NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New Development Bank and State Grid Brazil Holding Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Boost Brazil’s Energy Capacity

    Source: New Development Bank

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – On July 3, 2025, the New Development Bank (NDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with State Grid Brazil Holding (SGBH), with the aim of enhancing electricity transmission capacity in Brazil, to meet the immediate needs of the nation’s power sector.

    The signing of this Memorandum took place on the sidelines of NDB’s 10th Annual Meeting, held on July 4 and 5 in Rio de Janeiro.

    The project, known as the Graca Aranha Silvania Transmissora de Energia (“GATE”), will be implemented by a subsidiary of SGBH.

    The implementation of the GATE Project will address immediate needs of the electricity sector in Brazil – increasing power transmission capacity, decongesting the transmission corridor, reducing curtailment of existing renewable energy projects, and enabling investments in future wind and solar projects in the Northeast region of Brazil, and hence leading to a more diversified electricity mix in the country.

    Out of the total project capex of around BRL 18 billion, more than two-thirds will be sourced from Brazil, thereby significantly promoting economic and social development, by creating more than 10,000 employment opportunities during construction, in the Northeast (Maranhão and Tocantins) and the Center-West (Goiás) regions of the country.

    NDB is considering financing the Project in Chinese renminbi, with an estimated amount of RMB 2,150 million (approximately USD 300 million). The loan demonstrates NDB’s commitment to expanding non-sovereign operations and increasing cross-border use of its member countries’ currencies, as envisaged in NDB’s General Strategy.

    “The GATE project signifies a leap in cooperation among NDB member countries and promotes the use of local currencies. When signed, this will be our second cross-border RMB-denominated loan, which will leverage Brazil’s clean energy potential to address urgent electricity demands and benefit millions or people while generating new jobs,” said H.E. Mrs. Dilma Rousseff, President of NDB. “By expanding investments in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable development projects, the New Development Bank aims to support Brazil in achieving its climate goals.”

    This strategic partnership marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape in Brazil, aligning with NDB’s commitment to supporting development initiatives that foster economic growth and environmental sustainability.

    Since its inception in 2015, NDB has approved 29 projects in Brazil alone with USD 7 billion in approved financing. These projects are spread across several states and municipalities in Brazil, helping improve clean energy, transport, water and sanitation, and social infrastructure. NDB also has a growing portfolio of private sector loans in the country.

    Background Information

    NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: ICC announces new leadership of Global Marketing and Advertising body

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: ICC announces new leadership of Global Marketing and Advertising body

    Following a robust response to a call for nominations leveraging input from ICC’s global network of national committees, the commission’s new leadership has been confirmed for a three-year mandate, reflecting ICC’s commitment to expertise and effective governance.

    The new leaders are:

    Chair:

    • Alice Himsworth, Senior Counsel, Google (United Kingdom)

    Vice-Chairs:

    • Ludovic Basset, Director General, European Advertising Standards Alliance (Belgium)
    • Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, Managing Partner, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein and Selz PC (United States)
    • Alexander Montgomery, Principal Corporate Counsel, Microsoft (United States)
    • Gabriel Peeradon, Founder and Regional Managing Director, Yell International (Thailand)
    • Victoria N. Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé (Nigeria)

    Fayola Ferdinand, Director, Global Policy and Sustainability, Coca-Cola (United States) and Karolina Gutiez, Corporate Communications Senior Manager, Schneider Electric (Brazil) also continue in their roles as commission Vice-chairs.

    “This new team brings a wealth of experience across sectors and regions, ensuring that the commission remains at the forefront of shaping responsible marketing practices globally. We are confident that this dynamic leadership will drive ICC’s strategic priorities and further strengthen trust in marketing and advertising standards worldwide.”

    ICC Global Marketing and Advertising Commission Manager Georgiana Degeratu

    Learn more about ICC’s work marketing and advertising or how to get involved.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN Meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of Algeria

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of Algeria, Ahmed Attaf, on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They discussed ways to promote ASEAN-Algeria cooperation, following Algeria’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and cooperation in Southeast Asia.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN Meets with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of Algeria appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Video: One Day, I Will: Hopes and Dreams of Children in Crisis

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    One Day, I Will is an ongoing series by photographer Vincent Tremeau, capturing children in crisis-affected settings as they dress up as who they want to become in the future. In 2025, one year after a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day, Vincent brought the project to local schools, inviting children to share their dreams, fears, and hopes in the wake of disaster. These portraits and testimonies are more than dress-up, they reveal resilience, imagination, and the enduring strength of children who continue to dream, despite difficult circumstances. Each of them reminds us: hope can grow even from the most challenging places. “One Day I Will” is one of the exhibits in the UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. The project was made available by OCHA (UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) with support from KUMON, a global after-school math and reading programme.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sAa-yAeWlLo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Aid cuts threaten to roll back progress in ending maternal mortality

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Furthermore, unprecedented aid cuts are putting global progress to end maternal deaths at risk, UN agencies have warned in a new report that calls for greater investment in midwives and other health workers.

    The Trends in maternal mortality report was published by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and UN sexual and reproductive health agency UNFPA, in observance of World Health Day on 7 April.

    It shows that maternal deaths declined by 40 per cent between 2000 and 2023, largely due to improved access to essential health services.

    However, the pace of improvement has slowed significantly since 2016, and an estimated 260,000 women died in 2023 due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, or roughly one death every two minutes.

    Deadly peril in Sudan

    Frontline health workers have long raised alarms about the perils of giving birth in conflict settings.

    In Sudan’s Al Jazirah State, a midwife named Awatef told UNFPA that she helped four women deliver babies while fleeing violence: “I delivered them in the bush, with only very basic sterilization – I had nothing but water and soap.”

    One woman, Amina, had to give birth by Caesarean section – on the floor of a stranger’s home where a local doctor was assisting deliveries – while listening to the drum of gunfire just outside. “I had to start walking again just six hours later, carrying my baby while my wounds were still fresh and painful,” she said.

    Urgent action needed

    As aid funding cuts force countries to roll back vital services for maternal, newborn and child health, the UN agencies appeal for urgent action to prevent maternal deaths, particularly in humanitarian settings where numbers are already alarmingly high.

    “While this report shows glimmers of hope, the data also highlights how dangerous pregnancy still is in much of the world today – despite the fact that solutions exist to prevent and treat the complications that cause the vast majority of maternal deaths,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

    “In addition to ensuring access to quality maternity care, it will be critical to strengthen the underlying health and reproductive rights of women and girls – factors that underpin their prospects of healthy outcomes during pregnancy and beyond.”

    Pregnancy and the pandemic

    The report also provides the first global account of the coronavirus“>COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on maternal survival.

    An estimated 40,000 more women died due to pregnancy or childbirth in 2021, rising to 282,000 in 2022, and to 322,000 the following year.

    This increase was linked not only to direct complications caused by COVID-19 but also widespread interruptions to maternity services, highlighting the importance of ensuring that this care is available during pandemics and other emergencies.

    Invest in midwives

    “When a mother dies in pregnancy or childbirth, her baby’s life is also at risk. Too often, both are lost to causes we know how to prevent,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

    With global funding cuts putting more mums-to-be at risk, especially in the most fragile settings, “the world must urgently invest in midwives, nurses, and community health workers to ensure every mother and baby has a chance to survive and thrive,” she added.

    Inequalities and slowdowns

    The report also highlights persistent inequalities between regions and countries, as well as uneven progress.

    With maternal mortality declining by around 40 per cent between 2000 and 2023, sub-Saharan Africa achieved significant gains. It was also among just three UN regions to see significant drops after 2015, with the others being Australia and New Zealand, and Central and Southern Asia.

    Yet, sub-Saharan Africa still accounted for approximately 70 per cent of the global burden of maternal deaths in 2023 due to high rates of poverty and multiple conflicts.

    Meanwhile, five regions saw progress stagnate after 2015: Northern Africa and Western Asia, Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand), Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

    UNFPA Sudan

    A midwife visiting pregnant women in a shelter for internally displaced persons in Sudan.

    A global responsibility

    Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA’s Executive Director, upheld that access to quality maternal health services is a right, not a privilege.

    She stressed the urgent responsibility to build well-resourced health systems that safeguard the lives of pregnant women and newborns.

    “By boosting supply chains, the midwifery workforce, and the disaggregated data needed to pinpoint those most at risk, we can and must end the tragedy of preventable maternal deaths and their enormous toll on families and societies,” she said.

    Childbirth in crisis settings

    The report also highlighted the plight of pregnant women living in humanitarian emergencies, who face some of the highest risks globally.  Nearly two-thirds of global maternal deaths now occur in countries affected by fragility or conflict.

    Beyond ensuring critical services during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period, the report emphasized the importance of efforts to enhance women’s overall health by improving access to family planning services, as well as preventing underlying health conditions that increase risks, such as anaemia, malaria and noncommunicable diseases.

    Furthermore, it is also vital to ensure that girls stay in school, and that they and women have the knowledge and resources to protect their health.

    Source: WHO/UNICEF/UNFPA/World Bank/UN Population Division

    Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) trends by region.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: U.S., Thailand Navies reunite to commence CARAT Thailand 2025

    Source: United States Navy

    SATTAHIP, Thailand – The U.S. Navy (USN), Royal Thai Navy (RTN), and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) began the 31st exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2025 with an opening ceremony in Sattahip, Thailand, July 7, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Almond FinTech Expands Its Transfer Network in APAC through Ample Transfers Partnership

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Almond FinTech, the two-time CrossTech Innovation Award winner for “Crypto Payments Solution in Cross-Border Payments,” announced today that Ample Transfers, a 27-year-old remittance provider based in Singapore, has partnered with Almond’s proprietary technology to optimize its internal treasury and settlement operations for transfers from Singapore to Indonesia.

    This partnership marks a key milestone in Almond FinTech’s strategic expansion into Southeast Asia’s cross-border money flows.

    Award-Winning Technology Expands Across APAC with New Singapore—Indonesia Corridor

    The Singapore—Indonesia payment corridor represents a significant remittance route for Singapore’s Indonesian migrant community. Since launching in late May, Almond’s blockchain-based optimization technology has powered over $2 million SGD in transfers through this corridor—delivering exchange rates consistently better than mid-market FX rates and unavailable elsewhere in the industry. These results reflect the same transformative impact that earned Almond consecutive industry recognition in 2023 and 2024.

    “This partnership represents a natural evolution in our mission to remove barriers in global financial transfers,” said Adam Swartzbaugh, CEO and Co-Founder of Almond FinTech. “We’ve always believed true innovation comes from deeply understanding customers’ needs and building solutions that not only solve today’s problems but anticipate tomorrow’s. In a crowded and commoditized space, Ample stands out for its commitment to leveraging technology to deliver meaningful value to its customers—making them an ideal partner for our expansion across Asia.”

    Proven Performance Meets Regulatory Excellence

    Ample has been licensed as a Major Payment Institution by the Monetary Authority of Singapore for over 25 years, establishing its credibility as a trusted financial services provider. The partnership validates Almond’s ability to deliver superior performance while meeting Singapore’s regulatory requirements. Almond leverages a multitude of stablecoins as bridge assets to optimize cross-border treasury transfers between fiat currencies. Almond’s technology aggregates real-time market data to identify the most cost-effective and efficient transfer routes. This same breakthrough infrastructure is active across 10 countries and supports over 100 digital currencies.

    For Ample, this enables:

    • Better than mid-market FX rates through intelligent routing
    • Near real-time settlement for treasury transfers
    • Redundancy and reliability through multi-asset routing
    • Lower transaction costs compared to traditional rails

    Innovation Leadership Drives Market Expansion

    This partnership demonstrates Almond’s continued technology leadership in cross-border payments. The company’s consecutive CrossTech Innovation Awards underscore its role as an industry pioneer, consistently delivering solutions that address critical financial challenges globally.

    “Receiving this award is a testament to our team’s relentless commitment to pushing the boundaries of financial technology,” said Swartzbaugh, referencing Almond’s recent recognition. “This partnership with Ample shows how award-winning innovation translates directly into enhanced services for financial institutions and their customers. One of our strongest value propositions is helping clients optimize across multiple stablecoins, not just one, enabling better liquidity, tighter spreads, and more flexibility without complicating onboarding.”

    Embedded within Ample’s technology stack that powers their customer-facing and internal treasury operations, Almond’s technology enhances backend efficiency—delivering the same optimization capabilities that have positioned Almond as a leader in B2B cross-border payments.

    Strategic Growth in Southeast Asia

    The partnership with Ample positions Almond FinTech for continued growth across Southeast Asian markets, where digital payment adoption creates opportunities for technological enhancement. This expansion reflects Almond’s strategy of partnering with established, regulated institutions to deliver cutting-edge payment solutions.

    “We believe that stablecoins are the future, and powering remittances with them is the way forward. Partnering with Almond has allowed us to harness that future safely, through a treasury layer that delivers faster, cheaper, and more reliable settlement. For our customers, nothing changes on the surface—but under the hood, we’re moving with the times.” — Matthew Yap, CEO, Ample Transfers.

    About Almond FinTech

    Almond FinTech is a B2B fintech company transforming cross-border payments by empowering financial institutions and their customers with optimal FX Rates and near-instant settlements across all corridors globally.

    Visit www.almondfintech.com for more information.

    About Ample Transfers

    Founded in 1998, Ample Transfers is Singapore’s leading cross-border remittance provider, licensed as a Major Payment Institution by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The company provides reliable, affordable remittance services to over 200 countries and territories through both physical locations and their remit.ai online platform, serving Singapore’s diverse communities for over 25 years. Visit www.ampletransfers.com for more information.

    Media Contact:

    Howard Davidson
    howard@almondfintech.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Wearable Devices Partners with Japanese E-Commerce Platform to Expand Distribution and Market Reach for Mudra Band and Mudra Link

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Yokneam Illit, Israel, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wearable Devices Ltd. (the “Company” or “Wearable Devices”) (Nasdaq: WLDS, WLDSW), a technology growth company specializing in artificial intelligence (“AI”)-powered touchless sensing wearables, today announced a collaboration with Media Exceed Co., Ltd. (“Media Exceed”), a leading e-commerce company in Japan. Under this agreement, Media Exceed will serve as a non-exclusive reseller of Wearable Devices’ innovative Mudra Band and Mudra Link products in the Japanese market, expanding the reach of its cutting-edge neural input solutions to one of the world’s most tech-savvy consumer bases.

    This collaboration aims to enhance the availability of Wearable Devices’ neural interface products in Japan, leveraging Media Exceed’s robust e-commerce platform and market expertise. The collaboration supports both drop shipping and wholesale models, ensuring streamlined order fulfillment and localized customer support for Japanese buyers.

    “We are excited to collaborate with Media Exceed to bring our cutting-edge gesture control technology to a broader audience in Japan,” said Asher Dahan, Chief Executive Officer of Wearable Devices. “This collaboration aligns with our strategic goal of expanding our global footprint and making our products more accessible to users worldwide.”

    Mr. Shinya Kasuga, Chief Executive Officer of Media Exceed commented on the collaboration, “We are eager to start working with Wearable Devices and bring the innovative Mudra products to the Japanese market. Their neural interface technology aligns perfectly with our vision to introduce cutting-edge solutions that enhance the way people interact with digital devices.”

    The Mudra Band, designed for Apple Watch users, and the Mudra Link, compatible with Android and Windows devices, utilize proprietary Surface Nerve Conductance sensors to detect neural signals from subtle finger movements. These signals are translated into intuitive commands, enabling touchless control of digital devices. The Mudra Link was recently showcased at CES® 2025, where it received an Innovation Award in the XR Technologies and Accessories category.

    Media Exceed will offer these products through its online platforms, providing Japanese consumers with direct access to Wearable Devices’ innovative technology. The collaboration is expected to enhance user experience and satisfaction by combining advanced wearable technology with Media Exceed’s customer-centric approach.

    About Wearable Devices

    Wearable Devices Ltd. (Nasdaq: WLDS, WLDSW) is a growth company pioneering human-computer interaction through its AI-powered neural input touchless technology. Leveraging proprietary sensors, software, and advanced AI algorithms, the Company’s consumer products – the Mudra Band and Mudra Link – are defining the neural input category both for wrist-worn devices and for brain-computer interfaces. These products enable touch-free, intuitive control of digital devices using gestures across multiple operating systems.

    Operating through a dual-channel model of direct-to-consumer sales and enterprise licensing and collaborations, Wearable Devices empowers consumers with stylish, functional wearables for enhanced experiences in gaming, productivity, and extended reality (XR). In the business sector, the Company provides enterprise partners with advanced input solutions for immersive and interactive environments, from AR/VR/XR to smart environments.

    By setting the standard for neural input in the XR ecosystem, Wearable Devices is shaping the future of seamless, natural user experiences across some of the world’s fastest-growing tech markets. Wearable Devices’ ordinary shares and warrants trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “WLDS” and “WLDSW,” respectively.

    Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss the aim of our collaboration with Media Exceed, benefits and advantages of our products and technology, our strategic goal of expanding our global footprint and making our products more accessible to users worldwide and that the collaboration is expected to enhance user experience and satisfaction. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the trading of our ordinary shares or warrants and the development of a liquid trading market; our ability to successfully market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed on March 20, 2025 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Investor Relations Contact
    Michal Efraty
    IR@wearabledevices.co.il

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 21Shares Responds to FCA Consultation on Retail Access to Crypto ETNs, Warns Against Overly Restrictive Framework

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Response welcomes progress but calls for more inclusive, globally aligned framework

    London, 8 July 2025 – 21Shares, one of the world’s leading issuers of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), has submitted its official response to the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Consultation Paper CP25/16, which proposes lifting the current ban on the sale, marketing, and distribution of crypto exchange-traded notes (cETNs) to retail clients admitted to UK recognised investment exchanges (UK RIEs).

    While 21Shares welcomes the FCA’s move to open the UK retail market to cETNs, it cautions that the proposed framework remains overly restrictive. In its response, 21Shares urges the regulator to adopt a more inclusive and innovation-friendly approach that reflects international best practices and provides UK investors with regulated, diversified access to the digital asset class.

    In particular, 21Shares highlights three key concerns:

    • Geographic limitation: The proposal restricts retail access to cETNs listed only on UK RIEs, ignoring equivalent products on FCA-recognised overseas regulated venues (ROIEs) and limiting investor choice.
    • Asset concentration risk: While the FCA leaves eligibility of cryptoassets to UK exchanges, this effectively concentrates power in the hands of mostly a single venue, the London Stock Exchange, which currently admits only Bitcoin and Ethereum. This setup risks driving retail investors to unregulated alternatives in search of broader exposure.
    • Misclassification risk: 21Shares argues against classifying UK RIE-listed cETNs as Restricted Mass Market Investments (RMMIs), noting that such instruments are already subject to robust listing, disclosure, and custody standards. Applying RMMI rules would reduce liquidity, hamper innovation, and limit inclusion in diversified investment strategies.

    21Shares recommends that the final regime:

    • Recognise regulated cETNs from overseas exchanges (ROIEs)
    • Mandate a transparent eligibility framework for a broader range of cryptoassets as underlyings for cETNs
    • Confirm that cETNs are treated as Readily Realisable Securities (RRS), not RMMIs

    “As a pioneer in the crypto ETP space, we have long advocated for a regulatory framework in the UK that allows retail investors to access digital assets through transparent and well-regulated products,” said Duncan Moir, President at 21Shares. “This consultation marks an important moment, but more needs to be done. A competitive, forward-looking regime must reflect the maturity of the global crypto market and the diversity of investor demand.”

    21Shares stands ready to assist policymakers and contribute market data and regulatory insights to ensure the UK becomes a competitive, well-regulated hub for crypto investment products.

    To read 21Shares’ response to the FCA consultation in full, click here.

    Notes to editors

    About 21Shares

    21Shares is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialized research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.

    21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralized finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com.

    Media Contact
    Matteo Valli
    matteo.valli@21shares.com

    DISCLAIMER

    This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG in any jurisdiction. Neither this document nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever or for any other purpose in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice.

    This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.

    This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

    Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

    Exclusively for potential investors in any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) is made available on the Issuer’s website under www.21Shares.com.

    The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.

    This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2024 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with BX Swiss AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2024 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectus or https://21shares.com/ir/kids).

    ###

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters can be hardest on older rural Americans – here’s how families and neighbors can help

    Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Lori Hunter, Professor of Sociology, Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder

    Edith Schaecher, center, and her daughter and granddaughter look at a photo album recovered from her tornado-damaged home in Greenfield, Iowa, in May 2024. AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

    Hurricanes, tornadoes and other extreme weather do not distinguish between urban and rural boundaries. But when a disaster strikes, there are big differences in how well people are able to respond and recover – and older adults in rural areas are especially vulnerable.

    If a disaster causes injuries, getting health care can take longer in rural areas. Many rural hospitals have closed, leaving patients traveling longer distances for care.

    At the same time, rural areas have higher percentages of older adults, a group that is more likely to have chronic health problems that make experiencing natural disasters especially dangerous. Medical treatments, such as dialysis, can be disrupted when power goes out or clinics are damaged, and injuries are more likely around property damaged by flooding or powerful winds.

    As a sociologist who studies rural issues and directs the Institute of Behavioral Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, I believe that understanding the risks is essential for ensuring healthier lives for older adults. I see many different ways rural communities are helping reduce their vulnerability in disasters.

    Disasters disrupt health care, especially in isolated rural regions

    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 20% of the country’s rural population is age 65 and over, compared with only 16% of urban residents. That’s about 10 million older adults living in rural areas.

    There are three primary reasons rural America has been aging faster than the rest of the country: Young people have been leaving for college and job opportunities, meaning fewer residents are starting new families. Many older rural residents are choosing to “age in place” where they have strong social ties. And some rural areas are gaining older adults who choose to retire there.

    An aging population means rural areas tend to have a larger percentage of residents with chronic disease, such as dementia, heart disease, respiratory illness and diabetes.

    According to research from the National Council on Aging, nearly 95% of adults age 60 and older have at least one chronic condition, while more than 78% have two or more. Rural areas also have higher rates of death from chronic diseases, particularly heart disease.

    At the same time, health care access in rural areas is rapidly declining.

    Nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed or stopped providing in-patient care since 2005. Over 700 more — one-third of the nation’s remaining rural hospitals — were considered to be at risk of closing even before the cuts to Medicaid that the president signed in July 2025.

    Hospital closures have left rural residents traveling about 20 miles farther for common in-patient health care services than they did two decades ago, and even farther for specialist care.

    Those miles might seem trivial, but in emergencies when roads are damaged or flooded, they can mean losing access to care and treatment.

    After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, 44% of patients on dialysis missed at least one treatment session, and almost 17% missed three or more.

    When Hurricanes Matthew and Florence hit rural Robeson County, North Carolina, in 2016 and 2018, some patients who relied on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels went without insulin for weeks. The county had high rates of poverty and poor health already, and the healthy foods people needed to manage the disease were also hard to find after the storm.

    Insulin is important for treating diabetes – a chronic disease estimated to affect nearly one-third of adults age 65 and older. But a sufficient supply can be harder to maintain when a disaster knocks out power, because insulin should be kept cool, and medical facilities and drugstores may be harder for patients to reach.

    Rural residents also often live farther from community centers, schools or other facilities that can serve as cooling centers during heat waves or evacuation centers in times of crisis.

    Alzheimer’s disease can make evacuation difficult

    Cognitive decline also affects older adults’ ability to manage disasters.

    Over 11% of Americans age 65 and older – more than 7 million people – have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, and the prevalence is higher in rural areas’ older populations compared with urban areas.

    Caregivers for family members living with dementia may struggle to find time to prepare for disasters. And when disaster strikes, they face unique challenges. Disasters disrupt routines, which can cause agitation for people with Alzheimer’s, and patients may resist evacuation.

    Living through a disaster can also worsen brain health over the long run. Older adults who lived through the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami were found to have greater cognitive decline over the following decade, especially those who lost their homes or jobs, or whose health care routines were disrupted.

    Social safety nets are essential

    One thing that many rural communities have that helps is a strong social fabric. Those social connections can help reduce older adults’ vulnerability when disasters strike.

    Following severe flooding in Colorado in 2013, social connections helped older adults navigate the maze of paperwork required for disaster aid, and some even provided personal loans.

    Community support through churches, like this one whose building was hit by a tornado in rural Argyle, Wis., in 2024, and other groups can help older adults recover from disasters.
    Ross Harried/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Friends, family and neighbors in rural areas often check in on seniors, particularly those living alone. They can help them develop disaster response plans to ensure older residents have access to medications and medical treatment, and that they have an evacuation plan.

    Rural communities and local groups can also help build up older adults’ mental and physical health before and after storms by developing educational, social and exercise programs. Better health and social connections can improve resilience, including older adults’ ability to respond to alerts and recover after disasters.

    Ensuring that everyone in the community has that kind of support is important in rural areas and cities alike as storm and flood risks worsen, particularly for older adults.

    Lori Hunter receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

    – ref. The aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters can be hardest on older rural Americans – here’s how families and neighbors can help – https://theconversation.com/the-aftermath-of-floods-hurricanes-and-other-disasters-can-be-hardest-on-older-rural-americans-heres-how-families-and-neighbors-can-help-247691

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Rule of Law is Key to Capitalism − Eroding it is Bad News for American Business

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Something dangerous is happening to the U.S. economy, and it’s not inflation or trade wars. Chaotic deregulation and the selective enforcement of laws have upended markets and investor confidence. At one point, the threat of tariffs and resulting chaos evaporated US$4 trillion in value in the U.S. stock market. This approach isn’t helping the economy, and there are troubling signs it will hurt both the U.S. and the global economy in the short and long term.

    The rule of law – the idea that legal rules apply to everyone equally, regardless of wealth or political connections − is essential for a thriving economy. Yet globally the respect for the rule of law is slipping, and the U.S. is slipping with it. According to annual rankings from the World Justice Project, the rule of law has declined in more than half of all countries for seven years in a row. The rule of law in the U.S., the most economically powerful nation in the world, is now weaker than the rule of law in Uruguay, Singapore, Latvia and over 20 other countries.

    When regulation is unnecessarily burdensome for business, government should lighten the load. However, arbitrary and frenzied deregulation does not free corporations to earn higher profits. As a business school professor with an MBA who has taught business law for over 25 years, and the author of a recently published book about the importance of legal knowledge to business, I can affirm that the opposite is true. Chaotic deregulation doesn’t drive growth. It only fuels risk.

    Chaos undermines investment, talent and trust

    Legal uncertainty has become a serious drag on American competitiveness.

    A study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that public policy risks — such as unexpected changes in taxes, regulation and enforcement — ranked among the top challenges businesses face, alongside more familiar business threats such as competition or economic volatility. Companies that can’t predict how the law might change are forced to plan for the worst. That means holding back on long-term investment, slowing innovation and raising prices to cover new risks.

    When the government enforces rules arbitrarily, it also undermines property rights.

    For example, if a country enters into a major trade agreement and then goes ahead and violates it, that threatens the property rights of the companies that relied on the agreement to conduct business. If the government can seize assets without due process, those assets lose their stability and value. And if that treatment depends on whether a company is in the government’s political favor, it’s not just bad economics − it’s a red flag for investors.

    When government doesn’t enforce rules fairly, it also threatens people’s freedom to enter into contracts.

    Consider presidential orders that threaten the clients of law firms that have challenged the administration with cancellation of their government contracts. The threat alone jeopardizes the value of those agreements.

    If businesses can’t trust public contracts to be respected, they’ll be less likely to work with the government in the first place. This deprives the government, and ultimately the American people, of receiving the best value for their tax dollars in critical areas such as transportation, technology and national defense.

    Regulatory chaos also allows corruption to spread.

    For example, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits businesses from bribing foreign government officials, has leveled the playing field for firms and enabled the best American companies to succeed on their merits. Before the law was enacted in 1977, some American companies felt pressured to pay bribes to compete. “Pausing” enforcement of the law, as the current presidential administration has done, increases the cost of doing business and encourages a wild west economy where chaos thrives.

    When corruption grows, stable and democratic governments weaken, opportunities for terrorism increase and corruption-fueled authoritarian regimes, which oppose the interests of the U.S., thrive. Halting the enforcement of an anti-bribery law, even for a limited time, is an issue of national security.

    Legal uncertainty fuels brain drain

    Chaotic enforcement of the law also corrodes labor markets.

    American companies require a strong pool of talented professionals to fuel their financial success. When legal rights are enforced arbitrarily or unjustly, the very best talent that American companies need may leave the country.

    The science brain drain is already happening. American scientists have submitted 32% more applications for jobs abroad compared with last year. Nonscientists are leaving too. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has witnessed a 50% increase in Americans taking steps to obtain an Irish passport. Employers in the U.K. saw a spike in job applications from the United States.

    Business from other countries will gladly accept American talent as they compete against American companies. During the Third Reich, Nazi Germany lost its best and brightest to other countries, including America. Now the reverse is happening, as highly talented Americans leave to work for firms in other nations.

    Threats of arbitrary legal actions also drive away democratic allies and their prosperous populations that purchase American-made goods and services. For example, arbitrarily threatening to punish or even annex a closely allied nation does not endear its citizens to that government or the businesses it represents. So it’s no surprise that Canadians are now boycotting American goods and services. This is devastating businesses in American border towns and hurts the economy nationwide.

    Similarly, the Canadian government has responded to whipsawing U.S. tariff announcements with counter-tariffs, which will slice the profits of American exporters. Close American allies and trading partners such as Japan, the U.K. and the European Union are also signaling their own willingness to impose retaliatory tariffs, increasing the costs of operations to American business even more.

    Modern capitalism depends on smart regulation to thrive. Smart regulation is not an obstacle to capitalism. Smart regulation is what makes American capitalism possible. Smart regulation is what makes American freedom possible.

    Clear and consistently applied legal rules allow businesses to aggressively compete, carefully plan, and generate profits. An arbitrary rule of law deprives business of the true power of capitalism – the ability to promote economic growth, spur innovation and improve the overall living standards of a free society. Americans deserve no less, and it is up to government to make that happen for everyone.

    Originally published in The Conversation. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Rule of Law is Key to Capitalism − Eroding it is Bad News for American Business

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Something dangerous is happening to the U.S. economy, and it’s not inflation or trade wars. Chaotic deregulation and the selective enforcement of laws have upended markets and investor confidence. At one point, the threat of tariffs and resulting chaos evaporated US$4 trillion in value in the U.S. stock market. This approach isn’t helping the economy, and there are troubling signs it will hurt both the U.S. and the global economy in the short and long term.

    The rule of law – the idea that legal rules apply to everyone equally, regardless of wealth or political connections − is essential for a thriving economy. Yet globally the respect for the rule of law is slipping, and the U.S. is slipping with it. According to annual rankings from the World Justice Project, the rule of law has declined in more than half of all countries for seven years in a row. The rule of law in the U.S., the most economically powerful nation in the world, is now weaker than the rule of law in Uruguay, Singapore, Latvia and over 20 other countries.

    When regulation is unnecessarily burdensome for business, government should lighten the load. However, arbitrary and frenzied deregulation does not free corporations to earn higher profits. As a business school professor with an MBA who has taught business law for over 25 years, and the author of a recently published book about the importance of legal knowledge to business, I can affirm that the opposite is true. Chaotic deregulation doesn’t drive growth. It only fuels risk.

    Chaos undermines investment, talent and trust

    Legal uncertainty has become a serious drag on American competitiveness.

    A study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that public policy risks — such as unexpected changes in taxes, regulation and enforcement — ranked among the top challenges businesses face, alongside more familiar business threats such as competition or economic volatility. Companies that can’t predict how the law might change are forced to plan for the worst. That means holding back on long-term investment, slowing innovation and raising prices to cover new risks.

    When the government enforces rules arbitrarily, it also undermines property rights.

    For example, if a country enters into a major trade agreement and then goes ahead and violates it, that threatens the property rights of the companies that relied on the agreement to conduct business. If the government can seize assets without due process, those assets lose their stability and value. And if that treatment depends on whether a company is in the government’s political favor, it’s not just bad economics − it’s a red flag for investors.

    When government doesn’t enforce rules fairly, it also threatens people’s freedom to enter into contracts.

    Consider presidential orders that threaten the clients of law firms that have challenged the administration with cancellation of their government contracts. The threat alone jeopardizes the value of those agreements.

    If businesses can’t trust public contracts to be respected, they’ll be less likely to work with the government in the first place. This deprives the government, and ultimately the American people, of receiving the best value for their tax dollars in critical areas such as transportation, technology and national defense.

    Regulatory chaos also allows corruption to spread.

    For example, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits businesses from bribing foreign government officials, has leveled the playing field for firms and enabled the best American companies to succeed on their merits. Before the law was enacted in 1977, some American companies felt pressured to pay bribes to compete. “Pausing” enforcement of the law, as the current presidential administration has done, increases the cost of doing business and encourages a wild west economy where chaos thrives.

    When corruption grows, stable and democratic governments weaken, opportunities for terrorism increase and corruption-fueled authoritarian regimes, which oppose the interests of the U.S., thrive. Halting the enforcement of an anti-bribery law, even for a limited time, is an issue of national security.

    Legal uncertainty fuels brain drain

    Chaotic enforcement of the law also corrodes labor markets.

    American companies require a strong pool of talented professionals to fuel their financial success. When legal rights are enforced arbitrarily or unjustly, the very best talent that American companies need may leave the country.

    The science brain drain is already happening. American scientists have submitted 32% more applications for jobs abroad compared with last year. Nonscientists are leaving too. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has witnessed a 50% increase in Americans taking steps to obtain an Irish passport. Employers in the U.K. saw a spike in job applications from the United States.

    Business from other countries will gladly accept American talent as they compete against American companies. During the Third Reich, Nazi Germany lost its best and brightest to other countries, including America. Now the reverse is happening, as highly talented Americans leave to work for firms in other nations.

    Threats of arbitrary legal actions also drive away democratic allies and their prosperous populations that purchase American-made goods and services. For example, arbitrarily threatening to punish or even annex a closely allied nation does not endear its citizens to that government or the businesses it represents. So it’s no surprise that Canadians are now boycotting American goods and services. This is devastating businesses in American border towns and hurts the economy nationwide.

    Similarly, the Canadian government has responded to whipsawing U.S. tariff announcements with counter-tariffs, which will slice the profits of American exporters. Close American allies and trading partners such as Japan, the U.K. and the European Union are also signaling their own willingness to impose retaliatory tariffs, increasing the costs of operations to American business even more.

    Modern capitalism depends on smart regulation to thrive. Smart regulation is not an obstacle to capitalism. Smart regulation is what makes American capitalism possible. Smart regulation is what makes American freedom possible.

    Clear and consistently applied legal rules allow businesses to aggressively compete, carefully plan, and generate profits. An arbitrary rule of law deprives business of the true power of capitalism – the ability to promote economic growth, spur innovation and improve the overall living standards of a free society. Americans deserve no less, and it is up to government to make that happen for everyone.

    Originally published in The Conversation. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Upexi, Inc. June 2025 Monthly Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAMPA, Fla., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Upexi, Inc. (NASDAQ: UPXI), a brand owner specializing in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of consumer products with diversification into the cryptocurrency space, today released its June 2025 monthly update.

    “June was a particularly active and successful month,” stated Upexi CEO Allan Marshall. “We increased our SOL balance during June by 8%, demonstrating continued growth while also continuing to earn an 8% staking yield. And we delivered on key initiatives, gaining listed options on Nasdaq, announcing our intention to tokenize our equity via Superstate, and joining Webull’s Corporate Connect Service platform. Looking ahead, we are laser-focused on increasing Upexi’s visibility and raising capital in an accretive fashion for the benefit of shareholders.”

    Below are a few highlights from June.

    Treasury Update as of June 30, 2025

    • Treasury: Upexi held 735,692 SOL, up 8.2% from the previously disclosed 679,677 SOL as of May 28.
    • Net Asset Value: Using the June 30 price of $154.74 per SOLi, the 735,692 SOL are valued at $113.8 million.
    • SOL per Share: Using 38.2 million shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025, approximately 0.0192 SOL per common share, or $2.97 per common share.
    • Staking: Substantially all the treasury SOL are being staked, earning a ~8% yield.
    • Locked SOL: Approximately 58% of the portfolio was locked SOL when purchased at a mid-teens discount to the SOL spot price and provides for built-in gains for shareholders.

    Business Initiatives

    Upexi Events / Multimedia Recap

    Solana Monthly Recap

    • Network Performance: Solana recorded strong growth and market share numbers across most major metrics, including daily active addresses and application revenue, detailed more in the chart below.
    • Firedancer Progress: Jump Crypto’s high-performance client Firedancer launched a delegation program for its hybrid Frankendancer client, which has already amassed 8% of total Solana stake.
    • Institutional Adoption: French bank Societe Generale announced plans to launch a stablecoin on Ethereum and Solana, fintech giant Fiserv revealed a forthcoming Solana stablecoin launch, Moody’s Ratings tested tokenized securities credit ratings, and Solana Policy Institute submitted compliant tokenized securities frameworks to the US SEC.
    • Solana ETF Progress: Prospective spot SOL ETF issuers submitted updated S-1 filings and Rex-Osprey revealed the upcoming launch of its Solana staking ETF, which occurred after month end.
    • Application News: RWA firm Backed launched tokenized equities, decentralized vehicle data platform DIMO expanded to Japan, decentralized science startup CUDIS announced its upcoming CUDIS token on Solana, DEX aggregator Jupiter paused DAO voting, memecoin launchpad pump.fun outlined a $1b fundraise, and memecoin Bonk launched web3 game Bonk Arena.
    • Price: SOL entered June at $157 and finished the month nearly unchanged at $155. Using daily close prices, Solana bottomed at $132 on June 22nd and peaked at $165 on June 10th.
    Solana Major Metrics, June 2025
      June 2025 YoY Growth Market Share
    Daily Active Addresses, m 4.8 200% 38%
    Daily Transactions, $b 3.0 67% 70%
    Dex Volumes, $b 182 347% 28%
    Fees, $m 31 -43% 23%
    Application Revenue, $m 147 33% 42%

    Sources: Artemis, Blockworks. Note: Market share calculated using Ethereum, Avalanche C-Chain, Sui, Solana, Base, Polygon POS, BNB Chain, Tron, and Cardano.

    About Upexi, Inc.
    Upexi is a brand owner specializing in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of consumer products. The Company has entered the cryptocurrency industry and cash management of assets through a cryptocurrency portfolio. For more information on Upexi’s treasury strategy and future developments, visit www.upexi.com.

    Follow Upexi on X – https://twitter.com/upexitreasury
    Follow CEO, Allan Marshall, on X – https://x.com/marshall_a22015
    Follow CSO, Brian Rudick, on X – https://x.com/thetinyant

    Forward Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. For example, the Company is using forward looking statements when it discusses the anticipated use of proceeds. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with business strategy, potential acquisitions, revenue guidance, product development, integration, and synergies of acquiring companies and personnel. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward- looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations, and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Company Contact
    Brian Rudick, Chief Strategy Officer
    Email: brian.rudick@upexi.com
    Phone: (216) 347-0473

    Media Contact
    Gasthalter & Co.
    Upexi@gasthalter.com

    Investor Relations Contact
    KCSA Strategic Communications
    Valter Pinto, Managing Director
    (212) 896-1254
    Upexi@KCSA.com

    ___________________________
    i Closing price of SOL as quoted on coinmarketcap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Intermex Launches a new Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) Platform to Help Businesses Simplify Cross-Border Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”), a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean, today announced the launch of its fully redesigned Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform. The upgraded service gives businesses a straightforward way to embed fast, secure cross-border money transfers into their own customer experiences.

    A growing number of companies – from innovative U.S. fintechs to well-established payment providers – are already harnessing Intermex’s Remittance-as-a-Service platform to unlock new cross-border revenue streams.

    Through Intermex’s RaaS platform, companies can introduce their own branded person-to-person and business-to-person payment services to eligible markets including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador, as well as select countries in Southeast Asia, the European Union, and Africa.

    “Businesses want to innovate and expand quickly, but hurdles like technology development, licensing, and regulatory compliance often slow them down,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Digital, Product & Marketing Officer at Intermex. “Our RaaS platform helps remove those barriers, giving partners a turnkey solution built on decades of experience and one of the strongest payout networks in Latin America.”

    The enhanced platform offers a customizable system that lets businesses create branded customer experiences across WhatsApp, mobile apps, and the web. The service is supported by appropriate licensing across U.S. jurisdictions, incorporating required know your customers and anti-money laundry compliance measures. Companies gain access to one of the largest payout networks in Latin America, supporting cash pickups, home deliveries, and direct bank deposits. The solution also provides integrated payment services, merchant account management, chargeback support, and advanced anti-fraud tools. Additionally, partners benefit from 24/7 bilingual customer support, business insights, and ongoing strategic guidance.

    “Our partners don’t have to build everything from scratch,” Theodoro added. “Through a simple API, we provide the infrastructure, licenses, payout networks, and even the support teams they need. Whether you’re a fintech, an employer, or a loyalty platform, we’re ready to help businesses move money across borders.”

    Companies interested in partnering with Intermex can learn more at www.intermexonline.com/partner-with-us#/.

    About Intermex
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to facilitate money transfers from select locations including the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries, where available and subject to applicable regulations. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Learn more at www.intermexonline.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Academic slams NZ government over ‘compromised’ foreign policy

    Asia Pacific Report

    A prominent academic has criticised the New Zealand coalition government for compromising the country’s traditional commitment to upholding an international rules-based order due to a “desire not to offend” the Trump administration.

    Professor Robert Patman, an inaugural sesquicentennial distinguished chair and a specialist in international relations at the University of Otago, has argued in a contributed article to The Spinoff that while distant in geographic terms, “brutal violence in Gaza, the West Bank and Iran marks the latest stage in the unravelling of an international rules-based order on which New Zealand depends for its prosperity and security”.

    Dr Patman wrote that New Zealand’s founding document, the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, emphasised partnership and cooperation at home, and, after 1945, helped inspire a New Zealand worldview enshrined in institutions such as the United Nations and norms such as multilateralism.

    Professor Robert Patman . . . “Even more striking was the government’s silence on President Trump’s proposal to own Gaza with a view to evicting two million Palestinian residents.” Image: University of Otago

    “In the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, the National-led coalition government has in principle emphasised its support for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the occupied territories of East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank,” he wrote.

    However, Dr Patman said, in practice this New Zealand stance had not translated into firm diplomatic opposition to the Netanyahu government’s quest to control Gaza and annex the West Bank.

    “Nor has it been a condemnation of the Trump administration for prioritising its support for Israel’s security goals over international law,” he said.

    Foreign minister Winston Peters had described the situation in Gaza as “simply intolerable” but the National-led coalition had little specific to say as the Netanyahu government “resumed its cruel blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza in March and restarted military operations there”.

    Silence on Trump’s ‘Gaza ownership’
    “Even more striking was the government’s silence on President Trump’s proposal to own Gaza with a view to evicting two million Palestinian residents from the territory and the US-Israeli venture to start the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in late May in a move which sidelined the UN in aid distribution and has led to the killing of more than 600 Palestinians while seeking food aid,” Dr Patman said.

    While New Zealand, along with the UK, Australia, Canada and Norway, had imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli government ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar ben Gvir, in June for “inciting extremist violence” against Palestinians — a move that was criticised by the Trump administration — it was arguably a case of very little very late.

    “The Hamas terror attacks on October 7 killed around 1200 Israelis, but the Netanyahu government’s retaliation by the Israel Defence Force (IDF) against Hamas has resulted in the deaths of more than 56,000 Palestinians — nearly 70 percent of whom were women or children — in Gaza.

    Over the same period, more than 1000 Palestinians had been killed in the West Bank as Israel accelerated its programme of illegal settlements there.

    ‘Strangely ambivalent’
    In addition, the responses of the New Zealand government to “pre-emptive attacks” by Israel (13-25 June) and Trump’s United States (June 22) against Iran to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities were strangely ambivalent.

    Despite indications from US intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran had not produced nuclear weapons, Foreign Minister Peters had said New Zealand was not prepared to take a position on that issue.

    Confronted with Trump’s “might is right” approach, the National-led coalition faced stark choices, Dr Patman said.

    The New Zealand government could continue to fudge fundamental moral and legal issues in the Middle East and risk complicity in the further weakening of an international rules-based order it purportedly supports, “or it can get off the fence, stand up for the country’s values, and insist that respect for international law must be observed in the region and elsewhere without exception”.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Academic slams NZ government over ‘compromised’ foreign policy

    Asia Pacific Report

    A prominent academic has criticised the New Zealand coalition government for compromising the country’s traditional commitment to upholding an international rules-based order due to a “desire not to offend” the Trump administration.

    Professor Robert Patman, an inaugural sesquicentennial distinguished chair and a specialist in international relations at the University of Otago, has argued in a contributed article to The Spinoff that while distant in geographic terms, “brutal violence in Gaza, the West Bank and Iran marks the latest stage in the unravelling of an international rules-based order on which New Zealand depends for its prosperity and security”.

    Dr Patman wrote that New Zealand’s founding document, the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, emphasised partnership and cooperation at home, and, after 1945, helped inspire a New Zealand worldview enshrined in institutions such as the United Nations and norms such as multilateralism.

    Professor Robert Patman . . . “Even more striking was the government’s silence on President Trump’s proposal to own Gaza with a view to evicting two million Palestinian residents.” Image: University of Otago

    “In the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, the National-led coalition government has in principle emphasised its support for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the occupied territories of East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank,” he wrote.

    However, Dr Patman said, in practice this New Zealand stance had not translated into firm diplomatic opposition to the Netanyahu government’s quest to control Gaza and annex the West Bank.

    “Nor has it been a condemnation of the Trump administration for prioritising its support for Israel’s security goals over international law,” he said.

    Foreign minister Winston Peters had described the situation in Gaza as “simply intolerable” but the National-led coalition had little specific to say as the Netanyahu government “resumed its cruel blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza in March and restarted military operations there”.

    Silence on Trump’s ‘Gaza ownership’
    “Even more striking was the government’s silence on President Trump’s proposal to own Gaza with a view to evicting two million Palestinian residents from the territory and the US-Israeli venture to start the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in late May in a move which sidelined the UN in aid distribution and has led to the killing of more than 600 Palestinians while seeking food aid,” Dr Patman said.

    While New Zealand, along with the UK, Australia, Canada and Norway, had imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli government ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar ben Gvir, in June for “inciting extremist violence” against Palestinians — a move that was criticised by the Trump administration — it was arguably a case of very little very late.

    “The Hamas terror attacks on October 7 killed around 1200 Israelis, but the Netanyahu government’s retaliation by the Israel Defence Force (IDF) against Hamas has resulted in the deaths of more than 56,000 Palestinians — nearly 70 percent of whom were women or children — in Gaza.

    Over the same period, more than 1000 Palestinians had been killed in the West Bank as Israel accelerated its programme of illegal settlements there.

    ‘Strangely ambivalent’
    In addition, the responses of the New Zealand government to “pre-emptive attacks” by Israel (13-25 June) and Trump’s United States (June 22) against Iran to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities were strangely ambivalent.

    Despite indications from US intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran had not produced nuclear weapons, Foreign Minister Peters had said New Zealand was not prepared to take a position on that issue.

    Confronted with Trump’s “might is right” approach, the National-led coalition faced stark choices, Dr Patman said.

    The New Zealand government could continue to fudge fundamental moral and legal issues in the Middle East and risk complicity in the further weakening of an international rules-based order it purportedly supports, “or it can get off the fence, stand up for the country’s values, and insist that respect for international law must be observed in the region and elsewhere without exception”.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Wang Yi to attend series of ASEAN Plus Foreign Ministers’ Meetings

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend a series of foreign ministerial meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from July 10 to 11, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.

    Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, will attend the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • NITI Aayog releases second edition of the North Eastern Region District SDG Index (2023-24)

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    NITI Aayog on Monday released the second edition of the North Eastern Region (NER) District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index Report (2023-24). Developed by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER), with technical support from UNDP, the Index assesses the performance of 121 districts across the eight North Eastern states on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The index, which builds upon the first edition released in August 2021, is a vital tool for tracking progress on development goals across social, economic, and environmental indicators. It enables data-driven planning and monitoring at the district level.

    The report was released by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, MoDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar, and UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Angela Lusigi.

    Hnahthial in Mizoram emerged as the top-performing district with a composite score of 81.43, while Longding in Arunachal Pradesh ranked lowest at 58.71. All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura achieved the Front Runner status (scores between 65–99), with none in the Achiever (score of 100) or Aspirant (score below 50) categories.

    Sikkim showed the most consistent performance across districts, with only a 5.5-point difference between the highest and lowest scoring districts. Tripura also performed strongly with minimal intra-state variation.

    Speaking at the launch, Suman Bery emphasized the importance of achieving SDG targets by 2030 as a milestone toward the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. CEO Subrahmanyam reiterated the central role of the Northeast, calling it the “Ashta Lakshmi” of India. MoDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar highlighted the index’s utility in identifying gaps and guiding interventions, while Dr. Lusigi stressed the need to translate data into meaningful action.

    The NER District SDG Index 2023–24 serves as a key policy tool for evidence-based governance, resource allocation, and accelerating sustainable and inclusive development in the region.

  • No directions issued to close inactive Jan Dhan accounts, says Finance Ministry

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday clarified that no instructions have been issued to banks for closing inactive accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).

    The statement came amid reports in sections of the media claiming that the government had asked banks to shut down dormant Jan Dhan accounts. Terming such reports incorrect, the DFS reiterated that no such directive has been given.

    In an official note, the department stated that it continues to monitor inoperative Jan Dhan accounts and has advised banks to reach out to account holders to encourage them to make their accounts active.

    To strengthen the use of the Jan Dhan scheme and other financial inclusion initiatives, a three-month national campaign was launched by DFS on July 1. The campaign aims to boost adoption of schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Atal Pension Yojana alongside Jan Dhan accounts.

    As part of this exercise, banks have been asked to complete re-KYC processes for eligible accounts and spread awareness about the benefits of keeping these accounts active.

    The department also noted that the total number of Jan Dhan accounts has been consistently rising and that no instances of large-scale closure of inactive accounts have come to its notice.

     

     

  • Spain: More than 18,000 people in lockdown as wildfire rages in Catalonia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Spanish authorities ordered more than 18,000 residents of the northeastern Tarragona province to remain indoors on Tuesday and several dozen were evacuated as a wildfire raged out of control, consuming almost 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres) of vegetation.

    Large parts of Spain are on high alert for wildfires after the country experienced its hottest June on record. Two people died in a wildfire on July 1 in the region of Catalonia where Tarragona is located.

    The latest fire broke out early on Monday in a remote area near the village of Pauls, where strong winds and rugged terrain have hampered firefighting efforts, authorities said. An emergency military unit was deployed early on Tuesday alongside more than 300 firefighters working in the area.

    “Since midnight, firefighters have been battling the blaze with gusts of wind reaching up to 90 kilometres per hour (56 miles per hour),” Catalonia’s regional firefighting service said, adding that the strong Mistral wind was expected to ease by the afternoon.

    Overnight, fire engines raced the winding roads of the Pauls Mountains, surrounded by flames, as crews assessed and tried to contain the blaze.

    In the neighbouring villages of Xerta and Aldover, residents spent a sleepless night as the flames threatened their homes.

    “(There has been) a lot of fear and a lot of crying because we are already on the edge of the fire. Last night, because of the wind that was blowing the fire and the smoke, we couldn’t leave our house. Terrible, this has never been seen before,” Rosa Veleda, 76, told Reuters.

    Authorities said they had prevented the fire from spreading across the Ebro River, which would have worsened the situation. Approximately 30% of the affected area lies within the Ports Natural Park, and officials are investigating the fire’s origins.

    (Reuters)

  • Gaza ceasefire can be reached but may take more time, Israeli officials say

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Gaps in Gaza ceasefire talks under way in Qatar between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas can be bridged but it may take more than a few days to reach a deal, Israeli officials said on Tuesday.

    The new push by U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators to halt fighting in the battered enclave has gained pace since Sunday when the warring sides began indirect talks in Doha and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set out to Washington.

    Netanyahu met on Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump, who said on the eve of their meeting that a ceasefire and hostage deal could be reached this week. The Israeli leader was scheduled to meet Vice President J.D. Vance on Tuesday.

    Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, who played a major role in crafting the ceasefire proposal, will travel to Doha this week to join discussions there, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters earlier on Monday.

    The ceasefire proposal envisages a phased release of hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza and discussions on ending the war entirely.

    Hamas has long demanded an end to the war before it would free remaining hostages; Israel has insisted it would not agree to end the fighting until all hostages are released and Hamas dismantled. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are believed to still be alive.

    Palestinian sources said on Monday that there were gaps between the sides on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

    Senior Israeli officials briefing journalists in Washington said it may take more than a few days to finalize agreements in Doha but they did not elaborate on the sticking points. Another Israeli official said progress had been made.

    Israeli minister Zeev Elkin, who sits in Netanyahu’s security cabinet, said that there was “a substantial chance” a ceasefire will be agreed. “Hamas wants to change a few central matters, it’s not simple, but there is progress,” he told Israel’s public broadcaster Kan on Tuesday.

    The war began on October 7 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages into Gaza.

    Israel’s subsequent campaign against Hamas in Gaza has since killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, displaced almost the entire population of more than 2 million people, sparked a humanitarian crisis in the enclave and left much of the territory in ruins.

    In Gaza City, children walked through debris, where residents said an Israeli airstrike had hit overnight, with children among the casualties. The Israeli military did not immediately provide details on the target of the strike.

    “We hope that a ceasefire will be reached and that the massacres against the Palestinian people will stop,” said Mohammed Joundiya, standing in the rubble left in the aftermath of the attack.

    At Israel’s parliament in Jerusalem, former hostage Keith Siegel, who was released in February in a previous ceasefire, described the anguish of those held incommunicado for hundreds of days in Hamas captivity. “We have a window of opportunity to save lives,” he said, “every minute is critical.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 30% US Tariff Will Be a Blow to Economic Growth, Jobs and Trade Certainty

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Ms Sonja Boshoff, has expressed grave concern over the impending 30% tariff imposed by the United States government on key South African exports, as the tariffs will have far-reaching consequences for exporters and on the broader ailing South African economy.

    Ms Boshoff said the US tariff order, which was signed yesterday and is set to come into effect on 1 August 2025, undermines the historical US–SA trade cooperation and poses a serious threat to strategic sectors such as citrus, macadamia, automotive components, steel and aluminium. “These industries are not abstract economic indicators; they are lifelines for tens of thousands of workers, particularly in rural and small-town South Africa,” emphasised Ms Boshoff.

    She said South Africa’s citrus industry alone supports more than 35 000 jobs and contributes over R38 billion annually to the economy. “A tariff of this magnitude threatens not only the profitability of our exporters, but the livelihoods of workers and the economic stability of entire agricultural regions,” stressed Ms Boshoff.

    She said the tariff order also casts a dark shadow over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has long facilitated preferential access to US markets. With the new duty effectively neutralising those preferences, there is growing uncertainty for producers who depend on predictable market access to plan, invest and grow.

    “It is critical that trade agreements are honoured in good faith. No country can plan its industrial or export strategy under a cloud of sudden and unilateral tariff hikes” said Ms Boshoff.

    The committee recognises that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) is pursuing negotiations with its US counterparts, reportedly offering strategic Liquefied Natural Gas procurement in exchange for a more reasonable tariff ceiling. However, such engagements must be swift, transparent and rooted in the national interest.

    “We cannot afford diplomatic dithering. Every delay will deepen the uncertainty in our export industries. The government must urgently finalise a sustainable trade path with the United States and, simultaneously, accelerate diversification into new markets across the EU, Asia and Africa,” stressed Ms Boshoff.

    The committee calls on the DTIC and the Department of Agriculture to provide support packages and market reorientation strategies for the most affected industries. This must include logistics relief, export finance support, and new market facilitation, particularly for emerging farmers and SMEs.

    “At a time when South Africa is battling record unemployment and low growth, punitive tariffs by our biggest trading partners are not just economic risks, they are catalysts for deeper inequality. We must respond with urgency, precision and policy agility,” Ms Boshoff noted.

    This unprecedent development cannot be approached with a “let it go” attitude, Ms Boshoff said. She called on the South African government to urgently send a high-level delegation to Washington to undertake repair of diplomatic ties and to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to constructive engagement.

    President Trump signed the tariff order on Monday, 7 July, after the withdrawal of US grant funding for critical programmes in South Africa. The tariff order, which will apply to all South African products entering the US market, will come into effect from 1 August 2025.

    – on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Sensex gains 270 points; investors eye relief in India-US trade talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock markets closed higher on Tuesday, recovering from a flat opening after reports of a possible mini trade deal between India and the United States surfaced late last night.

    Markets opened under pressure as concerns over US President Donald Trump’s fresh tariff measures weighed on sentiment.

    At the end of the trading session, the Sensex gained 270.01 points or 0.32 per cent to close at 83,712.51, while the Nifty rose 61.20 points or 0.24 per cent to settle at 25,522.50.

    Financial heavyweights helped the Nifty and Nifty Bank end in the green. Kotak Bank led the gains, rising over 3 per cent after a strong first-quarter update.

    On the other hand, Titan was the top loser on the Nifty, slipping 6 per cent after reporting lower-than-expected growth in its jewellery segment.

    “Today marked the third consecutive session where the Nifty opened and closed within a narrow range of 25,400 to 25,500. This shows the market is waiting for a trigger before the next move at the index level,” said VLA Ambala, Co-Founder of Stock Market Today.

    “The market remains in an uptrend with no signs of reversal yet, but volatility is expected as crude oil, gold, and dollar prices may fluctuate depending on the outcome of Donald Trump’s trade deal,” she added.

    Sundar Kewat, Technical and Derivatives Analyst at Ashika Institutional Equity, Ashika Stock Broking, noted that despite global uncertainties triggered by Trump’s announcement of 25–40 per cent tariffs on 14 countries, Indian equity markets opened flat and traded largely sideways throughout the session.

    “Trump’s tariffs took centre stage on Monday as letters detailing the new duties were issued to 14 countries. Markets reacted moderately and did not panic like they did from April 2nd to 9th. Over the past 90 days, markets have become more resilient, looking past Trump’s policy ambiguity to actual measures,” Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, said.

    He further added, “The key takeaway on Monday was that the July 9th tariff imposition deadline has now been moved to August 1st, giving another 23 days for negotiations with the affected countries.”

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Towering Plume From Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki

    Source: NASA

    Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a volcano on the Indonesian island of Flores, erupted on July 7, 2025, propelling a column of ash 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the air. The eruption deposited ash on villages and generated pyroclastic flows that traveled 5 kilometers (3 miles) down its slopes, according to news reports. Authorities advised nearby communities to remain on alert for potential lahars triggered by heavy rains.
    Mount Lewotobi is composed of two adjacent stratovolcanoes: Laki-Laki and Perempuan, which lie less than 2 kilometers apart. Laki-Laki, the more active of the two, began erupting around 11 a.m. local time on July 7, according to Indonesia’s volcano monitoring agency. At about 2 p.m., the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite acquired this image of its volcanic plume drifting westward. The eruption was still ongoing as of that evening, the agency reported.
    Several weeks prior, officials had raised the volcano’s alert status to the highest level when it showed an increase in earthquake activity, inflation of the ground surface, and other signs of an imminent eruption. Volcanic emissions from eruptions in both June and July caused dozens of flight cancellations to and from Bali and other airports in the region, according to news reports.
    This latest event is a continuation of eruptive activity occurring at Laki-Laki since late 2023. During an especially intense period of activity in November 2024, several explosive eruptions generated deadly volcanic debris flows and darkened the landscape with ash. The conical Laki-Laki has been frequently active since the 19th century, while the taller and broader Perempuan erupted most recently in 1921 and 1935.
    NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Working in Space

    Source: NASA

    In this May 23, 2025, image, NASA astronaut Jonny Kim works inside the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft completing cargo operations before it undocked from the International Space Station’s Harmony module several hours later. Kim launched to the International Space Station on April 8, 2025; this is his first mission.
    See what Kim and other space station crew do aboard the orbital lab.
    Image credit: NASA; JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)/Takuya Onishi

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MCX to launch electricity futures contract starting July 10

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), India’s leading platform for trading commodity derivatives, on Tuesday announced that it will launch an electricity futures contract from July 10.

    This new offering aims to meet the growing demand for tools to help manage the risks associated with fluctuating electricity prices.

    Praveena Rai, Managing Director and CEO of MCX, said the new contract would play an important role in deepening India’s energy markets and making them more structured.

    She added that the launch would support the country’s goal of achieving a sustainable and market-driven approach to electricity pricing.

    The contract received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in June.

    As per the rules, the contract will have a daily price limit of 6 per cent, which may increase to 9 per cent on any given day.

    Additionally, the initial margin requirement for traders will be at least 10 per cent, or based on volatility, whichever is higher.

    There will also be limits on client positions, capped at 3 lakh MWh or 5 per cent of the market’s open interest, whichever is greater.

    The electricity futures contract will be available in four contracts for the current month and three contracts for the following months.

    The first day of trading will be the first business day of the launch month, while the last day will be the day before the contract expires.

    Currently, the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) controls more than 90 per cent of the electricity futures market. MCX intends to work with spot prices to offer a competitive alternative.

    The exchange believes the launch is timely, as India’s electricity sector is growing rapidly and there is a greater need for price stability, especially due to changing demand, fuel costs, and evolving market conditions.

    Industry experts believe the new futures contract will help both electricity producers and investors manage volatility and plan future production more effectively.

    —IANS

  • WaveX launches ‘Kalaa Setu’ challenge to boost AI-driven multilingual content generation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a significant step towards strengthening inclusive digital communication, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched the ‘Kalaa Setu – Real-Time Language Tech for Bharat’ initiative under its WaveX Startup Accelerator Platform. The programme invites India’s leading AI startups to develop innovative solutions for real-time multilingual and multimedia content generation aimed at enhancing public outreach in governance.

    As India’s digital governance ecosystem expands, the need for prompt, effective, and localised communication with citizens has become increasingly important. Traditional content creation processes often struggle to meet the demands of scale and linguistic diversity across the country. In this context, the ‘Kalaa Setu’ challenge seeks to harness the potential of artificial intelligence to bridge language barriers and deliver information to the last mile.

    Under this initiative, startups have been invited to develop indigenous, scalable solutions capable of generating audio, video, and graphic content from text inputs in multiple Indian languages. The challenge focuses on three key areas: text-to-video generation for creating contextualised video content, text-to-graphics generation for producing infographics and illustrations, and text-to-audio generation using advanced voice synthesis technology to deliver regionally relatable speech content.

    Officials said the solutions developed under ‘Kalaa Setu’ will help public communication bodies to dynamically convert official information into locally relevant formats, such as infographic visuals, video explainers, and audio news capsules, in real time. This will benefit various sections of society, including farmers, students, and senior citizens, by providing them timely updates in languages they understand best.

    Startups can submit their applications for the challenge through the WAVEX portal (https://wavex.wavesbazaar.com) under the ‘Kalaa Setu’ category. Applicants must submit a working Minimum Viable Concept by 30th July, 2025. Shortlisted teams will present their solutions before a national jury in New Delhi. The winning team will receive support for full-scale development, pilot opportunities with All India Radio, Doordarshan, and PIB, as well as incubation under the WaveX Innovation Platform.

    Earlier, the Ministry had also launched the ‘Bhasha Setu’ challenge on 30th June, 2025, aimed at real-time language translation. Startups can apply for the ‘Bhasha Setu’ challenge till 22nd July, 2025 through the same portal.

    These initiatives are part of the Government of India’s larger push to promote AI-driven technologies for inclusive and effective governance. By supporting home-grown innovations in multilingual communication and translation, the government aims to ensure that every citizen, regardless of language or region, has timely access to information.

    WaveX, launched under the Ministry’s WAVES initiative, serves as a dedicated startup accelerator to encourage innovation in media, entertainment, and language technologies. Earlier this year, the platform provided over 30 startups an opportunity to pitch their ideas at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai. 

  • MIL-OSI Russia: St Petersburg University and the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences are launching a joint program to train archaeologists | Saint Petersburg State University

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    During the training, future archaeologists will acquire a solid theoretical base, the necessary technical competencies for working with archaeological equipment, material sources, and will also have the opportunity to develop analytical skills for the correct interpretation of finds. The curriculum includes disciplines on the study of the material culture of Eurasia, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Europe, the history of landowning and nomadic civilizations – from the Stone Age to the New Age.

    The practice-oriented disciplines include mastering methods of field and desk research, including 3D modeling, as well as immersion in issues of legal regulation of the protection of cultural heritage sites. In addition, students will take courses in Chinese and Hindi.

    A bachelor’s program has been opened at St. Petersburg State University in the 2025/26 academic year “Archeology” with additional qualifications: “History and Social Science Teacher”, “Curator of Museum Values” or “Museum Objects Accounting Specialist”. This direction is implemented in online form with the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences, where students conduct practical training and research work.

    The classes will be taught by leading teachers of St Petersburg University and research fellows of the Institute of the History of Material Culture (IHMC) of the Russian Academy of Sciences — recognized experts in the field of studying the Paleolithic era, Finno-Ugric, Slavic-Russian, Scandinavian and Caucasian archeology, the New Age and the art of the Ancient East. Among them are Alexander Ocherednoy, Senior Research Fellow of the Paleolithic Department of the IHMC, Margarita Kholkina, landscape archeology specialist and Associate Professor of St Petersburg University, Evgenia Tkach, Academic Secretary of the IHMC, and other scientists.

    Telegram channel of the employees of the Paleolithic Department of the Institute of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences “It all started in the Paleolithic” (provided by Ksenia Stepanova)

    On a voluntary basis, students will be able to take part in archaeological expeditions: in Krasnoyarsk Krai, the Republic of Tuva, the North Caucasus, Crimea, the Kaliningrad and Leningrad regions, one of the largest Stone Age sites Kostenki in the Voronezh region, as well as in the territories of the near abroad. Immersion in a professional environment is not only gaining valuable practical experience for future archaeologists, but also an opportunity to contribute to the study and preservation of Russia’s cultural heritage.

    The university implements programs of additional education, including in areas dedicated to history. For example, advanced training for specialists “Protective archeology and preservation of cultural heritage sites” and online course “History of Russian Literature”. The full list of courses is presented on the SPbU website in the section “Additional education”.

    As noted by the head of the educational program “Archaeology”, professor of St. Petersburg State University Igor Tikhonov, the new direction of training continues the traditions of the Russian school of studying applied historical science. “For the first time, the resources of the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which is the successor of the Imperial Archaeological Commission created in 1859, and the oldest department of archeology of St. Petersburg State University, which has existed since 1936, have been fully combined. This is a real combination of the potential of one of the leading academic institutions of our country and the educational traditions and practices of St. Petersburg University. The Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences is also the main employer for university students,” the professor added.

    Graduates can focus on professional activities in scientific institutes, museums and government agencies, manage educational and tourism projects, work in publishing houses or teach in secondary specialized educational institutions. Potential employers include the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the State Hermitage Museum and other organizations.

    Admission to the program started on June 20.

    Read more

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE’s Project Management Course Receives International Accreditation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics has received accreditation for teaching the discipline “Project Management” according to the international standard IPMA ICB 4.0.

    Accreditation confirms that the Project Management course at the HSB complies with international standards: from the content of the course and the qualifications of teachers to the teaching materials. These requirements are recognized in more than 70 countries, including the USA, China, India, Germany, Great Britain and France.

    The Project Management course is implemented as part of various educational programs of the Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics – from bachelor’s and master’s degrees to professional retraining programs and MBA. Particular attention is paid to unified international approaches so that graduates can work in the global market and “speak” with colleagues in the same professional language.

    Project management has long gone beyond the scope of narrow professional tools. Today, it is the key to implementing changes and the basis for sustainable growth of companies in an unstable and rapidly changing environment. Modern project management requires specialists to be flexible, able to work with a high degree of uncertainty, think strategically, and have a wide range of methodological approaches – from classical to Agile and hybrid. All this forms the basis for teaching the Project Management discipline at the Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    The certificate was issued for two years by the Russian Project Management Association SOVNET, the representative of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) in Russia since 1991. To obtain accreditation, the HSE provided a full set of training materials, and the teachers confirmed their qualifications by undergoing certification according to the IPMA system. The assessment was carried out by a commission of national experts authorized by IPMA.

    Ilyina Olga Nikolaevna

    Associate Professor of the Higher School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Director of the Project Management Center of the Higher School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics

    “Accreditation according to the international IPMA standard is a significant step for the HSB. It confirms that our approach to teaching project management meets the high requirements of the global professional community. For us, this is not only an assessment of quality, but also confirmation that we are developing education in accordance with global trends and preparing specialists who are able to work effectively in an international environment.”

    International accreditation confirms HSE’s commitment to high educational standards and strengthens its reputation as a first-choice business school.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening remarks by Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) at Deloitte’s Digital Asset Forum (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Opening remarks by Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) at Deloitte’s Digital Asset Forum (English only)  
    Eliza (Senior Advisor of Deloitte China Dr Eliza Chan), Duncan (Legislative Council member (Technology and Innovation) Mr Duncan Chiu), Robert (Hong Kong Digital Asset leader of Deloitte China, Mr Robert Lui), friends from the digital asset sector, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         The Forum today is very timely, as we are standing at a pivotal moment when economies worldwide are striving to chart the course for digital assets and oversight of their use. Hong Kong has been working diligently to stay ahead of the curve in building an ecosystem for the healthy development of the digital asset sector.
     
         As you know, back in 2022, we announced our first policy statement on digital assets, or virtual assets at the time, setting out our vision to create that comprehensive ecosystem under the principle of “same activity, same risks, same regulation”. Then in June 2023, we put in place a licensing regime for digital asset trading platforms. Now we have a total of 11 licensees with local and international backgrounds. Nine exchange-traded funds with digital underlying assets have also been listed. In May this year, with the support of the Legislative Council, we enacted the Stablecoins Ordinance, making Hong Kong one of the few economies in the world to have a comprehensive law in place on stablecoin issuance. The Ordinance is scheduled to come into effect on August 1, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority will begin to accept licence applications.
     
         This solid groundwork serves as a springboard for the next phase of digital asset development in Hong Kong. The “LEAP” framework or metaphor embodied in the second policy statement issued on June 26 conveys a proactive and forward-looking approach. To recap, “L” stands for legal and regulatory streamlining, “E” for expanding the suite of tokenised products, “A” for advancing use cases and cross-sectoral collaboration, and “P” is people and partnership development. These are linked to Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international financial centre, including our comprehensive legal system, sophisticated financial market and infrastructure, close connection with the international markets, and a wealth of professional talents.
     
         A lot of you are interested in the application scenarios or the “E” and “A” in the statement. A lot can be said on this. For now, I believe that as a well-developed financial market with a wide range of financial instruments and assets available for trading, Hong Kong has great potential to promote tokenisation of RWA (Real-World Assets). For example, Hong Kong is in a very good position to develop tokenised government bonds, building on our two landmark tokenised government green bond issuances in the past two years and Hong Kong’s status as a leading bond issuance hub in Asia. The first batch totalling HK$800 million issued in 2023 was the first tokenised green bond issued by a government entity. The second batch, issued in 2024 denominated in Renminbi, Hong Kong dollars, Euro and US dollars and totalling close to HK$6 billion equivalent, was the world’s first multi-currency digitally native green bonds. As announced in the 2025-26 Budget, the Government will regularise the issuance of tokenised bonds.
     
         I am sure that there are many good ideas about RWA out there in the marketplace. To encourage market participation in developing use cases, thanks to Cyberport, a funding scheme has been launched to support the development of high-impact applications with potential to serve as future use case benchmark.
     
         On the legal regulatory front or “L”, right on the next day following the promulgation of the second policy statement, we launched a public consultation on the licensing regimes for digital asset dealing and custodian service providers. This is another big step in making the regulatory regime comprehensive, thus enabling us to manage the risks and harness the potential in different activities along the digital asset value chain, from issuance, trading and dealing, to post-trade custodian service. The two-month consultation period will end in late August. Do let us have your views.
     
         On the people and partnership front or “P”, we value stakeholder engagement, and we walk the talk. At the policy level, the Financial Secretary is chairing the Task Force on Promoting Web3 Development. At the regulator level, the Securities and Futures Commission has established a consultative panel focusing on market and regulatory issues. The panel just held its second meeting yesterday. Fora like the one today will certainly provide useful feedback for our work.
     
         Our policy stance on digital assets is clear. We strive to embrace financial innovations so as to capture their potential benefits, but at the same time we need to put in risk management guardrails with emphasis on investor protection and user education. With this, we look forward to hearing your feedback, and I wish you fruitful discussions. Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 18:40

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –