NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government affirms commitment to dignified sanitation facilities

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, has affirmed government’s commitment to provide dignified sanitation facilities to communities of Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape.

    As part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure sanitation dignity for all citizens, the Department of Water and Sanitation, officially handed over 403 newly constructed Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) toilet structures for households in three villages within the Emalahleni Local Municipality, Chris Hani District Municipality.

    Majodina, alongside the Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, officially handed over the VIP toiles to the residents in Fani, Ntsinga, and Maqhubela villages.

    The R11 million project was funded through the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), as part of the department’s role to support municipalities to meet their constitutional obligations of provision of dignified sanitation and accelerate the eradication of sanitation backlog.

    The sanitation project, implemented by Chris Hani District, which is the Water Services Authority, commenced in November 2023 and concluded in May 2024.

    The construction of the VIP toilets underscores the department’s unwavering commitment to restoring dignity, protecting public health, and advancing equitable access to basic sanitation services, particularly in rural and historically underserved communities.

    The project included floor slab, galvanised steel door, pedestal, vent pipe, and hand-wash facility.

    Speaking at the handover ceremony, Majodina raised concerns over the lack of proper planning for the project, forcing the department to return to the area to ensure the completion of other ongoing projects, so that the residents finally receive fully functioning flushing toilets in their homes.

    The Minister also emphasised the need for intergovernmental working relations with other departments to take a holistic approach to home building.

    She underscored a need for the Departments of Water and Sanitation, Human Settlements, and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), to work together to assist municipalities to ensure that the erected houses have adequate infrastructure for water supply that will “eventually guarantee that the houses have waterborne toilets.”  

    “Having enough water in the dam does not mean there’s water coming out of the taps in some communities if the value chain is not aligned. The communities are asking for water, and that is why we are working together to ensure that there is service delivery,” Majodina said.

    Xonxa pump station repairs near completion

    Meanwhile, the Xonxa Pump Station is nearing completion, with repair works currently at 73% and expected to be completed by June 2025.

    Ahead of the formal VIP toilet handover ceremony, the Minister conducted an oversight visit to the Xonxa Pump Station, as well as the Machibini and Ilinge Reticulation Projects.

    These projects are integral to the broader strategy to enhance water security and ensure a more reliable and consistent water supply for the residents of Emalahleni Municipality, and the surrounding areas.

    The upgrades to the Machibini and Ilinge water reticulation systems were completed in January 2025.

    During the visit, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the overall progress but raised concerns over the continued lack of water access for residents living near major dams.

    She urged the Chris Hani District Municipality to prioritise the next phase of water reticulation projects in the area, to ensure that all residents receive adequate water supply in their homes.

    Mabuyane echoed the Ministers sentiments, adding that the projects should start and finish on time, and be within budget.

    The Premier said the project delays only lead to a lack of service delivery to the communities.

    “We are quite happy with the progress made. I am quite happy with the innovation and creativity. But as the Minister says, it is not always an issue of water resource availability, sometimes it is an issue of capacity to reticulate.

    “There is however progress on implementing reticulation projects that will ensure sustainable water supply to communities,” the Premier said.

    The day concluded with an engagement with the community of Indwe, where the Minister listened and responded to concerns about lack of water and proper toilet facilities. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Budget to be re-tabled on 21 May 2025

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to re-table the 2025 Budget Review on 21 May 2025.

    This after National Treasury announced that it has withdrawn the proposed 0.5% Value-Added Tax (VAT) increase which was to be implemented on 1 May 2025.

    Godongwana announced the date of the new budget review during a media briefing in Pretoria, on Wednesday.

    The Minister described the ensuing debate following the announcement of the budget tabled on 12 March 2025 as “rigorous, as is right in a healthy democracy”.

    “Today, there’s a clarity [that] VAT will remain at 15%. This decision was shaped not only by political debates but importantly, by the voices of South Africans. 

    “When people speak, we must also listen, and I’m encouraged by the passion shown. It reflects the seriousness with which we approach the hard choices needed to place our finances on a sustainable path, protect the vulnerable and accelerate growth,” he said.
    Godongwana said he was “pleased” that the budget will be balanced “without raising VAT while protecting vital services like education, health and social grants.”

    Three-pronged approach

    The Minister said going forward, National Treasury’s focus will be threefold starting with balancing the budget by managing costs better.

    “Raising other taxes besides VAT was not an option [as] it would harm growth, savings and jobs. Borrowing more would worsen our debt crisis. We already spend more than R1 billion servicing debt. We must do more with less, review government spending critically, root out waste, every cent of public money must be spent wisely.

    “The second issue, we must strengthen revenue collection. In the [March] budget, we made provisions for SARS [the South African Revenue Service] to collect more particularly for those who still owe SARS and to deal with illicit trading,” he said.
    The third area that Treasury will home in on is laying “strong foundations for economic growth”.

    “Job creation is the number one priority. We must remove barriers to investment, unlock private sector capital and expand opportunities for all South Africans. Through Operation Vulindlela, we have already seen what focused collaboration can achieve and we will now accelerate these reforms.

    “The challenges ahead are serious but not insurmountable. If we work together, stay focused and persevere, we can chart a better course for our economy and our people. That is my commitment to South Africans and that is what we aim to achieve when we table the new Budget on the 21st of May 2025,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Work underway to develop new fiscal framework

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, April 30, 2025

    National Treasury has assured South Africans that a revised budget will “adhere to all established technical processes and consultations, as set out in the Money Bills and Related Matters Act”.

    This after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the 2025 Budget Review will be re-tabled in Parliament on 21 May.

    “This includes formal consultations with the Financial and Fiscal Commission, thorough consultations with all political parties within the Government of National Unity as well as Cabinet approval before presentation to Parliament.

    “While the postponement of the budget’s passage is not ideal, the circumstances leading to this decision have highlighted the importance of meaningful engagement on fiscal matters.

    “This situation has provided a valuable opportunity for all stakeholders – citizens, Members of Parliament, labour organisations, and civil society – to thoroughly engage with the complex challenge of achieving fiscal sustainability, while promoting economic growth and protecting essential public services within very limited resources,” National Treasury said on Wednesday.

    In the interim before the budget is passed in Parliament, government services “continue to be funded under section 29 of the Public Finance Management Act”.

    “This allows spending of up to 45% of last year’s budget during the first four months, and up to 10% for each month after that.

    “While we wait for the 2025 Division of Revenue Act to be passed, funding for provinces and municipalities will continue under the 2024 Act, allowing transfers of up to 45% of their allocated funds,” Treasury said.

    New path

    Work is already underway to develop a new fiscal framework that Treasury emphasises will “maintain the trajectory toward debt stabilisation, a crucial element in strengthening our public finances”.

    The process for a new fiscal framework includes:

    • Revising economic assumptions using the latest available data.
    • Generating updated fiscal projects.
    • Recalculating revenue projections and tax implications.
    • Determining appropriate borrowing strategies.
    • Consolidating these elements into a coherent and sustainable fiscal framework.

    “The Ministry remains committed to transparent communication throughout this process and will provide further updates as they become available. 

    “We owe it to the hardworking citizens of South Africans to be open and transparent about how tax money is spent. 

    “The budget that will be tabled on 21 May will aim to maintain these principles,” Treasury said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Joins House and Senate Democrats in Reintroducing Historic Equality Act to Ban Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined a group of House and Senate Democrats led by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and U.S. Representative Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, to announce the bicameral reintroduction of the Equality Act in an effort to push back against escalated attacks from the Trump Administration, MAGA Republicans, and state legislatures on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Americans nationwide.
    In states across the country, over 850 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been filed so far this year—the most in U.S. history. The Equality Act is historic, comprehensive legislation to enshrine civil rights protections for our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors in federal law.
    The Equality Act amends landmark federal anti-discrimination laws to explicitly add sexual orientation and gender identity to longstanding bans on discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal funding, and more. It would also add protections against sex discrimination in parts of anti-discrimination laws where these protections had not been included previously, such as public accommodations and federal funding.
    Despite major advances in equality for LGBTQ+ Americans in recent years, including codifying federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages, the majority of states still do not have explicit LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protection laws. The Equality Act would finally enshrine protections into federal law under all areas of potential discrimination, protecting the rights and freedoms of all LGBTQ+ Americans for generations to come.
    “As the Trump Administration dismantles the civil liberties and legal protections of LGBTQ+ folks nationwide––progress that was hard-won and that we are still fighting to maintain––lawmakers in Congress must act to pass the bicameral Equality Act,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation would finally make clear that LGBTQ+ people in this country cannot be denied entry into a restaurant, be denied federal housing and benefits, or be discriminated against simply because of who they are and who they love. This legislation is long overdue, and I will work tirelessly with my colleagues to ensure the Equality Act becomes the law of the land.”
    “Generations of Americans have marched, voted, organized, and raised their voices to fully realize the vision of America as a land of freedom and equality for all,” said Senator Merkley. “As MAGA extremists attack the rights and freedoms of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors, I am fighting to end this hateful discrimination, expand freedom, and open the doors of opportunity for everyone. Back in 2007, I led the fight to secure this vision for Oregonians, and it is way past time for Congress to do the same for all LGBTQ+ Americans by passing my Equality Act.”
    “Across the country, LGBTQI+ and trans Americans are being targeted and attacked, but we refuse to be cowed or intimidated by their hate. Instead, we reintroduce the Equality Act as our declaration that freedom and dignity are the birthright of every American. We will not rest until full equality is the law of the land,” said Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Takano.
    “The Equality Act simply puts into law what we all believe: that every American is created equal and should be treated equally under the law. But, for too many LGBTQ+ Americans in states across the country, equality under the law is not the reality, and they are harassed at work, denied a place to live, and discriminated against just for being who they are,” said Senator Baldwin. “The Equality Act makes clear that in the United States, we can live up to our nation’s highest ideals and we will not tolerate discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity – just like religion, race, or ethnicity. Equality is not a privilege, it’s what we’re all owed as American citizens, and I’m committed to making that promise a reality.”
    “The Equality Act is necessary, urgent, and long overdue,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “As the Trump administration and dangerously conservative Supreme Court threaten the safety and security of LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States, it is the obligation of the Senate to ensure that everyone is treated equally under the law – a standard that the United States has long strived for but failed to perfectly meet. I am honored to help lead the reintroduction of the Equality Act and stand with the LGBTQ+ community as we continue to fight for a more equal, just, and loving world.”
    “Across the country, from city councils to Congress, state legislatures to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, freedom is under attack. The Equality Act will make sure that members of the LGBTQ community can live free from discrimination and pursue the American dream in every single zip code. House Democrats will continue to show up, speak up and stand up until this legislation is the law of the land,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
    “As Republicans across the country continue their assault on LGBTQ+ Americans – particularly the trans community – the fight against bigotry and discrimination remains as urgent as ever,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). “The landmark Equality Act – twice passed by the Democratic House but blocked by Senate Republicans – would extend the crucial protections of the Civil Rights Act to all LGBTQ+ Americans, in the workplace and in every place. Today, it was my privilege to join Congressional Democrats in proudly reintroducing our Equality Act to continue our fight for a future of equality and dignity for all.”
    “Not only is freedom the birthright of every person; we can only defend ours if we defend everyone’s,” said House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA). “That’s the basis of the Equality Act. Republicans’ rejection of such a basic truth tells you everything you need to know about the broken state of their party. While they work to strip away equality, freedom, health care, and housing, we are fighting for a future that is worthy of all our children.”
    The Equality Act is supported by 47 U.S. Senators and 214 U.S. Representatives. A full list of the 600+ organizations endorsing the Equality Act can be found by clicking here.
    “Everyone, no matter who they are or who they love, deserves the right to live free from discrimination and harassment. But LGBTQ+ people, who go to school, run small businesses, raise kids and work hard to put food on the table just like everyone else, still don’t have the federal nondiscrimination protections that others have enjoyed for decades. In some parts of the country, we can still be evicted from our homes, kicked out of a public business, or denied government services simply because of who we are. As the Trump administration works to erode civil rights protections across the board and state legislatures continue their onslaught against equality, it has never been more important to safeguard the basic protections that are a central part of the American Dream. It is time to pass the Equality Act,” said Jay Brown, Human Rights Campaign Chief of Staff.
    “This moment demands action. The reintroduction of the Equality Act comes as the Trump administration and state governments across the country launch aggressive attacks on LGBTQIA+ Americans, especially trans youth. These aren’t abstract policy debates – they are coordinated efforts to erode civil rights and protections, criminalize LGBTQIA+ existence, and erase communities. Trans youth deserve to be protected by their governments, they shouldn’t have to be protected from their governments. It’s long past time our federal laws reflect and protect the reality and dignity of all people,” said Olivia Hunt, Director of Federal Policy for Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE).
    “In Oregon we are lucky to have state protections that prohibit discrimination based on sexual or gender identity. But those protections are feeling pretty shaking these days, considering the series of Executive Orders following inauguration day. There has not been a more critical time to protect the most marginalized within our communities. Without federal protections, states with progressive and inclusive discrimination policies are at risk of losing them. Thank you to Senator Merkley for taking a stand for our communities,” said Kyndall Mason, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon.
    “With the LGBTQ+ community under attack from the Trump Administration—and anti-LGBTQ+ bills once again rearing their heads in statehouses across the country—the reintroduction of the Equality Act could not be more prescient. We all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of who we are, who we love, or where we call home. The Equality Act provides common sense nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people—protections that a majority of Americans agree should already be available. We are grateful to Rep. Takano for leading the charge on this critical bill, and look forward to working with him and other members of California’s Congressional delegation throughout the process,” said Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California.
    Stories in support of the Equality Act and the protections it would enshrine into federal law can be found by clicking here.
    A summary of the Equality Act can be found by clicking here.
    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Wicker, Bennet Introduce the LOCAL Infrastructure Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Michael Bennet, D-Colo., introduced the Lifting Our Communities through Advance Liquidity for Infrastructure (LOCAL Infrastructure) Act of 2025. The legislation would amend the federal tax code to restore state and local governments’ ability to use advance refunding to manage bond debt and reduce borrowing costs for public infrastructure projects.
    “The LOCAL Infrastructure Act would amend the federal tax code to give more financial flexibility to state and local governments. Restoring advance refunding would help community leaders manage their existing debts and allow for more investment to improve their existing infrastructure. Local leaders know what their states need best, and it’s important to give them the resources to ensure their community’s success,” said Senator Wicker.
    “As state and local governments work to improve their communities and plan for the future, our bipartisan bill will support their efforts to revitalize infrastructure, create jobs, and improve quality of life for all Coloradans,” said Senator Bennet. “From improving our roads and bridges to modernizing our hospitals and schools, this legislation will help create stronger and more resilient communities.”
    “SIFMA would like to thank Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) for their continued leadership on municipal bonds. Advance refunding is an important tool which permits state and local governments to save billions of dollars in interest costs by refinancing their outstanding debt to a lower interest rate. Our nation benefits by allowing for a robust capital market to flourish, which in turn helps local communities build affordable infrastructure specifically related to their needs. Reinstating the prior tax-exemption for advance refunding bonds is essential to making that happen and the LOCAL Infrastructure Act does just that,” said SIFMA President Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr.
    “Tax-exempt municipal bonds are a critical tool enabling counties to finance infrastructure projects for our communities” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “The LOCAL Infrastructure Act would restore the tax-exemption of advance refunding bonds and give counties the flexibility to respond to market conditions and lower borrowing costs for residents. Counties applaud Senators Wicker and Bennet for their bipartisan leadership and urge swift passage of this legislation.” 
    Advance refunding allows state and local governments to refinance outstanding municipal bonds to more favorable borrowing rates or conditions before the end of the initial bond term on a tax-exempt basis. This process is very similar to how a homeowner may refinance the mortgage on their property to lock in a lower interest rate. The federal tax-exempt debt could be refinanced only once, but local communities would be able to take advantage of the lower interest rates to generate additional savings on existing bonds. Local governments could reinvest these savings to fund infrastructure, education, health care, or other capital improvement projects. Advance refunding has saved state and local governments billions of dollars over decades, but has been unavailable to state and local governments since 2017.
    Click here to read a one-page outline of the legislation.
    Click here to view the full text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump’s Border Protection Nominee Commits to Sharing Public Information about Location in Custody “As Soon As Possible”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 30, 2025
    Asserts refusing detainees phone calls and their families information on their location will not be his policy
    Scott: “I will follow court orders…(and) commit to transparency and sharing (custody and location) information consistent with law and policy as quickly as possible.”
    Warren: “Targeting people who have never committed a crime, but who are now terrified that the United States government is going to remove them from their families without any legal help…is not only wrong, it is not making us safer.”
    Video of Exchange (YouTube)
    Washington, D.C. — At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) pushed Mr. Rodney Scott, nominee for Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to commit to following court orders, ensuring agents do not deny entry based on travelers’ political views, allowing detained individuals to make phone calls to their families and their lawyers, and publicly releasing information on where people in CBP custody are being held. 
    Senator Warren highlighted the Trump administration’s recent disturbing pattern of detaining people with no criminal record, refusing to let them speak with their families and lawyers, and then deporting them even after courts have said not to. Mr. Scott said he would “follow court orders.” 
    Senator Warren also pointed to a recent report of immigration officials searching a traveler’s phone and denying entry to the United States for criticizing the Trump administration. Mr. Scott agreed that, if confirmed, he would not allow politically motivated denials of entry based on criticism of the President. 
    Senator Warren pushed Mr. Scott to commit to letting the public know within hours, instead of the current policy of 48 hours, when someone is in CBP custody and where they are located. Mr. Scott refused to commit but said he would share public information about the location of people in CBP custody “as soon as possible.”
    “I am concerned that, while I appreciate that you are making commitments to do your best here, that we really are going to need continued oversight to make sure that this happens,” said Senator Warren. 
    “Targeting people who have never committed a crime, but who are now terrified that the United States government is going to remove them from their families without any legal help… is not making us safer,” Senator Warren concluded. 
    Transcript: “Hearing to Consider the Nomination of Rodney Scott, of Oklahoma, to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, vice Chris Magnus”Senate Finance CommitteeApril 30, 2025
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, Americans want to be safe, but in just 100 days, the Trump administration has started to round up people with no criminal record, move them so that even their families and lawyers have no idea where they are, and deport them even after a court has said not to. That is not making our nation safer.  
    Now, Mr. Scott, if confirmed as Customs and Border Protection Commissioner, you will decide whether to continue or to reverse these very troubling trends. 
    So, I want to understand what policies you would follow. Last month, ICE transported Kilmar Abrego Garcia and more than one hundred others to El Salvador after a court ordered they not be removed. Concerns have also been raised about whether CBP is deporting people in violation of court orders.
    So let me start there. Mr. Scott, will it be your policy as CBP Commissioner to deport people in violation of court orders?
    Mr. Rodney Scott, nominee for Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection: No, ma’am. I will follow court orders. 
    Senator Warren: That’s what I like to hear. So, let’s try another one. Last month, CBP reportedly searched the phone of a French scientist at a Houston airport, and reportedly found text messages criticizing President Trump’s research policies, and then denied him entry. 
    Mr. Scott, will it be your policy as CBP Commissioner to deny entry to travelers because they criticize Donald Trump? 
    Mr. Scott: In my experience, that does not happen. In my experience—
    Senator Warren: That’s not my question. My question is will it be your policy that if someone criticizes Donald Trump will be denied entry to the United States of America?
    Mr. Scott: No, and I don’t believe that happens today either.
    Senator Warren: Alright, but you will make sure that that is not the policy that CBP follows, is that right? 
    Mr. Scott: If confirmed, that’s correct. 
    Senator Warren: Alright, let’s do one more. Lawyers and loved ones are finding CBP to be a black box that detains people and refuses to tell anyone where they are for hours, sometimes for days. 
    For example, two U.S. citizen children and their immigrant mother were detained by CBP for three days without being able to communicate with legal counsel or anyone in their family. They reported feeling “kidnapped.” 
    Mr. Scott, you said you care about transparency. Will it be your policy for CBP agents to detain a family and prevent them from speaking with counsel or their families for days?
    Mr. Scott: That is not the policy of CBP. And if confirmed that would not be my policy.
    Senator Warren: Alright. And will you commit to letting the public know within hours, not days, when someone is in CBP custody and where they are located, the same way that ICE does?
    Mr. Scott: I have learned to not over commit to something that I can’t follow through on. I commit to transparency and sharing that information consistent with law and policy as quickly as possible, but CBP is slightly different. There’s an interdiction, there’s a processing, we don’t have detention facilities, so a lot of times they are taken somewhere else. 
    There are time delays and the generality of within hours—as soon as possible I will commit to, but I cannot commit to a specific timeline, because it changes in different parts of the country depending on where the individual is encountered. 
    Senator Warren: So, are you telling me that literally it can be days before CBP understands they’ve got someone and to let that person be able to call a family member so they’re not frantically wondering what happened to them?
    Mr. Scott: So, under the last administration and the chaos that was created the answer to your question was yes. People being arrested were so backed up that in many cases it was taking CBP officers and patrol agents days just to get to them to do basic processing. 
    Senator Warren: And in the meantime, none of them were permitted to make a phone call? 
    Mr. Scott: We didn’t know who they were. 
    Senator Warren: So you can’t let them make a phone call to just tell their family where they are or find a lawyer if that’s what they think they need? 
    Mr. Scott: I believe there were 15,000 of them in one day. There wasn’t time. It was about officer safety, it was about keeping people safe and keeping them safe. Because it’s not just 15,000 families. There were criminals mixed in there. There were gang members mixed in there. There were cartel members mixed in there. And all of the officers and agents when we create this chaos have to deal with all of that and keep people safe, so it gets delayed. 
    Today we don’t have that problem, because the Trump administration’s created policies that have deterred all that massive chaos on the border from crossing. So those calls will take place quicker because we actually have time to—
    Senator Warren: So, if the Trump administration has ended all the chaos, is there a reason that you cannot commit to let people be able to reach out to their families within hours of being detained by CBP?
    You said you got that chaos under control now?
    Mr. Scott: I will confirm that if confirmed as commissioner, my commitment to you is we will let them make that call as quickly as reasonably possible with the other factors that I just outlined for you.
    Senator Warren: Well, the questions I asked are really straightforward and I’m very worried about what’s happening now—denying people entry because they criticize Donald Trump. 
    I’m worried about the feeling that people have been disappeared, including mothers with children, for days on end. And I am concerned that, while I appreciate that you are making commitments to do your best here, that we really are going to need continued oversight to make sure that this happens.
    Targeting people who have never committed a crime, but who are now terrified that the United States government is going to remove them from their families without any legal help, take them off of our streets or out of our airports is not only wrong, it is not making us safer. 
    I apologize for going over, Mr. Chairman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Slams Bezos After Amazon Backtracks on Tariff Price Transparency, Questions Bezos’ Conversation With Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 30, 2025
    “These reports raise questions about the nature of your conversations with President Trump, and what promises or favors you may have received in exchange for your subservience to him.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) slammed Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in a new letter, following reports that Amazon considered an initiative to illustrate the cost of President Trump’s tariffs to customers — only to reverse course after a private conversation between Bezos and Trump.
    “If Amazon had followed through on any plans to provide transparency on tariff costs, it could have provided important information for consumers, allowing them to find out for themselves some of the true costs of President Trump’s broad and chaotic tariff policies,” wrote Senator Warren.
    Amazon, one of the nation’s largest retailers, has a significant stake in the outcome of President Trump’s tariffs. According to a recent report, Amazon was planning to “show how much [President] Trump’s tariffs are adding to the price of each product” on at least one of its websites by displaying “how much of an item’s cost is derived from tariffs.” 
    On Tuesday morning, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke strongly against Amazon’s decision to show the price of tariffs, calling the move a “hostile and political act.” But before the company could put this plan into place, President Trump reportedly called Bezos and asked him to intervene. The price transparency initiative was then reversed.
    President Trump confirmed Bezos’s role in the decision not to provide transparency on tariff costs, saying that “Jeff Bezos was very nice. He was terrific… He solved the problem very quickly. Good guy.”
    “[Y]esterday’s activity appears to be another example of Big Tech working together with President Trump to seek special favors or support his policies in what can appear to be a quid pro quo,” wrote Senator Warren, highlighting the chaos, corruption, and economic damage that has accompanied Trump’s tariff rollout. She requested that Bezos provide information about the nature of his conversations with Trump and any potential secret deals between the two.
    Senator Warren previously pressed Apple CEO Tim Cook on his engagement with the Trump administration following its announcement of China tariffs, which resulted in massive tariff exemptions for Apple products.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer, Norton, Van Hollen Lead Bicameral Letter on Cuts to Medicaid in District of Columbia

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Amid reports that House Republicans plan to reduce the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) in the District of Columbia, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led 15 Members in sending a letter to leaders on the House Committee on Energy & Commerce decrying the proposed cuts to Medicaid in the District. The letter is signed by all Democrats in the National Capital Region, including Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Representatives Robert “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Donald Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Johnny Olszewski (MD-02), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), and April McClain Delaney (MD-06).

    In 2024, 264,332 people enrolled in Medicaid in the District, including 3 in every 7 children, 4 in every 5 nursing home residents, and 1 in every 2 working-age adults with disabilities. Many of these Americans risk losing coverage if D.C.’s FMAP is reduced. A lower FMAP would also force hospitals, clinics, and local health centers to close their doors, undermining care for everyone in the region. 

    “It is imperative that our constituents, and those who seek care within our jurisdictions, have reliable access to health care,” the Members wrote in their letter. “Cuts to Medicaid will have devastating impacts regionally and nationwide, decreasing the availability of providers and services, forcing millions of American families to lose coverage, and increasing wait times for patients in need. Moreover, cuts threaten our region’s health centers, hospitals, nursing homes, home and community-based care providers, and behavioral health providers.”

    “Such a change would be catastrophic, destabilizing the health care system of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region and beyond and impacting the hundreds of thousands of constituents who live, work, travel through, or receive care in D.C. each day,” the Members continued.

    “As a top children’s hospital and the region’s only Pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center, we are deeply concerned that the proposed cuts to D.C. Medicaid will have unintended consequences and will put critical health care for children at risk,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, President and CEO of Children’s National Hospital. “These proposals would force us to immediately scale back the specialized care that hundreds of thousands of families from all 50 states and D.C. rely on each year, including the 55 percent of our patients who are covered by Medicaid.” 

    “Cutting DC’s Medicaid funding would decimate health care, emergency preparedness, and public safety in the city, impacting not only DC residents but those who work and visit the city,” said Jacqueline Bowens, President and CEO of DC Hospital Association. “Cuts would force reductions in services at hospitals and have a ripple effect on the city budget and essential public safety services, including police, fire, education, and substance abuse, mental health, and homeless services.”

    The full text of the letter is included below:

    Dear Chairman Guthrie, Ranking Member Pallone, Chairman Carter, and Ranking Member DeGette:

    We write in strong opposition to the proposals contemplated in the FY25 Budget Resolution to cut Medicaid. It is imperative that our constituents, and those who seek care within our jurisdictions, have reliable access to health care. Cuts to Medicaid will have devastating impacts regionally and nationwide, decreasing the availability of providers and services, forcing millions of American families to lose coverage, and increasing wait times for patients in need. Moreover, cuts threaten our region’s health centers, hospitals, nursing homes, home and community-based care providers, and behavioral health providers. These indispensable providers serve low-income, military-connected, and disabled children and adults, and play a unique role in our nation’s capital.

    We write with particular concern regarding proposals to reduce the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for the District of Columbia. Such a change would be catastrophic, destabilizing the health care system of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region and beyond and impacting the hundreds of thousands of constituents who live, work, travel through, or receive care in D.C. each day. Notably, this includes Members of Congress and their staff, members of the administration, visiting dignitaries, and their families, as well as families across the country who rely on D.C.’s specialized care. We all depend on and expect our nation’s capital to have a quality, responsive health care system. Efforts to weaken that system through cuts to Medicaid undermine the stability and resilience our region requires and would have reverberating effects across the country.

    In 1997, a Republican Congress passed the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997 (Revitalization Act), which established the current 70 percent D.C. FMAP and transferred certain functions and costs from the D.C. government to the federal government. Congress passed the Revitalization Act in part because it recognized that it imposes unique revenue limitations on D.C., which operates as a state, county, and city. Congress imposes three main revenue limitations on D.C.: D.C. cannot tax income earned in D.C. by nonresidents, depriving D.C. of more than $3 billion in revenue per year; D.C. cannot permit buildings to exceed certain height limitations; and D.C. cannot tax its sizable federal property.

    As it currently stands, other jurisdictions are entitled to a higher FMAP than D.C. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 set the FMAP for American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands permanently at 83% and set the FMAP for Puerto Rico at 76% through FY 2027. Five states (Mississippi, West Virginia, Alabama, New Mexico, and Kentucky) have FMAPs that are higher than D.C.

    Reducing D.C.’s FMAP would weaken care for all in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region, regardless of insurance status. Medicaid supports nearly a quarter of D.C.’s population, including 3 in 7 children and 4 in 5 nursing home residents. For example, proposals to reduce D.C.’s FMAP from 70 percent to 50 percent would create a $1.1 billion annual hole in local funds and ultimately result in a total loss of $2.1 billion per year in program funds to local hospitals, universities, and providers. This equates to a 40 percent cut in funding directly impacting health care providers. Hospitals in the region project at least $232 million in uncompensated care due to D.C.’s FMAP reductions, with at least one medical system expecting to close altogether. Impacts would reverberate across fire and emergency services, police recruitment and retention, and behavioral health resources and threaten the ability of hospitals and other safety net providers to stay open. Community-based providers in Virginia and Maryland risk being overwhelmed, as demand rises from D.C. residents seeking timely care.

    Further, without corresponding funding or infrastructure support, it would be challenging for the rest of the region to shoulder the responsibility for regional emergency response. D.C.’s four Level I trauma centers, including those at Children’s National Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center, provide vital care for patients in major incidents or emergency situations, including those involving Members of Congress, federal employees, and visitors. Reducing D.C.’s FMAP would have a particularly disproportionate impact on the provision of trauma and specialty capacities, principally for burn and pediatric patients.

    Reductions to D.C.’s FMAP would adversely limit regional access to life-saving and specialized pediatric care. We note with particular alarm the potential impacts on Children’s National, which provides specialized care to patients from all 50 states, including West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, and North Carolina. 73% of hospital stays and emergency department visits at Children’s National are covered by Medicaid. Reductions in Medicaid funding would likely result in the hospital making significant cuts to primary care, behavioral health, and outpatient subspecialty services, with families having to travel further to obtain such care or going without it. Further, local federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) anticipate that a change to D.C.’s FMAP would result in a loss of coverage for more than 33,000 adult health center patients and a loss of $58 million in payments, leaving them unable to serve over 24,000 of their current patients.

    Reductions to D.C.’s FMAP would be catastrophic for our local providers and pose grave challenges to ensuring patients in the mid-Atlantic region and beyond receive necessary care. As you consider potential policy options through Budget Reconciliation, we urge you to strongly oppose all cuts to Medicaid and to protect the current FMAP for the District of Columbia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ahead of the Threat Podcast: Episode Nine – Meredith Griffanti

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    Are you an expert in communications? Do you need communications help? Are you ready for how to communicate to employees, the government, or your customers if a crisis happens? Many agencies believe they have it covered but when a crisis does happens, the reality comes into focus that communications is a more nuanced and involved part of a response.

    Meredith Griffanti and her team do this “all day, every day.” As FTI’s senior managing director for cybersecurity and data privacy communications, Griffanti discusses her observations about the industry, common pitfalls and some changing attitudes about communications with hosts Bryan Vorndran, FBI assistant director of the Cyber Division, and Jamil Farshchi, an FBI strategic engagement advisor.

    Kicking off this episode’s Top Three segment with a look at current cybersecurity news, Bryan and Jamil assess the return of the LockBit ransomware group, a new tactic of “microransoms” targeting everyday users, and an FBI advisory warning people about fake FBI agents claiming to be from the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250418#:~:text=Tips%20to%20Protect%20Yourself,or%20other%20law%20enforcement%20officers.

    Listen to Ahead of the Threat episodes, read the transcripts, and find related material at https://www.fbi.gov/aheadofthethreat.
    —————————————————
    Subscribe to Ahead of the Threat wherever you get your podcasts:
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast…
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7nV7uYs…
    More ways to follow us: https://ahead-of-the-threat.transisto…

    Follow us on social media:
    X: https://twitter.com/fbi
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/FBI
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/fbi
    YouTube: youtube.com/user/fbi

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCDi0KVOdhM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova: Five world-class genomic research centers will be created in 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova held a meeting of the Council for the implementation of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Genetic Technologies for 2019–2030. The agenda included summing up the results of the competitive selection of organizations on the basis of which world-class genomic research centers will be created, as well as the competition for the distribution of grants for the implementation of research programs and projects in the field of genetics.

    “We are starting the next stage of the implementation of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Genetic Technologies – with updated objectives, a reboot of previously implemented areas and the selection of new research centers. It is extremely important that the centers selected today bring the expected results. According to the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development, approved by the President in 2024, genetic technologies are designated as a priority area. Our goal is not only to deepen fundamental research in this area, but also to ensure its practical implementation,” said Tatyana Golikova.

    As the Deputy Prime Minister noted, the centers will be created in four areas of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Genetic Technologies until 2030:

    · biosafety and ensuring technological independence;

    · genetic technologies for agricultural development;

    · genetic technologies for medicine;

    · genetic technologies for industrial microbiology.

    The head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, noted that the conditions of the competition had been revised.

    “Today we are faced with the most important task of achieving technological leadership, in connection with which many programs for supporting scientific research have been finalized, including the program for creating world-class genomic research centers. Now, the presence of an industrial partner or a qualified customer is one of the key conditions for participation in the competition,” the minister emphasized.

    World-class genomic research centers are consortia that unite the potential of research institutes, universities, and organizations of the real sector of the economy. Their activities contribute to the acquisition of new knowledge in the field of genetics and the development of new technologies.

    Following a competitive selection process, the government has formed a list of organizations on the basis of which five world-class genomic research centers will begin operating in 2025–2030.

    The Center for High-Precision Genetic Technologies for Medicine will be created on the basis of a consortium of the V.A. Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, and the National Medical Research Center of Hematology. Its main areas of work include the creation of anti-cancer drugs based on recombinant oncolytic viruses, drugs for the treatment of ischemic strokes, technologies for obtaining functional protein structures and pharmacogenetic approaches for medical diagnostics, as well as personnel training and retraining.

    The Center for Predictive Genetics, Pharmacogenetics and Personalized Therapy is being created on the basis of the Russian Scientific Center of Surgery named after Academician B.V. Petrovsky. The expected results of the center include, for example, the search for and identification of new genes responsible for cardiovascular diseases; the development of a diagnostic technology (“liquid biopsy”) for monitoring the risks of rejection and oncological diseases in patients who have undergone organ transplantation; the creation of a remote access advisory center for doctors and the development of higher and professional education programs in the field of genetics and pharmacogenetics.

    The world-class genomic research center “Genetic reprogramming and gene therapy” is being created on the basis of a consortium of five organizations: the Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of Physical and Chemical Medicine named after Yu.M. Lopukhin of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, the Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnology of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, the State Research Center “Institute of Immunology” of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, the Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Moscow Clinical Research Center named after A.S. Loginov. The center’s program involves bringing several completely original drugs to implementation, for example, for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy and hereditary angioedema.

    The activities of the World-Class Genomic Research Center “Ensuring Biological Safety and Technological Independence” of Rospotrebnadzor are aimed at actively introducing modern genomic technologies and synthetic biology methods into the country’s biosafety system. In particular, within the framework of the project, scientists set themselves the task of describing viruses of vertebrate and arthropod carriers in natural reservoirs that have pathogenic potential. As a result, taking into account the use of modern technological solutions for metavirome analysis, new, previously undescribed or modified viruses will be identified and their zoonotic and pathogenic potential for humans will be assessed. This will allow the Russian Federation to become the third country in the world to implement such global projects.

    The Kurchatov Genome Center consortium will include the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center, the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology. The center’s main tasks include creating producer strains (bacterial systems), methodologies for designing varieties based on the analysis of large genotyping data, developing new varieties and hybrids, prototypes of varieties of strategically important agricultural crops obtained using genome editing, as well as developing and implementing educational programs for specialists (in genomic selection) and gifted schoolchildren.

    In addition, following the results of the competition for the distribution of grants for the implementation of research programs and projects in the field of genetics, 13 teams conducting research in the field of genetics and 14 projects that will result in the creation of bioresource collections will receive support. The total amount of their funding in 2025 will be 1.7 billion rubles.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Addition of One Government Securities Distributor for Government of Canada Securities

    Source: Bank of Canada

    The Bank of Canada, on behalf of the Government of Canada, announces the addition of one new Government Securities Distributor (GSD) for Government of Canada marketable bonds and treasury bills.

    ATB Securities Inc.

    The list of Government Securities Distributors can be found on the Government securities auctions webpage on the Bank’s website.

    For further information, please contact:

    Director
    Financial Markets Department
    Bank of Canada
    343‑573‑4846

    Director
    Funds Management Division
    Department of Finance Canada
    343‑549‑3651

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST continues visit to UAE

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, continued her visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
     
    Miss Law met with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture of the UAE, HE Mubarak Al Nakhi, today (April 30, Abu Dhabi time). She highlighted Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international cultural exchanges, expressing strong interest in collaborations with the UAE, a key partner under the Belt and Road Initiative. Miss Law looked forward to establishing closer cultural links and was glad to have identified new opportunities for cooperation on performing arts with the country.
     
    Earlier, on April 29 (Dubai time), Miss Law met the Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation (the Foundation) and Vice Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, HE Khalfan Belhoul. She was impressed by Dubai’s visionary initiatives, such as the Foundation’s projects in artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainability, as well as the government’s forward-thinking approach in shaping a sustainable and better future for the world. On the sports development front, discussions focused on integrating creativity, innovation, and technology into youth education, with both parties noted the shared aspirations of Hong Kong and Dubai. Miss Law highlighted the similarities in both regions’ sports landscapes, emphasising opportunities for collaboration.
     
    In that afternoon, Miss Law met with the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, HE Issam Kazim. The discussions underscored shared goals of enhancing tourism through innovative collaboration. Miss Law also noted how Hong Kong is actively promoting tailor-made, high-end travel packages to attract the Middle East tourists.
     
    Miss Law also paid a courtesy call on and attended a dinner hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the UAE, Mr Zhang Yiming last night (April 29, Abu Dhabi time). Ambassador Zhang highlighted Hong Kong’s unique strengths as a global hub for business, culture, and tourism. He also underlined the importance of and expressed optimism about the city’s promising future in engaging the Middle East. Miss Law remarked that through the visit, she gained a deeper understanding of the UAE’s proactive and ambitious vision, affirming that Hong Kong and the UAE share many parallels in their development strategies. She emphasised the importance of leveraging these synergies to foster stronger ties between the two regions and expressed her gratitude to the Embassy for its strong support to Hong Kong.
     
    While in the UAE, Miss Law visited a number of iconic historical and tourist attractions, taking herself in the country’s vibrant cultural and architectural marvels. These included the Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future in Dubai (April 29, Dubai time), as well as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the national and cultural landmark; the Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace; and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, in Abu Dhabi (April 30, Abu Dhabi time) to gain insights into their operations, tourism appeal and the possible collaboration of cultural exchanges.
     
    Miss Law will conclude her visit to the UAE and depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia tonight (April 30, Abu Dhabi time).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves Caste enumeration in the upcoming Census

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 5:59PM by PIB Delhi

    Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has decided to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census. This demonstrates that the present government is committed to the holistic interests and values of the nation and society.

    As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, Census is a union subject listed at 69 in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule. While some states have conducted surveys to enumerate castes, these surveys have varied in transparency and intent, with some conducted purely from a political angle, creating doubts in society. Considering all these circumstances, and to ensure that our social fabric does not come under political pressure, it has been decided that caste enumeration should be included in the main census instead of being conducted as a separate survey.

    This will ensure that society becomes stronger economically and socially, and the country’s progress continues without hindrance. It is noteworthy that when a provision of 10 percent reservation was made for the economically weaker sections of society, it did not create tension in any section of society.

    Caste was excluded from all census operations conducted since independence. In 2010, then Prime Minister Late Dr. Manmohan Singh assured the Lok Sabha that the matter of caste census would be considered in the Cabinet. A Group of Ministers was formed to deliberate on this subject, and most political parties recommended conducting a caste census. Despite this, the previous government opted for a survey instead of a caste census, known as the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC).

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    MJPS/SS/SR

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM chairs 46th PRAGATI Interaction

    Source: Government of India

    PM chairs 46th PRAGATI Interaction

    PM reviews eight significant projects worth over Rs 90,000 crore

    PM directs that all Ministries and Departments should ensure that identification of beneficiaries is done strictly through biometrics-based Aadhaar authentication or verification

    Ring Road should be integrated as a key component of broader urban planning efforts that aligns with city’s growth trajectory: PM

    PM reviews Jal Marg Vikas Project and directs that efforts should be made to establish a strong community connect along the stretches for boosting cruise tourism

    PM reiterates the importance of leveraging tools such as PM Gati Shakti and other integrated platforms to enable holistic and forward-looking planning

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 8:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi earlier today chaired a meeting of the 46th edition of PRAGATI, an ICT-based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, involving Centre and State governments.

    In the meeting, eight significant projects were reviewed, which included three Road Projects, two projects each of Railways and Port, Shipping & Waterways. The combined cost of these projects, spread across different States/UTs, is around Rs 90,000 crore.

    While reviewing grievance redressal related to Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Prime Minister directed that all Ministries and Departments should ensure that the identification of beneficiaries is done strictly through biometrics-based Aadhaar authentication or verification. Prime Minister also directed to explore the potential for integrating additional programmes into the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, specifically those aimed at promoting child care, improving health and hygiene practices, ensuring cleanliness, and addressing other related aspects that contribute to the overall well-being of the mother and newly born child.

    During the review of infrastructure project concerning the development of a Ring Road, Prime Minister emphasized that the development of Ring Road should be integrated as a key component of broader urban planning efforts. The development must be approached holistically, ensuring that it aligns with and supports the city’s growth trajectory over the next 25 to 30 years. Prime Minister also directed that various planning models be studied, with particular focus on those that promote self-sustainability, especially in the context of long-term viability and efficient management of the Ring Road. He also urged to explore the possibility of integrating a Circular Rail Network within the city’s transport infrastructure as a complementary and sustainable alternative for public transportation.

    During the review of the Jal Marg Vikas Project, Prime Minister said that efforts should be made to establish a strong community connect along the stretches for boosting cruise tourism. It will foster a vibrant local ecosystem by creating opportunities for business development, particularly for artisans and entrepreneurs associated with the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) initiative and other local crafts. The approach is intended to not only enhance community engagement but also stimulate economic activity and livelihood generation in the regions adjoining the waterway. Prime Minister stressed that such inland waterways should be drivers for tourism also.

    During the interaction, Prime Minister reiterated the importance of leveraging tools such as PM GatiShakti and other integrated platforms to enable holistic and forward-looking planning. He emphasized that the use of such tools is crucial for achieving synergy across sectors and ensuring efficient infrastructure development.

    Prime Minister further directed all stakeholders to ensure that their respective databases are regularly updated and accurately maintained, as reliable and current data is essential for informed decision-making and effective planning.

    Up to the 46th edition of PRAGATI meetings, 370 projects having a total cost of around Rs 20 lakh crore have been reviewed.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah thanks Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the Cabinet decision to fix the FRP of sugarcane at ₹355 per quintal for year 2025-26 and approve 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah thanks Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the Cabinet decision to fix the FRP of sugarcane at ₹355 per quintal for year 2025-26 and approve 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam

    This decision of the Modi Government will benefit about 5 crore sugarcane farmers and their families as well as about 5 lakh workers employed in sugar mills

    Committed to the prosperity of sugarcane farmers and increasing their income, this decision by Modiji will make the lives of farmers even better and easier

    Home Minister says, development of the Northeast has always been a top priority of the Modi government

    This decision will open a new fast lane of development for the Ashtalakshmi of Bharat by making transportation safer and seamless

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 8:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the Cabinet decision to fix the FRP of sugarcane at ₹355 per quintal for year 2025-26 and approve 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam.

    On a post on X platform, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Modi Government’s gift to sugarcane farmers, this decision will benefit about 5 crore sugarcane farmers and their families as well as about 5 lakh workers employed in sugar mills

    Shri Amit Shah said that committed to the prosperity of sugarcane farmers and increasing their income, this decision by Modiji will make the lives of farmers even better and easier.

    In another post, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that development of the Northeast has always been a top priority of the Modi government. He congratulated our sisters and brothers of the Northeast on the approval of the 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam. Shri Shah said that this decision will open a new fast lane of development for the Ashtalakshmi of Bharat by making transportation safer and seamless. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for this game-changing decision.

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    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) announces the 28th National Conference on E-Governance (NCeG)

    Source: Government of India

    Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) announces the 28th National Conference on E-Governance (NCeG)

    On the 9th and 10th of June 2025 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

    Registration portal https://nceg.gov.in/  opened for registration by all Government and non-government participants

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 5:18PM by PIB Delhi

    The 28th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) is set to take place on the 9th and 10th of June, 2025 at Novotel, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The event is being jointly organized by, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG),Govt of India, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

    The theme of the two-day conference, is “Viksit Bharat: Civil Service and Digital Transformation,” and will feature six plenary sessions and six breakout sessions. The Conference is designed to provide a platform for policy makers, practitioners, industry leaders, and academicians to deliberate, discuss, and recommend actionable strategy to enhance quality of public services rendered by the governments, to realize the policy of  “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance”  for a Viksit Bharat, through setting newer benchmarks in good governance.

    The National e-Gov Awards (NAeG) 2025, will be conferred by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Minister of State of the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy, and Minister of State in the Department of Space, during the Conference.

    The Conference will be graced by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu who will inaugurate the Conference and chair a plenary session on Vizag as IT Hub. The Dy. CM of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Pawan Kalyan and the Minister of IT & Human Resources, Shri N. Lokesh will deliver keynote addresses during the Conference in the presence of senior officers of State and Central Governments.

    DARPG has opened the portal nceg.gov.in for the registration of participants fromCentral Ministries and State/UT Governments, Industry, Academia, Start-ups, Exhibitors, Awardees, Speakers and Panellists etc for participation in the 28thNCeG 2025

    In preparation for this event a virtual meeting was chaired by Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG on 30th April 2025, to provide a comprehensive briefing on the Conference’s structure, schedule and importance. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Department of ITE&C, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Joint Secretary, MeitY, Senior Vice President, NASSCOM,IIM Visakhapatnam along with other senior officials from the Government of India and State Governments. Government of AP shared the status report on the preparations.

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Jitendra Singh Calls for a dynamic curriculum in view of changing governance landscape:

    Source: Government of India

    Dr. Jitendra Singh Calls for a dynamic curriculum in view of changing governance landscape:

    Also continuous evolution in public administration training modules to meet the rapidly changing requirements driven by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing

    Delivers Convocation Address of the 50th “Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration” (APPPA) at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)

    “What We Learn Today May Be Obsolete Tomorrow”: Union Minister Urges APPPA Officers to Stay Ahead of the Curve

    From Generals to Grassroots: IIPA Expands Reach as APPPA Marks Golden Jubilee

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Wednesday called for a dynamic curriculum in view of changing governance landscape  and continuous evolution in public administration training modules to meet the rapidly changing requirements driven by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing.

    Delivering the Convocation Address of the 50th “Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration” (APPPA) at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is also the Chairman of the IIPA Executive Council, said, “What is relevant today may not be tomorrow. We need to learn every day to stay relevant.”

    Highlighting the government’s focus on Mission Karmayogi and Viksit Bharat, the Minister said the APPPA programme has grown beyond its traditional curriculum to include exposure to aspirational districts, defence institutions, rural and urban development schemes, and India’s rich traditional knowledge systems. “I am happy that the course has evolved with time, integrating themes like Atmanirbhar Bharat and governance reforms,” he said.

    In a candid and wide-ranging address, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptive policy making in the face of exponential technological advancements. “We could very well see participants of the 50th APPPA returning for refresher courses by the 55th,” he quipped, stressing the need to keep administrative knowledge up to date.

    Lauding IIPA’s initiative to organize APPPA’s golden jubilee programme, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the importance of civil-military synergy. “Today’s army officers don’t just stay in isolation; they are expected to brief the media, interact with civilians and respond jointly in disaster-affected regions,” he noted, calling for greater focus on communication skills in future iterations of the course.

    The Minister urged participants to assist in visualizing “India@2047” by contributing their domain-specific knowledge to the vision document being prepared by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances. “We mustn’t view 2047 through the prism of 2025. Change is unfolding too quickly. We need to project forward with a futuristic mindset,” he said.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh also appreciated IIPA’s recent grassroots initiative, which began training programmes for elected Sarpanches and Panchayati Raj representatives, saying this marks a significant step in democratizing capacity building. “IIPA has now spread its wings from training senior civil servants to empowering grassroot representatives,” he said.

    Acknowledging the contributions of course directors Prof. Neetu Jain and Dr. Saket Bihari, he also appreciated the participants of the 50th APPPA batch for their resilience in completing the course during challenging times.

    The Minister announced that the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has approved a fee enhancement from the 51st APPPA batch onwards, giving IIPA more room to strengthen the programme through additional exposure visits and new modules.

    Concluding his address on a hopeful note, Dr. Jitendra Singh encouraged participants to stay connected and continue contributing to nation-building. “Though the course culminates today, the bond built over these ten months is forever,” he said.

    Director General, IIPA, S.N. Tripathi, in his introductory address, highlighted the salient features of various training programmes undertaken by IIPA.

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Countdown begins for the maiden edition of WAVES – World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Countdown begins for the maiden edition of WAVES – World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit

    Mumbai is all set to host WAVES 2025

    Four days of knowledge exchange, dialogue, and collaboration between Indian and global M & E stakeholders

    WAVES to make waves in India’s Creative Economy

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 4:46PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 30 April 2025

     

    The countdown for the much-anticipated milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector -WAVES (World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit 2025) has begun. This groundbreaking four-day event, starting tomorrow at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai is designed to propel India’s Media & Entertainment industry to even greater heights.

    As Mumbai, the entertainment capital of India, is gearing up to welcome the who’s who of Media & Entertainment sector who shall delve into engaging panel discussions, thought-provoking and inspiring discourses, knowledge-sharing in-conversation and interactive sessions, enriching master-classes by the industry luminaries et al, the multi-dimensional takeaways over the coming four days for the stakeholders look promising for a future-ready M & E sector in the country.

    This is because WAVE Summit is meant to amplify India’s Voice as a Global Powerhouse. WAVES, from its debut year, will provide a platform to showcase India’s vibrant creative industry and its immense potential within the global M&E landscape. Adding to the same, WAVES will also promote knowledge exchange, dialogue, and collaboration between Indian and global stakeholders. This pioneering initiative by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India is envisioned for gainfully leveraging India’s rich spiritual legacy for global harmony and propel the Creator’s economy in the right direction. 

    The Four Pillars of WAVES

    The mega-event encompassing the entire gamut of M & E sector has been broadly divided into four pillars.

    One: Broadcasting & Infotainment – Encompassing the traditional and evolving landscape of information and entertainment delivery, this focus area aims at prioritizing information, empowering citizens, and going global by adapting to the challenges of the 21st Century. It includes the following areas of the creative economy:

    • Broadcast: Television, Radio, Podcasts, Sports Broadcasting
    • Content Creation: Print Media, Music
    • Delivery Platforms: Carriage (Cable & Satellite), DTH (Direct-to-Home)
    • Advertising & Marketing: Leading professionals shaping brand strategies within the M&E space.

    Two: AVGC-XR – This segment explores the cutting-edge world of immersive storytelling and interactive experience powered by a combination of artistry, entertainment and technology. It encompasses the following specific areas:

    • Animation
    • Visual Effects
    • E-Sports
    • Comics
    • Augmented Reality/ Virtual Reality (AR/ VR)
    • Metaverse & Extended Reality (XR)

    Three: Digital Media & Innovation: This segment explores the ever-evolving digital landscape and its impact on entertainment consumption. It includes:

    • Digital Media & App Economy
    • OTT Platforms
    • Social Media Platforms
    • Generative AI & Emerging Technology
    • Influencers & Content Creators  

    Four: Films: This segment explores the world of filmmaking, production and globalization.

    • Films, Documentaries, Shorts, Videos
    • Film Technology (Shooting, Post-Production)
    • Globalization of Indian Cinema
    • Co-Production
    • Film Incentives
    • Audio-Visual Services

    Create in India Challenge and Creatosphere: Launched as part of WAVES, the Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season-1, has achieved a milestone of crossing 85,000 registrations including 1,100 International participants. Over 750 finalists have been selected after a meticulous selection process, from across 32 diverse challenges. These talented creative minds will get a unique opportunity in the Creatosphere to showcase the outcome and output of their individual talent and skills, apart from networking opportunities with business leaders from their respective sector including pitching sessions, and learn from global stalwarts through masterclasses and panel discussions. 

    The Creatosphere at WAVES will offer immersive experiences with masterclasses, workshops, a gaming arena, and the Grand Finale of the Create in India Challenges, culminating in the WAVES CIC Awards.

    Global Media Dialogue, to be held at WAVES on 2nd May 2025, is yet another segment that aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry stakeholders, media professionals, and artists to engage in a constructive and dynamic dialogue aimed at shaping the future of the audio-visual and entertainment sectors with a focus on international collaboration, technological innovation, and ethical practices.

    Thought Leaders Track: Through plenary sessions, conference sessions and breakout sessions, top CEOs and global leaders will provide insights and diverse perspectives, while also undertaking strategic discussions for collaborations.

    WaveXcelerator will connect M&E startups with investors and mentors through live pitching sessions to foster innovation and funding. It will act as a catalyst for Indian startups to lead this transformation, ensuring they receive the right exposure, and investment to scale up their businesses.

    WAVES Bazaar is a premier global marketplace for the media and entertainment industry that offers filmmakers and industry professionals the opportunity to engage with buyers, sellers, and a wide range of projects and profiles. The Viewing Room is a dedicated physical platform set up at Waves Bazaar, open from May 1st to 4th, 2025. For the first ever WAVES Bazaar, a total of 100 films from 8 countries namely India, Sri Lanka, USA, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Germany, Mauritius and UAE will be available to watch in the Viewing Room Library.

    Bharat Pavilion: Guided by the theme “Kala to Code” the Bharat Pavilion will celebrate India’s spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — and showcase how the country’s artistic traditions have long been a beacon of creativity, harmony and cultural diplomacy. At the core of the Bharat Pavilion are four immersive zones that will take visitors through the continuum of India’s storytelling traditions, named Shruti, Kriti, Drishti, and Creator’s Leap.

    Exhibition Pavilion: A dynamic showcase of imagination meeting innovation, from cutting-edge tech to future-forward trends, the pavilion exhibits Indian and Global breakthroughs in the Media & Entertainment sector.

    National Sammelan on Community Radio will also be held as part of WAVES which will deliberate and focus on issues related to latest trends, policies and programmes for empowering abilities to strengthen engagement with the local community through the powerful platform of community radio.

    WAVES Culturals will be showcasing diverse performances and presentations, blending Indian and international talent. The event aims to recognize the transformative power of media and entertainment in fostering cultural exchange and harmony.

    Hence, whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the first edition of the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

    For details, visit https://wavesindia.org/

    To know about the schedule of the 4-day mega event, click here

    Follow PIB to stay updated on WAVES 2025

     

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Press Briefing Transcript: Staff Level Agreement on the Fourth Review of the Sri Lanka’s Reform Program Supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility Arrangement

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    April 29, 2025

    PARTICIPANTS: 

    EVAN PAPAGEORGIOU, Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, IMF

    PAVIS DEVAHASADIN, Communications Officer, IMF

    MARTHA TESFAYE WOLDEMICHAEL, Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, IMF

    *  *  *  *  * 

    DEVAHASADIN: I welcome you to the press conference on Sri Lanka, the Staff-Level Agreement of the Fourth Review of the economic program support by the EFF.  Today we have here Mr. Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.  He’s joined by Martha Woldemichael, IMF Representative in Sri Lanka. 

    Again, this is on the record.  The transcript will be available later.  We have a lot of people here, so we’re just going to start with Mr. Evan giving the brief remarks and then we move on to the Q&A session.  All right, Evan, over to you on the remarks.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yeah, thank you. Thank you, Pavis. Thank you also to Martha for being here.  And hello, everybody.  Good evening to those of you in Sri Lanka and good morning to the few folks here in Washington.  I thank you all for being here today.  I would have preferred to be with you in Colombo, but unfortunately this is not feasible this time.  We will have to talk through a screen. 

    By way of short introduction, as you heard, my name is Evan Papageorgiou.  I am the new Mission Chief for Sri Lanka for the IMF.  And some of you may know already that there has been a change in Mission Chief with this review, which is part of a routine rotation of people in the team.  I look forward to seeing some of you again.  I already had a chance to meet you a few weeks ago, or otherwise to meeting you all next time we’re in the country.  We had the opportunity to be in the country.  I led a team of economists visiting Colombo earlier this month, where we had productive discussions with the authorities.  These discussions continued here last week here in Washington, D.C., on the occasion of our Spring Meetings. 

    Okay.  So, as you may be aware, we have reached a staff-level agreement with Sri Lankan authorities on key economic policies, marking an important milestone toward concluding the Fourth Review of Sri Lanka’s reform program supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility. 

    The staff-level agreement is contingent on two conditions.  First, the implementation of prior actions relating to restoring electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring proper function of the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism.  And second, the usual completion of financing assurances review by multilateral and bilateral partners.  After successful implementation of these conditions and approval from the IMF Executive Board, Sri Lanka will unlock approximately USD $344 million in financing.  This funding will be crucial as the country navigates the recovery from economic challenges. 

    We are now halfway through the four-year EFF program, and I’m very pleased to stand before you today to share significant development regarding Sri Lanka’s economic journey.  The performance of the reform program has remained strong overall.  Economic growth is on the rebound.  We are seeing advancements in revenue mobilization, reserve accumulation is proceeding, and structural reforms continue, and some of them are well underway. 

    Very important to note also that debt restructuring is nearly complete and the government’s commitment to program objectives remains steadfast, and we got new assurances of this as recently as last week.  However, we must also acknowledge the significant downside risks posed by global trade policy uncertainty.  Should these risks materialize, we are prepared to work collaboratively with the authorities to assess their impact and formulate appropriate policy responses within the framework of the IMF-supported program.

    The country’s achievements under the ambitious reform agenda have been commendable.  The rebound in growth, for example, 5 percent year-on-year real growth in 2024, is a testament to the country’s resilience and determination and remarkable turnaround.  Furthermore, there has been significant improvement in the revenue performance, with revenue to the GDP climbing to 13.5 percent in 2024 from 8.2 percent in 2022.  Gross official reserves have also risen to $6.5 billion in end of March 2025, given the very good and strong FX purchases by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

    Now, as we move forward, it is essential that the government continues to prioritize sustained revenue mobilization efforts and prudent budget execution.  These measures are vital in preserving and continuing to build fiscal space and ensuring that there is room to respond to any shocks that may arise.  To that end, restoring cost-recovery electricity pricing is essential to minimize fiscal risks and enable appropriate electricity infrastructure and investments. 

    The tax exemption framework should be well designed to reduce fiscal costs and corruption risks while at the same time enabling necessary growth for the country.  Reforms to boost tax compliance are important to deliver revenue gains without resorting to additional tax measures. 

    We also recognize the critical responsibility of the government to protect the most vulnerable members of society during these uncertain times.  Improving the targeting adequacy of social safety nets will be a priority as they strive to provide support where it’s needed the most. 

    In conclusion, the sustained commitment of the government to the program objectives is commendable.  It ensures continuity and puts Sri Lanka on a path to continuing success and strong recovery.  We are determined to continue working with the authorities to safeguard their hard-won gains and pave the way forward towards robust and inclusive growth.  Thank you for your attention.  Martha and I look forward to your questions.  Thank you.  Pavis, back to you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. We now move on to the Q&A section. But before we begin, I would like to say that for those who just joined, this session is being recorded.  Therefore, the transcript will be posted later, and otherwise we move on to the Q&A, and I just want to remind you to keep your questions short because we have a full house so we can give opportunity to other participants as well and stay on topic.  We can also follow up with you afterwards.  But please be mindful that we are discussing the SLA – the Fourth Review, today. 

    May I call — actually I saw your hand was up earlier, and then you put it down.  May I call you for the first question from Economy Next?

    QUESTIONER: Thank you.  Yes, my question is there has been some delay on the restructuring.  How concerned is the IMF on SOE restructuring?

    DEVAHASADIN: On the restructuring, debt restructuring, right?

    QUESTIONER: SOE.

    DEVAHASADIN: SOE.

    QUESTIONER: state-owned enterprise, yeah. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Okay. Anyone else on state-owned enterprise? And you can also just jump in.  I see some hands up, but I’m not sure if those participants are talking about — would like to talk about SOE, but otherwise we want to take questions on SOE first. 

    QUESTIONER: If I may add on the SOEs?  Just to add to that, specifically about Sri Lankan Airlines.  How concerned are you about Sri Lankan Airlines?  Because this is something that has been discussed for several years with a lot of other people as well as with the IMF.  Thank you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Okay. Thank you so much.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yes, thank you. These are good questions. So let me start in general to make some points. 

    So under the program there has been, in general, commitment by the government from the beginning of the program until now to strengthen the governance of SOEs, to get to the bottom of their outstanding debt and resolving legacy debt that they — that’s out there — and implementing those that’s relevant to implementing cost recovery pricing to ensure that they remain financially viable.  These are all very important conditions because they will reduce fiscal risks to the government, to the states, and avoid that they become a burden for public finances, ultimately taxpayers, and all Sri Lankans. 

    So, within those commitments, it’s important to highlight a few that, under the program, these include also containing risks from the guarantees issued to SOEs.  For example, the EFF program includes indicative targets, which are setting ceilings on total and foreign currency treasury guarantees for SOEs.  Another condition is to refrain from new FX borrowing by non-financial state-owned enterprises that already have limited FX revenue so that we don’t introduce more wrong-way risk into these entities.  And also, another one, obviously very important one, is making SOEs more transparent.  You may be aware that we have been advocating and mandating to publishing audited financial statements for the 52 largest SOEs in a timely manner, and that will help bring more light and greater scrutiny. 

    It is also important to ensure that consumers of services of these SOEs receive the best value for the price they pay.  And obviously, that relates to a wider range of SOEs, including also the electricity and the fuel sector.  And this is the same thing as you would expect from a private company.  In other words, you would want SOEs run in the most efficient manner purely on commercial basis and ensuring that they are dependable and, of course, that they are free of corruption.  That is greater big disclosure, good disclosure to that extent. 

    There was a question on Sri Lankan Airlines.  So, we understand that the authorities are underway in preparing a medium-term strategic plan to restore Sri Lankan Airlines’ operational viability and to resolve its legacy debt.  We know that the current budget, the 2025 budget, has set aside 20 billion rupees to pay off some of the debt of the airline.  And we are also aware that Sri Lankan Airlines has also hired a financial advisor to restructure its international bond.  So, these are all steps in the right direction.  But we think these need to pick up pace and take up a little bit faster pace so we can have a good resolution of all these outstanding issues.  So, in general with SOEs, we think there is a way forward, and we want to see more progress there. 

    Thank you.  That was a good question.  Pavis, back to you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. We have hands up.

    QUESTIONER: Thank you, Pavis, and thank you, Evan, for your presentation.  From News 1st here.  The conditions of the Fourth Review include implementing fire actions related to electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring that the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism functions properly.  In your meetings with the government, do you see this realizing anytime soon?  Because according to the statement that was released earlier, it says that this condition is yet to be met.  Thank you. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you. Thank you, I don’t know if — should we take another question? Maybe related to electricity to bunch them up a little bit? 

    DEVAHASADIN: Yep. Anyone else on electricity just come in please.

    QUESTIONER: What we expected the timeline to complete the required by actions such as electricity pricing and financing assurance for Board approval?

    QUESTIONER: I have also question on electricity.  Now, the current problem seems to have been coming from, because of a price cut by the regulator, which the utility didn’t ask for.  So, is there any attempt to give technical assistance or something so that the way the regulator calculates the profits or how they deal with the price proposal of the utility is improved so that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again?

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you for the question. Let me first say that the issue of electricity is one where both the government and us see eye to eye, and there’s strong commitment in seeing these reforms take place because, as you know very well, electricity and dependability of electricity and the high price of electricity have been an issue for a very long time in Sri Lanka. So, government is committed to seeing, to taking the reforms and owning those reforms and making significant progress. 

    So yes, during the review mission discussions that we had in Colombo earlier in April, earlier this month, and here in Washington last week, we discussed many issues.  Our assessment is as early as back in February, when we went to the Board for our Third Review, our assessment of the time, and still is the same, is that the continuous structural benchmark on electricity cost recovery pricing is still not met.  And that means that the price of the tariff – it does not match, does not create enough of an ability for the utility, for the CEB, to be able to meet its costs, the generation costs, and transmission and distribution. 

    In addition to that, the automatic tariff adjustment mechanism based on the bulk supply transaction account, the BSTA, has not operated as we envisaged.  And the April tariff revision that was meant to take place in the second quarter of this year was not implemented.  So as a result of that, given the criticality of electricity cost recovery and under the program, we have proposed, IMF has proposed, the introduction of prior actions relating to restoring electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring proper function of the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism, the BSTA, that I mentioned a few moments ago. 

    The implementation of these prior actions is an important milestone as a requisite, if you will, for the completion of the Fourth Review.  And in terms of the timing; there was a question — of course, we defer to the authorities and to the regulator, the PUCSL, on the exact timing for implementing these actions, these prior actions. But we urge them to do so as soon as possible so that the utility company, CEB, is not incurring financial losses on a forward-looking basis.  In other words, we should avoid, the authorities should avoid, a situation where debt is building up at the CEB, so that the utility company does not become again a significant contingent liability to the government and a burden to the taxpayer. so, it doesn’t become a fiscal drought. 

    I think this is well understood by the authorities.  It has been explained time and time again.  It’s a core pillar of the program that once it is resolved and properly held, it will help fiscal sustainability, and it will make electricity price generation more dependable.  And down the road this will allow for more stability, for more investment, and for the necessary steps to see electricity prices coming down. 

    Hopefully that answers your question, but I’m happy to follow up on anything else.  Thank you.  Pavis, back to you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan.

    QUESTIONER: I don’t think my question about whether you consider technical assistance to the regulator was answered.  I also have another question if you can answer. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Sure, sure. So yeah, thank you. There’s no technical assistance at the moment in terms of the electricity price generation or any other issues related to this.  In general, the energy policy and the policy for the energy sector, we think the pillars are — there should be a cost reflective energy pricing which is a building block of the program, and we think that within that there should be a greater stability, but it will allow for more reforms. 

    So now we know we understand that there are some proposed amendments to the Electricity Act that are underway, and these are expected to reflect the authority’s strategy to reform the electricity sector.  We understand also there is an intention to have unbundling of generation of transmission and distribution of power.  We obviously take note that there has been action and proposals for greater investment, including also for solar energy projects.  Again, we’re not advising exactly on these issues, but we look forward to seeing more. 

    Now, of course, on the strategy that should be supported by the key stakeholders.  I know that other multilateral, several development partners such as the World Bank and ADB are closely involved on electricity, and they are providing technical assistance to Sri Lanka. 

    So I think that goes to your point. Did you have another question as well? 

    QUESTIONER: Yes.  Regarding the — can you give us any idea about the timing of the review that might take place?  And also, when you said, policy responses that may be needed to meet the tariff problem, what kind of things were you thinking on?  Is it likely to jeopardize the targets and were you planning to give any waivers or what kind of policy responses?

    PAPAGEORGIOU: When you say tariffs do you mean not electricity tariffs, you mean export tariffs, right?

    QUESTIONER: No, no, sorry.  You said because of the tariff shock, from possible tariffs from the U.S. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yes, that’s right.

    DEVAHASADIN: U.S. tariffs.

    QUESTIONER: Yeah.  So then that Sri Lanka might have to do some policy responses.  What kind of policy responses were you thinking?  And also, it jeopardizes the targets in the IMF performance criteria, will they be kind of given waivers? 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you.

    DEVAHASADIN: Before you begin, I would like to read this question. How do you see the impact U.S. labor tariff on Sri Lanka’s ability to secure and sustain the SLA with global partners?

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yeah, great. Thank you; these are good questions. In terms of the timing, obviously things are still underway.  This is only a staff-level agreement, which means we have agreed on principle on many things of the underlying Fourth Review and conditions of the prior actions that I mentioned a few minutes ago.  I think there’s good momentum from the authorities’ and everybody else’s point of view in completing the review.  That takes a little while because we understand a lot of these issues are still being discussed and there is more work to be done, both from the authority side and from our side as well.  It’s a long process, as you probably know, in terms of us consulting and redrawing our numbers and our assumptions and having a great confidence in the direction of policy reforms and of the outlook and everything else.  I would say that it will take a little while, maybe a couple more months at least, in terms of finalizing the review.  So hopefully in two months’ time or so, by, let’s say, June, we should be able to have some more news for you on this front. 

    Now, on the issue of U.S. tariffs and how does it affect the country?  Obviously, as I mentioned, trade policy uncertainty is one of the issues that we have discussed quite extensively with the authorities on what could that mean for Sri Lanka’s economy and economic performance.  We know that, obviously, the authorities are committed to achieving program objectives and to see how the targets are being met.  They have also committed to addressing any sort of underperformance or deviation for program targets with remedial measures.  So, we think that we take this commitment very seriously, and we note their strong impetus for delivering on those. 

    Obviously, the global trade policy uncertainties, as I mentioned, is a significant risk.  All I can say at this point is that if these risks materialize, we will work with the authorities to assess the impact of those shocks, and we will support the country in formulating specific policy responses within the contours of the existing IMF program.  We have very frequent discussions with the authorities.  We were discussing, we were talking to them as recently as last Friday, as a few days ago.  We continue talking to them on a daily basis.  Martha talks to them on a constant basis.  And we continue conducting weekly monitoring meetings with the entire team, both here in Colombo as well, so that we can ensure that program performance remains on track. 

    This is all I can say for the moment, but it is very important to note also that the Sri Lankan authorities, the Sri Lankan government, have made great progress in establishing greater connection with bilateral trade partners, including the United States.  And we encourage more action and greater discussion in ensuring that there is a good outcome from these discussions and that the trade policy uncertainty gets resolved and there’s greater certainty. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you. I just got the five minutes remaining warning. I would like to open the floor to anyone who hasn’t asked any questions.  Please feel free to jump in.  Otherwise, I’ll go back to the hand.  Anyone else who hasn’t asked any question?  Well, all right, I see one hand up.

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you. We’ll come back to you.

    QUESTIONER: Thank you.  I just have a question.  It’s kind of a follow-up to Evan’s previous answer.  You talked about a very limited response that you can give talking about trade policy and the impact of the U.S. tariffs.  But you did say that Sri Lanka had expressed a sort of a commitment to work and work towards the targets it has agreed with the IMF.  But in the most recent weeks post those tariff announcements, targets, as much as you said that they have expressed a willingness to work within the framework – I think you said, within the contours of the agreement – has Sri Lanka expressed concerns about reaching those targets, particularly because these tariffs are believed broadly to have a potential impact on its export earnings?  Obviously, it’s foreign currency earnings and things like that.  So how much of a concern have you heard from the Sri Lankan authorities?  And what is the sort of leeway or the kind of flexibility that Sri Lanka would have within the agreement with the IMF?  I’m sure you have this with a lot of sort of your agreements, but, yeah, where Sri Lanka is concerned, how do you see it?  Thank you. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you. That’s a good question. It follows through a little bit from my previous answer, as you said.  I don’t know, given that we don’t have much time, let me go ahead and answer this and maybe we can give five more minutes, Pavis, to other people to ask questions as well. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Sounds good.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: So, first of all, every review, now we’re on the Fourth Review, of the program is an opportunity to assess the economic developments, to review program targets, and to determine the reform agenda and the reform measures that the authorities plan for the period ahead. It just happened that in this review we have a significant trade policy shock. So, in these discussions, we’ve had an understanding of what are the concerns and what is the kind of shock.  And by the way, this is something that we also, as Fund staff, are trying to implement, to understand, to comprehend, and to put into our outlook. 

    So obviously, the 44 percent tariff on Sri Lanka that was announced on April 2nd would have a significant impact, and the authorities understand this very well.  The impact obviously will be on the apparel and rubber industries.  Obviously, as you know very well, these account for a very large share of the country’s exports to the United States.  I believe it’s almost three-quarters, or over 70 percent.  And also, the real sector implications of these are very important because these two sectors, apparel and rubber, employ a lot of workers, in Sri Lanka. Just the apparel industry alone is over 300,000 workers or 320,000 workers.  So, the 90-day pause that was announced has allowed the authorities to engage constructively with the United States.  And we take, take very positive note on this. 

    Now, within, in general, as I mentioned, the global trade policy uncertainty for any small open economy and definitely for Sri Lanka poses significant downside risks.  For these discussions, we understand, obviously, the issues that arise and how they should be baked into the program.  If there is any substantial risk that may pan out either on the back of tariffs or some other disruption, we will work with the authorities to incorporate them to assess their impact and put them into policy responses. 

    At this point, it will be a little premature of me to talk about specific issues, but we’ve had a lot of discussions, and we think that the authorities are doing the best they can to address these issues.  It’s important to also mention that here that any time is a good time for implementing more reforms for discussing greater options towards having more trade policy responses.  And we believe that Sri Lanka should continue exploring also additional ways in making its exports more marketable and appealing to a wider range of counterparts. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. I’ll give the final question. We are running out of time, but I think we have enough time for one last question.

    QUESTIONER: Thank you.  It’s about the tax revenues.  According to the 2025 budget, much of the tax revenue is expected from vehicle imports, and we have — from the dealers that of the vehicles have been imported in the last two months, about 75 percent have been sold.  Of course, even though 25 percent may not have been sold, still the government has got revenue for those because they have been cleared through customs. That is no issue, but it would probably have implications for future demand.  So, the market is sort of not as vibrant, as there doesn’t seem to be a huge pent-up demand.  How concerned are you that this one single item in the budget, which is sort of going to underpin tax revenue, may not materialize this year?  Thank you.  Thank you.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: So obviously the authorities have made significant progress on creating greater opportunities for revenue and for collecting more. You may very well know that the situation was far worse in terms of tax revenue, as I mentioned in my earlier remarks, as early as couple of years ago. So obviously there is definitely progress. On this year’s discussion,

    I think there is a lot of the progress; has been a positive one.  There has been greater progress towards ensuring more revenue that could be collected from a range of measures.  You mentioned very accurately that the lifting of the import ban on motor vehicles is a very, very important. I would say the primary measure underpinning the revenue package.  We saw that, also in the budget, it is expected to yield 1.2 percent of GDP in 2025.  And that’s about 80 percent of the 1.5 percent of GDP in all tax revenue.  So obviously, as you mentioned, this is very important to get right and to continue with the momentum. 

    We note from the latest data that we have monitoring and we’re getting is that there is actually a good momentum on those motor vehicle imports.  So as my latest data — I was trying to find them — from what I remember, there has been quite a lot of good increase in the letters of credit.  I believe it’s around USD $350 million that were open.  These are letters of credit that are attached to importing vehicles.  So, we think that the associated revenue that will be incurred from those imports is starting to come on pace, and that’s a very important and encouraging sign.  So, we look forward to seeing more. 

    Of course, I mentioned a moment ago as well that if there are signs that — that there is underperformance of revenues or if there is a revenue shortfall, we have discussed with the authorities, and they are committed to implementing contingency revenue measures, and this will go a long way in ensuring fiscal sustainability and greater revenue.  Thank you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. Unfortunately, we’re at time. Before we close, Evan, do you have any parting words? 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: No, I thank you very much. I thank you all for being here. I look forward to continuing to engage with you, and Martha and I know that we have a great relationship with all of you and a frequent interaction.  We are happy to continue taking your questions.  We now are moving forward completing the Fourth Review in the next couple of months, so we will certainly communicate more as we get towards that goal.  We will also try to have another similar discussion and press conference at the end of that review if all goes well.  Let me just mention again that we are fully committed in supporting the economy and the Sri Lankan authorities, both in the current issues that they are facing and just more broadly on formulating the appropriate policy responses and the necessary form.  Thank you all very much for being here.  I wish I was in Colombo, but I look forward to seeing you again in the next few months.  Thank you. 

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

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

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The White House Council on Environmental Quality Establishes Permitting Innovation Center

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued a memorandum to heads of Federal agencies establishing an interagency Permitting Innovation Center. The creation of the Permitting Innovation Center delivers on President Trump’s Memorandum, Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century, which directs the Federal government to leverage modern technology to effectively and efficiently conduct environmental reviews and evaluate permits for infrastructure projects of all kinds.
    Under President Trump’s leadership, the CEQ-led Permitting Innovation Center will consult with the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) and relevant permitting agencies to issue a Permitting Technology Action Plan that will provide technology guidance to agencies, while developing an initial National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) data and technology standard.
    In addition, the Permitting Innovation Center will collaborate with the General Services Administration (GSA) to design and test prototype software systems for potential implementation by agencies pursuant to the Permitting Technology Action Plan.
    “The Trump Administration is making unprecedented progress toward modernizing permitting,” said Katherine Scarlett, Chief of Staff at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “The establishment of the Permitting Innovation Center is a major milestone on the road to permitting reform and demonstrates this Administration’s commitment to expediting the environmental review and permitting process through emerging technologies, providing much needed efficiency and transparency for project sponsors.”
    “GSA’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS) is committed to advancing the President’s agenda by supporting the accelerated development and building of the Permitting Innovation Center,” said Thomas Shedd, Technology Transformation Services Director at General Services Administration. “We look forward to working across the agencies involved in this process, and leveraging our Presidential Innovation Fellowship program to ensure that each agency’s technology requirements are understood and met. TTS remains a preferred shared service provider of software and services to advance critical White House initiatives such as this one.”
    To read the Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies, “Establishment of Permitting Innovation Center,” click here.
    ICYMI:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, MANNION SLAM RUMORED ‘DOGE’ CUTS TO DFAS ROME WORKFORCE, DEMAND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IMMEDIATELY REVERSE COURSE & PROTECT THE MOHAWK VALLEY WORKERS VITAL TO AMERICA’S MILITARY…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Nearly 100 Full-Time DFAS Rome Workers Have Already Left Amid ‘DOGE’ Chaos, And ‘DOGE’ Has Already Targeted Nearly 100 Probationary Workers To Be Fired, Which Is Currently Under Litigation  – In Total, This Would Slash DFAS Rome Workforce By Over 20%, With More Rumored Cuts Still On Horizon

    DFAS Rome’s Civilian Workforce Manages All Financial Services for Military Operations, Providing Defense Department And Our Troops With Mission-Critical Accounting Services, Logistical Support, And More

    Schumer, Gillibrand, Mannion: Protecting DFAS Rome Is Essential To Supporting Our Brave Warfighters And Their Families

    Amid ‘DOGE’ chaos and cuts impacting hundreds of workers at DFAS Rome, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Congressman John Mannion urged the U.S. Department of Defense to preserve the civilian workforce at DFAS Rome, as they are vital to supporting the DOD and the brave men and women of our armed forces, including warfighters.

    Schumer said that, “’DOGE’ needs to get their hands off DFAS Rome. The world-class workers at DFAS Rome support America’s Armed Forces, and protecting the DFAS Rome workforce is vital to protecting our national security, our troops and the Mohawk Valley economy.”

    “‘DOGE’s shoot-first-and-ask-questions-later approach to DFAS Rome’s workforce will undermine their ability to effectively execute its vital mission in support of our Armed Forces and the DOD. DFAS in Rome is not only vital to the Department of Defense but also to the City of Rome and Mohawk Valley’s economy. This proposal would hurt every level of our Armed Forces, undermine America’s national security, and hurt the Mohawk Valley community,” said Senator Schumer. “I am all for cutting out inefficiency, but you use a scalpel, not a chainsaw. You don’t fire hardworking Americans, like those at DFAS, who have dedicated their careers to supporting our military servicemembers, families, and all DoD operations. The civilian workforce of DFAS Rome is not ‘government waste’ – they are what makes America great. That’s why I’m demanding the Department of Defense oppose and immediately reverse any plans to reduce DFAS Rome’s civilian workforce.”

    “DFAS employees in Rome and across the country provide mission-critical support to every level of our armed forces,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Firing these workers will jeopardize our national security, harm Rome’s economy, and make it more difficult for servicemembers, veterans, retirees, and military families to resolve payroll issues and get the health and retirement benefits they’ve earned. I’m urging the Department of Defense to immediately reverse its plans to cut DFAS employees, and I will stand steadfast in my commitment to protect these crucial workers.”

    Representative John W. Mannion said, “DFAS was created to bring consistency and accountability to the Department of Defense’s financial operations—critical principles it continues to uphold every day in service to our warfighters, their families, and American taxpayers. Workforce reductions at DFAS Rome undermine this mission and threaten jobs that are vital to the Mohawk Valley economy. These cuts are unnecessary and contradict our shared commitment to a responsive, effective, and fully supported Department of Defense.”

    DFAS / AFGE President Edward Abounader said, “For over 20 years Senator Schumer has been a staunch advocate for DFAS Rome and its employees, and we deeply appreciate his continued support alongside Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Mannion. With our workforce already down hundreds of employees and additional cuts on the horizon, it’s time for all of us to come together and fight to protect DFAS Rome before it’s too late. On behalf of the hard-working employees at DFAS Rome and DFAS locations across the country, I would like to thank our Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Mannion for standing up for the critical work we do to assist our Nations Warfighters through diligent fiscal oversight as the premier Government Working Capital Fund for the Department of Defense.”

    According to local representatives tied to DFAS Rome, ‘DOGE’ is actively attempting to cut around 100 full-time DFAS Rome workers because of their probationary status, but those workers are currently still on the jobs because of pending litigation. Since ‘DOGE’ has begun their plans to cut the federal workforce, 60 people at DFAS Rome have taken the ‘fork in the road’ offer for early retirement, while an approximately additional 40 have resigned since February amid fear of the impact ‘DOGE’ would have on their jobs. DFAS Rome is currently unable to replace any of this lost workforce because of the ongoing federal hiring freeze, and according to local representatives tied to DFAS Rome given the ongoing ‘DOGE’ chaos they expect to lose more workers to resignations and retirements.

    Even worse, there is also concerns of rumored even deeper cuts under consideration, as well as an attack on the DFAS union’s Master Collective Bargaining Agreement, which could put hundreds of additional workers at risk and create an existential threat to the future of DFAS Rome.

    The lawmakers in a letter to the U.S. Department of Defense explained these firings and inability to hire new workers would cripple a significant portion of DFAS Rome’s 1,100+ workforce, most of whom are civilians. DFAS Rome’s civilian workforce provides mission-critical financial services and logistical support to our Armed Forces and every element of DoD operations, from facilities sustainment and foreign military sales (FMS) to forward deployment. The lawmakers explained that DFAS Rome provides support services directly to servicemembers and their families, such as payroll, benefits enrollment, and reimbursement for travel related to deployment or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) for active duty servicemembers.

    The lawmakers added that the first round of cuts carried out by DOGE and DoD earlier this year has already set several of DFAS Rome’s operational cells responsible for providing these support functions—including the call center and travel section—on a trajectory towards mission failure. The impacts of these cuts will inevitably impose additional burdens and stress factors on our military servicemembers and their families that are otherwise avoidable, and will ultimately degrade readiness, recruitment, and retention among our Armed Forces.

    Schumer and Gillibrand have a long history of fighting to preserve jobs at Rome’s DFAS. Last year, the senators helped protect hundreds of DFAS employees in Rome from job displacement caused by automation and “rapid deployment” of bots. In 2020, the senators secured language in the FY2021 NDAA increasing Congressional oversight over DFAS personnel changes and adding additional protection for DFAS employees by requiring DoD to justify that proposed changes would yield significant cost savings before transitioning any functions that would result in the reduction or transfer of DFAS employees. In 2018, the senators went to bat for DFAS in the Senate, successfully ensuring that the Senate NDAA did not contain the 25% cut to agencies that employ civilian workers the House version did. In doing so, the Senators saved approximately 200 DFAS jobs. In 2017, after years of advocacy, the senators announced that a US Army pilot program jeopardizing over 1000 DFAS Rome jobs had concluded and there would be no changes or layoffs. Those advocacy efforts included FY2015 NDAA language requiring the Army Secretary to certify benefit prior to transferring functions away from DFAS, a personal call from Schumer to Army Secretary John McHugh, and a joint letter with Senator Gillibrand to Secretary McHugh.

    The Defense Finance and Accounting Service was created in 1991 to standardize and improve accounting and financial operations for DoD. They provide payroll services for DoD military and civilian personnel, retirees and other major contractors and vendors. DFAS operates as a separate and unique entity in DoD, to ensure transparency and accountability on behalf of DoD financing and accounting.

    Schumer, Gillibrand, and Mannion’s letter to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Hegseth can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Press Briefing Transcript: Staff Level Agreement on the Fourth Review of the Sri Lanka’s Reform Program Supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility Arrangement

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    April 29, 2025

    PARTICIPANTS: 

    EVAN PAPAGEORGIOU, Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, IMF

    PAVIS DEVAHASADIN, Communications Officer, IMF

    MARTHA TESFAYE WOLDEMICHAEL, Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, IMF

    *  *  *  *  * 

    DEVAHASADIN: I welcome you to the press conference on Sri Lanka, the Staff-Level Agreement of the Fourth Review of the economic program support by the EFF.  Today we have here Mr. Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.  He’s joined by Martha Woldemichael, IMF Representative in Sri Lanka. 

    Again, this is on the record.  The transcript will be available later.  We have a lot of people here, so we’re just going to start with Mr. Evan giving the brief remarks and then we move on to the Q&A session.  All right, Evan, over to you on the remarks.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yeah, thank you. Thank you, Pavis. Thank you also to Martha for being here.  And hello, everybody.  Good evening to those of you in Sri Lanka and good morning to the few folks here in Washington.  I thank you all for being here today.  I would have preferred to be with you in Colombo, but unfortunately this is not feasible this time.  We will have to talk through a screen. 

    By way of short introduction, as you heard, my name is Evan Papageorgiou.  I am the new Mission Chief for Sri Lanka for the IMF.  And some of you may know already that there has been a change in Mission Chief with this review, which is part of a routine rotation of people in the team.  I look forward to seeing some of you again.  I already had a chance to meet you a few weeks ago, or otherwise to meeting you all next time we’re in the country.  We had the opportunity to be in the country.  I led a team of economists visiting Colombo earlier this month, where we had productive discussions with the authorities.  These discussions continued here last week here in Washington, D.C., on the occasion of our Spring Meetings. 

    Okay.  So, as you may be aware, we have reached a staff-level agreement with Sri Lankan authorities on key economic policies, marking an important milestone toward concluding the Fourth Review of Sri Lanka’s reform program supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility. 

    The staff-level agreement is contingent on two conditions.  First, the implementation of prior actions relating to restoring electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring proper function of the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism.  And second, the usual completion of financing assurances review by multilateral and bilateral partners.  After successful implementation of these conditions and approval from the IMF Executive Board, Sri Lanka will unlock approximately USD $344 million in financing.  This funding will be crucial as the country navigates the recovery from economic challenges. 

    We are now halfway through the four-year EFF program, and I’m very pleased to stand before you today to share significant development regarding Sri Lanka’s economic journey.  The performance of the reform program has remained strong overall.  Economic growth is on the rebound.  We are seeing advancements in revenue mobilization, reserve accumulation is proceeding, and structural reforms continue, and some of them are well underway. 

    Very important to note also that debt restructuring is nearly complete and the government’s commitment to program objectives remains steadfast, and we got new assurances of this as recently as last week.  However, we must also acknowledge the significant downside risks posed by global trade policy uncertainty.  Should these risks materialize, we are prepared to work collaboratively with the authorities to assess their impact and formulate appropriate policy responses within the framework of the IMF-supported program.

    The country’s achievements under the ambitious reform agenda have been commendable.  The rebound in growth, for example, 5 percent year-on-year real growth in 2024, is a testament to the country’s resilience and determination and remarkable turnaround.  Furthermore, there has been significant improvement in the revenue performance, with revenue to the GDP climbing to 13.5 percent in 2024 from 8.2 percent in 2022.  Gross official reserves have also risen to $6.5 billion in end of March 2025, given the very good and strong FX purchases by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

    Now, as we move forward, it is essential that the government continues to prioritize sustained revenue mobilization efforts and prudent budget execution.  These measures are vital in preserving and continuing to build fiscal space and ensuring that there is room to respond to any shocks that may arise.  To that end, restoring cost-recovery electricity pricing is essential to minimize fiscal risks and enable appropriate electricity infrastructure and investments. 

    The tax exemption framework should be well designed to reduce fiscal costs and corruption risks while at the same time enabling necessary growth for the country.  Reforms to boost tax compliance are important to deliver revenue gains without resorting to additional tax measures. 

    We also recognize the critical responsibility of the government to protect the most vulnerable members of society during these uncertain times.  Improving the targeting adequacy of social safety nets will be a priority as they strive to provide support where it’s needed the most. 

    In conclusion, the sustained commitment of the government to the program objectives is commendable.  It ensures continuity and puts Sri Lanka on a path to continuing success and strong recovery.  We are determined to continue working with the authorities to safeguard their hard-won gains and pave the way forward towards robust and inclusive growth.  Thank you for your attention.  Martha and I look forward to your questions.  Thank you.  Pavis, back to you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. We now move on to the Q&A section. But before we begin, I would like to say that for those who just joined, this session is being recorded.  Therefore, the transcript will be posted later, and otherwise we move on to the Q&A, and I just want to remind you to keep your questions short because we have a full house so we can give opportunity to other participants as well and stay on topic.  We can also follow up with you afterwards.  But please be mindful that we are discussing the SLA – the Fourth Review, today. 

    May I call — actually I saw your hand was up earlier, and then you put it down.  May I call you for the first question from Economy Next?

    QUESTIONER: Thank you.  Yes, my question is there has been some delay on the restructuring.  How concerned is the IMF on SOE restructuring?

    DEVAHASADIN: On the restructuring, debt restructuring, right?

    QUESTIONER: SOE.

    DEVAHASADIN: SOE.

    QUESTIONER: state-owned enterprise, yeah. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Okay. Anyone else on state-owned enterprise? And you can also just jump in.  I see some hands up, but I’m not sure if those participants are talking about — would like to talk about SOE, but otherwise we want to take questions on SOE first. 

    QUESTIONER: If I may add on the SOEs?  Just to add to that, specifically about Sri Lankan Airlines.  How concerned are you about Sri Lankan Airlines?  Because this is something that has been discussed for several years with a lot of other people as well as with the IMF.  Thank you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Okay. Thank you so much.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yes, thank you. These are good questions. So let me start in general to make some points. 

    So under the program there has been, in general, commitment by the government from the beginning of the program until now to strengthen the governance of SOEs, to get to the bottom of their outstanding debt and resolving legacy debt that they — that’s out there — and implementing those that’s relevant to implementing cost recovery pricing to ensure that they remain financially viable.  These are all very important conditions because they will reduce fiscal risks to the government, to the states, and avoid that they become a burden for public finances, ultimately taxpayers, and all Sri Lankans. 

    So, within those commitments, it’s important to highlight a few that, under the program, these include also containing risks from the guarantees issued to SOEs.  For example, the EFF program includes indicative targets, which are setting ceilings on total and foreign currency treasury guarantees for SOEs.  Another condition is to refrain from new FX borrowing by non-financial state-owned enterprises that already have limited FX revenue so that we don’t introduce more wrong-way risk into these entities.  And also, another one, obviously very important one, is making SOEs more transparent.  You may be aware that we have been advocating and mandating to publishing audited financial statements for the 52 largest SOEs in a timely manner, and that will help bring more light and greater scrutiny. 

    It is also important to ensure that consumers of services of these SOEs receive the best value for the price they pay.  And obviously, that relates to a wider range of SOEs, including also the electricity and the fuel sector.  And this is the same thing as you would expect from a private company.  In other words, you would want SOEs run in the most efficient manner purely on commercial basis and ensuring that they are dependable and, of course, that they are free of corruption.  That is greater big disclosure, good disclosure to that extent. 

    There was a question on Sri Lankan Airlines.  So, we understand that the authorities are underway in preparing a medium-term strategic plan to restore Sri Lankan Airlines’ operational viability and to resolve its legacy debt.  We know that the current budget, the 2025 budget, has set aside 20 billion rupees to pay off some of the debt of the airline.  And we are also aware that Sri Lankan Airlines has also hired a financial advisor to restructure its international bond.  So, these are all steps in the right direction.  But we think these need to pick up pace and take up a little bit faster pace so we can have a good resolution of all these outstanding issues.  So, in general with SOEs, we think there is a way forward, and we want to see more progress there. 

    Thank you.  That was a good question.  Pavis, back to you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. We have hands up.

    QUESTIONER: Thank you, Pavis, and thank you, Evan, for your presentation.  From News 1st here.  The conditions of the Fourth Review include implementing fire actions related to electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring that the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism functions properly.  In your meetings with the government, do you see this realizing anytime soon?  Because according to the statement that was released earlier, it says that this condition is yet to be met.  Thank you. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you. Thank you, I don’t know if — should we take another question? Maybe related to electricity to bunch them up a little bit? 

    DEVAHASADIN: Yep. Anyone else on electricity just come in please.

    QUESTIONER: What we expected the timeline to complete the required by actions such as electricity pricing and financing assurance for Board approval?

    QUESTIONER: I have also question on electricity.  Now, the current problem seems to have been coming from, because of a price cut by the regulator, which the utility didn’t ask for.  So, is there any attempt to give technical assistance or something so that the way the regulator calculates the profits or how they deal with the price proposal of the utility is improved so that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again?

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you for the question. Let me first say that the issue of electricity is one where both the government and us see eye to eye, and there’s strong commitment in seeing these reforms take place because, as you know very well, electricity and dependability of electricity and the high price of electricity have been an issue for a very long time in Sri Lanka. So, government is committed to seeing, to taking the reforms and owning those reforms and making significant progress. 

    So yes, during the review mission discussions that we had in Colombo earlier in April, earlier this month, and here in Washington last week, we discussed many issues.  Our assessment is as early as back in February, when we went to the Board for our Third Review, our assessment of the time, and still is the same, is that the continuous structural benchmark on electricity cost recovery pricing is still not met.  And that means that the price of the tariff – it does not match, does not create enough of an ability for the utility, for the CEB, to be able to meet its costs, the generation costs, and transmission and distribution. 

    In addition to that, the automatic tariff adjustment mechanism based on the bulk supply transaction account, the BSTA, has not operated as we envisaged.  And the April tariff revision that was meant to take place in the second quarter of this year was not implemented.  So as a result of that, given the criticality of electricity cost recovery and under the program, we have proposed, IMF has proposed, the introduction of prior actions relating to restoring electricity cost-recovery pricing and ensuring proper function of the automatic electricity price adjustment mechanism, the BSTA, that I mentioned a few moments ago. 

    The implementation of these prior actions is an important milestone as a requisite, if you will, for the completion of the Fourth Review.  And in terms of the timing; there was a question — of course, we defer to the authorities and to the regulator, the PUCSL, on the exact timing for implementing these actions, these prior actions. But we urge them to do so as soon as possible so that the utility company, CEB, is not incurring financial losses on a forward-looking basis.  In other words, we should avoid, the authorities should avoid, a situation where debt is building up at the CEB, so that the utility company does not become again a significant contingent liability to the government and a burden to the taxpayer. so, it doesn’t become a fiscal drought. 

    I think this is well understood by the authorities.  It has been explained time and time again.  It’s a core pillar of the program that once it is resolved and properly held, it will help fiscal sustainability, and it will make electricity price generation more dependable.  And down the road this will allow for more stability, for more investment, and for the necessary steps to see electricity prices coming down. 

    Hopefully that answers your question, but I’m happy to follow up on anything else.  Thank you.  Pavis, back to you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan.

    QUESTIONER: I don’t think my question about whether you consider technical assistance to the regulator was answered.  I also have another question if you can answer. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Sure, sure. So yeah, thank you. There’s no technical assistance at the moment in terms of the electricity price generation or any other issues related to this.  In general, the energy policy and the policy for the energy sector, we think the pillars are — there should be a cost reflective energy pricing which is a building block of the program, and we think that within that there should be a greater stability, but it will allow for more reforms. 

    So now we know we understand that there are some proposed amendments to the Electricity Act that are underway, and these are expected to reflect the authority’s strategy to reform the electricity sector.  We understand also there is an intention to have unbundling of generation of transmission and distribution of power.  We obviously take note that there has been action and proposals for greater investment, including also for solar energy projects.  Again, we’re not advising exactly on these issues, but we look forward to seeing more. 

    Now, of course, on the strategy that should be supported by the key stakeholders.  I know that other multilateral, several development partners such as the World Bank and ADB are closely involved on electricity, and they are providing technical assistance to Sri Lanka. 

    So I think that goes to your point. Did you have another question as well? 

    QUESTIONER: Yes.  Regarding the — can you give us any idea about the timing of the review that might take place?  And also, when you said, policy responses that may be needed to meet the tariff problem, what kind of things were you thinking on?  Is it likely to jeopardize the targets and were you planning to give any waivers or what kind of policy responses?

    PAPAGEORGIOU: When you say tariffs do you mean not electricity tariffs, you mean export tariffs, right?

    QUESTIONER: No, no, sorry.  You said because of the tariff shock, from possible tariffs from the U.S. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yes, that’s right.

    DEVAHASADIN: U.S. tariffs.

    QUESTIONER: Yeah.  So then that Sri Lanka might have to do some policy responses.  What kind of policy responses were you thinking?  And also, it jeopardizes the targets in the IMF performance criteria, will they be kind of given waivers? 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you.

    DEVAHASADIN: Before you begin, I would like to read this question. How do you see the impact U.S. labor tariff on Sri Lanka’s ability to secure and sustain the SLA with global partners?

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Yeah, great. Thank you; these are good questions. In terms of the timing, obviously things are still underway.  This is only a staff-level agreement, which means we have agreed on principle on many things of the underlying Fourth Review and conditions of the prior actions that I mentioned a few minutes ago.  I think there’s good momentum from the authorities’ and everybody else’s point of view in completing the review.  That takes a little while because we understand a lot of these issues are still being discussed and there is more work to be done, both from the authority side and from our side as well.  It’s a long process, as you probably know, in terms of us consulting and redrawing our numbers and our assumptions and having a great confidence in the direction of policy reforms and of the outlook and everything else.  I would say that it will take a little while, maybe a couple more months at least, in terms of finalizing the review.  So hopefully in two months’ time or so, by, let’s say, June, we should be able to have some more news for you on this front. 

    Now, on the issue of U.S. tariffs and how does it affect the country?  Obviously, as I mentioned, trade policy uncertainty is one of the issues that we have discussed quite extensively with the authorities on what could that mean for Sri Lanka’s economy and economic performance.  We know that, obviously, the authorities are committed to achieving program objectives and to see how the targets are being met.  They have also committed to addressing any sort of underperformance or deviation for program targets with remedial measures.  So, we think that we take this commitment very seriously, and we note their strong impetus for delivering on those. 

    Obviously, the global trade policy uncertainties, as I mentioned, is a significant risk.  All I can say at this point is that if these risks materialize, we will work with the authorities to assess the impact of those shocks, and we will support the country in formulating specific policy responses within the contours of the existing IMF program.  We have very frequent discussions with the authorities.  We were discussing, we were talking to them as recently as last Friday, as a few days ago.  We continue talking to them on a daily basis.  Martha talks to them on a constant basis.  And we continue conducting weekly monitoring meetings with the entire team, both here in Colombo as well, so that we can ensure that program performance remains on track. 

    This is all I can say for the moment, but it is very important to note also that the Sri Lankan authorities, the Sri Lankan government, have made great progress in establishing greater connection with bilateral trade partners, including the United States.  And we encourage more action and greater discussion in ensuring that there is a good outcome from these discussions and that the trade policy uncertainty gets resolved and there’s greater certainty. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you. I just got the five minutes remaining warning. I would like to open the floor to anyone who hasn’t asked any questions.  Please feel free to jump in.  Otherwise, I’ll go back to the hand.  Anyone else who hasn’t asked any question?  Well, all right, I see one hand up.

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you. We’ll come back to you.

    QUESTIONER: Thank you.  I just have a question.  It’s kind of a follow-up to Evan’s previous answer.  You talked about a very limited response that you can give talking about trade policy and the impact of the U.S. tariffs.  But you did say that Sri Lanka had expressed a sort of a commitment to work and work towards the targets it has agreed with the IMF.  But in the most recent weeks post those tariff announcements, targets, as much as you said that they have expressed a willingness to work within the framework – I think you said, within the contours of the agreement – has Sri Lanka expressed concerns about reaching those targets, particularly because these tariffs are believed broadly to have a potential impact on its export earnings?  Obviously, it’s foreign currency earnings and things like that.  So how much of a concern have you heard from the Sri Lankan authorities?  And what is the sort of leeway or the kind of flexibility that Sri Lanka would have within the agreement with the IMF?  I’m sure you have this with a lot of sort of your agreements, but, yeah, where Sri Lanka is concerned, how do you see it?  Thank you. 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: Thank you. That’s a good question. It follows through a little bit from my previous answer, as you said.  I don’t know, given that we don’t have much time, let me go ahead and answer this and maybe we can give five more minutes, Pavis, to other people to ask questions as well. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Sounds good.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: So, first of all, every review, now we’re on the Fourth Review, of the program is an opportunity to assess the economic developments, to review program targets, and to determine the reform agenda and the reform measures that the authorities plan for the period ahead. It just happened that in this review we have a significant trade policy shock. So, in these discussions, we’ve had an understanding of what are the concerns and what is the kind of shock.  And by the way, this is something that we also, as Fund staff, are trying to implement, to understand, to comprehend, and to put into our outlook. 

    So obviously, the 44 percent tariff on Sri Lanka that was announced on April 2nd would have a significant impact, and the authorities understand this very well.  The impact obviously will be on the apparel and rubber industries.  Obviously, as you know very well, these account for a very large share of the country’s exports to the United States.  I believe it’s almost three-quarters, or over 70 percent.  And also, the real sector implications of these are very important because these two sectors, apparel and rubber, employ a lot of workers, in Sri Lanka. Just the apparel industry alone is over 300,000 workers or 320,000 workers.  So, the 90-day pause that was announced has allowed the authorities to engage constructively with the United States.  And we take, take very positive note on this. 

    Now, within, in general, as I mentioned, the global trade policy uncertainty for any small open economy and definitely for Sri Lanka poses significant downside risks.  For these discussions, we understand, obviously, the issues that arise and how they should be baked into the program.  If there is any substantial risk that may pan out either on the back of tariffs or some other disruption, we will work with the authorities to incorporate them to assess their impact and put them into policy responses. 

    At this point, it will be a little premature of me to talk about specific issues, but we’ve had a lot of discussions, and we think that the authorities are doing the best they can to address these issues.  It’s important to also mention that here that any time is a good time for implementing more reforms for discussing greater options towards having more trade policy responses.  And we believe that Sri Lanka should continue exploring also additional ways in making its exports more marketable and appealing to a wider range of counterparts. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. I’ll give the final question. We are running out of time, but I think we have enough time for one last question.

    QUESTIONER: Thank you.  It’s about the tax revenues.  According to the 2025 budget, much of the tax revenue is expected from vehicle imports, and we have — from the dealers that of the vehicles have been imported in the last two months, about 75 percent have been sold.  Of course, even though 25 percent may not have been sold, still the government has got revenue for those because they have been cleared through customs. That is no issue, but it would probably have implications for future demand.  So, the market is sort of not as vibrant, as there doesn’t seem to be a huge pent-up demand.  How concerned are you that this one single item in the budget, which is sort of going to underpin tax revenue, may not materialize this year?  Thank you.  Thank you.

    PAPAGEORGIOU: So obviously the authorities have made significant progress on creating greater opportunities for revenue and for collecting more. You may very well know that the situation was far worse in terms of tax revenue, as I mentioned in my earlier remarks, as early as couple of years ago. So obviously there is definitely progress. On this year’s discussion,

    I think there is a lot of the progress; has been a positive one.  There has been greater progress towards ensuring more revenue that could be collected from a range of measures.  You mentioned very accurately that the lifting of the import ban on motor vehicles is a very, very important. I would say the primary measure underpinning the revenue package.  We saw that, also in the budget, it is expected to yield 1.2 percent of GDP in 2025.  And that’s about 80 percent of the 1.5 percent of GDP in all tax revenue.  So obviously, as you mentioned, this is very important to get right and to continue with the momentum. 

    We note from the latest data that we have monitoring and we’re getting is that there is actually a good momentum on those motor vehicle imports.  So as my latest data — I was trying to find them — from what I remember, there has been quite a lot of good increase in the letters of credit.  I believe it’s around USD $350 million that were open.  These are letters of credit that are attached to importing vehicles.  So, we think that the associated revenue that will be incurred from those imports is starting to come on pace, and that’s a very important and encouraging sign.  So, we look forward to seeing more. 

    Of course, I mentioned a moment ago as well that if there are signs that — that there is underperformance of revenues or if there is a revenue shortfall, we have discussed with the authorities, and they are committed to implementing contingency revenue measures, and this will go a long way in ensuring fiscal sustainability and greater revenue.  Thank you. 

    DEVAHASADIN: Thank you, Evan. Unfortunately, we’re at time. Before we close, Evan, do you have any parting words? 

    PAPAGEORGIOU: No, I thank you very much. I thank you all for being here. I look forward to continuing to engage with you, and Martha and I know that we have a great relationship with all of you and a frequent interaction.  We are happy to continue taking your questions.  We now are moving forward completing the Fourth Review in the next couple of months, so we will certainly communicate more as we get towards that goal.  We will also try to have another similar discussion and press conference at the end of that review if all goes well.  Let me just mention again that we are fully committed in supporting the economy and the Sri Lankan authorities, both in the current issues that they are facing and just more broadly on formulating the appropriate policy responses and the necessary form.  Thank you all very much for being here.  I wish I was in Colombo, but I look forward to seeing you again in the next few months.  Thank you. 

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/04/30/tr-042925-press-briefing-sla-4th-rev-sri-lankas-reform-program-supported-by-eff-arrangement

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES 2025 CreatoSphere – Showcasing the Ingenuity of ‘Create in India Challenges’

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES 2025 CreatoSphere – Showcasing the Ingenuity of ‘Create in India Challenges’

    ‘WAVES Creator Awards’ to celebrate and foster creative talents and potential in India and the world

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 7:28PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 30 April 2025

     

    The Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season 1, launched as a flagship initiative under the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), is gearing up for a spectacular finale starting tomorrow at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai. Notably, CIC Season 1 has achieved a major milestone, crossing 1 lakh registrations, with the total number now standing at an impressive 1,01,349. The initiative has drawn participants from over 60 countries, underlining its global appeal and reach. From this exceptional pool of talent, 750 finalists will get the opportunity to showcase their creative skills and outcomes at CreatoSphere—a specially curated platform featuring innovation across animation, comics, AI, XR, gaming, music, and more, as part of WAVES 2025.

    What is CreatoSphere?
    CreatoSphere is an immersive universe of innovation and ingenuity, curated as the ultimate destination for transforming ideas into experiences. A space where creators take center stage, it celebrates the spirit of imagination, experimentation, and artistic excellence across a wide spectrum of media and entertainment sectors—from virtual reality to films, VFX to comics, animation to gaming, and from music to broadcasting and digital media. Here, the top creative minds from around the world—the finalists of the ‘Create in India Challenges’—come together to spark dialogue, ignite innovation, build partnerships, and showcase their work while connecting India’s creative energy with global audiences.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision and mission of “Create in India, Create for the World” lies at the heart of the ‘Create in India Challenges’ and is encapsulated in its motto ‘Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries’. This initiative, a core component of WAVES, has emerged as a powerful expression of India’s creative ambition, reaffirming the nation’s rising leadership in the global media and entertainment industry and shaping the future of the sector. It truly embodies the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—an ancient Indian philosophy that sees the world as one family.

    The scale and impact of Create in India Challenge Season 1 are unprecedented, transforming the initiative into a global creative movement. With over 1,100 international entries, these challenges have become truly global in their very first season. The top-class jury, with its keen insights and robust selection criteria, has shortlisted the best finalists across all challenges to showcase their ingenuity at CreatoSphere—including participants from all 28 States and 8 Union Territories of India, as well as from over 20 countries. These achievements underscore the diversity, excellence, and global resonance of the Create in India Challenge and CreatoSphere.

     

    Over four dynamic days, delegates, creators, and participants will experience a vibrant confluence of creativity, learning, and unity in diversity. Through specially curated masterclasses, panel discussions, workshops, presentations, and showcases, CreatoSphere fosters meaningful dialogue and forward-looking ideas in a professional setting. It brings together sectors such as AVGC-XR, broadcasting, films, music, digital, and social media. Nine specialised zones—Virtual Lok, VFX Vault, Film Fiesta, Animation Alley, Comic Kona, Music Mania, AIRWAVES, Digital Domain, and Game On—will showcase the pioneering outcomes of these challenges.

    To provide a platform for the young creators of tomorrow, CreatoSphere also features the grand ‘Creators Awards’ ceremony—a red-carpet event honouring the winners of the Create in India Challenges with the prestigious ‘WAVES Creator Awards’. This gala celebration will confer top honours on creative champions in the presence of renowned artists, celebrities, and industry leaders from the M&E sector. The winners of the musical challenges will captivate audiences with their most enchanting compositions. CreatoSphere thus serves both as a hub of innovation and a cultural carnival, celebrating the multiverse of India’s creative prowess.

     

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    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Lakshmipriya/ Sriyanka/ Darshana | 120

     

    सोशल मिडियावर आम्हाला फॉलो करा: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hails the decision of the CCPA led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to include caste census in the upcoming census as a historic decision of the Modi Government under its commitment to social justice

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hails the decision of the CCPA led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to include caste census in the upcoming census as a historic decision of the Modi Government under its commitment to social justice

    The Modi government’s decision will empower all economically and socially backward classes and promote inclusion

    This decision gives a message of strong commitment towards social equality and the rights of every section

    The main opposition party and its allies opposed the caste census for decades while in power and played politics over it while in the opposition

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 6:57PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah hailed the decision of Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to include caste census in the upcoming census as a historic decision of the Modi Government under its commitment to social justice.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation in a post on X platform said, the CCPA meeting held under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji today corrected a historical wrong by deciding in favour of the integration of caste enumeration with the population census, and sent the message of its firm commitment to social equity and rights for every section of the society.

    Shri Amit Shah said, the Congress and its allied parties opposed caste enumeration when they wielded power for decades but made it their electoral plank when in opposition. This decision will empower all economically and socially disadvantaged sections, promote inclusion, and pave new paths for the progress of the underprivileged.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Issues Fraud and Safety Alert Regarding Deceptive Door-to-Door Sales Technique Reported in Idaho

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Issues Fraud and Safety Alert Regarding Deceptive Door-to-Door Sales Technique Reported in Idaho

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador issued a Consumer Alert today warning Idahoans about door-to-door salesmen falsely claiming to offer a government inspection and free audit program for energy efficiency and weatherization as a pretext to gain entry into homes. Multiple official sources have confirmed that no such government programs currently exist in Idaho.
    “As warmer weather arrives this summer, more door-to-door sales activity is expected across Idaho,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Most businesses operate honestly, but consumers should always be cautious of scams and bad actors. You should never feel obligated to let a stranger into your home without verifying who they are. Your personal safety should always come first.”
    Idaho consumers should remain vigilant about door-to-door sales, regardless of the product or service being offered, the Attorney General cautioned. Many cities and counties across Idaho require door-to-door salespersons to register and obtain permits. Consumers have the right to request to see this permit. If a salesperson cannot produce one, the consumer should immediately report them to the appropriate city or county authorities.
    If you believe a business has engaged in deceptive or misleading sales practices or has otherwise violated the Idaho Consumer Protection Act, you are encouraged to file a complaint with the Idaho Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. Complaints can be submitted online using the Consumer Complaint Form, where consumers may also upload documents that support their concerns.
    The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division offers an informal dispute resolution process by forwarding the complaint to the business and requesting a written response. While our office cannot compel a business to resolve a complaint, many businesses respond constructively when contacted.
    In addition to reporting to our office, the Federal Trade Commission recommends submitting fraud reports at www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
    Please note: The Attorney General’s Office is not authorized to provide legal advice to private individuals or organizations. If you require legal guidance, we encourage you to consult a private attorney.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 18th Street Gang Member Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy and Two Murders

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Recorded Victim Being Stabbed More than 100 Times and Sent the Video to Other Gang Members as a Warning Not to Cooperate with Law Enforcement

    Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Yanki Misael Cruz-Mateo, a member of the 18th Street gang, a transnational criminal organization, was sentenced by United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall to 45 years’ imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy in connection with his participation in two murders: the October 25, 2017 murder of 20-year-old Jonathan Figueroa in Saugerties, New York, and the February 2, 2018 murder of 20-year-old Oscar Antonio Blanco-Hernandez in Queens.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.

    “Cruz-Mateo committed two horrific murders and boasted about the carnage in video and text messages to instill fear, exact retribution, and promote gang violence,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “The lengthy sentence imposed today delivers a powerful message that senseless violence carries serious consequences. My Office will continue our tireless efforts to investigate and prosecute violence carried out by the 18th Street and other transnational criminal organizations.  It is my sincere hope that the justice meted out today provides a measure of comfort and closure for the victims’ loved ones.”

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Police, the Kingston Police Department, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance on the case.

    “Yanki Misael Cruz-Mateo, an 18th Street gang member, lured two victims to their brutal murders as retribution for perceived disloyalty and affiliation with rival organizations,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.  “His actions mirror the gang’s depravity and its lawless prioritization of social status over human life.  May today’s sentencing offer a semblance of justice for the victims’ families and highlight the FBI’s continued determination to eradicate all brutal gang violence plaguing our communities.

    Today’s sentence is the latest achievement in a series of prosecutions by this Office and our law enforcement partners of the leaders, members, and associates of 18th Street.  According to court filings and proceedings, 18th Street is a transnational criminal organization and violent street gang with members and associates residing throughout New York State, including Queens and Long Island, elsewhere throughout the United States, including Houston, Texas, and Central America. Members of 18th Street regularly engage in murder, attempted murder, assault, extortion, illegal drug and firearms trafficking, false identification document production, witness tampering, and money laundering.

    October 25, 2017 Murder of Jonathan Figueroa

    As set forth in court filings, including the government’s sentencing memorandum, in the late evening hours of October 24, 2017, Cruz-Mateo lured and travelled with Figueroa from Queens to Kingston, New York. Upon their arrival in Kingston, they were met by Israel Mediola Flores and other 18th Street members and associates who, into the early morning hours the following day, brought Figueroa to Turkey Point State Forest, brutally stabbed him to death and buried him in a makeshift grave.  Cruz-Mateo ordered the murder to be video-recorded and captured multiple 18th Street members and associates repeatedly stabbing Figueroa, slashing his throat and severing his ear.  In the video, Cruz-Mateo stated that Figueroa was being murdered for “being a rat.” Cruz-Mateo then sent the video to other 18th Street members as a warning.  Figueroa’s body was discovered in February 2018 by the FBI, along with state and local law enforcement authorities, in a five-foot deep grave in Turkey Point State Forest.  The victim had sustained more than 100 stab wounds.

    Co-defendants Walter Fernando Alfaro Pineda, Israel Mediola Flores, and Jose Douglas Castellano pleaded guilty to Figueroa’s murder. Mediola Flores was sentenced to 425 months in prison; Pineda and Castellano are awaiting sentencing.

    February 2, 2018 Murder of Oscar Antonio Blanco-Hernandez

    On February 2, 2018, several gang members killed Blanco-Hernandez because they believed he was a member of the rival MS-13 gang.  Co-defendant Jose Chacon had met Blanco-Hernandez weeks earlier through their mutual employer, a New Jersey-based house painting company.  On the morning of the murder, co-defendant Carolina Cruz and Chacon picked up Blanco-Hernandez at his home in New Jersey under the guise of going to smoke marijuana as friends.  Cruz and Chacon drove Blanco-Hernandez to Queens where they met 18th Street gang members, including Cruz-Mateo and co-defendant Yoni Sierra, who entered the rear passenger seat of Cruz’s car on opposite sides, sandwiching Blanco-Hernandez between them.  Cruz drove Chacon, Cruz-Mateo, Sierra, and their victim about 1.6 miles away to a quiet residential neighborhood.  Cruz-Mateo, Sierra, and Blanco-Hernandez got out of the car and started walking eastbound, while Cruz and Chacon stayed behind with the car.  After walking for a few minutes, Cruz-Mateo drew a .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun and shot Blanco-Hernandez in the back of the head, killing him instantly. Blanco-Hernandez’s body was discovered on a residential street in the Jamaica Hills section of Queens.  He sustained three gunshot wounds: two gunshots to the torso and one to the head.

    Sierra, Chacon, and Cruz also pleaded guilty to Blanco-Hernandez’s murder.  Chacon was sentenced to 269 months in prison; Sierra to 204 months in prison; and Cruz to 150 months in prison.

    This case is part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI.  The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.  OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.  Assistant United States  Attorneys Jonathan P. Lax, Erin Reid, Margaret Schierberl, Adam Amir, and Rebecca Urquiola are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Tareva Torres and Samuel Ronchetti.

    The Defendant:

    YANKI MISAEL CRUZ-MATEO (also known as “Yenki Misael Cruz Mateo,” “Yankee Mateo,” “Doggy,” and “Wino”)
    Age: 25
    Jamaica, Queens

    Co-Defendants Previously Convicted:

    ERIC CHAVEZ (also known as “Lunatico”)
    Age: 25
    Jamaica, New York

    WALTER FERNANDO ALFARO PINEDA (also known as “Clever”)
    Age: 45
    Houston, Texas

    ISRAEL MEDIOLA FLORES (also known as “Chapito” and “Sinaloa”)
    Age: 29
    Kingston, New York

    YONI ALEXANDER SIERRA (also known as “Arca,” “Arc Angel” and “Wasson”)
    Age: 26
    Jamaica, Queens

    JOSE JIMENEZ CHACON (also known as “Little One”)
    Age: 26
    New Brunswick, New Jersey

    CAROLINA CRUZ (also known as “La Fiera”)
    Age: 31
    Elizabeth, New Jersey

    JOSE DOUGLAS CASTELLANO (also known as “Chino”)
    Age: 26
    Brooklyn, New York

    JUNIOR ZELAYA-CANALES (also known as “Terco”)
    Age: 28
    Jamaica, New York

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-139 (S-7) (LDH)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The legal limits of Trump’s crackdown on sanctuary cities like Philadelphia

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jennifer J. Lee, Associate Professor of Law, Temple University

    Immigrant rights advocates call on Philadelphia officials to strengthen the city’s sanctuary policies at a rally on Dec. 10, 2024. Manuel Vasquez/Juntos, CC BY-NC-SA

    President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 28, 2025, that demands the U.S. attorney general, in coordination with the secretary of Homeland Security, publish a list of cities and states that obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws, with the purpose of protecting Americans from “criminal aliens.”

    Philadelphia will likely end up on the list.

    Philadelphia is what’s known as a sanctuary city. While the term has no fixed definition, it usually refers to a city that has declared its refusal to cooperate – or even works at odds – with federal immigration enforcement.

    As a law professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, where I supervise students who represent low-wage immigrant workers, I know that sanctuary policies can slow the federal immigration enforcement system.

    But the bottom line is that federal immigration officers – usually U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – can still carry out deportations in a sanctuary city.

    Further, there is no question that localities such as Philadelphia can legally decide not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Cities, like states, have constitutional protections against being forced to administer or enforce federal programs. The Trump administration cannot force any state or local official to assist in enforcing federal immigration law.

    What remains to be seen is what, if any, action the administration will take against those jurisdictions that end up on their list of sanctuary cities.

    Philly’s sanctuary policies

    My work has involved researching sanctuary policies as well as how often ICE relies on local law enforcement to help identify and turn over immigrants.

    Philadelphia’s various sanctuary policies break that connection and leave ICE to its own devices. They also signal to immigrants that the city is not in the business of federal immigration enforcement. Research shows this helps immigrants feel safer to access public benefits and services such as getting care at a community health center or calling the police without fear of immigration consequences.

    Protestors participate in an ‘Abolish ICE’ march through downtown Philadelphia in 2018.
    Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Philadelphia’s most notable sanctuary policy, an executive order signed by then-Mayor Jim Kenney in January 2016, is its refusal to have its jails honor ICE detainers or requests for release dates. An ICE detainer is a voluntary request asking local officials to hold an immigrant, who is otherwise going to be released, for an additional 48 hours so ICE can pick them up.

    Failing to honor ICE detainers disrupts the deportation pipeline and makes ICE’s job more difficult.

    Another key Philadelphia sanctuary policy dates back to 2009 and was signed by then-Mayor Michael Nutter. It makes clear that city officials do not police immigration. Not only are all city workers – including police, firefighters and behavioral health workers – prohibited from asking about immigration status in most situations, but police are specifically directed not to stop, arrest or detain a person “solely because of perceived immigration status.”

    Yet there is no way to enforce these sanctuary policies. Under these laws, city officials who violate them do not face consequences. Compliance relies on a commitment from officials who believe that following these policies is the right thing to do.

    Philadelphia has also acted in other ways to break the link between the city and immigration enforcement.

    Since 2017, Philadelphia jails have had a protocol that discourages ICE from interviewing immigrants held in jail. Prior to providing ICE with access to such individuals, the jails must first send a consent form to an immigrant to inform them of their right to decline an ICE interview.

    In 2018, Philadelphia ended ICE’s access to the city’s preliminary arraignment reporting system used by the Philadelphia Police Department and district attorney’s office. The city said it terminated its database-sharing contract with ICE given the “unacceptable” way the agency used the system, which “could result in immigration enforcement action against Philadelphians who haven’t been arrested, accused of, or convicted of any crime.”

    While these policies cannot protect Philadelphia residents who have been arrested by ICE, the lack of help of local officials will make it more difficult for the administration to deliver on its promise to deport a record number of immigrants.

    ICE raided a car wash and arrested seven people in Philadelphia on Jan. 28, 2025.
    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images

    Sanctuary campuses and churches

    Apart from the city itself, other public and private institutions within Philadelphia have created sanctuary spaces.

    In June 2021, the School Board of Philadelphia adopted a sanctuary resolution as part of an effort to create welcoming schools for immigrant children. In January 2025, the Philadelphia School District reaffirmed its commitment.

    Under the first Trump presidency, religious institutions, such as the Germantown Mennonite Church in Northwest Philly and the Tabernacle United Church in West Philly, provided sanctuary inside their churches to immigrants who had received final orders of deportation from ICE.

    The University of Pennsylvania declared itself a sanctuary campus in 2016 but is currently shying away from that label while faculty, staff and students demand that the university clarify its policies on immigration enforcement.

    Since 2011, ICE has had a “sensitive locations” memo that disfavors but does not entirely prohibit immigration enforcement in places of worship, as well as hospitals and schools. The Biden administration strengthened the “sensitive locations” memo in 2021. Trump rescinded the memo during his first month in office.

    Activists want Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker to commit to defending Philadelphia’s sanctuary policies.
    AP Photo/Matt Rourke

    Retaliation against sanctuary cities

    From the viewpoint of the Trump administration, state and local officials who defy the enforcement of immigration law are engaged in “a lawless insurrection” that creates public safety and national security risks.

    Despite the administration’s strong rhetoric about the “criminal alien,” 46% of people currently held in immigration detention have no criminal record, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. Many others have minor offenses, including traffic violations.

    The executive order vows to terminate federal grants and pursue all enforcement measures to bring such jurisdictions “into compliance with the laws of the United States.”

    Such terminations may not be legal.

    On April 24, 2025, a federal judge enjoined language in an earlier executive order directing the government to take action against sanctuary cities to ensure that they do not receive access to federal funds.

    Past instances to pull federal funding from Philadelphia because of its sanctuary city status have also failed. The first Trump administration was unsuccessful at terminating a US$1 million federal grant to Philadelphia after the city sued and won in federal court in 2017.

    The executive order also makes legally questionable claims that state and local officials who follow their sanctuary policies are engaging in criminal activity, such as the obstruction of justice, unlawful harboring or activities that violate federal RICO law. Regardless, the administration may still choose to pursue high-profile prosecutions of state and local officials.

    The federal government’s efforts to punish sanctuary cities will undoubtedly be mired in legal challenges across the country. Yet Philadelphia officials must still decide in this moment whether to stand strong with the city’s current sanctuary policies. City Council member Rue Landau has been outspoken about maintaining Philadelphia’s sanctuary status to ensure that public resources will never be used to support federal deportation efforts. But Mayor Cherelle Parker has not committed to strengthening or even ensuring the city’s sanctuary protections.

    According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the same day Trump signed the executive order, Parker reiterated that Philadelphia still operates under its 2016 sanctuary policy. However, she did not use the term “sanctuary city,” the Inquirer noted, and she “said she would not comment in more detail until Trump makes concrete moves that affect Philadelphia.”

    This is an updated version of a story originally published on December 18, 2024.

    Read more of our stories about Philadelphia.

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

    – ref. The legal limits of Trump’s crackdown on sanctuary cities like Philadelphia – https://theconversation.com/the-legal-limits-of-trumps-crackdown-on-sanctuary-cities-like-philadelphia-255580

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: TRANSCRIPT: LEADER JEFFRIES REMARKS ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FIRST 100 DAYS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered the following speech on what a disaster for the American people that Donald Trump’s first 100 days have been and how costs, chaos and corruption are all up, thanks to the President and his Rubber Stamp Republicans.

    Good morning. Good morning. Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Good morning. Good morning. Thank you. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning.

    Right at the top, let me make one thing clear: The Trump administration has been a disaster. 100 days in, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have failed to make your life more affordable. They failed to make you safer. They failed to make us more respected around the world. But their biggest failure is this: they have failed to appreciate the strength of the American people.

    During the dawn of the Republic, it was once observed that when people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.

    Donald Trump and Republicans thought they could shock and awe us into submission. They thought we would be too complacent to stand up for liberty and justice for all. They thought we would walk away from the principle of equal protection under the law. They thought wrong. They thought wrong. They thought wrong.

    Trump’s unconstitutional assault on the American way of life is unprecedented, but the so-called dictator on day one is learning an important lesson. Americans don’t bend the knee to bullies. In the face of tyranny, we join together. In the face of tyranny, we rise up together. In the face of tyranny, we get into some good trouble together. And we’re just getting started.

    100 days in, Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating of any president in modern American history. 100 days in, voters have elected Democrats in Republican-held districts all across the country, including in Iowa and Pennsylvania. 100 days in, Elon Musk spent $25 million to buy a state supreme court seat in Wisconsin, and lost by double digits. 100 days in, more than 200 different lawsuits have been filed against the unconstitutional and unlawful executive orders of Donald Trump, and the American people are winning in court. 100 days in, principled opposition to Republican extremism is taking shape from sea to shining sea. The American people are rising up and making it clear that the Trump administration has a lot to fear.

    When my oldest son JJ was 9 years old, he played travel baseball with a group of his friends. Many of you know that travel sports can be taxing on the schedule. It’s a labor of love for our children. During the season, it seems like almost every weekend for several months, you’re on the road. And so, this one particular Memorial Day weekend, JJ had a baseball tournament in a little town off the beaten path somewhere in the Northeast. 

    Travel sports can take you to some interesting places. I decided to make it a road trip and bring my youngest son, Joshua, with us. He was just 6 years old at the time. And so I said to him, he’s gonna come on this trip, and it’ll be like a vacation. What did I say that for, y’all? 

    When I mentioned vacation, he had visions of Atlantis. So we pulled up to the motel where we were staying, and the situation was a bit shaky. My 6 year old looked at the motel, looked at me, looked at the motel and looked at me and said: “Dad, is this where we’re staying?” I said, “Yes, Joshua, why do you ask?” He responded, “Oh my God, Dad, this is a debacle.” 6 years old. I looked at him and asked, “What does the word debacle mean?” He responded quickly. He said: “I don’t know Dad, it’s something bad.”

    This is the moment we are in right now in the United States of America, with Donald Trump and the Republicans in charge. 

    Crashing the economy is something bad. Destroying Medicaid as we know it is something bad. Taking a chainsaw to Social Security is something bad. Raising costs on hardworking American taxpayers is something bad. Firing federal workers, including thousands of veterans who served this country, is something bad. Canceling medical research for children with cancer is something bad. Destroying the retirement accounts of everyday Americans is something bad. Trying to whitewash the most painful parts of our history is something bad. Targeting law-abiding immigrant families is something bad. Undermining the rule of law is something bad. 

    The first 100 days of the Trump administration have been a debacle. Enough. Enough. America is better than this. 

    When the new Congress began in January, Democrats were prepared to get to work in a bipartisan way. The Trump administration chose a different path. Far-right Republicans are tearing America apart, targeting our democratic way of life and tarnishing our reputation as the land of the free. It is wrong, and we will continue to push back aggressively. Donald Trump and the Republicans in Congress have given us 100 days of chaos, 100 days of cruelty and 100 days of corrupt behavior. That is not constructive leadership, it’s a recipe for disaster. 

    The American people deserve common sense leadership, the American people deserve compassionate leadership, the American people deserve courageous leadership that changes things for the better. Our message to the American people is simple: We hear you. We see you. We feel you. Democrats are determined to make life better for you.

    Donald Trump and his sycophants spent yesterday bragging about the speed with which they’ve moved during these first 100 days. They’re right.  Never has a president failed so spectacularly, so often, so quickly as Donald Trump. The White House referred to its strategy for the first 100 days as “shock and awe.” Well, they’re half right. It is shocking how rapidly this administration collapsed into chaos, cruelty and corruption. It is shocking how quickly MAGA Republicans turned their backs on working class Americans. It is shocking how spineless Republicans have been in the United States Congress. And it is shocking and tragic and infuriating how much damage Donald Trump and the Republican party’s policies have already done.

    Here’s the thing. They expected us to step back. But the American people are here to fight back. On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised to end inflation. He promised to lower costs on day one.  When he was asking for your vote, Donald Trump told you he would make life more affordable for everyday Americans. Now that he’s in office, it’s a different story.

    In March, President Trump was asked if he was worried that car prices would go up because of his tariffs. His reply? “I couldn’t care less.” The cost of living in the United States is too high. America is too expensive. And Donald Trump couldn’t care less. He couldn’t care less that housing costs are too high. He couldn’t care less that grocery costs are too high. He couldn’t care less that childcare costs are too high. He couldn’t care less that health insurance costs are too high. He couldn’t care less that utility costs are too high. Donald Trump couldn’t care less. Prices everywhere are too high, and Donald Trump couldn’t care less. 

    100 days in, Donald Trump is making life harder for you and your family. And every day his costly tariffs stay in place, life in America gets more expensive. American families will pay thousands of dollars more per year. Small businesses are shutting down. Corporations are not hiring. Businesses are unable to invest because of the uncertainty that has been created.  Inflation is on the rise, life is getting more expensive and the reckless economic policies of Donald Trump and House Republicans are driving us toward a recession.

    Republicans in Congress could put a stop to this insanity at any time. Since they won’t, next November, we will. Yes, we will. Yes, we will. Which brings me to Elon Musk. I knew he would get that reaction. 

    We all agree that government should be more efficient. But like most things in life, there’s the American way and then there’s the cruel way. 100 days in, it’s clear that DOGE is not the American way. Cancelling medical research for children with cancer is cruel. Denying relief for communities reeling from natural disasters is cruel. Firing thousands of our veterans, like Joseph Quintinella of Virginia, who served this country in the Marines, is cruel. 

    But their cruelty doesn’t stop there. Republicans actually believe that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. And they want to take a chainsaw to it. During the first 100 days of the Trump administration, Social Security has faced an unprecedented attack. Social Security offices have been closed, wait times have dramatically increased and people are being denied access to benefits that they have earned. Republicans continue to insist that Social Security is an entitlement program. They think they are entitled to destroy it. 

    When I was 15 years old, I got my working papers and secured my first job. I was a messenger dropping off packages from office building to office building in Midtown Manhattan. My salary was $3.35 per hour. That was the minimum wage back in the day. And I thought that I had made it big, particularly upon learning that as a high school student who worked part time, I wouldn’t have to pay any income tax. So I couldn’t wait to get my first check. 

    On a piece of paper, I multiplied $3.35 by the number of hours I expected to work during my first pay period. I figured out the total, and in my mind, that money was already spent. I couldn’t wait to go to Albee Square Mall in downtown Brooklyn and get some new sneakers so I could dress like Run DMC. But then the check came, and some money was missing. 

    I had two questions, y’all: Who is FICA, and why is he taking my money? 

    Here’s what I learned. All of us pay the FICA tax in connection with Social Security and Medicare. We pay the FICA tax on our first job. We pay the FICA tax on our last job. We pay the FICA tax on every single job we have throughout our lifetime. 

    Social Security and Medicare are not entitlement programs. They are earned benefits. Earned benefits. You work hard for those benefits, pay into those benefits and deserve those benefits. They are earned benefits. 

    Democrats will make sure that Donald Trump and House Republicans keep their hands off your Social Security and your Medicare. Hands off today. Hands off tomorrow. Hands off this week. Hands off next week. Hands off this month. Hands off next month. Hands off this year. Hands off next year. Hands off Social Security and Medicare Forever. Forever. Forever.

    Now, if this administration actually had some common sense, it would look at the damage that it’s done, the rejection from the people, the historic unpopularity of this president, and they would change course. But Donald Trump is doubling down. And instead of being a check and balance on this president’s abuse of power, Republicans in Congress are nothing more than a rubber stamp for his extreme agenda.

    Recently, I met a woman named Mary Beth. She lives in Canton, North Carolina, a town of 4,400 people that is still rebuilding from Hurricane Helene. She has custody of her four grandchildren, ages 10, 12, 15 and 16. Their parents can no longer care for them due to addiction, domestic violence and homelessness. The moment you talk to Mary Beth, you know that caring for those grandkids is everything. 

    And she’s doing it on a fixed income, working part time making $8 an hour at a coin laundry— and is no longer employed—to supplement the disability support that she had received. Mary Beth has had to skip refilling her prescriptions to make sure her grandkids don’t have to skip any meals. 

    Medicaid is the only reason her grandchildren are able to see a doctor, including the youngest, who is dealing with ADHD and autism. Mary Beth works hard, loves her family and is a patriotic American. And Mary Beth is here with us today. 

    But her family, just like millions of others throughout America, is now at risk of losing their healthcare. Why? Republicans are trying to slash Medicaid by up to $880 billion, the largest healthcare cut in American history.  

    And why are Republicans trying to rip healthcare away from working people, from Americans with disabilities, from children, from grandmothers like Mary Beth? So that they can give their billionaire donors like Elon Musk another tax cut. These healthcare cuts will hurt families, hurt women, hurt children, hurt veterans, hurt seniors and hurt disabled Americans. Hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down and people will die. 

    Here’s the thing, in the United States of America—this is the wealthiest country in the history of the world—healthcare is not a privilege, healthcare is a right for every single American. For every single American. 

    If we were in the majority right now, none of this would be happening. But even in the minority, we are going to do everything we can to protect the healthcare of the American people.

    And we’ll keep reminding our Republican colleagues—especially the ones who vote like extremists but then go home and pretend to be moderates when it’s time to run for re-election— that the people are watching. It’s time for Republicans in Congress to stop being a rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s extreme agenda.

    You don’t work for Donald Trump. You don’t work for Elon Musk. You don’t work for the far-right extremists. You work for the American people.

    As Democrats, we will fight as hard as we can, fight as hard as we can, over the next two years to stop bad things from happening. We will protect our system of free and fair elections.

    And then work hard to convince the American people to entrust us with the majority next November. At that point, we will be able to do much, much more for you.

    We will build an affordable economy that works for everyday Americans. We will confront the climate crisis with the fierce urgency of now. We will block any budget that goes after your Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. And we will hold the Trump administration accountable for its corrupt abuse of power.

    Over these next 100 days, House Democrats are going to lay out a blueprint for a better America. And you will see a vision for this country’s future that isn’t about Donald Trump. It’s all about you. All about you. How can we make your life better? How can we put more money in your pocket? How can we lower your costs? How can we help you give your kids the future they deserve? These are the questions we are thinking about each and every day.

    Now, the American Dream isn’t about getting something for nothing. You have to work for it. But if you work hard and play by the rules, here’s what you should be able to have: A good-paying job. An affordable home. High-quality healthcare. Education for your children. And the ability to retire with grace and with dignity. That’s the American Dream. That’s the American Dream. That’s the American Dream. And when we’re back in charge, that’s what we will fight hard to deliver for you. 

    In January—late January—I had the opportunity to visit the Altadena community in Los Angeles County that was devastated by the wildfires. I met someone named Jackie Jacobs, an amazing 88-year-old woman who was raised in the Jim Crow South before moving to California. Her home was tragically burned to the ground.  She and her husband, David, who have been married for more than 50 years, barely managed to escape the raging wildfires. All they had was the clothing on their backs. They lost everything else. Photos gone. Possessions gone. Property gone. But the first thing Mrs. Jacobs said to us while touring the devastation was that she gave all glory, all praise and all honor to Almighty God—just as the Scripture teaches us. She believed that things would work out. Several of us teared up. Mrs. Jacobs lost everything, but she never lost her faith. She never lost her faith.

    Republicans have shown that their recipe for governing is chaos, cruelty and corruption. These first 100 days have not been easy. Everything we care about is under assault. The economy is under assault. Healthcare is under assault. Social Security is under assault. Veterans are under assault. Farmers are under assault. The right to organize is under assault. Public schools are under assault. The American way of life is under assault. Democracy itself is under assault. Everything we care about is under assault. 

    But just like Mrs. Jacobs, we must never lose faith. We must never lose faith. Faith in our community. Faith in our country. Faith in a brighter future. Faith in Almighty God. 

    America is a resilient nation. We are a resilient people. We have a resilient Constitution. We will never give up.  We will never give in. We will always show up. We will always speak up. We will always stand up. We will continue our march toward a more perfect union. We will not rest until we end this national nightmare and deliver an America with liberty and justice for all.

    God bless you. God bless our troops. May God continue to bless the United States of America.

    Full speech can be viewed here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA welcomes ANZMIN joint statement supporting cross-strait peace and stability

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA welcomes ANZMIN joint statement supporting cross-strait peace and stability

    Date：2024-12-07
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    December 7, 2024No. 452  Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong met with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters and Minister of Defence Judith Collins in Auckland on December 6 for the second Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN) this year. In the joint statement issued after the meeting, they reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposed unilateral changes to the status quo, and expressed concern over the situation in the South China Sea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomes and appreciates this statement. Australia and New Zealand are important friends of Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific region, and bilateral relations with both countries have made significant strides in recent years. Given that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea has become a global consensus, MOFA invites the international community to continue expressing its concerns and take practical action to uphold the rules-based international order. The Taiwan government will continue to promote values-based diplomacy and work with like-minded countries to advance democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bank of the James Announces First Quarter of 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LYNCHBURG, Va., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ:BOTJ), the parent company of Bank of the James (the “Bank”), a full-service commercial and retail bank, and Pettyjohn, Wood & White, Inc. (“PWW”), an SEC-registered investment advisor, today announced unaudited results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2025. The Bank serves Region 2000 (the greater Lynchburg MSA) and the Blacksburg, Buchanan, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Nellysford, Roanoke, and Wytheville, Virginia markets.

    Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $842,000 or $0.19 per basic and diluted share compared with $2.19 million or $0.48 per basic and diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Robert R. Chapman III, CEO of the Bank, commented: “Our focus during the past several years on managing interest expense in a significantly higher rate environment was reflected in the first quarter’s lower year-over-year interest expense. Appropriate adjustments to loan rates and optimizing the performance of the Bank’s investments continued to generate steady interest income growth. As a result, net interest margin and interest spread continued to trend positively. Strong, quality earnings over the years have supported our ability to build and maintain a strong cash position and exceptional liquidity.

    “The Company’s core operations for first quarter of 2025 produced solid earnings. However, our earnings were negatively impacted by a non-recurring expense paid to a consultant that we used to successfully negotiate a contract with our core service provider. We anticipate that this contract will result in significant long-term cost savings.

    “We anticipate that the holding company’s cash position will allow it to pay off approximately $10 million of capital notes as they mature in June, without the need to raise new capital. Eliminating this debt-related interest expense will reduce our interest expense by approximately $327,000 annually and will help reduce our overall interest-bearing liabilities rate. The Company and Bank will continue to maintain sound capital positions.

    “Operationally, the first quarter of 2025 was highlighted by steady growth of commercial real estate loans, with stable income contributions from a balanced portfolio of commercial, residential mortgage, construction, and consumer loans. Fee income contributions from commercial treasury services, credit and debit card processing, and PWW’s wealth management activities have continued to generate complementary noninterest income.

    “We continue to emphasize relationship banking with commercial and retail clients, providing the broad range of capabilities and expertise that position Bank of the James as the go-to source for financial services. We offer stability and security in a period of significant economic uncertainty.

    “The Company is building value for shareholders, as evidenced by growth in stockholders’ equity, retained earnings, and a higher book value per share in the first quarter. We remain focused on efficient operations, maintaining superior asset quality, and sustainable growth.”

    President Mike Syrek commented on expansion and growth opportunities, noting, “We are very excited to announce the addition of two accomplished commercial relationship managers, Brandon Caldwell and Kevin Flint. Both bring considerable experience in the commercial lending space and will further strengthen and grow our regional markets. Caldwell comes to Bank of the James from the USDA, having served there after an extended stint as the senior lending officer at Highlands Community Bank. Caldwell has experience at both small and large-sized institutions, and along with his experience with the USDA, we believe his experience will help us expand our reach in multiple markets. Flint comes to Bank of the James with a dual background in credit and investments. Flint spent most of his career with Truist and its predecessors, managing high-profile commercial clients within the markets we serve. Kevin also is a Certified Financial Planner and has spent the last few years working as a CFP. Flint’s dual roles will help further the growth in our Harrisonburg market as well as beyond.

    “These additions help strengthen an already high-performing commercial team and illustrate our focus on growth and obtaining additional market share in the regions that we serve. We are delighted to have both men as part of the Bank of the James family.”

    First Quarter of 2025 Highlights

    • Net income and earnings per share (EPS) in the first quarter of 2025 were impacted by higher noninterest expense, primarily reflecting a one-time approximately $1 million expense related to the negotiation of a contract with our banking core provider. Over the 65-month term of this contract, the Company anticipates realizing up to $5 million in savings as compared to our previous contract.
    • Total interest income rose 6.90% to $11.23 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared with $10.51 million a year earlier. The growth primarily reflected higher yields on loans, commercial real estate (CRE) growth, and the addition of higher-rate residential mortgages. The average yield earned on loans, including fees, increased to 5.56% compared with 5.28% a year earlier.
    • Net interest income after provision for credit losses increased to $7.58 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared with net interest income after recovery of credit losses of $7.50 million a year earlier for the full year of 2024. Interest expense in the first quarter declined from the previous year’s first quarter due to a decrease in the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.
    • Net interest margin in the first quarter of 2025 improved to 3.25%, reflecting a steady upward quarterly trend from 3.02% in the first quarter of 2024. Interest spread in the first quarter rose to 2.95% from 2.73% in the prior year’s first quarter.
    • Total noninterest income of $3.28 million in the first quarter of 2025 was stable compared with a year earlier, primarily reflecting continuing strong contributions from commercial treasury services, residential mortgage origination fee income, and wealth management fee income from PWW, which generated $0.09 earnings per share in the first quarter.
    • Loans, net of the allowance for credit losses, increased to $642.39 million at March 31, 2025 from $636.55 million at December 31, 2024 and $601.12 million a year earlier.
    • Commercial real estate loans (owner occupied and non-owner occupied) led lending activity, increasing to $359.76 million from $335.53 million at December 31, 2024 and from $305.52 million a year earlier.
    • Measures of asset quality remained strong, highlighted by a ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans of 0.28% at March 31, 2025, low levels of nonperforming loans, and zero other real estate owned (OREO).
    • Total assets grew 3% to $1.01 billion at March 31, 2025 from $979.24 million at December 31, 2024. Total assets increased by $26.84 million from March 31, 2024.
    • Total deposits were $911.68 million at March 31, 2025, up from $882.40 million at December 31, 2024, reflecting growth in core deposits (noninterest bearing demand deposits, NOW, money market and savings).
    • Shareholder value measures included growth in stockholders’ equity to $68.35 million at March 31, 2025 from $64.87 million at December 31, 2024, higher retained earnings, and a book value per share of $15.04, up from $14.28 at December 31, 2024.
    • On April 15, 2025, the Company’s board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per common share to stockholders of record as of June 6, 2025, to be paid on June 20, 2025.

    First Quarter of 2025 Operational Review

    The Company retained a consultant to assist it in negotiating an amendment to and extension of the contract with its provider of its core banking platform— the platform we use for processing transactions, maintaining customer accounts, and supporting other critical banking functions. As previously noted, first quarter 2025 net income and earnings per share reflected the expense associated with this engagement. The Company anticipates that the new contract with our core provider, which was effective April 1, 2025, will generate significant savings over the 65-month term of the contract.

    Net interest income after provision for credit losses for the first quarter of 2025 was $7.58 million compared to net interest income after recovery of credit losses of $7.50 million a year earlier. The provision for credit losses in the first quarter of 2025 was $137,000.

    Total interest income was $11.23 million in the first quarter of 2025 compared with $10.51 million a year earlier. The year-over-year increases primarily reflected upward rate adjustments to variable rate commercial loans and new loans reflecting the prevailing rate environment.

    Investment portfolio management and appropriate rate increases on loans continued to contribute to year-over-year growth in yields on total earning assets, which were 4.73% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with 4.60% a year earlier.

    Total interest expense in the first quarter of 2025 was $3.52 million compared with $3.56 million a year earlier, primarily reflecting a stabilizing interest rate environment and the Bank’s management of rates paid on interest-bearing deposits, including time deposits.

    A stabilizing interest rate environment and the Company’s upward adjustments to floating rate commercial loans and rates on originated and retained residential mortgages contributed to gradual margin pressure relief during the past several quarters. In the first quarter of 2025, the net interest margin was 3.25% compared with 3.02% a year earlier, while interest spread was 2.95% for the quarter compared with 2.73% a year earlier.

    Noninterest income in the first quarter of 2025 was $3.28 million compared with $3.31 million in the first quarter of 2024. The predominant amount of noninterest income in the first quarter of 2025 was generated by fees from debit card activity, commercial treasury services, gains on sale of loans held for sale, and wealth management fees generated by PWW. This slight decrease was due to a decrease in revenue from our mortgage division.

    Noninterest expense in the first quarter of 2025 was $9.83 million compared with $8.09 million a year earlier. The year-over-year increase primarily reflected the previously mentioned contract negotiation fee and higher salaries and employee benefits.

    Balance Sheet: Strong Cash Position, High Asset Quality

    Total assets were $1.01 billion at March 31, 2025 compared with $979.24 million at December 31, 2024. The increase was due primarily to increases in cash and cash equivalents, securities available for sale, and loans.

    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses, were $642.39 million at March 31, 2025 compared with $636.55 at December 31, 2024, reflecting growth of commercial real estate loans.

    Commercial real estate loans (owner-occupied and non-owner occupied, excluding construction loans) totaled $359.76 million at March 31, 2025 compared with $335.53 million at December 31, 2024, reflecting new loans and moderate loan payoffs. Of this amount in the first quarter of 2025, commercial real estate (non-owner occupied) was $205.13 million and commercial real estate (owner occupied) was $154.63 million. The Bank closely monitors concentrations in these segments and has no commercial real estate loans secured by large office buildings in large metropolitan city centers.

    Commercial construction/land loans were $11.54 million, declining from prior levels as projects concluded. Residential construction/land loans at March 31, 2025 were $26.36 million compared with $26.15 million at December 31, 2024. Commercial and industrial loans were $59.98 million at March 31, 2025 compared to $66.42 million at December 31, 2024.

    Residential mortgage loans that the Company intends to keep on the balance sheet totaled $111.65 million at March 31, 2025, essentially unchanged from December 31, 2024, and from a year earlier. Growth of these retained mortgages has been minimal, as the Bank has continued to focus on selling the majority of originated mortgage loans to the secondary market. Consumer loans (open-end and closed-end) totaled $80.12 million, compared with $78.31 million at December 31, 2024.

    Ongoing high asset quality continues to have a positive impact on the Company’s financial performance. The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans at March 31, 2025 was 0.28% compared with 0.25% at December 31, 2024. The allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans was 1.08% at March 31, 2025 compared with 1.09% at December 31, 2024. Total nonperforming loans were $1.80 million at March 31, 2025 compared with $1.64 million at December 31, 2024. As a result of having no OREO, total nonperforming assets were the same as total nonperforming loans.

    Total deposits were $911.68 million at March 31, 2025 compared with $882.40 million at December 31, 2024. Core deposits (noninterest bearing demand deposits, NOW, money market and savings) were $698.92 million compared with $651.90 million at December 31, 2024. Time deposits declined during the period. At March 31, 2025, the Bank had no brokered deposits.

    Key measures of shareholder value were positive. Stockholders’ equity was $68.35 million at March 31, 2025, up from $64.87 million at December 31, 2024. Retained earnings increased to $43.19 million at March 31, 2025 from $42.80 million at December 31, 2024. Book value per share rose to $15.04 at March 31, 2025 from $14.28 at December 31, 2024, and continued to reflect quarterly fluctuations in required fair market valuations of the Company’s available-for-sale investment portfolio.

    Interest rate fluctuations result in adjustments to the fair value in the Company’s available-for-sale securities portfolio (known as “mark-to-market”), which are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss. These mark-to-market losses are excluded when calculating the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios. The available-for-sale securities portfolio is composed primarily of securities with explicit or implicit government guarantees, including U.S. Treasuries and U.S. agency obligations, and other highly rated debt instruments. The Company does not expect to realize the unrealized losses, as it has the intent and ability to hold the securities until their recovery, which may be at maturity. Management continues to diligently monitor the creditworthiness of the issuers of the debt instruments within its securities portfolio.

    About the Company

    Bank of the James, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. opened for business in July 1999 and is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia. The Bank currently services customers in Virginia from offices located in Altavista, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Blacksburg, Buchanan, Charlottesville, Forest, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Madison Heights, Nellysford, Roanoke, Rustburg, and Wytheville. The Bank offers full investment and insurance services through its BOTJ Investment Services division and BOTJ Insurance, Inc. subsidiary. The Bank provides mortgage loan origination through Bank of the James Mortgage, a division of Bank of the James. The Company provides investment advisory services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pettyjohn, Wood & White, Inc., an SEC-registered investment advisor. Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. common stock is listed under the symbol “BOTJ” on the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC. Additional information on the Company is available at www.bankofthejames.bank.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan” and similar expressions and variations thereof identify certain of such forward-looking statements which speak only as of the dates on which they were made. Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, competition, general economic conditions, potential changes in interest rates, changes in the value of real estate securing loans made by the Bank, as well as geopolitical conditions. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those in the forward-looking statements is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    CONTACT: J. Todd Scruggs, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (434) 846-2000.

    FINANCIAL RESULTS FOLLOW

    Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

      (unaudited)    
    Assets 3/31/2025   12/31/2024
           
    Cash and due from banks $ 25,760     $ 23,287  
    Federal funds sold   69,206       50,022  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   94,966       73,309  
           
    Securities held-to-maturity (fair value of $3,237 in 2025 and $3,170 in 2024)   3,602       3,606  
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   192,780       187,916  
    Restricted stock, at cost   1,821       1,821  
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $7,022 in 2025 and $7,044 in 2024   642,388       636,552  
    Loans held for sale   4,739       3,616  
    Premises and equipment, net   19,257       18,959  
    Interest receivable   2,970       3,065  
    Cash value – bank owned life insurance   23,094       22,907  
    Customer relationship Intangible   6,585       6,725  
    Goodwill   2,054       2,054  
    Deferred tax asset   8,113       8,936  
    Other assets   9,357       9,778  
    Total assets $ 1,011,726     $ 979,244  
           
           
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
           
    Deposits      
    Noninterest bearing demand $ 138,619     $ 129,692  
    NOW, money market and savings   560,300       522,208  
    Time deposits   212,764       230,504  
    Total deposits   911,683       882,404  
           
    Capital notes, net   10,049       10,048  
    Other borrowings   9,146       9,300  
    Deferred tax liability   294       –  
    Income taxes payable   –       86  
    Interest payable   688       722  
    Other liabilities   11,518       11,819  
    Total liabilities $ 943,378     $ 914,379  
    Stockholders’ equity      
    Common stock $2.14 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,543,338 as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024   9,723       9,723  
    Additional paid-in-capital   35,253       35,253  
    Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)   (19,819 )     (22,915 )
    Retained earnings   43,191       42,804  
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 68,348     $ 64,865  
           
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,011,726     $ 979,244  
                   

    Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)

      For the Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    Interest Income 2025
    		   2024
    Loans $ 8,906     $ 8,024  
    Securities      
    US Government and agency obligations   454       338  
    Mortgage backed securities   387       809  
    Municipals – taxable   311       286  
    Municipals – tax exempt   18       18  
    Dividends   13       12  
    Corporates   135       135  
    Interest bearing deposits   123       133  
    Federal Funds sold   887       754  
    Total interest income   11,234       10,509  
           
    Interest Expense      
    Deposits      
    NOW, money market savings   1,248       1,275  
    Time deposits   2,079       2,090  
    Finance leases   17       20  
    Other borrowings   89       92  
    Capital notes   82       82  
    Total interest expense   3,515       3,559  
           
    Net interest income   7,719       6,950  
           
    Provision for (recovery of) credit losses   137       (553 )
           
    Net interest income after provision for (recovery of) credit losses   7,582       7,503  
           
    Noninterest income      
    Gain on sales of loans held for sale   837       927  
    Service charges, fees and commissions   981       953  
    Wealth management fees   1,255       1,163  
    Life insurance income   188       159  
    Other   22       105  
           
    Total noninterest income   3,283       3,307  
    Noninterest expenses      
    Salaries and employee benefits   4,777       4,445  
    Occupancy   570       493  
    Equipment   670       607  
    Supplies   142       145  
    Professional and other outside expense   1,715       801  
    Data processing   820       751  
    Marketing   198       30  
    Credit expense   186       188  
    FDIC insurance expense   142       109  
    Amortization of intangibles   140       140  
    Other   466       379  
    Total noninterest expenses   9,826       8,088  
           
    Income before income taxes   1,039       2,722  
           
    Income tax expense   197       535  
           
    Net Income $ 842     $ 2,187  
           
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted   4,543,338       4,543,338  
           
    Earnings per common share – basic and diluted $ 0.19     $ 0.48  
                   

    Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data
    Unaudited

    Selected Data: Three
    months
    ending
    Mar 31,
    2025
    		 Three
    months
    ending
    Mar 31,
    2024
    		 Change
    		      
    Interest income $ 11,234   $ 10,509     6.90 %      
    Interest expense   3,515     3,559     -1.24 %      
    Net interest income   7,719     6,950     11.06 %      
    Provision for (recovery of) credit losses   137     (553 )   -124.77 %      
    Noninterest income   3,283     3,307     -0.73 %      
    Noninterest expense   9,826     8,088     21.49 %      
    Income taxes   197     535     -63.18 %      
    Net income   842     2,187     -61.50 %      
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic   4,543,338     4,543,338     –        
    Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted   4,543,338     4,543,338     –        
    Basic net income per share $ 0.19   $ 0.48   $ (0.29 )      
    Fully diluted net income per share $ 0.19   $ 0.48   $ (0.29 )      
                 
    Balance Sheet at
    period end:    		 Mar 31,
    2025    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Change Mar 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2023    		 Change
    Loans, net $ 642,388   $ 636,552     0.92 % $ 601,115   $ 601,921     -0.13 %
    Loans held for sale   4,739     3,616     31.06 %   4,640     1,258     268.84 %
    Total securities   196,382     191,522     2.54 %   218,440     220,132     -0.77 %
    Total deposits   911,683     882,404     3.32 %   893,494     878,459     1.71 %
    Stockholders’ equity   68,348     64,865     5.37 %   60,437     60,039     0.66 %
    Total assets   1,011,726     979,244     3.32 %   984,891     969,371     1.60 %
    Shares outstanding   4,543,338     4,543,338     –     4,543,338     4,543,338     –  
    Book value per share $ 15.04   $ 14.28   $ 0.76   $ 13.30   $ 13.21   $ 0.09  
    Daily averages: Three
    months
    ending
    Mar 31,
    2025
    		 Three
    months
    ending
    Mar 31,
    2024
    		 Change
    		      
    Loans $ 646,788   $ 608,172   6.35 %      
    Loans held for sale   2,391     2,481   -3.63 %      
    Total securities (book value)   219,550     248,748   -11.74 %      
    Total deposits   922,207     884,555   4.26 %      
    Stockholders’ equity   64,778     59,891   8.16 %      
    Interest earning assets   963,688     926,354   4.03 %      
    Interest bearing liabilities   800,249     765,728   4.51 %      
    Total assets   1,021,766     978,867   4.38 %      
                 
    Financial Ratios: Three
    months
    ending
    Mar 31,
    2025
    		 Three
    months
    ending
    Mar 31,
    2024
    		 Change
    		      
    Return on average assets   0.33 %   0.90 % (0.57 )      
    Return on average equity   5.27 %   14.69 % (9.42 )      
    Net interest margin   3.25 %   3.02 % 0.23        
    Efficiency ratio   89.31 %   78.85 % 10.46        
    Average equity to average assets   6.34 %   6.12 % 0.22        
                 
    Allowance for credit losses: Three
    months
    ending
    Mar 31,
    2025
    		 Three
    months
    ending
    Mar 31,
    2024
    		 Change
    		      
    Beginning balance $ 7,044   $ 7,412   -4.96 %      
    Retained earnings adjustment related to impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13   –     –   N/A      
    Provision for (recovery of) credit losses*   29     (501 ) -105.79 %      
    Charge-offs   (63 )   (65 ) -3.08 %      
    Recoveries   12     74   -83.78 %      
    Ending balance   7,022     6,920   1.47 %      
                 
    * does not include provision for or recovery of unfunded loan commitment liability
                 
                 
    Nonperforming assets: Mar 31,
    2025    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Change Mar 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2023    		 Change
    Total nonperforming loans $ 1,799   $ 1,640   9.70 % $ 558   $ 391   42.71 %
    Other real estate owned   –     –   N/A   –     –   N/A
    Total nonperforming assets   1,799     1,640   9.70 %   558     391   42.71 %
                 
    Asset quality ratios: Mar 31,
    2025    		 Dec 31,
    2024    		 Change Mar 31,
    2024    		 Dec 31,
    2023    		 Change
    Nonperforming loans to total loans   0.28 %   0.25 % 0.02     0.09 %   0.06 % 0.03  
    Allowance for credit losses for loans to total loans   1.08 %   1.09 % (0.01 )   1.14 %   1.22 % (0.08 )
    Allowance for credit losses for loans to nonperforming loans   390.33 %   429.51 % (39.18 )   1240.14 %   1895.65 % (655.51 )

    The MIL Network –