The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it strongly condemned organisations in the US and other Western countries for slandering and smearing the Hong Kong SAR Government for its handling, in accordance with the law, of the case of Lai Chee-ying and related custodial arrangements.
In a press statement, the Government said such slanders had fully exposed the malicious and despicable intentions of anti-China organisations and media to undermine the rule of law in Hong Kong.
The Government highlighted that it has emphasised time and again that as legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying are ongoing, it is inappropriate for anyone to comment on the case in an attempt to interfere with the court’s exercise of independent judicial power and to pervert the course of justice.
It said foreign organisations have nevertheless continued to distort the truth, discredit Hong Kong’s judicial system and trials, and make false and misleading statements about the treatment provided to Lai Chee-ying during his custody, in an attempt to glorify criminal behaviour and exert pressure on Hong Kong’s courts.
In addition, it stressed that while Lai Chee-ying’s legal representative has clarified that he has received suitable treatment and care in prison, foreign organisations have turned a blind eye to this in order to carry out malicious political manoeuvres and pursue ulterior motives.
The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that it opposes all such actions.
Separately, the Correctional Services Department said that it handles matters relating to Lai Chee-ying no differently from those regarding any other persons-in-custody.
It also reiterated that Lai Chee-ying’s removal from association from other persons-in-custody has been in accordance his own request and was approved by the department after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law.
The department remarked that remarks by organisations from the US and other Western countries regarding Lai Chee-ying’s solitary confinement therefore deliberately twist the facts, reflecting a malicious intention to smear and attack the Hong Kong SAR Government.
The Government also stressed that all cases in Hong Kong, including Lai Chee-ying’s case, are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. It said the Department of Justice controls criminal prosecutions, free from any interference and that all defendants in Hong Kong receive a fair trial under the safeguards of the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London on 13 July aged 82, was one of two former military heads of state who were later elected as civilian presidents. Buhari was the military head of state of Nigeria from 31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985 and president from 2015 to 2023.
The other Nigerian politician to have been in both roles is former president Olusegun Obasanjo . He was a military ruler between 1976 and 1979 and elected president between 1999 and 2007.
Buhari led Nigeria cumulatively for nearly a decade. His time as military head of state was marked with a war against corruption but he couldn’t do as much during his time as president under democratic rule.
As a political scientist who once served in the Nigerian Army, I believe that former president Buhari’s government’s war on terrorism was largely underwhelming, despite promises and early gains.
In his elected role, Buhari maintained a modest personal lifestyle and upheld electoral transitions. Nevertheless his presidency was marred by economic mismanagement, a failure to implement bold structural reforms, ethnic favouritism, and an unfulfilled promise of change.
He did leave tangible infrastructural footprints, a focus on agriculture, and foundational efforts in transparency and anti-corruption.
So his mark on Nigeria’s development trajectory was mixed.
Early years
Buhari was born on 17 December 1942, to Adamu and Zulaiha Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, north-west Nigeria. He was four years old when his father died. He attended Quranic school in Katsina. He was a Fulani, one of the major ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
After completing his schooling, Buhari joined the army in 1961. He had military training in the UK, India and the United States as well as Nigeria.
In 1975 he was appointed military governor of North Eastern State (now Borno State), after being involved in ousting Yakubu Gowon in a coup that same year. He served as governor for a year.
Buhari later became federal commissioner for petroleum resources, overseeing Nigeria’s petroleum industry under Obasanjo. Obasanjo had become head of state in 1976 when Gowon’s successor, Murtala Muhammed, was assassinated in a failed coup that year.
In September 1979, he returned to regular army duties and commanded the 3rd Armoured division based in Jos, Plateau State, north central. Nigeria’s Second Republic commenced that year after the election of Shehu Shagari as president.
The coup that truncated the Shagari government on 31 December 1983 saw the emergence of Buhari as Nigeria’s head of state.
Buhari’s junta years
Buhari headed the military government for just under two years. He was ousted in another coup on 27 August 1985.
While at the helm he vowed that the government would not tolerate kick-backs, inflation of contracts and over-invoicing of imports. Nor would it condone forgery, fraud, embezzlement, misuse and abuse of office and illegal dealings in foreign exchange and smuggling.
Eighteen state governors were tried by military tribunals. Some of the accused received lengthy prison sentences, while others were acquitted or had their sentences commuted.
His government also enacted the notorious Decree 4 under which two journalists, Nduka Irabor and Dele Thompson, were jailed. The charges stemmed from three articles published on the reorganisation of Nigeria’s diplomatic service.
Buhari also instituted austerity measures and started a “War Against Indiscipline” which sought to promote positive values in the country. Authoritarian methods were sometimes used in its implementation. Soldiers forced Nigerians to queue, to be punctual and to obey traffic laws.
He also instituted restrictions on press and political freedoms. Labour unions were not spared either. Mass retrenchment of Nigerians in the public service was carried out with impunity.
While citizens initially welcomed some of these measures, growing discontent on the economic front made things tougher for the regime.
Buhari’s dream to lead Nigeria again through the ballot box failed in 2003, 2007 and 2011. To his credit, he didn’t give up. An alliance of opposition parties succeeded in getting him elected in 2015.
The legacy he left is mixed.
Buhari’s government deepened national disunity.
His appointments, often skewed in favour of the northern region and his Fulani kinsmen, fuelled accusations of tribalism and marginalisation. His perceived affinity with Fulani herdsmen, despite widespread violence linked to some of them, further eroded public trust in his leadership.
His anti-corruption mantra largely did not succeed. While some high-profile recoveries were made, critics argue that his anti-corruption war was selective and heavily politicised.
Currently, his Central Bank governor is on trial for corruption charges.
The performance of the economy was also dismal under his tenure. Not all these problems could be laid at his feet. Nevertheless his inability to tackle the country’s underlying problems, such as insecurity, inflation and rising unemployment, all contributed. He presided over two recessions, rising unemployment, inflation, and a weakened naira.
He did, however, succeed on some fronts.
He tried with infrastructure. The Lagos-Ibadan expressway, a major road, was almost completed and he got the railways working again, completing the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan lines. He also completed the Second Niger Bridge.
There was an airport revitalisation programme which led to improvements in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt airports.
He also initiated some social investment schemes like N-Power, N-Teach and a school feeding programme. They provided temporary jobs for some and gave some poor people more money in their pockets. N-Power is a youth empowerment programme designed to combat unemployment, improve social development and provide people with relevant skills.
These programmes later became mired in corruption which only became known after he left office.
There was also an Anchor Borrowers Scheme to make the country more sufficient in rice production. Again, it got enmeshed in corruption and some of its officials are currently standing trial.
In the fight against corruption, the Buhari administration made some progress through the Treasury Single Account, which improved financial transparency in public institutions. The Whistle Blower Policy also led to the recovery of looted funds.
Buhari oversaw a deterioration of Nigeria’s security landscape. Banditry, farmer-herder clashes, kidnapping and separatist agitations escalated.
In 2015 Buhari campaigned on a promise to defeat Boko Haram and restore territorial integrity in the north-east. Initially, his administration made some progress. Boko Haram was driven out of several local government areas it once controlled, and major military operations such as Operation Lafiya Dole were launched to reclaim territory.
However, these initial successes were not sustained. Boko Haram splintered, giving rise to more brutal factions like the Islamic State West Africa Province. This group continued to launch deadly attacks.
Buhari’s counter-terrorism strategy was often reactive, lacking a clear long-term doctrine. The military was overstretched and under-equipped. Morale issues and allegations of corruption in the defence sector undermined operations.
Intelligence coordination remained poor, while civil-military relations suffered due to frequent human rights abuses by security forces. Community trust in the government’s ability to provide security dwindled.
Buhari’s second coming as Nigeria’s leader carried high expectations, but he under-delivered.
Kester Onor 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.
But what makes a power “great” in the realm of international relations?
Unlike other states, great powers possess a capacity to shape not only their immediate surroundings but the global order itself – defining the rules, norms and structures that govern international politics. Historically, they have been seen as the architects of world systems, exercising influence far beyond their neighborhoods.
The notion of great powers came about to distinguish between the most and least powerful states. The concept gained currency after the 1648 Peace of Westphalia and the Congress of Vienna in 1815 – events in Europe that helped establish the notion of sovereign states and the international laws governing them.
Whereas the great powers of the previous eras – for example, the Roman Empire – sought to expand their territory at almost every turn and relied on military power to do so, the modern great power utilizes a complex tapestry of diplomatic pressure, economic leverage and the assertions of international law. The order emerging out of Westphalia enshrined the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, which allowed these powers to pursue a balance of power as codified by the Congress of Vienna based on negotiation as opposed to domination.
This transformation represented a momentous development in world politics: At least some portion of the legitimacy of a state’s control was now realized through its relationships and capacity to keep the peace, rather than resting solely on its ability to use force.
From great to ‘super’
Using their material capabilities – economic strength, military might and political influence – great powers have been able to project power across multiple regions and dictate the terms of international order.
In the 19th-century Concert of Europe, the great powers – Britain, France, Austria, Prussia and Russia – collectively managed European politics, balancing power to maintain stability. Their influence extended globally through imperial expansion, trade and the establishment of norms that reflected their priorities.
During the 20th century, the Cold War brought a stark distinction between great powers and other states. The U.S. and the Soviet Union, as the era’s two “superpowers,” dominated the international system, shaping it through a rivalry that encompassed military alliances, ideological competition and economic systems. Great powers in this context were not merely powerful states but the central actors defining the structure of global politics.
Toward a multipolar world
The post-Cold War period briefly ushered in a unipolar moment, with the U.S. as the sole great power capable of shaping the international system on a global scale.
However, the emergence of new centers of power, particularly China and to a lesser extent Russia, has brought the unipolar era to a close, ushering in a multipolar world where the distinctive nature of great powers is once again reshaped.
In this system, great powers are states with the material capabilities and strategic ambition to influence the global order as a whole.
And here they differ from regional powers, whose influence is largely confined to specific areas. Nations such as Turkey, India, Australia, Brazil and Japan are influential within their neighborhoods. But they lack the global reach of the U.S. or China to fundamentally alter the international system.
Instead, the roles of these regional powers is often defined by stabilizing their regions, addressing local challenges or acting as intermediaries in great power competition.
Challenging greatness
Yet the multipolar world presents unique challenges for today’s great powers. The diffusion of power means that no single great power can dominate the system as the U.S. did in the post-Cold War unipolar era.
Instead, today’s great powers must navigate complex dynamics, balancing competition with cooperation. For instance, the rivalry between Washington and Beijing is now a defining feature of global politics, spanning trade, technology, military strategy and ideological influence. Meanwhile, Russia’s efforts to maintain its great power status have resulted in more assertive, though regionally focused, actions that nonetheless have global implications.
Great powers must also contend with the constraints of interdependence. The interconnected nature of the global economy, the proliferation of advanced technologies and the rise of transnational challenges such as climate change and pandemics limit the ability of any one great power to unilaterally dictate outcomes. This reality forces great powers to prioritize their core interests while finding ways to manage global issues through cooperation, even amid intense competition.
As the world continues to adjust to multiple centers of power, the defining feature of great powers remains an unmatched capacity to project influence globally and define the parameters of the international order.
Whether through competition, cooperation or conflict, the actions of great powers will, I believe, continue to shape the trajectory of the global system, making their distinctiveness as central players in international relations more relevant than ever.
Andrew Latham 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.
With the future of a crucial water-sharing treaty between India and Pakistan up in the air, one outside party is looking on with keen interest: China.
For 65 years, the Indus Waters Treaty has seen the two South Asian rivals share access and use of the Indus Basin, a vast area covered by the Indus River and its tributaries that also stretches into Afghanistan and China.
For much of that history, there has been widespread praise for the agreement as a successful demonstration of cooperation between adversarial states over a key shared resource. But experts have noted the treaty has long held the potential for conflict. Drafters failed to factor in the effects of climate change, and the Himalayan glaciers that feed the rivers are now melting at record rates, ultimately putting at risk the long-term sustainability of water supply. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict over Kashmir, where much of the basin is situated, puts cooperation at risk.
With treaty on ice, China steps in
That latest provocation threatening the treaty was a terrorist attack in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. In response to that attack, which India blamed on Pakistan and precipitated a four-day confrontation, New Delhi temporarily suspended the treaty.
But even before that attack, India and Pakistan had been locked in negotiation over the future of the treaty – the status of which has been in the hands of international arbitrators since 2016. In the latest development, on June 27, 2025, the Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a supplementary award in favor of Pakistan, arguing that India’s holding of the treaty in abeyance did not affect its jurisdiction over the case. Moreover, the treaty does not allow for either party to unilaterally suspend the treaty, the ruling suggested.
Amid the wrangling over the treaty’s future, Pakistan has turned to China for diplomatic and strategic support. Such support was evident during the conflict that took place following April’s terrorist attack, during which Pakistan employed Chinese-made fighter jets and other military equipment against its neighbor.
Meanwhile, in an apparent move to counter India’s suspension of the treaty, China and Pakistan have ramped up construction of a major dam project that would provide water supply and electricity to parts of Pakistan.
But as an expert in hydro politics, I believe Beijing’s involvement raises concerns: China is not a neutral observer in the dispute. Rather, Beijing has long harbored a desire to increase its influence in the region and to counter an India long seen as a rival. Given the at-times fraught relationship between China and India – the two countries went to war in 1962 and continue to engage in sporadic border skirmishes – there are concerns in New Delhi that Beijing may respond by disrupting the flow of rivers in its territory that feed into India.
In short, any intervention by Beijing over the Indus Waters Treaty risks stirring up regional tensions.
Wrangling over waters
The Indus Waters Treaty has already endured three armed conflicts between Pakistan and India, and until recently it served as an exemplar of how to forge a successful bilateral agreement between two rival neighbors.
Under the initial terms of the treaty, which each country signed in 1960, India was granted control over three eastern rivers the countries share – Ravi, Beas and Satluj – with an average annual flow of 40.4 billion cubic meters. Meanwhile, Pakistan was given access to almost 167.2 billion cubic meters of water from the western rivers – Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
In India, the relatively smaller distribution has long been the source of contention, with many believing the treaty’s terms are overly generous to Pakistan. India’s initial demand was for 25% of the Indus waters.
For Pakistan, the terms of the division of the Indus Waters Treaty are painful because they concretized unresolved land disputes tied to the partition of India in 1947. In particular, the division of the rivers is framed within the broader political context of Kashmir. The three major rivers – Indus, Jhelum and Chenab – flow through Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir before entering the Pakistan-controlled western part of the Kashmir region.
But the instability of the Kashmir region – disputes around the Line of Control separating the Indian- and Pakistan-controlled areas are common – underscores Pakistan’s water vulnerability.
Since Pakistan’s economy relies heavily on agriculture and the water needed to maintain agricultural land, the fate of the Indus Waters Treaty is of the utmost importance to Pakistan’s leaders.
Such conditions have driven Islamabad to be a willing partner with China in a bid to shore up its water supply.
China provides technical expertise and financial support to Pakistan for numerous hydropower projects in Pakistan, including the Diamer Bhasha Dam and Kohala Hydropower Project. These projects play a significant role in addressing Pakistan’s energy requirements and have been a key aspect of the transboundary water relationship between the two nations.
Doing so fits Beijing’ s greater strategic presence in South Asian politics. After the terrorist attack, China Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan, showcasing the relationship as an “all-weather strategic” partnership and referring to Pakistan as an “ironclad friend.”
And in response to India’s suspension of the treaty, China announced it was to accelerate work on the significant Mohmand hydropower project on the tributary of the Indus River in Pakistan.
Chinese investment in Pakistan’s hydropower sector presents substantial opportunities for both countries in regards to energy security and promoting economic growth.
The Indus cascade project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor initiative, for example, promises to provide cumulative hydropower generation capacity of around 22,000 megawatts. Yet the fact that project broke ground in Gilgit-Baltistan, a disputed area in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, underscores the delicacy of the situation.
Beijing’s backing of Pakistan is largely motivated by a mix of economic and geopolitical interests, particularly in legitimizing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. But it comes at the cost of stirring up regional tensions.
As such, the alignment of Chinese and Pakistani interests in developing hydro projects can pose a further challenge to the stability of South Asia’s water-sharing agreements, especially in the Indus Basin. Recently, the chief minister of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China, warned that Beijing’s hydro projects in the Western Tibet region amount to a ticking “water bomb.”
To diffuse such tensions – and to get the Indus Waters Treaty back on track – it behooves India, China and Pakistan to engage in diplomacy and dialogue. Such engagement is, I believe, essential in addressing the ongoing water-related challenges in South Asia.
Pintu Kumar Mahla is affiliated with the Water Resources Research Center, the University of Arizona. He is also a member of the International Association of Water Law (AIDA).
Pintu Kumar Mahla has not received funding related to this article.
Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with Ji Kim, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, The Honorable Rostin Behnam, Distinguished Fellow at Georgetown University, and Tom Sexton, President and CEO of National Futures Association, during a Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Ag) Committee hearing on federal oversight of digital commodities. During the hearing, they discussed the need for the U.S. to be a leader in digital assets.
Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or on YouTube or Rumble.
TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Kim, you touched on this very briefly in your opening statement. The E.U. and U.K. are moving quickly to attract blockchain-based innovation. What risk are we at in the United States? What are we gonna face if we don’t get more urgent about what’s going on?
I recently talked to some exchanges and they’re freaking out basically about, ‘Hey, we’ve gotta do something or we’re gonna move out of the country.’ What [are] your thoughts?”
KIM: “Thank you very much for your question, Senator. As I mentioned in my testimony, it is a global race to the top. So other jurisdictions have not been waiting for the U.S. to lead. You have the E.U., Singapore, Japan, U.K. [are] all looking into technology resources. I see block chain development and digital assets as the plumbing and infrastructure for the second half of the 21st Century. We need the U.S. to lead.
That said, despite the progress in other jurisdictions, everyone is watching the U.S. now. They’re seeing the Senate having passed [the] GENIUS [Act], they’re seeing development on the market structure bill, including in this Committee. And even the U.K. is actually a really good example, Senator, where they had been taking a very modular, patient approach, but recently they announced an all-at-once approach. And I believe that there’s an opportunity for the U.S. to cement this leadership and make sure this innovation stays here in the U.S. — and that starts with a comprehensive incentive framework as I discussed, Senator.”
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Mr. Sexton [do] you want to follow-up on that? You got anything on that — about us dragging our feet?”
SEXTON: “Senator, I encourage this Committee and the House to continue to work on legislation in this area. I think it’s very important. I can tell you that from our perspective, we have, as I indicated, member firms are already engaged in this activity. And to the extent that the CFTC would be provided with not only anti-fraud, but also regulatory oversight over digital commodities, I think it’d be very helpful as far as our own regulatory structure here.”
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.
Mr. Behnam, the U.S. model of having two regulators — and we touched on this briefly — only works if there are clear jurisdictions. You’re very familiar with that. Can you talk about the need to clear up, you know, this regulatory definition between CFTC and the SEC?”
BEHNAM: “Senator, thanks for the question. It’s the first and most important step because from that point, the two agencies will be able to really start to develop rules either distinctly and uniquely or in a joint fashion. But this is certainly a new asset that has a lot of characteristics that are similar to other assets but also have a lot of characteristics that are novel and new and are gonna require a different way of thinking about it. So, I do think it’s critically important. I also think, putting myself in my old shoes, it is important that the agencies get a bit of a steer from this Committee in Congress because there are lines that I think this committee and the Congress can draw to help the agencies start to really define the landscape of what tokens are securities and what tokens are commodities.”
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. I yield back.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)
Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee’s markup of the fiscal year 2026 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs funding bill:
-As Prepared For Delivery-
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Let me start by recognizing the collegiality of Chairman Diaz-Balart and the thoughtful members on both sides of the aisle. I also want to thank the dedicated committee staff—and my own team—for their hard work and guidance. But above all, I want to express my deep gratitude to the public servants who bring American values to life around the world—diplomats, development professionals, and humanitarian workers. They serve and served in some of the most dangerous and difficult places on earth. Many have recently been forced out of their jobs, dismissed without cause or ceremony. To those who’ve served and those still standing: You are patriots. You represent the best of who we are. And we owe you more than thanks—we owe you the tools to do your job.
With the right allocation and a White House that actually valued diplomacy, development, and humanitarianism, I believe we could have crafted a strong, bipartisan measure worthy of our nation’s leadership.
Instead, I rise in fierce opposition to the Republican FY26 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs bill—a reckless, shortsighted blueprint for American retreat.
It follows a deeply troubling pattern. The White House has illegally impounded foreign aid, dismantled USAID, gutted the State Department—all without input from Congress. More than ten thousand USAID staff were dismissed. Over 5,000 aid programs have been axed. Just last week, 1,300 State Department employees were let go. Entire offices eliminated.
And all of this in the middle of a global convergence of crises: armed conflicts, climate disasters, health emergencies, famine, mass migration, and rising authoritarianism.
This is not theoretical. These crises are slamming into us. When fragile states collapse, migration surges. When we cancel trade support, American farmers and manufacturers lose customers. When we fail to build climate resilience, homes and crops are washed away. When global health systems fail, disease reaches our shores. And when the U.S. pulls back, China and Russia are right there to take our place.
Worse still, our closest allies—pressured to increase military spending—are also cutting their foreign aid. So as global needs explode, the soft power of democratic nations is vanishing. And the vacuum left behind? It’s being filled by regimes that don’t share our values—or our interests.
This bill slashes international affairs funding by 22 percent—$13 billion in deep, devastating cuts.
It guts development and economic support: children pulled from classrooms and left without clean water; farmers cut off from tools that feed communities; young entrepreneurs abandoned, fueling extremism and instability; conflict prevention programs eliminated—so violence erupts unchecked; local organizations, our most trusted partners, shut down.
It cuts humanitarian assistance by 42 percent. That’s not just unwise—it’s inhumane: women and girls in conflict zones left without care after suffering horrific sexual violence; refugees denied shelter, medicine, hope; food rations slashed below survival levels in places like Syria, Sudan, Bangladesh; and millions of children dying from malnutrition.
This bill is cruel. It is cold. And it is not who we are.
And of course, Republicans couldn’t resist another attack on women—reviving the Global Gag Rule, gutting funding for the UN Population Fund, and shortchanging family planning programs that save lives and lift up communities.
This bill also abandons multilateral institutions like the United Nations and World Health Organization; it sidelines the U.S. from global decision-making; weakens our ability to promote peace and defend allies; forces partners into the arms of authoritarian regimes; and forfeits the power of burden-sharing through institutions like UNICEF, the World Bank, and the UN.
It’s putting China in charge of the world.
Let me be blunt: These cuts are not abstract. They are deadly.
In Nigeria, malnourished infants are dying because therapeutic food deliveries have stopped. In Myanmar, hospitals are shutting their doors in the middle of conflict. In The Gambia, programs to support survivors of female genital mutilation have been halted just as the country debates re-legalizing the practice. In Ukraine, wounded soldiers are going without care. In Afghanistan, pregnant women are being turned away from clinics. In Ecuador, women entrepreneurs—stripped of support—are being pushed toward our border.
This isn’t just a loss of aid. It’s a loss of American credibility. A loss of moral authority. A loss of global influence.
And it will cost us dearly.
Why should the American people care? Because when we fail to lead with compassion and common sense, the world becomes less stable, our troops face more danger, and we pay the price—again and again.
When we cut aid, we increase the risk of war. When we defund development, we undercut diplomacy. And when we turn our back on the world, we endanger our own.
I speak as the proud mother of a U.S. Marine veteran. I know what happens when diplomacy fails. When we fail to prevent conflict with education, aid, and engagement, the burden falls on the Pentagon—and on families whose loved ones serve our military.
Let’s remember: The entire international affairs budget has typically been less than one percent of federal spending. But it delivers exponential returns for our safety, prosperity, and moral standing.
These programs give youth an alternative to violence. They build markets for American goods. They prevent wars. They reduce migration pressures. They keep our troops home.
This bill—sadly—is a missed opportunity. A failure to lead. A failure to invest in the power of peace, progress, and partnership.
But let me end with this: Democrats are not giving up. We stand ready to work with our Republican colleagues—to fight for a bill that reflects our values, honors our commitments, and protects American lives.
A sustained path to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation cannot be built on isolation and threats.
Because we cannot bomb our way to peace. We cannot drone our way to stability. And we cannot retreat our way to safety.
A strong America leads—not with fear, but with courage.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Gavin Domingo Alimurong, age 27, from Dededo, Guam was sentenced to 135-months imprisonment. He was charged in the U.S. District Court of Guam with Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty or More Grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)(viii) and 846. Alimurong also forfeited four vehicles, jewelry, luxury bags, and $350,164 in cash. The Court also ordered five years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits.
Between July 2019 and July 2022, Alimurong conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Guam. He obtained methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy through the dark web, converting U.S. currency into Bitcoin to pay for drugs shipped to Guam via the U.S. Postal Service. In December 2021, Guam Police Department investigated a domestic violence incident involving Alimurong. During searches of his residence and vehicle, law enforcement seized 594 grams of methamphetamine and 401 grams of cocaine, in addition to pharmaceuticals including oxycodone, alprazolam, and amphetamine pills. Police also seized glass pipes, a pill crusher, a digital scale, plastic zip-top bags, a money counter, a postal stamp printer, and various luxury items. Officers also recovered a firearm, ammunition, and $93,124 in cash.
A search of a storage locker revealed an additional $257,040 in U.S. currency from illegal drug sales. Western Union records indicated that Alimurong wired $103,165 to multiple individuals in China, Vietnam, Bolivia, Colombia, Laos, and the United States.
“Law enforcement removed a prolific drug dealer from the streets of Guam,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Drug defendants, such as Alimurong, face more than a substantial term of imprisonment. We will also take any property earned from or facilitating drug trafficking. I applaud our multi-agency partners that continue to protect our communities from this dangerous activity.”
“Drug trafficking will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Anthony Chrysanthis, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, which oversees Guam. “We will vigorously pursue all criminals who flood our streets with their poison and ensure they face the full force of the law.”
“The defendant in this case callously chased profits with no concern for the impact and harm he brought to public safety,” said Homeland Security Investigations Hawaii Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “HSI and its partners in law enforcement will aggressively investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the transnational flow of illegal drugs and ensure those that choose to traffic them are held accountable for the harm they bring to the communities of Guam.”
“You will lose your freedom and the unlawful proceeds or your crime if you try to exploit the U.S. mail to traffic dangerous controlled substances,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen Sherwood. “I would like to thank our federal partners, and our task force partners with Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, the Guam Police Department, and the Guam Army National Guard Counter Drug Program for helping keep methamphetamine out of the mail and out of our communities.”
“Drugs and guns are a losing combination,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Mr. Alimurong’s actions put the community in great harm and was only exacerbated by his possession of firearms. Because of his actions, this sentence is well deserved.”
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strategic Initiative. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Guam Police Department, with support from Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Guam Police Department Special Investigations Section, and the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency.
Assistant United States Attorney Rosetta L. San Nicolas prosecuted the case in the District of Guam.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HONG KONG, July 16 (Xinhua) — A collection of articles by Chinese President Xi Jinping on education and two other books printed in traditional Chinese characters were unveiled on Wednesday, the first day of the Hong Kong Book Fair in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR).
The three books, “On Education,” “Thesis for Studying Xi Jinping Thought on Culture,” and “Xi Jinping Among the People: Warm Moments,” were published by Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Limited in Hong Kong. They aim to help readers in Hong Kong and Macao gain a deeper understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and strengthen their national cultural identity.
Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Lee Jiachao /John Lee/ attended the presentation of these publications. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
New York, NY, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cryptocurrency market continues to experience high volatility in 2025, a new cloud mining platform, BlockchainCloudMining, is preparing for its official launch, capturing the attention of senior XRP holders and professional crypto investors seeking stable daily income with low risk.
With crypto assets like XRP swinging in unpredictable cycles, seasoned traders are increasingly shifting their strategies from high-frequency trading to secure, predictable passive income. BlockchainCloudMining offers exactly that — a transparent, smart contract–driven mining service designed to deliver consistent returns with minimal effort and no hardware hassles.
About to Launch: A New Era for XRP-Backed Cloud Mining
BlockchainCloudMining is a next-generation cloud mining platform allowing users to participate in cryptocurrency mining without investing in expensive equipment or paying high electricity bills. Backed by smart contracts and real-time on-chain transparency, the platform is set to officially open to the public, offering daily fixed-income opportunities for XRP and other major asset holders.
Veteran traders are already preparing to allocate a portion of their portfolios to the platform ahead of its official debut, driven by early incentives and a low entry threshold.
The main platform advantages for veteran XRP holders to choose BlockchainCloudMining are as follows:
⦁ Register to get an instant $12 reward. ⦁ High profit level and daily dividends. ⦁ No other service fees or management fees. ⦁ The platform supports more than 9 cryptocurrency settlements, such as DOGE, BTC, ETH, SOL, USDC, USDT, XRP, LTC and BCH. ⦁ The company’s affiliate program allows you to refer friends and get up to $50,000 in referral bonuses. ⦁McAfee® security. Cloudflare® security. 100% uptime guarantee and excellent 24/7 manual online technical support.
More importantly, the platform uses smart contract technology to ensure that all transactions, income, and computing power usage can be checked on the chain, which greatly enhances transparency and security. Every user can view the progress of the contract in real time. The platform has no lock-up restrictions and supports withdrawals at any time.
Flexible Investment Options: Contracts for All Levels
The BlockchainCloudMining platform contract has a low threshold, with a minimum of only a few hundred dollars to start, and supports opening multiple contracts at one time. Suitable for users of different asset sizes, whether they are trial users or large holders, they can flexibly arrange their positions. Some stable income contracts on the platform are as follows: ⦁ [New User Experience Contract]: Investment amount: US$100, contract period 2 days, total income: US$100 + US$6. ⦁ [WhatsMiner M66S]: Investment amount: US$500, contract period 7 days, total income: US$500 + US$45.5. ⦁【WhatsMiner M60】: Investment amount: $1,000, contract period 14 days, total return: $1,000 + $196. ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21+】: Investment amount: $3,000, contract period 20 days, total return: $3,000 + $900. ⦁【ALPH Miner AL1】: Investment amount: $10,000, contract period 35 days, total return: $10,000 + $5,950. ⦁【ANTSPACE HK3】: Investment amount: $33,000, contract period 40 days, total return: $33,000 + $26,400. You can get the return the next day after purchasing the contract, or you can choose to withdraw to your crypto wallet or continue to purchase other contracts. (The platform has launched a number of stable income contracts. For more contract details, please log in to the official website of Blockchaincloudmining.com)
Rapid Growth and Strong Community Support
With support for multilingual users across North America, Europe, and Asia, BlockchainCloudMining is attracting a global user base. Assets are stored in cold wallets with multi-signature protection, and undergo independent third-party audits. The platform’s Q2 2025 data shows a 220% surge in registered users, led by the XRP community — highlighting strong investor trust ahead of the full launch.
Conclusion: In the crypto market where impetuousness and high volatility coexist, the truly smart investment strategy is not to chase ups and downs, but to find a path to “certain income”. As more and more senior XRP traders have discovered, BlockchainCloudMining is becoming their best tool to accumulate chips in the bear market and lay out a good game before the bull market. The future is here, and investors are saying goodbye to a single trading logic and turning to diversified asset deployment. And BlockchainCloudMining is standing at the core of this transformation wave.
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.
New York, NY, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cryptocurrency market continues to experience high volatility in 2025, a new cloud mining platform, BlockchainCloudMining, is preparing for its official launch, capturing the attention of senior XRP holders and professional crypto investors seeking stable daily income with low risk.
With crypto assets like XRP swinging in unpredictable cycles, seasoned traders are increasingly shifting their strategies from high-frequency trading to secure, predictable passive income. BlockchainCloudMining offers exactly that — a transparent, smart contract–driven mining service designed to deliver consistent returns with minimal effort and no hardware hassles.
About to Launch: A New Era for XRP-Backed Cloud Mining
BlockchainCloudMining is a next-generation cloud mining platform allowing users to participate in cryptocurrency mining without investing in expensive equipment or paying high electricity bills. Backed by smart contracts and real-time on-chain transparency, the platform is set to officially open to the public, offering daily fixed-income opportunities for XRP and other major asset holders.
Veteran traders are already preparing to allocate a portion of their portfolios to the platform ahead of its official debut, driven by early incentives and a low entry threshold.
The main platform advantages for veteran XRP holders to choose BlockchainCloudMining are as follows:
⦁ Register to get an instant $12 reward. ⦁ High profit level and daily dividends. ⦁ No other service fees or management fees. ⦁ The platform supports more than 9 cryptocurrency settlements, such as DOGE, BTC, ETH, SOL, USDC, USDT, XRP, LTC and BCH. ⦁ The company’s affiliate program allows you to refer friends and get up to $50,000 in referral bonuses. ⦁McAfee® security. Cloudflare® security. 100% uptime guarantee and excellent 24/7 manual online technical support.
More importantly, the platform uses smart contract technology to ensure that all transactions, income, and computing power usage can be checked on the chain, which greatly enhances transparency and security. Every user can view the progress of the contract in real time. The platform has no lock-up restrictions and supports withdrawals at any time.
Flexible Investment Options: Contracts for All Levels
The BlockchainCloudMining platform contract has a low threshold, with a minimum of only a few hundred dollars to start, and supports opening multiple contracts at one time. Suitable for users of different asset sizes, whether they are trial users or large holders, they can flexibly arrange their positions. Some stable income contracts on the platform are as follows: ⦁ [New User Experience Contract]: Investment amount: US$100, contract period 2 days, total income: US$100 + US$6. ⦁ [WhatsMiner M66S]: Investment amount: US$500, contract period 7 days, total income: US$500 + US$45.5. ⦁【WhatsMiner M60】: Investment amount: $1,000, contract period 14 days, total return: $1,000 + $196. ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21+】: Investment amount: $3,000, contract period 20 days, total return: $3,000 + $900. ⦁【ALPH Miner AL1】: Investment amount: $10,000, contract period 35 days, total return: $10,000 + $5,950. ⦁【ANTSPACE HK3】: Investment amount: $33,000, contract period 40 days, total return: $33,000 + $26,400. You can get the return the next day after purchasing the contract, or you can choose to withdraw to your crypto wallet or continue to purchase other contracts. (The platform has launched a number of stable income contracts. For more contract details, please log in to the official website of Blockchaincloudmining.com)
Rapid Growth and Strong Community Support
With support for multilingual users across North America, Europe, and Asia, BlockchainCloudMining is attracting a global user base. Assets are stored in cold wallets with multi-signature protection, and undergo independent third-party audits. The platform’s Q2 2025 data shows a 220% surge in registered users, led by the XRP community — highlighting strong investor trust ahead of the full launch.
Conclusion: In the crypto market where impetuousness and high volatility coexist, the truly smart investment strategy is not to chase ups and downs, but to find a path to “certain income”. As more and more senior XRP traders have discovered, BlockchainCloudMining is becoming their best tool to accumulate chips in the bear market and lay out a good game before the bull market. The future is here, and investors are saying goodbye to a single trading logic and turning to diversified asset deployment. And BlockchainCloudMining is standing at the core of this transformation wave.
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.
Two amendment regulations will be published in the Government Gazette this Friday mandating the installation of Journey Recording Systems (JRSs) in all taxis and requiring all taxi drivers to allow fares to be paid by electronic payment (e-payment) means.
The two amendments – named the Road Traffic (Construction & Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 and the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 – are aimed at enhancing overall service quality for members of the public through technology.
The Transport & Logistics Bureau said the JRSs should be capable of making “in-vehicle recordings” – video recordings, with audio, made inside taxi compartments – as well as recordings of taxis’ front and rear views.
It added that JRSs should capture data concerning taxis’ location via a global navigation satellite system.
The bureau said it believes the functions will help deter malpractices by taxi drivers, enhance driving safety and safeguard the interests of both drivers and passengers in the event of disputes.
To assist the trade in preparing for new requirements relating to the JRSs, the Transport Department will inform the trade of these through various channels, including its own website, the regular Taxi Newsletter, publicity leaflets and regular meetings with the trade, in the second half of this year.
The department will also carry out work relating to the authorisation of suppliers starting from the fourth quarter of this year, so that the trade can start installing JRSs inside taxi compartments next year.
Upon completion of installation in all taxis, the JRSs will be ready to come into operation and will have to be connected to the department’s centralised information system.
To protect the privacy of passengers and drivers, the recordings and data captured by JRSs should be encrypted. Law enforcement agencies, the Commissioner for Transport and authorised persons will be able retrieve or access in-vehicle recordings only for specified purposes.
The bureau outlined that, as many taxis still only accept cash, causing great inconvenience to passengers, especially tourists, all taxi drivers will be required to allow fares to be paid by e-payment means.
The requirement will come into effect on April 1 next year.
To help drivers to prepare for it, the department will co-ordinate with various e-payment platforms to arrange workshops or briefings to assist drivers in learning how to collect fares through e-payment means.
The partnership dubbed, Leadership Excellence for African Diagnostics (LEAD) between Roche and ASLM is a three-year programme to strengthen lab leadership in Africa
The initiative focuses on mentorship and training to build lab leadership capabilities
Roche Diagnostics Africa (www.Roche.com) and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) (www.ASLM.org) have announced the launch of a three-year partnership to elevate laboratory leadership and improve access to quality diagnostic services across the continent. The initiative — titled LEAD: Leadership Excellence for African Diagnostics — brings together health ministries, laboratory directors, academic partners and technical experts to develop a new generation of capable, connected and future-ready lab leaders.
“This partnership will build long-term leadership thatwould shape the future of diagnostics in Africa — practically, strategically and sustainably. In a time where we need African healthcare systems to become less reliant on external funding sources, we are focused on increasing domestic diagnostics capacity more than ever,” says Dr Allan Pamba, Executive Vice President, Diagnostics, Africa, at Roche Diagnostics.
“We are entering a new chapter where African health systems take the lead in their own transformation. By growing diagnostic leadership we support long-term resilience and impact. LEAD equips professionals who can influence policy, drive national strategy and build sustainable healthcare capacity.”
Under the partnership, LEAD will deliver a series of integrated interventions including baseline leadership assessments to guide a tailored context-specific training approach, development of a pan-African curriculum in collaboration with a leading academic institution, structured mentorship and professional development for emerging lab leaders, peer learning and regional collaboration through workshops and best practise exchanges.
ASLM Chief Executive Officer, Nqobile Ndlovu, added: “Diagnostics are the foundation of resilient health systems – but strong labs require strong leaders. LEAD focuses on people: their vision, their reach and their ability to transform public health from within. With this programme, we are supporting the leadership needed to move African healthcare forward.”
Roche will provide funding, technical support and global platforms for visibility while ASLM will lead country-level implementation, stakeholder coordination and curriculum development.
Laboratory strengthening is a key enabler for stronger health systems and this partnership is a commitment towards a healthier future for Africans.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Roche Diagnostics.
About Roche: Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world’s largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice.
In recognising our endeavor to pursue a long-term perspective in all we do, Roche has been named one of the most sustainable companies in the pharmaceuticals industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the thirteenth consecutive year. This distinction also reflects our efforts to improve access to healthcare together with local partners in every country we work.
Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.
All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.
About ASLM: The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is a pan-African organization committed to achieving a healthier Africa by increasing access to quality laboratory services for all. We work to convene and mobilize stakeholders at all levels to improve access to diagnostic services and strengthen laboratory systems and networks.
Since its founding in 2011, ASLM has played a key role in advancing laboratory medicine in Africa, collaborating with partners and stakeholders to promote disease diagnosis, surveillance, and control. Through its programs and initiatives, ASLM has contributed to the development of laboratory policies and guidelines, the expansion of laboratory networks, and the improvement of laboratory infrastructure and equipment. ASLM’s experience highlights the importance of laboratory medicine in public health and demonstrates the impact of collaborative efforts in advancing health outcomes in Africa.
Is it true that male animals are dominant over females? Previous studies have often found male-biased power in primates and other mammals.
A new study, investigating physical encounters between members of the same species in 121 primates (around a quarter of all primate species) found that half of all aggressive contests were between males and females. But males won these contests in only 17% of primate populations, with females dominating in 13% – making it almost as likely for females to dominate males.
The remaining 70% of primate populations showed no clear-cut dominance of one sex over the other. This study may have shown different results to previous research because it assessed individual contests rather than categorising species based on their social structure and physical attributes.
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The new study found male dominance, where males have a greater ability to influence the behaviour of the opposite sex, to be prevalent in primate species where the males are much larger than the females. This enables males to gain dominance through physical force or coercion. It was also widespread in species where males have weapons and mate with lots of females.
This is typical of African and Asian monkeys and the great apes, such as gorillas. Weighing in at around 200kg, a silverback male can be twice the size of the females within his troop. Male gorillas also have large canine teeth that can seriously injure or even kill other gorillas.
Female power was seen in primate species that had a scarcity of females, one exclusive sexual partner, similar sized males and females but did not have bodily weapons, according to the new study. These are all factors that give females more choice over who to mate with.
Female dominance was also seen in species where fighting with a male was less risky for the dependent offspring of females. For example, some primates “park” their young on their own in nests while foraging, rather than carrying them around. If a mother is holding her baby when she’s attacked, she may submit to protect her young.
Finally, matriarchal societies were common in species that live primarily in trees, which makes it easier to flee an attacker.
Female-dominated species were more likely in lorises, galagos and lemurs. So, contrary to the film Madagascar where King Julien is the king of the lemurs, females are, in fact, in charge. In the ring-tailed lemurs, females control access to food and mates, and maintain the dominance hierarchy where males are often at the bottom.
This is also true of bonobos, the closest relatives of humans. Although male bonobos are larger, females form coalitions to overcome the physical power of the males and force them into submission. This show of solidarity has also been shown in humans.
Think of how the suffragettes campaigned for women’s rights to vote in the UK. Or more recently, how women demanded new safety measures after Sarah Everard was murdered by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens in 2021.
Although female dominance has been documented less often in the wider animal kingdom, there are some examples that defy expectations. Spotted hyenas have a matriarchal society where females dominate the clans. They even have a pseudo-penis that they erect to indicate submission to more dominant individuals.
Naked mole rats have a queen that gives birth to all of the young while her offspring find food and defend the nest. The males are subordinate to the queen, but so too are the other females. In fact, the queen bullies the other members of her colony so much that the females are all rendered sterile through stress.
But what about the 70% of primate species that were found to show no dominant sex bias in the new study? These were largely the South American monkeys such as marmosets, tamarins and capuchins, that are generally small, live in trees, are social and omnivorous.
They also tended to have a prehensile tail that helps them grasp things. The ecology of these species fall in the middle of the male and female dominated species, with size difference and weapons being neither extreme nor absent, mating systems being neither polygamous nor monogamous, and the frequency of females being nether abundant nor rare.
The absence of a definitive sex-bias in dominance found in the majority of primate species may be a result of the rarity of contests between males and females, or because males and females were both equally likely to win. Nevertheless, dominance varied within species. For example the percentage of intersexual contests won by female patas monkeys ranged from 0% to 61%, depending on the population studied.
What does this mean for humans?
Human traits are not skewed towards those of male-dominated societies in other primates. We may not live in trees but males do not have natural weapons. Males are not always bigger than females, females do not tend to outnumber males and our sexual habits are varied.
Humans are actually more aligned to the 70% of species that show no clear distinction in sex biases, where species of either sex can become dominant. Let’s see which way evolution takes us.
Louise Gentle works for Nottingham Trent University.
International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept. “Somalia: Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility and Request for a Modification of Quantitative Performance Criterion-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Somalia”, IMF Staff Country Reports 2025, 191 (2025), accessed July 16, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229014779.002
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story
UK Export Finance makes historic first visit to Turkmenistan
UK Export Finance visited Turkmenistan for the first time last month and met with key ministries and institutions.
Ms Clare Allbless, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Ashgabat, Ms Sebnem Alp, UKEF Country Head for Türkiye, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Ms Irem Kayhan, Deputy Head for Türkiye, Turkmenistan & Mongolia, Mr Eldar Latypov, Project Officer, British Embassy Ashgabat.
The British Embassy in Ashgabat is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the first-ever visit to Turkmenistan by senior representatives of UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK Government’s export credit agency. From 23 to 27 June 2025, Ms Sebnem Alp, UKEF Country Head for Türkiye, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Ms Irem Kayhan, Deputy Head for Türkiye, Turkmenistan & Mongolia, held high-level meetings with key ministries and institutions across Turkmenistan.
Productive discussions with the Ministries.
The visit, graciously facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, included productive discussions with the Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Energy, Central Bank, Vnesheconombank, and other strategic agencies. These engagements explored opportunities for UKEF to support major sovereign projects across infrastructure, fertiliser, transport, agriculture, water, and green transition sectors in Turkmenistan, potentially backed by UKEF guarantee support of up to £5 billion
Ms Clare Allbless, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Ashgabat, Ms Sebnem Alp, UKEF Country Head for Türkiye, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Ms Irem Kayhan, Deputy Head for Türkiye, Turkmenistan & Mongolia, Mr Eldar Latypov, Project Officer, British Embassy Ashgabat.
This milestone visit marks a new chapter in UK – Turkmenistan relations and opens the door to deeper bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The British Embassy stands ready to support continued dialogue and collaboration between UKEF and the Government of Turkmenistan to deliver sustainable, high-quality development outcomes.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs shut down two suspected illicit cigarette storage centres in Sham Shui Po today (July 16), seizing a total of about 1 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $4.5 million and a duty potential of about $3.3 million. One 45-year old non-local man was arrested.
Customs officers conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Sham Shui Po this afternoon and spotted a suspicious man moving some carton boxes near an illicit cigarette black spot in Kweilin Street. Customs officers then intercepted the man and found about 70 000 suspected illicit cigarettes. After follow-up investigations, about 80 000 and about 850 000 illicit cigarettes were uncovered respectively from two units at a nearby rear lane.
After preliminary investigations, Customs believes that the two suspected illicit cigarette storage centres have been operating for about three months, supplying illicit cigarettes to the aforesaid black spot. An investigation is ongoing.
Hong Kong Customs has been mounting a territory-wide enforcement operation codenamed “Thunder” since last week to combat illicit cigarette telephone-ordering activities, including illicit cigarette storage centres, black spots and peddling. Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.
Customs stresses that it is an offence to buy or sell illicit cigarettes. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKSAR reiterates Lai Chee-ying’s case and his custodial arrangements always handled in accordance with the law A spokesman for the HKSAR Government pointed out that, “The HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that as the legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case in an attempt to interfere with the court to exercise judicial power independently, which might otherwise constitute perverting the course of justice. However, foreign organisations primarily from the US and Western countries, including governments and the media, continue to distort the truth, blantantly discredit the judicial system and trials of the HKSAR, and make false and misleading statements by fabricating information about the treatment provided to Lai Chee-ying during his custody, in an attempt to glorify criminal behavior and exert pressure on the courts of the HKSAR. In fact, Lai Chee-ying’s actual legal representative has already made a clarification earlier that Lai Chee-ying has all along been receiving suitable treatment and care in prison. However, the organisations from the US and Western countries choose to turn a blind eye to these facts and evidence, and carry on with their malicious political maneuvers with ulterior motives. The HKSAR Government opposes such actions.”
The spokesman reiterated, “The Correctional Services Department (CSD) attaches great importance to the safety and health of persons-in-custody (PICs). Regardless of the identities, ages and nationalities of PICs, the CSD is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, and that an environment with good ventilation, as well as appropriate and timely medical support will be provided. If inmates require further examination and treatment, they will be referred to specialist medical staff or to public hospitals for further follow-up. The CSD has also put in place an established mechanism, including regular independent visitors, namely Justices of the Peace, who inspect the prisons to ensure the rights of PICs are protected. The CSD also adopts the above arrangements when handling matters related to Lai Chee-ying, which are no different from those applicable to other PICs.
“In the interests of a particular prisoner or for the maintenance of good order and discipline, the Commissioner of Correctional Services is empowered to make arrangements under section 68B of the Prison Rules that such prisoner should not associate with other prisoners (i.e. the so-called ‘solitary confinement’). One of the purposes of the relevant arrangement is to ensure the personal safety and well-being of the PICs, which can be requested by the PICs themselves and approved by the Commissioner after considering the matter in accordance with the law; or the Commissioner may make such arrangements after considering the relevant factors in accordance with the legal requirements and procedures. We must once again point out the fact that the arrangement for Lai Chee-ying’s removal from association from other PICs has all along been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law. The remarks by organisations from the US and other Western countries regarding Lai Chee-ying’s solitary confinement are completely fact-twisting, reflecting a malicious intention to smear and attack the HKSAR Government.”
The spokesman stressed, “All cases in the HKSAR (including Lai Chee-ying’s case) are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law; the Department of Justice of the HKSAR, by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law, controls criminal prosecutions, free from any interference; all defendants will receive fair trial with applicable Hong Kong laws (including the Hong Kong National Security Law) and under the safeguards of the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.” Issued at HKT 21:00
SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDF Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: PDFS), a leading provider of comprehensive data solutions for the semiconductor and electronics ecosystems, today announces that it will host two important semiconductor industry events in 2025.
Connected Equipment Summit On October 9th, 2025, PDF Solutions will host its inaugural Connected Equipment Summit in Chandler, Arizona. This premier industry event will showcase the Company’s latest innovations in equipment connectivity, secure remote access and monitoring, and the transformative applications of AI and digital twin technology in semiconductor equipment management.
Following PDF Solutions’ acquisition of secureWISE LLC earlier in 2025, the summit will unveil the details of the Company’s strategic vision to combine Cimetrix factory automation software solutions with secureWISE capabilities to deliver superior equipment operational efficiency and secure collaboration across the entire semiconductor ecosystem.
The event will feature insights from key stakeholders throughout the semiconductor value chain, including equipment makers, foundries, and fabless companies. These industry leaders will share their experiences and success stories implementing secureWISE solutions, demonstrating the tangible value of secure remote semiconductor equipment connectivity and control from multiple perspectives within the ecosystem.
Additional information including agenda, logistics and registration for the Connected Equipment Summit can be found using the following link: https://go.pdf.com/l/814523/2025-06-04/c94lg
Users Conference On December 3rd and 4th, 2025, PDF Solutions will host its Users Conference in Santa Clara, CA. This high-profile industry event will cover the breadth of the PDF Solutions platform products and feature expert insights, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions designed to address the most pressing challenges in modern semiconductor manufacturing. The conference will be held in conjunction with PDF Solutions’ Analyst Day on Wednesday, December 3rd.
For over 30 years, PDF Solutions has anticipated and supported the semiconductor industry’s transformation and needs by delivering innovative solutions. Today, the industry faces accelerating innovation—3D architectures, chiplets, and sophisticated hybrid packages—while navigating increasingly complex supply chains. Simultaneously, AI promises to revolutionize semiconductor design and manufacturing, creating unprecedented efficiency gains across all levels.
This dynamic landscape demands new levels of collaboration and integration among key semiconductor ecosystem players. A new type of industry platform is essential to unify these diverse stakeholders.
At this event, PDF Solutions will unveil its latest platform innovations, specifically engineered to:
Manage the unique characteristics and massive volumes of design and manufacturing data
Enable secure collaboration with robust IP protection
Leverage AI embedded throughout its architecture to help each participant rapidly evaluate and optimize business decisions
This comprehensive event will explore cutting-edge developments in semiconductor manufacturing technology and digital transformation. Key topics will include:
Strategic Overview
Product Strategy & Roadmap: Latest updates on PDF Solutions’ strategic direction and product release plans
Technology Leadership & Innovation
Leading-Edge Technology Development: Keynote presentation on breakthrough innovations and acceleration strategies
Digital Transformation in Manufacturing: Keynote and panel discussion examining enterprise integration challenges and solutions in semiconductor production
Supply Chain & Operations
Global Supply Chain Integration: Strategic approaches to operational control across distributed semiconductor manufacturing networks
Advanced Analytics & AI Solutions
Compound Semiconductor Analytics: Keynote and panel discussion focused on manufacturing analytics and yield optimization in compound semiconductor production
Manufacturing Data Lake Architecture: In-depth exploration of PDF Solutions’ latest semiconductor manufacturing data platform
Scalable Data Analytics & Visualization: Deep dive into next-generation manufacturing data analytics and visualization capabilities
AI Model Deployment Infrastructure: Comprehensive overview of scalable artificial intelligence deployment solutions
Equipment Management & Control
Secure Manufacturing Equipment Control: Solutions for secure management and control of semiconductor manufacturing systems
AI-Powered Equipment Optimization: Advanced artificial intelligence applications for equipment performance and process control
Additional information including agenda, speakers, logistics and registration for the PDF Solutions 2025 Users Conference can be found using the following link: https://events.pdf.com/
About PDF Solutions PDF Solutions (Nasdaq: PDFS) provides comprehensive data solutions designed to empower organizations across the semiconductor and electronics industry ecosystem to improve the yield and quality of their products and operational efficiency for increased profitability. The Company’s products and services are used by Fortune 500 companies across the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem to achieve smart manufacturing goals by connecting and controlling equipment, collecting data generated during manufacturing and test operations, and performing advanced analytics and machine learning to enable profitable, high-volume manufacturing.
Founded in 1991, PDF Solutions is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. The Company (directly or through one or more subsidiaries) is an active member of SEMI, INEMI, TPCA, IPC, the OPC Foundation, and DMDII. For the latest news and information about PDF Solutions or to find office locations, visit https://www.pdf.com.
Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, PDF Solutions also operates worldwide in Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan. For the Company’s latest news and information, visit https://www.pdf.com
PDF Solutions and the PDF Solutions logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of PDF Solutions, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
Company Contacts Christophe Begue VP, Corporate Strategic Marketing christophe.begue@pdf.com
LONDON and CHICAGO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wilshire Indexes, a global leader in index design, and GCM Grosvenor (NASDAQ: GCMG), a leading global alternative asset management solutions provider, today announced the launch of the jointly developed FT Wilshire Private Markets Infrastructure Index (the “Index”). This first-of-its-kind benchmark fills a void for the asset class by providing investors with a transparent, reliable reference point based on the performance of a diversified universe of leading open-ended infrastructure funds. Until now, infrastructure investors lacked a comprehensive benchmark that truly reflected the breadth of the market. To address growing demand for passive exposure to this universe of assets, GCM Grosvenor is developing one or more investable vehicles designed to track the Index, with anticipated launches in the coming months.
The Index was created through close collaboration between Wilshire Indexes and GCM Grosvenor, leveraging the breadth, depth, and global scale of both organizations, with support of a select group of leading open-ended infrastructure funds. Wilshire Indexes will calculate and govern the benchmark, drawing on its four-decade heritage of transparent, rules-based index methodologies and next-generation data analytics technology. GCM Grosvenor, leveraging its $82 billion alternative investments platform, will contribute ongoing private market insights and risk management expertise as the Index evolves. In addition, GCM Grosvenor is advancing plans for a single point-of-entry investment vehicle, which it will manage, that will track the Index and offer investors streamlined access to diversified infrastructure exposure.
“This partnership brings together Wilshire Indexes’ index innovation with GCM Grosvenor’s deep private markets expertise to deliver a simple, scalable solution for infrastructure investing,” said Mark Makepeace, Chief Executive Officer of Wilshire Indexes. “We’re proud to help set a new standard for transparency and accessibility in private assets.”
Jon Levin, President of GCM Grosvenor, added, “Institutional investors are increasingly asking for an efficient way to gain diversified infrastructure exposure. Working with Wilshire Indexes lets us answer that call today – and lays the groundwork for additional alternative investment products.”
North Dakota Trust Lands, a longstanding collaborator with both Wilshire Indexes and GCM Grosvenor, played an instrumental role in forging the partnership behind the index and anticipated investor-focused product. “Allocators like us have long searched for a volatility-matched, risk-appropriate, and investable infrastructure benchmark, and we believe that Wilshire Indexes and GCM Grosvenor have the best expertise to help bring this vision to life,” said Frank Mihail, Chief Investment Officer of North Dakota Trust Lands.
Following the launch of the Infrastructure Index, the Wilshire Indexes and GCM Grosvenor intend to collaborate on additional alternative investment indices and complementary investable products across the alternative investments landscape. Future initiatives will capitalize on the breadth, depth, and global scale of both organizations, leveraging advanced data analytics and scalable technology platforms to further enhance transparent access to alternative assets.
Wilshire Indexes expects to publish the initial Index results to subscribers in the third quarter of 2025. GCM Grosvenor anticipates launching the prospective tracking vehicles later this year, subject to customary approvals.
About Wilshire Indexes
Wilshire Indexes is a global index provider that empowers institutional investors, asset managers and retail intermediaries with unmatched flexibility in solving benchmarking, portfolio construction, and risk management challenges. Transforming the way investors use benchmarks to realize their objectives, Wilshire Indexes provides global coverage of the markets through the leading FT Wilshire Index Series. Combining new technology and modular products in a growth-aligned commercial model designed for collaboration, efficiency, and speed to market, Wilshire Indexes offers a completely new way to work with an index provider.
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.
About North Dakota Department of Trust Lands
The North Dakota Department of Trust Lands manages 2.6 million mineral acres, 700,000 surface acres and 13 permanent education trusts, including the Common Schools Trust Fund currently valued at over $7.5 billion. The Department operates under the direction of the five-member North Dakota Board of University and School Lands, chaired by the governor of North Dakota. Mineral royalty income, agricultural rents and easement revenues from state-owned lands are invested to provide income and grow trusts to benefit education now and for future generations. Since 2014, the Common Schools Trust Fund has distributed more than $2 billion to support North Dakota K-12 education, reducing the burden on local property taxpayers and the state’s general fund. During the 2025-2027 biennium, the Common Schools Trust Fund will distribute $585 million, translating to approximately $2,508 in funding per K-12 student and contributing 24% of the state funding share.
AUSTIN, Texas, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bazaarvoice, Inc., the leading platform for authentic ratings and reviews and social commerce solutions, today released its latest holiday shopping study based on a survey of more than 8,000 global shoppers. The results revealed that in a challenging economy shoppers are scrutinizing value, options, and convenience. They are starting to holiday shop earlier, seeking out sales and free shipping, and opting for budget-friendly brands.
“Holiday shopping is here,” said Doug Straton, CMO at Bazaarvoice. “Shoppers are shopping earlier, prioritizing value, and turning to the trusted voices of their peers to guide their decisions – via reviews, social posts and other types of user-generated content. As the lines between content, commerce, and community continue to blur, it’s clear that authenticity, convenience, and trust remain key for holiday retail success.”
Global survey highlights include:
Holiday shoppers are getting smarter and more strategic: 38% of all shoppers start holiday shopping before October, just 9% start in December. Almost half (47%) say they’re buying early to avoid price increases, while the other half (51%) say they wait for major sales like Black Friday. When it comes to shipping, price trumps speed as 48% said they would buy another product to qualify for free shipping, while only 21% said they would do the same to qualify for faster shipping. Lastly, affordable options rule, with nearly 45% actively seeking value, budget-friendly brands/low-cost alternatives.
Social media is no longer just a search engine, it’s a checkout: Compared to 2024, holiday purchases on social media jumped nine points, while the number of shoppers discovering gifts on social media dropped 16 points. Social platforms are successfully converting their discovery advantage into a direct sales channel.
Omnichannel experiences are a shopper’s expectation: Shoppers no longer think in channels, they expect seamless journeys. While 74% are planning to buy holiday gifts online, 53% will still do in-store shopping in some capacity in 2025. Over half (56%) of those 18-34 favor online shopping, while 49% of those 35-54 value in-store experiences.
Content creators are shoppers’ holiday shopping north star: Trust in creator recommendations for the holidays increased by 30% compared to last year. Shoppers are becoming less focused on the product and more focused on who’s recommending it. Those 18-34 are most open to influencer recommendations, with 55% preferring micro influencers or their friends/family over mega influencers.
Authenticity is still very valued: Shoppers who are checking reviews for authenticity while holiday shopping is up from 40% last year to 50% this year. On the flip side, acceptance of AI-generated social content declined from 33% to 20% year-over-year.
Research methodology The research was commissioned by Bazaarvoice and conducted in March 2025 by Savanta among over 8,000 consumers in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, and Canada.
About Bazaarvoice Bazaarvoice is reshaping how brands and retailers connect with consumers by putting the consumer voice first, which includes ratings and reviews. With an end-to-end, commerce-empowered omni-channel content solutions and analytics platform, Bazaarvoice helps 14,000+ brands and retailers inform consumer decisions consistently and at scale at every stage of the shopper journey, on every platform where shoppers live. 2.5B shoppers use the Bazaarvoice Network on a monthly basis.
Founded in 2005, Bazaarvoice is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with offices in North America, Europe, Australia, and India. For more information, visit www.bazaarvoice.com.
SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PDF Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: PDFS), a leading provider of comprehensive data solutions for the semiconductor ecosystem, today announced it will host its 2025 Analyst Day in conjunction with its 2025 Users Conference on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in Santa Clara, CA. The event will feature presentations from Chief Executive Officer, President, and Co-Founder, John K. Kibarian, Ph.D., and Chief Financial Officer, Adnan Raza.
Additional information, including registration details, can be found at this link: https://events.pdf.com/
Presentations and a live webcast, including question and answer session will be made available on the day of the event on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, at https://ir.pdf.com/.
About PDF Solutions
PDF Solutions (Nasdaq: PDFS) provides comprehensive data solutions designed to empower organizations across the semiconductor and electronics industry ecosystem to improve the yield and quality of their products and operational efficiency for increased profitability. The Company’s products and services are used by Fortune 500 companies across the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem to achieve smart manufacturing goals by connecting and controlling equipment, collecting data generated during manufacturing and test operations, and performing advanced analytics and machine learning to enable profitable, high-volume manufacturing.
Founded in 1991, PDF Solutions is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. The Company (directly or through one or more subsidiaries) is an active member of SEMI, INEMI, TPCA, IPC, the OPC Foundation, and DMDII. For the latest news and information about PDF Solutions or to find office locations, visit https://www.pdf.com.
Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, PDF Solutions also operates worldwide in Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan. For the Company’s latest news and information, visit https://www.pdf.com
PDF Solutions and the PDF Solutions logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of PDF Solutions, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has been assigned a long-term Issuer credit rating of A+ with a stable outlook by Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd (JCR). This rating will enable AFC to continue growing its footprint in Asian capital markets.
“The credit rating reflects AFC’s leading role in infrastructure development in Africa, the strong support from its member states and shareholders, the benefits of Preferred Creditor Status (PCS), its conservative financial policy, and its strong capital base,” JCR stated in its report.“ AFC employs diverse funding channels, including Eurobond issuance in international capital markets; borrowing from MDBs such as the African Development Bank, PROPARCO, DEG/FMO, KFW group, Export-Import Bank of China, Korea Development Bank, etc.; and financing from African, Chinese, European, Indian, Japanese and Middle Eastern private financial institutions.”
The Japan Credit Rating Agency’s A+ rating reflects AFC’s continued demonstration of solid capital adequacy, maintaining a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 33.6% and improving its Cost-to-Income Ratio to 17.3% in FYE2024. In 2024, AFC delivered remarkable financial results, posting a 22.8% increase in revenue to surpass US$1 billion for the first time, as well as a 16.7% rise in total assets to US$14.41 billion. Liquidity buffers remain well above prudential thresholds, with a liquidity coverage ratio of 194% under normal conditions and 191% on a stressed basis, underscoring AFC’s resilience.
JCR’s rating decision supports the Corporation’s ability to secure competitive borrowing costs. This financial strength underpins AFC’s ability to deliver transformational infrastructure projects across power, natural resources, transport and logistics, heavy industry, telecommunications, and technology—driving industrialisation and job creation across the continent. A notable example is the Lobito Corridor, where AFC serves as lead developer. Positioned to become one of Africa’s most strategic economic arteries, the corridor will connect Angola’s Port of Lobito on the Atlantic coast to Zambia through modernised rail infrastructure, enhancing regional trade, unlocking mineral value chains, and catalysing cross-border economic integration.
Other key AFC transactions include a US$150 million investment in the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex—Africa’s largest and one of the world’s most sustainable copper producers and leading the commercial financing of a €381.5 million package for the engineering, procurement, and construction of 186 bridges and critical upgrades to Angola’s road network, which will improve connectivity and boost regional trade.
Leading Japanese financial institutions—Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation have been critical partners supporting AFC on its journey of transforming Africa, participating in multiple funding transactions including bilateral, syndicated and Samurai facilities. This partnership has extended beyond AFC’s own capital-raising efforts to broader support for African issuers. A notable example is the Arab Republic of Egypt’s inaugural Samurai Bond, where AFC acted as re-guarantor and SMBC served as guarantor, facilitating a successful JPY 75 billion private placement.
“Amidst a challenging global macroeconomic backdrop, this endorsement by JCR affirms AFC’s financial strength and credibility, enhancing our ability to mobilise competitively priced capital for transformative infrastructure projects across Africa,” said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board Member & Head, Financial Services at AFC. “It reinforces our position as a reliable institutional partner for Japan and a key driver of Africa-Japan cooperation.”
“In the challenging business environment, with increasing geopolitical instability in some African countries, AFC’s role in advancing infrastructure development in Africa as an MDB established by African countries is becoming more important, and support from member states and shareholders is expected to strengthen,” JCR analysts said, commending the Corporation. “AFC conducts appropriate risk management in the challenging business environment in Africa, ensuring strong profitability and building a sound financial structure. AFC has established risk management policies for various risks associated with its operations, including credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, assets and liabilities management (ALM) risk, and environmental/social policy risks,” they further reported.
Some of AFC’s landmark funding initiatives include the successful issuance of its US$500 million perpetual hybrid bond, the closing of a US$400 million Shariah-compliant Commodity Murabaha, and leading Nigeria’s inaugural domestic dollar bond issuance, which raised over US$900 million, with an oversubscription rate of 180%. These transactions underscore the Corporation’s innovative approach to capital markets, diversifying funding sources and enhancing its ability to finance transformational infrastructure projects across Africa.
For the full statement from Japan Credit Rating Agency, please click here (https://apo-opa.co/46j2eU9).
– on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).
Media Enquiries: Yewande Thorpe Communications Africa Finance Corporation Mobile: +234 1 279 9654 Email: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org
About AFC: AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.
Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 45 member countries and has invested over US$15 billion in 36 African countries since its inception. www.AfricaFC.org
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government will gazette the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 and the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 this Friday (July 18). The Amendment Regulations seek to mandate the installation of Journey Recording Systems (JRS) on all taxis and require all taxi drivers to allow taxi fares to be paid by electronic payment means (e-payment means), with a view to enhancing the overall taxi service quality with technology and meeting public’s demand.
A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, “The JRS should be capable of making video recordings with audio inside a taxi compartment (in-vehicle recordings) as well as making video recordings of the clear front and rear views outside the taxi. It should also capture data concerning the location of the taxi via a global navigation satellite system and be properly sealed and examined. We believe that these functions will help deter taxi drivers’ malpractices, enhance driving safety of taxis and safeguard the interest of drivers and passengers in the event of disputes.”
To assist the trade in preparing for the new requirements relating to the JRS, the Transport Department (TD) will inform the trade of the relevant requirements through various channels, such as the TD’s website, the regular publication of the Taxi Newsletter, publicity leaflets and regular meetings with the taxi trade, in the second half of this year. The TD will also carry out works relating to the authorisation of suppliers starting from the fourth quarter of this year, so that the trade may start installing the JRSs inside taxi compartments in 2026. Upon completion of such installation on all taxis, the JRSs will be ready to come into operation and will have to be connected to the centralised Information System of the TD.
To protect the privacy of passengers and drivers, the recordings and data captured by the JRS should be encrypted. Only under specified purpose(s) (e.g. investigating any conduct that may constitute a traffic-related contravention under any law of Hong Kong), law enforcement agencies, the Commissioner for Transport and authorised persons can retrieve or access the in-vehicle recordings.
“In addition, since many taxis now still accept cash only which has caused great inconvenience to passengers (especially tourists), our Amendment Regulation will require all taxi drivers to allow fares to be paid by e-payment means. To help drivers to prepare for the new requirement before it comes into effect, the TD will actively co-ordinate with various e-payment platforms in arranging workshops or briefings to assist drivers in learning how to collect fares through e-payment means. This requirement will come into operation on April 1, 2026,” the spokesperson added.
The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport and the Transport Advisory Committee were briefed respectively on the proposals in December 2024 and Members were supportive of the proposals. The Amendment Regulations will be tabled at the LegCo on July 23, 2025 for negative vetting.
Details of the proposals and the commencement of the provisions relating to the JRS and e-payment means are set out in the LegCo brief issued by the Government today (July 16).
A host of scientific investigations await the crew of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission during their long-duration expedition aboard the International Space Station. NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui, are set to study plant cell division and microgravity’s effects on bacteria-killing viruses, as well as perform experiments to produce a higher volume of human stem cells and generate on-demand nutrients. Here are details on some of the research scheduled during the Crew-11 mission:
A stem cell investigation called StemCellEx-IP1 evaluates using microgravity to produce large numbers of induced pluripotent stem cells. Made by reprogramming skin or blood cells, these stem cells can transform into any type of cell in the body and are used in regenerative medicine therapies for many diseases. However, producing enough cells on the ground is a challenge. Researchers plan to use the microgravity environment aboard the space station to demonstrate whether generating 1,000 times more cells is possible and whether these cells are of higher quality and better for clinical use than those made on Earth. If proven, this could significantly improve future patient outcomes. “This type of stem cell research is a chance to find treatments and maybe even cures for diseases that currently have none,” said Tobias Niederwieser of BioServe Space Technologies, which developed the investigation. “This represents an incredible potential to make life here on Earth better for all of us. We can take skin or blood cells from a patient, convert them into stem cells, and produce custom cell-therapy with little risk for rejection, as they are the person’s own cells.”
Genes in Space is a series of competitions in which students in grades 7 through 12 design DNA experiments that are flown to the space station. Genes in Space-12 examines the effects of microgravity on interactions between certain bacteria and bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. Bacteriophages already are used to treat bacterial infections on Earth. “Boeing and miniPCR bio co-founded this competition to bring real-world scientific experiences to the classroom and promote molecular biology investigations on the space station,” said Scott Copeland of Boeing, and co-founder of Genes in Space. “This investigation could establish a foundation for using these viruses to treat bacterial infections in space, potentially decreasing the dependence on antibiotics.” “Previous studies indicate that bacteria may display increased growth rates and virulence in space, while the antibiotics used to combat them may be less effective,” said Dr. Ally Huang, staff scientist at miniPCR bio. “Phages produced in space could have profound implications for human health, microbial control, and the sustainability of long-duration remote missions. Phage therapy tools also could revolutionize how we manage bacterial infections and microbial ecosystems on Earth.”
Some vitamins and nutrients in foods and supplements lose their potency during prolonged storage, and insufficient intake of even a single nutrient can lead to serious diseases, such as a vitamin C deficiency, causing scurvy. The BioNutrients-3 experiment builds on previous investigations looking at ways to produce on-demand nutrients in space using genetically engineered organisms that remain viable for years. These include yogurt and a yeast-based beverage made from yeast strains previously tested aboard station, as well as a new, engineered co-culture that produces multiple nutrients in one sample bag. “BioNutrients-3 includes multiple food safety features, including pasteurization to kill microorganisms in the sample and a demonstration of the feasibility of using a sensor called E-Nose that simulates an ultra-sensitive nose to detect pathogens,” said Kevin Sims, project manager at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. Another food safety feature is a food-grade pH indicator to track bacterial growth. “These pH indicators help the crew visualize the progress of the yogurt and kefir samples,” Sims said. “As the organisms grow, they generate lactic acid, which lowers the pH and turns the indicator pink.” The research also features an investigation of yogurt passage, which seeds new cultures using a bit of yogurt from a finished bag, much like maintaining a sourdough bread starter. This method could sustain a culture over multiple generations, eliminating concerns about yogurt’s shelf life during a mission to the Moon or Mars while reducing launch mass.
The JAXA Plant Cell Division investigation examines how microgravity affects cell division in green algae and a strain of cultured tobacco cells. Cell division is a fundamental element of plant growth, but few studies have examined it in microgravity. “The tobacco cells divide frequently, making the process easy to observe,” said Junya Kirima of JAXA. “We are excited to reveal the effects of the space environment on plant cell division and look forward to performing time-lapse live imaging of it aboard the space station.” Understanding this process could support the development of better methods for growing plants for food in space, including on the Moon and Mars. This investigation also could provide insight to help make plant production systems on Earth more efficient. For nearly 25 years, people have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and conducting critical research for the benefit of humanity and our home planet. Space station research supports the future of human spaceflight as NASA looks toward deep space missions to the Moon under the Artemis campaign and in preparation for future human missions to Mars, as well as expanding commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit and beyond. Learn more about the International Space Station at: https://www.nasa.gov/station
PANAMA CITY, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announces the launch of its TRUMP Trading Extravaganza, a comprehensive campaign designed to capitalize on the surging interest surrounding the TRUMP token. This initiative follows significant developments, including Justin Sun’s recent acquisition of $100 million in $TRUMP. As reported by CoinDesk on July 10, Justin Sun, founder of TRON DAO and Advisor to HTX, has publicly affirmed his strong belief in TRUMP’s global narrative potential and committed to driving its widespread adoption across Asian markets. This strategic push is underpinned by the TRON ecosystem’s ongoing development of a future-proof global settlement layer, which provides robust support for stablecoins and fosters on-chain liquidity for prominent assets, including TRUMP.
Capitalizing on recent market momentum, including Bitcoin’s sustained record-breaking performance and strengthening on-chain consensus, HTX’s TRUMP Trading Extravaganza provides diverse opportunities for users to engage with and potentially profit from the burgeoning TRUMP trend. Running until July 26 at 07:00 (UTC), the event features spot and futures trading competitions, Earn products, and lucky draws. With a total prize pool of 100,000 USDT, rewards are distributed across two main activities.
Activity 1: Join TRUMP Trading Competition to Split 40,000 USDT
The growing trading frenzy around TRUMP has prompted HTX to launch a dedicated TRUMP trading competition. Registered participants who achieve a cumulative spot trading volume (TRUMP/USDT) ≥ 500 USDT or a cumulative futures trading volume (TRUMPUSDT) ≥ 5,000 USDT will be eligible to share a 40,000 USDT prize pool. Rewards will be distributed based on overall trading volume rankings, with the champion on the leaderboard winning an exclusive 8,000 USDT. The top 10 traders are guaranteed substantial rewards, each receiving thousands of USDT.
To participate, users must click the “Register Now” button, as only trading data after registration will be included in the reward calculation.
Beyond trading, HTX provides a flexible and convenient option for users seeking stable returns. The TRUMP Flexible product allows users to earn limited-time high yields with ease.
Up to 20% APY within your reach.
Minimum subscription of just 0.1 TRUMP.
Flexible subscription and redemption for optimal liquidity.
60,000 USDT APY bonus distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Furthermore, HTX will randomly select five lucky users to receive a 50% APY Booster Coupon for USDD, enhancing their potential returns.
Early Participation Grants Priority Access to Wealth Opportunities
TRUMP has rapidly emerged as one of the most talked-about crypto assets, drawing widespread global attention fueled by the compelling narrative surrounding the 2024 U.S. election. It has consistently dominated trending topics across major social media platforms, achieving a remarkable convergence of escalating market value and intense public interest. Demonstrating keen market foresight, HTX quickly responded to these trends by being among the first to list TRUMP at the start of its market surge. With renewed enthusiasm for this “political meme token,” HTX’s TRUMP event will continue to empower users with valuable wealth-creation opportunities. The synergy of political developments and market sentiment is creating an undeniable “TRUMP Storm”, which is expected to drive a vibrant new cycle for meme coins.
Participate now, ride the wave of this exciting trend, and reap the rewards of the TRUMP Frenzy with HTX!
About HTX
Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.
As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
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Strategic objective: develop a strategy to grow Matador’s Bitcoin treasury to position the Company to be a significant corporate BTC holder.
Treasury product flywheel: balance sheet growth is reinvested into BTC-denominated product revenues.
Financing readiness: Matador has filed a preliminary short-form base shelf prospectus to provide capital-raising flexibility over the next 25 months.
Disciplined execution: All initiatives remain subject to market conditions, financing availability, and any additional regulatory or board approvals.
TORONTO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (TSXV:MATA, OTCQB:MATAF, FSE:IU3) (“Matador” or the “Company”) announces that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has recently approved the initiation of a treasury plan to pursue the accumulation of up to 6,000 Bitcoin on or before 2027. The Board also ratified an interim objective of 1,000 BTC on or before 2026. Matador currently holds 77.4 BTC and BTC equivalents and has a long-term objective to hold 1% of Bitcoin’s supply and be a top 20 corporate holder globally.
BTC Holdings and Strategic Objectives
Matador currently holds 77.4 BTC and BTC equivalents, and is currently considering various financing alternatives to acquire additional Bitcoin, with indicative targets of acquiring up to 1,000 BTC on or before 2026 and 6,000 BTC on or before 2027. These targets are indicative only and should not be construed as financial projections.
Based on certain illustrative assumptions, if the full CAD $900 million available under the base shelf prospectus were used to acquire Bitcoin, and assuming an average purchase price of CAD $151,659 per BTC (based on the average daily closing price over the past two weeks as of July 13, 2025), this would represent approximately 5,934 BTC. When added to the Company’s existing holdings of approximately 77 BTC, this would total approximately 6,011 BTC, which aligns with the Company’s 2027 target. These assumptions are for illustrative purposes only.
Acquisition of any additional Bitcoin by the Company is subject to various factors, including financing availability, prevailing market conditions, and any required regulatory consents. The cost of acquiring Bitcoin will depend on prevailing market conditions and may vary materially. The Company will assess all acquisitions based on price, timing, and capital impact. Matador will evaluate funding options based on prevailing market conditions and investor appetite, with a focus on maximizing Bitcoin per Share (“BPS”) while maintaining a strong capital structure. No assurance can be given that any financing alternative will be available on terms acceptable to the Company or at all.
Funding Strategy
To execute the plan, Matador may employ:
At-the-market (ATM) equity offerings;
Convertible or structured financings;
Divestiture of non-core assets;
BTC-backed credit facilities; and
Strategic acquisitions or partnerships that aim to boost BPS.
To support its objectives, Matador has filed a preliminary short-form base shelf prospectus (“Shelf Prospectus”) for CAD $900M with the securities regulatory authorities in the Provinces of Canada, other than Quebec, on July 11, 2025, which remains subject to review by applicable securities regulators. Subject to regulatory approval, if approved, the final version of the Shelf Prospectus will permit the Company to issue equity, debt or units from time to time over a 25-month period, providing flexibility to align capital raising with market windows.
“Our business is structured around Bitcoin as a core asset,” said Deven Soni, CEO of Matador Technologies. “This approach extends beyond treasury management to include infrastructure and operational components aligned with the Bitcoin ecosystem. Execution is subject to financing, market conditions and regulatory approval.”
“Holding Bitcoin as a treasury asset allows us to align with a fixed-supply, globally accessible monetary network,” said Mark Moss, Chief Visionary Officer of Matador Technologies. “Our future plans to accumulate Bitcoin are designed to establish long-term stability on our balance sheet while reducing exposure to inflationary risk. Execution is subject to financing, market conditions and regulatory approval.”
A New Era of Bitcoin-Backed Business
Matador’s strategy is built on a compounding flywheel that integrates treasury allocation, financial innovation, and real-world product development:
Strategically Accumulate Bitcoin: acquire Bitcoin in a shareholder-friendly manner with the goal of maximizing BPS.
Generate Treasury Yield: implement advanced treasury strategies designed to monetize Bitcoin’s volatility, including BTC Volatility Capture Yield Mining and synthetic Bitcoin mining.
Build Real-World Applications: launch Bitcoin-native financial products, through its proprietary Digital Asset Platform that digitizes assets on the Bitcoin Blockchain. These products aim to generate revenue in Bitcoin, directly increasing the Company’s BPS.
Support the Ecosystem: partner with builders and developers across the Bitcoin ecosystem, including Layer 2 protocols, Bitcoin-native DeFi, and custody or infrastructure platforms, to accelerate innovation and adoption.
Advance the Global Bitcoin Treasury Model: beginning with our minority investment in HODL Systems (India) announced on May 29, 2025, while actively evaluating additional jurisdictions where Bitcoin treasury adoption is accelerating. Inspired by the observed case studies of international public companies holding Bitcoin as a treasury reserve, Matador believes India offers a conducive market for BTC treasury adoption.
For additional information, please contact:
Media Contact: Sunny Ray President Email: sunny@matador.network
Phone: 647-496-6282
About Matador Technologies Inc.
Matador Technologies Inc. (TSXV:MATA, OTCQB:MATAF, FSE:IU3) is a publicly traded Bitcoin ecosystem company focused on holding Bitcoin as its primary treasury asset and building products to enhance the Bitcoin network. Matador’s strategy combines strategic Bitcoin accumulation, Bitcoin-native product development, and participation in digital asset infrastructure, with a focus on driving long-term shareholder value while maintaining capital efficiency.
Matador has recently proposed to expand its global footprint by entering into an agreement to invest in HODL Systems, one of India’s first digital asset treasury companies, securing up to a 24% ownership stake. This investment strengthens Matador’s position as a leading Bitcoin treasury company and underscores its commitment to the worldwide adoption of Bitcoin as a reserve asset.
With a Bitcoin-first strategy, and a clear focus on innovation, Matador is shaping the future of financial infrastructure on Bitcoin.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.
Forward-Looking Statements – Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s treasury management strategy, receipt of regulatory approvals, anticipated growth in Net Asset Value and/or BPS, the ability of the Company to meet its indicative Bitcoin accumulation targets as currently proposed or at all, availability of financing on terms acceptable to the Company or at all, and the operation of its platform as currently proposed or at all. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including with respect to the potential acquisition of Bitcoin and/or US dollars, availability of financing and regulatory approvals, whether a final Shelf Prospectus will be filed as currently proposed or at all, the terms and conditions of any future financings by the Company, the pricing of acquisitions, the long term value of Bitcoin, the success of the Company’s platform as currently proposed or at all, the impact of the value of Bitcoin and any of Matador’s initiatives on shareholder value and the timing of future operations. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
Strategic objective: develop a strategy to grow Matador’s Bitcoin treasury to position the Company to be a significant corporate BTC holder.
Treasury product flywheel: balance sheet growth is reinvested into BTC-denominated product revenues.
Financing readiness: Matador has filed a preliminary short-form base shelf prospectus to provide capital-raising flexibility over the next 25 months.
Disciplined execution: All initiatives remain subject to market conditions, financing availability, and any additional regulatory or board approvals.
TORONTO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (TSXV:MATA, OTCQB:MATAF, FSE:IU3) (“Matador” or the “Company”) announces that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has recently approved the initiation of a treasury plan to pursue the accumulation of up to 6,000 Bitcoin on or before 2027. The Board also ratified an interim objective of 1,000 BTC on or before 2026. Matador currently holds 77.4 BTC and BTC equivalents and has a long-term objective to hold 1% of Bitcoin’s supply and be a top 20 corporate holder globally.
BTC Holdings and Strategic Objectives
Matador currently holds 77.4 BTC and BTC equivalents, and is currently considering various financing alternatives to acquire additional Bitcoin, with indicative targets of acquiring up to 1,000 BTC on or before 2026 and 6,000 BTC on or before 2027. These targets are indicative only and should not be construed as financial projections.
Based on certain illustrative assumptions, if the full CAD $900 million available under the base shelf prospectus were used to acquire Bitcoin, and assuming an average purchase price of CAD $151,659 per BTC (based on the average daily closing price over the past two weeks as of July 13, 2025), this would represent approximately 5,934 BTC. When added to the Company’s existing holdings of approximately 77 BTC, this would total approximately 6,011 BTC, which aligns with the Company’s 2027 target. These assumptions are for illustrative purposes only.
Acquisition of any additional Bitcoin by the Company is subject to various factors, including financing availability, prevailing market conditions, and any required regulatory consents. The cost of acquiring Bitcoin will depend on prevailing market conditions and may vary materially. The Company will assess all acquisitions based on price, timing, and capital impact. Matador will evaluate funding options based on prevailing market conditions and investor appetite, with a focus on maximizing Bitcoin per Share (“BPS”) while maintaining a strong capital structure. No assurance can be given that any financing alternative will be available on terms acceptable to the Company or at all.
Funding Strategy
To execute the plan, Matador may employ:
At-the-market (ATM) equity offerings;
Convertible or structured financings;
Divestiture of non-core assets;
BTC-backed credit facilities; and
Strategic acquisitions or partnerships that aim to boost BPS.
To support its objectives, Matador has filed a preliminary short-form base shelf prospectus (“Shelf Prospectus”) for CAD $900M with the securities regulatory authorities in the Provinces of Canada, other than Quebec, on July 11, 2025, which remains subject to review by applicable securities regulators. Subject to regulatory approval, if approved, the final version of the Shelf Prospectus will permit the Company to issue equity, debt or units from time to time over a 25-month period, providing flexibility to align capital raising with market windows.
“Our business is structured around Bitcoin as a core asset,” said Deven Soni, CEO of Matador Technologies. “This approach extends beyond treasury management to include infrastructure and operational components aligned with the Bitcoin ecosystem. Execution is subject to financing, market conditions and regulatory approval.”
“Holding Bitcoin as a treasury asset allows us to align with a fixed-supply, globally accessible monetary network,” said Mark Moss, Chief Visionary Officer of Matador Technologies. “Our future plans to accumulate Bitcoin are designed to establish long-term stability on our balance sheet while reducing exposure to inflationary risk. Execution is subject to financing, market conditions and regulatory approval.”
A New Era of Bitcoin-Backed Business
Matador’s strategy is built on a compounding flywheel that integrates treasury allocation, financial innovation, and real-world product development:
Strategically Accumulate Bitcoin: acquire Bitcoin in a shareholder-friendly manner with the goal of maximizing BPS.
Generate Treasury Yield: implement advanced treasury strategies designed to monetize Bitcoin’s volatility, including BTC Volatility Capture Yield Mining and synthetic Bitcoin mining.
Build Real-World Applications: launch Bitcoin-native financial products, through its proprietary Digital Asset Platform that digitizes assets on the Bitcoin Blockchain. These products aim to generate revenue in Bitcoin, directly increasing the Company’s BPS.
Support the Ecosystem: partner with builders and developers across the Bitcoin ecosystem, including Layer 2 protocols, Bitcoin-native DeFi, and custody or infrastructure platforms, to accelerate innovation and adoption.
Advance the Global Bitcoin Treasury Model: beginning with our minority investment in HODL Systems (India) announced on May 29, 2025, while actively evaluating additional jurisdictions where Bitcoin treasury adoption is accelerating. Inspired by the observed case studies of international public companies holding Bitcoin as a treasury reserve, Matador believes India offers a conducive market for BTC treasury adoption.
For additional information, please contact:
Media Contact: Sunny Ray President Email: sunny@matador.network
Phone: 647-496-6282
About Matador Technologies Inc.
Matador Technologies Inc. (TSXV:MATA, OTCQB:MATAF, FSE:IU3) is a publicly traded Bitcoin ecosystem company focused on holding Bitcoin as its primary treasury asset and building products to enhance the Bitcoin network. Matador’s strategy combines strategic Bitcoin accumulation, Bitcoin-native product development, and participation in digital asset infrastructure, with a focus on driving long-term shareholder value while maintaining capital efficiency.
Matador has recently proposed to expand its global footprint by entering into an agreement to invest in HODL Systems, one of India’s first digital asset treasury companies, securing up to a 24% ownership stake. This investment strengthens Matador’s position as a leading Bitcoin treasury company and underscores its commitment to the worldwide adoption of Bitcoin as a reserve asset.
With a Bitcoin-first strategy, and a clear focus on innovation, Matador is shaping the future of financial infrastructure on Bitcoin.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.
Forward-Looking Statements – Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s treasury management strategy, receipt of regulatory approvals, anticipated growth in Net Asset Value and/or BPS, the ability of the Company to meet its indicative Bitcoin accumulation targets as currently proposed or at all, availability of financing on terms acceptable to the Company or at all, and the operation of its platform as currently proposed or at all. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including with respect to the potential acquisition of Bitcoin and/or US dollars, availability of financing and regulatory approvals, whether a final Shelf Prospectus will be filed as currently proposed or at all, the terms and conditions of any future financings by the Company, the pricing of acquisitions, the long term value of Bitcoin, the success of the Company’s platform as currently proposed or at all, the impact of the value of Bitcoin and any of Matador’s initiatives on shareholder value and the timing of future operations. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
An $8 billion trial by Meta Platforms shareholders against Mark Zuckerberg and other current and former company leaders kicks off on Wednesday over claims that they illegally harvested the data of Facebook users in violation of a 2012 agreement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
Jeffrey Zients, White House chief of staff under President Joe Biden and a Meta director for two years starting in May 2018, is expected to be one of the first witnesses to take the stand in the non-jury trial before Kathaleen McCormick, chief judge of the Delaware Chancery Court.
The case will feature testimony from Zuckerberg and other billionaire defendants including former Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, venture capitalist and board member Marc Andreessen, and former board members Peter Thiel, Palantir Technologies co-founder, and Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix.
A lawyer for the defendants, who have denied the allegations, declined to comment.
The case began in 2018, following revelations that data from millions of Facebook users was accessed by Cambridge Analytica, a now-defunct political consulting firm that worked for Donald Trump’s successful U.S. presidential campaign in 2016.
The FTC fined Facebook $5 billion in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, saying the company had violated a 2012 agreement with the FTC to protect user data.
Shareholders want the defendants to reimburse Meta for the FTC fine and other legal costs, which the plaintiffs estimate total more than $8 billion.
In court filings, the defendants described the allegations as “extreme” and said the evidence at trial will show Facebook hired an outside consulting firm to ensure compliance with the FTC agreement and that Facebook was a victim of Cambridge Analytica’s deceit.
Meta, which is not a defendant, declined to comment. On its website, the company has said it has invested billions of dollars into protecting user privacy since 2019.
The lawsuit is considered the first of its kind to go to trial which alleges board members consciously failed to oversee their company. This is often described as the hardest claim to prove in Delaware corporate law.
Boeing’s current and former board members settled a case with similar claims in 2021 for $237.5 million, the largest ever in an alleged breach of oversight lawsuit. The Boeing directors did not admit to wrongdoing.
In addition to privacy claims at the heart of the Meta case, plaintiffs allege that Zuckerberg anticipated that the Cambridge Analytica scandal would send the company’s stock lower and sold his Facebook shares as a result, pocketing at least $1 billion.
Defendants said evidence will show that Zuckerberg did not trade on inside information and that he used a stock-trading plan that removes his control over sales and is designed to guard against insider trading.
McCormick is expected to rule on liability and damages months after the trial concludes.
India has reaffirmed its commitment to combat money laundering and terror financing, aligning its domestic frameworks with global standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Established in 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris, FATF plays a crucial role in protecting the integrity of the global financial system. With 40 members today, the body’s recommendations have shaped anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) regimes worldwide, with over 200 countries pledging to comply.
India became FATF’s 34th member in 2010 and has since demonstrated zero tolerance towards terror financing and money laundering. The country’s frameworks, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (2002) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (1967), are designed to detect and disrupt illicit flows of funds linked to organised crime, terrorism, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The FATF regularly identifies jurisdictions with weak measures through its public “grey list” and “blacklist.” As of June June 13, 2025, 24 countries — including South Africa, Syria, and Vietnam — are under increased monitoring. Nations like North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar remain on the blacklist due to persistent strategic deficiencies. Notably, FATF data shows that out of 139 countries reviewed, 86 have undertaken reforms to strengthen their AML/CFT frameworks.
India’s proactive approach is reflected in its consistent alignment with FATF standards and contributions to global assessments and case studies, demonstrating its role as a responsible player in safeguarding global security and financial transparency.
