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  • MIL-OSI: Employees seek leadership development—but access gaps may hold them back, new report finds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — InStride’s newly released 2025 Talent Priorities Report reveals that employees are ready to grow into leadership roles, but employers may be overlooking what’s required to support that growth. In the national survey, 90% of employees expressed interest in leadership development. Among those who expressed strong interest, mid-career professionals (29–44) made up the largest group.

    Two out of three HR leaders surveyed also indicated that leadership development is a top focus—suggesting alignment in principle, if not yet in practice.

    A disconnect between talent gaps and access gaps

    Despite this widespread enthusiasm for growth, the report uncovers a disconnect between HR priorities and employee needs. HR leaders are focused on solving talent gaps through retention, attraction, and upskilling, while employees point to access gaps, especially education, as the key to unlocking their growth. In fact, 78% of employees say they’d be more likely to pursue learning if tuition were paid upfront.

    Lauren King, Vice President of Talent Strategy and Workforce Development at Novant Health, remarked on the report’s findings: “You can’t use the word gap unless you’re willing to build a bridge.”

    Additional findings from the 2025 Talent Priorities Report

    Beyond demand for leadership development and disconnect between access and talent priorities, the report surfaced three other key findings shaping talent strategy in 2025:

    1. Education drives loyalty
      61% of employees say education benefits make them more likely to stay, and 65% say they influence where they apply. HR leaders, meanwhile, rank retention, attraction, and upskilling as their biggest talent challenges.
    2. Appetite for AI is widespread
      71% of employees are focused on growing AI skills through education, and 54% of HR leaders are looking for AI-powered education solutions.
    3. Skills-first approaches matter
      Both groups value job-aligned skills, whether gained through degrees or short-term credentials. Certification interest jumped from 28% to 34% year-over-year.

    Report insights spark discussion on next steps for employers

    The 2025 Talent Priorities Report draws from two national surveys conducted in early 2025: one of 1,000+ employees and another of 100+ HR and L&D leaders across industries.

    InStride, a leading provider of strategic education and skilling solutions, gave an early look at the findings at the company’s annual IMPACT summit in a panel featuring speakers from Novant Health and the Aspen Institute’s UpSkill America initiative, moderated by Nick Greif, InStride Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and External Affairs.

    “Talent gaps and access gaps are often two sides of the same coin,” said Greif. “When 78% of employees say they’d be more likely to pursue education if their employer paid tuition upfront, that’s a signal of interest and a call to action. However, most employers put up barriers like reimbursement schemes, clawbacks, and grade requirements that reduce the exact employee outcomes they are seeking. The good news is, solving for access is one of the clearest steps employers can take to unlock talent.”

    About InStride
    InStride solves corporate talent challenges with strategic education and skilling solutions. By breaking down barriers to learning, fostering career growth aligned with organizational goals, and simplifying program management, InStride delivers lasting impact. Named to TIME’s list of the World’s Top EdTech Companies of 2025, InStride partners with forward-thinking companies to drive meaningful social and business outcomes by providing access to life-changing education. Visit instride.com or follow InStride on LinkedIn for more information and up-to-date news.

    Contact:
    Sophia Puglisi, Communications Manager at InStride, sophia.puglisi@instride.com, 805-889-6273

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ef7f12c-afbe-4c43-8813-96a4a290194a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Singapore Exchange Ltd. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Singapore Exchange Ltd. (SGX: S68; OTCQX: SPXCY, SPXCF), Asia’s most international multi-asset exchange operating equity, fixed income, currency and commodity markets, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market.

    Singapore Exchange Ltd. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbols “SPXCY, SPXCF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Singapore Exchange Ltd.’s move to the OTCQX Market underscores the importance of providing transparent and accessible trading for U.S. investors. International companies and exchanges trading on OTCQX meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    “We are excited to welcome Singapore Exchange Ltd. to the growing roster of international exchanges trading on the OTCQX Market,” said Jason Paltrowitz, OTC Markets EVP of Corporate Services. “This demonstrates our shared commitment to helping Asia-based companies leverage their home market listing to gain access to the U.S. through expanded cross-trading opportunities.”

    “As SGX expands its footprint in the U.S., with a rising share of our derivatives products traded during U.S. and European hours, we’ve seen growing interest from U.S.-based investors,” said Daniel Koh, Chief Financial Officer of Singapore Exchange (SGX Group). “Trading SGX shares on the OTCQX Market will further enhance our visibility and make it easier for U.S. investors to participate in our growth story. As a leading international multi-asset exchange headquartered in AAA-rated Singapore, we will continue to enhance liquidity across our pan-Asian products to meet the increasing global demand for Asian exposure.”

    About Singapore Exchange Ltd. (SGX Group)
    SGX Group seeks to serve as the world’s most trusted and efficient international marketplace, operating equity, fixed income, currency and commodity markets to the highest regulatory standards. As one ecosystem with global relevance and influence, we offer multiple growth avenues to our stakeholders through listing, trading, clearing, settlement, depository, data and index services. We are committed to lead on climate action by developing a world-class transition financing and trading hub through SGX FIRST (Future in Reshaping Sustainability Together), our multi-asset sustainability platform. Headquartered in AAA-rated Singapore, we are globally recognised for our risk-management and clearing capabilities. Find out more at www.sgxgroup.com.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market, OTCID™ Basic Market and Pink Limited™ Market. Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS™ are each SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Singapore Exchange Ltd. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Singapore Exchange Ltd. (SGX: S68; OTCQX: SPXCY, SPXCF), Asia’s most international multi-asset exchange operating equity, fixed income, currency and commodity markets, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market.

    Singapore Exchange Ltd. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbols “SPXCY, SPXCF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Singapore Exchange Ltd.’s move to the OTCQX Market underscores the importance of providing transparent and accessible trading for U.S. investors. International companies and exchanges trading on OTCQX meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    “We are excited to welcome Singapore Exchange Ltd. to the growing roster of international exchanges trading on the OTCQX Market,” said Jason Paltrowitz, OTC Markets EVP of Corporate Services. “This demonstrates our shared commitment to helping Asia-based companies leverage their home market listing to gain access to the U.S. through expanded cross-trading opportunities.”

    “As SGX expands its footprint in the U.S., with a rising share of our derivatives products traded during U.S. and European hours, we’ve seen growing interest from U.S.-based investors,” said Daniel Koh, Chief Financial Officer of Singapore Exchange (SGX Group). “Trading SGX shares on the OTCQX Market will further enhance our visibility and make it easier for U.S. investors to participate in our growth story. As a leading international multi-asset exchange headquartered in AAA-rated Singapore, we will continue to enhance liquidity across our pan-Asian products to meet the increasing global demand for Asian exposure.”

    About Singapore Exchange Ltd. (SGX Group)
    SGX Group seeks to serve as the world’s most trusted and efficient international marketplace, operating equity, fixed income, currency and commodity markets to the highest regulatory standards. As one ecosystem with global relevance and influence, we offer multiple growth avenues to our stakeholders through listing, trading, clearing, settlement, depository, data and index services. We are committed to lead on climate action by developing a world-class transition financing and trading hub through SGX FIRST (Future in Reshaping Sustainability Together), our multi-asset sustainability platform. Headquartered in AAA-rated Singapore, we are globally recognised for our risk-management and clearing capabilities. Find out more at www.sgxgroup.com.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market, OTCID™ Basic Market and Pink Limited™ Market. Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS™ are each SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund 
    Foreign assets, representing the external assets of the Exchange Fund, increased during the month by HK$9.5 billion to HK$3,596.2 billion.
     
    The Monetary Base, comprising Certificates of Indebtedness, Government-issued currency notes and coins in circulation, the balance of the banking system and Exchange Fund Bills and Notes issued, amounted to HK$2,120.2 billion.
     
    Claims on the private sector in Hong Kong amounted to HK$349.4 billion.
     
    Foreign liabilities amounted to HK$31.0 billion.
     
    The analytical accounts of the Exchange Fund are released in accordance with the International Monetary Fund’s Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) and are referred to as the Analytical Accounts of the Central Bank under SDDS (Annex).
     
    *********************************************************
     
    At present, four press releases relating to the Exchange Fund’s data are issued by the HKMA each month. Three of these releases are issued to disseminate monetary data in accordance with the International Monetary Fund’s SDDS. The fourth press release, on the Exchange Fund’s Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account, is made in accordance with the HKMA’s policy of maintaining a high level of transparency. For the month of July 2025, the scheduled dates for issuing the press releases are as follows:
     

    July 7
    (Issued)(Hong Kong’s Latest Foreign Currency Reserve Assets Figures) (Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund) 
     Foreign Currency Liquidity Currency Board AccountIssued at HKT 19:14

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • Indian investors flock to silver as returns overtake those from gold

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian investors, traditionally obsessed with stockpiling gold, are increasingly turning to silver, which was trading near a 14-year high on Monday, as its returns this year outpaced those of gold.

    Imports fill most of the demand in the world’s largest consumer of silver, where domestic prices touched a record high of 114,875 rupees ($1,336) a kg as a production shortfall spurred investors’ hopes for a further rally.

    “Gold’s done pretty well for me over the last couple of years,” said Umesh Agarwal, a regular buyer of gold coins, who recently made his first purchase of a one-kilogram bar of silver.

    “Now I’m hoping silver follows the same path and gives similar returns.”

    Domestic prices of silver have risen 21% in the past three months, outstripping a rise of 5% in gold, as opposed to the scenario of the past year, when gold prices surged 34%, compared to a rise of 23% in silver.

    The appetite for silver is driven both by investment and industry needs in areas such as solar energy and electric vehicles, outpacing production, said Chirag Thakkar, chief executive of Amrapali Group Gujarat, a leading silver importer.

    “Usually, investors cash in when prices hit record highs, offloading coins and bars or pulling out of exchange-traded funds (ETFs),” he added.

    “However, this time, even at record highs, people are investing, rather than selling.”

    Silver ETFs attracted inflows of a record 20.04 billion rupees in June, up from 8.53 billion in May, data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India showed.

    In the June quarter, silver ETFs attracted inflows of 39.25 billion rupees, far outpacing the 23.67 billion flowing into gold ETFs.

    Such ETFs offer investors a convenient way to gain exposure to silver, which is heavy and costly to store and transport, said Vikram Dhawan, head of commodities and fund manager at Nippon India Mutual Fund, which manages metal ETFs.

    Volatility in equity markets following U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs has also pushed investors to diversify, said a Mumbai-based bullion dealer with a silver importing bank.

    Traditionally the choice of budget-conscious rural consumers, silver is increasingly attracting urban buyers as an investment, the dealer added.

    Indian retail investment demand rose 7% in the first half of 2025 on the year, fuelled by expectations of a price rally, the Silver Institute said this month.

    Silver imports jumped 431% in May on the year to 544.1 tons, while gold imports fell 25% to 30.5 tons, trade ministry data showed.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council targets blue badge misuse

    Source: City of York

    Checking Blue Badges

    Published Friday, 11 July 2025

    City of York Council is upholding its commitment to support Blue Badge holders with a new targeted exercise and investigations to stop misuse of the badge or illegal parking in designated spaces.

    A significant increase in Blue Badge usage on Toft Green was noted by the Council’s parking enforcement team which raised concerns about possible misuse. The street had recently changed from pay and display parking, to residents’ parking only (ResPark) where Blue Badge holders can park. On 10 July 2025, officers from Veritau (the council’s counter-fraud service provider) and the Council, conducted an operation to help protect legitimate badge holders’ access to accessible parking.

    Blue Badges used in cars parked on Toft Green were checked to ensure their use was valid, and no potential instances of misuse were identified.

    The council took part in a National Blue Badge Day of Action on 23 May 2025 with Veritau, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and Middlesbrough Council. 75 badges were checked across several locations in York, three potential instances of misuse were identified which are now under investigation.

    Following a similar Day of Action on 4 December 2024, three fraud cases were opened and two formal warnings for misuse of a Blue Badge were issued.

    Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities, said:

    Blue Badge fraud undermines this scheme to offer disabled people easier access to the services and amenities they need. The badge is issued to a person, not a vehicle, and can only be used when the holder is travelling in the car, is being picked up or dropped off. So badge misuse reduces the availability of this parking and unfairly disadvantages those who need it.

    “Blue Badge misuse can take many forms: using someone else’s badge without them being present; using a badge that has expired, has been reported lost or stolen, or one that belonged to someone who has died. Offenders face possible prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.”

    The council will work with Veritau to carry out further planned and unannounced enforcement checks throughout the year.

    If you suspect fraud please report it to the council’s counter-fraud team, Veritau, immediately on 0800 9179 247 or counter.fraud@veritau.co.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Remittix Announces XRP-Compatible On-Ramp Solution as Part of Cross-Border Payment Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As part of a bold effort to revolutionize worldwide remittance trends, Remittix (RTX) has unveiled a new XRP-based on-ramp option where users can trade Ripple’s native cryptocurrency directly to fiat currencies in its cross-chain wallet.

    This innovation puts Remittix on the same level as digital payment giants but with a quick, hassle-free doorway to real-world transactions.

    The shift is synchronized with booming XRP news, as the token keeps gaining momentum as an institutional payment backbone. By being compatible with XRP, Remittix takes advantage of an established blockchain infrastructure that is already optimized for speed, cost and reach globally.

    The XRP integration is just one piece of Remittix’s larger mission to be a crypto-to-fiat gateway that works everywhere. Having built up the experience with ETH, BTC, DOGE, SOL and now XRP, Remittix is meeting growing demand for low-gas-fee coins that deliver utility in the real world.

    The XRP-powered update precedes the highly anticipated Q3 beta launch of the Remittix wallet, which debuted live on YouTube in a preview recently. The wallet features non-custodial access, point-of-need crypto conversion and direct bank deposit, making it a front-runner in the emerging PayFi category of financial services.

    Enabling Remittix Adoption and Token Uptake

    Having sold more than 550 million RTX tokens and having raised more than $16 million through its presale so far, Remittix is rapidly closing in on its $18 million soft cap.

    The project’s momentum is due to several factors, including:

    • Recognition by analysts who feature RTX among the best cryptocurrencies to buy now
    • A strong real-world use case in international payments and remittances
    • Innovative DeFi functionality and remittance-enabling architecture
    • A generous 50% token bonus in the ongoing presale
    • A live token price of $0.0811 amid strong early demand

    With growing adoption, Remittix is aiming to become:

    • One of the best crypto presales of 2025
    • A promising next 100x cryptocurrency
    • A leader among cross-chain DeFi projects
    • A crypto asset with passive income potential

    Looking Ahead

    Remittix’s latest update further strengthens its role as a Layer 2 Ethereum alternative for mainstream finance. Now with XRP support turned on, Remittix further adds to its usability as a crypto solution focusing on real-world use cases, especially in underbanked payment corridors of Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia.

    As XRP headlines and centralized exchanges face new scrutiny, Remittix offers a compliant, decentralized solution that marries crypto usability with fiat liquidity.

    Find out more about Remittix at the:

    Remittix Website

    Whitepaper & Presale Info

    Watch Wallet Preview on YouTube

    Contact: Andy Černý andy@remittix.io

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Remittix. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3ae70f98-ac11-4d9d-a6c5-9be4bf411107

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91536e83-641e-4596-881e-06430c54d6ce

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Castellum, Inc. Publishes Letter to Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VIENNA, Va., July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM) (the “Company” and “Castellum”), a cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and software services and solutions company focused on the federal government, releases this letter to shareholders from Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Glen Ives.

    Dear Fellow Shareholders:

    With this month marking the one-year anniversary of my time as your CEO, I thought it an opportune time to thank you sincerely for your support and confidence in Castellum, Inc., re-emphasize how incredibly honored I continue to be to have this opportunity to lead our CTM team, provide a very brief update on our significant progress over this past year, and explain why I continue to be encouraged, confident, and genuinely excited for all of us at CTM as we look ahead.

    Since I assumed my role as your CEO on July 1st of last year, CTM has quickly and strategically transitioned from our four-year Phase 1 “start-up” period, during which we were focused on acquiring and integrating seven companies and uplisting to the NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American”). Last July, we made a strategic pivot to Phase 2, focusing on strengthening our foundational platform through organic growth. As I have affirmed constantly, time and again since last summer, our Phase 2 strategy is based upon a total, 100%, uncompromising, “all hands” commitment to organic growth.

    Over the past year, our CTM Team has been improving and energizing every aspect of our Company to compete in the “full and open” arena, as defined by the government, as a “large” business. We are completely integrated across CTM in every business function and have been laser focused on strengthening business development (“BD”) and organic growth through a broadening, deepening, and quality improvement of our opportunity pipeline and significantly enhancing our prospective capabilities in the key BD areas of opportunity development, capture management, and proposal development.

    Here’s a brief recap of what we have accomplished since July 1, 2024:

    • Leadership team restructured and strengthened with greater industry and technology experience:
    • Raised over $16 million through public offerings and warrant exercises;
    • Reduced our long-term debt to less than $5 million today;
    • Strong and healthy balance sheet – Improved cash/equity to debt ratio;
    • Won largest prime contract in CTM history with $103.3 million, a 5.5-year contract for Special Missions support of the Naval Air Systems Command Program Office PMA 290 Special Missions;
    • Established two mentor-protégé relationships and related joint ventures with woman-owned and native Hawaiian organizations;
    • Established a new subsidiary to focus on advanced technology products;
    • Consistent “best in industry” contractor performance assessment reports (“CPARS”), which is our “report card” from our government customers; and
    • Significant improvement and increases in the volume and quality of our proposals … for baseball fans, we want to get more at-bats, take more swings at the right pitches, get on base more with a good balance of singles, doubles, triples, and home runs.

    Today, we are an intensely competitive, leading-edge technology services and solutions team committed to national security and our warfighters. We provide relevant, timely, and world-class mission services and solutions to our defense and federal civilian customers through our government-awarded contracts. We bring unparalleled capabilities in software and systems engineering and integration, software development, and model-based systems engineering across every technology domain and mission area vital to our government mission customers. Going forward, our new advanced technology products subsidiary will complement our historic strong suit of tech-enabled services with the tech itself.

    Relevant, powerful, high-demand, high-value technology domains and mission capabilities:

    • Software development, software and systems engineering, systems integration, model-based systems engineering;
    • Electronic and information warfare;
    • Cybersecurity, AI/ML, data analytics, digital modernization, C5ISR;
    • Data and intelligence analysis; and
    • Strategic mission, policy planning, and development.

    At the very core, we have built and are building a premier, cohesive team – I couldn’t be prouder of the whole team we have built, top to bottom, left to right. We have brought together seven different companies, professionals from outside those organizations, and built an integrated and focused team that has been responsible for the many positive things that have happened, are happening, and will continue to happen.

    • With the equity raises, we will be able to lean into investments we are already making – business development and IT for organic growth, and it will allow us to pursue growth by acquisitions;
    • Contract wins will build success – credibility, service, and revenue;
    • Strong CPARS speaking to the high quality of our work;
    • Increase in proposals – improves our opportunities for winning; and
    • With our mentor-protégé joint ventures, we grow our business and help establish two worthy companies.

    We are now where we wanted to be when we first uplisted to the NYSE American in October 2022. We have now raised the capital we intended to support our organic and inorganic growth strategies. Since the time of uplisting, we have honed our skills and integrated our teams to be a better, stronger company. We are committed to winning and growing contracts, as well as making strategic acquisitions, to achieve our goal of becoming a large, premier defense company.

    Achieving these goals will lead to enhanced shareholder value for you, our shareholders, a stronger national defense, and more opportunities for our Castellum professionals. Over the past year, you have seen part of what we can do. In the coming years, we plan to achieve much, much more.

    Sincerely,

    /s/ Glen Ives, CEO

    About Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM):

    Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM) is a cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and software engineering services company focused on the federal government – https://castellumus.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. Words such as “will,” “would,” “believe,” and “expects,” and similar language or phrasing are indicative of forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ (sometimes materially) from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: statements regarding the Company’s expectations for proposal, contract, and revenue growth, building value, serving our shareholders, and profitability; the Company’s ability to effectively integrate and grow its acquired companies; its ability to identify additional acquisition targets and close additional acquisitions; the impact on the Company’s revenue due to a delay in the U.S. Congress approving a federal budget, operating under a prolonged continuing resolution, government shutdown, or breach of the debt ceiling, as well as the imposition by the U.S. government of sequestration in the absence of an approved budget; the ability of the U.S. federal government to unilaterally cancel a contract with or without cause, and more specifically, the potential impact of the U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization on government spending and terminating contracts for convenience. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s recently filed Form 10-Q, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission which can be viewed at www.sec.gov. These risks and uncertainties, or not closing the described potential equity financing in this press release, could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Glen Ives
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: (703) 752-6157
    info@castellumus.com
    https://castellumus.com

    The MIL Network

  • PMKVY trains 1.63 crore in 10 years, empowers workforce across traditional and emerging sectors

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    PMKVY has evolved from a large-scale training initiative into a dynamic tool for national development. After its initial pilot skilled almost 20 lakh candidates, PMKVY 2.0 expanded to strategically support the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ campaigns, training 1.10 crore candidates. PMKVY 3.0 focused on precision-targeted training, seamlessly aligning with the National Education Policy and rapidly equipping COVID-19 frontline workers to meet the nation’s most urgent needs. This phase integrated training modules such as the Customised Crash Course Programme for COVID Warriors (CCCP for CW) and the Skill Hub Initiative (SHI), which mainstreamed vocational training with general education as envisaged under the National Education Policy, 2020. Under PMKVY 4.0, over 25 lakh candidates have been trained in the last three years, bringing the total number of trained candidates to 1.63 crore. The training imparted under PMKVY makes candidates employable in diverse industries like manufacturing, construction, healthcare, IT, electronics, and retail.

    Since its inception in 2015, PMKVY has steadily evolved into a key pillar of the Skill India Mission (SIM), aiming to bridge the gap between youth aspirations and employability through structured, industry-aligned training. The programme has expanded far beyond short-term courses, now encompassing apprenticeships, entrepreneurship support, global workforce readiness, and traditional crafts preservation.

    As of July 11, over 25 lakh youth have been trained under PMKVY 4.0—the latest phase of the scheme—reflecting a significant leap toward preparing India’s youth for both domestic and international job markets. This version of the programme integrates cutting-edge features like digital tracking, AI-based analytics, credit portability through the Academic Bank of Credits, and links with the Skill India Digital Hub to provide a seamless experience connecting training, education, and employment.

    An Integrated Approach to Skill Development

    The broader Skill India Mission was restructured in 2022 to unify PMKVY, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme under a single framework, enhancing operational efficiency and maximising outreach across both urban and rural areas.

    PMKVY began as a pilot in 2015–16, training nearly 20 lakh individuals. It scaled up significantly with PMKVY 2.0, aligning with national missions such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat, and Digital India. The subsequent version, PMKVY 3.0, responded to emerging challenges, launching initiatives like the Skill Hub (aligned with NEP 2020) and a crash course programme for frontline COVID-19 workers, training over 1.2 lakh health personnel.

    Inclusion and Innovation at the Core

    At the heart of PMKVY lies an unwavering focus on inclusion. Nearly 45% of the trained candidates are women, with strong representation from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The scheme also undertook region- and community-specific projects: training Bru-tribe youth in Tripura, vocational programmes for prison inmates in Assam and Manipur, and upskilling women in Jammu & Kashmir through Namda craft revival initiatives.

    PMKVY’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component has played a crucial role in certifying the skills of informal sector workers—especially artisans and weavers in J&K and Nagaland—without the need for extended training, boosting their mobility in the job market.

    Balancing Heritage with Future-Ready Skills

    One of PMKVY’s defining strengths has been its dual focus—preserving traditional skills while embracing future technologies. Beneficiaries are being equipped for careers in manufacturing, healthcare, electronics, retail, and IT, but increasingly also in emerging fields like drones, mechatronics, AI, and the Internet of Things.

    In this effort, Centres of Excellence launched at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Hyderabad and Chennai in June 2025 are set to become national reference points for high-quality instructor training and specialised skilling.

    Complementary Schemes Expanding the Skilling Ecosystem

    The momentum created by PMKVY has been bolstered by several complementary schemes. The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, launched in 2023, aims to support artisans from 18 traditional trades with training, toolkits, credit access, and marketing support. As of July 2025, over 2.7 crore applications have been received, with 29 lakh registrations completed.

    Meanwhile, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), which targets rural youth, has trained nearly 17 lakh individuals since its launch in 2014, with over 11 lakh successfully placed in employment. Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), operated in partnership with banks, have trained more than 56 lakh people this financial year alone, fostering entrepreneurship in rural India.

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stay safe this winter

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC – 11 07 2025] – (CGAML)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
    N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    11 JULY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.2p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,313,000 3.1037    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,313,000 3.1037    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.2p ORDINARY SALE 10,000 3358.25p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD
    Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position
    Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.
    Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option
    Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion
    Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 11 JULY 2025
    Contact name: PHIL HULME
    Telephone number: 01253 376551

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: BTCS Reaches $96.3 Million in Combined Crypto and Cash Market Value, Including 29,122 ETH Holdings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Year-to-Date Capital Raise of $62.4 Million Supports Execution of DeFi/TradFi Flywheel Strategy

    Silver Spring, MD, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (“BTCS” or the “Company”), a blockchain technology-focused company short for Blockchain Technology Consensus Solutions, announced today that it has raised $62.4 million year-to-date in minimally dilutive capital while expanding BTCS’s Ethereum holdings to 29,122 a 221% increase from year end 2024.

    By increasing our ETH per share while simultaneously driving meaningful revenue growth, we are building the premier Ethereum-focused public company,” said Charles Allen, CEO of BTCS. “BTCS stands apart in two keyways: first, our hallmark DeFi/TradFi flywheel, enables us to access capital at a low cost and deliver, leveraged exposure to Ethereum, and second our established track record, we’re the world’s oldest public blockchain company and have been laser focused on Ethereum infrastructure for nearly five years.

    Ethereum Holdings Snapshot
    As of Friday, July 11, 2025, BTCS’s ETH holdings include:

    • Total ETH holdings: 29,122
    • ETH Market Value: $87.3 million at $3,000 per ETH
    • Staked ETH: 4,160 via Rocket Pool Nodes, 6,300 via Solo Nodes, 4,382 in staking queue
    • ETH posted to Aave as collateral: 14,280 with current annual earnings at approximately 2%

    We believe that BTCS is the most leveraged Ethereum play in public markets today,” said Allen. “Our vertically integrated block building and node operations are generating record revenue, and when combined with our unique financial structure, BTCS offers investors scalable, high-growth exposure to Ethereum.

    Sources of Capital
    Capital raised this year includes a combination of equity, convertible debt, and DeFi-based borrowing, aligned with BTCS’s strategy of optimizing ETH exposure while managing dilution:

    ATM Sales: $39.5 million (63%)
    Above-Market Convertible Debt: $7.4 million (12%)
    Aave Stablecoin Loans (DeFi): $15.5 million (25%)

    Leverage Cap
    To support scalable growth while managing risk, BTCS operates with a 40% Net Asset Value (“NAV”) leverage cap. This limit, encompassing the Company’s convertible debt and DeFi borrowing through Aave, is a cornerstone designed to enhance shareholder upside from Ethereum’s performance in a controlled manner. The following summarizes our estimated total assets, debt, and current debt-to-assets ratio as of July 11, 2025:

    • Total Crypto & Cash Assets: $96.3 million
    • Total Debt: $22.9 million
    • Current Debt-to-Assets Ratio: 24%

    DeFi/TradFi Accretion Flywheel
    BTCS is pioneering its distinctive capital formation strategy, coined the DeFi/TradFi flywheel, which is designed to utilize both decentralized and traditional finance to scale ETH holdings, leverage the Company’s vertically integrated operations, and ultimately drive shareholder value.

    This structure is designed to enable BTCS to grow revenue efficiently while maintaining transparency in our operations.

    Capital Structure Overview
    To help investors accurately assess BTCS’s intrinsic value and compare it with peers, we provide the following breakdown of our capital structure. This summary provides additional information to supplement our SEC filings.

    Equity Instrument Outstanding Fully Diluted
    Common Shares 30,804,144 30,804,144
    Common Shares – Subject to Forfeiture 1,149,801 1,149,801
    Convertible Debt (Conversion Price = $5.85)   1,334,679
    2025 Convert Warrants (Exercise Price = $2.75, exp. 5/13/2030)   988,766
    2021 RD Warrant (Exercise Price = $11.50, exp. 3/4/2026)   712,500
    Employee Options (Weighted Average Exercise Price = $2.22)   1,561,410
    Series V Preferred Stock (1)   16,004,738
    Total 31,953,945 52,556,038

    (1) Shareholders have authorized the board to convert to common stock. This includes approximately 1.1 million shares held by insiders, subject to forfeiture if market capitalization performance milestones are not met.

     

    About BTCS:
    BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) is a U.S.-based blockchain infrastructure technology company currently focused on driving scalable revenue growth through its blockchain infrastructure operations. BTCS has honed its expertise in blockchain network operations, particularly in block building and validator node management. Its branded block-building operation, Builder+, leverages advanced algorithms to optimize block construction for on-chain validation, thus maximizing gas fee revenues. BTCS also supports other blockchain networks by operating validator nodes and staking its crypto assets across multiple proof-of-stake networks, allowing crypto holders to delegate assets to BTCS-managed nodes. In addition, the Company has developed ChainQ, an AI-powered blockchain data analytics platform, which enhances user access and engagement within the blockchain ecosystem. Committed to innovation and adaptability, BTCS is strategically positioned to expand its blockchain operations and infrastructure beyond Ethereum as the ecosystem evolves. Explore how BTCS is revolutionizing blockchain infrastructure in the public markets by visiting www.btcs.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 including statements regarding our fundraising goals, driving meaningful revenue growth, Ethereum infrastructure operations, leverage strategies, and potential business growth. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation market conditions, regulatory issues and requirements, unanticipated issues with our At-The-Market Offering facility, unexpected issues with Builder+, as well as risks set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 which was filed on March 20, 2025. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    For more information follow us on:
    Twitter: https://x.com/NasdaqBTCS
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasdaq-btcs
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NasdaqBTCS

    Investor Relations:
    Charles Allen – CEO
    X (formerly Twitter): @Charles_BTCS
    Email: ir@btcs.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Government told NZ should not follow Australia’s lead to criminalise support for Palestine – PSNA

    Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

     

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa is urging the New Zealand government NOT to follow Australia’s example with measures which would effectively criminalise the Palestine solidarity movement.

     

    The Australian government has announced plans to implement recommendations from its anti-semitism envoy which PSNA says creates a ‘hierarchy of racism’ with anti-semitism at the top, while Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism hardly feature.

     

    However we know at least some of the appalling anti-semitic attacks in Sydney have been bogus.

     

    PSNA Co-chair John Minto says PSNA has no tolerance for anti-semitism in Aotearoa New Zealand, or anywhere else.

     

    “But equally there should be no place for any other kind of racism, such as Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism. Our government must speak out against all forms of discrimination and support all communities when racism rears its ugly head.  Let’s not forget the murderous attacks on the Christchurch mosques.”

    Minto says the Australian measures will inevitably be used to criminalise the Palestinian solidarity movement across Australia.

     

    “We see it happening in the US, to attack and demonise support for Palestinian human rights by the Trump administration.  We see it orchestrated in the UK to shut down any speech which Prime Minister Starmer and the Israeli government don’t like.”

     

     PSNA agrees with the Jewish Council of Australia who have warned the Australian government adopting these measures could result in

     “undermining Australia’s democratic freedoms, inflaming community divisions, and entrenching selective approaches to racism that serve political agendas”

    Minto says the free speech restrictions in the US, UK and Australia have nothing to do with what people usually understand as anti-semitism.

     

    “The drive comes from the Israeli government.  They see making anti-semitism charges as the most effective means of preventing anyone publicly pointing to the genocide its armed forces are perpetrating in Gaza.”

     

    “The definition of anti-semitism, usually inserted into codes of ethics or legislation, is from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.  The IHRA definition includes eleven examples.  Seven of the examples are about criticising Israel.”

     

    “It’s quite clear the Israeli campaign is to distract the community from Israel’s horrendous war crimes, such as the round-the-clock mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, and deflect calls for sanctions against Israel.”

     

    “Already we can see in both the UK and US, that people have been arrested for saying things about Israel which would not have been declared illegal if they’d said it about other countries, including their own.”

     

    Minto says there are already worrying signs that the New Zealand government and New Zealand media and police are falling into the trap.

     

    “Just over the past few weeks, there has been an unusually wide-ranging mainstream media focus on anti-semitism;

     

    However, our politicians and media have been silent about;

     

    • An attack which knocked a young Palestinian woman to the ground when she was using a microphone to speak during an Auckland march
    • An attack where a Palestine supporter was kicked and knocked to the pavement outside the Israeli embassy in Wellington.  The accused was wearing an Israeli flag.  He was not held in custody and the Post newspaper has reported neither the arrest nor the resulting charge (this case is due in court 15 July)
    • An attack on a Palestine solidarity marshal in Christchurch who was punched in the face, in front of police, but no action taken.
    • An attack in Christchurch when a Destiny Church member kicked a solidarity marshal in the chest (no action taken by police)
    • Anti-Palestinian racist attacks on the home of a Palestine solidarity activist in New Plymouth.  One of our supporters has had their front fence spraypainted twice with pro-Israel graffiti and their car tyres slashed twice (4 tyres in total) and had vile defamatory material circulated in their neighbourhood. (The police say they cannot help)
    • The frequent condemnation of anti-semitism by the previous Chief Human Rights Commissioner, but his refusal to condemn the deep-seated anti-Palestinian racism of the New Zealand Jewish Council and Israel Institute of New Zealand.
    • The refusal of the Human Rights Commission to publicly correct false statements it published in the Post newspaper which claimed anti-semitism was increasing, when in fact the evidence it was using was that the rate of incidents had declined.

     

    Minto says in each of the cases above there would have been far more attention from politicians, the police and the media had the victims been Israeli supporters.

     

    “Meanwhile, both our government and the New Zealand Jewish Council have refused to condemn Israel’s blatant war crimes.  There is silence on the mass killing, mass starvation and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza.   The Jewish Council and our government stand together and refuse to hold Israel’s racist apartheid regime to account in just about any way.”

     

    “This refusal to condemn what genocide scholars, including several Israeli genocide academics, have labelled as a “text-book case of genocide’, brings shame on both the New Zealand Jewish Council and the New Zealand government.”

     

     “Adding to the clear perception of appalling bias on the part of our government, both the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, have met with New Zealand Jewish Council spokespeople over the war in Gaza.”

     

    “But both have refused to meet with representatives of Palestinian New Zealanders, or the huge number of Jewish supporters of the Palestine solidarity movement.”

     

    “New Zealand must stand up and be counted against genocide wherever it appears and no matter who the victims are.”

     

    John Minto

    Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Government told NZ should not follow Australia’s lead to criminalise support for Palestine – PSNA

    Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

     

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa is urging the New Zealand government NOT to follow Australia’s example with measures which would effectively criminalise the Palestine solidarity movement.

     

    The Australian government has announced plans to implement recommendations from its anti-semitism envoy which PSNA says creates a ‘hierarchy of racism’ with anti-semitism at the top, while Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism hardly feature.

     

    However we know at least some of the appalling anti-semitic attacks in Sydney have been bogus.

     

    PSNA Co-chair John Minto says PSNA has no tolerance for anti-semitism in Aotearoa New Zealand, or anywhere else.

     

    “But equally there should be no place for any other kind of racism, such as Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism. Our government must speak out against all forms of discrimination and support all communities when racism rears its ugly head.  Let’s not forget the murderous attacks on the Christchurch mosques.”

    Minto says the Australian measures will inevitably be used to criminalise the Palestinian solidarity movement across Australia.

     

    “We see it happening in the US, to attack and demonise support for Palestinian human rights by the Trump administration.  We see it orchestrated in the UK to shut down any speech which Prime Minister Starmer and the Israeli government don’t like.”

     

     PSNA agrees with the Jewish Council of Australia who have warned the Australian government adopting these measures could result in

     “undermining Australia’s democratic freedoms, inflaming community divisions, and entrenching selective approaches to racism that serve political agendas”

    Minto says the free speech restrictions in the US, UK and Australia have nothing to do with what people usually understand as anti-semitism.

     

    “The drive comes from the Israeli government.  They see making anti-semitism charges as the most effective means of preventing anyone publicly pointing to the genocide its armed forces are perpetrating in Gaza.”

     

    “The definition of anti-semitism, usually inserted into codes of ethics or legislation, is from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.  The IHRA definition includes eleven examples.  Seven of the examples are about criticising Israel.”

     

    “It’s quite clear the Israeli campaign is to distract the community from Israel’s horrendous war crimes, such as the round-the-clock mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, and deflect calls for sanctions against Israel.”

     

    “Already we can see in both the UK and US, that people have been arrested for saying things about Israel which would not have been declared illegal if they’d said it about other countries, including their own.”

     

    Minto says there are already worrying signs that the New Zealand government and New Zealand media and police are falling into the trap.

     

    “Just over the past few weeks, there has been an unusually wide-ranging mainstream media focus on anti-semitism;

     

    However, our politicians and media have been silent about;

     

    • An attack which knocked a young Palestinian woman to the ground when she was using a microphone to speak during an Auckland march
    • An attack where a Palestine supporter was kicked and knocked to the pavement outside the Israeli embassy in Wellington.  The accused was wearing an Israeli flag.  He was not held in custody and the Post newspaper has reported neither the arrest nor the resulting charge (this case is due in court 15 July)
    • An attack on a Palestine solidarity marshal in Christchurch who was punched in the face, in front of police, but no action taken.
    • An attack in Christchurch when a Destiny Church member kicked a solidarity marshal in the chest (no action taken by police)
    • Anti-Palestinian racist attacks on the home of a Palestine solidarity activist in New Plymouth.  One of our supporters has had their front fence spraypainted twice with pro-Israel graffiti and their car tyres slashed twice (4 tyres in total) and had vile defamatory material circulated in their neighbourhood. (The police say they cannot help)
    • The frequent condemnation of anti-semitism by the previous Chief Human Rights Commissioner, but his refusal to condemn the deep-seated anti-Palestinian racism of the New Zealand Jewish Council and Israel Institute of New Zealand.
    • The refusal of the Human Rights Commission to publicly correct false statements it published in the Post newspaper which claimed anti-semitism was increasing, when in fact the evidence it was using was that the rate of incidents had declined.

     

    Minto says in each of the cases above there would have been far more attention from politicians, the police and the media had the victims been Israeli supporters.

     

    “Meanwhile, both our government and the New Zealand Jewish Council have refused to condemn Israel’s blatant war crimes.  There is silence on the mass killing, mass starvation and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza.   The Jewish Council and our government stand together and refuse to hold Israel’s racist apartheid regime to account in just about any way.”

     

    “This refusal to condemn what genocide scholars, including several Israeli genocide academics, have labelled as a “text-book case of genocide’, brings shame on both the New Zealand Jewish Council and the New Zealand government.”

     

     “Adding to the clear perception of appalling bias on the part of our government, both the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, have met with New Zealand Jewish Council spokespeople over the war in Gaza.”

     

    “But both have refused to meet with representatives of Palestinian New Zealanders, or the huge number of Jewish supporters of the Palestine solidarity movement.”

     

    “New Zealand must stand up and be counted against genocide wherever it appears and no matter who the victims are.”

     

    John Minto

    Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • Bitcoin climbs to record $123,000 as US to debate crypto rules

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Bitcoin surpassed $120,000 for the first time on Monday, marking a milestone for the world’s largest cryptocurrency as investors bet on long-sought policy wins for the industry this week.

    Bitcoin scaled a record high of $123,153.22 before pulling back slightly to trade 2.4% higher around $122,000.

    Later in the day, the U.S. House of Representatives will debate a series of bills to provide the digital asset industry with the nation’s regulatory framework it has long demanded.

    Those demands have resonated with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called himself the “crypto president” and urged policymakers to revamp rules in favour of the industry.

    “It’s riding a number of tailwinds at the moment,” said IG market analyst Tony Sycamore, citing strong institutional demand, expectations of further gains and support from Trump as reasons for the bullishness.

    “It’s been a very, very, strong move over the past six or seven days and it’s hard to see where it stops now. It looks like it can easily have a look at the $125,000 level,” he said.

    The surge in bitcoin, which is up 30% so far this year, has sparked a broader rally across other cryptocurrencies over the past few sessions even in the face of Trump’s chaotic tariff policies.

    Ether, the second-largest token, scaled a more than five-month peak of $3,059.60, while XRP and Solana gained about 3% each.

    The sector’s total market value has swelled to about $3.81 trillion, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

    “What we find interesting and are watching closely are the signs that bitcoin is now being seen as a long-term reserve asset, not just by retail investors and institutions but even some central banks,” said Gracie Lin, crypto exchange OKX’s Singapore CEO.

    “We’re also seeing increasing participation from Asia-based investors, including family offices and wealth managers. These are strong signs of bitcoin’s role in the global financial system and the structural shift in how it is perceived, suggesting that this isn’t just another hype-driven rally,” Lin said.

    Earlier this month, Washington declared the week of July 14 as “crypto week,” during which members of Congress are set to vote on the Genius Act, the Clarity Act, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.

    The most significant bill is the Genius Act, which would create federal rules for stable coins.

    Elsewhere, prices of crypto stocks and exchange traded funds advanced.

    In U.S. premarket trading, shares of crypto exchange Coinbase surged 1.7%, while bitcoin holder Strategy climbed 3.3%. Crypto miner Mara Holdings jumped 4.6%.

    Hong Kong listed spot bitcoin ETFs launched by China AMC, Harvest and Bosera all hit record highs.

    (Reuters)

  • Bitcoin climbs to record $123,000 as US to debate crypto rules

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Bitcoin surpassed $120,000 for the first time on Monday, marking a milestone for the world’s largest cryptocurrency as investors bet on long-sought policy wins for the industry this week.

    Bitcoin scaled a record high of $123,153.22 before pulling back slightly to trade 2.4% higher around $122,000.

    Later in the day, the U.S. House of Representatives will debate a series of bills to provide the digital asset industry with the nation’s regulatory framework it has long demanded.

    Those demands have resonated with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called himself the “crypto president” and urged policymakers to revamp rules in favour of the industry.

    “It’s riding a number of tailwinds at the moment,” said IG market analyst Tony Sycamore, citing strong institutional demand, expectations of further gains and support from Trump as reasons for the bullishness.

    “It’s been a very, very, strong move over the past six or seven days and it’s hard to see where it stops now. It looks like it can easily have a look at the $125,000 level,” he said.

    The surge in bitcoin, which is up 30% so far this year, has sparked a broader rally across other cryptocurrencies over the past few sessions even in the face of Trump’s chaotic tariff policies.

    Ether, the second-largest token, scaled a more than five-month peak of $3,059.60, while XRP and Solana gained about 3% each.

    The sector’s total market value has swelled to about $3.81 trillion, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

    “What we find interesting and are watching closely are the signs that bitcoin is now being seen as a long-term reserve asset, not just by retail investors and institutions but even some central banks,” said Gracie Lin, crypto exchange OKX’s Singapore CEO.

    “We’re also seeing increasing participation from Asia-based investors, including family offices and wealth managers. These are strong signs of bitcoin’s role in the global financial system and the structural shift in how it is perceived, suggesting that this isn’t just another hype-driven rally,” Lin said.

    Earlier this month, Washington declared the week of July 14 as “crypto week,” during which members of Congress are set to vote on the Genius Act, the Clarity Act, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.

    The most significant bill is the Genius Act, which would create federal rules for stable coins.

    Elsewhere, prices of crypto stocks and exchange traded funds advanced.

    In U.S. premarket trading, shares of crypto exchange Coinbase surged 1.7%, while bitcoin holder Strategy climbed 3.3%. Crypto miner Mara Holdings jumped 4.6%.

    Hong Kong listed spot bitcoin ETFs launched by China AMC, Harvest and Bosera all hit record highs.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leicester Senior Coroner awarded national honour

    Source: City of Leicester

    Professor Catherine E. Mason, HM Senior Coroner for Leicester, has been honoured in the national Muslim Community Service Awards for Outstanding Achievement.

    The awards are an initiative of the Muslim Community Association, to recognise and celebrate individuals who have made a positive impact on Muslim communities.

    Professor Mason has championed the use of non-invasive virtual autopsies, using MRI and CT scanning to determine cause of death. This approach provides greater dignity for the deceased and significantly reduces distress for grieving families across Leicester.

    Her expertise and integrity, which won national recognition at the 2024 National Burial Council (NBC) Conference in Leicester, were central to this latest accolade.

    Suleman Nagdi MBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire said: “This award could not be more richly deserved. Having had the privilege of working closely with Cathie since her appointment—through both my involvement with the Muslim Burial Council of Leicestershire and the NBC—I have been continually inspired by her extraordinary compassion and unwavering dedication to our communities when they need us most.

    “Her service has been nothing short of exceptional, and we in Leicester are truly fortunate to have benefited from her remarkable commitment.”

    Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “The award recognises Professor Mason’s exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in coronial services. Her pioneering work has set a national benchmark, driving significant advancements – most notably her efforts to reduce the need for invasive post-mortem examinations.”

    Professor Mason said: “I am deeply humbled and profoundly moved to receive this recognition. This award belongs not just to me, but to everyone who has walked alongside me on this remarkable journey. If my work has brought even a moment’s comfort to families during their darkest hours of grief, then every effort has been worthwhile”

    The awards ceremony took place on 9 July, at the Royal Regency Hotel in London.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Defense Ministry: China urges Japan to exercise military and security caution

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — China on Monday urged Japan to learn from history and be cautious in its military and security words and actions as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

    Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin made the statement in response to a reporter’s request to comment on Japanese government sources’ claims that Japan plans to export six Abukuma-class frigates to the Philippines. -0-

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: A state of emergency has been declared in the forests of Russia’s Krasnoyarsk Territory

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 14 /Xinhua/ – Due to hot weather and the threat of forest fires, a state of emergency has been declared in the forests of Russia’s Krasnoyarsk Territory, TASS reported on Monday, citing a regional government decree.

    “In connection with the established dry and hot weather, high thunderstorm activity, which contributes to the occurrence of forest fires, in order to prevent and eliminate the emergency situation caused by forest fires, I decree: to introduce a state of emergency in the forests of Krasnoyarsk Krai,” the document says.

    Last week, the region experienced hot weather up to plus 30 degrees Celsius. As of Monday morning, there are 21 forest fires burning in Krasnoyarsk Krai covering a total area of 765.1 hectares. 303 people are involved in extinguishing the fires, and seven units of equipment are involved. –0–

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    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping’s Congratulatory Letter to the Plenary Session of the 14th Committee of the All-China Youth Federation and the 28th Congress of the All-China Students’ Federation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — Xi Jinping sends congratulatory letter to the plenary session of the 14th All-China Youth Federation Committee and the 28th National Congress of the All-China Students’ Federation

    On the occasion of the opening of the plenary session of the 14th Committee of the All-China Youth Federation and the 28th Congress of the All-China Students’ Federation, on behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, I extend my congratulations! I extend greetings to young people of all nationalities and all walks of life in China, as well as to Chinese youth living abroad!

    Over the past five years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and with the support of the Communist Youth League of China, youth federations and student federations at all levels have conscientiously fulfilled their duties, taken active and effective actions, organized and mobilized the broad masses of youth and students to follow the Party, work hard and strive forward, contribute their youthful energy to the development of the country and demonstrate the life-affirming and purposeful spiritual character of Chinese youth in the new era.

    In the process of comprehensively promoting the great cause of building a powerful country and national rejuvenation through China’s modernization, truly limitless prospects and opportunities are opening up for the younger generation to realize their potential in various spheres of life. The broad masses of young people should consciously follow the call of the Party and the people, strengthen their ideals and convictions, cultivate deep patriotic feelings, and valiantly accept the historical mission entrusted to them. May their youth become a bright page in the annals, filled with dedication and a sense of high responsibility.

    Party organizations at all levels should strengthen their leadership in youth work, provide care and support to the work of youth federations and student federations, and create favorable conditions for the healthy development of the broad masses of youth and students and for them to achieve new achievements. Youth federations and student federations should, while firmly following the correct political line, deepen the reforms they are implementing and encourage innovative approaches in their work so as to more effectively unite the broad masses of youth and young students around the ideals of the Party and lead them on a new march to achieve new achievements under the banner of the Party. -0-

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    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Chinese-Russian festival “Student Voice 2025” was held in China’s Jilin Province

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — The China-Russia Student Voice Festival 2025 was held in Shulan City, northeast China’s Jilin Province on Saturday evening.

    The festival with the participation of Russian and Chinese youth took place simultaneously at two sites in the city – at Happiness Square and in the village of Nanyang. Numerous young singers from both countries were invited to the event’s stages.

    Nanyang Village, a subordinate city of Shulan, is built in the Russian style and is a symbol of Chinese-Russian friendship. There are many themed guest houses and shops selling Russian goods.

    As part of the festival, a series of events were held in Nanyang Village on Saturday afternoon, including the opening ceremony of the “Russian People’s Friendly Exchange Village”, a parade of flower floats, etc.

    According to Chen Xukun, deputy chairman of the Jilin Provincial General Chamber of Commerce in Russia, most of the villagers in Nanyang had been to Russia to do business, and then some of them returned to develop the traditional tourism and catering industries.

    As night fell, citizens and tourists gathered at the Happiness Square to enjoy the delightful performances of the festival. Popular songs such as “The Moon Represents My Heart,” “Return,” and many others were performed on stage.

    The Russian performers were very happy to have the opportunity to perform in China and expressed hope that this event would deepen the exchanges and cooperation between China and Russia. They also invited Chinese friends to come to Russia and sing together there.

    2024-2025 have been declared the Years of Culture of China and Russia. The main theme of the China-Russia Student Voice Festival 2025 was “Love and Peace”, and the festival has become a real platform for expressing the beautiful voices of the youth of the two countries, who are enthusiastic about the future and strive for deeper mutual acquaintance.

    The festival was held under the leadership of the State Administration of Radio and Television of the People’s Republic of China (SART), the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation, and the Propaganda Department of the Party Committee of Jilin Province. -0-

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s economic and technological development zones will continue to promote the development of new-quality productive forces

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — National-level economic and technological development zones in China will continue to play an important role in developing new productive forces in line with local conditions, a guest speaker said at the latest edition of the China Economic Roundtable organized by Xinhua News Agency.

    Efforts will be aimed at strengthening integration and strengthening the relationship between scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, said Ji Xiaofeng, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Investment of the Ministry of Commerce of China.

    According to her, there are currently more than 700 state-level incubators and hackspaces operating in China’s state-level techno-economic development zones, as well as over 18 percent of the country’s total number of high-tech enterprises.

    “We will strive to build more industrial innovation platforms, while focusing on building the entire chain of product certification, large-scale production and testing, so as to strive to accelerate the transformation of technological innovation and industrial application of research results in national-level economic and technological development zones,” the official said.

    China will support national-level economic and technological development zones to carry out major technological transformation and upgrading, as well as large-scale equipment upgrades, to accelerate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, Ji Xiaofeng said.

    According to her, state-level economic and technological development zones will also develop emerging industries of strategic importance such as biomedicine, new energy, new materials and aerospace, and carry out long-term planning for future industries.

    China earlier this year unveiled a work plan encouraging national-level economic and technological development zones to develop new productive forces tailored to local conditions by building more industrial and scientific and technological innovation platforms and computing power infrastructure.

    In 1984, China established its first national-level economic development zone in the northeastern city of Dalian. By 2024, the number of such zones had reached 232, with a gross regional product of 16.9 trillion yuan (about $2.36 trillion). -0-

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: 9 killed, 11 injured in road accident in southern India

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    NEW DELHI, July 14 (Xinhua) — At least nine people were killed and 11 others injured after a truck carrying mangoes overturned in India’s southern Andhra Pradesh state, police said on Monday.

    The accident occurred on Monday night, about 387 km southwest of Andhra Pradesh’s capital Amaravati.

    “The accident occurred when a truck lost control and overturned. The truck was carrying mangoes weighing about 40 tonnes and there were 20 workers sitting on top,” a police official said.

    When the truck overturned, crates of mangoes fell on workers, causing casualties and injuries, police said.

    After the accident, local residents and rescuers arrived at the scene to conduct a rescue operation and took the victims to the hospital.

    The cause of the accident is being investigated. Police suspect that overloading was the cause of the accident, but the driver who survived the accident said that he lost control while trying to avoid a collision with a car traveling in the opposite direction. –0–

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Senate Trump assassination report questions Secret Service discipline

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    NEW YORK, July 14 (Xinhua) — A U.S. Senate report on the assassination attempt on U.S. President Donald Trump last year found “numerous, unacceptable failures” in Secret Service discipline.

    The report comes a year after then-presidential candidate Trump was wounded when a 20-year-old gunman fired eight shots at him at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

    The gunman was later killed by a sniper. But the shooting, which left one protester dead and two wounded, showed the Secret Service was lax in its planning and response, the report said, calling for tougher discipline.

    “This was not an isolated lapse in judgment. This was a complete collapse of security at every level, fueled by bureaucratic indifference, a lack of clear protocols, and a shocking refusal to act when there was a direct threat,” Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican who chairs the House Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said in a statement.

    Noting that the Secret Service learned of a suspicious person “nearly 45 minutes before the shooting and took no action,” the report’s authors noted a series of errors that showed “a disturbing pattern of communication breakdowns and negligence that led to a preventable tragedy.”

    Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned after the shooting, and six employees responsible for protecting Donald Trump at the Butler rally have been suspended for 10 to 42 days, the service said Thursday. –0–

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: China, US step up efforts to implement London trade talks: official

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — China and the United States are accelerating efforts to implement the results reached in the framework of the agreements reached during the trade and economic talks in London, Wang Lingjun, vice-director of the General Administration of Customs (GAC), said on Monday.

    Following positive progress in recent trade and economic talks in Geneva and London, trade volume between the two countries rebounded to over 350 billion yuan (about $49 billion) last month from less than 300 billion yuan in May, Wang Lingjun told a press conference.

    Wang Lingjun said that China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature and reflects the irreversible historical trend of the globalization era, the objective requirement for deeper integration of industrial chains, as well as the practical need for innovation cooperation between enterprises of the two countries and improving the well-being of the peoples of the two countries.

    Describing the consensus reached in Geneva and the framework established in London as “hard-won,” he expressed hope that the U.S. would move toward meeting each other halfway with China to make cooperation the central theme of bilateral economic and trade ties, steer the global trading system back toward fairness and openness, and contribute to global economic recovery and growth. -0-

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to register record number of new energy vehicles in first half of 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — China registered 5.62 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the first half of 2025, up 27.86 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

    The number of new NEV registrations for the period from January to June this year has reached a new historical maximum in the country.

    As of the end of June this year, the total number of NEV vehicles in stock nationwide reached 36.89 million units, accounting for 10.27 percent of the total number of vehicles in the country.

    Battery electric vehicles remained the dominant force in China’s NEV market, with a total inventory of nearly 25.54 million units, or 69.23 percent of the total new energy vehicles. -0-

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Yuan-denominated loans grew by 12.92 trillion yuan in the first half of 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — China’s renminbi (yuan) loans increased by 12.92 trillion yuan (about 1.81 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first six months of 2025, data from the People’s Bank of China (PBOC, the central bank) showed Monday. -0-

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: /Roundtable on China’s Economy/ Economic and Technological Development Zones Play Key Role in Attracting Foreign Investment

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — Since their establishment more than 40 years ago, China’s national-level Economic and Technological Development Zones have prioritized opening up and served as the “first tier” in promoting foreign trade and attracting foreign investment, said Ji Xiaofeng, spokesperson for the Foreign Investment Department of the Ministry of Commerce.

    For four decades, these zones have made continuous efforts to improve themselves and have been committed to building a high-quality, law-based business environment, Ji Xiaofeng said, speaking at the latest edition of the China Economy Roundtable hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

    By the end of 2024, China had established 232 state-level economic and technological development zones, which together housed more than 60,000 foreign-invested companies.

    Among them, Japanese electronics giant Panasonic was one of the first foreign investors in the Chinese market. Today, it has three subsidiaries in the Suzhou Industrial Park in East China’s Jiangsu Province.

    Suzhou Industrial Park ranks first among all national-level economic and technological development zones in China in terms of development level as of the end of 2024, maintaining the top position for the ninth consecutive year, according to an annual ranking released by the Ministry of Commerce.

    “The industrial park’s location, industrial chain and policy support make it very attractive to us and will bring great benefits to our investment and development not only in Suzhou but also in China as a whole,” said Zhao Bindi, president of Panasonic China.

    In May, China’s Ministry of Commerce released a work plan to further deepen reform and innovation in state-level economic and technological development zones, marking the latest move by China to strengthen the zones’ role in promoting high-level opening-up.

    “We have been witnesses and beneficiaries of China’s reform and opening up. As the country moves toward high-quality development, we remain committed to our continued growth here,” Zhao Bingdi said. -0-

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: Electronic card transactions: June 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Columbaria applications to open

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Private Columbaria (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 came into force on May 30, 2025. The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today announced that eligible “pre-cut-off columbaria” intending to make new applications for exemption may apply to the Private Columbaria Licensing Board (PCLB) from September 1 to November 30.

    By obtaining an exemption, eligible “pre-cut-off columbaria” may keep the niches sold before the enactment date of the Private Columbaria Ordinance on June 30, 2017 and continue to operate at its current scale.

    Under the amendment ordinance, “pre-cut-off columbaria” making new applications for exemption must meet the new eligibility criteria and specified conditions to minimise their impact on the neighbourhood.

    The PCLB has uploaded the application guide to the FEHD’s dedicated website.

    The FEHD’s Private Columbaria Affairs Office will also contact the eligible “pre-cut-off columbaria” individually to explain the application details and assist them in submitting the application.

    For enquiries, call 2892 2731 or email rpc@fehd.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News