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  • MIL-OSI: ClearScale Appoints Matt Stoyka as CEO, Names Jimmy Chui Chief Client Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClearScale, a leader in cloud modernization and an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Premier Tier Services Partner, today announced a leadership transition designed to accelerate growth and deepen client relationships. Matt Stoyka joins ClearScale as Chief Executive Officer, bringing deep experience driving transformative growth at technology services companies. Jimmy Chui, ClearScale’s current CEO, transitions into the newly created role of Chief Client Officer.

    As a two-time CEO, Matt was instrumental in forming, establishing and growing NewRocket, the leading pureplay ServiceNow partner. He also served as Founder and CEO at RelationEdge, a platinum Salesforce partner, before their acquisition by Rackspace, where he went on to lead global solutions and partnerships within an expanding technology ecosystem. Matt has a deep understanding of cloud services, system integrator (SI) ecosystems, and marketplaces, and he has a proven ability to lead companies through critical periods of growth. Stoyka’s leadership philosophy is all about putting clients first and building strong, trusted partnerships across the entire business. This approach has given him a stellar track record of building and leading innovative services organizations that consistently deliver sustainable growth.

    “ClearScale’s Board is thrilled to welcome Matt to the company,” said Daniel Gedney, Partner and Co-Founder of Cohere Capital, ClearScale’s private equity investor and partner. “His extensive experience and proven track record will further enhance and accelerate ClearScale’s momentum as a transformative force in modernization and strengthen our reputation as the go-to AWS Premier Tier Services Partner for clients seeking true business impact.”

    Gedney added: “Jimmy has been an exceptional leader for ClearScale, not only driving a strong client focus and product innovation, but also instrumental in establishing ClearScale’s unique strategic value. We are excited for him to take on the role of Chief Client Officer. In this pivotal position, he will continue to deepen his direct engagement with clients, empowering them to thrive in a rapidly changing environment by leveraging technology to create comprehensive, long-term, and measurable business value across all facets of their organization.”

    “ClearScale is a special company and leading the team has been an honor,” Chui said. “I’m very proud of what we have accomplished together. I can’t imagine a better and more capable leader than Matt to take the company forward.”

    Stoyka said: “ClearScale is dedicated to deploying innovative technology that accelerates business modernization and strategic value for companies leveraging AWS. I’m excited to build upon the team’s excellent work as a trusted advisor to clients during this era of digital transformation. Jimmy has created a foundation of immensely talented colleagues and vast potential, which will propel the company’s bright future. It’s a privilege to continue ClearScale’s proud legacy as a valued strategic advisor to clients and a trusted AWS Premier Tier Services Partner. I look forward to meeting with our clients and many partners in the coming weeks to define our path for accelerated growth!”

    About ClearScale:

    ClearScale, an all-in AWS Premier Tier Services Partner, delivers award-winning experience and expertise across AWS industries and competencies, empowering business leaders to create clear business value at speed and scale. Our core service areas include AWS Migration & Modernization, Cloud-Native Application Development, Infrastructure & DevOps Modernization, Data Modernization & Analytics, Application Modernization, Artificial Intelligence & MLOps, and Generative AI.

    About Cohere Capital

    Cohere Capital is a Boston-based private equity firm focused exclusively on lower middle market growth companies. Cohere Capital has a flexible mandate across growth markets, but primarily targets recapitalizations and growth investments in rapidly growing technology-enabled services companies. For more information, visit www.coherecapital.com.

    Contact:
    Kevin Wolf
    kevin@tgprllc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ClearScale Appoints Matt Stoyka as CEO, Names Jimmy Chui Chief Client Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClearScale, a leader in cloud modernization and an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Premier Tier Services Partner, today announced a leadership transition designed to accelerate growth and deepen client relationships. Matt Stoyka joins ClearScale as Chief Executive Officer, bringing deep experience driving transformative growth at technology services companies. Jimmy Chui, ClearScale’s current CEO, transitions into the newly created role of Chief Client Officer.

    As a two-time CEO, Matt was instrumental in forming, establishing and growing NewRocket, the leading pureplay ServiceNow partner. He also served as Founder and CEO at RelationEdge, a platinum Salesforce partner, before their acquisition by Rackspace, where he went on to lead global solutions and partnerships within an expanding technology ecosystem. Matt has a deep understanding of cloud services, system integrator (SI) ecosystems, and marketplaces, and he has a proven ability to lead companies through critical periods of growth. Stoyka’s leadership philosophy is all about putting clients first and building strong, trusted partnerships across the entire business. This approach has given him a stellar track record of building and leading innovative services organizations that consistently deliver sustainable growth.

    “ClearScale’s Board is thrilled to welcome Matt to the company,” said Daniel Gedney, Partner and Co-Founder of Cohere Capital, ClearScale’s private equity investor and partner. “His extensive experience and proven track record will further enhance and accelerate ClearScale’s momentum as a transformative force in modernization and strengthen our reputation as the go-to AWS Premier Tier Services Partner for clients seeking true business impact.”

    Gedney added: “Jimmy has been an exceptional leader for ClearScale, not only driving a strong client focus and product innovation, but also instrumental in establishing ClearScale’s unique strategic value. We are excited for him to take on the role of Chief Client Officer. In this pivotal position, he will continue to deepen his direct engagement with clients, empowering them to thrive in a rapidly changing environment by leveraging technology to create comprehensive, long-term, and measurable business value across all facets of their organization.”

    “ClearScale is a special company and leading the team has been an honor,” Chui said. “I’m very proud of what we have accomplished together. I can’t imagine a better and more capable leader than Matt to take the company forward.”

    Stoyka said: “ClearScale is dedicated to deploying innovative technology that accelerates business modernization and strategic value for companies leveraging AWS. I’m excited to build upon the team’s excellent work as a trusted advisor to clients during this era of digital transformation. Jimmy has created a foundation of immensely talented colleagues and vast potential, which will propel the company’s bright future. It’s a privilege to continue ClearScale’s proud legacy as a valued strategic advisor to clients and a trusted AWS Premier Tier Services Partner. I look forward to meeting with our clients and many partners in the coming weeks to define our path for accelerated growth!”

    About ClearScale:

    ClearScale, an all-in AWS Premier Tier Services Partner, delivers award-winning experience and expertise across AWS industries and competencies, empowering business leaders to create clear business value at speed and scale. Our core service areas include AWS Migration & Modernization, Cloud-Native Application Development, Infrastructure & DevOps Modernization, Data Modernization & Analytics, Application Modernization, Artificial Intelligence & MLOps, and Generative AI.

    About Cohere Capital

    Cohere Capital is a Boston-based private equity firm focused exclusively on lower middle market growth companies. Cohere Capital has a flexible mandate across growth markets, but primarily targets recapitalizations and growth investments in rapidly growing technology-enabled services companies. For more information, visit www.coherecapital.com.

    Contact:
    Kevin Wolf
    kevin@tgprllc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Brightpick Launches Autopicker 2.0, the First Multi-Purpose Warehouse Robot to Match Human-Level Performance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ERLANGER, Ky., June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brightpick, a leader in AI-powered robotic solutions for warehouses, has unveiled Autopicker 2.0, the most advanced version of its flagship multi-purpose AI robot. Featuring the company’s next-generation Intuition software, now including Physical AI and picking-in-motion, and a completely redesigned hardware platform, Autopicker 2.0 delivers on average 70-80 picks per hour, matching the productivity of a typical warehouse associate – while offering greater reliability and 24/7 operation.

    The new Autopicker is the result of five years of integrated hardware and software development, enhanced by Brightpick’s latest advancements in robotic AI technology. Compared to the first-generation model, the new Autopicker boosts throughput by 50% per robot – thanks to 40% faster picking and 20% increase in travel speed.

    “Autopicker 2.0 is the first robot to deliver both human-level speed and versatility in real production environments,” said Jan Zizka, co-founder and CEO of Brightpick. “Its unique form factor gives it additional advantages, including higher vertical reach, faster navigation, and longer battery life. Through our RaaS model, customers can deploy it for as little as $1,900 per month – making advanced automation more accessible than ever.”

    Designed for human-like versatility

    Autopicker is a multi-purpose mobile manipulator that automates a wide range of warehouse workflows, seamlessly moving between tasks and workstations. While it doesn’t resemble a human, it performs like one. Each robot is equipped with “eyes” (3D vision and LiDAR), “legs” (a mobile base), “hands” (a robotic arm) with a “sense of touch” (advanced force and suction sensors), and a “brain” (Intuition with Physical AI) to perform complex tasks with human-like precision.

    In addition to AI-powered robotic order picking, Autopicker supports Goods-to-Person picking for heavy or bulky items; assisted pallet picking for fast-moving SKUs; order buffering and sortation; and stock replenishment. When paired with Brightpick’s new Giraffe robot, Autopicker can store and retrieve items from heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters).

    Hundreds of Brightpick robots are operating in warehouses worldwide, with every robot orchestrated by Brightpick Intuition, the company’s intelligent fleet orchestration software.

    Next-gen AI, software, and hardware

    At the heart of Autopicker 2.0 is Intuition, Brightpick’s award-winning AI software that empowers each robot to see, think, and act with human-like responsiveness and adaptability. Intuition continuously evaluates what’s happening across the warehouse and directs each robot to its next task. Embedded within Intuition is Physical AI, a suite of proprietary AI models that enable Autopicker to understand and adapt to its surroundings with human-like judgment. For every action – whether it’s picking, navigating, or interacting with other robots or the environment – Intuition dynamically selects the optimal AI model to maximize speed and throughput.

    Autopicker 2.0 also features a new breakthrough capability called Picking-in-Motion. Instead of remaining stationary while picking an item, Autopicker begins traveling toward its next destination immediately after retrieving a storage tote – completing the pick while on the move. It then drops off the first storage tote at an empty slot near the next pick location before collecting the next tote. This nearly continuous movement significantly reduces cycle time per pick – on average by 15-20 seconds.

    As an added benefit, Picking-in-Motion software is also backward-compatible with existing Autopicker 1.0 systems already in service.

    The latest Autopicker robot is built on an all-new hardware platform that is 40% more compact and 20% faster in travel and tote-loading speeds. Autopicker’s robotic arm is equipped with tactile sensors that detect pressure and weight, allowing it to handle items with human-like dexterity. In addition, its battery capacity is now doubled, allowing for up to 12 hours of continuous operation on a single charge.

    Available for hire via RaaS

    Brightpick offers Autopicker 2.0 through a flexible Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, minimizing upfront capital investment and enabling immediate cost savings and ROI for users. Pricing starts at US$1,900 per robot per month in the U.S. for a minimum three-year commitment, with additional discounts for longer-term agreements. Autopicker 2.0 is also available through a traditional CapEx purchase model.

    Several customers have already placed orders for Autopicker 2.0, with the first installations scheduled for Q3 2025.

    About Brightpick
    Brightpick is a leader in AI-powered robotic solutions for warehouses. The company’s multi-purpose AI robots enable warehouses of any size to fully automate order picking, buffering, consolidation, dispatch, and stock replenishment. The award-winning Brightpick solution takes just weeks to deploy and allows companies to keep their warehouse labor to a minimum. Headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, Brightpick has more than 250 employees and hundreds of AI robots deployed with customers across the U.S. and Europe. For more information, visit www.brightpick.ai.

    Media contact:
    Sinead Carthy
    Trevi Communications for Brightpick
    Email: brightpick@trevicomm.com
    Mobile: +1 914 217 9912

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d8d0dbc-63e5-455a-aaaa-b7873e5d5bfd

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eefedba4-8909-45f7-ab41-5e2fde8aaafc

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f3724a4-7494-4df5-8cce-50ad9c564723

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Brightpick Launches Autopicker 2.0, the First Multi-Purpose Warehouse Robot to Match Human-Level Performance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ERLANGER, Ky., June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brightpick, a leader in AI-powered robotic solutions for warehouses, has unveiled Autopicker 2.0, the most advanced version of its flagship multi-purpose AI robot. Featuring the company’s next-generation Intuition software, now including Physical AI and picking-in-motion, and a completely redesigned hardware platform, Autopicker 2.0 delivers on average 70-80 picks per hour, matching the productivity of a typical warehouse associate – while offering greater reliability and 24/7 operation.

    The new Autopicker is the result of five years of integrated hardware and software development, enhanced by Brightpick’s latest advancements in robotic AI technology. Compared to the first-generation model, the new Autopicker boosts throughput by 50% per robot – thanks to 40% faster picking and 20% increase in travel speed.

    “Autopicker 2.0 is the first robot to deliver both human-level speed and versatility in real production environments,” said Jan Zizka, co-founder and CEO of Brightpick. “Its unique form factor gives it additional advantages, including higher vertical reach, faster navigation, and longer battery life. Through our RaaS model, customers can deploy it for as little as $1,900 per month – making advanced automation more accessible than ever.”

    Designed for human-like versatility

    Autopicker is a multi-purpose mobile manipulator that automates a wide range of warehouse workflows, seamlessly moving between tasks and workstations. While it doesn’t resemble a human, it performs like one. Each robot is equipped with “eyes” (3D vision and LiDAR), “legs” (a mobile base), “hands” (a robotic arm) with a “sense of touch” (advanced force and suction sensors), and a “brain” (Intuition with Physical AI) to perform complex tasks with human-like precision.

    In addition to AI-powered robotic order picking, Autopicker supports Goods-to-Person picking for heavy or bulky items; assisted pallet picking for fast-moving SKUs; order buffering and sortation; and stock replenishment. When paired with Brightpick’s new Giraffe robot, Autopicker can store and retrieve items from heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters).

    Hundreds of Brightpick robots are operating in warehouses worldwide, with every robot orchestrated by Brightpick Intuition, the company’s intelligent fleet orchestration software.

    Next-gen AI, software, and hardware

    At the heart of Autopicker 2.0 is Intuition, Brightpick’s award-winning AI software that empowers each robot to see, think, and act with human-like responsiveness and adaptability. Intuition continuously evaluates what’s happening across the warehouse and directs each robot to its next task. Embedded within Intuition is Physical AI, a suite of proprietary AI models that enable Autopicker to understand and adapt to its surroundings with human-like judgment. For every action – whether it’s picking, navigating, or interacting with other robots or the environment – Intuition dynamically selects the optimal AI model to maximize speed and throughput.

    Autopicker 2.0 also features a new breakthrough capability called Picking-in-Motion. Instead of remaining stationary while picking an item, Autopicker begins traveling toward its next destination immediately after retrieving a storage tote – completing the pick while on the move. It then drops off the first storage tote at an empty slot near the next pick location before collecting the next tote. This nearly continuous movement significantly reduces cycle time per pick – on average by 15-20 seconds.

    As an added benefit, Picking-in-Motion software is also backward-compatible with existing Autopicker 1.0 systems already in service.

    The latest Autopicker robot is built on an all-new hardware platform that is 40% more compact and 20% faster in travel and tote-loading speeds. Autopicker’s robotic arm is equipped with tactile sensors that detect pressure and weight, allowing it to handle items with human-like dexterity. In addition, its battery capacity is now doubled, allowing for up to 12 hours of continuous operation on a single charge.

    Available for hire via RaaS

    Brightpick offers Autopicker 2.0 through a flexible Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, minimizing upfront capital investment and enabling immediate cost savings and ROI for users. Pricing starts at US$1,900 per robot per month in the U.S. for a minimum three-year commitment, with additional discounts for longer-term agreements. Autopicker 2.0 is also available through a traditional CapEx purchase model.

    Several customers have already placed orders for Autopicker 2.0, with the first installations scheduled for Q3 2025.

    About Brightpick
    Brightpick is a leader in AI-powered robotic solutions for warehouses. The company’s multi-purpose AI robots enable warehouses of any size to fully automate order picking, buffering, consolidation, dispatch, and stock replenishment. The award-winning Brightpick solution takes just weeks to deploy and allows companies to keep their warehouse labor to a minimum. Headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, Brightpick has more than 250 employees and hundreds of AI robots deployed with customers across the U.S. and Europe. For more information, visit www.brightpick.ai.

    Media contact:
    Sinead Carthy
    Trevi Communications for Brightpick
    Email: brightpick@trevicomm.com
    Mobile: +1 914 217 9912

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d8d0dbc-63e5-455a-aaaa-b7873e5d5bfd

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eefedba4-8909-45f7-ab41-5e2fde8aaafc

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f3724a4-7494-4df5-8cce-50ad9c564723

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SIOS Technology Announces Strategic Partnership with FCS InfoTech to Deliver High Availability and Disaster Recovery Solutions Across India and the GCC Region

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN MATEO, Calif., June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SIOS Technology Corp., a leading provider of application high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with FCS InfoTech, a rapidly growing IT solutions and services company based in India. The alliance is designed to empower enterprises across India and the GCC region, including Oman, with robust, cost-effective high availability and disaster recovery capabilities for critical applications.

    “Our partnership with FCS InfoTech expands our footprint in a region where resiliency and uptime are essential to digital success,” said Masahiro Arai, Chief Operating Officer, SIOS Technology. “FCS brings deep regional knowledge and a strong track record in enterprise IT services, making them a trusted partner to deliver SIOS HA and DR solutions to businesses with mission-critical needs.”

    With an extensive customer base and proven expertise in implementing enterprise IT solutions, FCS InfoTech will serve as a key channel and implementation partner for SIOS LifeKeeper and SIOS DataKeeper. These technologies provide seamless HA and DR protection for SAP, Oracle, SQL Server, and other critical workloads across cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.

    “In today’s digital era, organizations are placing increased emphasis on IT resilience and uninterrupted service,” said Mr Vishal Upasham, CTO, FCS InfoTech.

    The SIOS HA/DR software enables enterprises to:

    • Protect critical applications with proven clustering and replication technologies
    • Avoid unnecessary investments in costly SAN hardware or expensive application editions
    • Achieve SLAs for uptime and disaster recovery with minimal operational complexity
    • Benefit from local support and implementation from FCS’s certified experts

    Together, SIOS Technology and FCS InfoTech are uniquely positioned to serve the growing demand for IT resiliency in a wide range of industries including finance, manufacturing, government, and energy across India and the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

    About SIOS Technology Corp.
    SIOS Technology Corp. high availability and disaster recovery solutions ensure availability and eliminate data loss for critical Windows and Linux applications operating across physical, virtual, cloud, and hybrid cloud environments. SIOS clustering software is essential for any IT infrastructure with applications requiring a high degree of resiliency, ensuring uptime without sacrificing performance or data, protecting businesses from local failures and regional outages, planned and unplanned. Founded in 1999, SIOS Technology Corp. (https://us.sios.com) is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with offices worldwide.

    SIOS, SIOS Technology, SIOS DataKeeper, SIOS LifeKeeper, and associated logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of SIOS Technology Corp. and/or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    About FCS InfoTech

    FCS InfoTech is a leading IT infrastructure and services provider running for a decade with a strong presence in India and the GCC region by Mr. Amir Farooqui, CEO and Hammad Khan, CIO. Known for its strategic, innovative, and customer-driven approach, FCS InfoTech offers a broad portfolio of services across:

    • Digital Transformation
    • Cloud Computing & Migration
    • Cyber Resiliency & Security
    • Enterprise IT Managed Services

    FCS InfoTech partners with public sector organizations, SMEs, companies to drive operational excellence, modernize legacy systems, and align IT infrastructure with long-term business goals.

    Media Contact:

    Beth Winkowski
    Winkowski Public Relations, LLC for SIOS
    978-649-7189
    bethwinkowski@US.SIOS.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Following the Resumption of Federal Collection Activities in May, Nearly One in Three Federal Student Loan Borrowers Find Themselves at Risk for Default

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Less than two months since the U.S. Department of Education resumed collections activities among defaulted federal student loan borrowers, new research from TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) reveals that the number of consumers delinquent on student loans and at risk for entering default continues to climb. The analysis will be featured in a new TransUnion webinar titled Market Update: Student Loan Repayment Impacts on June 26th.

    The updated analysis found that as of April 2025, the latest month for which data are available, 31.0% of federal student loan borrowers with a payment due are 90 days or more past due (90+ DPD) as reported by their servicer.1 This represents a sharp increase over the February 2025 figure of 20.5% reported as part of a previous TransUnion analysis in early May. It also stands at nearly triple the 11.7% figure from February 2020, just prior to the start of the pandemic. In addition, borrowers who have been newly reported as delinquent on their student loans have seen significant drops in their credit scores as a result, by an average of 60 points (based on VantageScore® 4.0).

    The April 2025 rate of 90+ DPD delinquency represents the highest figure ever recorded. However, it does represent only a modest increase over March 2025’s 30.6% rate, which may indicate that more student loan borrowers are becoming aware of the importance of maintaining on-time payments.

    The Percentage of Federal Student Loan Borrowers Reported as 90+ Days Past Due (90+ DPD) Has Increased an Additional 50% since February 2025

      February 2020 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025
    Total 11.7% 20.5% 30.6% 31.0%

    Source: TransUnion U.S. Consumer Credit Database

    “We continue to see more and more federal student loan borrowers being reported as the 90+ days delinquent, making a larger number of consumers vulnerable to entering default and the start of collections activities,” said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of U.S. research and consulting at TransUnion. “That said, based on the relatively small increase between March 2025 and April 2025, it is possible that the figures are close to peaking. We will continue to analyze data in the weeks and months to come to see if that bears out.”

    Millions of Delinquent Borrowers May Be Mere Weeks From Defaulting

    The 31.0% delinquency figure in April 2025 is largely made up of borrowers who are not yet in default, with only 0.3% of borrowers already in that status. The total is made up of an estimated 5.8 million federal student loan borrowers who have been reported to TransUnion and other credit bureaus as 90+ days past due.

    Approximately 180 days following the loan’s first 90+ DPD delinquency reporting, at 270 days past due, the borrower enters default status, where the borrower is subject to collection actions by the U.S. Department of Education. Of the 5.8 million newly delinquent borrowers, it is estimated that nearly one-third, approximately 1.8 million, could reach default status in July 2025. An additional one million of the 5.8 million total are estimated to reach default status in August 2025, followed by two million more in September 2025.

    Raneri added that federal student loan borrowers who are at risk should contact their loan servicers as soon as possible to inquire about potential options that may exist to avoid defaulting. “Options may include income-driven repayment or other payment plans specific to their situation. There are also loan rehabilitation programs that may allow those who do default to get out of default status.”

    The analysis also found that more than one in five federal student loan borrowers currently reported as 90+ DPD were in prime or above credit risk tiers prior to going delinquent. Following delinquency, fewer than one in 50 were prime and above. In fact, nearly every borrower not already subprime who ultimately fell 90+ DPD on their federal student loans shifted down at least one risk tier, with many, particularly those who were previously in the lowest risk super prime range, falling two or more tiers.

    “This underscores the fact that student loan borrowers of any credit risk tier can find themselves falling behind in their payments and at risk for default, even during a time in which we’ve seen most consumers are managing their debt relatively well,” said Joshua Turnbull, senior vice president and head of consumer lending at TransUnion. “It’s important that lenders stay abreast of the true risk of the borrowers in their portfolio through the implementation of student loan-specific insights into regular portfolio reviews.”

    To gain additional insights into how student loans are impacting the wallets of their potential customers, lenders can leverage TruVision Premium Student Loan Attributes to see details about student loan types, balances, and payment histories to help identify impacted consumers. To learn more about the upcoming June 26th webinar, Market Update: Student Loan Repayment Impacts, click here.

    1 The source for data within this press release is the TransUnion U.S. Consumer Credit Database.

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

    Contact Dave Blumberg
      TransUnion
       
    E-mail david.blumberg@transunion.com
       
    Telephone 312-972-6646

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Agilitas Energy Expands into Hydropower with Acquisition of Two Projects in West Virginia and Maryland

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WAKEFIELD, Mass., June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Agilitas Energy, a leading developer and operator of renewable energy and energy storage systems, today announced the acquisition of two late-stage hydropower development projects from Advanced Hydro Solutions. Together, the 30-megawatt (MW) Tygart Hydropower Project in Grafton, West Virginia, and the 14 MW Jennings Randolph Hydropower Project in Garrett County, Maryland represent Agilitas Energy’s first-ever hydropower assets, the company’s first entry into both states and an expansion of its ability to provide stable, secure energy to U.S. power markets.

    The projects will provide power to PJM (Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland) Interconnection, a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) and Independent System Operator (ISO) that manages the electric transmission system for 13 states and the District of Columbia. Agilitas Energy expects both projects to be operational in late 2028 and that the combined 44 MW capacity will generate enough clean, reliable and predictable energy to power over 15,000 homes annually.

    Hydropower offers reliable baseload power, long asset lifespans of often more than 50 years and low operating costs, all qualities that make it a natural complement to Agilitas Energy’s growing renewable energy portfolio. This acquisition reflects the company’s commitment to diversifying its asset base and pursuing the most effective energy solutions, wherever and however they’re needed, to strengthen the grid and meet growing electricity demand.

    “Hydropower diversifies Agilitas Energy’s portfolio of renewable projects with a reliable, baseload power asset that complements our existing solar and storage projects,” said Barrett Bilotta, CEO of Agilitas Energy. “These projects offer grid-stabilizing capabilities and help hedge against market volatility while reinforcing our strategy of using the right technologies in the right places to deliver dependable, clean energy across a growing range of markets.”

    The Tygart and Jennings Randolph projects are set to stimulate local economies by creating jobs and investing in infrastructure. By providing affordable, renewable energy, these projects will promote community development and energy access in both rural and urban areas, while simultaneously addressing the growing demand for power across the nation.

    “Hydropower remains one of the most proven and powerful tools for delivering reliable, renewable energy across the U.S.,” said Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO of the National Hydropower Association. “Agilitas Energy’s investment in these two projects underscores the growing recognition that hydropower must play a central role in our energy future. Companies like Agilitas Energy are stepping up to modernize the grid and expand access to reliable power.”

    “We are very pleased to partner with Agilitas Energy”, said David Sinclair, President of Advanced Hydro Solutions. “Their focus on developing a balanced portfolio of high quality projects to completion is a superior strategy that fits so well for our company and these projects.”

    For more information about Agilitas Energy and its projects, please visit https://agilitasenergy.com/.

    About Agilitas Energy

    Agilitas Energy is a leading independent power producer (IPP) in renewables and energy storage with a mission to propagate clean energy on a national scale. As the largest integrated developer, builder, owner and operator of energy storage and solar PV systems in the northeastern U.S., Agilitas Energy specializes in distributed energy solutions, and is differentiated through its vertical integration managing the entire end-to-end lifecycle of its projects from greenfield development, through engineering, construction and operation. Its projects deliver predictable, cost-efficient, clean energy for off-takers, utilities and municipalities. The company has more than one gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy and energy storage projects in operation and in its pipeline comprised of 110 projects across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. To learn more, please visit: https://agilitasenergy.com/.

    About Advanced Hydro Solutions

    Advanced Hydro Solutions has, since 2003, developed a portfolio of attractive hydroelectric projects focused on non-powered lake dams in the mid-Atlantic region. Their first project was the 6MW Mahoning Creek Dam in operation since late 2013. AHS undertakes development in an environmentally acceptable and aesthetically pleasing manner that yield a superior return on investment. Please visit: www.advancedhydrosolutions.com

    Contact

    Alex Banat
    agilitasenergy@v2comms.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8df1f2e9-9f84-4df7-bb63-74cf9e699f97

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NextNRG Reports Preliminary May 2025 Revenue Growth of 148% Year-Over-Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AI-driven Energy Pioneer Delivers Best Month in Company History

    YTD Revenue Surpasses Total Revenue for All of 2024

    MIAMI, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextNRG, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy innovation transforming how energy is produced, managed, and delivered through its Next Utility Operating System®, smart microgrids, wireless EV charging, and mobile fuel delivery, today announced preliminary unaudited financial results for May 2025.

    May 2025 Highlights:

    • Revenue: $6.6 million, up 148% year-over-year
    • Year-to-date revenue through May reached approximately $28.89 million, surpassing full-year 2024 revenue of approximately $27 million

    “We’re proud to report another month of strong revenue growth,” said Michael D. Farkas, Executive Chairman and CEO of NextNRG. “This marks our fifth consecutive record month, driven by the expansion of our operations and rising demand from partners nationwide. It reflects our continued operational momentum and the scalability of our model as we enter new markets. Crossing our full-year 2024 revenue total before mid-year is a clear indication that our execution strategy is working.”

    NextNRG’s revenues continue to grow in scale, with strong adoption from commercial fleets and an expanding network of strategic partnerships. The company is also preparing to deploy its Next Utility Operating System®, AI-powered microgrid systems, and wireless EV charging products in key markets.

    Note on Preliminary Results
    The financial results for May 2025 are preliminary and unaudited. Final results may differ and will be confirmed upon the completion of standard month-end closing procedures.

    About NextNRG, Inc.
    NextNRG Inc. (NextNRG) is Powering What’s Next by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into renewable energy, next-generation energy infrastructure, battery storage, wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging and on-demand mobile fuel delivery to create an integrated ecosystem.

    At the core of NextNRG’s strategy is its Next Utility Operating System®, which leverages AI and ML to help make existing utilities’ energy management as efficient as possible, and the deployment of NextNRG smart microgrids, which utilize AI-driven energy management alongside solar power and battery storage to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs and improve grid resiliency. These microgrids are designed to serve commercial properties, healthcare campuses, universities, parking garages, rural and tribal lands, recreational facilities and government properties, expanding energy accessibility while supporting decarbonization initiatives.

    NextNRG continues to expand its growing fleet of fuel delivery trucks and national footprint, including the acquisition of Yoshi Mobility’s fuel division and Shell Oil’s trucks, further solidifying its position as a leader in the on-demand fueling industry. NextNRG is also integrating sustainable energy solutions into its mobile fueling operations. The company hopes to be an integral part of assisting its fleet customers in their transition to EV, providing fuel delivery while advancing efficient energy adoption. The transition process is expected to include the deployment of NextNRG’s innovative wireless EV charging solutions.

    To find out more, visit: www.nextnrg.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement describing NextNRG’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions, or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Words such as “expect,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to NextNRG’s business and macroeconomic and geopolitical events. These and other risks are described in NextNRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. NextNRG’s forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NextNRG’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by NextNRG. Except as required by law, NextNRG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact
    NextNRG, Inc.
    Sharon Cohen
    SCohen@nextnrg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NextNRG Reports Preliminary May 2025 Revenue Growth of 148% Year-Over-Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AI-driven Energy Pioneer Delivers Best Month in Company History

    YTD Revenue Surpasses Total Revenue for All of 2024

    MIAMI, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextNRG, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy innovation transforming how energy is produced, managed, and delivered through its Next Utility Operating System®, smart microgrids, wireless EV charging, and mobile fuel delivery, today announced preliminary unaudited financial results for May 2025.

    May 2025 Highlights:

    • Revenue: $6.6 million, up 148% year-over-year
    • Year-to-date revenue through May reached approximately $28.89 million, surpassing full-year 2024 revenue of approximately $27 million

    “We’re proud to report another month of strong revenue growth,” said Michael D. Farkas, Executive Chairman and CEO of NextNRG. “This marks our fifth consecutive record month, driven by the expansion of our operations and rising demand from partners nationwide. It reflects our continued operational momentum and the scalability of our model as we enter new markets. Crossing our full-year 2024 revenue total before mid-year is a clear indication that our execution strategy is working.”

    NextNRG’s revenues continue to grow in scale, with strong adoption from commercial fleets and an expanding network of strategic partnerships. The company is also preparing to deploy its Next Utility Operating System®, AI-powered microgrid systems, and wireless EV charging products in key markets.

    Note on Preliminary Results
    The financial results for May 2025 are preliminary and unaudited. Final results may differ and will be confirmed upon the completion of standard month-end closing procedures.

    About NextNRG, Inc.
    NextNRG Inc. (NextNRG) is Powering What’s Next by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into renewable energy, next-generation energy infrastructure, battery storage, wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging and on-demand mobile fuel delivery to create an integrated ecosystem.

    At the core of NextNRG’s strategy is its Next Utility Operating System®, which leverages AI and ML to help make existing utilities’ energy management as efficient as possible, and the deployment of NextNRG smart microgrids, which utilize AI-driven energy management alongside solar power and battery storage to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs and improve grid resiliency. These microgrids are designed to serve commercial properties, healthcare campuses, universities, parking garages, rural and tribal lands, recreational facilities and government properties, expanding energy accessibility while supporting decarbonization initiatives.

    NextNRG continues to expand its growing fleet of fuel delivery trucks and national footprint, including the acquisition of Yoshi Mobility’s fuel division and Shell Oil’s trucks, further solidifying its position as a leader in the on-demand fueling industry. NextNRG is also integrating sustainable energy solutions into its mobile fueling operations. The company hopes to be an integral part of assisting its fleet customers in their transition to EV, providing fuel delivery while advancing efficient energy adoption. The transition process is expected to include the deployment of NextNRG’s innovative wireless EV charging solutions.

    To find out more, visit: www.nextnrg.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement describing NextNRG’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions, or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Words such as “expect,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to NextNRG’s business and macroeconomic and geopolitical events. These and other risks are described in NextNRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. NextNRG’s forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NextNRG’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by NextNRG. Except as required by law, NextNRG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact
    NextNRG, Inc.
    Sharon Cohen
    SCohen@nextnrg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Report Reveals Candidates’ Perspectives on Using AI in the Hiring Process

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In today’s high-pressure hiring environment, where talent teams are expected to do more with less, Employ Inc. remains committed to delivering innovative, intelligent hiring solutions that meet the real-world needs of recruiters and talent acquisition leaders. Employ’s 2025 Job Seeker Nation Report reveals new data that underscores the growing complexity of the job search experience and what it means for hiring teams striving to keep up – especially as AI continues to reshape the hiring landscape. Based on responses from more than 1,500 job seekers, the report finds that 31 percent have used AI to support their job search in 2025, a seven-point increase from last year alone.

    This surge in AI usage is notably pronounced among desk-based professionals in industries like software, finance and government, where high application volumes and fierce competition are the norm. These job seekers are leveraging AI to streamline their own experiences from discovering relevant roles and crafting standout cover letters to analyzing their interview performance, raising the bar for employers, and amplifying the urgency for TA teams to adopt smarter, more adaptive tools.

    Job seekers are feeling the pressure from the competitive job market, and they’re responding by upskilling, especially in AI. Candidates are leaning in, not backing down, and that shift has real implications for talent acquisition teams. The report highlights that 66 percent of respondents reported feeling burned out from job searching, particularly in marketing, healthcare and food service roles. Most of these workers are investing in new skillsets, including AI literacy, to remain competitive.

    Meanwhile, TA teams are also leveraging AI, but not always in the ways candidates expect. While many job seekers are comfortable with AI being used to screen resumes, fewer use AI for resume creation themselves, revealing a gap in how each side engages with technology. This points to evolving comfort levels and expectations around technology’s role in hiring. Tools like Employ’s AI Interview Companion are helping recruiters streamline interviews, reduce bias, and create fairer experiences—benefits that resonate with candidates: 61 percent believe AI has the potential to make hiring more equitable.

    “As AI becomes more deeply embedded in both the candidate and recruiter experience, it’s essential that we use it to enhance—not replace—human connection,” said Stephanie Manzelli, Chief People Officer at Employ. “Candidates today are not just applying for jobs—they’re actively investing in their skills and seeking employers who do the same. That’s an opportunity for companies to differentiate through transparency, development, and trust.”

    Despite growing AI adoption on both sides of the hiring table, one truth remains: human connection matters most. The majority of job seekers (58 percent) still trust HR professionals more than algorithms when navigating the hiring process.

    Key Findings:

    • 1 in 3 job seekers used AI in their job search in 2025, up 7 points from 2024
    • Desk-based candidates in tech and finance are the highest AI adopters
    • 66 percent of job seekers report burnout, fueling interest in upskilling
    • 61 percent believe AI in hiring can reduce bias – but 58 percent still trust humans over machines

    To explore more candidate insights and actionable takeaways for recruiters, download the full 2025 Job Seeker Nation Report here.

    About Employ Inc.
    Employ delivers people-first intelligent hiring solutions that empower companies to overcome their greatest hiring challenges. From startups to Fortune 100 organizations, Employ meets companies where they are—offering tailored solutions that support everything from foundational hiring to advanced talent acquisition strategies. Employ is the only organization to offer companies choice in their hiring technology, providing three unique ATS platforms (JazzHR, Lever, and Jobvite) and AI Companions that work alongside you in your hiring journey. Our intelligent hiring suite is trusted by more than 23,000 customers, including e.l.f. Beauty, Pure Barre, Shutterfly, and Spotify. For more information, visit www.employinc.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CURRENC and Galaxy Payroll Group Partner to Develop AI-Powered HR Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) (“CURRENC” or the “Company”), a fintech pioneer empowering financial institutions worldwide with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, today announced that it has entered a strategic partnership with Galaxy Payroll Group Limited (Nasdaq: GLXG) (“Galaxy Group”) to jointly create innovative AI-powered human resources solutions for CURRENC’s “AI Staff for Hire” platform. Leveraging Galaxy Group’s deep industry expertise and CURRENC’s advanced AI technology, the parties will develop two new modules, AI HR Manager and AI Recruitment Manager, extending CURRENC’s reach to the HR sector.

    CURRENC’s “AI Staff for Hire” platform empowers businesses across the financial industry to automate core functions, reduce operational costs, and make data-driven decisions. Its AI HR Manager module will be customized to streamline internal HR operations, from employee onboarding and performance monitoring to data management and reporting. Meanwhile, the AI Recruitment Manager will optimize the recruitment process, delivering intelligent candidate screening and automated interview scheduling to enhance hiring efficiency. Like all “AI Staff for Hire” solutions, these new HR modules will integrate smoothly into businesses’ existing workflows, enabling rapid implementation and adoption.

    “Collaborating with human resources leader Galaxy Group marks another milestone in our mission to transform business operations across the financial industry with AI-powered solutions,” said Alex Kong, Founder and Executive Chairman of CURRENC. “This partnership highlights how our ‘AI Staff for Hire’ platform can be seamlessly adapted to help clients in diverse financial sectors scale efficiently, reduce costs, and deliver superior customer experiences, demonstrating CURRENC’s leadership in AI innovation. Looking ahead, the Company is poised to build on this success, exploring additional AI-driven opportunities to facilitate digitalization and drive sustainable growth across industries.” 

    About CURRENC Group Inc.
    CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) is a fintech pioneer dedicated to transforming global financial services through artificial intelligence (AI). The Company empowers financial institutions worldwide with comprehensive AI solutions, including SEAMLESS AI Call Centre and other AI-powered Agents designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency and boost customer satisfaction for banks, insurance, telecommunications companies, government agencies and other financial institutions. The Company’s digital remittance platform also enables e-wallets, remittance companies, and corporations to provide real-time, 24/7 global payment services, advancing financial access across underserved communities.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    Investor & Media Contact
    CURRENC Group Investor Relations
    Email: investors@currencgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CURRENC and Galaxy Payroll Group Partner to Develop AI-Powered HR Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) (“CURRENC” or the “Company”), a fintech pioneer empowering financial institutions worldwide with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, today announced that it has entered a strategic partnership with Galaxy Payroll Group Limited (Nasdaq: GLXG) (“Galaxy Group”) to jointly create innovative AI-powered human resources solutions for CURRENC’s “AI Staff for Hire” platform. Leveraging Galaxy Group’s deep industry expertise and CURRENC’s advanced AI technology, the parties will develop two new modules, AI HR Manager and AI Recruitment Manager, extending CURRENC’s reach to the HR sector.

    CURRENC’s “AI Staff for Hire” platform empowers businesses across the financial industry to automate core functions, reduce operational costs, and make data-driven decisions. Its AI HR Manager module will be customized to streamline internal HR operations, from employee onboarding and performance monitoring to data management and reporting. Meanwhile, the AI Recruitment Manager will optimize the recruitment process, delivering intelligent candidate screening and automated interview scheduling to enhance hiring efficiency. Like all “AI Staff for Hire” solutions, these new HR modules will integrate smoothly into businesses’ existing workflows, enabling rapid implementation and adoption.

    “Collaborating with human resources leader Galaxy Group marks another milestone in our mission to transform business operations across the financial industry with AI-powered solutions,” said Alex Kong, Founder and Executive Chairman of CURRENC. “This partnership highlights how our ‘AI Staff for Hire’ platform can be seamlessly adapted to help clients in diverse financial sectors scale efficiently, reduce costs, and deliver superior customer experiences, demonstrating CURRENC’s leadership in AI innovation. Looking ahead, the Company is poised to build on this success, exploring additional AI-driven opportunities to facilitate digitalization and drive sustainable growth across industries.” 

    About CURRENC Group Inc.
    CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) is a fintech pioneer dedicated to transforming global financial services through artificial intelligence (AI). The Company empowers financial institutions worldwide with comprehensive AI solutions, including SEAMLESS AI Call Centre and other AI-powered Agents designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency and boost customer satisfaction for banks, insurance, telecommunications companies, government agencies and other financial institutions. The Company’s digital remittance platform also enables e-wallets, remittance companies, and corporations to provide real-time, 24/7 global payment services, advancing financial access across underserved communities.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    Investor & Media Contact
    CURRENC Group Investor Relations
    Email: investors@currencgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: “Girl Education Today for Women Empowerment Tomorrow”: Emphasizes Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej on International Women’s Day 2025

    Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa who are also their Ambassadors, Ministries of Health, Education, Communication & Gender, mark ‘International Women’s Day 2025’, through their impactful development programs, continuing their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls. 

    Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African Women for Six Consecutive Years (2019 – 2024) expressed, “Happy International Women’s Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world!  

    Empowering girls and women is at the core of all our initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation. I recognize the immense potential of women to thrive, succeed and excel in any domain they choose, yet they often lack the conducive environment to fully realize their capabilities, especially in underserved communities.  

    Therefore, together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, we mark International Women’s Day every day since the last 13 years through our development programs and initiatives such as ‘More Than a Mother’, ‘Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement’, ‘Educating Linda’, and ‘STEM Program’.” 

    “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education and change of mindset.  

    “I am thrilled to share that out of the 2,282 scholarships awarded across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, 1063 scholarships, that is nearly 50% have been granted to female medical graduates, empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders. 

    I am especially proud that we have awarded over 716 scholarships to young doctors, dedicated to advancing women’s health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity.” 

    Merck Foundation CEO strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment.  

    “I am happy to share that through our “Educating Linda” Program, together with my dear sisters, our Ambassadors, we are supporting the education by providing over 950 scholarships for high performance and underprivileged African schoolgirls, empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential and also providing essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls in many African countries such as Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Verde and more. 

    Moreover, we have benefitted thousands of girls through our awareness campaign through many initiates like the release of inspiring songs, children’s storybooks, animation films, TV Program and awards for best media, song, film & fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girl education today for women’s empowerment tomorrow”, emphasized Senator Rasha Kelej. 

    Merck Foundation also actively empowers women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence.  

    “Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM,” emphasized Dr. Kelej.  

    Watch the Episodes of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV program on Supporting Girl Education:  

    Episode 2: https://apo-opa.co/3TJnIlf

    Episode 11: https://apo-opa.co/3T5CQcE

    Episode 14: https://apo-opa.co/4kUtgFA

    Listen to Merck Foundation song about Supporting Girl Education here:  

    1. Watch, share & subscribe to the “Girl Can” song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/407Ntj9

    2. Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/4kV21e5

    3. Watch, share & subscribe “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education: https://apo-opa.co/3ZGPClx

    4. Watch share & subscribe “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: https://apo-opa.co/4lhKJaL 

    5. Watch, share & subscribe “Brighter day” song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/3HWDu9W

    Watch the Merck Foundation Animation Films to Support Girl Education : 

    Ride into to Future: https://apo-opa.co/4lhKTin

    Jackeline’s Rescue: https://apo-opa.co/3ZKEFzv

    Read the Merck Foundation storybook addressing the importance of Girl Education: 

    1. To read Educating Linda Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/44lkNEv

    2. To read Jackline’s Rescue Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4nhP6Ve

    3. To read Ride into the Future Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4k3zAJO

    4. To read Not Who You Are Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4k3zFNC

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

    Contact:
    Mehak Handa
    Community Awareness Program Manager
    +91 9310087613
    +91 9319606669
    mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

    Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/40mEwlR
    X: https://apo-opa.co/4ngMjLO
    YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4lkw0Mb
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3HVBxui
    Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4k8LPF5
    Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3FU9QSe
    Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com

    About Merck Foundation:  
    The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/40mEwlR), X (https://apo-opa.co/4ngMjLO), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3HVBxui), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lkw0Mb), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4k8LPF5) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3FU9QSe). 

    The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African leaders urge United States (U.S.) to embrace investment-driven partnerships and review tariffs


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    African leaders have called on Monday for an urgent review of U.S. tariffs on African exports, urging a shift towards transformative partnerships and investment in Africa’s economic potential.

    Addressing more than 2,000 government and business leaders, and other delegates at the U.S.-Africa business summit in the capital Luanda, Angolan President João Lourenço said: “It is time to replace the logic of aid with the logic of investment and trade.”

    He urged U.S. companies to diversify beyond traditional oil and mineral extraction and invest in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, tourism, cement production, and steel production.

    African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, added, “We’re not seeking aid, but building co-created solutions.” He called for the removal of punitive tariffs and visa restrictions, noting that Africa’s 1.3 billion people and abundant resources remain among the world’s most significant untapped economic opportunities.

    “This should not just be a summit, but a call to action. Together, let’s walk the pathways to prosperity—with unity, purpose, and Agenda 2063 as our guide,” he told the summit.

    In his remarks, African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said, “We should review the high tariffs on African countries. What is needed is more trade between Africa and the U.S., not less.”

    African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretary General Wamkele Mene reinforced Africa’s integration agenda, highlighting the importance of open regional markets. “The undertaking of the AfCFTA is an ambitious one—It has to be ambitious,” Mene said. He emphasized that the success of AfCFTA is essential to scale investment, reduce fragmentation, and accelerate industrial development across the continent.

    From rhetoric to action: Building real partnerships

    The central message was clear: the era of aid dependency is over, and the time for transformative investment partnerships has arrived. The leaders called for bold, strategic investments to unlock Africa’s trillion-dollar potential.

    Responding to the call for deeper engagement, U.S. officials acknowledged Africa’s growing economic importance and the need to reset perceptions. Senior State Department Bureau Official Troy Fitrell said, “There are business leaders in the U.S. who need to understand the opportunities that lie in doing business with Africa. Our mission going forward will be to find them—and bring them in.”

    The U.S.-Africa Business Summit promotes economic cooperation and investment between the United States and Africa with a focus on fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth. By bringing together leaders from government, business, and civil society, the summit provides a platform to discuss key issues and opportunities in the U.S.–Africa relations, ultimately driving growth and development on both sides.

    Adesina pointed to the Lobito corridor as a concrete example of strategic investment already underway.

    “That is why the African Development Bank is a key strategic partner with the U.S., Angola, and Zambia on the development of the Lobito corridor,” he said. This critical corridor will link the vast areas of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the port of Angola, improving mineral supplies, unlocking agricultural potential, and creating jobs.

    The African Development Fund, the soft loan arm of the Bank Group, will be providing $500 million in support of the development of the Lobito Corridor. Additionally, the African Development Bank will provide $1 billion over five years for complementary investments around the corridor, including agricultural value chains, roads, and energy infrastructure.

    Act on the data, not perceptions

    The Bank President went further: “As we build transport corridors, let us also build strategic partnership corridors. Strategic partnerships that prioritize capital investments in infrastructure, agriculture, minerals industrialization, and development of digital infrastructure, as well as capital markets.”

    He charged U.S. investors: “Act on the data, not perceptions. Think Africa. Think opportunities. Think competition. From the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to the Export-Import Bank of the United States, as well as institutional investors and capital allocations, invest in Africa. Let’s make America and Africa great again.”

    Corporate Council on Africa President Florie Liser challenged summit delegates to embrace true partnership: “Beyond deals, let’s strive for lasting transformation.” As part of the opening ceremony of the Summit, the Corporate Council on Africa honored Dr. Adesina with its Distinguished Economic Leadership Award, recognizing his significant contributions to Africa’s transformation.

    Council Deputy Chairman, Mr. Jean Raymond Boulle, conferred the award, describing how the African Development Bank has impacted millions of Africans under Adesina’s leadership, while transforming the Bank to a world-class institution and a partner of choice.

    Akinwumi Adesina, who will complete his second and final five-year term as President of the African Development Bank Group on 31 August, has led for the past decade transformative projects across Africa under the Bank’s five strategic priorities, the “High 5s”. They have positively impacted the lives of more than 565 million people on the continent.

    Speaking at a high-level event hosted by Africa50, a pioneering infrastructure investment platform dedicated to accelerating project development and delivery across Africa, Adesina emphasized the urgent need to scale local financing solutions—especially in local currencies—to mitigate forex volatility, reduce risk mismatches, and enhance the bankability and stability of infrastructure projects for global investors.

    The event, titled “Unlocking Capital for Africa’s Infrastructure through Innovative Finance,” featured a high-level panel discussion on asset recycling, moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest, with insights from Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50; Brook Taye, Director General of Ethiopia Investment Holdings; and Armando Manuel, Chairman of Fundo Soberano de Angola.

    Together, they explored how innovative models, such as asset recycling, can unlock capital and accelerate infrastructure development across Africa.

    Alain Ebobissé stated that the asset recycling model has been successfully implemented in many countries worldwide.

    “In implementing this initiative in Africa, we are pursuing three objectives. First, monetizing assets—ensuring that, instead of owning only a bridge, you receive cash that you can reinvest in your assets. Second, improving the efficiency of the asset by bringing in first-class operators to help us manage those assets. Third, and most importantly, we aim to bring pension funds and other investors interested in cash flow-generating assets to finance these projects,” Ebobissé explained.

    Adesina said over the past decade, the African Development Bank Group has invested over $55 billion in infrastructure, including regional projects, making the Bank the largest financier of infrastructure in Africa.

    The African Development Bank established Africa50 as a private equity infrastructure platform, comprising a project development company and a project finance company, to support the development of infrastructure with market-rate returns.

    Africa’s missing share of a $2.9 trillion opportunity

    The Bank President informed the audience that, in the past eight years since its establishment, Africa50 has invested in a portfolio of infrastructure projects worth over $8 billion.

    “But more is needed, especially from private sector investors,” stated Adesina. “Africa should be well positioned to attract some of the $2.9 trillion global green bonds. However, the continent represents less than 1% of global green bond issuance. Because most of Africa’s infrastructure is yet to be built, this represents a huge opportunity for green bond issuances to build green infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions, and build climate resilience.”

    The African Development Bank launched the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA) to mobilize $500 million for project preparation and development, as well as $10 billion for green infrastructure investments. Africa50 is the General Partner for the AGIA-Project Development Fund, with several Limited Partners, including the G7 countries.

    To mitigate risks at scale across Africa, the African Development Bank is establishing the Africa Risk Mitigation Agency, which will consolidate all banks’ guarantee instruments into a single entity. The entity will support guarantees for equity risk, climate risk, refinancing risk, and political risk.

    He emphasized that Africa50 is also pioneering asset recycling, enabling governments to recover their investment in infrastructure by transferring brownfield assets to the private sector. This can help to reduce debt burdens and provide liquidity for governments.

    “The Senegambia bridge, which the African Development Bank financed with $104 million, was the first to be used for the asset recycling program. It worked successfully, as Gambia received $104 million it spent back through Africa50,” he added. “Following this, several asset recycling initiatives are being proposed for many infrastructure projects financed for governments by the African Development Bank Group.”

    The renewed momentum for U.S.-Africa business partnerships received strong political backing, with the participation of seven Heads of State, several Prime Ministers, and leaders of key regional organizations.

    Attending dignitaries included Presidents Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of the Congo), Faustin-Archange Touadéra (Central African Republic), Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Taye Aske Selassie (Ethiopia), Duma Gideon Boko (Botswana), Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia), and Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema (Gabon); Prime Ministers Gervais Ndirakobuca (Burundi), Robert Beugré Mambé (Côte d’Ivoire), Russell Mmiso Dlamini (Eswatini), Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua (Equatorial Guinea), Christian Louis Ntsay (Madagascar), and Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Justina Majara (Lesotho); as well as Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Gilberto Da Piedade Verissimo, Chairperson of the Economic Community of Central African States, and Elias M. Magosi, Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community.

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

    Media contact:
    Emeka Anuforo
    Communication and External Relations Department
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s data-driven development facilitates industrial upgrades in key sectors

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

    BEIJING, June 24 — China’s data-driven approach to development has resolved growth bottlenecks in key sectors and facilitated industrial upgrades since the country began implementing a three-year action plan to promote data as a key production factor and enhance its role in economic and social development, the National Data Administration said on Tuesday.

    The 2024-2026 action plan has achieved phased results since it was launched more than a year ago, identifying a number of outstanding solutions for data development and utilization, and effectively promoting the release of data element values in various sectors, administration official Luan Jie told a press briefing.

    The People’s Bank of China is undertaking a financial digital transformation and upgrading project and a demonstration project to empower rural revitalization with financial technology, Luan said. And the China Meteorological Administration has built a global-to-local meteorological data system covering the past, present and future. It has released over 100 types of data to the public, sharing 13 petabytes of data with over 1.3 million users, she added.

    The administration will accelerate efforts to explore new models and pathways to unlock the value of data elements, Luan said. She encouraged more enterprises to join relevant pilot projects, fostering collaboration to harness the potential of data and drive high-quality growth across industries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to promote sales of new energy vehicles in counties, townships

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

    BEIJING, June 24 — China will launch “a new energy vehicle (NEV) consumption season” in its vast county and township regions to unlock NEV sales potential, the Ministry of Commerce said Tuesday.

    Running from July through December, the consumption season will fully harness the efforts of local governments, industry associations, and enterprises.

    Localities are tasked with actively implementing vehicle trade-in programs. Special zones for vehicle trade-ins should be established at venues related to the NEV consumption season.

    Marketable NEV models need to be further introduced to better cater to the diverse needs of county and township residents.

    Localities should also develop innovative consumption scenarios and speed up the construction of relevant facilities, such as NEV parking lots, charging stations and after-sales service centers, according to the ministry.

    China’s NEV production surged 45.2 percent year on year to nearly 5.7 million units in the first five months of 2025, with sales up by 44 percent year on year to 5.61 million units.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets Ecuadorian president

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

    BEIJING, June 24 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who is in China to attend the 2025 Summer Davos forum, in Beijing on Tuesday.

    Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 45 years ago, China-Ecuador relations had maintained a good development momentum, with political mutual trust consolidated, practical cooperation achieving fruitful results, and bilateral friendship deepened.

    He said China stands ready to work with Ecuador to carry forward the traditional friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, promote the continuous deepening of the China-Ecuador comprehensive strategic partnership, and add more impetus to the modernization drive of both sides.

    China is willing to enhance the docking of development strategies with Ecuador, strengthen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, expand the scale of bilateral trade, and deepen cooperation on clean energy, infrastructure, and finance, Li said.

    Noting that China is glad to see more high-quality products from Ecuador exported to China, he said China welcomed Ecuador to make good use of promotion platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), and called on both sides to enhance exchanges and cooperation in fields such as education, culture and youth, and facilitate personnel exchanges.

    China stands ready to enhance communication and coordination with Ecuador in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, practice true multilateralism, and make positive contributions to maintaining world peace and development and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Li added.

    Noting that China is Ecuador’s second-largest trading partner, Noboa said the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides has been fruitful and has effectively enhanced the well-being of the Ecuadorian people.

    Ecuador is willing to have dialogues in various fields with China, deepen the friendship between the two countries, promote cooperation on trade, finance, agriculture, clean energy, infrastructure, and education, enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and jointly address common challenges, Noboa said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to boost consumption with stronger financial support

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

    BEIJING, June 24 — China on Tuesday unveiled guidelines on ramping up financial support to effectively boost consumption.

    The guidelines, jointly issued by six state organs including the People’s Bank of China, outline multiple measures targeting key areas of consumption.

    The document calls for stronger financial support for both goods and services consumption.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: AMNC25 Chief Economists Briefing

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    The global economic outlook has darkened considerably, according to the World Economic Forum’s latest survey of chief economists.

    Gain expert insights and actionable perspectives from leading chief economists on the outlook for global growth amid geopolitical uncertainty and technological disruption.

    Speakers:

    Paul Gruenwald, Global Chief Economist, S&P Global

    Santitarn Sathirathai, Adviser, Future Economy, Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI)

    Aparna Bharadwaj, Global Leader, Global Advantage Practice; Managing Director and Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group

    Thomas Hale, Shanghai Correspondent, The Financial Times

    This is the full audio from a session at the AMNC25 in Tianjin, China on 24 June, 2025.

    Watch it here: https://www.weforum.org/meetings/annual-meeting-of-the-new-champions-2025/sessions/chief-economists-briefing-e127903824/

    Catch up on all the action from AMNC25 at wef.ch/amnc25 and across social media using the hashtag #AMNC25.

    Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts (http://wef.ch/podcasts) : 

    YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts) – https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts

    Radio Davos (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1504682164) : https://pod.link/1504682164

    Meet the Leader (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1534915560) : https://pod.link/1534915560

    Agenda Dialogues (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/agenda-dialogues) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1574956552) : https://pod.link/1574956552

    Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club (https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmciCRgCs7w

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivers remarks at SPIEF’25 plenary.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivers remarks at SPIEF’25 plenary following the remarks of H.E Vladimir Putin.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wxvcv2jMEw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Shipokosa Mashatile concluded a successful working visit to the Russian Federation.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Shipokosa Mashatile concluded a successful working visit to the Russian Federation.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSomPmk-KTA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Threatened whale species found in areas targeted by The Metals Company for deep sea mining, scientists warn

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Exeter, UK – A scientific survey of two areas targeted for deep sea mining in the Pacific Ocean by The Metals Company has confirmed the presence of whales and dolphins, including sperm whales which are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The news comes as world governments are meeting in a few weeks at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), where the call for a moratorium on deep sea mining keeps growing.[1]

    The survey, published today in the scientific journal Frontiers in Marine Science, was conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories from Greenpeace International’s ship, Arctic Sunrise. Researchers studied two exploration blocks held by The Metals Company in the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone, known as NORI-d and TOML-e.[2][3]

    Dr Kirsten Young, Lead Study Author, University of Exeter said: “We already knew that the Clarion-Clipperton Zone is home to at least 20 species of cetaceans, but we’ve now demonstrated their presence in two areas specifically earmarked for deep sea mining by The Metals Company.”

    Following President Trump’s approval of a deep sea mining Executive Order in April 2025, The Metals Company applied to the US government to give TMC unilateral permission to commercially mine the international seabed in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. According to reports, this application covers the NORI-d area.[4] This move bypasses and undermines the International Seabed Authority, the UN regulator for deep sea mining, and has been met with strong criticism from governments around the world. Scientists have previously warned of “long lasting, irreversible” impacts of deep sea mining on the region.[5]

    Cetaceans are known to be impacted by noise pollution caused by humans, and could be impacted by the significant noise created by deep sea mining operations. These operations would also generate sediment plumes, which could further impact cetacean populations by disrupting deep ocean food systems.

    Dr Kirsten Young continued: “While more research is needed to build a complete picture of the impact of the noise and sediment plumes on cetaceans, it’s clear that deep sea mining operations will negatively impact ocean ecosystems in areas far out to sea where monitoring is particularly challenging.”

    The survey provides a 13-day snapshot of cetacean activity in these two deep sea mining exploration areas. Using hydrophones, the research team confirmed 74 acoustic detections of cetaceans. This included a sperm whale, Risso’s dolphins and common dolphins.

    Louisa Casson, Greenpeace International senior campaigner, said: “The confirmed presence of cetaceans, including threatened sperm whales, in areas that The Metals Company is targeting for deep sea mining is yet another clear warning that this dangerous industry must never be allowed to begin commercial operations. The only sensible course of action for governments at next month’s International Seabed Authority meeting is to prioritise agreeing on a global moratorium.”

    Calls for a moratorium on deep sea mining grew at the recent UN Ocean Conference, with four new countries joining the group supporting a moratorium, bringing the total to 37.[6] The UN Secretary General also issued a strong call to stop this dangerous industry. Momentum against deep sea mining will now be carried forward at the July ISA meetings. 

    ENDS 

    Photos and video are available in the Greenpeace Media Library. 

    Notes:

    [1 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 

    [2] Threatened cetaceans in a potential deep seabed mining region, Clarion Clipperton Zone, Eastern Pacific 

    [3] This study in the Pacific is mirrored by another recent piece of research in the Arctic by Greenpeace Nordic and Greenpeace Germany. Researchers found cetaceans, including deep-diving and noise-sensitive sperm whales and northern bottlenose whales, in an area earmarked for future mining. If the Norwegian government proceeds with deep sea mining in the area, noise and pollution risk severe consequences. Greenpeace Nordic researchers are in the Arctic right now further documenting the presence of cetaceans in the area to expose the risks of deep sea mining and to champion the protection of the Arctic’s vulnerable marine life.

    [4] The Metals Company applies to mine seabed after Trump executive order 

    [5] Whale warning as clock ticks towards deep sea mining 

    [6] https://deep-sea-conservation.org/solutions/no-deep-sea-mining/

    Contact:

    Sol Gosetti, Media Coordinator for the Stop Deep Sea Mining campaign, Greenpeace International: [email protected], +34 64686 3330

    Greenpeace International Press Desk: [email protected], +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile on a guided tour of St Petersburg Port.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile on a guided tour of St Petersburg Port.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP2JH-KIyd4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Cyril Ramaphosa conducts oversight visit at Steve Biko Hospital

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    President Cyril Ramaphosa conducts oversight visit at Steve Biko Hospital

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOwPhx3mw2k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile in an interactive session with the SPIEF Youth Academy.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile in an interactive session with the SPIEF Youth Academy ahead of SPIEF’25 plenary session.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2M54oXg32E

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mshatile meets with Mrs Valentina Matvienko and Mr Vysachesla Volodin.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mshatile meets with Mrs Valentina Matvienko and Mr Vysachesla Volodin,

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9GL9GNm3BE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Zou Jiayi elected president of AIIB

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — Zou Jiayi has been elected president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for a five-year term, the bank said Tuesday.

    This is the third vote to head the AIIB since its establishment. The first AIIB President, Jin Liqun, will end his second term on January 15, 2026.

    The AIIB is a multilateral development bank focused on financing “infrastructure for tomorrow” with sustainable development at its core. Launched in 2016, the AIIB currently has 110 approved members worldwide, according to the bank’s website. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Ministry of Commerce: China opposes EU protectionist measures against Chinese enterprises /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — China firmly opposes the European Union’s (EU) protectionist measures that restrict Chinese enterprises and products from participating in major government procurement tenders for medical equipment, the Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday.

    The announcement comes as the European Commission decided last Friday to restrict the participation of Chinese companies and products in public procurement tenders in the medical equipment sector, based on the EU’s International Procurement Instrument.

    The Commerce Ministry spokesman called on the EU to correct its mistaken approach and promised to take decisive measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

    An investigation by China’s Ministry of Commerce in January found that the EU had consistently erected barriers against Chinese firms in areas such as government procurement and investment, a ministry spokesman said.

    Despite China’s consistent demonstration of goodwill and sincerity in bilateral dialogues, the EU continues to apply unilateral measures and erect new protectionist barricades, which not only harm Chinese enterprises but also seriously undermine fair competition, the department noted.

    As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, China is willing to, based on the broader interests of bilateral economic and trade relations, implement the important consensus reached by leaders of both sides, properly resolve trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, and stabilize the trust and expectations of Chinese and European enterprises in bilateral cooperation, the spokesperson concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to Amend Food Safety Law

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese lawmakers have begun reviewing a draft amendment to the food safety law aimed at addressing key issues, strengthening supervision and ensuring food safety and quality.

    The draft was submitted to the current session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) for consideration on Tuesday for the first reading.

    The draft includes provisions aimed at strengthening control over the transportation of essential liquid food products by road, introducing control over the registration of liquid infant formulas, and toughening penalties for violations.

    The Food Safety Act came into force in 2009. In 2015, the Act was comprehensively updated. In 2018 and 2021, the Act was amended twice. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Meets Singapore Foreign Minister

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Beijing on Tuesday.

    Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, said Chinese President Xi Jinping had just had a fruitful meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. He said China appreciated Singapore’s reaffirmation of the one-China principle and its unambiguous opposition to “Taiwan independence.”

    China is willing to use the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore as an opportunity to advance the implementation of the important agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries and the results of this visit, Wang added.

    V. Balakrishnan, in turn, said that Singapore is ready to work with China, guided by a forward-looking strategic vision, to seize the opportunities offered by the development of new technologies and deepen cooperation in various areas such as the economy, trade, investment and connectivity. Singapore, together with other ASEAN countries and China, will adhere to the principles of openness and inclusiveness, and also defend multilateralism, he concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –