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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Global: The UK government wants to expand the sugar tax to milkshakes and plant-based drinks – here’s what you need to know

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David M. Evans, Professor of Sociotechnical Futures, University of Bristol Business School, University of Bristol

    Luis Molinero/Shutterstock

    The UK government is considering expanding its sugar tax on fizzy drinks to include milkshakes and other sweetened beverages, as part of new proposals announced in April 2025. The soft drinks industry levy (SDIL), to give it its official name, was introduced in 2018 to reduce people’s sugar intake and help tackle obesity. For soft drinks containing 5-8g of sugar per 100ml, a levy of 18p per litre is applied. This rises to 24p per litre for soft drinks containing over 8g per 100ml.

    The Treasury confirmed it plans to move forward not only with broadening the tax but also with lowering the sugar threshold that triggers it from 5g to 4g of sugar per 100ml. The changes, dubbed by critics as the “milkshake tax”, would end the current exemption for dairy-based drinks, as well as plant-based alternatives such as oat and rice milk.

    Based on our research into dietary change, conducted as part of the H3 project on food system transformation, we see this as a welcome and timely development.

    Not everyone shares this optimism. Opponents of what they see as “nanny state” interventionist policies argue that the SDIL has failed to deliver any real improvements to public health. In a UK newspaper’s straw poll, for example, 88% of respondents claimed the sugar tax has not significantly reduced obesity rates. Shadow Chancellor Melvyn Stride described the proposed expansion as a “sucker punch” to households, particularly given the ongoing cost of living crisis.

    Scepticism around these proposals is not surprising. Many people, regardless of political affiliation, are wary of additional taxation. And indeed, there is evidence suggesting that fiscal tools such as taxes and subsidies can be blunt instruments. They are also often regressive, placing a disproportionate burden on lower-income households.

    These concerns are valid – but they don’t quite apply to the SDIL.

    Crucially, the SDIL is not a tax on consumers. It is levied on manufacturers and importers, who are incentivised to reduce the sugar content of their products to avoid the charge. Many have done exactly that. For instance, the Japanese multinational brewing and distilling company group Suntory invested £13 million in reformulating drinks like Ribena and Lucozade, removing 25,000 tonnes of sugar, making the products exempt from the levy.

    According to Treasury figures, since the introduction of the SDIL, 89% of fizzy drinks sold in the UK have been reformulated to fall below the taxable threshold. This means households aren’t priced out of buying soft drinks – they can simply choose reformulated and presumably cheaper versions.

    It’s true that the UK is still grappling with a serious obesity problem. In England alone, 29% of adults and 15% of children aged two to 15 are obese.

    But the SDIL is having an effect. There has been a clear reduction in the sales of sugar from soft drinks, and the SDIL is reported to have generated £1.9 billion in revenue since its introduction in 2018.



    Read more:
    Sugary drinks are a killer: a 20% tax would save lives and rands in South Africa

    Early signs suggest health benefits, too. One study found a drop in obesity rates among 10 to 11-year-old girls following the levy’s implementation. Another analysis suggests that the greatest health benefits will be seen in more deprived areas, and that it may actually help to narrow some health inequalities for children in England.

    Shifting responsibilty

    Of course, the SDIL is no silver bullet. Excessive sugar consumption is consistently associated with rising obesity rates in the UK and globally. However, there are many contributing factors to the obesity epidemic, ranging from genetic predisposition to “obesogenic” environments – social contexts that promote unhealthy eating and sedentary behaviour, such as areas with a lot of fast food restaurants, limited access to healthy food options and a lack of pavements, parks, or safe places to exercise.

    Questions remain about the negative health effects of reformulated drinks, some of which still contain high levels of sweeteners or additives. And in the broader context of the need for food system transformation, focusing solely on soft drinks may be too narrow an approach.



    Read more:
    Are artificial sweeteners okay for our health? Here’s what the current evidence says

    But the SDIL’s success lies not just in outcomes but in its design. It shifts responsibility from individuals to industry, encouraging systemic change rather than simply blaming people for making “bad” choices. The government’s 2016 announcement of the levy gave manufacturers a two-year head start, allowing them to reformulate and get their products to market before it took effect in 2018.

    The government’s 2016 announcement of the sugar tax gave manufacturers time to reformulate products before the tax’s introduction in 2018.

    It’s also telling that the idea of taxing milkshakes has sparked such outrage, while most people now accept the high taxation of tobacco. That’s because smoking, as a public health issue, has matured: its risks are well understood and widely acknowledged. Obesity, meanwhile, is still catching up, despite posing similar health threats, including as a leading cause of cancer.

    In the UK, there’s still a strong social stigma around discussing diet and weight. But given the scale and urgency of the obesity crisis, it could be time to overcome this reluctance. Effective change will require bold, systemic policies – not just public awareness campaigns – but multipronged and targeted interventions that reshape the economic and cultural environments in which people make food choices.

    Expanding the SDIL may not be a cure-all, but the evidence so far suggests it’s a smart step in the right direction.

    David M. Evans receives funding from the UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund (grant ref: BB/V004719/1).
    He is affiliated with Defra (the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) as a member of their Social Science Expert Group.

    Jonathan Beacham receives funding from the UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund (grant ref: BB/V004719/1).

    – ref. The UK government wants to expand the sugar tax to milkshakes and plant-based drinks – here’s what you need to know – https://theconversation.com/the-uk-government-wants-to-expand-the-sugar-tax-to-milkshakes-and-plant-based-drinks-heres-what-you-need-to-know-255646

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Swing into the 1940s with a spectacular VE Day celebration

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Wednesday, 7th May 2025

    Step back in time and experience the magic of a 20-piece wartime era Big Band as the golden age of swing is brought back to life.

    This Fenton VE Day 80th Anniversary Ball at Fenton Town Hall is a tribute to VE Day, celebrating the joy of freedom at the end of the Second World War in Europe. 

    In 1945, millions of people celebrated the news that Germany had surrendered – marking the victory with parties, dancing and singing. 

    The event will mark 80 years since victory in Europe with Stoke-on-Trent-based Trent River Big Band – made up of 20 musicians from the city – getting the party started.  

    They will perform classic hits from legends like Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Vera Lynn, Ted Heath, and many more on a night of music, nostalgia, and community spirit. 

    The evening will include a charity raffle, raising funds for the Lord Mayor’s Charity. The event will take place from 7.30-11.30pm with optional 1940s dress or dress to impress.  

    Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “I can’t thank the Trent River Big Band enough for organising this special event. It will bring the community together over music to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. 

    “We mustn’t forget though, that the war didn’t end on 8 May 1945 for everyone. While celebrations took place across Europe, the war against Japan was ongoing – and we’ll be marking Victory in Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August.”  

    Tickets are £15 and are available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/TRBB 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Digital clones of real models are revolutionizing fashion advertising

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Luana Carcano, Lecturer, Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University

    Driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and metaverse technologies, digital clones are transforming fast-fashion marketing. Always available, ageless and adaptable to any setting, these virtual figures enable brands to create immersive, cost-effective campaigns that resonate with today’s digital-first consumers.



    Read more:
    Fake models for fast fashion? What AI clones mean for our jobs — and our identities

    Virtual influencers — digitally created personas used to provide entertainment, generate content and endorse brands — are becoming increasingly influential, especially among Gen Z and digital-first audiences.

    These virtual figures vary in form: some, like Lil Miquela and Shudu, are entirely computer-generated, while others, such as Hatsune Miku, incorporate human elements like voice or motion.

    Hybrid influencers blend real and virtual components, allowing for brand-specific customization. These virtual influencers boost brand visibility, drive engagement and influence market performance.

    Real persons, virtual personas

    The estimate for global influencer market size for 2024 was valued at over US$24 billion and is projected to grow to over US$32 billion in 2025. The rise of virtual influencers is particularly prominent in Asia.

    This trend is also reshaping the US$2.5 trillion modelling industry, according to The Business of Fashion. AI-generated avatars and digital clones enable brands to cut production costs and accelerate campaign development. As a result, companies such as Levi Strauss & Co. are partnering with AI modelling firms to integrate these virtual personas into their marketing strategies.

    Digital twins

    Digital twins — virtual replicas of real people — are gaining traction in marketing to enhance personalization, streamline content creation and deepen customer engagement.

    In the fashion world, they provide a means to maintain a sense of human connection while using AI for precision and volume purposes. Fast-fashion retailer H&M recently introduced AI-generated digital twins of real-life models for advertising and social media content. Positioned as a creative and operational aid rather than a replacement for human talent, the initiative has ignited industry-wide debate.



    Read more:
    AI clones made from user data pose uncanny risks

    While the brand highlights the advantages — lower production costs and faster catalogue development — some critics have raised ethical concerns regarding representation and transparency.

    These digital twins fall into the category of “front-of-camera” tools: static avatars used in visual content without independent personas or social media presence. Unlike virtual influencers, they do not interact with audiences or build followings. Instead, they function strictly as visual stand-ins for traditional models, who are compensated for the use of their likenesses, similar to conventional campaigns.

    As these avatars do not speak, endorse or engage directly with consumers, they remain subject to traditional advertising regulations — not influencer marketing laws.

    Digital models are used for operational efficiency: testing and refining creative strategies before rollout, reducing costs and potentially offering immersive digital experiences to enhance customer connection and brand loyalty.

    Authenticity and other challenges

    In July 2024, fast-fashion retailer Mango launched its first advertising campaign featuring AI-generated avatars to promote a limited-edition collection for teenaged girls.

    These AI-generated influencers and digital twins introduce numerous ethical and legal challenges. These innovations raise difficult questions about the displacement of human talent — including models, make-up artists, hairstylists and photographers — and broader implications for creative industries.

    Key concerns centre on consent and compensation. The unauthorized use of an individual’s likeness, even in digital form, poses a risk of exploitation and underscores the importance of clear standards and protections. The legal landscape regarding image rights and intellectual property is still evolving, which makes compliance both essential and complex.

    As the lines between reality and digital fabrication blur, brands risk eroding consumer trust. The authenticity that audiences value can be undermined if AI-generated content seems deceptive or inauthentic.

    Companies must tread carefully, balancing innovation with transparency.

    Diversity is another critical issue. While AI offers customization, it can also perpetuate biases or create an illusion of inclusivity without genuine representation.

    An Associated Press report on AI models and diversity.

    As the use of AI proliferates, ensuring that digital models support, rather than hinder, meaningful advancement in representation will be essential.

    Ultimately, brands must implement ethical frameworks to ensure that AI enhances creativity while maintaining integrity, inclusivity and legal accountability.

    Strategic considerations

    Digital clones provide fast-fashion brands with a powerful tool to create personalized shopping experiences and enable greater representation of diverse body types and style preferences. This degree of customization can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

    To ensure ethical integration, transparency is crucial. Brands must clearly disclose when digital models appear in campaigns. These digital representations should encompass a wide variety of demographics to genuinely promote inclusivity and engage with a broader audience.

    Establishing ethical and legal safeguards is equally important. Creating digital clones requires explicit consent and careful attention to intellectual property rights. Without clear guidelines and permissions, brands risk violating privacy, misusing likenesses and facing legal repercussions.

    Luana Carcano does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Digital clones of real models are revolutionizing fashion advertising – https://theconversation.com/digital-clones-of-real-models-are-revolutionizing-fashion-advertising-254244

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Individuals Charged in Scheme to Defraud Department of Veterans Affairs of Over $9.1 Million

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    HONOLULU – Three men were charged with participating in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of over $9.1 million in education benefits, including funds from the Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefit program. One of the men has pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme.

    According to court documents, Brian Matsudo, 58, of Honolulu, Hawaii, Marshall Scott, 39, of Kapolei, Hawaii, and Raheem Wells, 37, of Indianapolis, Indiana, conspired to defraud the VA. Matsudo was the owner of a massage therapy training school in Honolulu, Hawaii. From approximately November 2016 to November 2022, Matsudo conspired with Scott and others to obtain tuition assistance payments from the VA by intentionally failing to disclose that Matsudo’s massage training school was not in compliance with applicable VA rules and regulations.

    As alleged in the indictment, Scott began working for the massage training school owned by Matsudo in or about November 2016. As part of the conspiracy, Scott submitted enrollment certification forms to the VA on behalf of at least 40 military veterans supposedly enrolled at the massage training school. Scott knew that these forms contained false enrollment information and falsely certified that the school had complied with applicable rules and regulations. Wells was a student at the massage training school in 2020 and 2021. From about May 2020 to November 2022, Wells and Scott recruited “students” who allowed the school to lie to the VA by falsely representing that they were actually enrolled in courses.

    Both Scott and Wells allegedly profited from the scheme. Matsudo paid Scott for each person that he and Wells had recruited with the proceeds of the tuition payments made by the VA. Wells received monthly payments from the individuals

    he recruited to participate in the scheme.

    In April 2025, Matsudo pleaded guilty an Information charging to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    In April 2025, Scott and Wells were both charged in an Indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. Wells was also charged with obstruction of justice for instructing a witness to lie to federal law enforcement agents. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson for the District of Hawaii; Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov of the VA Office of Inspector General (VA OIG); and Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the FBI Honolulu Field Office made the announcement.

    The VA OIG and FBI are investigating the cases.

    Trial Attorney Ariel Glasner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case against Matsudo, with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney Jennifer Bilinkas of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Trial Attorney Glasner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Nolan for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case against Scott and Wells.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Mizuho Americas Hires Lloyd Walmsley as Managing Director and Senior Equity Research Analyst Covering the Internet Sector

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mizuho Americas today announced the hiring of Lloyd Walmsley as Managing Director and Senior Equity Research Analyst covering the Internet sector. Based in Atlanta, Walmsley reports to the Head of Americas Equity Research, Bill Featherston.

    Walmsley has more than 20 years of experience covering the Internet sector. He ranked fifth among Hedge Funds in Institutional Investor’s (now Extel) All-America Research Team and eighth overall in the US Large Cap Internet sector in 2023. Most recently, he was Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst at UBS Securities where he more than doubled the size of his research coverage team and hosted the firm’s inaugural Private Software and Internet Conference.

    “Lloyd’s expertise and reputation have established him as a leading analyst,” said Featherston. “I look forward to his contribution to Mizuho’s growing research department.”

    Prior to UBS, Walmsley was at Deutsche Bank, where his team ranked ninth in Internet Equity Research Institutional Investor’s All-America Research Team in 2020.

    Other analyst roles included positions at Skiff, Thomas Weisel Partners, Credit Suisse, and worked as an M&A investment banker at Lazard.

    Walmsley holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia.

    About Mizuho Americas
    Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. is one of the largest financial institutions in the world as measured by total assets of ~$2 trillion, according to S&P Global 2024. Mizuho’s 65,000 employees worldwide offer comprehensive financial services to clients in 36 countries and 850 offices throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia.

    Mizuho Americas is a leading Corporate and Investment Bank (CIB) that provides a full spectrum of client-driven solutions across strategic advisory, capital markets, corporate banking, and fixed income and equities sales & trading to corporate, government, and institutional clients in the US, Canada, and Latin America. Through its acquisition of Greenhill, Mizuho enhanced its M&A, restructuring, and private capital advisory capabilities across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Mizuho Americas employs approximately 4,000 professionals. For more information visit www.mizuhoamericas.com.

    For inquiries, please contact:
    Jim Gorman
    Executive Director, Media Relations, Mizuho Americas
    +1-212-282-3867
    jim.gorman@mizuhogroup.com

    Laura London
    Director, Media Relations, Mizuho Americas
    (917) 446-5226
    laura.london@mizuhogroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nutanix Announces Cloud Native AOS to Extend the Enterprise Value of its Data Platform to Kubernetes Anywhere

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — .NEXT Conference — Nutanix (NASDAQ: NTNX), a leader in hybrid multicloud computing, today announced the Cloud Native AOS solution, which extends Nutanix enterprise storage and advanced data services to hyperscaler Kubernetes® services and cloud-native bare-metal environments – without requiring a hypervisor.

    As data becomes more distributed, users are looking for a consistent way to protect, replicate, and restore data across Kubernetes infrastructure in data centers, bare-metal edge locations and cloud-native hyperscalers. What’s been missing is a common data platform that can run across bare-metal, virtualized, and containerized infrastructure.

    Cloud Native AOS completes this puzzle with storage and data services that can run directly on cloud-native infrastructure anywhere, in the cloud or on bare metal. By eliminating the need for a hypervisor, this new solution allows users to consolidate storage management across the distributed hybrid cloud.

    This new solution simplifies day two intelligent operations for Kubernetes applications and their data – anywhere. Cloud Native AOS extends Nutanix’s proven and resilient AOS software – the backbone of its platform for data, Platform-as-a-Service, and AI – to stateful, native Kubernetes clusters in the cloud and bare-metal environments.

    “Nutanix has built a complete platform for enterprise-grade infrastructure with advanced data services in virtualized data centers,” said Thomas Cornely, SVP, Product Management at Nutanix. “Now we are extending the reach of our platform to users of cloud-native infrastructure on Kubernetes service in public clouds and on bare metal, delivering enterprise resiliency, day 2 operations, and security.”

    Key benefits include:

    • Ready-to-Use Resilience for Any Application – Cloud Native AOS provides resilience for Kubernetes infrastructure by protecting containerized applications and their data with integrated disaster recovery between availability zones, clouds and on-premises.
    • Cloud-Native Mobility – Customers can build and deploy cloud-native applications with seamless migration of applications and data optimally located across sites, including the ability to move applications back to on-premises containerized environments.
    • Integrated Data Management – The solution empowers developers to use Kubernetes APIs to automate and provide self-service control over all aspects of data management for their applications.

    “Networld is focused on container application runtime platforms. By utilizing Cloud Native AOS, not only can we enhance application portability and enable data storage across cloud availability zones and regions, but it also facilitates data migration and disaster recovery, including on-premises environments,” said Issei Tsuruzono, Corporate Officer and Head of Technology Division of Networld. “We expect this product to be groundbreaking for containerized applications. In addition, we are also planning to provide support to our partners in Japan.”

    “Participating in the Early Access Program for Cloud Native AOS has been a great experience for us,” said Manfred Pichlbauer, IT Consultant at Bacher Systems.” Cloud Native AOS platform sets a new standard for speed, scalability, and reliability and is designed for the most demanding workloads. It empowers organizations to move faster, store smarter, and scale effortlessly—unlocking new levels of performance without compromise.”

    Cloud Native AOS is currently in early access on Amazon EKS and will be generally available this Summer. Early access for on-premises containerized environments on bare-metal servers is expected to be available by the end of this calendar year.

    For more technical information on Cloud Native AOS, see the technical blog.

    “Enterprises are increasingly adopting Kubernetes for application orchestration and are challenged with integrating these cloud-native applications into existing workflows while meeting business SLAs,” said Dave Pearson, Infrastructure Research VP at IDC. “Cloud Native AOS helps to close this gap by bringing data mobility and disaster recovery to the data persistence layer of cloud-native applications and delivering a new deployment model for the AOS storage system.”

    About Nutanix
    Nutanix is a global leader in cloud software, offering organizations a single platform for running applications and managing data, anywhere. With Nutanix, companies can reduce complexity and simplify operations, freeing them to focus on their business outcomes. Building on its legacy as the pioneer of hyperconverged infrastructure, Nutanix is trusted by companies worldwide to power hybrid multicloud environments consistently, simply, and cost-effectively. Learn more at www.nutanix.com or follow us on social media @nutanix.

    © 2025 Nutanix, Inc. All rights reserved. Nutanix, the Nutanix logo, and all Nutanix product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or unregistered trademarks of Nutanix, Inc. (“Nutanix”) in the United States and other countries. Kubernetes is a registered trademark of The Linux Foundation in the United States and other countries. All other brand names or marks mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s). This press release is for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes a warranty or other binding commitment by Nutanix. This release contains express and implied forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding our plans and expectations about Cloud Native AOS and its expected benefits, capabilities, features and technology, and the timing of the availability of Cloud Native AOS. Such statements are not historical facts and are instead based on Nutanix’s current expectations, estimates and beliefs. The accuracy of such statements involves risks and uncertainties and depends upon future events, including those that may be beyond Nutanix’s control, and actual results may differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to any unexpected difficulties, delays or disruptions in developing, releasing or distributing Cloud Native AOS in a timely or cost-effective basis. Any forward-looking statements included herein speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, Nutanix assumes no obligation to update or otherwise revise any of such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Certain products and features or functionalities described herein, including Cloud Native AOS and its features and functionalities, remain in varying stages of development and will be offered on a when-and-if-available basis. The development, release, and timing of any such products, features or functionalities are subject to change. Nutanix will not have any liability for any failure to deliver or delay in the delivery of any such products, features or functionalities. Any future product or product feature information is intended to outline general product directions, and is not a commitment, promise or legal obligation for Nutanix to deliver any functionality. This information should not be used when making a purchasing decision.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Friendship forged by the blood of the two countries’ peoples provides an inexhaustible source of energy for strengthening relations between China and Russia – Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, May 7 /Xinhua/ — Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the deep friendship forged by the blood of the two peoples in the World Anti-Fascist War provides an inexhaustible source of energy for passing on the deep feeling of mutual sympathy between China and Russia from generation to generation.

    He made this statement in an opinion piece published on Wednesday in Rossiyskaya Gazeta on the eve of his arrival in Russia on a state visit and participation in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    Xi Jinping recalled that the current year is marked by the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the UN. The Chinese leader noted that he, together with the heroic Russian people, honors the memory of the past and bows his head low before the fallen heroes.

    According to him, all those who performed a great feat for the sake of victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, from privates to generals, will never be forgotten. The World Anti-Fascist War testified to the military brotherhood, mutual assistance and support of the peoples of China and Russia, the PRC Chairman added.

    According to him, 80 years ago, the world’s forces of justice, including China and the USSR, united in the name of a brave fight against a common enemy and won a victory over the ferocious fascists.

    “Today, 80 years later, unilateralism, hegemonism and bullying are causing serious harm, all of which are pushing humanity to a crossroads once again. Where to go next, what to choose: solidarity or division, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum game?” Xi Jinping raises this question in his article.

    He noted that it is important to preserve historical memory, lessons from World War II should be learned. The results of the great victory in the World Anti-Fascist War should serve as a source of minds and energy for the fight against hegemony and power politics in all its manifestations, for the sake of a bright and beautiful future for humanity. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Three civilians killed in India-Pakistan clashes in Kashmir – Indian army

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    NEW DELHI, May 7 (Xinhua) — At least three civilians were killed and several others injured on Wednesday in clashes between Indian and Pakistani troops along the International Border and Line of Control dividing Kashmir, officials said.

    On the night of 6-7 May 2025, the Pakistan Army resorted to indiscriminate firing, including shelling, from positions across the Line of Control and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir. Three innocent civilians were killed as a result of the indiscriminate firing and shelling, the Indian side said in a statement. “The Indian Army is responding proportionately,” the document added.

    Three civilians were reportedly killed in Poonch district, about 185 km southwest of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

    Wednesday marked the 13th consecutive day that ceasefire violations were recorded along the Line of Control in Kashmir.

    Early on Wednesday, Indian forces struck nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tourism key to youth jobs and economic growth

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Tourism isn’t just about breath-taking landscapes and unforgettable experiences — it’s also a powerful engine for job creation and economic growth. 

    This was the message from Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille at the opening of the Middle East Africa (MEA) Future Leaders Challenge South Africa, held this week in Johannesburg.

    “Tourism plays a significant role in our economy and has the potential to create many more jobs,” de Lille told attendees, which comprised tourism entrepreneurs, students, and industry experts. 

    “But to truly unlock that potential, we need a skilled, adaptable workforce, especially among our youth,” the Minister said.

    De Lille believes a big part of the solution to youth unemployment lies in bridging the skills gap through targeted education and innovation.

    “We must develop and harness critical skills like digital literacy, AI-driven customer service, digital marketing, data analytics, and sustainability. These are no longer optional; they are essential,” she said.

    The event, which brought together rising stars from 18 tourism and hospitality schools, is part of the G20 Tourism Hackathon, aimed at finding creative, tech-forward solutions for the tourism industry. According to De Lille, initiatives like these are vital to preparing the next generation of tourism leaders.

    “We must empower our youth not just with skills, but with mentorship and real leadership opportunities. Let’s transform our young people into the job creators of tomorrow.”

    The Department of Tourism is currently reviewing training and development strategies in line with the National Tourism Sector Strategy and other national growth frameworks. A key focus is ensuring that education aligns with industry needs, particularly in a post-pandemic world where digital nomadism and remote work are reshaping global travel trends.

    “South Africa must learn from countries like the UAE, Brazil, Ethiopia, and India, who are embracing Digital Nomad Tourism. We need reliable infrastructure—think seamless mobility, fast internet, and remote work hubs. These are deal-breakers for modern travellers,” De Lille explained.

    She emphasized that this transformation cannot happen in isolation.

    “Public-private partnerships are vital. We need businesses, universities, and government to collaborate, invest in skills training, and create jobs. This isn’t just about tourism; it’s about our future.”

    With the rise of experiential travel and the global shift toward working while exploring, South Africa has a golden opportunity to position itself as a top destination for digital nomads and skilled young professionals alike.

    “The world is changing. Let’s ensure our youth are ready to lead that change,” said De Lille. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Revolutionizes Crypto Futures Trading with 100x Leverage, No KYC, and Over 50 Tradable Assets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In response to growing global demand for high-performance, user-centric trading platforms, BexBack, a fast-growing cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, is transforming how traders approach the crypto market. Offering up to 100x leverage, support for 50+ major cryptocurrencies, and a no-KYC policy, BexBack delivers unmatched accessibility and trading freedom to users worldwide.

    Backed by industry-grade security and regulatory compliance, BexBack enables traders to access high-leverage futures contracts with ease, regardless of location or experience level. New users are welcomed with a 100% deposit bonus and a $100 Trading bonus, both designed to reduce entry barriers and enhance capital efficiency.

    “BexBack was created with a simple goal: to empower traders everywhere with unrestricted access to leveraged crypto markets,” said Amanda, Business Manager at BexBack. “We’ve eliminated complex verification steps, added generous bonus incentives, and built a platform that’s fast, secure, and globally inclusive.”

    Key Features of BexBack

    • 100x Leverage on 50+ Crypto Contracts
      Trade perpetual futures on top assets like BTC, ETH, XRP, ADA, SOL, and more with up to 100x leverage.
    • No KYC Required
      Register and start trading instantly with just an email address — no personal ID or verification needed.
    • 100% Deposit Bonus
      Users can double their initial deposit by applying for the deposit bonus. While not withdrawable, the bonus can be used as margin to increase trading flexibility and reduce liquidation risk.
    • $100 Trading Bonus
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    About BexBack

    BexBack is a global cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering perpetual futures contracts on more than 50 leading digital assets. Launched in May 2024 and headquartered in Singapore, BexBack prioritizes user privacy, security, and trading efficiency. The platform supports clients across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and beyond, and is fully compliant as a registered Money Services Business (MSB) under U.S. FinCEN guidelines.

    With 100x leverage, no KYC onboarding, and powerful trading tools, BexBack is redefining the crypto trading experience for the next generation of traders.

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1ff140d6-1743-47a7-8d12-a366e598a26f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3c1fde9-f5a2-4238-923c-aa07b2304d5b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e8e0b3d-60f1-4b62-9188-ba2c94ea5824

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: New direct air route links south China’s Haikou, London

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

    HAIKOU, May 7 — A new direct air route linking Haikou, capital city of China’s southernmost island province of Hainan, and London in Britain was launched on Wednesday.

    The route is operated by Hainan Airlines using a Boeing 787 wide-body aircraft, with one round trip per week scheduled.

    Outbound flight HU7911 departs from Haikou Meilan International Airport at 13:45 Beijing Time on Wednesday and arrives at London Heathrow International Airport at 19:30 local time the same day. Return flight HU7912 departs from London Heathrow at 22:00 local time and arrives in Haikou at 16:55 the following day, Beijing Time.

    Meanwhile, the airport authority also revealed that it plans to further increase the frequency of flights between Haikou and Kuala Lumpur, capital city of Malaysia, and between Haikou and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as part of its aim to continuously expand its network of both international and regional routes.

    These efforts aim to accelerate the airport’s development into a regional aviation hub serving destinations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, while supporting the growth of Hainan as an international tourism and consumption center.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Rudy R. Miller Among Most Generous Donors to National Museum of the United States Army Campaign

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT BELVOIR, Va., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Army Historical Foundation announced that Rudy R. Miller has presented a gift to the campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army that qualifies him for the Foundation’s One-Star Circle of Distinction. The Museum, which will debut a special Revolutionary War exhibit in June marking the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army and next year’s 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, has been praised as one of the top military museums in the nation.

    Rudy R. Miller stated, “I became a member and early supporter of The Army Historical Foundation and the National Museum of the United States Army a few years ago. In 2024, I was very proud to become a lifetime member of The 1814 Society, which shares a commitment and desire to see the Army’s history preserved and exhibited for future generations. I have great respect for our flag plus symbols of our nation’s freedom and independence.”

    Miller continued, “I was born in Tennessee and raised in Virginia. My grandfather, father, uncle, brother, and myself all served in the U.S. Army. I am a passionate, motivated individual, a serial entrepreneur, and a philanthropist. I’m inspired by the Foundation’s challenge coin which has the following words engraved, “ENGAGE * EDUCATE * INSPIRE * HONOR * PRESERVE!”

    The Army Historical Foundation serves as the official fundraising organization for the National Army Museum as part of its mission to preserve and present the history of the American Soldier. The Museum, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Army, is the first to tell the entire history of the nation’s oldest military service, immersing visitors in the Army story through compelling galleries, moving exhibits, a multisensory 300-degree theater, tranquil rooftop garden, and hundreds of historic artifacts rarely or never-before seen by the public.

    “Rudy Miller has led a lifetime of service to our great nation, and we are deeply grateful that he has made a defining gift toward the Foundation’s mission to preserve and present the history of the American Soldier,” said retired Brig. Gen. Burt Thompson, president of The Army Historical Foundation. “With Rudy’s support, we will be better able to remind the nation of all we owe those who wore the Army uniform, including Rudy himself and the members of his proud military family.”

    Rudy R. Miller’s contribution places him among the campaign’s most generous donors. Mr. Miller is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Miller Capital Corporation, a private equity firm and an affiliated company of The Miller Group of entities, established in 1972. Mr. Miller was Founder and Chairman of the Board of Miller Capital Markets, a FINRA member investment banking firm, from 2006 through 2012. He previously served over 20 years as a certified arbitrator for the NASD (now known as FINRA). He has years of executive-level experience owning, operating, and advising national and international corporations, from NYSE listed public companies to emerging-growth private companies, through varying economic climates. He has worked with various U.S. government contractors and possesses the ability to address crisis issues on behalf of his clients as one of his crucial skillsets. In 2025, Miller Capital was voted Best of Our Valley – Best Investment Firm for the sixth consecutive year by Arizona Foothills Magazine’s readers who responded with hundreds of thousands votes.

    Mr. Miller served in the United States Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and the U.S. Air Force Reserve, in the Vietnam era, and received honorable discharges as a Noncommissioned Officer. Mr. Miller also has an aviation background and is listed on the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor. Prior to his military service, he served as a fireman and first responder. Mr. Miller earned his Bachelor and Master of Business Administration degrees from Pacific Western University.

    President of the United States of America, Ronald W. Reagan, presented Mr. Miller the Medal of Merit in appreciation of his support and service as a member of a Presidential Task Force. Miller was honored to be the keynote speaker at a U.S. Navy Relinquishment of Command and Retirement Ceremony aboard the USS Midway Museum, San Diego, California in 2018. Mr. Miller accepted an invitation in 2014 to become a member of Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial, Inc., a non-profit organization for veterans and non-veterans. He was selected by the Board of Directors to be the Chairman of the Advisory Board where he developed and managed its Aviation Scholarship Program. Prior to retiring from Tbird2 in 2024, he served as Co-Chairman of the Scholarship Committee and a key fundraiser. He was the recipient of the first Tbird2 Leadership Award. Mr. Miller’s philanthropic endeavors include support for the non-profit arts community, athletic foundations, universities, community colleges, numerous non-profit entities, and veterans’ projects.

    In 2008, Mr. Miller instituted the annual Rudy R. Miller Business – Finance Scholarship in support of Arizona State University, in particular the W. P. Carey School of Business. His active involvement at the University also included having served as a member of ASU’s Dean’s Council of 100. In 2023, Mr. Miller was selected by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to join two influential advisory boards for both the College of Aviation (COA) and the College of Business, Security and Intelligence (CBSI). In addition to joining Embry-Riddle’s COA and CBSI advisory boards, Miller has established scholarships for students, both veterans and non-veterans, at both colleges. He also set up a fund to support COA simulator training to improve commercial pilot safety (ISCP) as well as a fund to support CBSI students with CompTIA Security+ courseware and exam fees.

    In January 2024, Mr. Miller accepted a position on the Advisory Board at CrossFirst Bank (Phoenix, Arizona), a subsidiary of CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. Effective March 1, 2025, First Busey Corporation (NASDAQ: BUSE), the holding company for Busey Bank, acquired by merger CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. Mr. Miller agreed to continue to serve on the Busey Bank (Arizona) Advisory Board.

    For more information about Rudy R. Miller and The Miller Group of entities, please visit www.themillergroup.net.

    Individuals and organizations that wish to support the Foundation’s mission can make a gift through its website at armyhistory.org. The Foundation can also arrange for large group visits and special events at the Museum. The Museum is open every day, except December 25, with free admission and parking.

    About The Army Historical Foundation
    The Army Historical Foundation establishes, assists, and promotes programs and projects that preserve the history of the American Soldier and promote public understanding of and appreciation for the contributions by all components of the U.S. Army and its members. The Foundation serves as the Army’s official fundraising entity for the Capital Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army. The award-winning, LEED- certified Museum opened on November 11, 2020, at Fort Belvoir, Va., and honors the service and sacrifice of all American Soldiers who have served since the Army’s inception in 1775. For more information on the Foundation and the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.armyhistory.org.

    Official photographer for The Miller Group and its affiliated entities – Gordon Murray, 480 205-9691 (www.flashpv.com)

       
    Contact: Contact:
    The Army Historical Foundation Miller Capital Corporation
    Lydia Pitea Kristina McDaniel
    Senior Donor Relations Manager Vice President Admin & Corporate Controller
    lydia.pitea@armyhistory.org kmcdaniel@themillergroup.net
    973.632.1244 602.225.0505
       

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ec64ce26-7579-48b1-9fe9-9388078f1411

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b9eef90-f7c5-427f-9de6-05efa2a0daf5

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf3a312d-a7fa-4374-9fb0-efebf75aa551

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0d35d5a-9a50-4004-886c-a838fc8936c5

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a0900908-b6ab-4d6f-bf2f-e3bc81e5ba64

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Principal Protocol Announces Innovative RWA-DeFi Concept with 100% Asset-Backed Valuation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Singapore, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Principal Protocol (PRN), a new project blending traditional RWA with Defi concepts, has announced an innovative approach to tokenizing real-world assets, including a 100% asset-backed valuation for the projects it offers. The company aims to disrupt the decentralized finance landscape and democratize access to RWA investments. An ongoing private sale for the PRINCIPAL token (PRN) should help fund the project’s expansion and development.

    Principal Protocol’s “Digitized Estates” concept focuses mainly on real estate assets, seeking to eliminate geographical barriers and provide greater liquidity. The project leverages blockchain technology and smart contracts to enable fractional ownership of real estate assets through digital NFT tokens.

    All PRN projects are tokenized into NFTs and issued to the buyers. The participants then access rewards depending on the RWA asset’s performance and potential returns. Principal Protocol has multiple safety nets in place to protect its RWA projects’ valuations. These safeguards include a bi-annual valuation of each project and a protocol-owned Crypto Reserve of various blue chip coins. This way, buyers can rely on several precautions guarding their participation in a tokenized RWA.

    PRN will periodically acquire real estate property and structure it into a fixed number of Non-fungible Tokens (NFT). The project will then distribute rewards via automatic airdrops to the NFT holders’ wallets every financial quarter. Also, Principal Protocol plans to integrate a DeFi platform, enabling NFT holders to stake their holdings as collateral on Defi platforms and protocols.

    PRN will place each acquired property project under an SPV company wholly owned by Principal Protocol to ensure actual ownership. Every property will benefit from proper accounting records published quarterly and accessible to the individual project NFT holders via specific channels. Lastly, PRN will distribute individual project net profits as rewards on the blockchain.

    Principal Protocol believes that its approach rewards participants with perks and benefits that are difficult to find in other projects, such as:

    Global Accessibility

    PRN makes participation in global real estate markets available, opening the doors to communities that didn’t previously have access to them.

    Liquidity

    The project relies on sturdy blockchain for easy token trading, potentially increasing liquidity better than traditional options.

    Fractional Ownership

    Principal Protocol lets participants own fractions of high-value properties, reducing the barrier to entry.

    Transparency

    PRN’s use of smart contracts ensures a transparent distribution of benefits and rewards.

    Efficiency

    PRN’s seamless blend of RWA and DeFi via blockchain technology creates a secure, decentralized environment. Reduced intermediaries and streamlined processes can lead to cost savings.

    The PRN Token is the backbone of Principal Protocol and its rapidly growing ecosystem. The team has set a maximum supply of 100,000,000 PRN tokens distributed as follows:

    – Ecosystem – 50,000,000 (50%)

    – Team – 10,000,000 (10%)

    – Advisors – 5,000,000 (5%)

    – Marketing – 5,000,000 (5%)

    – Reserves – 20,000,000 (20%)

    – Private Sales – 10,000,000 (10%)

    As Principal Protocol scales its platform, it aims to diversify its portfolio, integrate DeFi, and develop a Real Estate Attestation Chain. The latter will enable users globally to double-check the validity and authenticity of title deeds and various real estate documentation on the chain. The project has an ambitious roadmap ahead with several important milestones:

    – Mobile App beta test launch (June 2025)

    – Mobile App launch (July 2025)

    – Defi platform integration (August 2025)

    – Platform scaling (October 2025)

    – Asset class diversification (Jan 2026)

    – Development of Real Estate Attestation Chain (June 2026)

    – Initial Public Offering (Jan 2027)

    About Principal Protocol (PRN)

    Principal Protocol aims to bridge DeFi and RWA and democratize access to real estate assets via its Digitized Estates concept. Behind the project is a professional team with solid expertise in relevant industries and areas, including real estate, blockchain, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

    PRN’s web app beta is currently live at app.prnpl.io.

    You can contact Principal Protocol here to learn more about the ongoing PRN token private sale: jason@prnpl.io

    For ongoing updates and community engagement, follow Principal Protocol here: Website, X, and Telegram.

     Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MKS Breaks Ground on New Chemical Manufacturing and TechCenter Facility in Thailand

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MKS Instruments. Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI) (“MKS”), a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, announced today the groundbreaking of its cutting-edge Atotech chemical manufacturing and TechCenter facility at the Asia Industrial Estate Suvarnabhumi, located east of Bangkok, Thailand. This strategic investment aligns with MKS’ commitment to grow alongside its customers and deliver localized expertise to accelerate technological advancements across the region. The new facility also underscores MKS’ dedication to fostering Thailand’s growing role within the printed circuit board (“PCB”) industry.

    “This facility represents a major milestone for MKS, as we expand our footprint in Southeast Asia,” said John T. C. Lee, President and CEO of MKS Instruments. “By bringing world-class manufacturing, cutting-edge technology, and specialized laboratory services to Thailand, we are reinforcing our ability to support Southeast Asia’s fast growing PCB manufacturing and semiconductor advanced packaging sectors, as well as the region’s top specialty industrial manufacturers. This investment demonstrates our long-term vision for growth and innovation in the global electronics and plating industries.”

    The facility will be located on a 11.7-acre plot, spanning approximately 27,000 square meters and just 30 minutes from Bangkok International Airport. The facility will feature:

    • A state-of-the-art manufacturing space dedicated to producing chemicals for surface treatments and plating, serving industries such as Electronics and Automotive.
    • A TechCenter featuring advanced Electronics and General Metal Finishing plating equipment, along with laser machinery for innovative applications.
    • Fully equipped laboratories for analytics, quality control, and material science, supporting customer ramp-ups, ensuring high standards and continuous innovation.
    • Comprehensive technical service capabilities, including maintenance, spare parts, and support for new IIoT and software solutions tailored to the region’s installed equipment base.
    • A modern main office building designed to efficiently support administrative and operational functions.

    Dedicated to driving innovation and operational excellence, the facility will focus on producing process chemicals, providing customer service and application work for advanced electronics and industrial markets. With a total production capacity of 18,500 tons per year, this new MKS site represents an investment of $40M+ and operations are set to begin in the second half of 2027.

    Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding MKS’ construction of a chemical manufacturing and TechCenter facility in Thailand, as well as the projected features and the projected timeline for completion of the facility. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact should be considered to be forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements set forth herein, including as a result of the factors described in MKS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. MKS is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

    About MKS Instruments

    MKS Instruments enables technologies that transform our world. We deliver foundational technology solutions to leading edge semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial applications. We apply our broad science and engineering capabilities to create instruments, subsystems, systems, process control solutions and specialty chemicals technology that improve process performance, optimize productivity and enable unique innovations for many of the world’s leading technology and industrial companies. Our solutions are critical to addressing the challenges of miniaturization and complexity in advanced device manufacturing by enabling increased power, speed, feature enhancement, and optimized connectivity. Our solutions are also critical to addressing ever-increasing performance requirements across a wide array of specialty industrial applications. Additional information can be found at www.mks.com.

    About the Atotech Brand

    Atotech is a brand within the Materials Solutions Division of MKS Instruments. Atotech’s portfolio consists of leading process and manufacturing technologies for advanced surface modification, electroless and electrolytic plating, and surface finishing. Applying a comprehensive systems-and-solutions approach, the Atotech portfolio includes chemistry, equipment, software, and services for innovative and high-technology applications. These solutions are used in a wide variety of end-markets, including datacenter, consumer electronics and communications infrastructure, as well as in numerous industrial and consumer applications such as automotive, heavy machinery, and household appliances.

    With its well-established innovative strength and industry-leading global TechCenter network, MKS delivers pioneering solutions through its Atotech brand – combined with unparalleled on-site support for customers worldwide. For more information, please visit us at www.atotech.com.

    Contacts:

    Bill Casey
    Vice President, Marketing Communications
    Telephone: +1 (630) 995-6384
    Email: press@mksinst.com

    Kelly Kerry, Partner
    Kekst CNC
    Email: kerry.kelly@kekstcnc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Policy Statement: Framework for Formulation of Regulations

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    1. Introduction

    This Framework for Formulation of Regulations (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Framework’) lays down the broad principles for formulation and amendment of Regulations by the Reserve Bank of India (hereinafter referred to as “the Bank”). The Framework seeks to standardize the process of making Regulations in a transparent and consultative manner after conducting impact analysis, as may be feasible.

    2. Definition:

    (1) For the purpose of this Framework, “Regulations” shall include all regulations, directions, guidelines, notifications, orders, policies, specifications, and standards as issued by the Bank in exercise of the powers conferred on it by or under the provisions of the Acts and Rules, given in Annex.

    (2) The Bank may also follow the process laid down in the Framework for any other regulation, direction, guideline, notification, order, policy, specification, or standard made pursuant to any other legal provisions, as deemed fit.

    3. Public Consultation

    (1) Before issuance of a Regulation, the Bank shall publish the draft of such Regulation along with a statement of particulars on the Bank’s official website (www.rbi.org.in) and seek public comments.

    (2) The statement of particulars shall, among others, include:

    1. the enabling provision(s) that empower the Bank to issue the Regulation;

    2. the objective(s) of the Regulation, including an impact analysis, to the extent feasible;

    3. guidance from the international standard setting bodies and best practices, if any;

    4. the manner of implementation of the Regulation; and

    5. the timelines for receiving comments from the public.

    (3) The Bank shall provide at least 21 days to the stakeholders and members of public to submit their comments.

    (4) The Bank shall consider the public feedback and provide a general statement of its response to the comments received, along with the final Regulation, on its website.

    (5) If the Bank decides to issue the final Regulation in a form substantially different from the draft that was issued for public comments, it may choose to repeat the process under this Framework.

    (6) The final Regulation shall be published promptly post the receipt of approval from the competent authority and its date of enforcement shall be from the date specified therein.

    (7) The Bank may explore additional mechanism(s) for engaging with stakeholder(s), as considered appropriate. In particular, it may, where deemed necessary, issue a discussion paper eliciting response to issues and questions for consultation, before preparing and publishing the draft of the Regulation.

    4. Impact Analysis of the Regulation

    Before finalizing the Regulation, the Bank shall conduct an impact analysis of the Regulation, to the extent feasible.

    5. Amendment to the Regulation

    Any significant amendments to the Regulation shall be subject to the process laid down in paragraphs 3 and 4 above.

    6. Review of the Regulation

    While the Bank shall update, amend or repeal the existing Regulations, as deemed necessary, it shall periodically undertake a review of the Regulations in force, keeping in view:

    1. the stated objective(s);

    2. experience gained through surveillance, supervision and enforcement actions;

    3. relevant orders passed by courts or tribunals;

    4. global best practices or standards prescribed by international standard setting bodies;

    5. its relevance in a changed environment;

    6. the scope for reducing redundancies; and

    7. any other factor considered relevant by the Bank.

    7. Non-applicability on certain matters

    (1) The provisions of this Framework shall not be applicable to any Regulation made or amended which pertain to:

    1. an internal, administrative or organizational matter as determined by the Bank, including those governing the conduct of its meetings, administration and service conditions of its officers and employees;

    2. a procedural matter which does not result in any substantive change or impact on any existing Regulation; and

    3. any Regulation issued to a specific entity or entities and is not general in nature.

    (2) The Bank may, after recording reasons, dispense with or suitably modify any or all provisions of this Framework in matters where –

    1. in the opinion of the Bank, confidentiality is to be maintained; or,

    2. following the procedure under this Framework would defeat the objective(s) or purpose of the proposed Regulation;

    3. for reasons of public interest, the Bank considers it expedient to do so; and

    4. any urgent intervention required.

    8. Savings

    (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Framework, a Regulation which is in force as on the date of issuance of this Framework shall continue remain valid, though future changes would be subject to the procedure envisaged herein.

    (2) No Regulation issued by the Bank, or any action taken under this Framework shall be invalid merely by reason of non-adherence to any provision specified herein.

    Annex

    Act Sections/Rules
    The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 28, 28A, 42(2), 45C, 45J, 45JA, 45K, 45L, 45MA, 45W, 58
    The Banking Regulation Act, 1949 21, 24(2A), 26A, 35A, 35AA, 35AB
    The National Housing Bank Act, 1987 30, 30A, 32, 33
    The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 10, 18, 38
    The Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005 10,11,13, 37
    The Factoring Regulation Act, 2011 6, 31A
    The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 12, 12A
    The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 10(4), 11, 47
    Government Securities Act, 2006 29, 32
    The Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules 2005 9(14)
    The Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 17(3)

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: Russia and China, who won the victory with enormous sacrifices, will not give it up to anyone – Deputy Chairman of the ORCD G. Kulikova

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, May 7 /Xinhua/ – China and Russia, which won the great Victory with enormous sacrifices, will never give it up to anyone, said Galina Kulikova, First Deputy Chairperson of the Board of the Russian-Chinese Friendship Society (RCFS), recipient of the Order of Friendship of the People’s Republic of China.

    “Since 1931, China has been fighting against Japan, which means it was holding back Japan’s forces when Germany attacked the Soviet Union. If China had not waged such a heroic fight, Japan could have sided with Germany and started a war on the Eastern Front. That would have been very bad for us,” she said.

    According to her, the USSR helped China in the heroic struggle of the Chinese people against Japanese aggression, but China, despite the difficult years of struggle, held Japan back. “China sent the USSR both food and some rare metals that were needed for the front… and our pilots defended the skies of China. Therefore, we have every reason to say that the 80th anniversary of the Victory is the victory of Russia and China over world fascism,” the deputy chairwoman of the ORKD emphasized.

    For G. Kulikova, that war is not just history. It is also her personal experience, personal memories. “I myself belong to the generation of children of war, because I was very young when the war began. I remember Moscow on the defensive, I remember Moscow being bombed. I myself spent the night at the Mayakovskaya metro station with my mother and grandmother, because my father went to the front,” she said.

    According to her, friendship born in battle is the strongest friendship. Friendship born during the war is strong, it continues and develops. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Things to Know: All About the New One UI 7

    Source: Samsung

    Artificial intelligence tools are making our lives easier — and frankly, way cooler — than ever before. Whether we’re talking appliances that automatically adjust to the task at hand or the kind of artistic creativity your smartphone can help you unleash.
    Beginning to roll out now in the U.S., the new One UI 7 interface is coming to Samsung devices1 like the Galaxy 24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6, and Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5, the Galaxy Tab S10 series, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series.
    At its core, One UI 7 delivers a refined, more intuitive experience through advanced AI integration. Whether you’re an everyday user or a content creator, the new interface streamlines your daily interactions while unlocking powerful creative possibilities.
    As part of our Things to Know series, we partnered with the Samsung Customer Care team to break down everything you need to know about how to use it and what it can do for you.

    What is Samsung’s One UI 7?
    One UI 7 represents Samsung’s most sophisticated interface update yet. This comprehensive redesign brings a fresh aesthetic to your Galaxy devices while introducing intelligent features that adapt to how you use your device.
    How to get the most out of the One UI 7 update
    The One UI 7 update is a game-changer for how you use your phone. The new Now Bar2 at the top of your screen keeps essential information at your fingertips without unlocking your device – from real-time news updates to workout progress and sports scores. Just tap it to get more details, or unlock your phone to work within the respective app.

    Using your phone to plan for everyday things like where to eat for dinner just got a lot more seamless, too. Want to check out a Mexican restaurant in your neighborhood with outdoor seating? Now you can connect to multiple apps in a single prompt with Google Gemini3, making it easier to find that perfect restaurant that meets all your requirements, without having to switch between apps.
    Plus, the revamped Settings menu now understands natural language commands.4 Tired eyes? Open Settings, tap on the mic, and simply share that with your device – your phone or tablet will come back with options to help you out ASAP, like adjusting brightness or activating the Eye Comfort Shield. If you’re not a fan of voice search, you can use the same upgraded search feature by going into Settings, tapping the magnifying glass search icon, and navigating the smartened-up results from there.

     
    How To Use One UI 7’s AI Updates For Content Creation
    The new AI Select5 feature serves as your intelligent creative assistant, suggesting relevant AI tools based on your activity – just look for the AI Select icon as you use your phone to see what it can do for you. For example, if you swipe the Edge Panel when you’re watching a video, the icon will prompt you to make a GIF from what you’re watching.
    There are also new One UI 7 editing features that use AI to help artists and creators use their phones and tablets for written, visual, and audio projects:
    Writing Assist6: Streamline your writing with intelligent summarization and formatting tools.
    Auto Trim: Create compelling video highlights automatically by letting AI identify key moments.

    Contextual photo enhancements: Let Galaxy AI7 analyze and suggest improvements for your photos, perfect for enhancing everything from family portraits to vacation memories.
    Drawing Assist8: Combine text prompts, images, and sketches in just one input, expanding the potential for your creative projects – it can even make illustrations and 3D cartoons. You can then download your art, share it with friends directly, or turn them into stickers for your messaging apps.
    Audio Eraser9: Precisely control your video’s sound quality by analyzing and filtering different audio elements.

    Looking for more tips or need additional support from the Samsung Care Team? Visit the Samsung Care YouTube Channel, check out the Samsung Members App and Samsung Communities or text us any time by messaging 1-800-SAMSUNG to start a conversation with a Samsung Care Pro.

    1 Release date and availability may vary per carrier network.
    2 Requires WIFI connection and Samsung and Google accounts.
    3 Gemini Extensions feature availability varies based on content. Internet connection, Android device, and set up required. Language availability varies. Results for illustrative purposes and may vary. Check responses for accuracy.
    4 Currently supported languages include Korean, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese. Available in Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, and Galaxy Tab S10 series. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
    5 Results may vary depending on model. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Requires internet connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by language or device model. Availability of supported languages may vary. Certain languages may require language pack download.
    6 For text in Samsung Notes only (200 – 4,000 characters); requires Samsung account login and internet connection.
    7 Galaxy AI features by Samsung are free through 2025 and require Samsung account login.
    8 Sketch to Image feature requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Sketch to Image may result in a resized photo up to 12MP. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.
    9 Compatible with common video formats accessible in Gallery; helps minimize six sounds (Voice/speech, Music, Noise, Crowd, Nature, Wind) utilizes AI; results may vary.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Indonesia’s ‘thousand friends, zero enemies’ approach sees President Subianto courting China and US

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Gilang Kembara, Research Fellow, Nanyang Technological University

    Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto participates in a panel discussion in Antalya, Turkey, on April 11, 2025. Photo by Ahmet Serdar Eser/Anadolu via Getty Images

    For much of April and into May, a team of negotiators from Indonesia have been in Washington to discuss trading relations between the world’s largest economy and another forecast to be in the Top 5 within a generation.

    The Southeast Asian nation was among those hit hard by the across-the-board tariffs announced on April 2, 2025, by President Donald Trump, with a proposed 32% levy on its exports to the U.S. Trump subsequently backpedaled, putting in place a 90-day pause on any additional tariffs beyond a new 10% minimum.

    So far, Indonesia – whose-second largest export market is the United States – has signaled its intent to negotiate rather than respond with countermeasures like some other countries targeted by Trump, such as China and Canada.

    Indonesia may even offer to relax protectionist policies aimed at boosting domestic manufactures as a concession. “People who have known me for a long time would say I’m the most nationalist person … but we have to be realistic,” said President Prabowo Subianto.

    The issue of Trump’s tariff policy is a major early test for Subianto, a right-wing populist whose worldview was shaped by decades of military experience. He views Indonesia and its place in the broader world through a lens of realist power politics – wanting to ensure Indonesia possesses adequate hard military power and robust economic performance.

    Through pushing both, Subianto hopes to ensure that Indonesia is not easily swayed by foreign influence and can avoid domestic discontent due to any economic malaise. His approach to ruling the nation of over 280 million people is driven by a desire to retain friendly relations with the United States and China, retaining close economic and security cooperation with both.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono at the State Department in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 2025.
    Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

    Good neighbors, multilateral expansion

    Since declaring independence from the Netherlands almost 80 years ago, Indonesia’s foreign policy has been tied to a doctrine of “Bebas dan Aktif,” or “Free and Active.”

    Formulated by the country’s first president, Sukarno, at the onset of the Cold War, the policy intended to keep the country officially nonaligned from any major power bloc. While moving much closer to the West and the U.S. during the subsequent longtime authoritarian presidency of Suharto, Jakarta retained its official independent position in foreign policy.

    Subianto served in the military during the reign of Suharto, who was also at one point his father-in-law.

    As Indonesia’s leader, Subianto has pledged to enact a so-called foreign policy philosophy of “zero enemies, one thousand friends.” That approach stems from two main considerations. First, he seeks to secure economic agreements that will help fulfill his promise of 8% annual economic growth. Second, he aims to strengthen defense procurement and security cooperation to bolster Indonesia’s military position.

    Toward multilateralism

    As a part of his vision, Subianto has attempted to reframe some of the considerations that have long guided Jakarta’s foreign policy strategy.

    For decades, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, has served as Indonesia’s collective security buffer, forming a crucial component of its “Mandala” – or concentric circles – foreign policy perspective. However, the current administration has thus far appeared indifferent to using the regional body as a source of projecting power, as underscored by Indonesia’s absence from the ASEAN informal consultations on conflict-ridden Myanmar in December 2024.

    That is just one of several indications that Subianto is attempting to shift Indonesia’s role from a regional actor to an active global player.

    A crucial development in that more assertive approach came with the country’s accession in January 2025 to the BRICS groups of nations, the first time a Southeast Asian nation has been admitted.

    In a further bid to multilateral engagement, Indonesia has initiated plans to pursue membership in two transnational economic groupings: the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

    Much of this inclination toward multilateral engagement is rooted in Subianto’s worldview that can be summed up as this: “If you’re not at the table, you’re likely to end up on the menu.”

    The crucial China and US relationships

    And yet, despite Subianto’s broader multilateral ambitions, it is the U.S. and China that remain the critical relationships.

    During the early weeks of his presidency, Subianto made China his first overseas bilateral visit. It resulted in agreements between China and Indonesia worth up to US$10 billion, primarily focused on green energy and technology.

    The visit, which was especially notable given that Jakarta appeared to move closer to China’s position on conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea can be seen as part of a broader shift toward Beijing.

    China’s massive population already serves as a lucrative export destination for Indonesian goods. Since 2016, China has been Indonesia’s biggest export market, beating out Japan and the U.S.

    That shift is likely to pick up pace in light of Trump’s tariffs, with Jakarta seeking to offset the increasing cost of American trade. And though Jakarta has signaled neutrality regarding the wider U.S.-Chinese dispute, officials in Jakarta and Beijing agreed in mid-April to boost mutual defense cooperation in the South China Sea.

    At the same time, the U.S. holds a particularly important place in Subianto’s mind. As a young soldier, Subianto spent time at military bases in the U.S., where he underwent special forces and counterterrorism training.

    He was later subjected to a travel ban from the U.S. from 2000 to 2020 on account of myriad allegations of human rights abuses related to his time in Indonesia’s special forces unit, Kopassus, which led to his being forcibly discharged from the Indonesian military in 1998.

    Yet the ban was rescinded after then-President Joko Widodo appointed Subianto to be Indonesia’s defense minister, and he was subsequently invited to Washington in 2020 during the first Trump administration.

    Washington was Subianto’s second official presidential visit destination in November 2024. During his trip, Subianto met with President Joe Biden to discuss Indonesia-U.S. bilateral relations, regional security issues and various other global matters. Subianto also had a brief phone call with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his election victory.

    That relationship with Trump is likely to be a crucial one now, especially given the stakes of the mutual trading relationship.

    The U.S. is Indonesia’s second-biggest trading partner, after China. The value of trade between the two parties amounted to about $38.3 billion in 2024, with Indonesia exporting $28.1 billion to the U.S. while importing $10.2 billion. Seeking to avoid tariffs of 32%, an Indonesian trade delegation has been negotiating with Trump administration officials, signaling its intent to buy more American goods, make trade concessions and even lower local content requirements on Indonesian-made goods to allow more American-made components.

    Promoting pragmatism

    There are, of course, ongoing differences between Indonesia and the U.S. – not only the ongoing trade issue but also other areas, including the Israel-Hamas war. Indonesia, the largest majority Muslim country in the world, has been a staunch supporter of Palestinian rights and highly critical of Israeli policy.

    Yet even here, Subianto seemingly is open to pragmatism, with reports that the Indonesian government is floating the idea of normalizing ties with Israel in a bid to ease entry into the OECD.

    In a similar vein, one can expect that Subianto will opt for pragmatism in his dealings with Trump, prioritizing Indonesia’s security and defense cooperation with Washington, while sidestepping any issues that might divide them along the way.

    Under Subianto, Indonesia is embarking on a foreign policy that stresses the importance of maintaining robust and active bilateral ties with the U.S. At the same time, it is strengthening its China relationship. And away from both, it is asserting its own independence through bolstering its position in numerous multilateral bodies.

    How Subianto handles those various dynamics is likely to be a defining issue of his presidency.

    Gilang Kembara does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Indonesia’s ‘thousand friends, zero enemies’ approach sees President Subianto courting China and US – https://theconversation.com/indonesias-thousand-friends-zero-enemies-approach-sees-president-subianto-courting-china-and-us-252219

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: North Korean spy drama in China may signal Beijing’s unease over growing Pyongyang-Moscow ties

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Linggong Kong, Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science, Auburn University

    Chinese authorities in the northeastern city of Shenyang reportedly arrested a North Korean IT specialist in late April 2025, accusing him of stealing drone technology secrets.

    The suspect, apparently linked to North Korea’s main missile development agency, was part of a wider network operating in China, according to the story, which first appeared in South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency. In response, Pyongyang was said to have recalled IT personnel in China.

    The story was later circulated by several Chinese online outlets. Given the tight censorship in China, this implies a degree of tacit editorial approval from Beijing – although some sites later deleted the story. In a response to Yonhap over the alleged incident, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that North Korea and China were “friendly neighbors” that maintained “normal” personnel exchanges, without denying the details.

    The incident suggests a rare semipublic spat between the two neighboring communist countries, contradicting the image of China and North Korea as “brothers in arms.”

    As a scholar of Northeast Asian security, I see the arrest – which has gotten little attention in English-language media – as representative of a wider, more nuanced picture of the two countries’ current relations. There are signs that Beijing is growing frustrated with Pyongyang – not least over North Korea’s increasing closeness with Moscow. Such a development challenges China’s traditional role as North Korea’s primary patron.

    In short, the arrest could be a symptom of worsening ties between the two countries.

    Beijing’s dilemma over North Korea

    North Korea has long been seen by Beijing as both a strategic security buffer and within its natural sphere of influence.

    From China’s perspective, allowing a hostile force to gain control of the peninsula – and especially the north – could open the door to future military threats. This fear partly explained why China intervened during the Korean War of 1950-1953.

    Beyond security, North Korea also serves as an ideological ally. Both countries are run by communist parties — the Chinese Communist Party and the Workers’ Party of Korea — although the former operates as a Leninist party-state system with a partial embrace of market capitalism, while the latter remains a rigid socialist state characterized by a strong personality cult.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing on Jan. 8, 2019.
    Xinhua/Li Xueren via Getty Images

    Even today, Chinese state media continues to highlight the bonds of “comradeship” with Pyongyang.

    However, Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions have long troubled Beijing. North Korea has conducted multiple nuclear tests since 2006 and is now believed to possess nuclear weapons capable of targeting South Korea, Japan and U.S. bases in the region.

    China supports a denuclearized and stable Korean peninsula – both for regional peace and economic growth. Like the U.S., Japan and South Korea, China opposes nuclear proliferation, fearing North Korea’s periodic tests could provoke U.S. military action or trigger an arms race in the region.

    Meanwhile, Washington and its allies continue to pressure Beijing to do more to rein in a neighbor it often views as a vassal state of China.

    Given China’s economic ties with the U.S. and Washington’s East Asian allies – mainly South Korea and Japan – it has every reason to avoid further instability from Pyongyang.

    Yet to North Korea’s isolationist rulers, nuclear weapons are vital for the regime’s survival and independence. What’s more, nuclear weapons can also limit Beijing’s influence.

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un worries that without nuclear leverage, China could try to interfere in the internal affairs of his country. After the death if Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011, Beijing was thought to favor Kim Jong Un’s elder half-brother Kim Jong Nam as successor — possibly prompting Kim Jong Un to have him assassinated in 2017.

    But despite ongoing tensions over the nuclear issue, China has continued to support the North Korean regime for strategic reasons.

    For decades, China has been Pyongyang’s top trading partner, providing crucial economic aid. In 2023, China accounted for about 98% of North Korea’s official trade and continued to supply food and fuel to keep the regime afloat.

    Pyongyang pals up with Putin

    Yet over the past few years, more of North Korea’s imports, notably oil, have come from another source: Russia.

    North Korea and Russia had been close allies during the Cold War, but ties cooled after the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s.

    More recently, a shared hostility toward the U.S. and the West in general has brought the two nations closer.

    Moscow’s international isolation following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and its deteriorating ties with South Korea in particular have pushed it toward Pyongyang. North Korea has reportedly supplied large quantities of ammunition to Russia, becoming a critical munitions supplier in the Ukraine war.

    Though both governments deny the arms trade – banned under United Nations sanctions – North Korea is thought to have received fuel, food and access to Russian military and space technology in return. On March 8, 2025, North Korea unveiled a nuclear-powered submarine that experts believe may involve Russian technological assistance.

    By 2024, Russian forces were using around 10,000 shells per day in Ukraine, with half sourced from North Korea. Some front-line units were reportedly using North Korean ammunition for up to 60% of their firepower.

    High-level visits have also increased. In July 2023, Russia’s defense minister, Andrey Belousov, visited Pyongyang for the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, followed by Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia in September for a summit with President Vladimir Putin.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un share a toast during a reception in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024.
    Vladmir Smirnov/AFP via Getty Images

    In June 2024, Putin visited Pyongyang, where the two countries signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement, including a pledge that each would come to the other’s aid if attacked.

    Soon after, North Korea began sending troops to support Russia. Intelligence from the U.S., South Korea and Ukraine indicates that Pyongyang deployed 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers in late 2023, marking its first involvement in a major conflict since the Korean War. North Korean soldiers reportedly receive at least US$2,000 per month plus a bonus. For Pyongyang, this move not only provides financial gain but also combat experience should war ever reignite on the Korean Peninsula.

    Why China is worried

    China, too, has remained on friendly terms with Russia since the war in Ukraine began. So why would it feel uneasy about the growing closeness between Pyongyang and Moscow?

    For starters, China views Pyongyang’s outreach to Moscow as a challenge to its traditional role as North Korea’s main patron. While still dependent on Chinese aid, North Korea appears to be seeking greater autonomy.

    The strengthening of Russia–North Korea ties also fuels Western fears of an “axis of upheaval” involving all three countries.

    Unlike North Korea’s confrontational stance toward the West and its neighbor to the south, Beijing has offered limited support to Moscow during the Ukraine war and is cautious not to appear part of a trilateral alliance.

    Behind this strategy is a desire on behalf of China to maintain stable relations with the U.S., Europe and key Asian neighbors like Japan and South Korea. Doing so may be the best way for Beijing to protect its economic and diplomatic interests.

    China is also concerned that with Russian support in nuclear and missile technologies, Pyongyang may act more provocatively — through renewed nuclear tests or military clashes with South Korea. And this would only destabilize the region and strain China’s ties with the West.

    A defiant and provocative Pyongyang

    The timing of the alleged spy drama may offer further clues regarding the state of relations.

    It came [just a day after] North Korea officially confirmed it had deployed troops to aid the Russian war effort. It also announced plans to erect a monument in Pyongyang honoring its soldiers who died in the Ukraine war.

    The last spy case like this was in June 2016 when Chinese authorities arrested a North Korean citizen in the border city of Dandong. It reportedly followed Pyongyang informing China that it would permanently pursue its nuclear weapons program.

    The China-North Korea relationship deteriorated further when North Korea successfully tested a hydrogen bomb in September 2016, prompting Beijing to back U.N. Security Council sanctions against Pyongyang.

    Again, this time North Korea shows little sign of bending to China’s will.
    On April 30, Kim oversaw missile launches from North Korea’s first 5,000-ton destroyer, touted as its most heavily armed warship.

    None of which will help ease Beijing’s concerns. While China still sees Pyongyang as a critical buffer against U.S. influence in Northeast Asia, an increasingly provocative North Korea, fueled by a growing relationship with Russia, is starting to look less like a strategic asset — and more like a liability.

    Linggong Kong does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. North Korean spy drama in China may signal Beijing’s unease over growing Pyongyang-Moscow ties – https://theconversation.com/north-korean-spy-drama-in-china-may-signal-beijings-unease-over-growing-pyongyang-moscow-ties-255698

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Contaminated milk from one plant in Illinois sickened thousands with ‘Salmonella’ in 1985 − as outbreaks rise in the US, lessons from this one remain true

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Michael Petros, Clinical Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago

    A valve that mixed raw milk with pasteurized milk at Hillfarm Dairy may have been the source of contamination. This was the milk processing area of the plant. AP Photo/Mark Elias

    In 1985, contaminated milk in Illinois led to a Salmonella outbreak that infected hundreds of thousands of people across the United States and caused at least 12 deaths. At the time, it was the largest single outbreak of foodborne illness in the U.S. and remains the worst outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning in American history.

    Many questions circulated during the outbreak. How could this contamination occur in a modern dairy farm? Was it caused by a flaw in engineering or processing, or was this the result of deliberate sabotage? What roles, if any, did politics and failed leadership play?

    From my 50 years of working in public health, I’ve found that reflecting on the past can help researchers and officials prepare for future challenges. Revisiting this investigation and its outcome provides lessons on how food safety inspections go hand in hand with consumer protection and public health, especially as hospitalizations and deaths from foodborne illnesses rise.

    Contamination, investigation and intrigue

    The Illinois Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention led the investigation into the outbreak. The public health laboratories of the city of Chicago and state of Illinois were also closely involved in testing milk samples.

    Investigators and epidemiologists from local, state and federal public health agencies found that specific lots of milk with expiration dates up to April 17, 1985, were contaminated with Salmonella. The outbreak may have been caused by a valve at a processing plant that allowed pasteurized milk to mix with raw milk, which can carry several harmful microorganisms, including Salmonella.

    Overall, labs and hospitals in Illinois and five other Midwest states – Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin – reported over 16,100 cases of suspected Salmonella poisoning to health officials.

    To make dairy products, skimmed milk is usually separated from cream, then blended back together in different levels to achieve the desired fat content. While most dairies pasteurize their products after blending, Hillfarm Dairy in Melrose Park, Illinois, pasteurized the milk first before blending it into various products such as skim milk and 2% milk.

    Subsequent examination of the production process suggested that Salmonella may have grown in the threads of a screw-on cap used to seal an end of a mixing pipe. Investigators also found this strain of Salmonella 10 months earlier in a much smaller outbreak in the Chicago area.

    Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning.
    Volker Brinkmann/Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology via PLoS One, CC BY-SA

    Finding the source

    The contaminated milk was produced at Hillfarm Dairy in Melrose Park, which was operated at the time by Jewel Companies Inc. During an April 3 inspection of the company’s plant, the Food and Drug Administration found 13 health and safety violations.

    The legal fallout of the outbreak expanded when the Illinois attorney general filed suit against Jewel Companies Inc., alleging that employees at as many as 18 stores in the grocery chain violated water pollution laws when they dumped potentially contaminated milk into storm sewers. Later, a Cook County judge found Jewel Companies Inc. in violation of the court order to preserve milk products suspected of contamination and maintain a record of what happened to milk returned to the Hillfarm Dairy.

    Political fallout also ensued. The Illinois governor at the time, James Thompson, fired the director of the Illinois Public Health Department when it was discovered that he was vacationing in Mexico at the onset of the outbreak and failed to return to Illinois. Notably, the health director at the time of the outbreak was not a health professional. Following this episode, the governor appointed public health professional and medical doctor Bernard Turnock as director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

    In 1987, after a nine-month trial, a jury determined that Jewel officials did not act recklessly when Salmonella-tainted milk caused one of the largest food poisoning outbreaks in U.S. history. No punitive damages were awarded to victims, and the Illinois Appellate Court later upheld the jury’s decision.

    Raw milk is linked to many foodborne illnesses.

    Lessons learned

    History teaches more than facts, figures and incidents. It provides an opportunity to reflect on how to learn from past mistakes in order to adapt to future challenges. The largest Salmonella outbreak in the U.S. to date provides several lessons.

    For one, disease surveillance is indispensable to preventing outbreaks, both then and now. People remain vulnerable to ubiquitous microorganisms such as Salmonella and E. coli, and early detection of an outbreak could stop it from spreading and getting worse.

    Additionally, food production facilities can maintain a safe food supply with careful design and monitoring. Revisiting consumer protections can help regulators keep pace with new threats from new or unfamiliar pathogens.

    Finally, there is no substitute for professional public health leadership with the competence and expertise to respond effectively to an emergency.

    Michael Petros does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Contaminated milk from one plant in Illinois sickened thousands with ‘Salmonella’ in 1985 − as outbreaks rise in the US, lessons from this one remain true – https://theconversation.com/contaminated-milk-from-one-plant-in-illinois-sickened-thousands-with-salmonella-in-1985-as-outbreaks-rise-in-the-us-lessons-from-this-one-remain-true-254036

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel Light Beer Strategic Expansion Continues Full Throttle and Expands into Indiana with Premier Beverage Distributor Zink Distributing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New Indiana Distribution Deal Supercharges Midwest Reach – Strengthening Footprint in Key Border States and Reinforcing Growth Trajectory for 2025

    Nashville, TN, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), is expanding into Indiana through its newest distribution agreement with Zink Distributing (zinkdistributing.com), a premier beverage distributor serving 14 central Indiana counties in their entirety and the northern parts of two additional counties, including Indianapolis. This collaboration is yet another step in expanding American Rebel’s rapidly growing distribution network and its mission to fuel hard-working, freedom-loving Hoosiers with great American-made beer.

    “We believe in America – we believe in faith, family, and freedom. That’s what American Rebel Light stands for,” said Todd Porter, President of American Rebel Beverage. “Bringing our beer to Indiana with Zink Distributing means more Americans can raise a glass to our shared values. With their expertise, infrastructure and extensive network, we’re confident that American Rebel Light will thrive in Indiana as we continue expanding across this great nation.”

    Jim Zink, Jr., President of Zink Distributing Company, echoed that enthusiasm, stating: “Zink Distributing is proud of its portfolio of great-tasting, high-quality products, and we are thrilled to partner with American Rebel Beverage. We look forward to introducing Hoosiers to American Rebel Light, a perfect addition to our offerings in Indiana.”

    Zink Distributing has built a reputation for excellence, representing some of the most well-respected beverage brands in the industry. Their dedication to quality, strong retail partnerships, and deep understanding of the market makes them the ideal distributor to bring America’s Patriotic Beer to the heartland. Zink Distributing’s state-of-the-art 136,000 square foot facility and upgraded fleet of tractor trailers ensures availability and product freshness for its customers.

    “Adding Indiana to our list of states that distribute American Rebel Light is great for many reasons,” said American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. “#1, it’s a great motorsports state; #2, Indiana borders Ohio and Kentucky, two states we’re already enjoying tremendous success in and success in Indiana should be no different and #3, there will be numerous opportunities for promotional events in Indiana to support the Rebel Light rollout. I’m looking forward to working with Jim Zink, Jr. and the Zink Distributing team to introduce America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.”

    Rapid Top Tier Distribution Growth Continues for America’s Fastest Growing Beer

    Since its launch in September 2024, American Rebel Light Beer has been growing at a rapid pace, establishing a presence in Tennessee, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Mississippi, Florida and now Indiana! This latest partnership with Zink Distributing further solidifies American Rebel’s commitment to bringing high-quality, patriotic beer to the people who live and breathe the American dream.

    Rebel Light: All Natural, Crisp, Clean, Bold, “Better for me” Beer for a Balanced Lifestyle
    American Rebel Light is a proudly American-made premium domestic light lager, delivering a crisp, clean, and bold taste with a lighter feel. Created with all-natural ingredients and NO added sweeteners like corn or rice, it offers a refreshing balance of flavor with 110 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% ABV per 12 oz serving. Whether it’s backyard barbecues, tailgates, or saluting our great nation, American Rebel Light is brewed for the bold, the free, and the proud.

    For more information about American Rebel Light and its new partnership with Zink Distributing, visit americanrebelbeer.com or follow us on social media (@AmericanRebelBeer).

    About American Rebel Light

    American Rebel Light isn’t just a beer – it’s a statement. A toast to freedom, a salute to hard-working Americans, and a bold declaration of our patriotic values – America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer. Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a premium domestic light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic appeal.

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers. For more information follow American Rebel Beer on all social media platforms (@americanrebelbeer).

    About Zink Distributing

    Zink Distributing, established in 2001, is the exclusive distributor of great-tasting, high-quality products in all or part of 16 counties in Indiana, including Indianapolis. These counties include Marion, Fayette, Hancock, Rush, Hendricks, Morgan, Montgomery, Vermillion, Parke, Putnam, Vigo, Clay, Sullivan, Greene and northern Johnson and Owen. The mission of the company is to exceed the expectations of its customers through excellent service and attention to detail. For more information on Zink Distributing, go to zinkdistributing.com.

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebel.com and americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit americanrebelbeer.com/investor-relations.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    info@americanrebel.com
    ir@americanrebel.com
    Media Contact:

    Matt Sheldon
    Matt@PrecisionPR.co

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of our strategic planning, marketing outreach efforts, actual placement timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GCM Grosvenor Reports First Quarter 2025 Earnings Results, with Quarter-To-Date Fundraising Increasing 77% Year-Over-Year, Quarter-to-Date GAAP Net Income of $0.5 million, and Fee-Related Earnings and Adjusted Net Income Increasing 22% and 30%, Respectively, Year-Over-Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG), a global alternative asset management solutions provider, today reported its results for the first quarter 2025.

    GCM Grosvenor issued a detailed presentation of its results to the Public Shareholders section of GCM Grosvenor’s website at https://www.gcmgrosvenor.com/shareholder-events.

    GCM Grosvenor’s Board of Directors approved a $0.11 per share dividend payable on June 16, 2025 to shareholders on record June 6, 2025.

    Conference Call
    A conference call to discuss GCM Grosvenor’s financial results will be held today, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET. The call will be accessible via public webcast from the Public Shareholders section of GCM Grosvenor’s website at https://www.gcmgrosvenor.com/shareholder-events, and a replay of the live broadcast will be available on the website soon after the call’s completion.

    The call can also be accessed by dialing (888) 394-8218 (toll-free) or (646) 828-8193 and using the passcode 6031367.

    About GCM Grosvenor
    GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider with approximately $82 billion in assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. The firm has specialized in alternatives for more than 50 years and is dedicated to delivering value for clients by leveraging its cross-asset class and flexible investment platform.

    GCM Grosvenor’s experienced team of approximately 550 professionals serves a global client base of institutional and individual investors. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Sydney. For more information, visit: gcmgrosvenor.com.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    Included in the results above, we report certain financial measures that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. Management uses these non-GAAP measures to assess the performance of our business across reporting periods and believes this information is useful to investors for the same reasons. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for the most directly comparable GAAP measures, which we reconcile within the detailed presentation discussed above. Further, these measures have limitations as analytical tools, and when assessing our operating performance, you should not consider these measurements in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP measures including net income (loss). We may calculate or present these non-GAAP financial measures differently than other companies who report measures with the same or similar names, and as a result, the non-GAAP measures we report may not be comparable.

    Share Repurchase Plan Authorization
    GCMG’s Board of Directors previously authorized a share repurchase plan, which may be used to repurchase outstanding Class A common stock and warrants in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions including with employees or otherwise, as well as to retire (by cash settlement or the payment of tax withholding amounts upon net settlement) equity-based awards granted under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2020 Incentive Award Plan (or any successor equity plan thereto). The Company is not obligated under the terms of plan to repurchase any of its Class A common stock or warrants, and the size and timing of these repurchases will depend on legal requirements, price, market and economic conditions and other factors. The plan has no expiration date and the plan may be suspended or terminated by the Company at any time without prior notice. Any outstanding shares of Class A common stock and any warrants repurchased as part of this plan will be cancelled. As of March 31, 2025, the total share repurchase plan authorization is $190.0 million.

    Public Shareholders Contact
    Stacie Selinger
    sselinger@gcmlp.com
    312-506-6583

    Media Contact
    Tom Johnson and Abigail Ruck
    H/Advisors Abernathy
    tom.johnson@h-advisors.global / abigail.ruck@h-advisors.global
    212-371-5999

    Source: GCM Grosvenor

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Business – Sustainability start-ups Krosslinker and Ayrton Energy secure S$1 million each in catalytic funding at The Liveability Challenge 2025 Grand Finale

    Source: Eco-Business

    The 2025 Grand Finale witnessed another record-breaking year, attracting more than 1,200 submissions from over 100 countries competing for the top prize in two tracks: Decarbonisation and Cool Earth.

    Passive cooling using advanced aerogel technology and safe, cost-effective storage and transport to accelerate adoption of hydrogen as a clean fuel were the top winners at the Grand Finale.
    The Liveability Challenge, was presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business. 

    Singapore, 7 May 2025: Krosslinker and Ayrton Energy have emerged as the top winners at The Liveability Challenge (TLC) 2025 Grand Finale for their innovative solutions to drive decarbonisation and tackle climate challenges.

    The two groundbreaking projects were the standouts among eight finalists, each securing a S$1 million grant in catalytic funding to help advance and scale their solutions sustainably.

    The winner of the Cool Earth track was Singapore-based deep-tech start-up Krosslinker, which develops passive cooling technologies in the form of aerogel materials capable of reducing surface temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius and ambient temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius.

    The winner of the Decarbonisation track was Canada-based Ayrton Energy, which develops technology for safe and cost-effective hydrogen storage and transport, and addresses infrastructure challenges that currently hinder the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy.

    The two winners were selected after a competitive and rigorous judging session, where all eight finalists pitched their innovative solutions live to a judging panel at the Grand Finale, held at ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay as part of Ecosperity Week.

    These pioneering climate solutions are integral in advancing progress towards the climate targets set under the Paris Agreement in 2015 – an urgent imperative as global temperatures reach dangerously new highs each year.  

    With rising heat, extreme weather events and ecological deterioration afflicting society and natural ecosystems, solutions must be mobilised to address these climate impacts while contributing to the global targets of reducing emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.

    This will require coordinated efforts across society, enabling regulatory frameworks and strategic investments to enable the large-scale deployment of innovative climate technologies.

    Presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business, TLC was launched in 2018 as a platform to search for the most disruptive and innovative solutions that solve the pressing sustainability challenges of today.

    Today, TLC is Asia’s largest sustainability solutions platform and since its first edition, has attracted thousands of applications globally, shortlisted and incubated 53 finalists, and deployed more than S$12 million in funding to help these startups, who have gone on to raise hundreds of millions more.  

    In its eighth edition, TLC searched for solutions across two tracks: Decarbonisation and Cool Earth. The Decarbonisation track seeks disruptive deep-tech solutions that provide scalable and impactful solutions to reduce carbon emissions across diverse industries. The Cool Earth track seeks groundbreaking innovations that specifically address the challenges posed by climate-induced extreme weather conditions.

    The eight shortlisted finalist teams – Ayrton Energy, CatAmmon, Cetogenix, CO2Tech, D-CRBN, Eztia Corp, Krosslinker and SXD, Inc – represent various countries including Singapore, Australia, Belgium and the United States.

    TLC’s strategic partners this year are Enterprise Singapore, OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, TRIREC and Valuence Ventures. Amazon Web Services was the Tech for Good partner for the event.

    “We are very happy and excited [to have secured this award], but this is just the beginning. We have a very big job to do to make sure that we develop solutions that equitably reach everybody and not just the tech-savvy community. Many thanks to Temasek Foundation for all the inspiring work that you have been doing, and to all our investors who have specially flown in for this event. To all the fellow finalists who keep inspiring us – it’s such amazing work to solve some of the most difficult challenges in this world and committing to a cause rather than building easy solutions,” said Dr Gayathri Natarajan, Co-founder and CEO of Krosslinker Private Limited.  

    “We’re really excited to be able to have this funding support and cement our position in Singapore and Southeast Asia. I’m very grateful to Temasek Foundation for believing in the tech that we’re building, and in our ability to decarbonise these hard-to-abate sectors. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my fantastic team of nerds, as I like to call them back home, as well as the support that we have from our investors both locally and internationally,” said Dr Brandy Kinkead, Chief Technology Officer of Ayrton Energy Inc.

    “At Temasek Foundation, we believe in the urgency of supporting bold and deep-tech innovative solutions that can drive real progress in decarbonising our planet, and keeping our environment cool even with rising temperatures. Our catalytic funding reflects this important commitment – helping innovators move from promising innovations to operational prototypes with potential to scale. Beyond The Liveability Challenge, Temasek Foundation is growing our network of climate tech challenges across the region into China, Indonesia and Vietnam. By doing so, we aim to accelerate innovators’ paths to commercialisation and deliver real impact for both the people and the planet. Our heartiest congratulations to Krosslinker Private Limited and Ayrton Energy Inc on this exciting milestone,” said Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate and Liveability at Temasek Foundation.  

    “TLC has become a fixture in the global sustainability innovation ecosystem, providing a vital catalytic platform for promising start-ups with cutting-edge climate tech solutions from all over the world. By driving innovation, entrepreneurship, ecosystem collaboration and access to finance, it helps groundbreaking ideas move beyond the prototype stage to deliver real-world impact. In a world dangerously close to irreversible planetary thresholds, accelerating these solutions is no longer optional – it is critical,” said Jessica Cheam, Founder and CEO of Eco-Business.

    In addition to the two S$1 million in grants (S$1 million for each winner), a total of S$400,000 in investment and grant opportunities were awarded to the finalists by TLC’s strategic partners [see Appendix A].  

    The Grand Finale also hosted an Innovation Dialogue where speakers Mark Gainsborough, Chairman, Seatrium; Magdalene Loh, Director, Urban Systems and Solutions, Enterprise Singapore; and Dr Dazril Phua, Chief Operating Officer, Nandina REM, identified the solutions needed to advance climate tech solutions and innovation in Singapore and globally – including ecosystem building, policy and financial support and public private partnerships.

    Experts said that clear market signals and policy coherence were key to enabling climate technologies to scale. “Technology risk is (usually) the least of the problem. But is the market going to develop the way as expected and is there a supportive policy framework and regulation? Unfortunately, there are too many cases in the climate tech space where the market hasn’t developed as we expected because of an ever-changing policy and regulation landscape,” Mark Gainsborough, Chairman of Singapore-listed marine engineering company Seatrium, shared during the Innovation Dialogue.  

    Magdalene Loh, Director, Urban Systems and Solutions, Enterprise Singapore, noted that in addition to scaleability and exportability, climate tech solutions must be effectively priced to attract customers, and designed for easy integration into existing systems or processes.

    “Today, many of the climate tech solutions that we’re seeing do need to interact with existing infrastructure – existing systems that clients would already be used to. How would these tech solutions integrate? Many times, you need the buy-in internally within the organisation, not just with the innovation team. There are different facets of the clients to [consider] to secure buy-in as well,” Loh said.  

    For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at  www.theliveabilitychallenge.org.  

    About Temasek Foundation 

    Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and contributions from other donors. These programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science and protect the planet. 

    For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg 

    About Eco-Business 

    Established in 2009, Eco-Business is Asia Pacific’s leading media organisation on sustainable development. Its independent journalism unit publishes high quality, trusted news and views that advance dialogue and enables measurable impact on a wide range of sustainable development and responsible business issues. Eco-Business is headquartered in Singapore, with a presence in Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and correspondents across major cities in Asia Pacific. Visit www.eco-business.com  

    Appendix A

    Additional investment and grant opportunities:

    Singapore’s Krosslinker Private Limited received S$100,000 from OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund to develop urban cooling solutions using zero energy aerogel coating.

    Canada’s Ayrton Energy Inc received S$100,000 from TRIREC and S$100,000 from Valuence Ventures to develop safe hydrogen storage and transport which seamlessly integrates with existing liquid fuel infrastructure.

    Australia’s CO2Tech received S$100,000 from Enterprise Singapore to develop a cost effective and compact CO2 capture solution which converts emissions into carbon-negative and valuable products.

    Appendix B

    Comments from our Strategic Partners:

    Emily Liew, Assistant Managing Director, Innovation, Enterprise Singapore, said: “As the world races to address pressing environmental challenges, we need platforms such as The Liveability Challenge more than ever to uncover and support breakthrough climate innovations. Start-ups can leverage Singapore’s robust innovation ecosystem, infrastructure and strategic networks to validate and scale their climate solutions. Enterprise Singapore is committed to working with important partners such as Temasek Foundation to accelerate the development of innovative solutions for a sustainable future.”

    Axel Tan, Venture Partner, OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, said: “Climate tech startups are pioneering vital solutions for a more liveable planet, but they face steep challenges in scaling. At the OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, we believe in backing these innovators by bridging capital, partnerships and purpose. Together with platforms like The Liveability Challenge, we can direct collective investment toward breakthrough technologies – accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more conscious and regenerative future.”

    Andrew Wong, Director, TRIREC, said: “The Liveability Challenge is crucial as it catalyses breakthrough innovations urgently needed to tackle escalating climate crises. By matching catalytic capital with the most promising solutions in climate change, the Challenge accelerates the commercialisation of transformative technologies, especially in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment. This platform not only empowers innovators to scale their impact but also drives collective action toward a net-zero and a climate-resilient future worldwide. TRIREC looks forward to supporting ambitious climate founders.”

    Andrew Hyung, General Partner, Valuence Ventures, said: “At a time when the world’s attention is pulled in many directions and the climate crisis is too often set aside, The Liveability Challenge brings much needed focus. It unites visionaries, doers and believers to shape a future we all deserve. By turning urgency into momentum and bold ideas into real solutions, this platform reminds us that hope backed by action can still change everything.”

    Ashley Tan, International Head of Social Impact & Sustainability at Amazon Web Services (AWS), said: “We’re excited by the powerful sustainability solutions presented by winners Krosslinker Private Limited and Ayrton Energy Inc, and the other finalists. Together with Temasek Foundation and Eco-business, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is committed to making a positive environmental and social impact around the world. We will continue to provide the latest AI-driven technologies and bench of deep technical expertise to power innovative solutions in the cloud and solve the climate crisis’s most pressing decarbonisation and food security challenges of our time.”

    Appendix C

    Finalists for The Liveability Challenge 2025:

    1. Ayrton Energy Inc (Canada)  

    Solution: Safe hydrogen storage and transport that seamlessly integrates with existing liquid fuel infrastructure for scalable deployment that is up to 50 per cent lower cost 

    2. CatAmmon (Israel) 

    Solution: ”Cold” (400ºC) ammonia cracking, catalysed by Ruthenium – free, ceramic nanomaterials that achieves over 30 per cent reductions in cost for hydrogen generation 

     3.  Cetogenix (New Zealand)

    Solution: Transforming urban waste into renewable natural gas, green ammonia and other circular bioeconomy products with carbon intensities 19 times less than those of fossil equivalents 

    4.  CO2Tech (Australia) 

    Solution: Cost effective and compact CO2 capture solution capable of converting emissions into carbon negative and valuable products  

    5. D-CRBN (Belgium) 

    Solution: Plasma-based CO2 recycling with a fossil price parity  

    6. Eztia Corp (US)

    Solution: Cooling wearables that absorb body heat, reducing skin temperature by 10°C  

    7. Krosslinker Private Limited (Singapore)

    Solution: Cooling cities 24/7 with a zero energy aerogel coating: passive, powerful and planet friendly 

    8. SXD, Inc (US) 

    Solution: SXD uses its patent-published AI to co-design and scale zero material waste garments, driving 10 times the material savings, approximately 80 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions and up to 55 per cent in cost savings.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to Chinese Foreign Ministry affirming Somalia’s entry ban on Taiwan nationals

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to Chinese Foreign Ministry affirming Somalia’s entry ban on Taiwan nationals

    • Date：2025-05-01
    • Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    May 1, 2025  

    In response to a question from Reuters on April 30, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it highly commended Somalia for having banned the entry of Taiwan nationals. The comments from the Chinese ministry clearly show that the Somalian government’s extremely unfriendly action against Taiwan was instigated by China.

     

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) once again strongly condemns the Chinese authorities and demands that they immediately stop suppressing the Taiwanese people’s freedom of travel and deliberately misrepresenting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. This egregious behavior of the Chinese and Somalian governments that ignores people’s freedom and safety of travel can do nothing but undermine international peace and cause more instability around the world.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Greystone Housing Impact Investors Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMAHA, Neb., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On May 7, 2025, Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP (NYSE: GHI) (the “Partnership”) announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Financial Highlights

    The Partnership reported the following results as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2025:

    • Net income of $0.11 per Beneficial Unit Certificate (“BUC”), basic and diluted
    • Cash Available for Distribution (“CAD”) of $0.31 per BUC
    • Total assets of $1.54 billion
    • Total Mortgage Revenue Bond (“MRB”) and Governmental Issuer Loan (“GIL”) investments of $1.18 billion

    The difference between reported net income per BUC and CAD per BUC is primarily due to the treatment of unrealized losses on the Partnership’s interest rate derivative positions. Unrealized losses of approximately $3.9 million are included in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Unrealized losses are a result of the impact of decreased market interest rates on the calculated fair value of the Partnership’s interest rate derivative positions. Unrealized gains and losses do not affect our cash earnings and are added back to net income when calculating the Partnership’s CAD. The Partnership received net cash from its interest rate derivative positions totaling approximately $847,000 during the first quarter.

    In March 2025, the Partnership announced that the Board of Managers of Greystone AF Manager LLC declared a regular quarterly distribution to the Partnership’s BUC holders of $0.37 per BUC. The distribution was paid on April 30, 2025, to BUC holders of record as of the close of trading on March 31, 2025.

    Management Remarks

    “We continue to evaluate investment opportunities despite continuing market volatility,” said Kenneth C. Rogozinski, the Partnership’s Chief Executive Officer.  “Our successful Series B Preferred Units issuance provides low-cost, non-dilutive capital for us to deploy into accretive investment opportunities. In addition, the dedicated pool of capital that we have from the new BlackRock construction lending joint venture is a powerful tool for us to serve our affordable housing developer relationship base.”

    Recent Investment and Financing Activity

    The Partnership reported the following updates for the first quarter of 2025:

    • Advanced funds on MRB and taxable MRB investments totaling $21.5 million, offset by an MRB redemption of approximately $10.4 million.
    • Advanced funds on GIL and taxable GIL investments totaling $39.1 million.
    • GIL, taxable GIL, and property loan redemptions and paydowns totaling approximately $102.7 million.
    • Advanced net funds to joint venture equity investments totaling $5.6 million.
    • Received proceeds of $14.2 million upon sale of Vantage at Tomball, inclusive of return of capital and accrued preferred return.
    • Issued $20 million Series B Preferred Units with an annual distribution rate of 5.75% to an existing investor.

    In May 2025, the managing member of Vantage at Helotes sold the property to a governmental entity who in turn leased the property to a non-profit entity. That non-profit entity financed its purchase of the leasehold interest by issuing tax-exempt and taxable bonds. The Partnership received gross proceeds of approximately $17.1 million, inclusive of the return of capital contributions and accrued preferred return. The Partnership expects to recognize investment income of approximately $1.8 million and a gain on sale of approximately $163,000 in the second quarter of 2025, before settlement of final proceeds and expenses. The Partnership expects to recognize approximately $0.08 of net income per BUC, basic and diluted, and CAD per BUC, based on the number of BUCs outstanding on the date of sale.

    Investment Portfolio Updates

    The Partnership announced the following updates regarding its investment portfolio:

    • All MRB and GIL investments are current on contractual principal and interest payments and the Partnership has received no requests for forbearance of contractual principal and interest payments from borrowers as of March 31, 2025
    • The Partnership continues to execute its hedging strategy, primarily through interest rate swaps, to reduce the impact of changing market interest rates.
    • Six joint venture equity investment properties have completed construction, with three properties having previously achieved 90% occupancy. Four of the Partnership’s joint venture equity investments are currently under construction or in development, with none having experienced material supply chain disruptions for either construction materials or labor to date.

    Earnings Webcast & Conference Call

    The Partnership will host a conference call for investors on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Partnership’s First Quarter 2025 results.

    For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer session, participants may dial-in toll free at (877) 407-8813. International participants may dial-in at +1 (201) 689-8521. No pin or code number is needed.

    The call is also being webcast live in listen-only mode. The webcast can be accessed via the Partnership’s website under “Events & Presentations” or via the following link:
    https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=a4hicNZA

    It is recommended that you join 15 minutes before the conference call begins (although you may register, dial-in or access the webcast at any time during the call).

    A recorded replay of the webcast will be made available on the Partnership’s Investor Relations website at http://www.ghiinvestors.com.

    About Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP

    Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP was formed in 1998 under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act for the primary purpose of acquiring, holding, selling and otherwise dealing with a portfolio of mortgage revenue bonds which have been issued to provide construction and/or permanent financing for affordable multifamily, seniors and student housing properties. The Partnership is pursuing a business strategy of acquiring additional mortgage revenue bonds and other investments on a leveraged basis. The Partnership expects and believes the interest earned on these mortgage revenue bonds is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes. The Partnership seeks to achieve its investment growth strategy by investing in additional mortgage revenue bonds and other investments as permitted by its Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, dated December 5, 2022 (the “Partnership Agreement”), taking advantage of attractive financing structures available in the securities market, and entering into interest rate risk management instruments. Greystone Housing Impact Investors LP press releases are available at www.ghiinvestors.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Certain statements in this press release are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of statements that include, but are not limited to, phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “future,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe objectives, plans, or goals also are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Partnership. The Partnership cautions readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, implied, or projected by such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: defaults on the mortgage loans securing our mortgage revenue bonds and governmental issuer loans; the competitive environment in which the Partnership operates; risks associated with investing in multifamily, student, senior citizen residential properties and commercial properties; general economic, geopolitical, and financial conditions, including the current and future impact of changing interest rates, inflation, and international conflicts (including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war) on business operations, employment, and financial conditions; uncertain conditions within the domestic and international macroeconomic environment, including monetary and fiscal policy and conditions in the investment, credit, interest rate, and derivatives markets; any effects on our business resulting from new U.S. domestic or foreign governmental trade measures, including but not limited to tariffs, import and export controls, foreign exchange intervention accomplished to offset the effects of trade policy or in response to currency volatility, and other restrictions on free trade; adverse reactions in U.S. financial markets related to actions of foreign central banks or the economic performance of foreign economies, including in particular China, Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom; the general condition of the real estate markets in the regions in which the Partnership operates, which may be unfavorably impacted by pressures in the commercial real estate sector, incrementally higher unemployment rates, persistent elevated inflation levels, and other factors; changes in interest rates and credit spreads, as well as the success of any hedging strategies the Partnership may undertake in relation to such changes, and the effect such changes may have on the relative spreads between the yield on investments and cost of financing; the aggregate effect of elevated inflation levels over the past several years, spurred by multiple factors including expansionary monetary and fiscal policy, higher commodity prices, a tight labor market, and low residential vacancy rates, which may result in continued elevated interest rate levels and increased market volatility; the Partnership’s ability to access debt and equity capital to finance its assets; current maturities of the Partnership’s financing arrangements and the Partnership’s ability to renew or refinance such financing arrangements; local, regional, national and international economic and credit market conditions; recapture of previously issued Low Income Housing Tax Credits in accordance with Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code; geographic concentration of properties related to investments held by the Partnership; changes in the U.S. corporate tax code and other government regulations affecting the Partnership’s business; and the other risks detailed in the Partnership’s SEC filings (including but not limited to, the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K). Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements.

    If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes or if any of the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements proves to be incorrect, the developments and future events concerning the Partnership set forth in this press release may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our expectations and beliefs to change. The Partnership assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless obligated to do so under the federal securities laws.

     
     
    GREYSTONE HOUSING IMPACT INVESTORS LP
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (UNAUDITED)
     
        For the Three Months Ended March 31,    
        2025     2024    
    Revenues:              
    Investment income   $ 21,878,167     $ 19,272,345    
    Other interest income     2,288,165       3,003,838    
    Other income     958,825       94,471    
    Total revenues     25,125,157       22,370,654    
    Expenses:              
    Provision for credit losses     (172,000 )     (806,000 )  
    Depreciation     3,542       5,967    
    Interest expense     14,134,816       13,803,935    
    Net result from derivative transactions     3,036,137       (6,267,664 )  
    General and administrative     4,570,261       4,930,388    
    Total expenses     21,572,756       11,666,626    
    Other income:              
    Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated entities     5,220       50,000    
    Earnings (losses) from investments in unconsolidated entities     (233,334 )     (106,845 )  
    Income before income taxes     3,324,287       10,647,183    
    Income tax benefit     (2,733 )     (1,198 )  
    Net income     3,327,020       10,648,381    
    Redeemable Preferred Unit distributions and accretion     (760,679 )     (767,241 )  
    Net income available to Partners   $ 2,566,341     $ 9,881,140    
                   
    Net income available to Partners allocated to:              
    General Partner   $ 25,611     $ 98,311    
    Limited Partners – BUCs     2,483,685       9,725,097    
    Limited Partners – Restricted units     57,045       57,732    
        $ 2,566,341     $ 9,881,140    
    BUC holders’ interest in net income per BUC, basic and diluted   $ 0.11     $ 0.42   *
    Weighted average number of BUCs outstanding, basic     23,171,226       23,000,754   *
    Weighted average number of BUCs outstanding, diluted     23,171,226       23,000,754   *
    * The amounts indicated above have been adjusted to reflect the distribution completed on April 30, 2024 in the form of additional BUCs at a ratio of 0.00417 BUCs for each BUC outstanding as of March 28, 2024 on a retroactive basis.
       

    Disclosure Regarding Non-GAAP Measures – Cash Available for Distribution

    The Partnership believes that CAD provides relevant information about the Partnership’s operations and is necessary, along with net income, for understanding its operating results. To calculate CAD, the Partnership begins with net income as computed in accordance with GAAP and adjusts for non-cash expenses or income consisting of depreciation expense, amortization expense related to deferred financing costs, amortization of premiums and discounts, fair value adjustments to derivative instruments, provisions for credit and loan losses, impairments on MRBs, GILs, real estate assets and property loans, deferred income tax expense (benefit), and restricted unit compensation expense. The Partnership also adjusts net income for the Partnership’s share of (earnings) losses of investments in unconsolidated entities as such amounts are primarily depreciation expenses and development costs that are expected to be recovered upon an exit event. The Partnership also deducts Tier 2 income (see Note 22 to the Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements) distributable to the General Partner as defined in the Partnership Agreement and distributions and accretion for the Preferred Units. Net income is the GAAP measure most comparable to CAD. There is no generally accepted methodology for computing CAD, and the Partnership’s computation of CAD may not be comparable to CAD reported by other companies. Although the Partnership considers CAD to be a useful measure of the Partnership’s operating performance, CAD is a non-GAAP measure that should not be considered as an alternative to net income calculated in accordance with GAAP, or any other measures of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP.

    The following table shows the calculation of CAD (and a reconciliation of the Partnership’s net income, as determined in accordance with GAAP, to CAD) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (all per BUC amounts are presented giving effect to the BUCs Distributions described in Note 22 of the condensed consolidated financial statements on a retroactive basis for all periods presented):

        For the Three Months Ended March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    Net income   $ 3,327,020     $ 10,648,381  
    Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, net     3,883,196       (4,604,215 )
    Depreciation expense     3,542       5,967  
    Provision for credit losses (1)     (172,000 )     (806,000 )
    Amortization of deferred financing costs     381,334       367,418  
    Restricted unit compensation expense     234,047       332,321  
    Deferred income taxes     1,227       2,998  
    Redeemable Preferred Unit distributions and accretion     (760,679 )     (767,241 )
    Tier 2 income allocable to the General Partner (2)     –       –  
    Recovery of prior credit loss (3)     (16,967 )     (17,155 )
    Bond premium, discount and acquisition fee amortization, net of cash received     25,220       (40,475 )
    (Earnings) losses from investments in unconsolidated entities     233,334       106,845  
    Total CAD   $ 7,139,274     $ 5,228,844  
                 
    Weighted average number of BUCs outstanding, basic     23,171,226       23,000,754  
    Net income per BUC, basic   $ 0.11     $ 0.42  
    Total CAD per BUC, basic   $ 0.31     $ 0.23  
    Cash Distributions declared, per BUC   $ 0.37     $ 0.368  
    BUCs Distributions declared, per BUC (4)   $ –     $ 0.07  
    (1) The adjustments reflect the change in allowances for credit losses under the CECL standard which requires the Partnership to update estimates of expected credit losses for its investment portfolio at each reporting date.
       
    (2) As described in Note 22 to the Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements, Net Interest Income representing contingent interest and Net Residual Proceeds representing contingent interest (Tier 2 income) will be distributed 75% to the limited partners and BUC holders, as a class, and 25% to the General Partner. This adjustment represents 25% of Tier 2 income due to the General Partner. There was no Tier 2 income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.
       
    (3) The Partnership determined there was a recovery of previously recognized impairment recorded for the Live 929 Apartments Series 2022A MRB prior to the adoption of the CECL standard effective January 1, 2023. The Partnership is accreting the recovery of prior credit loss for this MRB into investment income over the term of the MRB consistent with applicable guidance. The accretion of recovery of value is presented as a reduction to current CAD as the original provision for credit loss was an addback for CAD calculation purposes in the period recognized.
       
    (4) The Partnership declared the distribution completed on April 30, 2024 in the form of additional BUCs equal to $0.07 per BUC for outstanding BUCs as of the record date of March 28, 2024.
       

    MEDIA CONTACT: 
    Karen Marotta 
    Greystone 
    212-896-9149 
    Karen.Marotta@greyco.com

    INVESTOR CONTACT:
    Andy Grier
    Investors Relations
    402-952-1235

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Guangdong Province Releases 30 Artificial Intelligence Application Scenarios

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) — South China’s Guangdong Province has unveiled 30 scenarios for the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in four areas: manufacturing, education, health care and security, the Science and Technology Daily reported Wednesday.

    In the education sector, the Guangdong government has identified typical application scenarios for this technology in five major areas: teaching, teaching, experimentation, resource allocation, and evaluation and decision support.

    In terms of healthcare, Guangdong Province reported 10 typical AI application scenarios in areas such as imaging diagnosis, clinical decision making, surgical planning, outpatient treatment, and medical consultation.

    “The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has advantages in areas such as electromechanical technology, as well as digital and intelligent technology,” the Keji Ribao article noted, citing Qu Xiaojie, deputy head of the Guangdong Province Bureau of Industry and Information Technology. The area also has a complete industrial chain for AI and robotics.

    Guangdong Province will support the industrialization of technologies, product marketing and service commercialization for enterprises in the field of AI and robotics, Qu Xiaojie concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 11 killed, five injured in Indonesia road accident

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JAKARTA, May 7 (Xinhua) — At least 11 people were killed and five others injured on Wednesday when a truck collided with a small bus in central Indonesia’s Java province, a local rescue official said.

    According to him, the truck carrying sand was unable to climb up the slope.

    “It is suspected that the truck’s brakes failed. It rolled backwards and to the left, crashed into a small bus and then into a house,” the spokesman told Xinhua.

    “Our team immediately rushed to the scene to conduct rescue operations. All 11 of the deceased were passengers in a small bus. Five others were injured,” the official said, adding that all the injured were taken to hospital. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s reunification remains an irreversible historical trend – Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, May 7 (Xinhua) — China’s reunification remains an irreversible historical trend, according to an opinion piece by Xi Jinping published Wednesday by Rossiyskaya Gazeta ahead of his arrival in Russia on a state visit and participation in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s liberation from Japanese occupation. Taiwan’s return to China is an important part of the outcome of World War II and the post-war world order, Xi Jinping noted.

    A number of international legally binding documents, most notably the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Declaration, have unequivocally affirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan, the article says. It adds that the historical and legal facts are beyond doubt, and the authority of UNGA Resolution 2758 is not contested.

    No matter how the situation in Taiwan changes, no matter what attempts at interference are made from outside, the complete reunification of China remains an irreversible historical trend, Xi Jinping stressed.

    Resolute support for each other on issues affecting the core interests and major concerns of the two countries is a constant for China and Russia, Xi Jinping noted. “We highly appreciate that the Russian side has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle and recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of China, opposes ‘Taiwan independence’ in any form, and firmly supports all measures taken by the Chinese government and people to achieve national reunification,” the article says. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Stamp duty bill passage welcomed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government welcomed the passage of the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Legislative Council today, which implements the adjustment of the maximum value of properties chargeable to the $100 stamp duty from $3 million to $4 million.

     

    Proposed in the 2025-26 Budget, the adjustment aims to ease the burden on buyers of properties at lower values.

         

    Based on the 2024-25 property transaction data, the Government said it estimates that the measure will benefit about 15% of property transactions, with government revenue reduced by about $400 million annually.

         

    The legislation as passed will be published in the Government Gazette on May 16.

     

    The relevant adjustment, which took effect at 11am on February 26 this year under the Public Revenue Protection (Stamp Duty) Order 2025 gazetted on the same day, applies to instruments executed on or after February 26, 2025.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to Chinese Foreign Ministry affirming Somalia’s entry ban on Taiwan nationals

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to Chinese Foreign Ministry affirming Somalia’s entry ban on Taiwan nationals

    Date：2025-05-01
    Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    May 1, 2025  

    In response to a question from Reuters on April 30, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it highly commended Somalia for having banned the entry of Taiwan nationals. The comments from the Chinese ministry clearly show that the Somalian government’s extremely unfriendly action against Taiwan was instigated by China.
     
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) once again strongly condemns the Chinese authorities and demands that they immediately stop suppressing the Taiwanese people’s freedom of travel and deliberately misrepresenting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. This egregious behavior of the Chinese and Somalian governments that ignores people’s freedom and safety of travel can do nothing but undermine international peace and cause more instability around the world.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –