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Category: Switzerland

  • MIL-OSI: European Life Settlement Association Announces Date for the Secondary Life Markets Conference 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The European Life Settlement Association (ELSA), the leading European industry group promoting and supporting the life settlement industry, has today announced the date for the 2025 edition of the Secondary Life Markets Conference (SLM 25).

    The European Life Settlement Association (ELSA)

    After the success of hosting the event in Stockholm, Sweden in 2024, the leading European life settlement conference heads to the offices of EY in Zurich, Switzerland, on Monday, 15th September.

    As with previous editions of the conference, SLM 25 will provide cutting-edge insights into the prevailing challenges and opportunities that lay in front of the asset managers, investors and service providers in the life settlement industry via a series of panel discussions and presentations by industry leaders from both sides of the Atlantic.

    “We are delighted to be going to Zurich in September for the Secondary Life Markets Conference,” said Chris Wells, Executive Director at ELSA.

    “The positive feedback we received from taking the event to Stockholm last year, coupled with the significant presence our market has in Zurich and Switzerland more broadly, naturally led us to select Switzerland’s economic engine as the location for this year’s event. The ELSA executive looks forward to seeing both returning attendees, and new ones, in Zurich in September.”

    Alongside the announcement of the date and venue for SLM 25, ELSA is now taking suggestions for panel and presentation topics, and sponsorship opportunities are also available, so please contact Chris Wells at [email protected] for more information.

    The event website will be live before the end of April, when the super early bird ticket price will also be available. Bookmark https://secondarylifemarkets.com/ or visit https://elsa-sls.org/ to sign up to receive the ELSA newsletter, which includes conference updates, industry updates, and more.

    Secondary Life Markets Conference 2025

    About European Life Settlement Association

    Founded in 2009, the European Life Settlement Association (ELSA) is dedicated to promoting transparency through the collaborative development of industry standards and by providing accurate, authoritative information to investors, regulators and the media. ELSA represents both European-based asset managers and service providers in the life settlement market, and non-European firms that have European clients in the life settlement space.

    Press inquiries

    European Life Settlement Association
    https://elsa-sls.org/
    Christopher Wells
    admin@elsa-sls.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boost to British business in the USA as top UK legal firms travel stateside

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Boost to British business in the USA as top UK legal firms travel stateside

    Justice Minister Sarah Sackman has joined home-grown lawtech firms in Chicago this week to showcase how the UK legal sector is putting AI at the front and centre of its services.

    • UK delegation of Lawtech experts promote UK business on the world stage
    • Artificial intelligence, technology and innovation at the top of the agenda
    • Part of Plan for Change to support UK legal sector and drive economic growth

    In a boost for British business, a delegation of the best and the brightest legal minds have visited Illinois and New York as part of the Great Legal Services campaign, alongside the Department for Business and Trade.

    In both cities, the group met with hundreds of other law firms, businesses and investors from around the world at major lawtech conferences – helping them increase their international business and further boost the UK economy.

    Figures show trade in legal services between the US and UK was worth £2.2bn in 2022. Some of the companies in the delegation already turn over £20 million a year and have clients around the world, including in the USA, Singapore and Australia.

    Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC, said:

    We’re kickstarting our economy by harnessing the power of AI, technology and innovation in law. Backing British lawtech will boost businesses and attract international investment as part of our Plan for Change.

    In a fast-changing global market, UK law and lawtech are at the cutting edge. This trade mission and Government investment in lawtech will ensure the UK stays in pole position for law while growing the wider economy.

    These events support UK lawtechs – companies which make technology or software to provide legal services – to win business and grow their market presence in the United States.

    The trip also helped develop a pipeline of US lawtech firms to be set up or expanded in the UK, further cementing the UK’s position as a world leader in legal services and legal technology and supporting smaller regional firms to trade internationally.

    His Majesty’s Consul General, British Consulate-General, Richard Hyde said:

    Chicago is home to one of the largest and most dynamic legal sectors in the US.

    There are huge opportunities for the brightest and best UK legal tech companies.

    We were excited to welcome this ministerial led trade mission; it is opening doors for UK innovators and driving growth in the UK and in Illinois.

    This mission comes following a recent announcement that the Lawtech UK programme, a government-backed initiative to drive digital transformation in the domestic legal services industry, will be funded for another year to help further the UK’s leading position in the global legal services market.

    Overall, the UK’s legal sector generates £37 billion for the UK economy every year.  In recent months key agreements have been made with other nations to strengthen the sector – including agreements with Switzerland, Japan, and Greece – by allowing UK lawyers to practise abroad. 

    Notes to editors:

    • The GREAT Legal Services campaign was launched in 2017 to promote and support the strength of English and Welsh Law, the UK’s world-renowned independent judiciary, and our legal expertise to the global market, including legal technology. 

    • In the last financial year, the campaign generated more than 800 business connections for UK legal professionals and reached over 2.6 million online in key markets across the world.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Christian Zionism hasn’t always been a conservative evangelical creed – churches’ views of Israel have evolved over decades

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Shalom Goldman, Professor of Religion, Middlebury

    Participants in a ‘United for Israel’ march, led by The Pursuit NW Christian Church, stand on the University of Washington’s campus in May 2024. Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images

    During confirmation hearings, Mike Huckabee, President Donald Trump’s nominee as ambassador to Israel, told senators that he would “respect and represent the President,” not his own views. But the Baptist minister’s views on the Middle East – and their religious roots – came through.

    “The spiritual connections between your church, mine, many churches in America, Jewish congregations, to the state of Israel is because we ultimately are people of the book,” he said on March 25, 2025, in response to a question from a senator. “We believe the Bible, and therefore that connection is not geopolitical. It is also spiritual.”

    Huckabee is one of the GOP’s most prominent “Christian Zionists” – a phrase often associated with conservative evangelicals’ support for Israel.

    But Christian Zionism is much older than the 1980s alliance between the Republican Party and the religious right. American Christian attitudes toward the idea of a Jewish state have been evolving and changing dramatically since long before Israel’s creation.

    Theologians for Israel

    Zionism’s modern form emerged in the late 19th century. Its declared aim was to create a Jewish homeland in the region of Palestine, then under control of the Ottoman Empire. This was the land from which Jews were exiled in antiquity.

    The “founding father” of the modern movement was Theodore Herzl, an Austro-Hungarian Jewish intellectual and activist who convened the first Zionist Congress in Switzerland in 1897. While most of the 200 attendees were Jews from various parts of the world, there were also prominent Protestant Christian leaders in attendance: church leaders and philanthropists who supported “the restoration of the Jews to their land.” Herzl dubbed these allies “Christian Zionists.”

    Most delegates at the first Zionist Congress were Jewish, but the gathering also included Christians.
    Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Catholic leaders, however, were not among the supporters of a Jewish state. The prospect of a Jewish state in the Christian Holy Land challenged the church’s view of Judaism as a religion whose people were condemned to permanent exile as punishment for rejecting Christ.

    Eventually, in the wake of the Holocaust and the establishment of Israel, attitudes shifted. In 1965, reforms at the Vatican II council signaled a radical change for the better in Catholic-Jewish relations.

    But it would be three decades until that change was reflected in the Vatican’s diplomatic recognition of the Jewish state.

    In contrast, Protestants were more open to Jews’ aspiration to return. In 1917, the British foreign secretary published the Balfour Declaration, announcing government support for “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people.” With the British victory over the Ottoman Empire, the area soon fell under British control in the form of the League of Nations’ Mandate for Palestine.

    In the U.S., the idea elicited enthusiasm among conservative Christians who hoped that the Jews’ return to Israel would help hasten the end times, when they believed Christ would return. Within a few years, Congress endorsed the Balfour Declaration.

    Pastor W. Fuller Gooch summed up the evangelical reaction to the Balfour Declaration: “Palestine is for the Jews. The most striking ‘Sign of the Times’ is the proposal to give Palestine to the Jews once more. They have long desired the land, though as yet unrepentant of the terrible crime which led to their expulsion.” This “terrible crime” refers to Jews’ rejection of Jesus – one of multiple anti-Jewish tropes in the sermon.

    Pivotal moment

    Two decades later, prominent American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr declared himself a supporter of political Zionism. Unlike evangelicals, Niebuhr’s support for a Jewish state was based on pragmatic grounds: Considering the dangerous situation in 1930s Europe, he argued, Jews needed a state in order to be safe.

    A 1963 photo of Reinhold Niebuhr, one of the most influential theologians from the U.S.
    AP Photo

    In the early 1940s, Niebuhr wrote a series of articles titled “Jews After the War” for The Nation magazine. His biographer Richard W. Fox called these articles “an eloquent statement of the Zionist case: The Jews had rights not just as individuals, but as a people, and they deserved not just a homeland, but a homeland in Palestine.”

    Thus, in the 1930s and ‘40s, two different types of American Christian Zionism emerged. Some liberal Protestants, while giving qualified support to Zionism, expressed concern for the fate of the Palestinian Arabs. Conservative evangelicals, on the other hand, tended to be more hostile to Arab political aspirations.

    In 1947, on the eve of the United Nations’ vote on the partition of Palestine, Niebuhr and six other prominent American intellectuals wrote a long letter to The New York Times, arguing that a Jewish state in the Middle East would serve American interests. “Politically, we would like to see the lands of the Middle East practice democracy as we do here,” they wrote. “Thus far there is only one vanguard of progress and modernization in the Middle East, and that is Jewish Palestine.”

    In 1948, the U.S. government, at President Harry Truman’s direction, granted the newly declared state of Israel diplomatic recognition, over the objections of State Department officials.

    There were, of course, prominent Americans who objected to recognizing Israel, or to embracing it so strongly. Among them was journalist Dorothy Thompson, who had turned against the Zionist cause after a Jewish militant group bombed Jerusalem’s King David Hotel in 1946. These opponents made the case for supporting emerging Arab nationalism and Palestinian autonomy and asserted that recognizing Israel would deepen America’s entanglement in the unfolding Middle Eastern conflicts.

    But by the late 1950s and ‘60s, American criticism of Israel was increasingly muted. Liberal Christians, in particular, viewed it as a beleaguered democratic state and ally.

    Rightward shift

    Conservative Christian Zionists, meanwhile, continued to often view “love of Israel” through a biblical lens.

    In the late ’60s, the American journal Christianity Today published an article by editor Nelson Bell, father-in-law of famous evangelist Billy Graham. Jewish control of Jerusalem inspires “renewed faith in the accuracy and validity of the Bible,” Bell wrote.

    Rev. Jerry Falwell, on the right, listens as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a speech to a conservative Christian group in Washington in 1998.
    William Philpott/AFP via Getty Images

    Fifteen years later, televangelist Jerry Falwell told an interviewer that Jewish people have both a theological and historical “right to the land.” He added, “I am personally a Zionist, having gained that perspective from my belief in Old Testament scriptures.”

    These Christians, like some Jewish religious Zionists, saw “the hand of God” in Israel’s conquest of East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War of 1967. They considered any territorial compromise with Arab states and the Palestinians to be an act against God.

    During the 1980s, as the Republican Party forged alliances with the emerging religious right, Israel would become a core cause for the GOP. Some liberal Jews who supported Israel grew alarmed by these ties and by the rightward shift in Israeli policies toward the Palestinians.

    Yet this brand of Christian Zionism is clearly the forerunner to today’s – and holds sway in Washington. Today, 83% of Republicans view Israel favorably, compared with 33% of Democrats. Republicans in Congress are pushing to use the biblical terms “Judea and Samaria” instead of “the West Bank.” Evangelical Christian Zionists continue to call for support of the Israeli right and of settlers in the occupied territories.

    And in Huckabee, they see a potential ambassador who shares their views.

    In 2009, when Huckabee was considering a presidential campaign, he visited Israel and met with settler leaders. On hearing of Huckabee’s presidential aspirations, a rabbi said, “We hope that under Mike Huckabee’s presidency, he will be like Cyrus and push us to rebuild the Temple and bring the final redemption.” The rabbi was referring to the biblical story of Cyrus, King of Persia, and his proclamation that the exiled Jews be allowed to return to Zion.

    Seven decades after the state of Israel’s founding, evangelical Christian Zionism’s influence is greater than ever. This turn to the political right is very far from the mid-20th century Zionism of Truman, Niebuhr and the Democratic Party.

    Shalom Goldman 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. Christian Zionism hasn’t always been a conservative evangelical creed – churches’ views of Israel have evolved over decades – https://theconversation.com/christian-zionism-hasnt-always-been-a-conservative-evangelical-creed-churches-views-of-israel-have-evolved-over-decades-249314

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 – E-001232/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001232/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christophe Clergeau (S&D)

    Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 establishes common rules to protect the social security rights of people moving within the European Union, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It recognises that EU Member States decide aspects such as the beneficiaries of social security systems, the level of allowances and eligibility.

    • 1.Are there any plans for this regulation to be revised?
    • 2.Does the regulation still apply to cross-border workers in the Moselle department of France who worked in Germany and receive unemployment benefits in France?

    Submitted: 25.3.2025

    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Switzerland and EU initial agreement on programmes

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    On 2 April, the chief negotiators from Switzerland and the European Union initialled an agreement in Brussels on Switzerland’s participation in EU programmes. The agreement comes into force once the overall Switzerland-EU package has been ratified, but could already be applied provisionally after the signing, which is due to take place in November.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Council to harmonise export controls for dual-use goods: Amendment of the Goods Control Ordinance

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Council in English

    On 2 April 2025, the Federal Council adopted an amendment to the Goods Control Ordinance and introduced new export controls for dual-use goods in the field of new technologies. The move is Switzerland’s response to the blockade of multilateral export controls and aims to harmonise Swiss export controls with those of its main trading partners. The changes take effect on 1 May 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP Whales and Traders Are Racing to Join XploraDEX $XPL Presale – XploraDEX Could Be XRP’s 2025 Smartest DeFi Play

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, Switzerland, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The race is on, the crypto community turns its attention toward the XRP Ledger, one name is dominating the conversation: XploraDEX. With its native token $XPL Now on Presale, traders and investors are rushing to secure early allocations in what many are calling the smartest DeFi launch of 2025.

    Built as the first AI-powered decentralized exchange (DEX) on XRP Ledger, XploraDEX is revolutionizing how crypto traders interact with markets. By integrating machine learning, real-time analytics, and intelligent trade execution, the platform promises to deliver a level of automation and insight never before seen on the XRP Ledger.

    PARTICIPATE IN $XPL PRESALE

    Why XploraDEX Is Turning Heads

    XploraDEX isn’t just another DEX—it’s a complete AI-driven trading ecosystem. Here’s what makes it stand out:

    • AI-Powered Trading Tools – From auto-executing trades based on live market trends to predictive price modeling, XploraDEX brings Wall Street-grade automation to XRPL users.
    • Lightning Fast, Low-Fee Execution – Built natively on XRPL, trades settle in seconds with micro-cost transaction fees.
    • Smart Liquidity Routing – The platform’s AI routes trades for optimal execution, reducing slippage and maximizing profits.
    • DeFi for All Traders – Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned whale, XploraDEX is designed to level the playing field with accessible intelligence.

    The $XPL Token

    $XPL token powers the entire XploraDEX ecosystem. Here’s what holders get:

    • Access to exclusive AI tools and analytics
    • Trading fee discounts for $XPL holders
    • Staking rewards and liquidity incentives
    • Governance rights to vote on XploraDEX platform changes
    • Early access to partner projects and new feature rollouts

    $XPL Presale isn’t just another presale token, $XPL is built for long-term utility and real yield.

    BUY $XPL ON PRESALE

    $XPL Presale Momentum Is Exploding

    Since launching its presale, XploraDEX has seen a massive influx of new wallets, early whale participation, and buzz across XRP groups.. With each presale round increasing in price, early investors are locking in their allocation before the next hike.

    Presale rounds are filling fast, and with only a limited supply of $XPL available at the current tier, now is the time to move.

    BUY $XPL TOKEN: https://sale.xploradex.io

    The Verdict: Don’t Just Watch This One Happen

    XploraDEX is what the XRPL ecosystem has been waiting for: a high-utility, AI-enhanced trading platform that actually helps users trade smarter and grow their portfolios. With the $XPL presale live and momentum building by the hour, this could be the 100x DeFi opportunity of the year.

    Secure Your $XPL Presale Allocation Today: https://sale.xploradex.io

    Stay connected and Join the XploraDEX AI Revolution

    Website | $XPL Token Presale | X | Telegram

    Contact:
    Oliver Muller
    oliver@xploradex.io
    contact@xploradex.io

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XploraDEX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0b17d424-5254-4d42-9412-f13a3a54e957

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Threads of Progress

    Source: Government of India

    Threads of Progress

    How Make in India is Shaping the Future of Textiles and Apparel Industry

    Posted On: 01 APR 2025 7:46PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    The Make in India initiative, launched in 2014, has played a crucial role in positioning India as a global textile manufacturing and export hub. The textile and apparel industry is one of the largest contributors to India’s economy, providing employment to millions and generating substantial foreign exchange earnings. With strong policy support, infrastructure development, and a skilled workforce, India has emerged as a preferred investment destination in the global textile sector.

     

    Overview of India’s Textile Industry

    The textile and apparel industry contributes 2.3% to our GDP, 13% to industrial production, and 12% to exports. India exported textile items worth US$ 34.4 billion in 2023-24, with apparel constituting 42% of the export basket, followed by raw materials/semi-finished materials at 34% and finished non-apparel goods at 30%. It is also the second largest employment generators, after agriculture, with over 45 million people employed directly, including many women and the rural population. As further evidence of the inclusive nature of this industry, nearly 80% of its capacity is spread across Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) clusters in the country.

    The sector also has perfect alignment with the Government’s overall objectives of Make in India, Skill India, Women’s Empowerment, Rural Youth Employment and inclusive growth. The industry produces about 22,000 million pieces of garments per year, with the market size projected to reach US$ 350 billion by 2030, from the current $174 billion.

    Recently, the Ministry of Textiles reported a 7% increase in textile and apparel exports, including handicrafts, from April to December 2024, compared to the same period the previous year. In line with the growth roadmap, the Indian textile market currently ranks fifth globally, and the government is actively working to accelerate this growth to a rate of 15-20% over the next five years.

     

    Impact of ‘Make in India’ on the Textile Industry

    The Make in India initiative has catalyzed textile manufacturing and exports through key policy interventions, enhanced infrastructure, and incentives. In the Union Budget 2024-25, to promote domestic textile production, two more types of shuttle-less looms are added to fully exempted textile machinery by the government. The government has introduced multiple schemes to enhance textile production, boost investments, and promote exports, including:

    1. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles
    • Objective: To increase manufacturing in man-made fibre (MMF) and technical textiles.
    • Budget: ₹10,683 crore.
    • Incentives: Financial incentives for large-scale textile manufacturers.

     

    1. PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Parks
    • Objective: To develop world-class industrial infrastructure for textile manufacturing.
    • Focus: On developing integrated large scale and modern industrial infrastructure facility for total value-chain of the textile industry like spinning, weaving, processing, garmenting, textile manufacturing, processing & textile machinery industry.
    • Budget: ₹4,445 crore for a period 2021-22 to 2027-28.
    • Key Benefits: Reduced logistics costs, increased FDI, and better competitiveness in global markets.
    • Current Status: A total of 7 Parks established in states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana.

     

    1. Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS)
    • Objective: To incentivise credit flow for benchmark credit linked technology upgradation in this MSME driven Textile Industry for supporting capital investment.
    • Budget: ₹17,822 crore.
    • Incentives: Capital subsidies for technology upgradation.

     

    1. Samarth (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector)
    • Objective: To provide skill training to workers in the textile industry, in partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.
    • Budget Allocation: An amount of ₹115 crores was sanctioned during the FY 2023-24, out of which ₹114.99 crores (99.9%) were disbursed.
    • Current Status: As of March 27, 2025, more than 4.78 lakh users have been registered on the Samarth portal. As on March 19, 2025, a total of 3.82 lakh beneficiaries have been trained (passed) and 2.97 lakh beneficiaries (77.74%) have been placed.

     

    1. Textile Cluster Development Scheme (TCDS)
    • Objective: To create an integrated workspace and linkages-based ecosystem for existing as well as potential textile units/clusters to make them operationally and financially viable.
    • Benefits: Cluster development model of TCDS will bring benefits of critical mass for customization of interventions, economies of scale in operation, competitiveness in manufacturing, cost efficient, better access to technology and information, etc.
    • Budget: ₹853 crore.
    • Current Status: As of March 18, 2025, about 1.22 lakh employment opportunities have been generated under the scheme. During 2024-25, ₹34.48 crore have been released.

     

    1. National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)
    • Objective: To boost Technical Textiles in the country.
    • Target Years: 2020-21 to 2025-26
    • Budget: ₹1480 crore
    • Focus: The Mission focuses on (i) research, innovation and development, (ii) promotion and market development (iii) education and skilling and (iv) export promotion in technical textiles to position country as global leader in technical textiles.
    • Current Status: As on January 1, 2025, 168 projects of value ₹509 crores (approx.) have been approved in the category of Specialty fibres and Technical Textiles.

     

    Union Budget Allocations for Ministry of Textiles

    The Union Budget announced an outlay of ₹5272 crores for the Ministry of Textiles for 2025-26. This is an increase of 19% over budget estimates of 2024-25 (Rs. 4417.03 crore).

     

    Key Highlights

    • Cotton Mission: A five-year plan to improve cotton productivity, especially extra-long staple varieties, with science and technology support.
    • Tax Exemptions on Looms: Duty removed on select shuttle-less looms to reduce costs and modernize weaving.
    • Customs Duty on Knitted Fabrics: Increased from “10% or 20%” to “20% or ₹115 per kg, whichever is higher” to curb cheap imports.
    • Handicraft Exports: Time for export extended from six months to one year, with more items eligible for duty-free input imports.
    • MSME Boost: Focus on exports, credit enhancement, and policies like the National Manufacturing Mission, Export Promotion Mission, Bharat Trade Net, and Fund of Funds to promote employment and entrepreneurship.

     

    These measures aim to boost domestic manufacturing, support MSMEs, modernize the textile sector, and enhance India’s global competitiveness.

     

    Export Growth and Market Expansion

    India is the 6th largest exporter of Textiles & Apparel in the world. The share of textile and apparel (T&A) including handicrafts in India’s total exports stands at a significant 8.21% in 2023-24. India has a share of 3.91% of the global trade in textiles and apparel. Major textile and apparel export destinations for India are USA and EU and with around 47% share in total textile and apparel exports.  The textile and apparel sector has witnessed significant export growth due to government incentives and trade agreements.

    The government has taken several steps to enhance exports in textiles and apparels, including:

    • Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL): On 7th March 2019, Government approved Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) Scheme to rebate all embedded State and Central taxes/levies on export of Apparel/Garments and Made-ups to provide support and enhance competitiveness of these sectors.
    • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles: Under this scheme, as per the Quarterly Review Reports (QRRs) released on 31.03.2024, the turnover achieved was Rs. 1,355 crore including export of Rs.166 crore.
    • Free Trade Agreements: India has so far signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) including recently concluded agreement with United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia and TEPA (Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement) with EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway & Liechtenstein. India has 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with various trading partners. India is presently engaged in FTA negotiations with some of its trading partners notable among these FTAs are India-UK Free Trade Agreement, India- EU Free Trade Agreement, and India-Oman FTA.
    • Quality Control Orders: The Ministry has actively taken up notification of standards for textile products in co-ordination with Bureau of Indian Standards and Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are issued to regulate quality and curb sub-standard imports.
    • Textile Advisory Group on Man-Made Fibre (MMF): The Ministry has constituted a “Textile Advisory Group on Man-made Fibre (MMF)” comprising stakeholders of the country’s entire Man-Made Fibre (MMF) including viscose to deliberate and make recommendations on the issues and concerns of the sector.
    • Exports Promotion Councils (EPCs): There are eleven Exports Promotion Councils (EPCs) representing various segments of the textiles & apparel value chain from Fibre to finished goods as well as traditional sectors like handloom, handicrafts and carpets.  These Councils work in close cooperation with the Ministry of Textiles and other Ministries to promote the growth and export of their respective sectors in global markets. 

     

    FDI in Textile and Apparel Industry

     

     

    Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a role in the Indian textile and apparel sector. From January 2000 to March 2024, the textile sector received US$ 4,472.79 million (₹28,304.10 crore) in FDI equity. FDI in textile sector over the years can be traced in the graph below:

    BHARAT TEX 2024

    Bharat Tex 2024, a global textile expo was successfully organized during February 26 to February 29, 2024 by the consortium of 11 Textiles Export Promotion Councils with the support of Ministry of Textiles. Built on the twin pillars of trade and investment and with an overarching focus on sustainability, the 4-day event attracted besides policymakers and global CEOs, 3,500 Exhibitors, 3,000 Buyers from 111 Countries and over one lakh trade visitors. An exhibition spread across nearly 2 million sq ft of area and encompassing the entire textile value chain, including an artistically curated story of textiles- Vastra Katha were the highlights of the event. The event was hosted simultaneously at two state of the art venues in Delhi – Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi with both venues fully subscribed.

    This global scale conference with 70 sessions and 112 international speakers saw engaging discussions on key textile issues of the day including Textile Mega Trends, Sustainability, resilient global supply chains and Manufacturing 4.0.

     

    BHARAT TEX 2025

    Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest global textile event, was successfully organized from February 14 to 17, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event spanned 2.2 million square feet and featured over 5,000 exhibitors, providing a comprehensive showcase of India’s textile ecosystem. More than 1,20,000 trade visitors, from 120+ countries including global CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders, attended the event.

    Bharat Tex 2025 served as a platform to accelerate the government’s “Farm to Fibre, Fabric, Fashion, and Foreign Markets” vision. India’s textile exports have already reached ₹3 lakh crore, and the goal is to triple this to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030 by strengthening domestic manufacturing and expanding global reach. The event demonstrated India’s leadership in the textile sector and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.

     

    Innovation in Textile Sector

    As far as innovation in textiles sector is concerned, Ministry of Textiles has conducted an Innovation Challenges in collaboration with Startup India & DPIIT. In this challenge, 9 winners were recognised and awarded, while incubation opportunities were presented to 6 awardees under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). Apart from this, 3 separate innovations challenges were conducted by nature fibre boards on their respective problem statements i.e. 

    • NJB Technological Innovation Grand Challenge in which 3 winners were recognised and awarded out of 125 applicants.
    • CSB Start-up Grand Challenge in which 4 winners were recognised and awarded out of             58 applicants.
    • CWDB Wool Innovation Challenge in which 3 winners were recognised and awarded out of     24 applicants.
    • 17 of the total above-mentioned winners are directly engaging in activities such as textile waste recycling, biobased fibres or sustainable garment production. 

     

    Cotton Industry in India

    Cotton is a vital commercial crop in India, contributing about 24% to global cotton production and sustaining the livelihoods of millions of farmers and workers. It plays a crucial role in India’s foreign exchange earnings through exports of raw cotton, intermediate products, and finished goods. India holds the largest cotton acreage in the world.

    • Acreage and Yield: India has the largest cotton acreage globally; ranks 36th in productivity.
    • Production and Consumption: India is the 2nd largest producer and consumer of cotton in the world.
    • Cotton Species: India grows all four species of cotton: G. Arboreum, G. Herbaceum (Asian cotton), G. Barbadense (Egyptian cotton) and G. Hirsutum (American Upland cotton).
    • Major Growing Zones: Cotton is primarily grown in the Northern, Central, and Southern zones of India.

     

    Production and Consumption of Cotton (in lakh bales)

    Cotton Year

    Production

    Consumption

    2021-22

    311.17

    322.41

    2022-23

    336.60

    313.63

    2023-24 (P)

    325.22

    323.00

     

    Import and Export of Cotton (in lakh bales)

    Cotton Season

    Import (in lakh bales)

    Export (in lakh bales)

    2021-22

    21.13

    42.25

    2022-23

    14.60

    15.89

    2023-24*

    6.73

    26.24

    * Position up to 30.06.2024

     

    Government Schemes and Initiatives:

    • Minimum Support Price (MSP) Operations to ensure remunerative prices to cotton farmers.
    • “Cott-Ally” mobile app for cotton farmers.
    • Aadhar-based farmer registration for MSP benefits.
    • E-auction for transparent sale of cotton stock.
    • QR code using Block Chain Technology for traceability of cotton.
    • Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme for branding Indian Cotton.

     

    Silk Industry in India

    Silk is an insect fibre known for its lustre, drape, and strength. It is called the “Queen of Textiles” worldwide. India has a long history with silk and is the second largest producer and the largest consumer of silk in the world. India is unique in producing all four commercial varieties of silk: Mulberry, Tropical & Oak Tasar, Muga, and Eri. The Indian sericulture industry is important because it provides a lot of employment, requires low capital, and gives good income to silk growers. India produced 38,913 MT of silk, making it the second largest producer globally, after China.

     

    Years

    Mulberry

    Tasar

    Eri

    Muga

    Total

    2004-05

    14,620

    322

    1,448

    110

    16,500

    2014-15

    21,390

    2,434

    4,726

    158

    28,708

    2020-21

    23,896

    2,689

    6,946

    239

    33,770

    2021-22

    25,818

    1,466

    7,364

    255

    34,903

    2022-23

    27,654

    1,318

    7,349

    261

    36,582

    2023-24

    29,892

    1,586

    7,183

    252

    38,913

    2024-25 (April-September)

    14,233

    106

    3,924

    92

    18,355

    Source: Central Silk Board, Bengaluru

     

    The Indian government supports the silk industry through various initiatives and schemes:

    • The Central Silk Board (CSB) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles that was established in 1948 to develop the silk industry.
    • The Ministry of Textiles is implementing the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) under the Silk Samagra Scheme.
    • In 2023-24, the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, allocated ₹25 crore for the implementation of the SCSP for sericulture. The entire funds allocated under SCSP were fully utilized/released for implementation of beneficiary-oriented components.
    • The government is also working on research and development in the silk sector to improve productivity and quality. This includes promoting soil testing, organic farming, and the use of silkworm by-products. They are also upgrading reeling technology and promoting indigenous automatic reeling machines to boost the Make in India program.
    • The industry also focuses on product design development and diversification to promote Indian silks and help manufacturers and exporters create innovative designs and fabrics.

     

    Jute Industry in India

    The jute industry is a major player in India’s economy, particularly in the eastern regions like West Bengal. It’s a vital source of employment, providing livelihoods for workers in organized mills and diversified units, and supporting numerous farm families. The Indian government actively supports the jute sector through various initiatives aimed at improving productivity, ensuring fair prices for farmers, and promoting the use of jute products.

    • The jute industry provides direct employment to 4 lakh workers in organized mills and diversified units, including the tertiary sector and allied activities.
    • It supports the livelihood of 40 lakh farm families.
    • As per the Office of Jute Commissioner, there are 116 composite jute mills.
    • West Bengal has the highest number of jute mills (86).
    • Government of India provides support to the jute growers through MSP operations by the Jute Corporation of India and also through direct purchase of jute sacking.
    • Average land area under raw jute & mesta cultivation is 799 thousand hectares (average of last four years).
    • Average production of raw jute & mesta is 10,990 thousand bales (average of last four years).
    • Average export of jute goods is 133 thousand MT per annum with a value of Rs. 21,150 million per annum (average of last four years).
    • Jute – ICARE has been launched for improving fibre quality and productivity, reducing the cost of jute production, and increasing the income of jute farmers.
    • The schemes for the promotion of the jute sector are primarily implemented by the National Jute Board.

     

    Conclusion

    The Make in India initiative has significantly enhanced India’s position in global textile manufacturing and exports through targeted policies, infrastructure development, and investment promotion. With sustained efforts, India is poised to become a global textile leader, driving economic growth and employment generation.

     

    References

    https://www.texmin.nic.in/textile-data

    https://jutecomm.gov.in/FAQ.html

    https://www.investindia.gov.in/sector/textiles-apparel

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2089306

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2098352

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2099411

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2114277

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2104423

    https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/doc/echapter.pdf

    https://www.texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/Indian%20Jute%20At%20a%20Glance.pdf

    https://www.texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/Note%20on%20Cotton%20Sector_0.pdf

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU4118_0othg1.pdf?source=pqals

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AS245_n0CCI6.pdf?source=pqals

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU2877_YZdL4e.pdf?source=pqals

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU2873_sOQ5IE.pdf?source=pqals

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AS110_T8V4VD.pdf?source=pqals

    https://www.texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/FDI%20inflow%20at%20a%20glance.pdf

    https://www.texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/Table-2%20Raw%20Silk%20Production%20Statistics.pdf

    https://texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/MOT%20Annual%20Report%20English%20%2807.11.2024%29.pdf

    https://www.texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/FDI%20inflow%20%28Finacial%20year%20wise%29.pdf

    https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-sets-new-record-with-7-rise-in-textile-exports-government-implements-multiple-schemes-to-boost-sector/

    Threads of Progress

    ***

    Make in India (T&A) | Explainer | 05

    Santosh Kumar | Sheetal Angral | Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2117470) Visitor Counter : 183

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Earthquake in Myanmar: FDFA releases CHF 2.5 million and steps up its support

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    The number of dead and injured continues to rise following the earthquake in Myanmar. The disaster has worsened an already precarious humanitarian situation, exacerbated by an armed conflict that has lasted several years. To meet these new needs, Switzerland is releasing CHF 2.5 million and is making specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) available to UN agencies.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Working meeting between Ignazio Cassis and Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with his Austrian counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger in Bern on Tuesday. This is the first visit to Switzerland by Austria’s new minister for European and international affairs. Discussions focused on bilateral relations, European policy and security, and current international affairs.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Leading Houses given mandates for Swiss bilateral cooperation in education, research and innovation for 2025–2028

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    The Confederation will continue to support bilateral cooperation programmes between Swiss education, research and innovation (ERI) stakeholders and non-European partners for the 2025–2028 funding period. At the end of March, State Secretary Martina Hirayama signed service level agreements with five higher education institutions, designating them as the implementing Leading Houses for these programmes.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Antimicrobial resistance: Sensors for superbugs

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause life-threatening infections that are almost impossible to treat with existing medication. As a result, common illnesses such as urinary tract infections or skin wounds are becoming a health risk. Empa researchers are therefore working on sensors that quickly identify resistant germs and recommend efficient treatment.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: BEN, Swiss Life Launch AI Partnership for Global Insurance Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brand Engagement Network Inc. (BEN) (Nasdaq: BNAI), an innovator in AI-driven customer engagement solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Swiss Life Global Solutions. This collaboration will integrate BEN’s innovative AI technology to help Swiss Life’s clients and network partners implement generative AI-based solutions that enhance customer value via digital health, mental health and financial wellbeing services.

    Swiss Life has taken thoughtful steps toward responsible AI adoption, grounded in its core values of trust, transparency, and long-term impact. In collaboration with BEN, the company published the white paper “Time to Chat About the Bot: Is the Insurance Sector Ready for the AI Transformation?“ on June 13, 2024, outlining how AI can enhance customer engagement, improve compliance, and combat fraud. This new partnership builds on that shared vision, delivering secure and scalable AI solutions designed to support insurance operations.

    Operating in over 85 countries, Swiss Life Global Solutions offers cross-border life insurance and employee benefits, backed by more than 250 billion Swiss francs (approximately $280 billion) in assets. Planned applications for the partnership include streamlining sales and enrollment, reducing call center volume, and enhancing member services with self-service tools for coverage details, policy updates, claims, and more.

    “Generative AI has the power to transform the insurance industry by streamlining operations and enhancing the customer experience,” said Michael Hansen, CEO of Swiss Life Network. “We’re excited to partner with BEN to help our clients modernize key processes like sales, enrollment, and member services—delivering efficient, cost-effective solutions that strengthen workforce value and improve the overall employee experience.”

    “We’re excited to work with Swiss Life to bring the power of generative AI to their global clients,” said Paul Chang, CEO of Brand Engagement Network. “BEN’s technology is built to offer tailored, transparent solutions with a strong focus on data security and privacy. In an industry where trust is essential, we provide tools that enhance customer engagement and operational performance while protecting sensitive information.”

    About Swiss Life Global Solutions
    Swiss Life Global Solutions, the cross-border competence center of the Swiss Life Group, provides multinational companies with compliant global insurance solutions in 85 countries. Through the Swiss Life Network, a partnership of over 80 local insurers, it offers flexible, tailored employee benefits, including life, risk, health, and pension coverage. Serving more than 450 companies and over a million insured employees, Swiss Life Global Solutions enables clients and their employees to live self-determined lives with confidence.
    For more information, visit www.swisslife-global.com.

    About Brand Engagement Network (BEN)
    Brand Engagement Network Inc. (NASDAQ: BNAI) innovates in AI-powered customer engagement by delivering safe, intelligent, and scalable solutions. Its proprietary Engagement Language Model (ELM™) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architecture enable highly personalized interactions supported by customers’ curated data in closed-loop environments. BEN develops AI-driven engagement solutions for the life sciences, automotive, and retail industries, featuring AI-powered avatars for outbound campaigns, inbound customer service, and real-time recommendations. With a global AI research and development team, BEN provides secure cloud-based and on-premises deployments, granting complete control of the technology stack and ensuring compliance with GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and SOC 2 Type 1 standards. The company holds 21 patents, with 28 pending, demonstrating its commitment to advancing AI-driven consumer engagement.
    For more information, visit www.beninc.ai.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this communication are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws. They are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect, among other things, BEN’s current expectations, assumptions, plans, strategies, and anticipated results. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance.

    There are a number of risks, uncertainties and conditions that may cause BEN’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the risk factors described in Part I, Item 1A of Risk Factors in BEN’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the other risk factors identified from time to time in the BEN’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Filings with the SEC are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

    Many of these circumstances are beyond BEN’s ability to control or predict. These forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions on BEN’s part. These forward-looking statements may include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “could,” “would,” or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on BEN’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements that appear throughout this communication. Furthermore, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which are based on the information currently available to the Company and speak only as of the date they are made. BEN disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements.

    Media Contact 
    Amy Rouyer
    P: 503-367-7596
    E: amy@beninc.ai

    Investor Relations
    Susan Xu
    P: 778-323-0959
    E: sxu@allianceadvisors.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 17/2025・Trifork Group: Reporting of transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 17 / 2025
    Schindellegi, Switzerland – 1 April 2025


    Reporting of transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities

    Pursuant to the Market Abuse Regulation Article 19, Trifork Group AG (Swiss company registration number CHE-474.101.854) (“Trifork”) hereby notifies receipt of information of the following transactions made by persons discharging managerial responsibilities in Trifork in connection with automatic vesting of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) granted under the terms of a long-term incentive program (the “LTIP“) in accordance with Trifork’s Remuneration Policy.

    1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
    a) Name Jørn Larsen
    2. Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status CEO
    b) Initial notification/
    Amendment    		 Initial notification
    3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a) Name Trifork Group AG
    b) LEI 8945004BYZKXPESTBL36
    4.1 Details of the transaction(s)
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument

    Identification code

    		 Shares

    ISIN CH1111227810
    b) Nature of the transaction Automatic vesting of 5,412 RSUs granted under the terms of the LTIP. The 5,412 shares were previously held by Trifork as treasury shares.
    c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s)
    DKK 0 5,412
    d) Aggregated information
    —
    Aggregated volume —
    Price    		 N/A
    e) Date of the transaction 1 April 2025
    f) Place of the transaction Outside a trading venue
    1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated
    a) Name Kristian Wulf-Andersen
    2. Reason for the notification
    a) Position/status CFO
    b) Initial notification/
    Amendment    		 Initial notification
    3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor
    a) Name Trifork Group AG
    b) LEI 8945004BYZKXPESTBL36
    4.1 Details of the transaction(s)
    a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument

    Identification code

    		 Shares

    ISIN CH1111227810
    b) Nature of the transaction Automatic vesting of 3,605 RSUs granted under the terms of the LTIP. The 3,605 shares were previously held by Trifork as treasury shares.
    c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s)
    DKK 0 3,605
    d) Aggregated information
    —
    Aggregated volume —
    Price    		 N/A
    e) Date of the transaction 1 April 2025
    f) Place of the transaction Outside a trading venue

    Investor and press contact
    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17

    About Trifork
    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CoinShares Publishes 2024 Annual Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     1 April 2025 | SAINT HELIER, Jersey | CoinShares International Limited (“CoinShares” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq Stockholm: CS; US OTCQX: CNSRF), the leading European investment company specialising in digital assets, today published its 2024 Annual Report. 

    The report includes the audited financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2024.

    The full report can be found here.

    2024 Financial Highlights

    Total revenue, gains and other income of £126.5 million (2023: £79.5 million), of which:

    • Asset Management fees of £87.2 million (2023: £43.0 million)
    • Capital Markets gains and other income of £57.0 million (2023: £32.8 million)
    • Principal Investment loss of £17.7 million (2023: gain of £3.7 million) 

    EBITDA of £109.5 million (2023: £50.9 million)

    Total comprehensive income for the year of £107.2 million (2023: £38.4 million)

    Net asset position of the Group as of 31 December 2024 of £314.0 million (December 2023: £239.2 million)

    About CoinShares
    CoinShares is a leading global investment company specialising in digital assets, that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment management, trading and securities to a wide array of clients that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals. Focusing on crypto since 2013, the firm is headquartered in Jersey, with offices in France, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US. CoinShares is regulated in Jersey by the Jersey Financial Services Commission, in France by the Autorité des marchés financiers, and in the US by the Securities and Exchange Commission, National Futures Association and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker CS and the OTCQX under the ticker CNSRF.

    For more information on CoinShares, please visit: https://coinshares.com
    Company | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com
    Investor Relations | +44 (0)1534 513 100 | enquiries@coinshares.com

    PRESS CONTACT

    CoinShares                                                              M Group Strategic Communications
    Benoit Pellevoizin                                                     Peter Padovano
    bpellevoizin@coinshares.com                                  press@coinshares.com
    +33 6 72 44 07 17

    This information is information that CoinShares International Limited is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014). The information in this press release has been published through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 07:00 BST on Tuesday, 1 April 2025.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: From Rongelap to Mejatto – how Rainbow Warrior helped move nuclear refugees

    The second of a two-part series on the historic Rongelap evacuation of 300 Marshall islanders from their irradiated atoll with the help of the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior crew and the return of Rainbow Warrior III 40 years later on a nuclear justice research mission. Journalist and author David Robie, who was on board, recalls the 1985 voyage.

    SPECIAL REPORT: By David Robie

    Mejatto, previously uninhabited and handed over to the people of Rongelap by their close relatives on nearby Ebadon Island, was a lot different to their own island. It was beautiful, but it was only three kilometres long and a kilometre wide, with a dry side and a dense tropical side.

    A sandspit joined it to another small, uninhabited island. Although lush, Mejatto was uncultivated and already it was apparent there could be a food problem.Out on the shallow reef, fish were plentiful.

    Shortly after the Rainbow Warrior arrived on 21 May 1985, several of the men were out wading knee-deep on the coral spearing fish for lunch.

    Islanders with their belongings on a bum bum approach the Rainbow Warrior. © David Robie/Eyes of Fire

    But even the shallowness of the reef caused a problem. It made it dangerous to bring the Warrior any closer than about three kilometres offshore — as two shipwrecks on the reef reminded us.

    The cargo of building materials and belongings had to be laboriously unloaded onto a bum bum (small boat), which had also travelled overnight with no navigational aids apart from a Marshallese “wave map’, and the Zodiacs. It took two days to unload the ship with a swell making things difficult at times.

    An 18-year-old islander fell into the sea between the bum bum and the Warrior, almost being crushed but escaping with a jammed foot.

    Fishing success on the reef
     The delayed return to Rongelap for the next load didn’t trouble Davey Edward. In fact, he was celebrating his first fishing success on the reef after almost three months of catching nothing. He finally landed not only a red snapper, but a dozen fish, including a half-metre shark!

    Edward was also a good cook and he rustled up dinner — shark montfort, snapper fillets, tuna steaks and salmon pie (made from cans of dumped American aid food salmon the islanders didn’t want).

    Returning to Rongelap, the Rainbow Warrior was confronted with a load which seemed double that taken on the first trip. Altogether, about 100 tonnes of building materials and other supplies were shipped to Mejatto. The crew packed as much as they could on deck and left for Mejatto, this time with 114 people on board. It was a rough voyage with almost everybody being seasick.

    The journalists were roped in to clean up the ship before returning to Rongelap on the third journey.

    ‘Our people see no light, only darkness’
     Researcher Dr Glenn Alcalay (now an adjunct professor of anthropology at William Paterson University), who spoke Marshallese, was a great help to me interviewing some of the islanders.

    “It’s a hard time for us now because we don’t have a lot of food here on Mejatto — like breadfruit, taro and pandanus,” said Rose Keju, who wasn’t actually at Rongelap during the fallout.

    “Our people feel extremely depressed. They see no light, only darkness. They’ve been crying a lot.

    “We’ve moved because of the poison and the health problems we face. If we have honest scientists to check Rongelap we’ll know whether we can ever return, or we’ll have to stay on Mejatto.”

    Kiosang Kios, 46, was 15 years old at the time of Castle Bravo when she was evacuated to “Kwaj”.

    “My hair fell out — about half the people’s hair fell out,” she said. “My feet ached and burned. I lost my appetite, had diarrhoea and vomited.”

    In 1957, she had her first baby and it was born without bones – “Like this paper, it was flimsy.” A so-called ‘jellyfish baby’, it lived half a day. After that, Kios had several more miscarriages and stillbirths. In 1959, she had a daughter who had problems with her legs and feet and thyroid trouble.

    Out on the reef with the bum bums, the islanders had a welcome addition — an unusual hardwood dugout canoe being used for fishing and transport. It travelled 13,000 kilometres on board the Rainbow Warrior and bore the Sandinista legend FSLN on its black-and-red hull. A gift from Bunny McDiarmid and Henk Haazen, it had been bought for $30 from a Nicaraguan fisherman while they were crewing on the Fri. (Bunny and Henk are on board Rainbow Warrior III for the research mission).

    “It has come from a small people struggling for their sovereignty against the United States and it has gone to another small people doing the same,” said Haazen.

    Animals left behind
     Before the 10-day evacuation ended, Haazen was given an outrigger canoe by the islanders. Winched on to the deck of the Warrior, it didn’t quite make a sail-in protest at Moruroa, as Haazen planned, but it has since become a familiar sight on Auckland Harbour.

    With the third load of 87 people shipped to Mejatto and one more to go, another problem emerged. What should be done about the scores of pigs and chickens on Rongelap? Pens could be built on the main deck to transport them to Mejatto but was there any fodder left for them?

    The islanders decided they weren’t going to run a risk, no matter how slight, of having contaminated animals with them. They were abandoned on Rongelap — along with three of the five outriggers.

    Building materials from the demolished homes on Rongelap dumped on the beach at arrival on Mejatto. Image: © David Robie/Eyes of Fire

    “When you get to New Zealand you’ll be asked have you been on a farm,” warned French journalist Phillipe Chatenay, who had gone there a few weeks before to prepare a Le Point article about the “Land of the Long White Cloud and Nuclear-Free Nuts”.

    “Yes, and you’ll be asked to remove your shoes. And if you don’t have shoes, you’ll be asked to remove your feet,” added first mate Martini Gotjé, who was usually barefooted.

    The last voyage on May 28 was the most fun. A smaller group of about 40 islanders was transported and there was plenty of time to get to know each other.

    Four young men questioned cook Nathalie Mestre: where did she live? Where was Switzerland? Out came an atlas. Then Mestre produced a scrapbook of Fernando Pereira’s photographs of the voyage. The questions were endless.

    They asked for a scrap of paper and a pen and wrote in English:

    “We, the people of Rongelap, love our homeland. But how can our people live in a place which is dangerous and poisonous. I mean, why didn’t those American people test Bravo in a state capital? Why? Rainbow Warrior, thank you for being so nice to us. Keep up your good work.”

    Each one wrote down their name: Balleain Anjain, Ralet Anitak, Kiash Tima and Issac Edmond. They handed the paper to Mestre and she added her name. Anitak grabbed it and wrote as well: “Nathalie Anitak”. They laughed.

    Greenpeace photographer Fernando Pereira and Rongelap islander Bonemej Namwe on board a bum bum boat in May 1985. Fernando was killed by French secret agents in the Rainbow Warrior bombing on 10 July 1985. Image: © David Robie/Eyes of Fire

    Fernando Pereira’s birthday
     Thursday, May 30, was Fernando Pereira’s 35th birthday. The evacuation was over and a one-day holiday was declared as we lay anchored off Mejato.

    Pereira was on the Pacific voyage almost by chance. Project coordinator Steve Sawyer had been seeking a wire machine for transmitting pictures of the campaign. He phoned Fiona Davies, then heading the Greenpeace photo office in Paris. But he wanted a machine and photographer separately.

    “No, no … I’ll get you a wire machine,” replied Davies. ‘But you’ll have to take my photographer with it.” Agreed. The deal would make a saving for the campaign budget.

    Sawyer wondered who this guy was, although Gotjé and some of the others knew him. Pereira had fled Portugal about 15 years before while he was serving as a pilot in the armed forces at a time when the country was fighting to retain colonies in Angola and Mozambique. He settled in The Netherlands, the only country which would grant him citizenship.

    After first working as a photographer for Anefo press agency, he became concerned with environmental and social issues. Eventually he joined the Amsterdam communist daily De Waarheid and was assigned to cover the activities of Greenpeace. Later he joined Greenpeace.

    Although he adopted Dutch ways, his charming Latin temperament and looks betrayed his Portuguese origins. He liked tight Italian-style clothes and fast sports cars. Pereira was always wide-eyed, happy and smiling.

    In Hawai`i, he and Sawyer hiked up to the crater at the top of Diamond Head one day. Sawyer took a snapshot of Pereira laughing — a photo later used on the front page of the New Zealand Times after his death with the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by French secret agents.

    While most of the crew were taking things quietly and the “press gang” caught up on stories, Sawyer led a mini-expedition in a Zodiac to one of the shipwrecks, the Palauan Trader. With him were Davey Edward, Henk Haazen, Paul Brown and Bunny McDiarmid.

    Clambering on board the hulk, Sawyer grabbed hold of a rust-caked railing which collapsed. He plunged 10 metres into a hold. While he lay in pain with a dislocated shoulder and severely lacerated abdomen, his crewmates smashed a hole through the side of the ship. They dragged him through pounding surf into the Zodiac and headed back to the Warrior, three kilometres away.

    “Doc” Andy Biedermann, assisted by “nurse” Chatenay, who had received basic medical training during national service in France, treated Sawyer. He took almost two weeks to recover.

    But the accident failed to completely dampen celebrations for Pereira, who was presented with a hand-painted t-shirt labelled “Rainbow Warrior Removals Inc”.

    Pereira’s birthday was the first of three which strangely coincided with events casting a tragic shadow over the Rainbow Warrior’s last voyage.

    Dr David Robie is an environmental and political journalist and author, and editor of Asia Pacific Report. He travelled on board the Rainbow Warrior for almost 11 weeks. This article is adapted from his 1986 book, Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage of the Rainbow Warrior. A new edition is being published in July to mark the 40th anniversary of the bombing. 

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ballet changed Misty Copeland’s life. How it could shape a new generation of leaders

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    How can we recognize potential and unlock it? Misty Copeland was the first Black woman to be promoted to principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. But as a child she almost quit after her first class – until an early teacher convinced her to return. Misty talks to Meet The Leader about the ways dance changed how she navigated life and how it taught her key skills such as resilience, empathy and curiosity. She shares how she uses her perspective and experience to found the Misty Copeland Foundation and develop a free afterschool program that reinvents how dance is taught to bridge diversity gaps while also teaching key leadership skills. She shares why these skills and approaches are vital to driving future change and what any leader can learn about elevating others. 

    This interview was recorded in January 2025 at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. To learn more:  Misty Copeland Foundation: https://www.mistycopelandfoundation.org/ Special Open Forum Screening: Flower: https://www.weforum.org/de/open-forum/event_sessions/special-open-forum-screening-flower/ Dancing Through Adversity: https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2025/sessions/dancing-through-adversity/ How can art drive equality for women? Two cultural trailblazers weigh in: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/how-can-art-drive-equality-for-women-misty-copeland-yana-peel/ About this episode:  Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/misty-copeland-ballet-leadership-skills Related Podcasts:  Radio Davos: Dance or die: the ballet dancer who faced down Al Qaeda to become the voice of stateless refugees: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/dance-or-die-the-ballet-dancer-who-faced-down-al-qaeda-to-become-the-voice-of-stateless-refugees/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F0NRSOE3oQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What Britons and Europeans really think about immigration – new analysis

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Claire Kumar, Senior Research Fellow, ODI Global

    Shutterstock

    When we hear about immigration from politicians and media across Europe, the story is almost always negative. In some countries, this is old news. The UK tabloid press has printed thousands of anti-migrant articles over the last two decades. Anti-immigrant rhetoric has been a feature of Danish politics since the early 1990s. In contrast, Viktor Orban’s extreme, racist and Islamophobic rhetoric – adopted largely from 2015 – marks Hungary out as a relative newcomer.

    Across Europe, refugees and other migrants are routinely represented as a problem or “crisis”. It would be natural to assume, then, that the public feels the same way – that attitudes to immigration are negative, possibly worsening. Politicians routinely imply this when they say they must introduce strict immigration rules in response to public concerns.

    Opinion polls regularly show that the European public disapprove of the government’s handling of immigration and may see levels as too high. But long-term European Social Survey (ESS) data – the latest of which came out at the end of 2024 – shows positive trends.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

    Sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, delivered every Friday.

    At ODI Europe, my colleagues and I have been studying public attitudes and political narratives around migration across Europe for five years. Our analysis has found that, compared to 20 years ago, more Europeans (in many, but not all countries) feel immigration makes their country a better place to live.

    Positive attitudes have particularly increased in Ireland, the UK, Norway, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland. Similar positive trends emerge when the public is asked about the economic and cultural impacts of immigration.

    The UK is among the countries with the least anti-immigration views in Europe. While in 2002-03 only 27% of the British public felt immigration had a positive impact on the economy, this has jumped to 66% in 2023-24. However, it is a drop from the 69% who felt immigration had a positive economic impact in the previous survey round (2020-22).

    The UK also topped the table in the last World Values Survey as a country that is highly accepting of immigration and particularly welcoming of the cultural diversity it brings.



    Read more:
    The UK now ranks as one of the most socially liberal countries in Europe – new research

    The Migration Observatory finds that a majority of the British public favours making immigration easier for workers coming into the NHS, care work and other jobs where there are shortages.

    Researchers from the think tank British Future have found that most of the public would prefer current levels of international student migration to stay the same or increase. International students currently make up 40% of net migration to the country.

    Why the differences?

    The disparity between what we hear about public attitudes and what the data actually shows merits some explanation.

    We know that people’s attitudes on migration are largely stable, based on deeply held values and mainly formed when young. People’s attitudes are relatively slow to change. Generational change is likely key to explaining the long-term positive trends in this area. On the other hand, the salience of immigration – whether the public see immigration as a top issue of concern – can fluctuate dramatically, driven by media attention and political narratives.

    This sounds incongruous given the rise of the far right in some European countries. However, we know that austerity policies, economic insecurity and economic decline are key factors driving the far-right vote.

    Researchers have also uncovered a “reverse backlash” effect. This is where greater success of populist radical right parties is actually accompanied by more citizens reporting positive attitudes on immigration, specifically because they want to distance themselves from radical right views.

    Negative trends

    What does stand out in the latest round of ESS data is that more negative trends are emerging across multiple countries simultaneously. This is most notable in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands and Poland, but also in Iceland and France.

    In Ireland, there is a substantial ten percentage point fall from the previous survey round (2020-22) in respondents reporting that immigration makes their country a better place to live. The UK sees a five percentage point fall (from 68% to 63%) on the same question – still a significant positive majority compared to only 17% who feel immigration makes the UK a worse place to live – but a notable shift nonetheless.

    This could be a temporary fluctuation, like the kind seen in Sweden and Germany, between 2018-19 and 2020-22. Both countries took in high numbers of refugees during Europe’s so-called “refugee crisis”, which may have led to an uptick of concern around the impact of immigration. However, these fluctuations can be minor and short-lived.

    Another possibility is that we are finally seeing public attitudes shift in line with the more hostile, anti-immigrant environment that has been nurtured by politicians and media. This could be the start of another generational shift – possibly a reflection of the fact that some far-right groups are proving to be particularly popular with younger voters.

    These dips may prove temporary – if not, we risk squandering the public good of a positive European public precisely at a time when Europe needs immigration the most.

    Claire Kumar via ODI Global – has received funding from IKEA Foundation for this research work.

    – ref. What Britons and Europeans really think about immigration – new analysis – https://theconversation.com/what-britons-and-europeans-really-think-about-immigration-new-analysis-252268

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ballerina Misty Copeland: Unlocking potential and a leader’s most ‘vital’ role

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    How can we recognize potential and unlock it?

    Misty Copeland was the first Black woman to be promoted to principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. But as a child she almost quit after her first class – until an early teacher convinced her to return. Misty talks to Meet The Leader about the ways dance changed how she navigated life and how it taught her key skills such as resilience, empathy and curiosity.

    She shares how she uses her perspective and experience to found the Misty Copeland Foundation and develop a free afterschool program that reinvents how dance is taught to bridge diversity gaps while also teaching key leadership skills. She shares why these skills and approaches are vital to driving future change and what any leader can learn about elevating others.

    This interview was recorded in January 2025 at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

    About this podcast:
    Misty Copeland Foundation: https://www.mistycopelandfoundation.org/
    Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/misty-copeland-ballet-leadership-skills

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/ 
    Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #WorldEconomicForum

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNwmJJMRt4o

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dame June Raine: How innovations are transforming regulation and speeding new treatments to healthcare

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Dame June Raine: How innovations are transforming regulation and speeding new treatments to healthcare

    As Dame June Raine gets ready to pass the baton on after nearly 40 years at the agency, the last five of which she has been CEO, she reflects on how new innovations are transforming regulation and how honoured she feels to have worked with such inspiring people through a period she has not just lived through but helped to shape.

    When I entered the world of regulation in the mid-1980s, approvals for new medicines or the trials investigating them were arduous and subjective, requiring the review of juggernauts of paper files with thousands of graphs and tables of data in each file – not to mention a retentive memory, a very big desk and many painstaking hours of review.

    Fast forward to today, and healthcare product regulation is being transformed by technology. Just as Lord Darzi called for a major tilt to technology in the heath service, so MHRA is working to take time out of the development and review process for transformative medicines and MedTech.

    For example, new AI tools can reduce the length of time taken to assess vital aspects of clinical trial applications from 3 hours to as few as 35 seconds, without compromising on safety. By rapidly pinpointing common errors in applications made by companies to the regulator, AI has sped up the overall assessment process and is helping to make it consistent and predictable.

    The intention of this is not to replace the expertise of our experienced and knowledgeable scientific assessors but rather to give them more time to focus on higher risk analyses and more finely balanced judgements. This will see clinical trials being set up more swiftly, saving companies valuable funds and giving patients quicker access to the potentially life-saving medicines being studied.

    Thanks to successful pilots, this AI technology is now coming on stream in regulation, with international approval of the work we are doing at MHRA. It shows how far regulation has come from the days of paper-based assessments, and how exciting regulation is today – and you don’t often hear the words ‘exciting’ and ‘regulation’ in the same sentence.

    We’re in a new era of medicine – one defined by technological advancements like AI and genomics; a focus on meeting the needs of the individual rather than the whole population. A continued challenge for the next decade will be to ensure that regulation doesn’t just keep pace with this innovation but enables it.

    That’s why last week saw the launch of our first Centres of Excellence of Regulatory Science and Innovation, two of which are driving forward AI and health technology and one active in improving safety through pharmacogenomics.

    As I get ready to pass the CEO baton on after nearly 40 years at the MHRA, the last five of which I have been Chief Executive, I have been reflecting on what has been accomplished during my time holding the reins. My leadership was one dominated by two main events that in many ways came to set the pace and direction of change.

    The first of these was EU Exit, which offered new freedom to form novel international partnerships with trusted healthcare agencies both at home and abroad. Our ACCESS consortium of the regulatory agencies of Australia, Canada, Singapore and Switzerland has created an attractive market for innovative industry of close on 160 million people.

    The second event was one that few saw coming. The COVID-19 pandemic brought devastation and hardship to many people’s lives. But in 10 months it ushered in the level of innovative change you would expect to see in 10 years. When we announced our world-first approval of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech, we didn’t cut any corners. We developed innovative approaches to delivering the same high scientific standards and worked hand in hand with NICE and the NHS.

    These two seismic events have come to define my leadership, and probably rightly so. But advances in AI and the strides we’ve made towards a more personalised regulatory approach are also vitally important and will set the trajectory for regulation in years to come.

    The next few years will be defining ones for medicines regulation. I have absolutely no doubt that the agency I am leaving behind will continue to step up to the job, never losing sight of paramount importance of patient safety. I feel truly honoured to have worked with inspiring people in a period we have not just lived through but helped to shape.

    I look forward to watching – this time from the sidelines with a much warmer cup of tea in hand.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeSat.Space Creates WISeSat España SA Subsidiary to Lead European Space Projects from Andalusia and Build a 100% “Made in Europe” Solution Aligned With the IRIS² Strategy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeSat.Space Creates WISeSat España SA Subsidiary to Lead European Space Projects from Andalusia and Build a 100% “Made in Europe” Solution Aligned With the IRIS² Strategy

    Madrid / Geneva / La Línea, Cadiz – March 31, 2025 – WISeSat.Space, a pioneer in secure satellite connectivity solutions and part of the WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces the creation of its new subsidiary WISeSat España, headquartered in La Línea de la Concepción (Cádiz, Andalusia). This strategic decision represents a decisive step toward the consolidation of a fully European industrial and technological ecosystem in the space and quantum domains, in line with the digital sovereignty priorities defined by the European Union.

    The choice of La Línea de la Concepción as the official headquarters of WISeSat España is no coincidence. This Andalusian city, located at a geostrategic point between Europe and Africa, is positioning itself as an emerging hub for technological innovation, thanks to its institutional will, international openness, and proximity to key logistical infrastructures.

    Establishing WISeSat in La Línea makes the company a founding pillar of the project LL4GIR.COM, an ambitious public-private initiative aimed at creating a Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in southern Europe. This center will promote high-impact projects in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, IoT, and space connectivity, transforming the region into a global benchmark for resilience, sustainability, and economic progress.

    A 100% “Made in Europe” solution

    The launch of WISeSat España aims to build a 100% European space value chain, combining technological sovereignty, security, sustainability, and autonomous access to space. The proposal is fully aligned with the principles of the IRIS² program (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), promoted by the European Commission to establish a satellite constellation ensuring secure connectivity across the continent.

    The WISeSat España roadmap includes:

    • Manufacturing secure nanosatellites in collaboration with the Spanish company FOSSA Systems, where WISeKey is an investor, specializing in IoT and low Earth orbit communications solutions.
    • Launching satellites in partnership with PLD Space, a leading Spanish company in reusable rockets. The first launch is scheduled for early 2026, marking a milestone for European autonomy in space access.
    • Developing post-quantum processors in cooperation with QuantixS (Murcia) and SEALSQ (France) to ensure ultra-secure communications in the era of quantum computing.
    • Already operational, the installation of a satellite antenna in La Línea’s City Hall building, enabling direct connection with WISeSat satellites currently in orbit and serving as a local operations hub.
    • Incorporating WISeTalkie radio communication technology, developed by WISeKey and its partner Global Radio System (GRS), which ensures highly secure radio communications using advanced encryption, authentication protocols, and resistance to interference or unauthorized access. This innovation strengthens the security architecture of the WISeSat ecosystem at both space and ground levels.

    A new paradigm of decentralized innovation

    The model proposed by WISeSat España breaks with traditional centralized structures. Its vision is to create a decentralized network of European technological nodes, collaborating under principles of transparency, interoperability, resilience, and sovereign control. The La Línea node will serve as the secure space gateway for European institutions, companies, and citizens.

    “At WISeSat, we firmly believe that Europe needs its own secure and resilient infrastructure to avoid dependence on external players in critical areas such as space or cybersecurity. With WISeSat España and our partnerships with FOSSA Systems, PLD Space, QuantixS, and SEALSQ, we demonstrate that a 100% European model is not only possible but necessary,” said Carlos Creus Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey.

    The January satellite, currently in orbit:
    https://wisesat.wisekey.com/?tags=WISeSat
    This launch builds on the previous success of WISeSat in collaboration with FOSSA Systems, which achieved the launch of 17 picosatellites to test the resilience and performance of its core technologies. These tests laid the foundation for the current generation of satellites, which, starting in June, will be equipped with more robust security protocols and post-quantum cryptographic infrastructure developed by SEALSQ.

    WISeSat also announced a new strategic partnership with Skyroot Aerospace in India. This collaboration will diversify launch operations by enabling satellites to be deployed on alternative orbital trajectories, optimizing constellation coverage and efficiency. The alliance also includes the possibility of manufacturing satellites on Indian soil, to local specifications, further strengthening WISeSat’s global production and launch capabilities.

    By the end of 2025, WISeSat satellites will be able to carry out transactions in SEALCOIN tokens with each other and with connected objects on Earth, forming a secure, autonomous mesh network for machine-to-machine (M2M) transactions. This innovation will create a financial and data exchange infrastructure in space, where connected machines will be digitally certified through a “Know Your Object” (KYO) protocol. The KYO process integrates Wecan technology and WISeKey’s WISeID platform, ensuring reliable identity and accountability throughout the ecosystem.

    Each WISeSat satellite is built with:

    • Post-quantum cryptographic chips from SEALSQ
    • WISeKey Root of Trust and digital identity infrastructure (WISeID)
    • Hedera’s Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) for decentralized, tamper-proof data integrity

    This technological foundation positions WISeSat as a global leader in secure satellite-based IoT infrastructure.

    Invitation to Collaborate

    WISeSat España invites governments, universities, R&D centers, investors, and technology companies to join this transformative vision. The goal is to build together a new paradigm of smart economic development by integrating emerging technologies, specialized training, high-quality employment, and international cooperation.

    About WISeSat.Space
    WISeSat.Space AG is pioneering a transformative approach to IoT connectivity and climate change monitoring through its innovative satellite constellation. By providing cost-effective, secure, and global IoT connectivity, WISeSat is enabling a wide range of applications that support environmental monitoring, disaster management, and sustainable practices. The integration of satellite data with advanced climate models holds great promise for enhancing our understanding of climate change and developing effective strategies to combat its impacts. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like WISeSat’s IoT satellite constellation are essential for creating a more resilient and sustainable future.

    About WISeKey

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com
    media@wisekey.com    		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The Republic of Korea joins NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO) Partnership

    Source: NATO

    On 1 March 2025, the Republic of Korea joined NATO’s Science & Technology Organization (STO) Science & Technology (S&T) Enhanced Partnership, a programme designed to promote joint research and development in advanced S&T fields. With this status, the Republic of Korea will participate in the NATO S&T Board, which provides strategic guidance on NATO’s collaborative scientific research, and engages in joint research and development projects in areas such as medicine, sensing, cyber security, propulsion and power systems.

    That same day, Switzerland and Ukraine also joined the STO S&T Enhanced Partnership. Australia and Japan were the first S&T Partner nations, in 2015 and 2020 respectively. 

    Dr Bryan Wells, NATO Chief Scientist, said: “The NATO S&T Organization has always had a strong tradition of building close relations with NATO Partners. Bringing the Republic of Korea, Switzerland and Ukraine together with Australia and Japan as S&T Enhanced Partners marks a step change in our engagement. I look forward to welcoming our new S&T Enhanced Partners to their first NATO S&T Board meeting in Brussels in early April.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: 16/2025・Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 16 / 2025
    Schindellegi, Switzerland – 31 March 2025

    Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

    On 28 Februay 2025, Trifork initiated a share buyback program in accordance with Regulation No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, (Safe Harbour regulation). The share buyback program runs from 4 March 2025 up to and including no later than 30 June 2025. The buyback program will not be active from 9 to 15 April 2025. For details, please see company announcement no. 7 of 28 February 2025.

    Under the share buyback program, Trifork will purchase shares for up to a total of DKK 14.92 million (approximately EUR 2 million).

    Prior to the launch of the share buyback, Trifork held 256,329 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.3% of the share capital.

    Under the program, the following transactions have been made:

    Date    Number of shares       Average purchase price (DKK)       Transaction value (DKK)
    Total beginning 29,388 84.04 2,469,874
    24 March 2025 1,900 93.98 178,562
    25 March 2025 1,900 92.99 176,681
    26 March 2025 2,000 92.20 184,400
    27 March 2025 2,200 90.24 198,528
    28 March 2025 2,480 88.11 218,513
    Accumulated 39,868 85.95 3,426,558

    Since the share buyback program was started on 4 March 2025, the total number of repurchased shares is 39,868 at a total amount of DKK 3,426,558. As of 25 March 2025, 1,352 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized for the Executive Management’s monthly fixed salary, representing a change from cash payment to payment partly in shares (refer to company announcement no. 1 of 21 January 2025).

    With the transactions stated above, Trifork holds a total of 294,845 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.5%. The total number of registered shares in Trifork is 19,744,899. Adjusted for treasury shares, the number of outstanding shares is 19,450,054.


    Investor and media contact
    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director & Head of Investor Relations
    frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17

    About Trifork
    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Aegon announces changes to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Hague, March 31, 2025 – Aegon today announces the nomination of David Herzog, Lori Fouché and Jay Ralph as new members of its Board of Directors at the company’s Annual General Meeting of shareholders (AGM) which will be held on June 12, 2025. 

    The Board intends to appoint David Herzog as Chair in the second half of 2025. Mr. Herzog will succeed William Connelly. To ensure a smooth transition, the Board will propose the reappointment of Mr. Connelly as a member for an additional year. Subsequently, Mr. Connelly will retire as Chair and member of the Board in the second half of 2025. 

    Mark Ellman, who joined Aegon’s Board in 2017 and whose second term will end in 2025, along with Jack McGarry, who joined the Board in 2021 and whose first term will end in 2025, will be nominated for reappointment at the AGM. Meanwhile, Dona Young, who joined Aegon’s Board in 2013 and whose third term concludes in 2025, will retire. 

    William Connelly commented: “We are delighted to propose David Herzog, Lori Fouché and Jay Ralph as new members of Aegon’s Board. We believe their expertise in insurance and asset management will strengthen the Board’s composition and support the company as we continue to execute our strategy and deliver value to our stakeholders. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dona Young for her many contributions to Aegon. With her commitment, valuable insights and pragmatic approach, Dona has played an important role in Aegon’s transformation.” 

    David Herzog brings over forty years of life insurance and financial services experience to the Board. Currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors at MetLife, and as Chairman of the Board at DXC Technology, David’s extensive career includes key roles such as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President at American International Group (AIG) from 2008 to 2016. Prior to this, Mr. Herzog was the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at American General Life, following its acquisition by AIG. He also held various executive positions at GenAmerica Corporation and Family Guardian Life, a Citicorp company, adding to his profound insight into the financial services industry.

    Lori Fouché brings over two decades of experience in the financial services industry and has extensive expertise in driving transformation and innovation. Most recently, Ms. Fouché served as Senior Executive Vice President and Advisor to the CEO of TIAA, a US-based provider of retirement and investment solutions, and as CEO of TIAA Financial Solutions. Prior to joining TIAA in 2018, she held several senior positions at Prudential Financial, including Group Head of Individual Solutions, President of Individual Annuities, and CEO of Group Insurance businesses. In addition to her executive roles, Ms. Fouché currently serves on the Board of The Kraft Heinz Company, a global food and beverage company, and Hippo Holdings, a property insurance provider and she is member of the Princeton University Board of Trustees.

    Jay Ralph has had a distinguished career in insurance and asset management including almost 20 years in leadership roles at Allianz SE, a global insurance and asset management company. Mr. Ralph was most recently a member of the Board of Management of Allianz SE and Chairman of both Allianz Asset Management and Allianz Life Insurance Company North America. He has also served on various boards of Allianz SE’s global subsidiaries across Europe and the Americas. Prior to this, he held several senior roles in the financial industry. Mr. Ralph currently sits on the Board of Swiss Re Group and the Siemens Pension Advisory Board. 

    The appointments are subject to shareholder approval and will be included in the agenda of the 2025 AGM, which will be published in May. Once elected by Aegon’s AGM, the appointments will be effective as of the end of that meeting. 

    Contacts

    About Aegon

    Aegon is an international financial services holding company. Aegon’s ambition is to build leading businesses that offer their customers investment, protection, and retirement solutions. Aegon’s portfolio of businesses includes fully owned businesses in the United States and United Kingdom, and a global asset manager. Aegon also creates value by combining its international expertise with strong local partners via insurance joint-ventures in Spain & Portugal, China, and Brazil, and via asset management partnerships in France and China. In addition, Aegon owns a Bermuda-based life insurer and generates value via a strategic shareholding in a market leading Dutch insurance and pensions company.

    Aegon’s purpose of helping people live their best lives runs through all its activities. As a leading global investor and employer, Aegon seeks to have a positive impact by addressing critical environmental and societal issues, with a focus on climate change and inclusion & diversity. Aegon is headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands, domiciled in Bermuda, and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the New York Stock Exchange. More information can be found at aegon.com.

    Forward-looking statements
    The statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following are words that identify such forward-looking statements: aim, believe, estimate, target, intend, may, expect, anticipate, predict, project, counting on, plan, continue, want, forecast, goal, should, would, could, is confident, will, and similar expressions as they relate to Aegon. These statements may contain information about financial prospects, economic conditions and trends and involve risks and uncertainties. In addition, any statements that refer to sustainability, environmental and social targets, commitments, goals, efforts and expectations and other events or circumstances that are partially dependent on future events are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Aegon undertakes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any duty, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which merely reflect company expectations at the time of writing. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from expectations conveyed in forward-looking statements due to changes caused by various risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the following:

    • Unexpected delays, difficulties, and expenses in executing against Aegon’s environmental, climate, diversity and inclusion or other “ESG” targets, goals and commitments, and changes in laws or regulations affecting us, such as changes in data privacy, environmental, health and safety laws;
    • Changes in general economic and/or governmental conditions, particularly in Bermuda, the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom;
    • Civil unrest, (geo-) political tensions, military action or other instability in a country or geographic region;
    • Changes in the performance of financial markets, including emerging markets, such as with regard to:         
      • The frequency and severity of defaults by issuers in Aegon’s fixed income investment portfolios;
      • The effects of corporate bankruptcies and/or accounting restatements on the financial markets and the resulting decline in the value of equity and debt securities Aegon holds;
      • The effects of declining creditworthiness of certain public sector securities and the resulting decline in the value of government exposure that Aegon holds;
      • The impact from volatility in credit, equity, and interest rates;
    • Changes in the performance of Aegon’s investment portfolio and decline in ratings of Aegon’s counterparties;
    • Lowering of one or more of Aegon’s debt ratings issued by recognized rating organizations and the adverse impact such action may have on Aegon’s ability to raise capital and on its liquidity and financial condition;
    • Lowering of one or more of insurer financial strength ratings of Aegon’s insurance subsidiaries and the adverse impact such action may have on the written premium, policy retention, profitability and liquidity of its insurance subsidiaries;
    • The effect of applicable Bermuda solvency requirements, the European Union’s Solvency II requirements, and applicable equivalent solvency requirements and other regulations in other jurisdictions affecting the capital Aegon is required to maintain;
    • Changes in the European Commissions’ or European regulator’s position on the equivalence of the supervisory regime for insurance and reinsurance undertakings in force in Bermuda;
    • Changes affecting interest rate levels and low or rapidly changing interest rate levels;
    • Changes affecting currency exchange rates, in particular the EUR/USD and EUR/GBP exchange rates;
    • Changes affecting inflation levels, particularly in the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom;
    • Changes in the availability of, and costs associated with, liquidity sources such as bank and capital markets funding, as well as conditions in the credit markets in general such as changes in borrower and counterparty creditworthiness;
    • Increasing levels of competition, particularly in the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and emerging markets;
    • Catastrophic events, either manmade or by nature, including by way of example acts of God, acts of terrorism, acts of war and pandemics, could result in material losses and significantly interrupt Aegon’s business;
    • The frequency and severity of insured loss events;
    • Changes affecting longevity, mortality, morbidity, persistence and other factors that may impact the profitability of Aegon’s insurance products and management of derivatives;
    • Aegon’s projected results are highly sensitive to complex mathematical models of financial markets, mortality, longevity, and other dynamic systems subject to shocks and unpredictable volatility. Should assumptions to these models later prove incorrect, or should errors in those models escape the controls in place to detect them, future performance will vary from projected results;
    • Reinsurers to whom Aegon has ceded significant underwriting risks may fail to meet their obligations;
    • Changes in customer behavior and public opinion in general related to, among other things, the type of products Aegon sells, including legal, regulatory or commercial necessity to meet changing customer expectations;
    • Customer responsiveness to both new products and distribution channels;
    • Third-party information used by us may prove to be inaccurate and change over time as methodologies and data availability and quality continue to evolve impacting our results and disclosures;
    • As Aegon’s operations support complex transactions and are highly dependent on the proper functioning of information technology, operational risks such as system disruptions or failures, security or data privacy breaches, cyberattacks, human error, failure to safeguard personally identifiable information, changes in operational practices or inadequate controls including with respect to third parties with which Aegon does business, may disrupt Aegon’s business, damage its reputation and adversely affect its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, and Aegon may be unable to adopt to and apply new technologies;
    • The impact of acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings, product withdrawals and other unusual items, including Aegon’s ability to complete, or obtain regulatory approval for, acquisitions and divestitures, integrate acquisitions, and realize anticipated results, and its ability to separate businesses as part of divestitures;
    • Aegon’s failure to achieve anticipated levels of earnings or operational efficiencies, as well as other management initiatives related to cost savings, Cash Capital at Holding, gross financial leverage and free cash flow;
    • Changes in the policies of central banks and/or governments;
    • Litigation or regulatory action that could require Aegon to pay significant damages or change the way Aegon does business;
    • Competitive, legal, regulatory, or tax changes that affect profitability, the distribution cost of or demand for Aegon’s products;
    • Consequences of an actual or potential break-up of the European Monetary Union in whole or in part, or further consequences of the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union and potential consequences if other European Union countries leave the European Union;
    • Changes in laws and regulations, or the interpretation thereof by regulators and courts, including as a result of comprehensive reform or shifts away from multilateral approaches to regulation of global or national operations, particularly regarding those laws and regulations related to ESG matters, those affecting Aegon’s operations’ ability to hire and retain key personnel, taxation of Aegon companies, the products Aegon sells, the attractiveness of certain products to its consumers and Aegon’s intellectual property;
    • Regulatory changes relating to the pensions, investment, insurance industries and enforcing adjustments in the jurisdictions in which Aegon operates;
    • Standard setting initiatives of supranational standard setting bodies such as the Financial Stability Board and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors or changes to such standards that may have an impact on regional (such as EU), national or US federal or state level financial regulation or the application thereof to Aegon, including the designation of Aegon by the Financial Stability Board as a Global Systemically Important Insurer (G-SII);
    • Changes in accounting regulations and policies or a change by Aegon in applying such regulations and policies, voluntarily or otherwise, which may affect Aegon’s reported results, shareholders’ equity or regulatory capital adequacy levels;
    • Changes in ESG standards and requirements, including assumptions, methodology and materiality, or a change by Aegon in applying such standards and requirements, voluntarily or otherwise, may affect Aegon’s ability to meet evolving standards and requirements, or Aegon’s ability to meet its sustainability and ESG-related goals, or related public expectations, which may also negatively affect Aegon’s reputation or the reputation of its board of directors or its management; and
    • Other risks and uncertainties identified in the Form 20-F and in other documents filed or to be filed by Aegon with the SEC.
    • Reliance on third-party information in certain of Aegon’s disclosures, which may change over time as methodologies and data availability and quality continue to evolve. These factors, as well as any inaccuracies in third-party information used by Aegon, including in estimates or assumptions, may cause results to differ materially and adversely from statements, estimates, and beliefs made by Aegon or third-parties. Moreover, Aegon’s disclosures based on any standards may change due to revisions in framework requirements, availability of information, changes in its business or applicable governmental policies, or other factors, some of which may be beyond Aegon’s control. Additionally, Aegon’s discussion of various ESG and other sustainability issues in this document or in other locations, including on our corporate website, may be informed by the interests of various stakeholders, as well as various ESG standards, frameworks, and regulations (including for the measurement and assessment of underlying data). As such, our disclosures on such issues, including climate-related disclosures, may include information that is not necessarily “material” under US securities laws for SEC reporting purposes, even if we use words such as “material” or “materiality” in relation to those statements. ESG expectations continue to evolve, often quickly, including for matters outside of our control; our disclosures are inherently dependent on the methodology (including any related assumptions or estimates) and data used, and there can be no guarantee that such disclosures will necessarily reflect or be consistent with the preferred practices or interpretations of particular stakeholders, either currently or in future.

    This document contains information that qualifies, or may qualify, as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014). Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting Aegon are described in its filings with the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the 2023 Integrated Annual Report. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, Aegon expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Aegon’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Humanitarian office in Kabul opens

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is once again represented in Afghanistan. A team of experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) has opened a Swiss humanitarian office in Kabul. This local presence will facilitate targeted support for the Afghan population in need. The humanitarian office is using the premises of the former Swiss cooperation office that was closed after the Taliban seized power in August 2021.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Geopolitical Risks and Trade Conflicts: How Resilient is the Swiss Economy? – KOF

    Source: KOF Economic Institute

    Since the new U.S. administration took office, geopolitical risks and international trade conflicts have significantly intensified. KOF has examined the risks and possible consequences for the Swiss economy. The findings show: trade conflicts can lead to declines in Swiss gross domestic product (GDP), ranging from fractions of a percent to over one percent per year on a sustained basis. In the case of severe and prolonged trade conflicts, the economy could fall into a recession.

    In their KOF Working Paper “Resilience of Small Open Economies to Geopolitical Shocks: The Case of Switzerland,” Hans Gersbach, Paul Maxence Maunoir, and Kieran James Walsh examine various scenarios concerning the risks to the Swiss economy arising from trade conflicts and its consequences. “The Swiss economy is both resilient and vulnerable,” summarizes Hans Gersbach, Co-Director of KOF Swiss Economic Institute, reflecting on the study’s findings.

    Although the Swiss economy is relatively resilient to the effects of geopolitical shocks, it is also quite vulnerable in the event of intense and prolonged trade conflicts. In such cases, permanent losses of around one percent of GDP per year are possible. In some scenarios, additional effects (so-called “second-layer” effects) can further amplify these losses. If severe trade conflicts were to arise between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, as well as between the U.S. and Europe, there would be a clear risk of recession for several countries, including Switzerland.

    Two-Stage Process for Analysis

    To examine the resilience of the Swiss economy, the authors employed a two-step approach. The impact of geopolitical disruptions on international trade in goods and services for Switzerland and other countries is analyzed using the new “KOF Trade Model”. This model is a modern quantitative general equilibrium model of global trade networks. It captures the effects of relative price and demand changes resulting from tariffs, how companies respond in their production of goods and services, and feedback effects on all market participants.

    However, a number of further effects—such as downward amplification, structural changes in investment activity, further nominal exchange rate fluctuations, or product-specific supply chain disruptions—are not included in the model. Depending on the scenario, these second-layer effects may have minor, significant, or major implications. They must therefore be considered for a comprehensive assessment.

    In (Almost) All Scenarios, the Economy Suffers Losses

    The Swiss economy is particularly vulnerable if the U.S. administration imposes tariffs on imports from all countries, including key sectors of the Swiss economy. These sectors would include the pharmaceutical industry, mechanical engineering, and precision instruments for instance. If this scenario were to occur, the Swiss economy would be the most affected of all countries on the European mainland. If the European Union (EU) responded to broad U.S. import tariffs with comprehensive countermeasures, also against Switzerland, significant losses could arise—potentially exceeding 1% of GDP.

    However, in both scenarios, the economies of the U.S. and major countries in the EU would suffer similarly or even more. Therefore, such comprehensive tariff wars are difficult for these countries to sustain in the long term and are not considered the most likely scenario. Should critical raw materials or computer chips become unavailable due to geopolitical tensions, or if there were a rapid policy-driven decoupling between a Western sphere (including Switzerland) and a sphere centered around China, major disruptions would be expected. Such a decoupling could even lead to a global economic crisis.

    Conclusion

    Our results provide a foundation for discussion on how the economic resilience of Switzerland can be strengthened and what role the state should play in this process. Key policy levers include free trade agreements to promote diversification and risk mitigation, conditions to ensure supply security, and the government’s contribution to a resilient innovation system.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Income, poverty and living conditions in 2023 – Poverty rate remained stable at around 8% in 2023

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Home Affairs

    In 2023, 8.1% of the population or some 708 000 people in Switzerland were affected by income poverty. 6.3% of the population had been in arrears with at least two types of payment in the last 12 months and 5.5% had to go without important goods, services and social activities for financial reasons. The overall standard of living in Switzerland, however, continues to be one of the highest in Europe. These are some of the findings from the 2023 Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurates National Green Tribunal’s National Conference on Environment – 2025, in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurates National Green Tribunal’s National Conference on Environment – 2025, in New Delhi

    Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav emphasizes India’s commitment to Climate Action and Sustainable Development

    Two-Day Event to deliberate on Critical Environmental Issues, Policy Gaps and Promote Sustainable Management

    Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 6:56PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a two-day National Conference on ‘Environment – 2025’ in New Delhi today. The inaugural session was graced by Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Justice Vikram Nath, Judge, Supreme Court of India, Shri R. Venkataramani, Attorney General for India, in the presence of Hon’ble Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of National Green Tribunal (NGT).

    The two-day conference is being organised by the National Green Tribunal at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This conference, aims at deliberating on critical environmental issues and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, witnessed the participation of prominent dignitaries, legal experts, environmentalists, and policymakers.

    Addressing the inaugural session, Hon’ble President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, emphasised the importance of balancing development with environmental protection, focussing on our responsibility to ensure progress while preventing destruction. She noted that
    it is our moral responsibility to provide a legacy of a clean environment to the coming generations. (Detailed Press Release: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116543)

    Addressing the august gathering, Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, quoted the mantra ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’, and emphasized that environmental protection is in Indian ethos. It extends to encompass flora, fauna, mountains, rivers, and all components of the environment, he stated.

    Shri Yadav stated that India reserves Her right to grow responsibly based on our national circumstances. As a show of our commitment to climate action, India has fulfilled its Paris Agreement commitments on green energy nine years ahead of the 2030 target. He further emphasized that the climate anxiety which has gripped the world cannot force India to give up its right to ensure food, water, energy, and a quality to its 140-crore people. India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is confidently striking a balance between challenges and opportunities.

    Hon’ble Justice Vikram Nath, Judge, Supreme Court of India emphasized that when we unite, we benefit a wide range of causes. Furthermore, he highlighted that the environment is not an external entity, but intrinsically connected to our health and culture.

    Shri R. Venkataramani, Attorney General for India emphasised that human behaviour should go beyond mere profit-making, aiming instead to ensure a better quality of life for future generations.

    In his welcome address, Hon’ble Justice Prakash Shrivastava, the Chairperson of NGT, highlighted that what makes this conference truly exceptional is its inclusivity, bringing together jurists, experts, faculty, and passionate students from various institutions, all united by a common vision of sustainability and environmental stewardship. He emphasized that our efforts to safeguard the environment are not only a responsibility but also a vital safeguard for our future.

    Following the inaugural session, two technical sessions took place. The first, on Air Quality Monitoring and Management, was chaired by Hon’ble Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Judge, Supreme Court of India. It was noted that true progress is not measured solely in economic terms, but by our ability to balance development with environmental sustainability and focused on the growing issue of air pollution. Experts including Dr. Randeep Guleria, Chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine, Medanta, Dr. Dilip Ganguly, IIT Delhi, Sh. Tanmay Kumar, Secretary, MoEF&CC, and Hon’ble Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, NGT, Chennai, deliberated on the causes, regulatory frameworks, and possible solutions to mitigate air pollution.

    The second technical session on Water Quality Management and River Rejuvenation was presided over by Hon’ble Justice Pratibha M. Singh, Judge, Delhi High Court. It discussed the issue of water pollution, highlighting Switzerland’s European Rhine River restoration model and the case of Namibia, while comparing the situation in India. She also provided practical solutions, including community collaboration, compliance and transparency mechanisms, and the adoption of scientific innovations and explored the pressing concerns of water pollution, over-extraction of groundwater, and conservation strategies. Panelists Dr. M.K. Goel, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Dr. Rajiv Kumar Mittal, DG (National Mission for Clean Ganga), and Hon’ble Justice B. Amit Sthalekar, NGT, Kolkata, discussed legislative measures, government initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission, and community-driven solutions for sustainable water management. The session was moderated by Prof. A.K. Gosain, Former Professor, IIT Delhi.

    The first day of the conference concluded with thought-provoking discussions, setting the stage for further deliberations tomorrow. The second day of the conference will feature third technical session on Forest Conservation and Biodiversity Protection and fourth technical session will include the reflections on the key takeaways from first three technical sessions.

    *****

    VM/GS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – KOF Economic Barometer increases in March

    Source: KOF Economic Institute

    The KOF Economic Barometer rises in March after a decline in the previous month. It continues to remain above its medium-term average since the beginning of the year. The outlook for the Swiss Economy remains robust.

    In March, the KOF Economic Barometer increases by 1.3 points to a level of 103.9 (after revised 102.6 in February). The production-side indicator bundles included in the Barometer reflect these positive developments. In particular, the indicator bundles for manufacturing, for other services, and for the construction industry indicate a more favourable outlook than before. The demand-side indicator bundles for private consumption also increase, while the indicator bundles for foreign demand remain unaltered.

    Within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction), the indicator bundles for the general business situation, for order backlogs, and for production activity show positive developments. The indicator bundles for stockpiling of intermediate goods, however, are under pressure. The majority of the other indicator bundles for the sub-aspects of business activity remain mostly unaltered this month.

    The sub-indicators of the manufacturing industry show mixed developments. While the sub-indicators for the wood, glass, stone and earth segment and the electrical industry are weakening, the outlook for the segments of paper and printing products, machinery and equipment manufacturing, and the chemical and pharmaceutical industry is brightening.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Committee Closes One Hundred and Forty-Third Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Human Rights Committee today closed its one hundred and forty-third session after adopting concluding observations on the reports of Albania, Burkina Faso, Mongolia, Montenegro and Zimbabwe.

    Changrok Soh, Committee Chairperson, said the Committee had come to the end of a productive session and commended the Commitete members for their commitment and professionalism.  The Committee had held constructive dialogues with Albania, Burkina Faso, Mongolia, Montenegro and Zimbabwe and the concluding observations would be posted on the Committee’s webpage later today. The review of Haiti was postponed upon the request of the State party due to the difficult human rights situation. The Committee expressed solidarity with the people of Haiti and looked forward to engaging with the State in the next session in July.

    During the session, the Committee adopted a list of issues on Chad and lists of issues prior to reporting on Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mauritius, New Zealand and Samoa, which would serve as important tools to guide dialogues with these States. 

    On individual communications, the Committee considered 19 drafts, including one draft prepared in accordance with the simplified format adopted by the Committee at its one hundred and fortieth session.  The drafts related to 66 communications: 38 were decided on the merits, five communications were declared inadmissible, and 23 communications were discontinued. Regarding the communications decided on the merits, the Committee found violations in 37 of them.

    The Committee also adopted its annual report reflecting its work undertaken during its one hundred and forty-first, one hundred and forty-second and one hundred and forty-third sessions. 

    At its next one hundred and forty-fourth session, the Committee would review the initial and periodic reports of Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam.  The Committee would also adopt the lists of issues prior to reporting on Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Denmark, Ghana, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Rwanda, Sweden and Switzerland.  It would evaluate the reports of Armenia and Germany under its follow-up procedure to concluding observations.

    In closing, Mr. Soh expressed appreciation to members of the bureau as well as the members of the Secretariat, the Petitions Section, United Nations entities, civil society and all those who made the session possible. 

    Before the meeting closed, several Committee Members took the floor, congratulating the five new Committee members and paying tribute to the Chair’s leadership throughout the session.  The Committee was going through challenging times, and it was vital that it continued to work as a united body promoting and protecting human rights around the world. 

    The Committee’s next session will be held from 23 June to 18 July 2025, during which it will review the reports of Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CCPR25.008E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –