gen Z users activating at least one AI bot or strategy in the last 90 days, the report underscores a shift toward automation, emotional regulation, and strategic delegation in crypto investing.

Key Takeaways:
- 67% of Gen Z users activated at least one AI-powered trading bot within Q2 2025.
- 22.1% of Gen Z traders engage regularly (4+ interactions/month) with AI tools or rule-based strategies.
- Gen Z accounts for 60% of all AI bot activations on MEXC.
- Gen Z uses AI trading tools 11.4 days/month, more than double the engagement of users over 30.
- Gen Z users are 2.4x more likely to use AI-generated signals than traditional technical indicators.
These trends intensify during periods of market uncertainty. Usage patterns reveal a deliberate strategy: 73% of Gen Z users activate bots during volatility spikes, but consciously disable them during stagnant or low-volume periods, signaling intentional, rather than passive, AI deployment.

Psychological Insights: Trust in AI, Control Through Delegation

MEXC’s data shows that Gen Z’s affinity for AI reflects more than convenience — it’s part of a broader behavioral adaptation. Bots function as emotional anchors, reducing panic sell-offs by 47% compared to manual traders during high-stress market events.

Gen Z configures automated strategies with clear parameters, then steps back. This “structured delegation” helps them manage cognitive overload and avoid impulsive decisions. The report cites parallel trends in workplace behavior: according to a May 2025 study by Resume.org, over 50% of Gen Z workers consider ChatGPT a co-worker or even a “friend.”

AI as Risk Management

The latest metrics also suggest that, beyond automation — the primary advantage of using AI tools — Gen Z traders are increasingly recognizing their value in risk management. Specifically, MEXC’s research highlights several behavioral patterns among Gen Z users who adopt AI:
- 1.9x less likely to reactively trade in the first 3 minutes of market events — the most emotionally vulnerable window.
- 2.4x more likely to implement stop-loss and take-profit rules.
- 58% of all Gen Z AI trading activity occurred during spikes in MEXC’s internal volatility index.
These observations suggest a semi-automated, discipline-enforcing approach, where AI serves as a protective layer against emotional volatility.

Gen Z vs. Millennials in AI Trading

MEXC’s cross-age analysis reveals a stark behavioral divergence. While Millennials prefer thesis-driven, chart-heavy strategies, Gen Z treats trading as an interactive, fast-paced environment — mirroring their behaviors on platforms like TikTok and Discord. This generation prefers modular, customizable tools that match their fragmented attention spans and emotional bandwidth.

The Road Ahead: AI Becomes the Interface

According to MEXC’s forecast, AI is on track to evolve from a feature into the foundation of trading platforms. By 2028, more than 80% of Gen Z traders are projected to rely on AI for full-cycle portfolio management, including dynamic asset rebalancing, cross-chain yield strategies, tax automation, and risk-tiered exposure allocation.

This evolution parallels a broader market trend: the global AI trading platform industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 20%, reaching $69.96 billion by 2034.

Yet, the report also warns of the risks of overreliance. AI systems are only as sound as the data and assumptions they’re built on. Black swan events, algorithmic bias, or opaque models can undermine trust and performance. MEXC emphasizes the need for transparent, auditable AI frameworks and user education to ensure safe adoption.

The full report is available at the link.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

For more information, visit: MEXC Website｜X｜Telegram｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c881191b-eb34-40af-b7d3-08913eacdd83

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/32fd0af1-1c82-4276-9f2a-75670304e4ba

The MIL Network –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Crossing improvement work to begin close to local school

Source: City of Leicester

TRAFFIC restrictions will be in place on Leicester’s St Barnabas Road from this weekend, while crossing and footpath improvement works take place.

Leicester City Council will be repairing and improving paving on part of the road, and creating new footpath build-outs to provide a safer crossing point close to St Barnabas Primary School.

The works are expected to take around four weeks to complete and will require traffic restrictions to be in place.

Over the coming weekend – Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July – St Barnabas Road will be closed to all traffic between its junctions with Uppingham Road and French Road, while drainage works are carried out. Well-signposted diversions will be in place. Pedestrian access and vehicle access to properties in the area will be maintained.

Then, from Monday 28 July, the road will be one-way only, towards Uppingham Road, until late-August. A short well-signposted diversion will be in place.

The new footpath build-outs will be created on both sides of the road at the point where the school crossing patrol operates. The improvements will reduce the width of the crossing, prevent vehicles from parking and help reduce traffic speed making it safer for people to cross at all times of day.

The scheme will cost around £100,000 and is part of a rolling programme of pedestrian crossing improvements across the city.

Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “This is part of an ongoing programme of work in neighbourhoods across the city, where people have raised concerns, input ideas or highlighted possible areas for improvement.

“By working with local communities in this way, we are able to invest in highways schemes that make a real difference to the daily lives of residents.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cumbria project named finalist in global river restoration awards
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Cumbria project named finalist in global river restoration awards

Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme selected as finalist in the Thiess International Riverprize Awards. Winner announced in Brisbane in September.
Environment Agency

The Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme – led by the Environment Agency and Natural England – has been named a finalist in the prestigious Thiess International Riverprize Awards.

The winner of the award, which sees the Cumbria programme’s work compete alongside finalists Chicago River, USA; Vjosa River, Albania and Klamath River, USA will be announced at a Gala event in Brisbane in September.

The Programme has restored nearly 100km of rivers and over 150 hectares of floodplain across the Eden, Derwent and Kent catchments. By reinstating natural river processes – such as reintroducing meanders, removing obsolete weirs and planting native trees – the Partnership is helping nature recover, build climate resilience, reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and boost biodiversity and support sustainable agriculture.

This international recognition follows the Programme’s previous win of the European Riverprize in 2022, cementing Cumbria’s place on the world stage for cutting-edge nature-based solutions.

Better Habitats and Building Climate Resilience

Olly Southgate, Cumbria River Restoration Programme Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

The Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme is about giving rivers room to breathe and nature the chance to recover while also supporting sustainable farming for the future.

By allowing rivers to flow more naturally, we’re not only creating better habitats for wildlife but in some cases, we’re also helping to protect our communities by building climate resilience. It’s a win for people and a win for the planet

This nomination is a huge honour and a tribute to the power of partnership. We’re proud to showcase Cumbria’s leadership on the world stage and we thank the many dedicated landowners, local communities and partner organisations who made it all possible.”

The Cumbrian River Restoration Partnership Programme is being led by the Environment Agency alongside partners including Natural England, National Trust, RSPB, Ullswater CIC, United Utilities, and the Eden, West Cumbria and South Cumbria Rivers Trusts.

100 Restoration Projects Delivered

The initiative responds to centuries of river modification, across Cumbria, for farming and development, which has led to degraded habitats, increased flood risk, and the loss of wildlife. Over 100 projects have now been delivered throughout the region, combining practical restoration with community involvement, education, and landowner collaboration.

In line with the Environment Agency’s goal to leave the environment in a better state for future generations, this work is an example of how nature-based solutions can restore ecosystems at scale and support thriving landscapes and communities.

The Thiess International Riverprize, awarded by the International River Foundation since 1999, is the world’s most esteemed prize for river restoration. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Brisbane, Australia in September.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 24 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: GUU will explain the essence of the political process to young human rights activists

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The educational program of the Center for the Implementation of Social and Humanitarian Projects of the State Institution of Humanities “Youth in the World of Politics: How to Effectively Respond to the Challenges of the Future?” has been launched.

Let us recall that the Center for the Implementation of Social and Humanitarian Projects opened at the State University of Management in April of this year.

The program brought together 50 participants of the personnel platform “Commissioner for Results”, launched by the Commissioner for Children’s Rights under the President of the Russian Federation. It is held online and includes 9 thematic days covering various aspects of youth policy and activities in the socio-political sphere.

As part of the opening of the educational program, the participants were addressed by the director of the charitable foundation “Country for Children” Alexey Petrov, deputy director of the Center for the implementation of projects of the social and humanitarian profile of the State University of Management, curator of the Career Center Polit.Job Snezhana Vikulina, executive secretary of the Federal Children’s Public Council under the Commissioner for Children’s Rights under the President of the Russian Federation Leonid Snegirev. They spoke about the relationship between politics and law, and also outlined the priority tasks of the program.

In his welcoming speech, Alexey Petrov, director of the Country for Children charity foundation, noted: “This educational program is designed to help young professionals understand what the political process is really about. After all, politics and human rights protection are not really about ties and endless meetings, but about real, specific help to people both directly and through a large number of methods and mechanisms.”

According to the Deputy Director of the Center for the Implementation of Social and Humanitarian Projects at the State University of Management, curator of the Polit.Job Career Center, Snezhana Vikulina, the Center’s program is being held for a younger audience for the first time – high school students and first-year students. “We are confident that this program will be especially useful for the participants, because all the speakers we have have worked their way up from the very bottom to the position they currently hold. We hope that their example will serve as inspiration for their work,” Snezhana Vikulina emphasized.

The introductory lecture for young human rights activists was given by the responsible secretary of the Federal Children’s Public Council under the Commissioner for Children’s Rights under the President of the Russian Federation Leonid Snegirev. He immersed the participants in the program’s goal-setting and expected results, and also highlighted the career prospects of young specialists within the framework of the personnel platform.

During the program, invited speakers will talk about trends in the development of youth policy in Russia, the characteristics of youth leadership, the ideological guidelines of our country, opportunities for young specialists in the socio-political sphere, and much more.

The event is organized by the Center for the Implementation of Social and Humanitarian Projects of the State University of Management, the Federal Children’s Public Council under the Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights and the personnel platform “Commissioner for Results”. The program is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the State University of Management, the Digoria Platform, the Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights and the Country for Children charitable foundation.

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Cocoa with a conscience: Funding fair and forest‑friendly beans

Source: European Investment Bank

The European Union has taken steps to combat deforestation and child labour through the Sustainable Cocoa Initiative and the Alliance for Sustainable Cocoa. Those initiatives call on countries like the Ivory Coast and Ghana, which produce 60% of the world’s cocoa, to improve oversight of the sector, combat deforestation and child labour, and ensure decent incomes for farmers. Exporters will also have to comply with a new European regulation on deforestation, which is expected to go into force in 2026.

In parallel, the Ivorian government has embarked on an “ambitious initiative” to implement new African standards that trace crops across cocoa-producing regions and improve environmental protection, says Sylvain Caurla, an agroforestry engineer with the European Investment Bank who works on sustainable cocoa and reforestation projects in the Ivory Coast.

“Cocoa has been a major driver of deforestation in recent decades,” Caurla says. “But cocoa is also a major contributor to Ivorian GDP. There is a world strategy around protecting forests, but also producing cocoa in a different way, a sustainable way – a way that provides a decent livelihood for communities that depend on it.”

The EIB’s loan to BNI was approved in September 2024, just in time for the main cocoa harvest season, which lasts from October to March. In a few weeks, BNI was able to put together projects – loans for agricultural cooperatives and others – accounting for about 90% of the EIB funds, says Marc-Antoine Coursaget, the loan officer in EIB Global who is handling the investment.

Around 60% of the financed cooperatives are led by young entrepreneurs or employ a significant number of young people, while 40% are either led by women or have a large number of women in the workforce.

The EIB and Agence Française de Développement will also provide technical assistance to help BNI strengthen its environmental and social management system and enable cocoa producers meet EU requirements and the demands of international certifications. Those regulations and certifications are designed to curb cacao’s incursion into Ivory Coast’s rainforest, which has shrunk by more than 80% since 1960, with devastating consequences for biodiversity.

Ivory Coast has embarked on vast programmes of reforestation to counter the loss. The EIB is providing €150 million to support the country’s forest preservation, rehabilitation and expansion strategy.

“The European Union has two main priorities in Ivory Coast: one is the Sustainable Cocoa Initiative and the second is low-carbon transition,” Coursaget says. “And when you fight deforestation, you also help reduce carbon emissions.”

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Developing countries’ vulnerabilities to the changes of US foreign aid policy under the second Trump administration – 24-07-2025

Source: European Parliament

The dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) by the second Trump administration in 2025 marked a significant shift in US foreign policy. US national interests were prioritised over multilateral development and humanitarian aid, with the decision described by the Trump administration as an alignment of aid with US values. The European Union (EU) and its Member States cannot fully offset these cuts, which will most dramatically affect funding for global health, food security and crisis response. In the past, US and EU approaches to aid targeted different ends: while the EU has focused on sustainable development and peace building, the US emphasised crisis-driven aid. Potential consequences of the US cuts include increased migration, disease proliferation and geopolitical shifts, as China and Russia expand their influence.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

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.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the International Environmental Conference

From the transcript:

M. Mishustin: Dear Alexander Genrikhovich! Dear friends!

Mikhail Mishustin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

July 24, 2025

Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

July 24, 2025

Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

July 24, 2025

Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

July 24, 2025

Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

July 24, 2025

Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

July 24, 2025

Previous news Next news

Mikhail Mishustin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

I am very glad to meet you again here in the Altai Republic at the International Environmental Conference, which is dedicated to the most pressing issues of environmental protection in the entire Eurasian region. Let’s talk about natural phenomena, about ecology – there are many questions.

And of course, first of all, I would like to ask you to convey the kindest words of greetings to the President of Belarus, the respected Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko, from the President of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and from me personally.

Dear Alexander Genrikhovich, we are in constant contact by phone. We have spoken several times in the last couple of weeks alone.

At the government level, in my opinion, systematic work has been established to implement the decisions made by our leaders, which are primarily based on the main areas of implementation of the Treaty on the Union State for 2024–2026.

Drive

Conversation between Mikhail Mishustin and the head of the Altai Republic Andrey Turchak

Mikhail Mishustin visited the Republican Hospital in Gorno-Altaisk

Despite the unprecedented sanctions pressure from the collective West, our economic cooperation continues to strengthen. The share of machinery, equipment and high-tech products in our joint trade turnover is growing.

We already conduct over 90% of settlements in national currencies. All this helps protect our mutual trade and investments from negative external conditions.

To be continued…

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin created a government commission to eliminate the consequences of the An-24 plane crash in Tynda

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.

A government commission was created by order of Mikhail Mishustin to eliminate the consequences of the An-24 plane crash in the Amur Region. It is headed by Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin.

The commission included the head of the Federal Air Transport Agency Dmitry Yadrov, the head of Rostransnadzor Viktor Gulin, the first deputy minister of finance Irina Okladnikova, the deputy head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations Viktor Yatsutsenko, the deputy head of the Ministry of Health Andrey Plutnitsky, the governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov, as well as representatives of the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East, the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Rostrud.

In the near future, on the instructions of Mikhail Mishustin, Andrei Nikitin and Dmitry Yadrov will fly to the crash site.

On July 24 at 07:05 (Moscow time), while approaching to land at Tynda airport, the An-24 aircraft of Angara Airlines disappeared from radar. There were 42 passengers and 6 crew members on board. It was later established that the plane crashed several kilometers from Tynda airport.

All emergency services have been deployed to eliminate the aftermath of the crash. Relatives of the victims will be provided with all necessary assistance. Work will also be carried out to pay the appropriate compensation. In connection with the disaster, the Russian Emergencies Ministry hotline is operating in Tynda: 8 (4162) 53–99–99.

Rosaviatsia will work out the issue of transporting relatives of passengers of the crashed plane to Tynda on Russian airlines.

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 24 July 2025 News release Timor-Leste certified malaria-free by WHO

Source: World Health Organisation

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Timor-Leste as malaria-free, a remarkable achievement for a country that prioritized the disease and embarked on a concerted, nation-wide response shortly after gaining independence in 2002.

“WHO congratulates the people and government of Timor-Leste on this significant milestone,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Timor-Leste’s success proves that malaria can be stopped in its tracks when strong political will, smart interventions, sustained domestic and external investment and dedicated health workers unite.”

With today’s announcement, a total of 47 countries and 1 territory have been certified as malaria-free by WHO. Timor-Leste is the third country to be certified in the WHO South-East Asia region, joining Maldives and Sri Lanka which were certified in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country has proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous transmission has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years.

“We did it. Malaria has been one of our most relentless enemies – silent, persistent, and deadly. We lost too many lives to a disease that should be preventable. But our health workers never gave up, our communities held strong, and our partners, like WHO, walked beside us. From 223 000 cases to zero – this elimination honours every life lost and every life now saved. We must safeguard this victory with continued vigilance and community action to prevent malaria’s re-entry,” said Dr Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral, SH, Minister of Health, Government of Timor-Leste.

A rapid shift from high burden country to malaria-free

Since gaining independence in 2002, Timor-Leste has made remarkable strides in the fight against malaria – reducing cases from a peak of more than 223 000 clinically diagnosed cases in 2006 to zero indigenous cases from 2021 onwards.

Timor-Leste’s success in eliminating malaria was driven by the Ministry of Health’s swift action in 2003 to establish the National Malaria Programme, a dedicated programme for planning, implementing, and monitoring malaria control efforts nationwide. With only two full-time officers initially, the programme was able to lay the foundation for progress early on through strong technical leadership, managerial capacity and attention to detail.

Within a few years, the country introduced rapid diagnostic tests and artemisinin-based combination therapy as part of the National Malaria Treatment Guidelines and began distributing free long-lasting insecticide treated nets to communities most at risk.

In 2009, with support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Timor-Leste scaled up nationwide vector control efforts through the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying. Malaria diagnosis was also expanded using microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests at the point of care across all local health posts.

Facing the challenges of severe shortages of health workers and doctors, Timor-Leste made investments and developed its three-tier health system – comprising national hospitals, reference hospitals, community health centers (CHCs), and health posts – to ensure most residents can access care within an hour’s walk. Additionally, citizens are provided with free health services at the point of care, as part of the government’s policy on free universal health care. Monthly mobile clinics and community outreach programmes further enhance health services in rural areas.

Timor-Leste’s success in combating malaria highlights the importance of country leadership and strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health, WHO, local communities, non-governmental organizations, donors, and multiple government sectors. A real-time integrated case-based surveillance system ensures rapid data collection and response, while trained health workers ensure timely detection and screening of malaria cases, including at borders. These integrated efforts have paved the way for the country to be officially certified malaria-free.

“Timor-Leste’s malaria-free certification is a defining national triumph – driven by bold leadership, tireless efforts of health workers, and the resolve of its people. As a young nation, Timor-Leste stayed focused – testing, treating, and investigating swiftly. Ending transmission and maintaining zero deaths takes more than science; it takes grit. This victory protects generations, present and future, and shows what a determined country can achieve,” said Dr Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative to Timor-Leste.

Note to the editor

WHO malaria-free certification
The final decision on awarding a malaria-free certification is made by the WHO Director-General, based on a recommendation by the Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification and validation from the Malaria Policy Advisory Group. More on WHO’s malaria-free certification process.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Andy King appointed to lead Companies House
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Andy King appointed to lead Companies House

New Chief Executive will start in post from September, taking on the role from retiring CEO Louise Smyth.
Ministers have today confirmed the appointment of Andy King as the new Chief Executive of Companies House, the UK’s registrar of companies.

Andy brings extensive experience in leadership roles in customer, business operations, regulatory and enforcement settings, including during his time at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. He will lead the organisation as it continues to modernise company registration and strengthen the UK’s business environment.

Companies House plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the UK’s corporate landscape, processing over 14 million company filings each year and providing essential information to businesses, lenders, and the public.

The appointment comes as the organisation prepares for new reforms designed to improve efficiency, enhance corporate transparency, and tackle economic crime.

Competition and Markets Minister Justin Madders said:

I’d like to thank Louise Smyth for her significant contribution for the past eight years as CEO and especially for her leading role in the transformation of the organisation.

Andy King brings excellent expertise to Companies House and I look forward to working together to improve corporate transparency and tackle economic crime.

This appointment will help strengthen Britain’s business environment and support our Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth.

New Companies House CEO Andy King said:

I’m delighted to be joining Companies House and feel honoured to be able to lead such a motivated and dedicated team.

I am excited by our mission to deliver essential services to business, and the opportunity to be ambitious in our vision for those services, our workforce and our organisation, as we continue to advance our change programme.

King will take up the role in September and will be responsible for leading Companies House’s 1900-strong workforce across offices in Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast.

The appointment was made following an open competition overseen by the Civil Service Commission, ensuring the process met the highest standards of fairness and transparency.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 24 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Beyond babysitting: How China’s grandparents are reinventing retirement

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

Graduates perform during the graduation ceremony at Xinjiang Open University for Seniors in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

With her silver hair neatly styled and a pearl necklace resting against a soft yellow blouse, Yin Song embodies the elegance of the pianist she’s always been. But the large studio headphones over her ears and the video camera in front of her suggest something different.

At 74, “Grandma Piano,” as her online fans affectionately call her, now spends her time guiding audiences through the world of anime and video game music, sharing the same depth of feeling she once brought to Mozart and Chopin.

A lifelong musician, Yin opened her social media account in 2022 to share her expertise. It wasn’t until she analyzed the music from the hit game “Black Myth: Wukong” that her channel suddenly took off. The “grandinfluencer” now has more than 600,000 followers on the video-sharing platform Bilibili.

For Yin, the experience has been unexpectedly transformative. “We used to lead the young,” she said. “Now they lead us, and I want to keep running alongside them,” embracing new ideas and ways of connecting.

Yin’s story reflects a subtle yet telling cultural shift. In a country where grandparents have long been expected to devote their retirement years to caring for grandchildren, an increasing number of older Chinese are quietly rewriting the script. They are embracing new roles as content creators, community volunteers, entrepreneurs, and part-time professionals. For many, retirement is no longer a retreat, but a second act.

Yin is far from alone. By the end of 2024, over 30 million users aged 60 or above were logging in monthly on Xiaohongshu, one of China’s most popular social media platforms. In just two years, the number of senior content creators has tripled, generating more than 100 million posts.

These older digital pioneers are challenging long-held stereotypes from grandmothers redefining fashion, to retired professors distilling philosophy into viral short videos, and rural elders sharing their pastoral lives.

Digital engagement is only part of the story. Many seniors are also returning to work, seeking purpose beyond their pensions. Zhu Honghua, 70, a former Beijing accountant enjoyed a comfortable monthly pension of around 8,500 yuan (about 1,191 U.S. dollars) and a leisurely life with her husband after retirement.

But the routine began to wear thin. When a business contact invited Zhu back to accounting, she jumped at the chance. “It’s not just about the money,” she said. “Having something meaningful to do every day is its own reward.”

Zhu’s case is hardly an outlier. A growing body of data suggests that many older Chinese are not only willing but eager to return to work. A 2023 survey by the China Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics found that 45 percent of those aged between 60 and 69 expressed a desire to remain in or reenter the workforce.

Research from the Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences revealed similar patterns: 62.1 percent of people aged 60 to 65 said they wanted to keep working, while among those approaching retirement, aged 55 to 59, the figure was even higher, at 72.7 percent.

While motivations vary, nearly half of those seeking post-retirement work cited a need for purpose, according to a 2022 report on senior reemployment. Others aimed to apply their skills or chase new ambitions. A third said they hoped to ease financial pressure or afford a better quality of life.

The surge of interest in post-retirement work coincides with China’s rapidly aging population. By the end of 2024, more than 310 million Chinese citizens were aged 60 or older, about 22 percent of the population. That share is expected to surpass 30 percent by 2035, when the number of seniors is projected to top 400 million.

As waves of older workers reach retirement age over the coming years, policymakers and experts see both a warning and an opportunity. With educational attainment on the rise, China’s older adults are seen not only as dependents, but as a vast reservoir of experience, skills and resources that could help offset the country’s shrinking working-age population.

China has taken steps to harness the power of its aging population. In its recent move, the government issued new guidelines this May, calling for more flexible and personalized job opportunities tailored to older adults, while pledging to dismantle outdated regulations that stand in their way.

Local governments have moved quickly to implement the changes, building registries of senior talent, expanding employment services for retirees, and cultivating specialized human resource agencies to serve the growing “silver economy.”

Signs of change are beginning to emerge in the labor market. Retirees with backgrounds in engineering, medicine, education and skilled trades are returning as consultants, trainers or part-time specialists, lending decades of experience to fields in need.

“China has entered an aging society,” said Lu Jiehua, a sociology professor at Peking University. “Tapping into older human resources isn’t just about addressing demographic pressure. It’s a crucial strategy for extending the country’s demographic dividend.”

MIL OSI China News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: CONVICTED FELON CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jason Wayne Coleman, 41, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.

Coleman appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida on July 22, 2025.

Coleman faces a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment for each count.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

MIL Security OSI –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Planning Inspectorate’s Business Plan for 2025-2026 published
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Planning Inspectorate’s Business Plan for 2025-2026 published

The 2025/26 Business Plan sets out the priorities we believe are critical to addressing the main challenges of the day
The Planning Inspectorate has today published its Business Plan for 2025/26 setting out our priorities and ambitions for the year.

It details our focus on the delivery of excellent services to benefit the whole planning system and provides a practical framework as we progress the second year of our strategic plan.

We are committed to delivering high-quality, timely decisions across all our casework areas – from national infrastructure projects to planning appeals and local plan examinations. 

This year we’re excited to be accelerating progress through a number of initiatives including:

introducing a simplified appeals process for the majority of appeals following the Minister’s decision to amend regulations

progressing trials of more concise decision writing to further improve timeliness and consistency of decisions

concluding our significant recruitment campaign to ensure we have the colleagues we need to deliver on our ambitious plans.

As set out in our 2024/25 Annual Report we have already made significant progress in reducing our overall caseload and making quicker decisions. We will be doing even more this year to improve our performance including expanding our digital services and making the appeals process quicker and easier to navigate whilst remaining impartial, fair and open.

We fully recognise the challenges ahead. The government has placed planning at the heart of its Plan for Change. Our Business Plan gives us the practical direction to meet these challenges, reform our services and work together with our stakeholders to create a more effective and efficient planning system.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 24 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charles Donald to step down as UK Government Investments CEO next year
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Charles Donald to step down as UK Government Investments CEO next year

Charles Donald stepping down after successfully leading UKGI as its CEO since early 2020.
UKGI’s corporate governance and corporate finance advice and support has been significantly expanded since his appointment, particularly through the setting up of the new Financial Instruments and Transactions Advisory Group.

The recruitment process for his successor will be launched shortly.

Charles Donald has announced today (24 July) that he will step down from his role as CEO of UK Government Investments (UKGI) in early 2026 after over five years of leading the company.

UKGI is the government’s centre for expertise in corporate governance and corporate finance, providing expert advice and solutions to the government, including financial interventions into corporate structures and corporate finance negotiations.

As CEO, Charles oversaw a significant expansion of UKGI’s activities during the pandemic including the establishment of the Covid Interventions Resolution Group which supported the Bank of England’s £85 billion Covid Corporate Financing Facility.

The addition of AWE, BBC Commercial, Eutelsat, Octric, the National Wealth Fund, NESO, Network Rail, Reclaim Fund Limited, Sheffield Forgemasters and Sizewell C to UKGI’s governance portfolio also happened during Charles’ time as CEO.

He was a key player in securing the Treasury’s full exit as a shareholder in NatWest Group in May 2025.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds, said:

Charles has been an excellent CEO of UKGI, having led an impressive expansion of its important work to provide advice and support to the Government on complex corporate governance and corporate finance matters.

I wish him well and look forward to UKGI’s continued work to support our number one mission – delivering economic growth.

Charles Donald, outgoing CEO of UKGI, said

It has been an extraordinary privilege to be the CEO of UKGI since early 2020.

My objective was to continue building the expertise in corporate finance and corporate governance that UKGI brings to government as well as to ensure that UKGI continued to be an effective bridge between Whitehall and the City.

I am proud to have had the opportunity to grow and further professionalise an organisation of such skilled and dedicated experts who support departments as government’s in-house corporate finance and corporate governance advisory function.

Vindi Banga, Chair of UKGI, said:

I am profoundly grateful to Charles for his leadership and commitment to UKGI over the past seven years.

It has been a privilege to work with Charles as he has led UKGI in support of some of government’s toughest challenges, with his characteristically calm leadership style, wisdom, and immense professional expertise.

The recruitment process for Charles Donald’s successor will be launched shortly.

The Board, led by Vindi Banga, is leading the process and as part of a well-ordered succession, Charles will support the transition to the new CEO following their appointment.

Further information

UKGI is the government’s centre of expertise in corporate governance and corporate finance. It provides expert advice and leading solutions that inform and translate government’s decisions into effective outcomes in the national interest.

UKGI acts as shareholder representative for, and leads the establishment of, UK government most complex and commercial arm’s length bodies on behalf of sponsor departments. It advises on major UK government corporate finance matters, including financial interventions into corporate structures and corporate finance negotiations; it analyses and advises on the UK government’s contingent liabilities and advises on major UK government corporate finance matters, including financial interventions into corporate structures and corporate finance negotiations.

UKGI is owned by HM Treasury and independently managed with a Board comprised predominantly of independent non-executive directors. UKGI works closely with both the private and public sectors, advising and interacting with ministers, Parliament, and Whitehall departments.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 24 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Holidaymakers heading to Europe urged to help protect British farmers by not bringing back meat and dairy products
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Holidaymakers heading to Europe urged to help protect British farmers by not bringing back meat and dairy products

Call for holidaymakers to follow rules introduced to help protect farmers from Foot and Mouth
UK holidaymakers heading to Europe this summer are being urged to help protect British farmers from Foot and Mouth disease by not bringing back meat and dairy products

Europe has seen a wave of cases impacting Hungary, Austria and Germany, and the UK Chief Vet is today (July 24th) urging the British public to comply with the rules, so we avoid a devastating outbreak like the one that was experienced in 2001.

Foot and Mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that can, in some cases, kill cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. It can be carried in animal products – including meat, dairy products and some processed food. The virus can remain viable for months and can rapidly spread through contaminated objects and the movement of people.

It is illegal for travellers entering GB to bring with them untreated meat or dairy products including lamb, pork, mutton, venison and goat meat, and all other products made from these meats or containing them – such as sandwiches and sausages – from the EU, regardless of whether they are packed, packaged or have been bought at duty free.

This includes products such as cheese, chorizo, salami, serrano ham, pâté, yoghurt, butter, milk, and sandwiches containing any of the banned meats.

These strict rules were introduced due to the toll Foot and Mouth can have on the farming industry . An outbreak could result in the culling of large numbers of the country’s livestock and cost the UK economy billions of pounds in production shortfalls, lost trade and disease control. The outbreak in GB in 2001 is estimated to have cost £15 billion (in current prices) in disease control costs alone.

Biosecurity Minister, Baroness Hayman, said:

Maintaining the integrity of our biosecurity against Foot and Mouth Disease is essential, and this updated control strategy reflects our strengthened approach to managing that risk. It reflects our clear determination to safeguard our borders.

We are asking the public to take this seriously. Do not bring prohibited animal or plant products into the country—doing so puts farmers livelihoods at risk.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

Foot and Mouth disease has been recently circulating on the continent. The disease presents a significant risk to Britain’s food security and economy.

This highly contagious disease causes considerable suffering to livestock and has a devastating economic and personal impact on farmers, who lose their prized animals. I know it is disappointing not to be able to bring back produce from your holidays, but please avoid temptation – you will be doing your bit to help protect our hard-working farmers.

To further strengthen the country’s response to foot and mouth disease, the Government has today updated the Foot and Mouth Control Strategy for GB which will support the UK’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to an outbreak, protecting the livestock industry and rural economy. This is the first update in over a decade. This comes ahead of an exercise later this year to test Government preparedness. The updated framework provides information to help farmers protect their business and outlines how government will respond effectively to outbreaks.

Last month, the Government announced £1bn funding for a new investment programme to build a new National Biosecurity Centre – a cutting-edge scientific campus in Surrey that will serve as the UKs foremost animal biosecurity facility. This will better protect the public and farmers from animal disease by enhancing the country’s detection, surveillance and control capabilities for high-risk animal diseases, such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease, and African swine fever, and enhance our ability to manage concurrent disease outbreaks.

Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:  

03000 200 301 in England   

0300 303 8268 in Wales   

your local  Field Services Office in Scotland

ENDS

Notes to editors – current restrictions

Travellers are currently banned from bringing all dairy products and some meats from the European Union (EU) into GB. These restrictions aim to prevent the introduction of FMD and other harmful animal diseases such as ASF, PPR and LSD.

It is illegal for travellers entering GB (not Northern Ireland) to bring with them lamb, pork, mutton, venison and goat meat, and all other products made from these meats or containing them – such as sandwiches and sausages – from the EU, regardless of whether they are packed, packaged or have been bought at duty free.

This includes products such as cheese, chorizo, salami, serrano ham, pâté, yoghurt, butter, milk, and sandwiches containing any of the banned meats.

The current restrictions were introduced in April in response to rising cases of FMD in Europe, and to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security. Restrictions on travellers bringing back certain meat and dairy products were already in place to curb the spread of ASF and PPR in Europe.

Travellers are also banned from bringing any meat, meat products, milk or milk-based products into GB from countries outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

Border Force will check for prohibited goods as part of customs checks. Travellers found with prohibited items must surrender them at the border or have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with such may be fined up to £5,000 in England or prosecuted across GB.

The government continues to work closely with ports, airports and travel operators to raise awareness of the ban, including via prominent signage.

The measures will stay in place until the personal import of affected products no longer poses a significant biosecurity risk to GB.

The restrictions do not apply to travellers arriving into GB from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

The measures apply only to personal imports, e.g. goods that travellers bring back with them from holiday. Commercial food imports must undergo other biosecurity requirements, including heat treatments and accompanying export health certificates signed by official veterinarians to mitigate the risk of diseases, such as FMD, ASF, PPR and LSD.

More information for travellers arriving from the EU can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain/meat-dairy-fish-animal-products

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 24 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Cambodian PM urges people to remain calm amid clashes on Thai border

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

PHNOM PENH, July 24 (Xinhua) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday called on the people to remain calm and trust the government and military amid a clash on the border with Thailand.

Khun Manet wrote on his official social media page that the Thai army launched an attack on Cambodian military positions in Oddar Meanchey province on Thursday morning, and then in Preah Vihear province.

“Cambodia has always maintained the position that it wants to resolve problems peacefully, but in this case we have no choice but to respond with armed forces to armed aggression,” he said. –0–

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics have hurt the famous women traders

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Fidele B. Ebia, Postdoctoral fellow, Duke Africa Initiative, Duke University

The manufacturing of African print textiles has shifted to China in the 21st century. While they are widely consumed in African countries – and symbolic of the continent – the rise of “made in China” has undermined the African women traders who have long shaped the retail and distribution of this cloth.

For many decades Vlisco, the Dutch textile group which traces its origins to 1846 and whose products had been supplied to west Africa by European trading houses since the late 19th century, dominated manufacture of the cloth. But in the last 25 years dozens of factories in China have begun to supply African print textiles to west African markets. Qingdao Phoenix Hitarget Ltd, Sanhe Linqing Textile Group and Waxhaux Ltd are among the best known.

We conducted research to establish how the rise of Chinese-made cloth has affected the African print textiles trade. We focused on Togo. Though it’s a tiny country with a population of only 9.7 million, the capital city, Lomé, is the trading hub in west Africa for the textiles.

We conducted over 100 interviews with traders, street sellers, port agents or brokers, government officials and representatives of manufacturing companies to learn about how their activities have changed.

“Made in China” African print textiles are substantially cheaper and more accessible to a wider population than Vlisco fabric. Our market observations in Lomé’s famous Assigamé market found that Chinese African print textiles cost about 9,000 CFA (US$16) for six yards – one complete outfit. Wax Hollandais (50,000 CFA or US$87) cost over five times more.

Data is hard to come by, but our estimates suggest that 90% of imports of these textiles to Lomé port in 2019 came from China.

One Togolese trader summed up the attraction:

Who could resist a cloth that looked similar, but that cost much less than real Vlisco?

Our research shows how the rise of China manufactured cloth has undermined Vlisco’s once dominant market share as well as the monopoly on the trade of Dutch African print textiles that Togolese traders once enjoyed.

The traders, known as Nana-Benz because of the expensive cars they drove, once enjoyed an economic and political significance disproportionate to their small numbers. Their political influence was such that they were key backers of Togo’s first president, Sylvanus Olympio – himself a former director of the United Africa Company, which distributed Dutch cloth.

In turn, Olympio and long-term leader General Gnassingbé Eyadéma provided policy favours – such as low taxes – to support trading activity. In the 1970s, African print textile trade was considered as significant as the phosphate industry – the country’s primary export.

Nana-Benz have since been displaced – their numbers falling from 50 to about 20. Newer Togolese traders – known as Nanettes or “little Nanas” – have taken their place. While they have carved out a niche in mediating the textiles trade with China, they have lower economic and political stature. In turn, they too are increasingly threatened by Chinese competition, more recently within trading and distribution as well.

China displaces the Dutch

Dating back to the colonial period, African women traders have played essential roles in the wholesale and distribution of Dutch cloth in west African markets. As many countries in the region attained independence from the 1950s onwards, Grand Marché – or Assigamé – in Lomé became the hub for African print textile trade.

While neighbouring countries such as Ghana limited imports as part of efforts to promote domestic industrialisation, Togolese traders secured favourable conditions. These included low taxes and use of the port.

Read more: West Africans ditch Dutch wax prints for Chinese ‘real-fakes’

Togolese women traders knew the taste of predominantly female, west African customers better than their mostly male, Dutch designers. The Nana-Benz were brought into the African print textile production and design process, selecting patterns and giving names to designs they knew would sell.

They acquired such wealth from this trade that they earned the Nana-Benz nickname from the cars they purchased and which they used to collect and move merchandise.

Nana-Benz exclusivity of trading and retailing of African print textiles cloth in west African markets has been disrupted. As Vlisco has responded to falling revenues – over 30% in the first five years of the 21st century – due to its Chinese competition, Togolese traders’ role in the supply chain of Dutch cloth has been downgraded.

In response to the flood of Chinese imports, the Dutch manufacturer re-positioned itself as a luxury fashion brand and placed greater focus on the marketing and distribution of the textiles.

Vlisco has opened several boutique stores in west and central Africa, starting with Cotonou (2008), Lomé (2008) and Abidjan (2009). The surviving Nana-Benz – an estimated 20 of the original 50 – operate under contract as retailers rather than traders and must follow strict rules of sale and pricing.

While newer Togolese traders known as Nanettes are involved in the sourcing of textiles from China, they have lower economic and political stature. Up to 60 are involved in the trade.

Former street sellers of textiles and other petty commodities, Nanettes began travelling to China in the early to mid-2000s to source African print textiles. They are involved in commissioning and advising on the manufacturing of African print textiles in China and the distribution in Africa.

While many Nanettes order the common Chinese brands, some own and market their own. These include what are now well-known designs in Lomé and west Africa such as “Femme de Caractère”, “Binta”, “Prestige”, “Rebecca Wax”, “GMG” and “Homeland”.

Compared to their Nana-Benz predecessors, the Nanettes carve out their business from the smaller pie available from the sale of cheaper Chinese cloth. Though the volumes traded are large, the margins are smaller due to the much lower final retail price compared to Dutch cloth.

After procuring African print textiles from China, Nanettes sell wholesale to independent local traders or “sellers” as well as traders from neighbouring countries. These sellers in turn break down the bulk they have purchased and sell it in smaller quantities to independent street vendors.

All African print textiles from China arrive in west Africa as an incomplete product – as six-yard or 12-yard segments of cloth, not as finished garments. Local tailors and seamstresses then make clothes according to consumer taste. Some fashion designers have also opened shops where they sell prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) garments made from bolts of African print and tailored to local taste. Thus, even though the monopoly of the Nana-Benz has been eroded, value is still added and captured locally.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese actors have become more involved in trading activity – and not just manufacturing. The further evolution of Chinese presence risks an even greater marginalisation of locals, already excluded from manufacturing, from the trading and distribution end of the value chain. Maintaining their role – tailoring products to local culture and trends and linking the formal and informal economy – is vital not just for Togolese traders, but also the wider economy.

– Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics have hurt the famous women traders
– https://theconversation.com/togos-nana-benz-how-cheap-chinese-imports-of-african-fabrics-have-hurt-the-famous-women-traders-260924

MIL OSI Africa –

July 24, 2025
India Celebrates Income Tax Day 2025: A tribute to digital transformation and taxpayer empowerment

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India today commemorates Income Tax Day, marking the 165th anniversary of the introduction of income tax in the country. Celebrated every year on July 24, the day acknowledges the evolution of India’s tax system and its pivotal role in nation-building.

Income tax was first introduced in India on this day in 1860 by British economist Sir James Wilson to counter the financial strain caused by the First War of Independence in 1857. The framework laid then eventually culminated in the Income Tax Act of 1922 and later the comprehensive Income Tax Act of 1961, which still governs the taxation system in the country today.

In recent decades, India’s income tax system has undergone a profound digital transformation, shifting from manual record-keeping to a tech-enabled, citizen-friendly administration. The process began with the introduction of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) in 1972, followed by initial computerization in 1981. The current PAN series, introduced in 1995, enabled better tracking and compliance.

A major technological leap came with the establishment of the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) in Bengaluru in 2009, allowing for jurisdiction-free, digital processing of tax returns. The Tax Information Network (TIN), and its upgraded version TIN 2.0, further enhanced convenience, offering real-time tax credits and quicker refunds. The Demand Facilitation Centre in Mysuru now serves as a central repository for outstanding tax demands, easing access for both taxpayers and officials.

The government’s focus on transparency and data-driven governance is also reflected in the use of Project Insight. This integrated data platform enables the Income Tax Department (ITD) to create a 360-degree financial profile of taxpayers by integrating data from various sources, such as GSTN, financial institutions, and property registries. These insights help in detecting discrepancies and prompting voluntary compliance through non-intrusive nudges.

The Faceless Assessment Scheme, launched in 2019, has revolutionized tax assessments by removing physical interaction between the taxpayer and the tax officer. Taxpayers now receive automated notices, assessments, and communications through a digital platform, enhancing accountability and efficiency.

Additionally, the Annual Information Statement (AIS), implemented in November 2021, provides individuals with a consolidated view of their financial activity across the year. It pre-fills income tax returns using verified third-party data, minimizing errors and promoting self-compliance. This, along with the e-Verification Scheme, allows discrepancies to be resolved entirely online.

As part of a continued effort to simplify compliance and encourage voluntary participation, the Finance Act, 2025 has extended the deadline for filing updated income tax returns from 24 months to 48 months. This amendment gives taxpayers more time to correct errors and avoid penalties while ensuring fair contribution.

Tax collection trends underline the success of these reforms. The total number of Income Tax Returns (ITRs) filed rose by 36% over the past five years, reaching 9.19 crore filings in FY 2024–25, compared to 6.72 crore in FY 2020–21. Gross Direct Tax Collections also saw a sharp rise—from ₹12.31 lakh crore in 2020–21 to ₹27.02 lakh crore in 2024–25, reflecting both economic resilience and improved compliance.

The Union Budget 2025–26 introduced several relief measures to ease the tax burden on individuals. Under the new tax regime, income up to ₹12 lakh is now tax-free. With the standard deduction of ₹75,000, salaried individuals with income up to ₹12.75 lakh will have zero tax liability. These measures are expected to boost household spending, particularly among the middle class.

Other notable changes include an increase in TDS and TCS thresholds, decriminalization of TCS payment delays, and full tax exemption for withdrawals from National Savings Scheme (NSS) accounts made after August 29, 2024. The time limit for registering small charitable trusts has also been extended, while taxpayers with two self-occupied properties can now claim exemptions for both without restrictions.

Significantly, the Income Tax Bill, 2025 has been tabled to replace the Income Tax Act of 1961. While retaining the core principles, the new bill seeks to simplify the language of tax laws, remove redundant provisions, and improve clarity for taxpayers and professionals alike.

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics have hurt the famous women traders

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Fidele B. Ebia, Postdoctoral fellow, Duke Africa Initiative, Duke University

The manufacturing of African print textiles has shifted to China in the 21st century. While they are widely consumed in African countries – and symbolic of the continent – the rise of “made in China” has undermined the African women traders who have long shaped the retail and distribution of this cloth.

For many decades Vlisco, the Dutch textile group which traces its origins to 1846 and whose products had been supplied to west Africa by European trading houses since the late 19th century, dominated manufacture of the cloth. But in the last 25 years dozens of factories in China have begun to supply African print textiles to west African markets. Qingdao Phoenix Hitarget Ltd, Sanhe Linqing Textile Group and Waxhaux Ltd are among the best known.

We conducted research to establish how the rise of Chinese-made cloth has affected the African print textiles trade. We focused on Togo. Though it’s a tiny country with a population of only 9.7 million, the capital city, Lomé, is the trading hub in west Africa for the textiles.

We conducted over 100 interviews with traders, street sellers, port agents or brokers, government officials and representatives of manufacturing companies to learn about how their activities have changed.

“Made in China” African print textiles are substantially cheaper and more accessible to a wider population than Vlisco fabric. Our market observations in Lomé’s famous Assigamé market found that Chinese African print textiles cost about 9,000 CFA (US$16) for six yards – one complete outfit. Wax Hollandais (50,000 CFA or US$87) cost over five times more.

Data is hard to come by, but our estimates suggest that 90% of imports of these textiles to Lomé port in 2019 came from China.

One Togolese trader summed up the attraction:

Who could resist a cloth that looked similar, but that cost much less than real Vlisco?

Our research shows how the rise of China manufactured cloth has undermined Vlisco’s once dominant market share as well as the monopoly on the trade of Dutch African print textiles that Togolese traders once enjoyed.

The traders, known as Nana-Benz because of the expensive cars they drove, once enjoyed an economic and political significance disproportionate to their small numbers. Their political influence was such that they were key backers of Togo’s first president, Sylvanus Olympio – himself a former director of the United Africa Company, which distributed Dutch cloth.

In turn, Olympio and long-term leader General Gnassingbé Eyadéma provided policy favours – such as low taxes – to support trading activity. In the 1970s, African print textile trade was considered as significant as the phosphate industry – the country’s primary export.

Nana-Benz have since been displaced – their numbers falling from 50 to about 20. Newer Togolese traders – known as Nanettes or “little Nanas” – have taken their place. While they have carved out a niche in mediating the textiles trade with China, they have lower economic and political stature. In turn, they too are increasingly threatened by Chinese competition, more recently within trading and distribution as well.

China displaces the Dutch

Dating back to the colonial period, African women traders have played essential roles in the wholesale and distribution of Dutch cloth in west African markets. As many countries in the region attained independence from the 1950s onwards, Grand Marché – or Assigamé – in Lomé became the hub for African print textile trade.

While neighbouring countries such as Ghana limited imports as part of efforts to promote domestic industrialisation, Togolese traders secured favourable conditions. These included low taxes and use of the port.

Read more:
West Africans ditch Dutch wax prints for Chinese ‘real-fakes’

Togolese women traders knew the taste of predominantly female, west African customers better than their mostly male, Dutch designers. The Nana-Benz were brought into the African print textile production and design process, selecting patterns and giving names to designs they knew would sell.

They acquired such wealth from this trade that they earned the Nana-Benz nickname from the cars they purchased and which they used to collect and move merchandise.

Nana-Benz exclusivity of trading and retailing of African print textiles cloth in west African markets has been disrupted. As Vlisco has responded to falling revenues – over 30% in the first five years of the 21st century – due to its Chinese competition, Togolese traders’ role in the supply chain of Dutch cloth has been downgraded.

In response to the flood of Chinese imports, the Dutch manufacturer re-positioned itself as a luxury fashion brand and placed greater focus on the marketing and distribution of the textiles.

Vlisco has opened several boutique stores in west and central Africa, starting with Cotonou (2008), Lomé (2008) and Abidjan (2009). The surviving Nana-Benz – an estimated 20 of the original 50 – operate under contract as retailers rather than traders and must follow strict rules of sale and pricing.

While newer Togolese traders known as Nanettes are involved in the sourcing of textiles from China, they have lower economic and political stature. Up to 60 are involved in the trade.

Former street sellers of textiles and other petty commodities, Nanettes began travelling to China in the early to mid-2000s to source African print textiles. They are involved in commissioning and advising on the manufacturing of African print textiles in China and the distribution in Africa.

While many Nanettes order the common Chinese brands, some own and market their own. These include what are now well-known designs in Lomé and west Africa such as “Femme de Caractère”, “Binta”, “Prestige”, “Rebecca Wax”, “GMG” and “Homeland”.

Compared to their Nana-Benz predecessors, the Nanettes carve out their business from the smaller pie available from the sale of cheaper Chinese cloth. Though the volumes traded are large, the margins are smaller due to the much lower final retail price compared to Dutch cloth.

After procuring African print textiles from China, Nanettes sell wholesale to independent local traders or “sellers” as well as traders from neighbouring countries. These sellers in turn break down the bulk they have purchased and sell it in smaller quantities to independent street vendors.

All African print textiles from China arrive in west Africa as an incomplete product – as six-yard or 12-yard segments of cloth, not as finished garments. Local tailors and seamstresses then make clothes according to consumer taste. Some fashion designers have also opened shops where they sell prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) garments made from bolts of African print and tailored to local taste. Thus, even though the monopoly of the Nana-Benz has been eroded, value is still added and captured locally.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese actors have become more involved in trading activity – and not just manufacturing. The further evolution of Chinese presence risks an even greater marginalisation of locals, already excluded from manufacturing, from the trading and distribution end of the value chain. Maintaining their role – tailoring products to local culture and trends and linking the formal and informal economy – is vital not just for Togolese traders, but also the wider economy.

Rory Horner receives funding from the British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship. He is also a Research Associate at the Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies at the University of Johannesburg.

Fidele B. Ebia 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. Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics have hurt the famous women traders – https://theconversation.com/togos-nana-benz-how-cheap-chinese-imports-of-african-fabrics-have-hurt-the-famous-women-traders-260924

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New research reveals scars of Gambia’s witch hunts

Source: Anglia Ruskin University

A map showing the location of The Gambia

A new United Nations-funded study has highlighted the lasting psychological and social scars left by a state-sponsored witch hunt in The Gambia, more than a decade after it was carried out by former President Yahya Jammeh.

The research, led by Professor Mick Finlay of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in collaboration with the University of The Gambia and Nottingham Trent University, is the first academic study into the stigma associated with government-led witchcraft accusations, and includes interviews with victims and their families from the villages most affected by the campaign.

Jammeh’s 22-year dictatorship, which ended in 2016, was marked by human rights abuses including torture, extrajudicial killings and disappearances. Between 2008-2009, he orchestrated a campaign of witch hunts focusing on the West Coast and North Bank regions. These were led by a group of “witch hunters” from neighbouring countries, supported by The Gambia’s security forces.

Hundreds of people, mainly elderly, were detained, beaten, raped and subjected to degrading treatment. It is thought 41 people died and the survivors faced social exclusion and discrimination when they returned home because of the stigma associated with the witchcraft accusations.

The new study, published in the Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology and funded by the United Nations Development Program (The Gambia), involved interviewing and surveying the victims and their families, as well as members of their communities.

There was widespread sympathy for those affected – 98% of survey respondents expressed compassion for victims and their families – and a high level of agreement that the government (99%) and the community (92%) should provide more help for victims, indicating that the effects of the witch hunts were still being experienced.

The study also highlighted the complex role of traditional beliefs in perpetuating stigma. Although most participants believed the witch hunts were organised to frighten people not to oppose President Jammeh (89%) or to sow division (87%), 25% believed the threat from witches was real, including 22% of victims and the families of victims surveyed.

However, there was overwhelming support for legal reform. Almost all participants agreed that accusations of witchcraft should be made illegal (98%), and those responsible should be punished (95%).

Through interviews, the researchers found that the stigma extended beyond individuals to their families and entire villages. Children of victims were bullied at school, families were shunned, and some communities were labelled as “witch villages” by neighbouring areas. This led to broken relationships, mistrust and long-lasting divisions within and between communities.

Victims reported a range of psychological conditions including anxiety, panic attacks and post-traumatic symptoms. Many described feeling powerless and socially isolated. Some withdrew from public life entirely, while others struggled to find work.

Although The Gambia’s current government established a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to investigate the human rights abuses carried out by Jammeh, the study found many victims felt more needed to be done to address the specific harms caused by the witch hunts.

Participants proposed a range of measures to support reconciliation and healing including public declarations of innocence, legal reforms to criminalise witchcraft accusations, counselling, educational support, financial reparations and community-led dialogues to restore victims’ reputations.

“Our extensive fieldwork showed that not only did victims of the witchcraft accusations have to deal with the trauma of the human rights abuses, they also experienced a range of longer-term stigmatising effects from sections of their communities.

“There was a strong desire among those we spoke to for official recognition of the injustice they suffered. Addressing the stigma of Jammeh’s witch hunts involves restoring the good name of the victims through official declarations as well as rebuilding their social roles and relationships.

“Although The Gambia is undergoing transitional justice processes to address the impacts of the dictatorship, the recommendations by the participants should help the government and NGOs to further develop reparation and reconciliation processes related to the specific case of state-sanctioned witch hunts.

“Our findings will be of interest to other countries going through transitional justice processes when human rights come into conflict with traditional beliefs, especially belief in witchcraft.”

Mick Finlay, the lead author of the study and Professor of Social and Applied Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

The open access study also involved the Women’s Association of Victims’ Empowerment (WAVE) charity in The Gambia and is published by the Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology. It will be available at the following DOI: 10.1002/casp.70147

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni expresses satisfaction with Senate’s approval of bill on femicide as a crime in its own right

Source: Government of Italy (English)

Vai al Contenuto Raggiungi il piè di pagina

23 Luglio 2025

It is with particular satisfaction that I welcome the Senate’s unanimous approval of the government-initiated bill to introduce femicide as a crime in its own right within our legal system. Italy is one of the first nations to embark on this path, which we are convinced can help fight what is an intolerable scourge. I wish to thank all the political forces, both in the governing majority and the opposition, for their united support for this proposal and their contribution to improving it.
The bill will now move on to the Chamber of Deputies, and I hope the procedure can be completed swiftly.

[Courtesy translation]

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rail passengers in the North to benefit from simpler fares and cheaper tickets thanks to public ownership
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Rail passengers in the North to benefit from simpler fares and cheaper tickets thanks to public ownership

This initiative will expand the availability of advance rail tickets across publicly owned operators, to provide more options for people travelling across the North.
significant passenger savings delivered by making advance fares available across publicly-owned operators at the same time

operators estimate they generated £200,000 generated in additional revenue for the railway, helping towards rebuilding a world class service for passengers

cheaper, simpler journeys will open up more options for people travelling across the North, boosting connectivity and driving growth as part of the Plan for Change

Passengers in the North of England can benefit from cost and carbon savings through a new customer initiative that expands the availability of advance tickets across government owned train operators.

Publicly owned train operators, LNER, TransPennine Express and Northern, worked with Network Rail to launch a joint initiative to provide more options to people travelling across the North by making fares cheaper on routes that required an interchange between the operators.

Following a pilot launched June 24 2025, operators have found this initiative has already:

delivered significant passenger savings by making advance fares available across the whole route at the same time

generated £200,000 in additional revenue for the railway, encouraging people to choose public transport

This builds on the government’s plans to overhaul the railways to make them simpler, more flexible and passenger focused. Ahead of the creation of Great British Railways, the government continues to work to deliver positive changes like this for passengers – attracting more people back onto our trains, boosting the economy and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

This is exactly the type of collaborative work public ownership enables, allowing us to put passengers first by making train travel simpler and more affordable.

Through these cheaper fares we’re opening up more options to people travelling across the North, putting more money in working people’s pockets and boosting connectivity and growth as part of our Plan for Change.

In June 2024 a pilot was launched by publicly-owned train operators between Leeds and Manchester to make fares cheaper for customers to provide more options for people travelling across the North. Between Leeds and Manchester, analysis of mobile network data showed that rail’s modal share was low despite competitive journey times vs car. Further investigation found that this was due to a lack of clear, consistent ticket options for train journeys involving more than one operator.

For passengers booking ahead, cheaper advance fares were often available on only one leg of a cross-operator journey, with the walk-up fare on the other – creating an unattractive proposition for would-be rail users looking to book in advance.

Since the original trial, and by using mobile network data, the publicly-owned train operators and Network Rail identified further underperforming travel flows for cross-operator advance journey options and introduced more affordable fares to encourage more people to choose the train.

This data-driven approach uses innovative mobile data to track travel patterns and identify customer flows, enabling train operators in public ownership to create smarter, more efficient ticketing options that benefit both passengers and the environment.

The move is part of a wider effort to make rail travel more attractive, affordable, and sustainable – and shows how public ownership can deliver real benefits for passengers.

Operators continue to identify further flows to add in the future where we expect to continue to see positive results.

Rail media enquiries

Media enquiries 0300 7777878

Switchboard 0300 330 3000

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 24 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrating International Security Officers’ Day
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

News story

Celebrating International Security Officers’ Day

The Security Industry Authority is paying tribute to those in the private security industry who go above and beyond for public safety.
Celebrated on 24 July every year, to reflect the role security play protecting the public 24/7, International Security Officers’ Day is a significant date in the private security industry.

Chair of the SIA Heather Baily has written a message of thanks to all those in the private security industry who help keep the public safe every single day, while also reflecting on the impressive skills successful security operatives possess.

As part of the same piece, the SIA also spoke to three front line security officers to learn more about their varied roles and responsibilities, as well as their advice and perspective for the rest of the private security industry.

Read the full message from Heather Baily and the words from the front line operatives on our blog.

SIA CEO Michelle Russell will be visiting security operatives in London as part of the day’s activity to hear directly from operatives about their experience and the challenges they’ve faced protecting the public, while our Chair Heather Baily will be doing the same with operatives in Manchester.

These visits, alongside other content related to International Security Officers’ Day, will be posted about on the SIA’s LinkedIn page.

Background

International Security Officers’ Day is held each year on 24 July to represent the 24/7 nature of security work.

Members of the public are encouraged to acknowledge any security operatives they see on the day. Some simple things you can do to show your appreciation include saying hello or thank you with a smile.

Security business owners and managers are also encouraged to acknowledge their front-line workers. Examples of how security companies are marking the occasion include: sending thank you messages to their staff, organising an event or site visit to say thank you in person, and acknowledging their officers on social media.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 24 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 24, 2025

Category: Politics

Cumbria project named finalist in global river restoration awards

Better Habitats and Building Climate Resilience

100 Restoration Projects Delivered

Share this page

Updates to this page

Mikhail Mishustin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

Drive

A rapid shift from high burden country to malaria-free

Note to the editor

Andy King appointed to lead Companies House

Share this page

Updates to this page

Planning Inspectorate’s Business Plan for 2025-2026 published

Share this page

Updates to this page

Charles Donald to step down as UK Government Investments CEO next year

Further information

Share this page

Updates to this page

Holidaymakers heading to Europe urged to help protect British farmers by not bringing back meat and dairy products

Biosecurity Minister, Baroness Hayman, said:

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:

Share this page

Updates to this page

China displaces the Dutch

China displaces the Dutch

Rail passengers in the North to benefit from simpler fares and cheaper tickets thanks to public ownership

Share this page

Updates to this page

Celebrating International Security Officers’ Day

Background

Share this page

Updates to this page