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  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Complete 2025 Article IV Mission to Timor-Leste

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    July 2, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • Timor-Leste’s growth is expected to remain robust at 3.9 percent in 2025, supported by fiscal expansion and strong credit growth. Inflation has fallen sharply but is expected to increase moderately in the remainder of 2025.
    • To support growth and macroeconomic stability, Timor-Leste’s substantial savings in the Petroleum Fund should be spent better and more prudently. This would deliver higher living standards and preserve fiscal sustainability.
    • The implementation of financial and fiscal reforms would accelerate private sector development and make public expenditure more efficient.

    Washington, DC – July 2, 2025: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Yan Carrière-Swallow visited Dili during June 19-July 2 to conduct discussions for the 2025 Article IV consultation with Timor-Leste. At the conclusion of the discussions, Mr. Carrière-Swallow issued the following statement:

    “Timor-Leste’s financial buffers and favorable demographics provide an opportunity to develop its economy. Despite impressive progress since independence, the economy remains under-diversified, and fiscal and external imbalances are large. We welcome Timor-Leste’s efforts for greater economic integration in the global and regional economies through World Trade Organization (WTO) membership and prospective ASEAN accession, which will boost growth and is providing a positive impulse to the government’s reform agenda.

    “Growth is expected to remain robust at 3.9 percent in 2025, supported by fiscal expansion and strong credit growth, and to moderate to 3.3 percent in 2026. Inflation, which had fallen sharply last year as global food and energy prices declined but is expected to increase moderately as global food prices rise. Inflation is expected to average 0.9 percent in 2025 and to rise to 1.8 percent in 2026. Risks to the outlook are balanced.

    “The 2026 budget should prioritize high-quality spending on physical and human capital, including health and education, while containing recurrent expenditure. The government is rightly focused on identifying measures to contain the public sector wage bill, which has grown sharply in recent years, and on implementing a Value Added Tax by January 2027.

    “Absent further reforms, deficits are projected to remain large over the medium term, which would lead to a full depletion of the Petroleum Fund by the end of the 2030s. We recommend a 10-year reform agenda of structural and fiscal reforms, allowing the Timorese government to support private sector development while gradually reducing fiscal deficits to preserve debt sustainability. For 2026, our proposed reforms would be consistent with an expenditure envelope of around US$1.85 billion for central government.

    “We welcome continued progress in the government’s financial sector reforms—including an insolvency framework, a secure transactions law, development of corporate accounting standards, and a new law on banking activities—whose implementation would support private sector development. We also recommend accelerating the issuance of land titles and establishing a national digital ID system, which are crucial reforms to boost access to credit, diversify the private sector, and improve the efficiency of public spending.

    “The team had fruitful discussions with Minister of Finance Santina Cardoso, Central Bank Governor Hélder Lopes, other senior officials, the private sector, civil society, and development partners. On behalf of the IMF team, I would like to thank the Timorese authorities for their hospitality and excellent cooperation. The IMF stands ready to continue providing capacity development to assist the government’s operations and reform efforts.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pemba Sherpa

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/07/02/pr25232-imf-staff-complete-2025-article-iv-mission-to-timor-leste

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI China: China tightens anti-money laundering rules for precious metals and gemstone dealers

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

    China tightens anti-money laundering rules for precious metals and gemstone dealers

    BEIJING, July 2 — China’s central bank has issued new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations specifically targeting dealers of precious metals and gemstones operating within the country.

    The new rules by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) aim to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, combat related crimes, and standardize practices within this sector, according to a recent statement from the PBOC.

    Effective on Aug. 1, dealers will be required to meet specific anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations for any cash transaction valued at 100,000 yuan (about 13,977 U.S. dollars) or more, or the equivalent amount in foreign currency, according to the new rules.

    This includes reporting any single cash transaction or cumulative daily cash transactions reaching or exceeding the 100,000 yuan threshold to the China Anti-Money Laundering Monitoring and Analysis Center. Such reports must be submitted within five working days of the transaction date.

    The rules apply to all dealers legally engaged in spot trading of precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and gemstones such as diamonds and jade within China.

    Gold price in China has seen a notable increase this year, with both spot price and futures contract on the Shanghai Gold Exchange hitting an all-time high in April, highlighting market demand.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Cargo throughput via Three Gorges Dam reaches 83 mln tonnes in H1

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

    Cargo throughput via Three Gorges Dam reaches 83 mln tonnes in H1

    Updated: July 2, 2025 19:26 Xinhua
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 2, 2025 shows ships passing through the dual-channel five-tier ship locks of the Three Gorges Dam in an orderly manner in Yichang City, central China’s Hubei Province. The shipping throughput via the Three Gorges Dam has reached 83.08 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, rising 10.4 percent year on year, data from the Three Gorges Navigation Authority showed. The ship locks of the Three Gorges Dam have handled over 19,121 vessels in this period, letting through a cargo volume of 81.61 million tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 13.52 percent. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 2, 2025 shows ships passing through the dual-channel five-tier ship locks of the Three Gorges Dam in an orderly manner in Yichang City, central China’s Hubei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 1, 2025 shows ships passing through the dual-track five-tier ship locks of the Three Gorges Dam in an orderly manner in Yichang City, central China’s Hubei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 1, 2025 shows ships passing through the dual-channel five-tier ship locks (L) and a ship lift (R) of the Three Gorges Dam in an orderly manner in Yichang City, central China’s Hubei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 2, 2025 shows ships passing through the dual-channel five-tier ship locks of the Three Gorges Dam in an orderly manner in Yichang City, central China’s Hubei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 1, 2025 shows ships passing through a ship lift of the Three Gorges Dam in an orderly manner in Yichang City, central China’s Hubei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China releases national standards for emerging industries

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

    BEIJING, July 2 — China’s State Administration for Market Regulation on Wednesday said that it has released a series of national standards for emerging industries such as artificial intelligence (AI).

    Seven national standards have been released — covering AI, information technology and the Internet of Things — to provide technical support for the expansion of digital services and applications, the administration said.

    Another five national standards cover data centers, cybersecurity technologies, and systems and software engineering, supporting deeper integration and interconnection throughout the digital economy.

    The administration has released national standards on the safety of electric earthmoving machinery and the general requirements for battery-swap systems, improving the standards system for the electrification of traditional construction equipment and supporting the green transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, the administration said.

    It has also released a range of national standards covering such areas as elderly care and child care, transportation and energy, agriculture and rural development, and green and low-carbon development.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: STATE COLLEGE – Shapiro Administration Continues to Stand Up for Pennsylvania Farmers, Families, and Food Businesses Who Will be Hurt by Proposed Federal SNAP Funding Cuts

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    July 02, 2025State College, PA

    ADVISORY – STATE COLLEGE – Shapiro Administration Continues to Stand Up for Pennsylvania Farmers, Families, and Food Businesses Who Will be Hurt by Proposed Federal SNAP Funding Cuts

    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will join Pennsylvania State Grange President Matt Espenshade, local farmers, and state legislators to bring attention to the harmful impact of proposed federal funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as how federal cuts already in effect for other food assistance programs, will hurt Pennsylvania farmers, food businesses, and families.

    The event will highlight the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to fighting hunger in Pennsylvania while supporting our farmers, families, and food businesses. Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposes increased investments to help end hunger and support farms across Pennsylvania.

    WHO:
    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
    Department of Human Services Executive Secretary Andrew Barnes
    State Representative Paul Takac
    State Representative Emily Kinkead
    Pennsylvania State Grange President Matt Espenshade
    Wasson’s Farm and Market Owner Candy Wasson

    WHEN: TOMORROW, Wednesday, July 2 at 11 a.m.

    WHERE:
    Wasson’s Farm and Market (event barn)
    2545 Shingletown Road
    State College, PA 16801

    RSVP: Press attending should RSVP with news outlet and photographer and reporter names to aginfo@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: GDS Announces the Final Offering Price for its C-REIT Initial Public Offering on the Shanghai Stock Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GDS Holdings Limited (“GDS Holdings”, “GDS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698), a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China, today announced that the final offering price for its previously announced China REIT (“C-REIT”) initial public offering (“IPO”) on the Shanghai Stock Exchange is RMB 3.00 per unit. The final offering price was determined following completion of the institutional bookbuilding, which was 166 times over-subscribed. The C-REIT will issue 800,000,000 units in total, representing 100% of units in issue on completion of the IPO. The gross proceeds to be received by the C-REIT is RMB 2,400 million.

    At the final offering price, the implied EV / EBITDA, based on the projected EBITDA for 2026 for the C-REIT contained in the offering memorandum of RMB 141.8 million, is 16.9 times. At the final offering price, the implied dividend yield per unit, based on the projected cash flow available for distribution for 2026 contained in the offering memorandum of RMB 124.8 million, is 5.2 per cent.

    GDS will enter into an agreement to sell to the C-REIT a 100% equity interest in a project company which holds stabilized data center assets for a total enterprise value of approximately RMB 2,319 million. On completion of the sale, GDS will receive total net cash proceeds of approximately RMB 2,111 million, comprising equity consideration and dividend of existing cash, net of tax and certain other transaction costs. In addition, GDS will de-consolidate approximately RMB 62 million of net debt and other liabilities. GDS will reinvest RMB 480 million to subscribe for 20% of the units issued by the C-REIT in the IPO.

    GDS will continue to operate and manage the underlying data center assets under a services agreement with the project company transferred to the C-REIT, pursuant to which GDS will receive recurring annual fee income of approximately RMB 5 million.

    About GDS Holdings Limited

    GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698) is a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China. The Company’s facilities are strategically located in and around primary economic hubs where demand for high-performance data center services is concentrated. The Company’s data centers have large net floor area, high power capacity, density and efficiency, and multiple redundancies across all critical systems. GDS is carrier and cloud-neutral, which enables its customers to access the major telecommunications networks, as well as the largest PRC and global public clouds, which are hosted in many of its facilities. The Company offers co-location and a suite of value-added services, including managed hybrid cloud services through direct private connection to leading public clouds, managed network services, and, where required, the resale of public cloud services. The Company has a 24-year track record of service delivery, successfully fulfilling the requirements of some of the largest and most demanding customers for outsourced data center services in China. The Company’s customer base consists predominantly of hyperscale cloud service providers, large internet companies, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, IT service providers, and large domestic private sector and multinational corporations. The Company also holds a non-controlling 35.6% equity interest in DayOne Data Centers Limited which develops and operates data centers in International markets.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    GDS Holdings Limited
    Laura Chen
    Phone: +86 (21) 2029-2203
    Email: ir@gds-services.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Ross Warner
    Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    Brandi Piacente
    Phone: +1 (212) 481-2050
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    GDS Holdings Limited

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Graves of three soldiers killed in Normandy identified

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Graves of three soldiers killed in Normandy identified

    Three soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1944 now have named graves at Banneville-la-Campagne War Cemetery in Normandy.

    David Little, the nephew of Trooper Little stands at the graveside of his uncle with his wife, daughter and the military party. MOD Crown Copyright.

    The family of a soldier killed during the Battle of Normandy has visited the newly named grave of their loved one, who has now been identified after an 80-year search for closure.

    Rededication services took place on 26 June at CWGC Banneville-la-Campagne War Cemetery in Normandy for Trooper Francis Dominic Kelly and Trooper Victor Terrence Little, both of 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry, and Private John Aneurin Protheroe of 2nd Battalion The Monmouthshire Regiment, all of whom died in August 1944. 

    The identifications were made following research by Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), known as the ‘MOD’s War Detectives’, the National Army Museum and Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

    Trooper Little’s nephew, David Little, attended the moving ceremonies to pay their respects. He said: 

    We were so wonderfully surprised when JCCC contacted us regarding our Uncle Vic as there has always been a sadness that Victor’s remains had never been found. We’ll always be grateful for the work of the JCCC War Detectives in enabling us to attend the rededication service of dear Victor on behalf of his parents and siblings.

    Headshot of Tpr Francis Dominic Kelly (courtesy of the Kelly family).

    Robert Gore, the grandson of Pte Protheroe could sadly not attend the service. He said: 

    My Grandfather was posted missing believed killed in 1944 when my mother was 13 and my aunt 3 years old. My mother has kept his memory very much alive with her stories to me and my 4 siblings.

    When I was about 10 I read a novel where a soldier goes missing but eventually comes home alive. As a 10 year-old, that was always my fantastic hope that my grandfather would reappear. The identification of his grave at Banneville is the culmination of that dream even though he never came back alive and my mother is now also dead. I, my siblings and cousins are all grateful for the efforts of the MoD in this regard and we offer our heartfelt thanks.

    The identifications came after a researcher submitted cases to the CWGC suggesting possible locations for their graves. Following further investigation by CWGC, the National Army Museum and the JCCC, the identities of the 3 soldiers were confirmed. 

    Pte John Aneurin Protheroe (courtesy of the Protheroe family).

    The services were organised by the Ministry of Defence’s JCCC, known as the ‘War Detectives’, with representatives from The Royal Corps of Signals, The Royal Regiment of Artillery and The Royal Welsh in attendance.   

    Rosie Barron, JCCC Caseworker, said:  

    It has been a pleasure to work with the military party to organise these services and to have had the families of Trooper Little and Private Protheroe present. It is important that the memory of these men is honoured, and a strong reminder that the fighting in Normandy did not end on D-Day, but that the Battle of Normandy lasted until the end of August 1944 and was hard won by the Allies.

    All 3 men had previously been commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial to the missing. The CWGC has now replaced their headstones with named markers and will care for them in perpetuity. 

    Fergus Read, Commemorations Case Officer at the CWGC, said: 

    It is an honour to have been involved in the research that led to the formal identification of these men. It is a privilege to play a part in establishing where these casualties of the battles in Normandy are buried. This now allows the Commission to care for their named graves, in perpetuity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Graves of four soldiers killed in 1940 identified in France

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Graves of four soldiers killed in 1940 identified in France

    Four British servicemen who died during World War Two in France have been rededicated, bringing closure to families after more than 85 years.

    The rededication service for Gunner Humphries attended by his great nephews. MOD Crown Copyright.

    Last week’s rededication services for Private (Pte) William Falconer, Gunner (Gnr) Joseph Humphries, Signalman (Sig) Edmund Roberts and Major (Maj) Richard White-Cooper were all held at Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Le Grand-Lucé War Cemetery near Le Mans, France, on 24 June.

    The families of Gnr Humphries, Sig Roberts and Maj White-Cooper attended the rededication service, as well as serving soldiers of The Royal Corps of Signals, The Royal Regiment of Artillery and The Royal Welsh.

    They were some of many British servicemen remaining in France after Operation Dynamo, which saw the mass evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) through Dunkirk. As the Germans advanced across France, fighting continued and further evacuations were made from ports along the northern and western French coasts.  

    Maj Richard White-Cooper (courtesy of the White-Cooper family).

    All 4 men had been brought to 9th General Hospital located in the Chateau at Le Grand-Lucé either for treatment or burial. Casualties that died while in the hospital’s care were being buried at the site of Le Grand-Lucé War Cemetery close by. As they were missing, all 4 men had previously been commemorated on the Dunkirk Memorial. 

    The graves were recently identified after John Hawthorn, the husband of Sig Roberts’ granddaughter, submitted a case to CWGC hoping to have Sig Roberts’ final resting place confirmed. After extensive research by CWGC, the National Army Museum and JCCC, the graves of all 4 men were identified. This means that all casualties buried in Le Grand-Lucé War Cemetery have now been identified. 

    John Hawthorn said:

    Words are not adequate to express the emotions I had when I got the email from Rosie Barron telling me that the JCCC were happy to confirm they recognise that Sig Edmund Roberts is buried in the CWGC cemetery at Le Grand Luce, France. Brian, his son and my father-in-law, was only 3 years old when Eddie died on 13 June 1940. He never knew where or how his father died, nor where his body rested. 

    The only commemoration was a name on the Dunkirk Memorial. Having a headstone to mark Eddie’s grave provides the family with closure, comfort, and the opportunity to visit a specific place to pay our respects. We are eternally grateful to the tireless work of CWGC and the JCCC, and especially Rosie for all she has done.

    Headshot of Sig Edmund Roberts (courtesy of the Roberts family).

    The services were organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’.  

    JCCC Caseworker, Rosie Barron, said:

    The story of what happened to those members of the BEF still left in France following the Dunkirk evacuations is rarely told. These services highlight the dangers experienced by these men in the struggle to hold the German Army back, and to evacuate from ports further west. Regrettably these men all lost their lives in the confusion of this period. It is a privilege to have met their families and to know that their stories have been concluded.

    CWGC has replaced the headstones over the graves and will care for them in perpetuity, ensuring these brave servicemen are remembered with honour.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership: Joint Statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership: Joint Statement

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs H.E Musalia Mudavadi met in London on 2 July 2025 and reflected on the new Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership

    Speaking as they met at London’s Guildhall in the margins of the Africa Debate, Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP and Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs H.E Musalia Mudavadi said:

    As Commonwealth nations, the Republic of Kenya and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland enjoy a deep and vibrant relationship, rooted in our shared history, shared values and set apart by the exceptional talents of our people.

    The new Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership 2025-2030 will provide a comprehensive framework to progress our shared objectives, strengthening the bilateral relationship and delivering growth for both our countries.

    The Partnership will focus on areas of shared interest and strength, including green growth, climate and nature, science and technology, and security and stability. We will be laser-focussed on delivery – creating jobs, enhancing links between our academics, innovators and scientists, and protecting the environment, nature and our people.

    Kenya is a gateway to the East African market with over 300 million people with combined GDP of over USD 400 billion (Kshs.52 billion). UK-Kenya trade is valued at £1.8 billion (Kshs.218 billion). UK companies are among the largest employers in Kenya. This new partnership will deliver £1 billion (Kshs.177 billion) for the UK economy in export finance, engineering jobs and defence manufacturing jobs in Northampton and County Durham.

    The Partnership will see Lloyd’s of London enter the Nairobi insurance market as a gateway to the East Africa Market valued up to £0.5 billion (Kshs.88billion).

    Over the next five years, Kenya and the UK will deliver on high value investment deals of mutual benefit to both economies.

    This includes Nairobi Railway City, a flagship project, which exemplifies what is possible when ambition meets partnership. Railway City is worth up to £150 million (Kshs.26billion) with the potential for 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in Kenya. Procurement for construction of the first phase of the project has now launched with opportunities ranging from commercial real estate and hospitality to tech innovation and student housing.

    Both countries have agreed to explore a new Digital Trading Agreement and to aim to double trade by 2030 in areas like financial services, digital and technology, and defence and security.

    The Kenya and UK governments will further their global leadership on climate and nature through the Partnership, mobilising at least £200 million (Kshs.35billion) for Kenyan climate adaptation, keeping the 1.5 C temperature goal in reach and unlocking green energy transitions and nature-based solutions.

    Under science and technology, the Strategic Partnership will harness the potential of science, research, innovation and technology partnerships, including on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, to drive inclusive growth, job creation and sustainable development.

    Finally, this new strategic partnership will strengthen our joint response to regional terrorism, illicit finance, cyber attacks and organised crime, keeping our people safe.

    Through the UK-Kenya Security Compact, which we signed today, both countries will prioritise efforts to reduce irregular migration, and support regional stability. The renewed Compact is designed to address both traditional and emerging security threats. Priorities include tackling risks from digital spaces and new technologies, reducing irregular migration, and countering illicit finance. The partnership will continue to build on its strong foundation, ensuring that previous achievements are sustained and that new challenges are met with a coordinated, forward-looking approach.

    This high ambition Strategic Partnership will enable us to go far, together, for a more prosperous and secure future for both our great nations.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kings Worthy resident’s flora photographs recognised with new board

    Source: City of Winchester


    The efforts of a keen photographer to document the flora of Topfield open space have been recognised by Winchester City Council.  

    A new information board has been created from the photographs of Kings Worthy resident Mervyn Edwards, who has been recording and photographing the different flowers he identifies at Topfield throughout the year. 

    Mervyn Edwards with Cllr Jackie Porter at the new board 

    Mervyn showed one of his pictures to Winchester City Council Cabinet Member for Place and the Local Plan, Cllr Jackie Porter. From there, with the help of council officers from the Natural Environment team, Mervyn’s photos were compiled into an information board for the benefit of any visitors to the space. 

    The board was unveiled after a short ceremony, attended by Mervyn, who was joined by family, friends and neighbours.  

    Councillor Porter said: “I first became aware of Mervyn’s photographic prowess when I visited him and he showed me his beautiful picture. 

    “When I then saw his unique record of every single flower that he had seen on Topfield throughout the year, I knew that this was something to be shared with every visitor.  

    “Mervyn should be very proud that this board will be used by generations of Topfield visitors. The time and effort photographing the flowers has already engendered a real connection with the ecology of this area for future generations. His photographic record will be an inspiration to visitors for years to come, and we would like to offer him our gratitude and thanks.” 

    Among those who have already benefitted from the board are the local Kings Worthy Guides and Rangers, who recorded June’s flora in bloom for a local database which will enable the community to see nature’s progress at the open space over the coming years.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • Sensex, Nifty end lower as investors turn cautious over Trump’s tariff deadline

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The stock markets ended lower on Wednesday, as investor sentiment remained cautious due to US President Donald Trump’s firm stand on the upcoming tariff deadline.

    The nervousness led to a risk-off mood among investors, pulling the benchmark indices lower.

    After rising to an intra-day high of 83,935.29, the Sensex lost momentum and closed at 83,409.69, down 287.6 points or 0.34 per cent.

    The Nifty also declined by 88.45 points or 0.35 per cent to end the day at 25,453.4.

    “Mixed global cues, particularly ahead of the impending tariff deadline, are driving investor caution,” Vinod Nair of Geojit Investments Limited said.

    “Market attention is gradually shifting to crucial Q1 earnings, which have high expectations,” he added.

    Nair added that the underlying trends such as robust macroeconomic fundamentals and increased government expenditure continue to support market resilience.

    Among the Sensex stocks, the biggest losers were Bajaj Finserv, L&T, Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, and Bharat Electronics.

    On the other hand, Tata Steel, Asian Paints, Ultratech Cement, Trent, Maruti, and Sun Pharma were among the top gainers.

    Broader markets followed a similar trend. The Nifty Midcap100 index ended down by 0.14 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap100 index slipped 0.41 per cent.

    Sector-wise, Nifty Metal, Consumer Durables, Auto, IT, Pharma, and Healthcare managed to close in the green.

    However, Nifty Realty, Financial Services, Bank, Oil & Gas, and Media dragged the overall sentiment with losses.

    The total market capitalisation of all listed companies on the NSE stood at Rs 5.35 trillion.

    Meanwhile, the India VIX, which measures market volatility, eased slightly by 0.66 per cent to settle at 12.44 points — suggesting some cooling off in investor nervousness despite the day’s losses.

    Gold traded in a narrow range as market awaits key US data releases. Comex Gold moved between $3327 – $3340, while MCX Gold traded between Rs 97,000 – Rs 97,400.

    “The prices expected to remain in the broader range of Rs 96,500 – Rs 97,850 as participants price in potential dollar weakness and upcoming US data, including Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP), ADP non-farm employment, and unemployment figures,” Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities stated.

    (IANS)

  • Sensex, Nifty end lower as investors turn cautious over Trump’s tariff deadline

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The stock markets ended lower on Wednesday, as investor sentiment remained cautious due to US President Donald Trump’s firm stand on the upcoming tariff deadline.

    The nervousness led to a risk-off mood among investors, pulling the benchmark indices lower.

    After rising to an intra-day high of 83,935.29, the Sensex lost momentum and closed at 83,409.69, down 287.6 points or 0.34 per cent.

    The Nifty also declined by 88.45 points or 0.35 per cent to end the day at 25,453.4.

    “Mixed global cues, particularly ahead of the impending tariff deadline, are driving investor caution,” Vinod Nair of Geojit Investments Limited said.

    “Market attention is gradually shifting to crucial Q1 earnings, which have high expectations,” he added.

    Nair added that the underlying trends such as robust macroeconomic fundamentals and increased government expenditure continue to support market resilience.

    Among the Sensex stocks, the biggest losers were Bajaj Finserv, L&T, Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, and Bharat Electronics.

    On the other hand, Tata Steel, Asian Paints, Ultratech Cement, Trent, Maruti, and Sun Pharma were among the top gainers.

    Broader markets followed a similar trend. The Nifty Midcap100 index ended down by 0.14 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap100 index slipped 0.41 per cent.

    Sector-wise, Nifty Metal, Consumer Durables, Auto, IT, Pharma, and Healthcare managed to close in the green.

    However, Nifty Realty, Financial Services, Bank, Oil & Gas, and Media dragged the overall sentiment with losses.

    The total market capitalisation of all listed companies on the NSE stood at Rs 5.35 trillion.

    Meanwhile, the India VIX, which measures market volatility, eased slightly by 0.66 per cent to settle at 12.44 points — suggesting some cooling off in investor nervousness despite the day’s losses.

    Gold traded in a narrow range as market awaits key US data releases. Comex Gold moved between $3327 – $3340, while MCX Gold traded between Rs 97,000 – Rs 97,400.

    “The prices expected to remain in the broader range of Rs 96,500 – Rs 97,850 as participants price in potential dollar weakness and upcoming US data, including Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP), ADP non-farm employment, and unemployment figures,” Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities stated.

    (IANS)

  • India’s rising middle class to drive global leisure travel boom: report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s expanding middle class and its younger, travel-savvy population are poised to play a pivotal role in driving the future of global leisure travel, according to a new report released on Wednesday.

    Data compiled by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) projects that annual global consumer spending on leisure travel will triple from $5 trillion in 2024 to an estimated $15 trillion by 2040 — making it larger than the global pharmaceutical and fashion industries.

    The report attributes this sharp rise to increasing incomes in developing economies and a growing preference for spending on experiences rather than material possessions.

    India’s domestic leisure travel segment has already rebounded strongly after the pandemic, with spending between 2019 and 2024 showing moderate to robust growth.

    This momentum is expected to continue, with BCG forecasting domestic leisure travel spending in India to rise by 12 per cent annually. Regional spending is projected to grow by 8 per cent, and international spending by 10 per cent per year.

    Overnight trips are also likely to grow steadily — by 3 per cent domestically, 4 per cent regionally, and 6 per cent internationally.

    Millennials and Gen Z are leading this surge, with their enthusiasm for travel exceeding that of older generations by up to 26 percentage points. Notably, Gen X in India continues to remain an influential segment for the travel industry — unlike in many developed economies, where their share is declining.

    Globally, leisure travel overnights are expected to grow at 4 per cent annually until 2029, before moderating to 3 per cent per year through 2040.

    Domestic travel will continue to form the largest share, increasing from a projected $4.1 trillion in 2024 to $11.7 trillion by 2040. Regional travel is forecast to grow from $710 billion to over $2 trillion, while international leisure travel is expected to more than triple to $1.4 trillion during the same period.

    -IANS

  • Trump tax-cut plan returns to US House, Republicans divided on bill

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The debate within President Donald Trump’s Republican Party over a massive tax-cut and spending bill returns to the House of Representatives on Wednesday, as party leaders try to overcome internal divisions and meet a self-imposed July 4 deadline.

    The Senate passed the legislation, which nonpartisan analysts say will add $3.3 trillion to the nation’s debt over the next decade, by the narrowest possible margin on Tuesday after intense debate on the bill’s hefty price tag and substantial cuts to the Medicaid health care program.

    Similar divides exist in the House, which Republicans control by a 220-212 margin and where a fractious caucus has regularly bucked its leadership in recent years — though members have so far not rejected major Trump priorities.

    “The House will work quickly to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill that enacts President Trump’s full America First agenda by the Fourth of July,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement on Tuesday, citing the bill’s extension of Trump’s 2017 individual tax cuts and increased funding for the military and immigration enforcement.

    House Republican leaders set an initial procedural vote on the bill for 9 a.m. ET (1300 GMT).

    Some of the loudest Republican objections against it come from party hardliners angry that it does not sufficiently cut spending and a $5 trillion increase in the nation’s debt ceiling, which lawmakers must address in the coming months or risk a devastating default on the nation’s $36.2 trillion debt.

    “What the Senate did was unconscionable,” said Representative Ralph Norman, a South Carolina Republican, one of several fiscal hawks who spoke out against the Senate bill’s higher price tag, accusing the Senate of handing out “goodie bags” of spending to satisfy holdouts.

    Norman said he would vote against advancing the bill on Wednesday.

    Democrats are united in opposition to the bill, saying that its tax breaks disproportionately benefit the wealthy, while cutting services that lower- and middle-income Americans rely on. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that almost 12 million people could lose health insurance as a result of the bill.

    “This is the largest assault on American healthcare in history,” Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters on Tuesday, pledging that his party will use “all procedural and legislative options” to try to stop – or delay – passage.

    The version of the bill passed by the Senate on Tuesday would add more to the debt than the version first passed by the House in May and also includes more than $900 million in cuts to the Medicaid program for low-income Americans.

    Those cuts also raised concerns among some House Republicans.

    “I will not support a final bill that eliminates vital funding our hospitals rely on,” Representative David Valadao of California said before Senate passage.

    TIMING DIFFICULTIES

    But some House Republicans worried about social safety-net cuts could find solace in the Senate’s last-minute decision to set aside more money for rural hospitals, funding that Representative Nick Langworthy, a New York Republican, called “a lifeline that will be very helpful to districts like mine.”

    Any changes made by the House would require another Senate vote, making it all but impossible to meet the July 4 deadline.

    Further complicating the timeline, a wave of storms in the Washington area on Tuesday night canceled flights, and some lawmakers from both parties detailed on social media plans to drive from their home districts to the Capitol for Wednesday’s expected vote.

    A senior White House official said on Tuesday that Trump is expected to be “deeply involved” in the whip operation this week.

    Trump for weeks has pushed for passage ahead of the July 4 Independence Day holiday, though he has also in recent days softened that deadline, describing it as less than critical.

    Any public opposition to the bill risks irking Trump, as was the case when the president slammed Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who announced his retirement after coming out in opposition to the bill.

    Another former Trump ally, the world’s richest person Elon Musk, this week resumed an active campaign against the bill over social media, blasting its deficit-building effects. That has reignited a feud between Trump and Musk.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Wins Global Trade Review (GTR) Best Deals of 2024 for Türkiye Earthquake Response Financing


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    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has been recognized with a GTR (Global Trade Review) Best Deals of 2024 for its innovative US$150 million Murabaha financing facility, to support Türkiye’s post-earthquake economic recovery.

    Executed in close partnership with the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye, the Industrial Development Bank of Türkiye (TSKB), and the Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye (TKYB), this landmark Shariah-compliant financing was the first Islamic trade finance facility designed for post-disaster recovery.

    The financing was developed in response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023, resulting in an estimated US$100 billion in damages and disrupting over 220,000 businesses. The facility delivered working capital support and laid the foundation for sustainable economic revival in key sectors including food security, agriculture, and trade.

    Commenting on the award, Nazeem Noordali, Chief Operating Officer, ITFC highlighted, “This award is a testament to our continued commitment to support trade-driven resilience. By partnering with Türkiye’s public sector and key development banks, we have introduced an Islamic finance solution that strengthens recovery and supports long-term trade sustainability.”

    Ms. Sedef Aydaş Head of Department the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Treasury and Finance, stated that ITFC is one of the first financing organizations showing its willingness to support Türkiye’s post-earthquake economic recovery and added that: “We as Ministry of Treasury and Finance are delighted and thankful to receive GTR Best Deal of 2024 with the first transactions with ITFC for its financing support to Türkiye regarding food security, agriculture and SME trade financing in the earthquake region. I hope the deals we had with ITFC will be one of the landmark projects for future transactions in various areas.”

    The project has also accelerated the adoption of Islamic trade finance solutions in Türkiye’s public sector. TSKB and TKYB utilized the opportunity to develop new Shariah-compliant frameworks with strategic impact across other sectors like renewable energy, climate resilience, employment and inclusive development. It also opened new avenues for Islamic financing in Türkiye’s public sector, paving the way for future Murabaha based financing from international players.

    Commenting on the award, Ms. Meral Murathan, Executive Vice President & Sustainability Leader of TSKB, said: “As Türkiye’s first privately-owned development and investment bank, we have been committed to supporting sustainable and inclusive development for the past 75 years. In the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquake, we placed the sustainable redevelopment of the affected regions at the core of our mission. The US$ 150 million Murabaha-based agreement we signed with ITFC in August 2024 marks the first cooperation between TSKB and ITFC. We are pleased to have structured this partnership to support trade-driven recovery and resilience in the earthquake-impacted areas by addressing the urgent needs of local businesses.”

    The award was presented at the GTR Best Deals 2024 ceremony, where ITFC representative alongside officials from the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye and TSKB.

    İbrahim H. Oztop, the CEO of the Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye commented “We are very pleased to be involved in this transaction, executed in collaboration with ITFC, our partner institution. This financing not only represents a step forward in strengthening our corporate financing structure but also helps us to achieve our strategic goals. We consider this award as a recognition of our institution’s vision and mission on an international level.”

    This recognition reinforces ITFC’s leadership in Islamic trade finance solutions and its contribution to achieving SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure).

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

    Contact Us:
    Tel: +966 12 646 8337 
    Fax: +966 12 637 1064  
    E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org

    Social Media:
    Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3TnUU1I
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/401UMZA
    LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4laE2YE

    About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, enabling them to successfully compete in the global market.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Session 2

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 2: Monetary transmission through households, consumption and savings

    Chair: Frank Elderson, Member of the Executive Board and Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board, European Central Bank

    Paper: “Discretionary spending is the cycle, and why it matters for monetary policy”
    Author: Paolo Surico, Professor, London Business School
    (together with Michele Andreolli, Assistant Professor, Boston College, Natalie Rickard, London Business School, and Chiara Vergeat, London Business School)

    Discussant: María Teresa Valderrama, Head of the Monetary Policy Section, Oesterreichische Nationalbank

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muUop31UZIU

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Panel 1

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Panel 1: Cross-country heterogeneity in the euro area and implications for monetary policy

    Chair: Isabel Schnabel, Member of the Executive Board, European Central Bank

    Agnès Bénassy-Quéré, Second Deputy Governor, Banque de France
    Piet Haines Christiansen, Director, Danske Bank
    Luca Fornaro, Senior Researcher, CREI, and Adjunct Professor, Universitat Pompeu Fabra
    Refet Gürkaynak, Professor, Bilkent University

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgikNXm7118

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Welcome and introduction

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Welcome and introduction

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8jho5wFyb0

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Session 1

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Session 1: Macroeconomic implications of changes in euro area labour markets
    Chair: Luis de Guindos, Vice-President, European Central Bank

    Paper: “Eurosclerosis at 40: labor market institutions, dynamism, and European competitiveness”
    Author: Benjamin Schoefer, Associate Professor, University of California, Berkeley

    Discussant: Nicola Fuchs-Schündeln, President, WZB Berlin, and Professor, Goethe University Frankfurt

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqAXJVC77bo

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: ECB Forum on Central Banking 2025 – Young Economist Prize

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Young Economist Prize

    Introduction of the finalists – speed presentations on the stage

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE1DejximT8

    MIL OSI Video

  • 2nd Test: England win toss and opt to bowl against changed India, Bumrah rested

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    England won the toss and opted to bowl in the second test against India at Edgbaston on Wednesday, with the tourists making three changes and resting pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as they manage his back for the series.

    Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur were dropped from the line-up, with Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Akash Deep coming into the playing 11 while Bumrah is set to return for the third test at Lord’s which begins on July 10.

    “This is an important match for us but the third match at Lord’s — there may be something more in the wicket and we thought we’ll play him (Bumrah) there,” Indian skipper Shubman Gill said.

    “We were very tempted to play (Kuldeep Yadav) but looking at the last match we wanted to add some depth to the batting. This year has been a year of chaos, a lot of teams who haven’t won a lot have won, so maybe that’ll change fortunes for us.”

    England named an unchanged line-up after winning the first test by five wickets, with fast bowler Jofra Archer not getting a look-in despite being named in the squad.

    “When you bring Jofra Archer back you consider everyone in your squad. It was a really good team performance last week and the bowlers performed well,” England captain Ben Stokes said.

    “With the ball you understand the conditions a bit more. We’re in good order here.”

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi highlights role of technology in empowering women and children

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the transformative impact of technology in advancing the welfare of women and children across India. Sharing an article by Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s tech-driven initiatives that are reshaping access to essential services and entitlements.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office wrote, “Union Minister @Annapurna4BJP Ji writes about how the Government has leveraged technology to transform women and child welfare. Initiatives like Poshan Tracker, a dedicated grievance redressal module and direct benefit transfers are driving real-time, impactful change across the country.”

    The shared article emphasizes that empowerment begins with access—to rights, services, protection, and opportunity. Over the past decade, the Government of India has worked to democratize this access through a robust framework of digital innovation and inclusion.

    Under the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has taken the lead in integrating technology into its flagship programmes. Systems such as the Poshan Tracker provide real-time monitoring of nutrition-related data, while digital grievance redressal platforms and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms ensure timely and transparent delivery of support services.

    According to Minister Annapurna Devi, these efforts mark a shift from aspirational goals to operational realities. By focusing on digital public infrastructure and responsive governance, the Ministry has strengthened outreach and accountability in delivering healthcare, nutrition, education, and legal protections to women and children.

    The initiatives are designed not only to provide safety and support but also to enable women and children to emerge as confident, empowered participants in India’s development journey. The use of real-time data and technology-driven delivery systems, particularly in rural and underserved areas, is ensuring that no one is left behind.

    These developments, the Prime Minister said, reflect the broader vision of building a digitally empowered and inclusive India as the country moves forward into the Amrit Kaal — the period leading up to 2047, marking 100 years of independence.

  • ESIC launches SPREE 2025 to expand social security coverage for workers

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major step towards expanding social security coverage, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) launched SPREE 2025 (Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees) on Wednesday. The initiative was approved during ESIC’s 196th Corporation Meeting held in Shimla under the chairmanship of Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

    SPREE 2025 will be implemented from July 1 to December 31, 2025, and offers a one-time opportunity for unregistered employers and workers—including contractual and temporary staff—to enrol under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme without facing penalties or retrospective inspections.

    Under the scheme, employers can register digitally through the ESIC portal, Shram Suvidha portal, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal, with registration deemed valid from the date declared by the employer. Importantly, no contribution or benefits will be claimed for the period prior to registration, and no inspections or demands will be made for past dues, encouraging voluntary compliance.

    By removing legal and procedural hurdles, SPREE 2025 aims to bring more employers and employees, especially those in informal and contract sectors, under the ESI umbrella. The scheme is part of ESIC’s broader effort to build a more inclusive and welfare-oriented labour ecosystem in India, ensuring access to essential health and social security benefits for a wider section of the workforce.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Representatives of Chinese and Russian travel companies gathered in Fuyuan to discuss the development of the cross-border tourism industry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) — The second meeting of the Ussuri River and Lake Border Tourism Association and the presentation of cross-border tourist routes were held in Fuyuan City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province on Tuesday. Representatives of more than 50 tourism enterprises from China and Russia attended the event to jointly plan the development of the cross-border tourism industry, local media reported.

    The Ussuli River, located in northeastern Heilongjiang Province, is a major tributary of the southern bank of the Heilongjiang River (Amur) and a border river between China and Russia. The association, which was established in August 2024, aims to optimize and integrate the cultural and tourism resources of the region, thereby jointly promoting the integrated development of tourism in the border areas.

    At the meeting, relevant departments of Fuyuan City, known as the “East Pole of China”, introduced local unique tourist routes, demonstrated practices and achievements in preserving the fishing culture of the Hezhe ethnic group and the ecological protection of Heixiazi Island.

    In addition, other cities and counties of the association, such as Mishan, Hulin and Raohe, presented their rich tourism and cultural resources along the Wusuli River. Guests from Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Korsakov, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk and other cities of Russia also introduced the meeting participants to local cultural and tourism resources that can help strengthen exchanges and develop cooperation in the field of Sino-Russian cross-border tourism. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: First direct air cargo route launched between Zhejiang and Central Asia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HANGZHOU, July 2 (Xinhua) — Flight C6622, a Boeing 767 cargo plane, took off from Xiaoshan International Airport in Hangzhou, capital of east China’s Zhejiang Province, bound for Tashkent early Wednesday, marking the launch of the first direct air cargo route between Zhejiang Province and Central Asia.

    The route is also the second cargo airline opened by the Hangzhou Airport checkpoint administration since the beginning of this year. Flights will be operated on Wednesdays and Sundays. The travel time between Hangzhou and the capital of Uzbekistan is approximately 6 hours.

    The maximum cargo capacity of the aircraft is about 50 tons. The opening of the new route provides an effective channel for direct delivery of everyday items, clothing and other goods from Zhejiang Province to the Central Asian market.

    At the same time, the return flights will carry fresh fruits and other types of specific agricultural products from Uzbekistan to China.

    According to the data, Zhejiang airports handle a total of 53 international cargo flights, covering three continents. From January to June 2025, the total cargo and mail handling volume of the province’s airports was about 520,000 tons, up about 2.6 percent year on year. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Hunchun checkpoint welcomed the first group of auto tourists from Russia this year

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    CHANGCHUN, July 2 (Xinhua) — A group of 16 Russian tourists crossed the state border at Hunchun Port in northeast China’s Jilin Province on Tuesday and set off on a car tour around China. They became the first group of Russian car tourists to arrive in China this year through this checkpoint on the Sino-Russian border.

    To make travel more convenient for foreign tourists, a one-stop service counter has been opened at the Hunchun checkpoint, offering services for obtaining a visa upon arrival at this border crossing, a temporary driver’s permit, a temporary vehicle license plate, and car insurance. It only takes 15 minutes for each incoming tourist to obtain this package of services.

    In addition, foreign travelers can apply for a visa on arrival on a special online platform and receive the relevant document at the border crossing.

    According to Wu Wei, a representative of a local travel agency, providing such public services on a one-stop basis will further promote the development of cross-border tourism between China and Russia.

    According to statistics, by the end of 2024, the incoming and outgoing tourist flow through the Hunchun checkpoint amounted to 667 thousand person-times. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lithium-ion battery production base put into operation in Shenyang

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    SHENYANG, July 2 (Xinhua) — EVE Energy Co., a leading Chinese lithium-ion battery maker, on Monday launched its battery production base in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province, to develop batteries that can withstand extreme cold.

    Based in Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, EVE has invested a total of 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.4 billion) in the base. It will mainly produce low-temperature-resistant, high-density and reliable energy storage batteries, which will solve the industry’s critical problems of poor battery performance in cold regions.

    At the same time, EVE Energy launched a research center for lithium batteries in cold climates. According to Li Wei, director of the center, the center will use EVE Energy Co.’s technology and regional partnerships to develop new materials and technologies that will significantly improve battery performance at low temperatures, including charge-discharge cycle efficiency.

    Li Wei noted that the EVE Energy research center also aims to become a national-level energy innovation platform to support the transition of old industrial bases in the northeast to green energy. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives appeal for information following serious assault in Hackney

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating a serious assault in Hackney are appealing for witnesses to come forward, and have named a man they need to trace.

    On Saturday, 28 June at 00:56hrs police were called to reports of a fight between two men in Lower Clapton Road, E5.

    Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated a 32-year-old man at the scene before transporting him to hospital. He remains in hospital with serious injuries that are believed to be life-changing.

    After making enquiries and reviewing CCTV, detectives are keen to speak to Christopher Richards, 32 (08.08.1992) of South Ockendon, Thurrock, in relation to the assault.

    Richards is known to have links to the Hackney area, as well as South Ockendon, Hammersmith and Fulham and Islington. He is of a medium, broad build and has dark brown hair.

    Anyone who has information on Richards’ and his whereabouts, or anyone with further information that could help the investigation, is urged to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 409/28JUN25.

    To remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Second person charged following fatal shooting in Enfield

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A second person has been charged following the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Keanu Harker in Enfield.

    Eliezer Mbaki, 24 (8.7.00), of Oulton Road, Tottenham, was arrested on Monday, 30 June. He was charged on Tuesday, 1 July with perverting the course of justice.

    He was remanded to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 2 July.

    After receiving reports that gunshots had been heard on Thursday, 26 June, Met officers attended Great Cambridge Road, Enfield alongside the London Ambulance Service.

    An arrival the victim, Keanu Harker, was treated before being taken to a nearby hospital.

    Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he later died from his injuries.

    His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    A 17-year-old – who cannot be named for legal reasons – was also arrested on Sunday, 29 July, in connection with the shooting.

    He appeared before Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 1 July, charged with murder. He will next appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 3 July.

    Several lines of enquiry remain active.

    Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 8393/26JUN or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax® ETFs Announces Distributions on SMCY, ULTY, MSTY, WNTR, LFGY, and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax® today announced distributions for the YieldMax® Weekly Payers and Group D ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF
    Ticker
    1
    ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency
    Distribution
    per Share
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4
    30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC5 Ex-Date &
    Record
    Date
    Payment
    Date
    CHPY YieldMax® Semiconductor
    Portfolio Option Income ETF
    Weekly $0.4223 40.43% 0.04% 99.14% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    GPTY YieldMax® AI & Tech
    Portfolio Option Income ETF
    Weekly $0.3182 35.46% 0.00% 100.00% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    LFGY YieldMax® Crypto Industry
    & Tech Portfolio Option
    Income ETF
    Weekly $0.4669 60.87% 0.00% 100.00% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    QDTY YieldMax® Nasdaq 100
    0DTE Covered Call ETF
    Weekly $0.1618 19.16% 0.00% 100.00% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    RDTY YieldMax® R2000 0DTE
    Covered Call ETF
    Weekly $0.2361 26.39% 1.65% 100.00% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    SDTY YieldMax® S&P 500 0DTE
    Covered Call ETF
    Weekly $0.1638 18.96% 0.07% 100.00% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    ULTY YieldMax® Ultra Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Weekly $0.0952 80.23% 0.00% 98.10% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    YMAG YieldMax® Magnificent 7
    Fund of Option Income ETFs
    Weekly $0.0554 19.05% 63.17% 77.84% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    YMAX YieldMax® Universe Fund of
    Option Income ETFs
    Weekly $0.1574 60.04% 82.40% 96.10% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    AIYY YieldMax® AI Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4 weeks $0.1600 47.92% 3.46% 93.73% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    AMZY YieldMax® AMZN Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4 weeks $0.5900 46.94% 2.86% 94.61% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    APLY YieldMax® AAPL Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4 weeks $0.2695 26.93% 3.38% 87.98% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    DISO YieldMax® DIS Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4 weeks $0.4163 36.54% 2.97% 93.52% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    MSTY YieldMax® MSTR Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4 weeks $1.2382 77.14% 1.80% 96.86% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    SMCY YieldMax® SMCI Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4 weeks $1.6102 101.78% 3.09% 97.25% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    WNTR YieldMax® Short MSTR
    Option Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4 weeks $1.8550 65.38% 3.19% 96.58% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    XYZY YieldMax® XYZ Option
    Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4 weeks $0.4398 56.14% 2.57% 97.95% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    YQQQ YieldMax® Short N100
    Option Income Strategy ETF
    Every 4 weeks $0.2338 21.22% 3.41% 84.56% 7/3/25 7/7/25
    Weekly Payers & Group A ETFs scheduled for next week: CHPY GPTY LFGY QDTY RDTY SDTY UTLY YMAG YMAX BRKC CRSH FEAT FIVY GOOY OARK SNOY TSLY TSMY XOMO YBIT

    Standardized Performance and Fund details can be obtained by clicking the ETF Ticker in the table above or by visiting us at www.yieldmaxetfs.com

    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (866) 864-3968.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1All YieldMax® ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX, FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. YMAG has a management fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.83% for a gross expense ratio of 1.12%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax® ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.40%, and a net expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026.

    2The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on July 1, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.

    3The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended June 30, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.

    4Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

    5ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage indicates how much the distribution reflects an investor’s initial investment. The figures shown for each Fund in the table above are estimates and may later be determined to be taxable net investment income, short-term gains, long-term gains (to the extent permitted by law), or return of capital. Actual amounts and sources for tax reporting will depend upon the Fund’s investment activities during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year to tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax® ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax® ETFs. As such, these funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax® ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA, BRK.B), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory, and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole. Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax® ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax® ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax® ETFs

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