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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft presented a new auto route in the Samara region – “Zavolzhskie Gorizonty”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft and the Ministry of Tourism of the Samara Region presented the second joint project for auto tourists “Zavolzhskie Gorizonty”. The route runs through the natural and cultural attractions of the Samara and Saratov Regions.

    The route presentation was organized at the Rosneft gas station in Samara, where the Company’s volunteers held a thematic quiz for car owners with useful prizes. During the presentation, the famous Russian racing driver of the LADA Sport ROSNEFT team Vladimir Sheshenin held an autograph session, during which everyone could take a joint photo with the famous athlete.

    Rosneft actively supports initiatives to develop domestic tourism and aims to create comfortable conditions for car travelers. Developing roadside service and improving the level of customer service provided at Rosneft filling stations is one of the Company’s priority areas of activity.

    The “Zavolzhskie Horizons” route starts in Samara, where the dacha of the merchant Golovkin is located. The building was built in the early 20th century in the Art Nouveau style and is a cultural heritage site. A distinctive feature of the house, located on a steep bank, is two life-size sculptures of elephants. They are clearly visible from ships passing along the Volga.

    On the way out of the capital of the province, travelers can visit the Vertoletka culture and recreation park, which is recognized as the best implemented public space project in Russia and has become the best observation deck in the city. The steep bank offers breathtaking panoramic views of Samara, the majestic Volga and the legendary Zhiguli Mountains.

    The route then leads to the Serebro Severa ethnographic center in the village of Yagodnoye, where guests can get acquainted with northern culture, visit a reindeer camp and a village with sled dogs. In ancient Syzran, tourists will meet history at the Spasskaya Tower, the only surviving structure of the 17th-century Syzran Kremlin, a cultural heritage site of federal significance.

    The journey along the route ends in Khvalynsk, Saratov Region, in the national park – the center of ecotourism, preserving rare species of flora and fauna, with its holy springs, eco-trails and thematic exhibitions and museums dedicated to representatives of flora and fauna.

    “Zavolzhskie Gorizonty” became the second tourist route developed by Rosneft and the Ministry of Tourism of the Samara Region within the framework of the agreement signed in 2024 Memorandum of Cooperation between the Company and the Regional Government.

    Reference:

    The Rosneft network of petrol stations is the most extensive in the region, covering all the main roads in key tourist destinations. There are 78 stations of the company in the Samara Region, where you can fill up your car with guaranteed high-quality fuel, relax in a café or buy necessary goods on the road.

    Rosneft actively supports initiatives to develop domestic tourism – together with partners, over 40 routes for car travel across the regions of the Russian Federation have already been developed. Some of them are already presented on the platformHorizons of Russia“

    Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 18, 2025

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft presented a new auto route in the Samara region – “Zavolzhskie Gorizonty”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft and the Ministry of Tourism of the Samara Region presented the second joint project for auto tourists “Zavolzhskie Gorizonty”. The route runs through the natural and cultural attractions of the Samara and Saratov Regions.

    The route presentation was organized at the Rosneft gas station in Samara, where the Company’s volunteers held a thematic quiz for car owners with useful prizes. During the presentation, the famous Russian racing driver of the LADA Sport ROSNEFT team Vladimir Sheshenin held an autograph session, during which everyone could take a joint photo with the famous athlete.

    Rosneft actively supports initiatives to develop domestic tourism and aims to create comfortable conditions for car travelers. Developing roadside service and improving the level of customer service provided at Rosneft filling stations is one of the Company’s priority areas of activity.

    The “Zavolzhskie Horizons” route starts in Samara, where the dacha of the merchant Golovkin is located. The building was built in the early 20th century in the Art Nouveau style and is a cultural heritage site. A distinctive feature of the house, located on a steep bank, is two life-size sculptures of elephants. They are clearly visible from ships passing along the Volga.

    On the way out of the capital of the province, travelers can visit the Vertoletka culture and recreation park, which is recognized as the best implemented public space project in Russia and has become the best observation deck in the city. The steep bank offers breathtaking panoramic views of Samara, the majestic Volga and the legendary Zhiguli Mountains.

    The route then leads to the Serebro Severa ethnographic center in the village of Yagodnoye, where guests can get acquainted with northern culture, visit a reindeer camp and a village with sled dogs. In ancient Syzran, tourists will meet history at the Spasskaya Tower, the only surviving structure of the 17th-century Syzran Kremlin, a cultural heritage site of federal significance.

    The journey along the route ends in Khvalynsk, Saratov Region, in the national park – the center of ecotourism, preserving rare species of flora and fauna, with its holy springs, eco-trails and thematic exhibitions and museums dedicated to representatives of flora and fauna.

    “Zavolzhskie Gorizonty” became the second tourist route developed by Rosneft and the Ministry of Tourism of the Samara Region within the framework of the agreement signed in 2024 Memorandum of Cooperation between the Company and the Regional Government.

    Reference:

    The Rosneft network of petrol stations is the most extensive in the region, covering all the main roads in key tourist destinations. There are 78 stations of the company in the Samara Region, where you can fill up your car with guaranteed high-quality fuel, relax in a café or buy necessary goods on the road.

    Rosneft actively supports initiatives to develop domestic tourism – together with partners, over 40 routes for car travel across the regions of the Russian Federation have already been developed. Some of them are already presented on the platformHorizons of Russia“

    Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 18, 2025

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: How an XRP Enthusiast Makes $3,000 a Day in Passive Income with Siton Mining

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the wave of digital currency, some people are hesitant and wait-and-see, while others have quietly made a fortune. When US President Trump announced that five crypto assets including BTC, XRP, and SOL would be included in the national strategic reserve, it marked that the global financial landscape was quietly being reconstructed.

    In traditional trading, profit often means watching the market, analyzing, and taking high volatility risks. However, with the continuous evolution of blockchain and AI algorithms, more and more investors are turning to a more stable, easier, and more environmentally friendly way, cloud mining: using “computing power leasing” instead of “mining machine operation”, saving both worry and effort

    If you want to get a share of this wave of crypto wealth, cloud mining is undoubtedly the most promising channel. And Siton Mining is becoming the preferred platform for global users to achieve passive income and financial freedom.

    Siton Mining uses AI intelligence and new energy infrastructure to allow users to receive BTC, ETH and other cryptocurrencies every day with just a few taps on their mobile phones.

    Why choose Siton Mining?
    Siton Mining is the world’s leading green cloud computing platform, creating stable income for more than 9 million users. Its core advantages include:
    ⦁Green and sustainable: 100 data centers around the world, all powered by clean energy
    ⦁Top security: McAfee®, Cloudflare®, SSL encryption + AIG insurance to ensure fund security
    ⦁Newbie bonus: Sign up and get $10-100, participate immediately without cost
    ⦁Transparent income: Daily income is credited in real time, withdraw at any time, no hidden fees
    ⦁Diverse currencies: Supports settlement of more than ten mainstream currencies such as USDT, BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, etc.
    Data speaks: Demonstration of actual measured returns of investment contracts
    You may ask: “Can you really make money?” Here is Siton Mining’s official profit model (partial display):
    Investment Guide:
    ⦁ Classic Contract: Investment Amount: $100, Total Net Profit: $100 + $8.
    ⦁ Classic Contract: Investment Amount: $500, Total Net Profit: $500 + $30.
    ⦁ Classic Contract: Investment Amount: $1200, Total Net Profit: $1200 + $140.40.
    ⦁ Classic Contract: Investment Amount: $3000, Total Net Profit: $3000 + $538.2.
    ⦁ Premium Contract: Investment Amount: $7000, Total Net Profit: $7000 + $1839.6.
    ⦁ Super Contract: Investment Amount: $10000, Total Net Profit: $10000 + $3657.

    Who is suitable for using Siton Mining?
    Siton Mining provides solutions for users at different stages:
    ⦁ Newbies: No technical skills required, register and start mining, 0 learning cost
    ⦁ Investors: Reasonable allocation of idle funds, low risk and stable appreciation
    ⦁ Promoters: Easily recommend the platform to earn high commissions
    ⦁ Crypto enthusiasts: No need to hold coins or watch the market, create a sleep income system

    How to get started? Only 3 steps!
    1Visit Siton Mining official website and register an account for free
    2Choose a suitable mining contract (starting from $100)
    3You can start daily income the next day, and you can withdraw or reinvest the gains at any time when you reach $100
    The whole process takes less than 5 minutes, and you are only one click away from passive income!

    Conclusion: Every time you hesitate, you let the opportunity slip away
    Bitcoin is becoming an important part of the global financial system, and cloud mining is the springboard for ordinary people to participate in this change. You don’t need to be a trading expert, a technical expert or have a huge amount of capital, just a little starting capital can participate in the distribution of future wealth.

    If you are eager to achieve financial freedom, wealth multiplication, and passive income, it is no longer a dream, – Siton Mining is your opportunity.

    Register now, receive exclusive rewards, and start your cloud mining journey!
    Official website: https://sitonmining.com
    Email: info@sitonmining.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nuvini Hosts Inaugural NuviniAI Day: Culmination of Strategic AI Initiative at Oracle São Paulo

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ~ Three Finalist Projects to Compete in Pioneering Corporate AI Program Demonstrating Tangible ROI and Innovation ~

    NEW YORK, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nuvini Group Limited (Nasdaq: NVNI) (“Nuvini” or the “Company”), a leading technology conglomerate in the Latin American SaaS sector, is pleased to announce the successful debut of its inaugural NuviniAI Day, held on July 17, 2025, at Oracle’s headquarters in São Paulo. This landmark event celebrates the culmination of the NuviniAI program—a strategic, company-wide initiative designed to accelerate artificial intelligence (“AI”) adoption, drive digital transformation, and position Nuvini at the forefront of enterprise-grade artificial intelligence integration.

    Program Overview: A Strategic Leap Toward AI Leadership

    Launched in June 2025, the NuviniAI program attracted ten (10) AI project submissions from across the Nuvini ecosystem. With an average return on investment of 523% and a payback period of just 4.2 months, the initiative has delivered tangible business results that validate AI as a strategic lever for growth. The program’s success reflects Nuvini’s broader vision of embedding innovation, scalability, and operational efficiency into its core operations through technology.

    “The NuviniAI program exemplifies our belief that AI is not just a tech upgrade—it’s a business imperative,” said Pierre Schurmann, Chief Executive Officer at Nuvini. “The results we’ve achieved so far prove that measurable, scalable AI impact is possible with clear vision and strong execution.”

    Finalist Projects: AI in Action

    After initial presentations on June 18th, and final selection on June 24th, three standout projects advanced to the final phase with hands-on Oracle support. These projects received infrastructure, AI tools, and technical mentorship, preparing for live demos at NuviniAI Day.

    AIMÊ – Intelligent Public Tender Analysis (Effecti)

    AIMÊ revolutionizes the public tender analysis process through advanced generative AI, natural language processing, and optical character recognition technologies. The solution has already processed over 2,050 public tenders since March 2025, achieving 75% response accuracy while dramatically increasing productivity, with an estimated return on investment (“ROI”) of 1400%, more than 75% user base activation and a payback period of just 6 months.

    Business Scout – Automated Acquisition Intelligence (Datahub)

    Business Scout transforms mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) opportunity identification through automated web scraping and intelligent analysis powered by GPT technology. The platform has an extensive database of over 3 million companies in Brazil and promises to have its pay back within 6 months while enabling faster, more accurate strategic decisions in the M&A process.

    LeadIA – AI Marketing Assistant and Executor (Leadlovers)

    LeadIA addresses the critical challenge of marketing execution by providing an intelligent AI agent that assists users in implementing practical marketing actions. Leveraging OpenAI, TypeBot, and N8N technologies, LeadIA serves over 10,000 active accounts. The solution is expected to demonstrate a remarkable 35% increase in user activation and 20% reduction in first-month churn, with a payback period of only 3 months.

    The event will bring together technology leaders, industry experts, and Nuvini executives to witness the culmination of this groundbreaking initiative. The winning project will receive additional support for enterprise-wide implementation and serve as a model for future AI initiatives across the organization.

    “NuviniAI Day represents more than a competition—it’s a celebration of innovation and a demonstration of our commitment to technological leadership,” emphasized Mr. Schurmann. “The solutions being presented have the potential to transform not just our operations, but to set new standards for AI implementation in the Brazilian SaaS sector.”

    The Oracle São Paulo office served as the venue for the final presentations on July 17th, where each project team had the opportunity to demonstrate their enhanced solutions to a panel of expert evaluators, including Nuvini’s C-level executives, board members and Oracle personnel. The selection criteria focused on technical innovation, business impact, scalability potential, and alignment with Nuvini’s strategic objectives.

    Industry Context and Market Leadership 

    The NuviniAI program launches at a critical juncture in the Brazilian technology landscape, where artificial intelligence adoption has become a strategic imperative rather than a competitive advantage. 

    The SaaS sector, where Nuvini maintains a strong presence, is experiencing unprecedented transformation driven by AI integration. Companies are investing substantial amounts in SaaS products, with AI integration identified as the primary trend shaping the industry in 2025.

    “We’re witnessing a fundamental shift where AI adoption is no longer about innovation—it’s about survival,” explained Schurmann. “Companies that fail to integrate AI capabilities risk being left behind as the pace of digital transformation accelerates globally.”

    The NuviniAI program positions Nuvini ahead of this curve, demonstrating measurable results that include productivity increases and financial growth improvements, consistent with global benchmarks for successful AI implementation.

    Looking Forward: Scaling the Future of AI at Nuvini

    The success of the NuviniAI program establishes a foundation for continued innovation and technological leadership within Nuvini. The initiative demonstrates the organization’s ability to identify, develop, and implement cutting-edge AI solutions that deliver tangible business value while positioning the company for future growth opportunities.

    The program’s emphasis on measurable results, strategic alignment, and scalable implementation provides a replicable framework for future technology initiatives. The lessons learned and best practices developed through the NuviniAI program will inform the group’s ongoing digital transformation efforts and contribute to its competitive positioning in the global technology market.

    “The NuviniAI program represents just the beginning of our AI journey,” concluded program leadership. “The foundation we’re building today will enable us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in business technology, always with a focus on delivering real value to our customers and stakeholders.”

    About Nuvini

    Headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, Nuvini is Latin America’s leading private serial acquirer of business to business (B2B) software as a service (SaaS) companies. The company focuses on acquiring profitable, high-growth SaaS businesses with strong recurring revenue and cash flow generation. By fostering an entrepreneurial environment, Nuvini enables its portfolio companies to scale and maintain leadership within their respective industries. The company’s long-term vision is to buy, retain, and create value through strategic partnerships and operational expertise.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Because forward–looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. The Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation: the Company’s ability to complete the potential acquisitions on the anticipated timeline or at all; general market conditions that could affect the consummation of the potential acquisition; if definitive documents with respect to a potential acquisition are executed, whether the parties will achieve any of the anticipated benefits of any such transactions; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Ǫuarterly and Annual Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the risks described in other filings that the Company may make with the SEC. Factors or events that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. We caution you, therefore, against relying on any of these forward‐looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Sofia Toledo
    ir@nuvini.co

    MZ North America
    NVNI@mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ripple (XRP) breaks through historical highs, Ripplecoin Mining launches new mobile cloud mining APP

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the price of Ripple (XRP) breaks through the historical high for the first time in 7 years, reaching $3.55, the crypto market sentiment continues to heat up. In response to investors’ strong demand for a stable way to increase the value of digital assets, the well-known cloud computing service provider Ripplecoin Mining officially launched its new mobile cloud mining APP today. Through AI computing power scheduling technology, it helps coin holders easily obtain daily income and achieve the dual goals of asset growth and risk hedging.

    The market boom has created new demands, and cloud mining has emerged.

    According to CoinMarketCap data, as of July 18, XRP rose by more than 17% in a single day, surpassing the historical peak in 2018, and ranked third in the global cryptocurrency market value, following BTC and ETH. At the same time, mainstream altcoins such as ETH and Solana also rose, pushing the overall market to break through the $3.89 trillion market value mark. Analysts generally believe that with the expansion of institutional applications and the access of new financial instruments such as ETFs, holders are increasingly demanding “passive income tools other than trading.”
    Ripplecoin Mining has precisely seen this trend and launched a new cloud mining application, allowing global users to start AI-driven mining tasks through mobile phones without hardware or technical barriers, and obtain daily income dividends in the form of USDT.
    “We believe that when crypto assets enter the next stage of the cycle, stable, secure, and intelligent computing services will become an important supplement to mainstream investment strategies.”
    – Ripplecoin Mining spokesperson said at the press conference

    Product highlights: AI computing power scheduling + mobile-friendly experience

    Ripplecoin Mining cloud mining platform already supports mining of multiple mainstream currencies, including BTC, XRP, ETH, DOGE, SOL, etc., and will gradually expand to more asset categories. Core advantages include:
    Free experience for new users: Register and get $15 cloud computing power, and start earning immediately;
    Convenient operation on mobile terminal: Support iOS and Android, complete registration, contract selection, and daily dividend collection in 3 steps;
    AI intelligent mining system: The platform deploys 120+ green data centers around the world to allocate optimal computing power in real time;
    Zero threshold entry: No need to buy mining machines, no need to configure electricity, no technical knowledge required;
    Multi-currency combination mining: Support one-click configuration of multi-currency income combination, and optimize asset allocation strategy.

    Simple steps to quickly participate in cloud mining and get income

    Quick registration: Click here to create an account via email and get a $15 cloud computing power free trial quota;

    Choose a contract: Supports multi-currency payments (XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE), flexible contract types, and income is paid daily;

    Get income: You can view mining output in the App every day and get income with one click, without complicated operations.
    The following contracts explain the potential income you can get

    Contract Price Contract Duration Daily Earnings Total Revenue
    $100 2Days $5 $100 + $10
    $500 5Days $6 $500 + $30
    $1,200 8Days $16 $1,300 + $130
    $3,000 12Days $43 $3,000 + $518
    $8,200 22Days $125 $8,100 + $2,742
    $23,500 30Days $409 $23,500 + $12,267

    Industry analyst’s view: A new generation of “sound investment” tools
    Industry research organization ChainProof pointed out that with XRP hitting a record high, cloud mining products are seen as a key bridge between the bull market and sustainable returns. Data shows that in the past month, the number of active users using the Ripplecoin Mining platform increased by 26% month-on-month, of which nearly 50% were users with XRP or ETH as their main holdings.
    “Although the current market has ushered in a wave of rising prices, volatility still exists. Users hope to not only earn the difference in the bull market, but also build daily cash flow.”
    – Valentin Fournier, chief analyst at BRN commented

    Future Outlook: Accelerate global layout and serve ordinary coin holders

    Ripplecoin Mining officials said that the platform will launch “cloud mining custody accounts” and “fixed investment computing power products” in the next few weeks to further meet users’ strategic arrangements in different market scenarios. At the same time, the company plans to accelerate localized support in Canada, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Latin America to expand its global user base of more than 9 million.

    About Ripplecoin Mining

    Ripplecoin Mining was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in London, UK. It is the world’s leading compliant cloud mining platform. Relying on green energy mines, AI scheduling algorithms and mobile-friendly design, Ripplecoin Mining is committed to enabling every cryptocurrency user to participate in the global computing power network in a simple and secure way. At present, the platform supports cloud mining services for mainstream assets such as BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, and has served more than 9.5 million users in more than 180 countries and regions.

    For more information:

    Official website: https://ripplecoinmining.com
    App download portal: https://ripplecoinmining.com/xml/index.html#/app

    Media contact: info@ripplecoinmining.com

    Disclaimer: The content of this press release does not constitute any form of investment advice, trading advice or financial commitment. There are risks in the cryptocurrency market. Cloud mining participants need to carefully evaluate the potential results based on their actual situation. It is recommended to consult a professional financial advisor in advance.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Swift Launches Presale with Programmable Proof-of-Yield Mining and AI-Driven Smart Contract Ecosystem

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUXEMBOURG, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Swift (BTC3), has officially launched its presale phase, introducing a programmable Proof-of-Yield (PoY) mining mechanism and AI-integrated governance model designed to reshape participation in blockchain networks. The presale, which began on July 14, features a $1.00 entry price in Stage 1, with rewards issued at the end of each stage through automated smart contracts.

    This development marks a significant milestone for the BTC3 protocol, offering a working ecosystem from day one and initiating reward distribution based on real-time network performance and sustainability.

    Live Rewards Model Built into Every Presale Stage

    Unlike conventional token sales, Bitcoin Swift activates its PoY mining during the presale itself. At the conclusion of each stage, smart contracts automatically distribute rewards based on activity metrics such as network usage, validator performance, and energy efficiency. The protocol is monitored by AI oracles that feed verified data into the system, enabling dynamic adjustments to mining emissions.

    Audits from third-party firms Spywolf and Solidproof, have confirmed the security and accuracy of these systems, supporting investor confidence as the project moves through its early phases.

    Bitcoin Swift emphasized investor confidence by completing KYC identity verification, reinforcing its commitment to transparent and ethical practices.

    Hybrid Blockchain Architecture for Scalability and Security

    BTC3 operates on a dual-engine consensus model, combining Proof-of-Work (PoW) for block generation with Proof-of-Stake (PoS) for governance and finality. Miners secure the network using SHA-256, while validators oversee identity verification, oracle data approvals, and protocol governance. This structure ensures performance stability while enabling long-term adaptability.

    BTC3’s underlying smart contract engine is WASM-compatible and embedded with evolving AI agents that respond to environmental and user data. These agents adjust contract behavior in real time, enhancing system responsiveness and resilience.

    Governance Through Decentralized Identity and Quadratic Voting

    To address challenges common in blockchain voting, Bitcoin Swift integrates quadratic voting tied to DID-based reputation scores. This system ensures that voting power is influenced not only by token holdings but also by community participation and positive behavior. All governance proposals are pre-screened by AI agents for risk and impact before entering the voting process.

    This model is designed to evolve dynamically, promoting decentralized decision-making and protecting against concentration of power.

    Roadmap Highlights and Key Technical Releases

    BTC3’s roadmap includes ongoing protocol enhancements throughout the presale and into mainnet migration. Key planned releases include:

    • Q3 2025: Launch of AI-powered smart contract engine with reinforcement learning capabilities
    • Q2 2026: zkLedger privacy system, shielded DeFi modules, and zkLogin integration for Web3 authentication
    • Q4 2026: Mainnet migration with 1:1 trustless bridge from Solana

    The network also plans to integrate institutional audit systems, a BTC3-backed stablecoin, and a governance simulator to test proposals before they reach public vote.

    About Bitcoin Swift

    Bitcoin Swift (BTC3) is a blockchain ecosystem designed to combine the benefits of programmable mining, decentralized governance, and adaptive smart contracts. By integrating AI, real-time network data, and sustainable mining practices, the BTC3 protocol aims to support a more intelligent and inclusive model of blockchain participation.

    Bitcoin Swift continues to attract attention from the crypto space, with more influencers recognizing its potential. A detailed breakdown from Crypto Nitro highlights why this project is earning serious praise.

    For more information, visit: https://bitcoinswift.com

    Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinswiftgroup

    Contact:
    Luc Schaus
    support@bitcoinswift.com

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/42bfae25-4070-4f78-8794-b42609659158

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cbc7b30d-ab5a-43c2-a2e4-129615f1a379

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fdaaa3b6-2753-4eb7-a619-2a9f593aaee1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Presale Surges Past $6.6M as Altcoin Season Heats Up, Launch Target Set at $20

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As altcoin season accelerates, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) is rapidly emerging as a standout project, attracting over 14,200 users and surpassing $6.6 million raised during its presale. With its official launch scheduled for July 31, 2025, Bitcoin Solaris has locked in a target launch price of $20, drawing strong interest from both new and seasoned crypto investors.

    Bitcoin Solaris and the Altcoin Market

    While other coins are riding temporary waves, Bitcoin Solaris is offering something with longevity. Its hybrid blockchain architecture combines the proven security of Proof-of-Work with the high-speed scalability of Delegated Proof-of-Stake. This dual-layer system powers up to 100,000 transactions per second with a finality time of just 2 seconds, putting BTC-S ahead of countless legacy chains that are struggling to keep up.

    • Proof-of-Work provides security on the Base Layer
    • Delegated Proof-of-Stake drives scalability on the Solaris Layer
    • Validator rotation ensures decentralization and fairness
    • Smart contracts written in Rust support DeFi, gaming, enterprise, and beyond
    • Optional Zero-Knowledge Proofs add privacy without sacrificing speed

    Through the exciting release of the upcoming Solaris Nova App, Bitcoin Solaris is placing mining in the hands of anyone with a phone or computer. This app brings mining back to the people through mobile devices, desktops, and even browsers, making the process simple, energy-efficient, and accessible.

    Influencers and crypto reviewers are already talking about Bitcoin Solaris and how it stands out in this competitive cycle. A detailed breakdown by the Crypto Show highlights how BTC-S offers real potential through its dual-consensus model and mobile mining accessibility.

    Why This Presale Is Making Headlines

    Bitcoin Solaris is not following the typical slow-and-steady approach. Its presale has already passed $6.6M raised with more than 14,200 unique users onboarded. And it is doing so at breakneck speed with only around 2 weeks remaining until launch on July 31, 2025.

    • Current price sits at $12
    • Next price increase will bring it to $13
    • Bonus for this phase is 4%
    • Launch price locked at $20 with 150% projected returns

    Investors are calling this one of the shortest presales in crypto history, thanks to the rapid growth and demand.

    Wallets like Trust Wallet and Metamask are recommended for receiving tokens post-launch. Bitcoin Solaris reminds users that these wallets are for delivery, not presale participation.

    Secure your spot through Bitcoin Solaris.

    Mining That Actually Works for Everyone

    Bitcoin Solaris is not here to follow the old mining models. Its Solaris Nova ecosystem redefines accessibility and efficiency in crypto mining.

    • The upcoming Solaris Nova App allows one-click mining across mobile, desktop, and browser
    • Adaptive algorithms ensure optimal performance across devices
    • Mining Power Marketplace enables users to rent or sell computational power
    • Full compatibility with ASICs, GPUs, desktops, laptops, and smartphones
    • Advanced security with biometric login and end-to-end encryption
    • Gamification elements include achievements, leaderboards, and community-driven engagement

    Whether casual or professional, miners will find BTC-S provides a clear path to participation and rewards. For those interested in potential earnings, Bitcoin Solaris offers a detailed calculator for projections.

    Built on a hybrid blockchain framework that merges Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS), Bitcoin Solaris delivers high scalability and robust security—capable of handling up to 100,000 transactions per second with just 2-second finality.

    Final Thoughts: Bitcoin Solaris Is Setting New Standards

    Bitcoin Solaris is not another altcoin fad. It is a carefully designed ecosystem blending security, scalability, and accessibility for the next generation of crypto users. From mobile-first mining to lightning-fast blockchain speeds and a presale nearing completion, BTC-S is making it clear that altcoin season’s biggest winner might just be the project offering real solutions to real users.

    For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:
    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
     Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
     X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact:
    Xander Levine
    press@bitcoinsolaris.com
    Press Kit: Available upon request

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04c28c5e-61e2-4951-966a-b981c1de6bc8

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/703e6419-f36c-452c-b778-902061eac646

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ba1fa4f5-0040-40c4-9db1-e994d8b9a8e7

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b7ece683-8378-4517-8b56-679dc1a22ec4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Royalty Pharma Declares Third Quarter 2025 Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The board of directors of Royalty Pharma plc (Nasdaq: RPRX) has approved the payment of a dividend for the third quarter of 2025 of $0.22 per Class A ordinary share.

    The dividend will be paid on September 10, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 15, 2025.

    About Royalty Pharma

    Founded in 1996, Royalty Pharma is the largest buyer of biopharmaceutical royalties and a leading funder of innovation across the biopharmaceutical industry, collaborating with innovators from academic institutions, research hospitals and non-profits through small and mid-cap biotechnology companies to leading global pharmaceutical companies. Royalty Pharma has assembled a portfolio of royalties which entitles it to payments based directly on the top-line sales of many of the industry’s leading therapies. Royalty Pharma funds innovation in the biopharmaceutical industry both directly and indirectly – directly when it partners with companies to co-fund late-stage clinical trials and new product launches in exchange for future royalties, and indirectly when it acquires existing royalties from the original innovators. Royalty Pharma’s current portfolio includes royalties on more than 35 commercial products, including Vertex’s Trikafta, GSK’s Trelegy, Roche’s Evrysdi, Johnson & Johnson’s Tremfya, Biogen’s Tysabri and Spinraza, AbbVie and Johnson & Johnson’s Imbruvica, Astellas and Pfizer’s Xtandi, Novartis’ Promacta, Pfizer’s Nurtec ODT and Gilead’s Trodelvy, and 16 development-stage product candidates. For more information, visit www.royaltypharma.com.

    Royalty Pharma Investor Relations and Communications

    +1 (212) 883-6637
    ir@royaltypharma.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Spryker Earns Full Medal Count in Paradigm B2B Enterprise Combine

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BERLIN and NEW YORK, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spryker, the leading composable commerce platform for global enterprises, announced its performance in the 2025 Paradigm B2B Enterprise Combine for Digital Commerce Solutions for B2B analyst report. Spryker medaled in all 12 of the categories of the evaluation, including six gold medals, four silver medals, and two bronze medals. This analyst recognition further solidifies Spryker as a leading commerce solution for enterprises to future-proof their business amidst market volatility.

    “We are focused on enabling global enterprises with the speed and flexibility needed to future-proof their operations, and the report findings support exactly that,” said Boris Lokschin, Co-founder and CEO at Spryker. “Beyond our six gold medals, we are particularly proud of the significant advancements that earned us new medals in categories like Content & Data Management and Site Search. We attribute this directly to our strategic investments in highly requested AI-powered features, including AI-powered visual search, AI-powered back-office capabilities and more, which are proving instrumental in helping our customers launch and scale with unmatched agility and customer experience in mind.”

    Spryker’s achievement of six gold medals showcases the company’s excellence across multiple critical categories including Ability to Execute, Customer Service and Support, Promotions Management, Vision and Strategy, Integrations, Operations & Infrastructure, and Sales & Channel Enablement.

    This consistent top-tier performance is a testament to the power of Spryker’s composable commerce platform, purpose-built to deliver rapid time-to-value and ensure AI-readiness for the future. Spryker’s unique architecture, bolstered by robust professional services and a thriving partner ecosystem, empowers global enterprises with the agility needed to quickly adapt to evolving market demands, integrate cutting-edge innovations, and accelerate their digital transformation and growth.

    Spryker is uniquely engineered for businesses that want to scale quickly while maintaining flexibility to adapt. Spryker powers some of the most complex enterprise commerce environments globally, enabling them to launch tailored solutions with speed, and then seamlessly expand capabilities and scale operations as their business evolves.

    Highlights of Spryker’s current enterprise customers operations include:

    • High-volume transaction processing capable of managing massive order influxes.
    • Extensive concurrent user activity without performance degradation, even during peak events.
    • Vast global reach, enabling commerce operations across numerous countries and regions.
    • Complex product catalogs and intricate data structures, accommodating millions of SKUs and diverse business models.
    • Uninterrupted performance across multi-brand and multi-region deployments.

    The Paradigm B2B Enterprise Combine report is a highly regarded industry analysis that evaluates B2B commerce platforms based on their capabilities, performance, and strategic vision. Paradigm B2B’s purpose is to help guide B2B companies through today’s complex, digital-first environment and the report serves as a comprehensive guide for businesses seeking the most innovative and reliable commerce solutions to fuel their growth. Spryker has also been recognized in previous Paradigm B2B reports. Learn more about Spryker’s analyst recognitions here.

    About Spryker
    Spryker is the leading global composable commerce platform for enterprises with complex use cases to enable growth, innovation, and differentiation. Designed specifically for sophisticated transactional businesses, Spryker’s easy-to-use, headless, API-first model enables businesses to adapt, scale, and quickly go to market while facilitating faster time-to-value throughout their digital transformation journey. As a global platform leader for B2B and B2C Enterprise Marketplaces, IoT Commerce, and Unified Commerce, Spryker has empowered 150+ global enterprise customers worldwide and is trusted by brands such as ALDI, Siemens, ZF Friedrichshafen, and Ricoh. Spryker is a privately held technology company headquartered in Berlin and New York backed by world class investors such as TCV, One Peak, Project A, Cherry Ventures, and Maverick Capital. Learn more at spryker.com and follow Spryker on LinkedIn and X.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: AmCham China president: US exhibitors at 2025 CISCE grow by 15%

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

    Michael Hart, president of AmCham China, said at a Shandong-Thailand thematic event and supply chain international cooperation promotion conference in Beijing on Wednesday that this year’s China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) has provided a platform for communication and cooperation, with the number of U.S. exhibitors increasing significantly.

    Michael Hart, president of AmCham China, speaks at an event during the 3rd CISCE in Beijing on July 16, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CISCE]

    “The supply chain expo has provided a fantastic platform for communication and cooperation,” Hart said. “I’m pleased to share that the number of U.S. exhibitors at this year’s expo has grown by 15% compared to last year, once again making them the largest group of overseas exhibitors.”

    Among U.S. exhibitors, 60% are Fortune Global 500 companies. American tech leader NVIDIA also makes its debut at this year’s expo.

    “The foundation of China-U.S. relations lies in people-to-people ties,” said Yu Jianlong, vice chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. “Currently, business communities from both countries maintain smooth communication and share a common desire to strengthen supply chain cooperation. At this critical juncture, Chinese and American businesses are taking concrete actions to advance bilateral economic and trade relations. We’ve reached clear consensus on maintaining stable and unimpeded global supply chains.”

    Hart also noted the launch of AmCham China’s 2025 Navigator Program last November at the second CISCE, which has helped to develop supply chain leaders for collaboration with Chinese supply chain hubs. He said this year marks AmCham China’s first participation with an exhibition booth alongside member companies.

    AmCham China represents U.S. businesses operating in China. With nearly 800 member companies, the chamber serves as a key platform for communication between the business community and both the U.S. and Chinese governments. The organization focuses on supporting member success in China, strengthening U.S.-China economic ties to benefit both nations and the global economy.

    Hart said this event connects with business leaders from Chinese and foreign companies to explore new collaboration opportunities, on the opening day of CISCE.

    “Since the first U.S. investment in Shandong in 1986, nearly 1,000 American companies have invested in the province, making it a key partner in bilateral trade,” he said. “Today, Shandong stands as one of China’s most dynamic provinces – a leader in economic and industrial development with long-established strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, port logistics, and new energy.”

    The AmCham China booth at the 3rd CISCE in Beijing on July 16, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

    Shandong’s robust industrial ecosystem, efficient infrastructure, and skilled workforce have made it a cornerstone of global supply chain resilience, while many AmCham China member companies have established production bases and regional hubs in the province, Hart said. The chamber has also led multiple business delegations to Shandong, facilitating investment and strengthening cooperation between U.S. companies and the province, he added.

    The third CISCE opened on Wednesday and runs through Sunday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s retail sales expand 5.5% annually since 2021

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

    China has strengthened its status as the world’s second largest consumer market during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). The country’s retail sales of consumer goods grew 5.5% on average annually over the past four years, and are expected to top 50 trillion yuan (US$7 trillion) in 2025, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao said Friday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China urges US to remove more trade restrictions following Nvidia chip nod

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

    Photo taken on May 1, 2022 shows a container vessel docking at the Qianwan Container Terminal in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China believes that the United States should abandon zero-sum thinking and continue to remove a series of unreasonable economic and trade restriction measures against China, the Ministry of Commerce said Friday.

    China has noted that the United States has recently taken the initiative to announce the approval of Nvidia’s H20 chip sales to China, a spokesperson for the ministry said in response to a media inquiry.

    Following the economic and trade talks in London, the two sides have maintained close communication, confirming the details of the framework established in London and advancing its implementation, said the spokesperson.

    China has approved qualified export applications for controlled items in accordance with the law, and the United States accordingly lifted relevant restrictions on China in early July, as discussed in the talks, according to the spokesperson.

    Win-win cooperation is the right path for China and the United States, while suppression and containment lead nowhere, the spokesperson said.

    In May of this year, the United States issued export control guidelines targeting Huawei’s Ascend chips, imposing stricter controls on Chinese chip products based on unwarranted allegations, thereby interfering with fair market competition through administrative power and severely undermining the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, according to the spokesperson. “China has solemnly stated its position and firmly opposes this.”

    China expects the United States to work with China in the same direction, engage in equal consultations, and correct its erroneous practices, to foster a favorable environment for mutually beneficial cooperation between enterprises of both countries, and jointly safeguard the stability of global semiconductor production and supply chains, the spokesperson said.

    Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on Thursday, noting that China’s policy on attracting foreign investment will remain unchanged, and its door will only open wider.

    Wang said China has a huge market scale, diverse application scenarios, and dynamic innovation and creativity, expressing the hope that multinational companies, including Nvidia, will provide high-quality and reliable products and services to Chinese customers.

    Huang noted that the Chinese market is very attractive, and Nvidia is willing to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners in the field of artificial intelligence.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global automakers seek deeper integration into China’s smart supply chains

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

    This photo shows the booth of AITO during the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As global supply chains undergo digital transformation, major automakers are looking to deepen their integration into China’s advanced manufacturing and smart supply chain systems.

    At the ongoing China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, industry leaders underscored how China’s maturing electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, technological depth and industrial scale are shaping the next phase of global automotive production.

    For Tesla, China is not just a market; it has become a core pillar of its global supply chain strategy. The company’s Shanghai Gigafactory, now producing one vehicle roughly every 30 seconds, has achieved a 95 percent local parts integration rate for its Model 3 and Model Y lines.

    The company said the factory’s output accounted for nearly half of Tesla’s global deliveries as of June, with over 3 million vehicles having rolled off its assembly lines since its launch.

    Beyond vehicle production, Tesla is expanding into energy storage with its first overseas Megapack factory, also located in Shanghai. Officially launched in February 2025, the facility was built and operational in just nine months, with an annual production capacity of 40 GWh. Megapacks from this factory are now being exported to markets across the Asia-Pacific, further embedding Tesla into China’s smart energy supply networks.

    “China has the world’s most complete EV (electric vehicle) supply chain, with top-tier local suppliers and highly responsive manufacturing capabilities,” an unnamed Tesla spokesperson told Xinhua.

    He added that China’s large talent pool in artificial intelligence (AI), EV engineering and advanced manufacturing has become essential to Tesla’s localized R&D.

    “Whether it’s supply chain resilience, innovation capacity or market scale, China continues to offer unique advantages,” said the spokesperson.

    German auto supplier Bosch shared similar views. The company presented its localized innovations in electrified powertrains and driving assistance systems at the expo, emphasizing the rapid technology iteration happening in China.

    “China leads the way in electrification, intelligence and the shift to software-defined vehicles,” said David Xu, president of Bosch China. “Its consumers adopt new technologies quickly, which drives faster product evolution and continuous innovation in the auto sector.”

    Bosch is advancing its R&D and production capacity in China, a strategy it views as critical for keeping pace with the country’s fast-moving automotive market.

    Swedish carmaker Volvo returned to the expo for the third consecutive year. Sandra Liu, vice president of government affairs at Volvo Cars Asia Pacific, said the expo offers “a platform to promote collaboration across supply chain tiers, foster interaction among companies of all sizes, and integrate industry, academia and research.”

    Volvo’s booth featured the newly launched S90 and its flagship electric SUV EX90, in a bid to engage global supply chain partners and demonstrate the brand’s commitment to high-quality growth and sustainable mobility.

    With geopolitical uncertainty still clouding global trade, China’s combination of industrial depth and digital infrastructure is seen as a stabilizing force.

    As electrification, automation and digitalization reshape the global auto industry, integration into China’s supply chain is no longer optional — it is strategic.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Members of Hong Kong Customs Computer Forensic Laboratory win championship at 2nd International Digital Forensics Challenge (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Members of Hong Kong Customs Computer Forensic Laboratory win championship at 2nd International Digital Forensics Challenge  
    The competition was co-organised by the Hong Kong Police Force, local universities and local technology enterprises. The participating teams comprised experts from law enforcement agencies, private enterprises and academic institutions. This year’s competition focused on the theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The scenario simulated a cyberattack on an investment company’s system, where fraudsters altered its AI model to develop a fictitious investment scheme, attempting to deceive investors into purchasing fake cryptocurrency. Competing teams were required to utilise their technical expertise to analyze and crack this complex digital crime scenario.
     
    The Computer Forensic Laboratory of Hong Kong Customs is responsible for digital forensics work and providing technical assistance to frontline investigators. The award not only showcases Hong Kong Customs’ exceptional technical and professional expertise in the field of digital forensics but also highlights Hong Kong’s leading position in the global digital forensic arena.
     
    Hong Kong Customs will continue to dedicate efforts to advancing digital forensics technology and collaborate closely with local and international partners to address increasingly complex cybercrime challenges. 
    Issued at HKT 20:14

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Members of Hong Kong Customs Computer Forensic Laboratory win championship at 2nd International Digital Forensics Challenge (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Members of Hong Kong Customs Computer Forensic Laboratory win championship at 2nd International Digital Forensics Challenge  
    The competition was co-organised by the Hong Kong Police Force, local universities and local technology enterprises. The participating teams comprised experts from law enforcement agencies, private enterprises and academic institutions. This year’s competition focused on the theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The scenario simulated a cyberattack on an investment company’s system, where fraudsters altered its AI model to develop a fictitious investment scheme, attempting to deceive investors into purchasing fake cryptocurrency. Competing teams were required to utilise their technical expertise to analyze and crack this complex digital crime scenario.
     
    The Computer Forensic Laboratory of Hong Kong Customs is responsible for digital forensics work and providing technical assistance to frontline investigators. The award not only showcases Hong Kong Customs’ exceptional technical and professional expertise in the field of digital forensics but also highlights Hong Kong’s leading position in the global digital forensic arena.
     
    Hong Kong Customs will continue to dedicate efforts to advancing digital forensics technology and collaborate closely with local and international partners to address increasingly complex cybercrime challenges. 
    Issued at HKT 20:14

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: SeaFi Launches $1 Million MEGA IDO for Elympics ($ELP) with Whitelist and Reward Campaigns Active Until July 20

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SeaFi, the AI-powered Web3 launchpad redefining decentralized fundraising, is proud to announce the official launch of the MEGA IDO for Elympics ($ELP) with a total allocation of $1,000,000. Touted as the “IDO of the Year,” this opportunity is open to all crypto investors – no registration required, and backed by a 24-hour refund guarantee.

    In the run-up to the IDO, SeaFi has rolled out community engagement initiatives, including a $500,000 whitelist allocation and $1,000 USDT in rewards, available to participants until July 20, 2025.

    Campaign Participation Links:

    Elympics ($ELP) IDO Details

    • Snapshot: 00:00 UTC, July 21
    • IDO Start: 12:00 UTC, July 22
    • IDO End: 18:00 UTC, July 23
    • Network: Ethereum
    • Ticker: $ELP
    • Soft Cap: $500,000
    • Hard Cap: $1,000,000
    • Token Price: $0.01857
    • Vesting: 40% at TGE, 3-month linear vesting, no cliff
    • Refund Policy: 24-hour unconditional refund
    • Loyalty Reward: 1–3% cashback
    • No KYC or registration required
    • More Information: SeaFi Elympics IDO Page
    • Official Announcement: SeaFi on X

    About Elympics ($ELP)

    Elympics is a Web3-native competitive gaming protocol focused on delivering fair, transparent, and real-time multiplayer experiences on the blockchain. Built for both developers and gamers, Elympics empowers game creation with verifiable on-chain results and tamper-proof gameplay.   


    Join the Community

    SeaFi
    Website | X/Twitter

    Elympics
    Website | X/Twitter

    Media Contact:

    PR Team – SeaFi
    hello@seafi.ai

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe8f03da-cc6f-4fe7-b8be-83572edd476c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18919435-f187-4e01-a025-b68832e57770

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f46b6426-1dbb-46d2-be40-e0e3134791d1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [NCC GROUP PLC – Opening Disclosure – 17 07 2025] – (CGAML)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 NCC GROUP PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 17 JULY 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 10,150,000 3.2223    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 10,150,000 3.2223    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    None      

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

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

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

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

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

    (ii)        Exercise

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

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

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

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    NONE

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

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

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 18 JULY 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Achieves FDI Actual Utilization Target for 2021-2025 Ahead of Schedule

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) — China has achieved the target for the actual utilization of foreign direct investment (FDI) for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) ahead of schedule, Vice Minister of Commerce and Deputy China’s International Trade Representative Lin Ji said Friday.

    He said at a press conference that from 2021 to the end of June 2025, China’s actual FDI utilization reached US$708.73 billion, achieving the target of US$700 billion six months ahead of schedule.

    During this period, about 229 thousand new enterprises with foreign capital were created, which is approximately 25 thousand more than during the 13th five-year plan (2016-2020), he noted.

    Foreign-invested enterprises accounted for one-third of China’s foreign trade turnover and one-quarter of its industrial added value, and over the same period, these investments created more than 30 million jobs, Lin Ji added.

    According to him, the country has seen a noticeable improvement in the quality of foreign investment use. In 2024, high-tech industries accounted for 34.6 percent of attracted foreign investment, which is 6 percentage points more than in 2020.

    To create a favorable environment for foreign businesses, the Ministry of Commerce has held more than 30 roundtable meetings since 2023, helping to resolve more than 1,500 issues related to foreign-invested enterprises, according to Lin Ji. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Beamr Reports Entering PoCs in Video Data Compression Solution for Autonomous Vehicle

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Herzliya, Israel, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beamr Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: BMR), a leader in video optimization technology and solutions, today announced a further update on its progress of validating Beamr content-adaptive, GPU-accelerated technology to the autonomous vehicles market following the initial successful launch of the Beamr solution for autonomous vehicles.

    Over the past few months, Beamr engaged in multiple Proof of Concepts (PoCs) with autonomous vehicles system developers. Some of these PoCs were successful in further validating Beamr’s contribution to the autonomous vehicles (AV) industry.

    The Beamr solution for autonomous vehicles demonstrates that it is not just keeping the visual quality of the video being perceptually identical to a human viewer, but also keeps the Machine Learning (ML) results stable to the extent that using video compression with Beamr Content-Adaptive Bitrate technology (CABR) yields 20%-50% saving on video used in the training process of such autonomous vehicles’ ML model without compromising the model’s results.

    “We are encouraged by the progress that we have made so far with our AV offering, which has already been proven with successful PoCs with AV systems developers. We believe that this indicates the use of Beamr technology is indeed applicable to such fast growing markets, like the AV market.” said Sharon Carmel, founder and CEO of Beamr

    In the development of autonomous driving, video is the dominant data type. A single vehicle produces terabytes of video data daily. Training a single autonomous model may require tens to hundreds of petabytes, which is a costly challenge for autonomous vehicles and machine learning teams and which requires managing video data at scale, long-term storage and significant infrastructure investment.

    For more details visit: beamr.com/autonomous

    About Beamr

    Beamr (Nasdaq: BMR) is a world leader in content-adaptive video compression, trusted by top media companies including Netflix and Paramount. Beamr’s perceptual optimization technology (CABR) is backed by 53 patents and a winner of Emmy® Award for Technology and Engineering. The innovative technology reduces video file sizes by up to 50% while preserving quality and enabling AI-powered enhancements.

    Beamr powers efficient video workflows across high-growth markets, such as media and entertainment, user-generated content, machine learning, and autonomous vehicles. Its flexible deployment options include on-premises, private or public cloud, with convenient availability for Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) customers.

    For more details, please visit www.beamr.com or the investors’ website www.investors.beamr.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this communication may include, among other things, statements about Beamr’s strategic and business plans, technology, relationships, objectives and expectations for its business, the impact of trends on and interest in its business, intellectual property or product and its future results, operations and financial performance and condition. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks detailed in the Company’s annual report filed with the SEC on March 4, 2025 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Investor Contact:

    investorrelations@beamr.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: HTX Hot Listings Weekly Recap (July 7 – 14): Bitcoin Tops $120,000, New Tokens Listed on HTX Post Impressive Returns

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PANAMA CITY, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HTX, a leading global crypto exchange, is thrilled to announce the exceptional performance of its newly listed assets, coinciding with Bitcoin‘s groundbreaking surge past $120,000. In a period of renewed market optimism and significant capital rotation, HTX’s latest listings have once again showcased substantial wealth-generating potential. This solidifies the platform’s reputation as a go-to destination for investors looking to capitalize on emerging market trends. Between July 7 and 14, new listings across the Meme, NFT, and Infrastructure sectors achieved impressive gains. These remarkable results highlight HTX’s strategic ability to identify and list high-potential assets, providing significant wealth creation opportunities for its global user base.

    Meme Coin Resurgence Led by M and MOG

    The resurgence of meme coins saw two prominent assets deliver significant returns:

    • Memecore ($M) surged an astounding 482% in just days, firmly topping the gainers’ list. Positioned as the first Layer 1 blockchain designed for the Meme 2.0 era, $M is set to become an engine driving meme culture, value creation, and community collaboration.
    • MOG Coin ($MOG), another prominent meme coin, recorded a remarkable 112% increase. This Ethereum-based asset has recently garnered significant attention and discussion across social platforms.

    The surge in meme coin assets reaffirms the market logic that “emotion is value”. As one of the first platforms to list these tokens, HTX has effectively transformed community sentiment into trading activity, delivering tangible returns for users.

    Infrastructure and Cross-Chain Narratives Regain Momentum with Strong Performances from OMNI and TANSSI

    Technologically driven assets also performed well this week.

    • Omni Network ($OMNI) jumped 260%, driven by renewed interest in inter-chain interoperability. As an Ethereum-native interoperability protocol, Omni Network enables low-latency communication across all Ethereum rollups and offers a secure, high-performance, and globally compatible architecture — positioning Ethereum as a single, unified operating system for both users and developers.
    • Tanssi Network ($TANSSI) climbed the ranks with an 82% increase. As an appchain infrastructure protocol built on Polkadot’s shared security framework, Tanssi offers the ContainerChain parachain solution, providing appchains with essential services such as block production, data availability, cross-chain messaging, and external bridging. Its ecosystem also includes management tools, ready-to-use templates, and key integrations like wallets, indexers, RPC endpoints, block explorers, and oracles.

    HTX’s early identification of the infrastructure trend empowered previously overlooked assets to gain significant momentum on the platform, showcasing the precision of its listing strategy.

    $PENGU Surges on Enterprise NFT Buzz, NFT Sector Stages Strong Comeback

    Recently, the rise of the “enterprise NFT” narrative has sparked growing interest, with both established brands and new IPs leveraging NFTs to broaden community engagement. As a result, NFT assets are experiencing a resurgence, demonstrating strong wealth potential in this new context.

    • Pudgy Penguins ($PENGU) witnessed an impressive 89% surge in a short period. This collection of 8,888 NFTs drives Web3 innovation through IP licensing and community-driven empowerment. Each holder gets exclusive access to experiences, events, IP licensing opportunities, and more. $PENGU has distinguished itself as one of the few NFT projects to achieve both substantial traffic and high trading volume.

    Popular Assets Rally as XLM and KNC Maintain Resilience

    Beyond the newly listed assets, established popular assets also saw significant movement:

    • XLM (Stellar) rose 88%, benefiting from heightened payment activity and growing stablecoin clearing needs. As an open payment network, Stellar bridges diverse financial systems, empowering anyone to create low-cost financial services for their communities. This interconnectedness enhances individual access, reduces banking costs, and boosts business revenue.
    • Kyber Network ($KNC) recorded a 65% gain, emerging as a standout in the DEX sector. The surge was driven by the release of new DeFi versions and liquidity incentive programs. Kyber Network aims to build a system that supports instant trading and seamless conversion of diverse digital assets. It offers robust payment APIs and next-generation contract wallets, enabling smooth token-to-token payments for all users.

    The rise of these assets also signals a broader market shift from pure emotional speculation to projects backed by real-world applications and strong liquidity support.

    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.

    To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord. For further inquiries, please contact glo-media@htx-inc.com.

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c6481a60-ca4c-4575-bc42-01f937e875f0

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd08fc54-78cc-46f3-9443-feb8da0c8548

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Indigo Acquisition Corp. Announces Separate Trading of its Ordinary Shares and Rights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Indigo Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: INACU) (the “Company”) announced today that, commencing on or about July 30, 2025, holders of its units sold in the Company’s initial public offering may elect to separately trade the Company’s ordinary shares and rights included in the units. The ordinary shares and rights that are separated will trade on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbols “INAC” and “INACR,” respectively. No fractional rights will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole rights will trade. Those units not separated will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol “INACU.” Holders of units will need to have their brokers contact Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the Company’s transfer agent, in order to separate the units into ordinary shares and rights.

    The Company is a Cayman exempt company, formed as a blank check company for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. The Company intends to focus on opportunities with established, profitable companies with attractive market positions and/or growth potential that can leverage our management team’s experience and expertise. The Company is led by its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, James S. Cassel, and its Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Scott Salpeter.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s final prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC on July 1, 2025. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Contact:

    James S. Cassel, CEO
    jcassel@cs-ib.com
    305-438-7700

    Scott Salpeter, CFO
    ssalpeter@cs-ib.com
    305-438-7700

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Celebrating Partnership: Switzerland and The International Trade Centre (ITC) Reaffirm Commitment to Africa’s Trade Future

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The International Trade Centre (ITC) celebrated its first Partnership for Africa Day, bringing together more than 200 high-level participants from institutions, Member States, business support organizations, donors, and small businesses. The event also marked a new milestone in ITC’s collaboration with the Swiss-African Business Circle (SABC). This landmark occasion showcased how strategic, inclusive partnerships can drive trade, innovation, and prosperity for African small businesses.

    Held as a high-level welcome reception on the eve of Swiss Africa Business Day (SABD) 2025, the event was co-organized by ITC and SABC. It offered a unique platform for Swiss and African leaders from both the public and private sectors to deepen dialogue and shape forward-looking trade collaborations.

    “By joining forces with ITC to organise a welcome reception as the official start to SABD2025, we further strengthened dialogue on Swiss-African trade. The event brought together actors from international Geneva, business support organisations, and public and private sector representatives from Africa, Switzerland, and beyond,” said Helena Bischoff, Deputy Managing Director, SABC.

    A central highlight of the gathering was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between H.E. Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank. This formalized Switzerland’s renewed commitment to advancing regional integration and SME development in Africa.

    Beyond official engagements, the reception celebrated the richness of Africa’s creative economy. From a “Taste of Africa” culinary experience curated by Geneva-based African restaurants to a fashion showcase featuring designs from the Pan African Fashion Alliance (PAFA) and Swiss NGO Afrodysée, the event underscored the growing importance of diaspora engagement and cultural industries in trade development.

    “The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs collaborates with ITC, a long-standing partner, to strengthen the competitiveness of African SMEs by promoting intra-African trade and fostering linkages between Africa and Switzerland,” noted SECO representatives.

    As host country and development partner, Switzerland continues to play a pivotal role in ITC’s mission to empower African small businesses. Through its One Trade Africa initiative, ITC supports the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promotes triangular cooperation between Switzerland, African institutions, and global partners.

    This inaugural Partnership for Africa Day was not only a celebration but also a springboard toward a more connected, resilient, and opportunity-rich trade future for Africa. Together with Switzerland and partners such as SABC and Afreximbank, ITC is committed to turning dialogue into action—and partnerships into impact.

    – on behalf of International Trade Centre.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: EU efforts to measure companies’ environmental impacts have global effects. Here’s how to make them more just

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Mira Manini Tiwari, Research Associate at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute

    If you choose to buy a sustainable product at the supermarket, or invest in a sustainable portfolio at your bank, how far does that sustainability reach? Does the product’s “sustainable” label account for the environmental and labour costs where the raw materials were extracted? Does the portfolio include renewable energy in countries where the investment is needed most?

    In the EU, whether you are an individual or represent a company or financial institution, these questions are governed by the bloc’s non-financial reporting (NFR) regulations. The latest ones include the European Sustainable Reporting Standards (ESRS), which are gradually coming into force through 2029. The ESRS set out reporting standards and requirements, while the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) determines which companies these standards apply to, to what extent, and when.

    These EU regulations also have strong implications for the Majority World, the countries and territories outside Europe and North America where most people live, at a time when global, systemic policy effects are more important than ever. As supply chains become longer and more interconnected, and as communities involved in them confront the fragilities of economic, political and climate shifts, the regulations that govern the sustainability of these chains and that enable or prohibit participation in them must be crafted and implemented to minimise harm to the most vulnerable.

    In an article in Environment and Development Economics, my co-authors and I developed a set of proposals to improve the global sustainability of the NFR regulations. These call for collaborative development of regulations across the value chain, better data accessibility, measuring of and accounting for cross-border environmental damage, and greater integrity and engagement from financial actors.


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    Cooperation, not compliance

    As the ESRS come into force, reporting requirements are being applied to companies’ full value chains. This means that Majority World actors, such as those that extract raw materials for European products, may be indirectly subjected to the NFR regulations. This is important, as it holds companies and consumers, EU and non, accountable for the ethics of the goods and services they rely on. However, when regulations are built without directly involving those they will affect, they risk causing collateral, longer-term damage. For example, reporting requirements that feel inaccessible to smaller organisations can foster distrust and backlash, or cause companies to withdraw from contexts where data are less accessible, taking away key sources of income for communities.

    While global climate negotiations have come under public scrutiny for their Minority World dominance, there has been relatively less scrutiny of global organisations governing financial and corporate sustainability standards. On their boards, the Majority World is conspicuous by its absence, demonstrating the dearth of attention to its agency in enabling greater sustainability, both locally and globally. European investors and policymakers are already shifting capital from the Majority World back to the EU in response to the NFR regulations, citing the difficulty of accounting for activities along the length of value chains. The damage falls on livelihoods, industries and essential investments, such as in renewable energy, which can suddenly disappear.

    Developing NFR regulations in collaboration with all stakeholders, rather than only at the top, can provide a regulatory landscape that is, from the outset, more implementable, accessible and effective in the long run.

    Democratic data and digitalisation

    Efficacy in global NFR regulations relies on global data cooperation, which could lower the administrative burden on those reporting and enable greater accountability. The increasing number of EU NFR regulations do not exist in a vacuum: they have been accompanied by shifts in global regulations and a proliferation of national regulations. With regulations expanding to cover the full value chain, actors are increasingly likely to be subjected to multiple regulatory bodies, or have to provide data to reporting entities upstream. The time, financial resources and practical challenges involved in identifying, collecting, processing and sharing data are considerable, both for those submitting data and those receiving and verifying them. This makes divestment or significant losses more likely. Furthermore, the expansion of regulations can result in isolated streams of data and closed-circuit processes, which, in turn, cut out civil society organisations and individuals who use data to help hold firms to account for their social and environmental responsibilities.

    Aside from EU calls for a European Single Access Point for corporate data, Majority World contexts offer particularly fertile ground for reimagining and building data infrastructures. Digitalisation in low- and middle-income countries is growing rapidly, and demonstrates the ability to make digital financial and business instruments democratic and accessible to those with the fewest resources. Such efforts should involve statisticians and local data experts from the outset to determine and harmonise appropriate data, along with transnational entities with the mandate of establishing links across data systems.

    Support for international emissions accounting

    Corporate reporting on environmental impacts must be accompanied by their reduction. Indeed, the work and transparency required to identify impacts in the first place, let alone mitigate them, underpins decisions to simply detach from the system, moving economic activity to local contexts where impacts are more traceable.

    Firms that cannot afford to bring their activities onshore must account for emissions that occur from assets not directly under their ownership or control, which are known as Scope 3 emissions. In some cases, these emissions constitute well over half of a firm’s total value chain emissions. However, the implementation of the ESRS has designated the reporting of Scope 3 emissions, and climate impacts in general, to be largely discretionary, under the condition that firms provide evaluations of the economic and material implications of a given activity in their value chains.

    The glaring gaps between some firms’ targets, actions and declarations are in part enabled by reporting systems that allow the omission of more distant climate risks and impacts, maintaining the misalignment between climate pledges and actions aimed at achieving them. While the number of firms showing readiness to comply with Scope 3 accounting is increasing, data on global investor preferences suggests that investors do not necessarily prioritise companies’ performance on these emissions when making investment decisions. For ethics to exist on the ground, they must be prioritised in financial flows.

    Investment with integrity

    In light of the above, financial institutions have a core responsibility to engage with NFR. These institutions’ economic leverage and centrality in the value chains and activities of several sectors give them incentivising power to catalyse a shift from the submission of reports to the building of living data systems and the achievement of fuller value chain accountability. Currently, many investors are not willing to accept reductions in their returns in exchange for the pursuit of social or environmental goals. Surveys suggest this is in part due to perceptions of low quality of environmental information, limited ability to assess the data received, and the difficulty of making investment decisions accordingly. In the current landscape of Minority World-led reporting, such mistrust is likely to be greater with respect to Majority World data, reiterating the need for data systems and reporting mechanisms built on equal footing.

    Financial institutions can operate proactively, using their privileged access to data to bridge Minority and Majority World actors engaging in sustainable practices, such as microfinance bodies, local communities and relevant investors. Doing so could plug, at least in part, an information and trust gap that can hinder Minority World firms’ investment in unfamiliar contexts.

    Regulating for whom?

    The research underpinning our article initially involved a recommendation on streamlining and supporting reporting by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for more than 60% of the EU’s corporate emissions. For these firms, especially, regulators face a critical balance between lowering the entry barrier of the reporting ecosystem and setting robust environmental targets. The nature, data points and timelines of reporting under the CSRD are currently under review following calls for simplification and greater support, and decision-makers are wrestling with the tension between accessibility and integrity.

    Our work also included a recommendation that turns from the supply side, the focus of the preceding proposals, to the demand side: the data and sustainability literacy of the individual who walks into the supermarket to buy that sustainable product, or wants family investments to do more good than harm. Across sectors – public policy, investment and citizen engagement – resources must be dedicated to these literacies, so that actors are better placed to hold each other to account. Regulation becomes easily abstracted, reduced to figures and PDFs, databases and scores. Beneath each regulation is a world of citizens whose homes, livelihoods and health depend on them.

    The author was affiliated with the University of Siena during the period in which she and her colleagues did the original work for the scholarly article that is mentioned in this piece. The author’s affiliation came via a project that, overall, was financed by the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The scholarly article and the present article were not outputs for the project.

    – ref. EU efforts to measure companies’ environmental impacts have global effects. Here’s how to make them more just – https://theconversation.com/eu-efforts-to-measure-companies-environmental-impacts-have-global-effects-heres-how-to-make-them-more-just-261226

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: EU efforts to measure companies’ environmental impacts have global effects. Here’s how to make them more just

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Mira Manini Tiwari, Research Associate at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute

    If you choose to buy a sustainable product at the supermarket, or invest in a sustainable portfolio at your bank, how far does that sustainability reach? Does the product’s “sustainable” label account for the environmental and labour costs where the raw materials were extracted? Does the portfolio include renewable energy in countries where the investment is needed most?

    In the EU, whether you are an individual or represent a company or financial institution, these questions are governed by the bloc’s non-financial reporting (NFR) regulations. The latest ones include the European Sustainable Reporting Standards (ESRS), which are gradually coming into force through 2029. The ESRS set out reporting standards and requirements, while the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) determines which companies these standards apply to, to what extent, and when.

    These EU regulations also have strong implications for the Majority World, the countries and territories outside Europe and North America where most people live, at a time when global, systemic policy effects are more important than ever. As supply chains become longer and more interconnected, and as communities involved in them confront the fragilities of economic, political and climate shifts, the regulations that govern the sustainability of these chains and that enable or prohibit participation in them must be crafted and implemented to minimise harm to the most vulnerable.

    In an article in Environment and Development Economics, my co-authors and I developed a set of proposals to improve the global sustainability of the NFR regulations. These call for collaborative development of regulations across the value chain, better data accessibility, measuring of and accounting for cross-border environmental damage, and greater integrity and engagement from financial actors.


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    Cooperation, not compliance

    As the ESRS come into force, reporting requirements are being applied to companies’ full value chains. This means that Majority World actors, such as those that extract raw materials for European products, may be indirectly subjected to the NFR regulations. This is important, as it holds companies and consumers, EU and non, accountable for the ethics of the goods and services they rely on. However, when regulations are built without directly involving those they will affect, they risk causing collateral, longer-term damage. For example, reporting requirements that feel inaccessible to smaller organisations can foster distrust and backlash, or cause companies to withdraw from contexts where data are less accessible, taking away key sources of income for communities.

    While global climate negotiations have come under public scrutiny for their Minority World dominance, there has been relatively less scrutiny of global organisations governing financial and corporate sustainability standards. On their boards, the Majority World is conspicuous by its absence, demonstrating the dearth of attention to its agency in enabling greater sustainability, both locally and globally. European investors and policymakers are already shifting capital from the Majority World back to the EU in response to the NFR regulations, citing the difficulty of accounting for activities along the length of value chains. The damage falls on livelihoods, industries and essential investments, such as in renewable energy, which can suddenly disappear.

    Developing NFR regulations in collaboration with all stakeholders, rather than only at the top, can provide a regulatory landscape that is, from the outset, more implementable, accessible and effective in the long run.

    Democratic data and digitalisation

    Efficacy in global NFR regulations relies on global data cooperation, which could lower the administrative burden on those reporting and enable greater accountability. The increasing number of EU NFR regulations do not exist in a vacuum: they have been accompanied by shifts in global regulations and a proliferation of national regulations. With regulations expanding to cover the full value chain, actors are increasingly likely to be subjected to multiple regulatory bodies, or have to provide data to reporting entities upstream. The time, financial resources and practical challenges involved in identifying, collecting, processing and sharing data are considerable, both for those submitting data and those receiving and verifying them. This makes divestment or significant losses more likely. Furthermore, the expansion of regulations can result in isolated streams of data and closed-circuit processes, which, in turn, cut out civil society organisations and individuals who use data to help hold firms to account for their social and environmental responsibilities.

    Aside from EU calls for a European Single Access Point for corporate data, Majority World contexts offer particularly fertile ground for reimagining and building data infrastructures. Digitalisation in low- and middle-income countries is growing rapidly, and demonstrates the ability to make digital financial and business instruments democratic and accessible to those with the fewest resources. Such efforts should involve statisticians and local data experts from the outset to determine and harmonise appropriate data, along with transnational entities with the mandate of establishing links across data systems.

    Support for international emissions accounting

    Corporate reporting on environmental impacts must be accompanied by their reduction. Indeed, the work and transparency required to identify impacts in the first place, let alone mitigate them, underpins decisions to simply detach from the system, moving economic activity to local contexts where impacts are more traceable.

    Firms that cannot afford to bring their activities onshore must account for emissions that occur from assets not directly under their ownership or control, which are known as Scope 3 emissions. In some cases, these emissions constitute well over half of a firm’s total value chain emissions. However, the implementation of the ESRS has designated the reporting of Scope 3 emissions, and climate impacts in general, to be largely discretionary, under the condition that firms provide evaluations of the economic and material implications of a given activity in their value chains.

    The glaring gaps between some firms’ targets, actions and declarations are in part enabled by reporting systems that allow the omission of more distant climate risks and impacts, maintaining the misalignment between climate pledges and actions aimed at achieving them. While the number of firms showing readiness to comply with Scope 3 accounting is increasing, data on global investor preferences suggests that investors do not necessarily prioritise companies’ performance on these emissions when making investment decisions. For ethics to exist on the ground, they must be prioritised in financial flows.

    Investment with integrity

    In light of the above, financial institutions have a core responsibility to engage with NFR. These institutions’ economic leverage and centrality in the value chains and activities of several sectors give them incentivising power to catalyse a shift from the submission of reports to the building of living data systems and the achievement of fuller value chain accountability. Currently, many investors are not willing to accept reductions in their returns in exchange for the pursuit of social or environmental goals. Surveys suggest this is in part due to perceptions of low quality of environmental information, limited ability to assess the data received, and the difficulty of making investment decisions accordingly. In the current landscape of Minority World-led reporting, such mistrust is likely to be greater with respect to Majority World data, reiterating the need for data systems and reporting mechanisms built on equal footing.

    Financial institutions can operate proactively, using their privileged access to data to bridge Minority and Majority World actors engaging in sustainable practices, such as microfinance bodies, local communities and relevant investors. Doing so could plug, at least in part, an information and trust gap that can hinder Minority World firms’ investment in unfamiliar contexts.

    Regulating for whom?

    The research underpinning our article initially involved a recommendation on streamlining and supporting reporting by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for more than 60% of the EU’s corporate emissions. For these firms, especially, regulators face a critical balance between lowering the entry barrier of the reporting ecosystem and setting robust environmental targets. The nature, data points and timelines of reporting under the CSRD are currently under review following calls for simplification and greater support, and decision-makers are wrestling with the tension between accessibility and integrity.

    Our work also included a recommendation that turns from the supply side, the focus of the preceding proposals, to the demand side: the data and sustainability literacy of the individual who walks into the supermarket to buy that sustainable product, or wants family investments to do more good than harm. Across sectors – public policy, investment and citizen engagement – resources must be dedicated to these literacies, so that actors are better placed to hold each other to account. Regulation becomes easily abstracted, reduced to figures and PDFs, databases and scores. Beneath each regulation is a world of citizens whose homes, livelihoods and health depend on them.

    The author was affiliated with the University of Siena during the period in which she and her colleagues did the original work for the scholarly article that is mentioned in this piece. The author’s affiliation came via a project that, overall, was financed by the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The scholarly article and the present article were not outputs for the project.

    – ref. EU efforts to measure companies’ environmental impacts have global effects. Here’s how to make them more just – https://theconversation.com/eu-efforts-to-measure-companies-environmental-impacts-have-global-effects-heres-how-to-make-them-more-just-261226

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Immigrants in Europe and North America earn 18% less than natives – here’s why

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Are Skeie Hermansen, Professor of Sociology, University of Oslo

    F Armstrong Photography/Shutterstock

    As many countries grapple with ageing populations, falling birthrates, labour shortages and fiscal pressures, the ability to successfully integrate immigrants is becoming an increasingly pressing matter.

    However, our new study found that salaries of immigrants in Europe and North America are nearly 18% lower than those of natives, as foreign-born workers struggle to access higher-paying jobs. To reach this conclusion, we analysed the salaries of 13.5 million people in nine immigrant-receiving countries: Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States. Data was taken from the period of 2016 to 2019.

    Immigrants in these countries earned less primarily because they were unable to access higher-paying jobs. Three-quarters of the migrant pay gap was the result of a lack of access to well-paid jobs, while only one-quarter of the gap was attributed to pay differences between migrant and native-born workers in the same job.

    Spain has the largest gap, while Sweden’s is the smallest.
    Author’s own elaboration

    The high-income countries we examined in Europe and North America all face similar demographic challenges, with low fertility rates resulting in an ageing population and labour shortages. Pro-natalist policies are unlikely to change this demographic destiny, but sound immigration policies can help.

    Across these countries with vastly different labour market institutions and immigrant populations, a common theme emerged: countries are not making good use of immigrants’ human capital.

    Stark regional differences

    We found that immigrants earn 17.9% less than natives on average, although the pay gap varied widely by country. In Spain, a relatively recent large-scale receiver of immigrants, the pay gap was over 29%. In Sweden – a country where many employed immigrants find work in the public sector – it was just 7%. These results don’t include immigrants who are unemployed or in the informal economy.

    Where immigrants were born also mattered. The highest average overall pay gaps were for immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa (26.1%) and the Middle East and North Africa (23.7%). For immigrants from Europe, North America and other Western countries, the difference in average pay compared to natives was a much more modest 9%.

    Migrant pay gaps according to region of origin. The minus sign (−) before figures indicates that immigrants earn less than natives. Note that data for second-generation immigrants is unavailable in France, Spain and the US.
    Author’s own elaboration

    Our results suggest that the children of immigrants faced substantially better earning prospects than their parents. For the countries where second-generation data was available – Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden – the gap narrowed over time, and the children of immigrants had a substantially smaller earnings gap, earning an average of 5.7% less than workers with native-born parents.

    The struggle to access higher-paying jobs

    Beyond quantifying the gap, we wanted to understand the roots of pay disparities. To create better policies, it is important to know whether immigrants are paid less than natives when they’re doing the same job in the same company, or whether these differences arise because immigrants typically work in lower-paying jobs.

    By a wide margin, we found that immigrants end up working in lower-paying industries, occupations and companies; three-quarters of the gap was due to this type of labour-market sorting. The pay gap for the same work in the same company was just 4.6% on average across the nine countries.

    These differences represent a failure of immigration policy to incorporate immigrants, as immigrants are relegated to jobs where they cannot contribute to their full potential. Our analyses rule out that the lack of access to higher-paying jobs simply reflects a difference in skill between immigrants and native-born workers. We also found that the size of the pay gap and the key role of unequal access to well-paid jobs is similar for immigrants with and without a university education.

    This means that the immigrant-native pay gap in large part represents a market inefficiency and policy failure, with significant social consequences for both immigrants and immigrant-receiving countries.



    Leer más:
    What Britons and Europeans really think about immigration – new analysis

    Policy implications

    Although equal pay for equal work policies may seem like a viable solution, they won’t close the immigrant pay gap. This is because they only help those who have already secured work, but immigrants face barriers to employment that begin long before even applying for a job. This includes convoluted processes to validate university degrees or other qualifications, and exclusion from professional networks.

    The policy focus should therefore be on improving access to better jobs.

    To make this happen, governments should invest in programmes such as language training, education and vocational skills for immigrants. They should ensure immigrants have early access to employment information, networks, job-search assistance and employer referrals. They should implement standardised and transparent recognition of foreign degrees and credentials, helping immigrants to access jobs matching their skills and training.

    This is particularly important for Europe as it races to attract – and retain – skilled immigrants who may be having second thoughts about the US in the Trump era. In the European Union, around 40% of university-educated non-EU immigrants are employed in jobs that do not require a degree, an underutilisation of skills known as brain waste.

    Some countries are already taking steps to remedy this. Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act – which took effect in 2024 – allows foreign graduates to work while their degrees are being formally recognised. In 2025, France reformed its Passeport Talent permit to attract skilled professionals and address labour shortages, especially in healthcare.

    These kinds of policies help ensure that foreign-born workers can contribute at their full capacity, and that countries can reap the full benefits of immigration in terms of productivity gains, higher tax revenue and reduced inequality.

    If immigrants can’t get access to good jobs, their skills are underutilised and society loses out. Smart immigration policy doesn’t end at the border – it starts there.

    Are Skeie Hermansen has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s
    Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 851149), the Research Council of Norway (grant 287016), and the Center for Advanced Study at The Norwegian Academy of Science
    and Letters (Young CAS grant 2019/2020).

    Marta M. Elvira receives funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, grant PID2020-
    118807RB-I00/AEI /10.13039/501100011033

    Andrew Penner no recibe salario, ni ejerce labores de consultoría, ni posee acciones, ni recibe financiación de ninguna compañía u organización que pueda obtener beneficio de este artículo, y ha declarado carecer de vínculos relevantes más allá del cargo académico citado.

    – ref. Immigrants in Europe and North America earn 18% less than natives – here’s why – https://theconversation.com/immigrants-in-europe-and-north-america-earn-18-less-than-natives-heres-why-261188

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Chimamanda’s Lagos homecoming wasn’t just a book launch, it was a cultural moment

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Tinashe Mushakavanhu, Assistant Professor, Harvard University

    When the announcement of Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi’s latest novel Dream Count was made, it was regarded as a major event in African literature. The internationally celebrated Nigerian writer had not published a novel in the past 12 years, and her long-awaited return stirred both anticipation and speculation. In the post-COVID context in which the book comes, so much has changed in the world.

    The first leg of her three city homecoming book tour coincided with my stay in Lagos as a curatorial fellow at Guest Artist Space Foundation, dedicated to facilitating cultural exchange and supporting creative practices. After Lagos, Chimamanda took the tour to Nigeria’s capital city Abuja and finally Enugu, where she was born and grew up.



    Read more:
    Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s new book Dream Count explores love in all its complicated messiness

    As a scholar of African literature, I arrived here in search of literary Lagos. But my attachment to the city may also just be romantic, a nostalgia born out of years of reading about it in fiction. No doubt, Lagos is a city of imagination and creativity.

    Chimamanda’s book event was a reminder that literary celebrity, when it happens in Africa, can exist on its own terms. It’s rooted in a popular imaginary that embraces both the writer and the spectacle.

    Lagos superstar

    The launch in Lagos took place at a conference centre on the evening of Friday 27 June. The MUSON is a multipurpose civic auditorium located in the centre of Lagos Island which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. And on this night, the auditorium was packed.

    When I arrive, the scene outside is buzzing. A crowd gathers in front of a large canvas banner bearing a radiant image of the author. It’s more than just decoration; it’s a backdrop. It is an occasion for the selfie, a digital marker that you were there. There is even a hashtag for this: #dreamcountlagos. People take turns posing in front of it, curating their presence in the frame of Chimamanda’s aura.

    The atmosphere is festive, electric. And yet beneath the surface shimmer is something more urgent: a hunger for story, for presence, for return. Perhaps that explains why people come not just to witness, but to be counted.

    Inside the lobby, piles of Chimamanda’s books are neatly arranged on long tables. People are not just buying a copy. They are buying several in the hope that the author will autograph them. The sight is striking, almost surreal. In many parts of the continent, a book launch is often a quiet affair. Writers are lucky to sell a handful of copies. But this is something else entirely. This is not just a book launch, it is a cultural moment.

    It would have been easy to mistake the event for a political townhall. There was a VIP section reserved for the who’s who of Lagos, but those class distinctions easily dissolved into the collective energy of the room. The auditorium was filled with genuine enthusiasm.

    Even after a delay of more than an hour, when Chimamanda finally walked in, she was met with rapturous applause. She wore a bright yellow dress, an Instagrammable outfit, suited for the many fans who rushed forward to take selfies with her. Chimamanda, no doubt, is as much a fashion icon as she is a literary figure.

    On stage, she was joined by media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, widely known as the host of the reality TV show Big Brother Africa. But here, he was also something more intimate: the author’s friend. Chimamanda even credited him with being a “great reader”. This is a rare compliment in a literary world that often separates celebrity from critical engagement.

    Their conversation was relaxed and full of laughter, offering the audience both intimacy and insight. Chimamanda addressed the question that had lingered for years: her decade-long silence. She spoke candidly of writer’s block, of the grief that came with losing both her parents in quick succession, and how that loss eventually reignited her desire to write.

    Dream Count, she explained, is shaped by that rupture. It is one of the major post-COVID novels from Africa, and centres on the lives of four women. It is a book about love, friendship and independence.

    Africans do read

    When she spoke about her characters on stage, it was as though she was talking about relatives that the audience recognised. They responded by shouting out the characters’ names, to the delight of the author.

    When I asked people about the launch afterwards, many said that it was a very Nigerian event – big, colourful, exuberant, festive. It was indeed a celebration that felt communal, even joyous. It was also a public demonstration of how literature can still command space and attention, not just in private reading rooms or crammed bookstores, but on a civic scale.



    Read more:
    Lagos fashion: how designers make global trends uniquely Nigerian

    This was a remarkable event because it defied the tired cliché that Africans do not read. People, mostly young, came out in their hundreds. They bought books, they took selfies with their “favourite” author, they screamed the names of fictional characters as though greeting friends.

    But more significant was Chimamanda’s choice to work with a local publisher, Narrative Landscape Press, which produced the Nigerian edition of Dream Count that is now available and accessible locally, at the same time as its release in Europe and North America. That alone is a radical act.

    In returning to Nigeria to launch her book, Chimamanda also disrupts the assumption that African literary prestige must only be validated abroad. Even though she belongs to a cohort of African writers shaped by the diaspora, she actively insists on presence – on homecoming – not as simply nostalgia, but as active engagement.

    Of course, Chimamanda is an exception. Her stature as a global literary figure, combined with her deep connection to home, allows her to move between worlds with remarkable ease. Few writers command the kind of multigenerational, cross-class attention she does. I found myself wishing though that more book launches could carry this same sense of occasion, of meaning, of return. That they could gather people in such numbers, not just to celebrate the writer, but to affirm the African book as something still worth gathering for.

    And perhaps that is what made this book launch unforgettable: not just the celebrity or the spectacle, but the sense that literature still matters here, and that it belongs to the people.

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

    – ref. Chimamanda’s Lagos homecoming wasn’t just a book launch, it was a cultural moment – https://theconversation.com/chimamandas-lagos-homecoming-wasnt-just-a-book-launch-it-was-a-cultural-moment-261112

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Connie Francis was the voice of a generation and the soundtrack of post-war America

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Leigh Carriage, Senior Lecturer in Music, Southern Cross University

    Hulton Archive/Getty Images

    Connie Francis dominated the music charts in the late 1950s and early 1960s with hits like Stupid Cupid, Pretty Little Baby and Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You.

    The pop star, author and actor has died at 87, and will be remembered for recording the soundtrack songs of post-World War II America.

    Francis photographed around 1963.
    Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

    An early life of music

    Francis was born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in Newark, New Jersey, to Italian immigrant parents. At a very early age, Francis was encouraged to take accordion and singing lessons, compete in talent shows, and later she would perform occasionally on the children’s production Star Time Kids on NBC, remaining there until she was 17.

    Within these early recordings you can hear her style begin to develop: her tone, great pitching, her versatility in vocal range. Her vocal delivery is technically controlled and stylistically structured, often nuanced – and even at this early stage demonstrating such power coupled with an adaptability for a broad range of repertoire.

    At 17, Francis signed a contract with MGM Records.

    One of her early recordings was the song Who’s Sorry Now?, written by Ted Snyder with lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby in 1923. Her version was released in 1957 and struggled to get noticed.

    The following year, Francis appeared with the ballad on American Bandstand. This performance exposed Francis’ talent for interpretation and her ability to bridge the teen and adult fanbase.

    The song would become a hit.

    It’s useful to listen to the original version to gain more insight into Francis’ vocal approach and styling. The original is an instrumental song of its time, with light whimsical call and response motives in a foxtrot feel.

    But in Francis’ version, she demonstrates her ability to revitalise a late 1950s pop music aesthetic. In an emotional delivery she croons her own rendition, with the country styling elements of Patsy Cline.

    Connie Francis performing in Milan in 1961.
    Universal Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    The voice of a generation

    Following Who’s Sorry Now?, Stupid Cupid (1958), Where The Boys Are (1960, the titular song of a feature film starring Francis) and Lipstick on Your Collar (1959) became the soundtrack songs of post-war America.

    Francis was supported with songs penned by the some of the best songwriters from the Brill Building, a creative collective in Manhattan that housed professional songwriters, working with staff writers Edna Lewis and George Goehring.

    In 1960, Francis released her hit Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool written by Jack Keller and Howard Greenfield. It was a teeny-bopper classic, and she became the first women to top the Billboard Hot 100.

    Francis records in the studio with Freddy Quinn at MGM in 1963 in New York.
    PoPsie Randolph/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

    Styled after some of the other greats of the time – such as Frank Sinatra (1915–98), Dean Martin (1917–95) and Louis Prima (1910–70) – Francis’ performance on the Ed Sullivan show highlighted her connection to her Italian heritage and ability to draw from a broad repertoire.

    On the show, she performed Mama and La Paloma. Each performance is very carefully styled, a thoughtful approach to dynamics, sung in both English and Italian.

    Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You, a number one hit from 1962, features Francis’ gorgeous crooning harmonies. Then, the song breaks down into an earnest spoken part and finishes with a powerful belted vocal part of long notes.

    The song is full of confidence and hope.

    Away from the microphone

    Francis had two key roles in films, starring in Where the Boys Are (1960) and the comedy Follow the Boys (1963).

    She was an author of two books. The second, Who’s Sorry Now?, became a New York Times bestseller.

    Francis was involved with humanitarian causes. She was particularly involved with Women Against Rape, following her own violent rape in 1974, and the Valour Victims Assistance Legal Organisation, dedicated to supporting the legal rights of crime victims. A lesser known song in her repertoire, fitting to include here, is her version of Born Free from 1968.

    As a singer, Francis worked at her craft and transitioned effortlessly from one genre to another, performing for over five decades. She will be remembered as a trailblazing solo artist, leaving a strong legacy in popular music culture.

    She was the voice of one generation when she was a star. And in her final year she became the voice of a new generation as Pretty Little Baby, released in 1962, went viral on TikTok, with more than 1.4 million videos using her voice to share stories of their lives.

    Francis performs in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 2009.
    Bobby Bank/WireImage

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

    – ref. Connie Francis was the voice of a generation and the soundtrack of post-war America – https://theconversation.com/connie-francis-was-the-voice-of-a-generation-and-the-soundtrack-of-post-war-america-261467

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why did the government hide a data leak about Afghans working with British forces and why did the courts finally reveal it?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alexandros Antoniou, Senior Lecturer in Media Law, University of Essex

    William Barton/Shutterstock

    When thousands of Afghans were quietly flown to the UK under a secret relocation scheme, few knew it was triggered by an error. A defence official had accidentally leaked the personal data of nearly 19,000 Afghan nationals who had worked with British forces and were at risk of Taliban reprisals.

    It has now also been revealed that the leaked list contained the identities of UK special forces and spies.

    Even fewer knew that this misstep was being kept from the public by a rare and powerful legal device: a superinjunction. Now, after nearly two years of legal wrangling, the High Court has lifted that order, reopening the conversation about when secrecy in the justice system goes too far.

    What is a superinjunction?

    An injunction is a court order that stops someone from doing something (like publishing a story) or requires them to do something (like taking down an online post or handing back confidential documents).

    A superinjunction goes one step further and does two things: it bans the publication of certain information (usually to protect privacy, safety or national security) and also bans anyone from revealing that the court order even exists.

    In essence, it is a tool that provides legal invisibility: the story is hidden and so is the fact that it is being hidden. While an injunction works like a padlock on a filing cabinet, a superinjunction means you cannot even tell anyone the cabinet is even there.

    Superinjunctions are exceptionally rare and controversial, precisely because they run counter to the principle of open justice. This is the idea that courts must operate in public, and that their decisions can be seen, scrutinised and questioned. Any derogation from open justice must be continuously justified and treated with considerable caution, especially where media freedom is curtailed.

    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

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    Historically, superinjunctions have been used sparingly in cases involving blackmail, risks of violence against witnesses, the protection of children or to prevent tipping-off a subject before an order can be served (such as in fraud investigations), always with the aim of preventing harm or ensuring that justice is done.

    The superinjunction committee (which was established in 2010 by Lord Neuberger to review growing concerns about such orders) made clear that the use of these legal tools must meet strict tests of necessity and proportionality. And, that they are only granted where serious harm (for example to life, safety or the administration of justice) is credibly at stake.

    Why was a superinjunction granted in the Afghan data breach case?

    In this case, the government argued that revealing the data leak could put lives in danger. The leaked spreadsheet contained names, contact details and, in some cases, family information of Afghan nationals who had applied to resettle in the UK. Many feared Taliban retaliation.

    So, in September 2023, the Ministry of Defence asked the High Court for an injunction to stop media outlets from reporting on the leak. The judge did not just grant that request, he escalated it to a superinjunction, banning any mention of the case or the fact of the order.

    It was described at the time as “unprecedented” in its scope. Journalists, even those who had already discovered the breach, were effectively gagged. The public had no idea any of it was happening.

    Why did the court later decide to lift the secrecy?

    After multiple hearings and appeals, High Court judge Mr Justice Chamberlain ruled on July 15 2025 that the superinjunction should be discharged once and for all. A government-commissioned review found that the leak may not have spread as widely as initially feared, and that Taliban reprisals were unlikely to be triggered solely by someone appearing on the leaked list.

    The judge concluded that while the leak was deeply serious, continued secrecy was no longer necessary, and that the harm of suppressing public debate and scrutiny now outweighed the risks of disclosure. To put it plainly, the balance tipped.

    Protection v cover-up

    Superinjunctions are not inherently wrong. There are situations where short-term secrecy is essential, for instance for the purposes of shielding vulnerable parties like children or genuinely guarding national security.

    But the Afghan case exemplifies the dangers of allowing secrecy to persist too long or too broadly. For nearly two years, the public was kept in the dark about a data breach involving tens of thousands of lives – including British citizens – and a government response that may ultimately cost the taxpayer “several billion pounds”.

    In this context, secrecy risked becoming a form of institutional self-protection, shielding the Ministry of Defence and the government from political fallout, legal scrutiny and accountability, rather than safeguarding people from actual harm.

    The principle of open justice is at the heart of democratic life. Superinjunctions, by their nature, run directly against that principle. There are times when secrecy might be seen as necessary, but it must always be tightly scoped and justified with evidence while serving the public interest; not convenience or image. By lifting this superinjunction, the courts affirmed that the British public has a right to know not only what went wrong, but that something went wrong at all.

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

    – ref. Why did the government hide a data leak about Afghans working with British forces and why did the courts finally reveal it? – https://theconversation.com/why-did-the-government-hide-a-data-leak-about-afghans-working-with-british-forces-and-why-did-the-courts-finally-reveal-it-261437

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Scroll, watch, burn: sunscreen misinformation and its real‑world damage

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachael Kent, Senior Lecturer in Digital Economy & Society Education, Department of Digital Humanities, King’s College London

    Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock

    On a sunny afternoon, I was scrolling through social media when I came across a video of a young woman tossing her sunscreen into a bin. “I don’t trust this stuff anymore,” she said to the camera, holding the bottle up like a piece of damning evidence.

    The clip had been viewed over half a million times, with commenters applauding her for “ditching chemicals” and recommending homemade alternatives like coconut oil and zinc powder.

    In my research on the effect of digital technology on health, I’ve seen how posts like this can shape real-world behaviour. And anecdotally, dermatologists have reported seeing more patients with severe sunburns or suspicious moles who say they stopped using sunscreen after watching similar videos.

    Sunscreen misinformation created by social media influencers is spreading and this isn’t just a random trend. It’s being fuelled by the platforms designed to host influencer content.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    In my book, The Digital Health Self, I explain how social media platforms are not neutral arenas for sharing information. They are commercial ecosystems engineered to maximise engagement and time spent online – metrics that directly drive advertising revenue.

    Content that sparks emotion – outrage, fear, inspiration – is boosted to the top of your feed. That’s why posts questioning or rejecting science often spread further than measured, evidence-based advice.

    Health misinformation thrives in this environment. A personal story about throwing out sunscreen performs well because it’s dramatic and emotionally charged. Algorithms reward such content with higher visibility: likes, shares and comments all signal popularity.

    Each second a user spends watching or reacting gives the platform more data – and more opportunities to serve targeted ads. This is how health misinformation becomes profitable.

    In my work, I describe social media platforms as “unregulated public health platforms”. They influence what users see and believe about health, but unlike public health institutions, they’re not bound by standards for accuracy or harm reduction.

    If an influencer claims sunscreen is toxic, that message won’t be factchecked or flagged – it will often be amplified. Why? Because controversy fuels engagement.



    Read more:
    Misinformation lends itself to social contagion – here’s how to recognize and combat it

    I call this environment “the credibility arena”: a space where trust is built not through expertise, but through performance and aesthetic appeal. As I write in my book: “Trust is earned not by what is known, but by how well one narrates suffering, recovery, and resilience.”

    A creator crying on camera about “toxins” can feel more authentic to viewers than a calm, clinical explanation of ultraviolet radiation from a medical expert.

    This shift has real consequences. Ultraviolet rays are invisible, constant and damaging. They penetrate cloud cover and harm skin even on cool days.

    Decades of research, especially in countries like Australia with high skin cancer rates, show that regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen dramatically reduces risk. And yet, myths spreading online are urging people to do the opposite: to abandon sunscreen as dangerous or unnecessary.

    This trend isn’t driven solely by individual creators. It’s embedded in how content is designed, framed and presented. Algorithms prioritise short, emotionally-charged videos. Interfaces highlight trending sounds and hashtags. Recommendation systems push users toward extreme or dramatic content.

    These features all shape what we see and how we interpret it. The “For You” page isn’t neutral. It’s engineered to keep you scrolling, and shock value outperforms nuance every time.

    That’s why videos about “ditching chemicals” thrive, even as posts on other aspects of women’s health are shadowbanned or suppressed. Shadowbanning refers to when a platform limits the visibility of content – making it harder to find, without informing the user – often due to vague or inconsistently applied moderation rules.

    The system rewards spectacle, not science. Once creators discover that a particular format, like tossing products into a bin, boosts engagement, it’s replicated over and over again. Visibility isn’t organic. It’s manufactured.

    Those who throw away their sunscreen often believe they’re doing the right thing. They’re drawn to creators who feel relatable, sincere and independent — especially when official health campaigns seem cold, patronising or out of touch. But the consequences can be serious. Sun damage accumulates silently, raising skin cancer risk with every hour spent unprotected.

    Sunscreen isn’t perfect. It needs to be reapplied properly and paired with shade and protective clothing. But the evidence for its effectiveness is clear and robust.

    The real danger lies in a system that not only allows misinformation to spread, but also incentivises it. A system in which false claims can boost an influencer’s reach and a platform’s revenue.



    Read more:
    Four ways you can design social media posts to combat health misinformation

    To resist harmful health trends, we need to understand the systems that promote them. In the case of sunscreen, rejecting protection isn’t just a personal decision – it’s a symptom of a digital culture that turns health into content, and often profits from the harm it causes.

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

    – ref. Scroll, watch, burn: sunscreen misinformation and its real‑world damage – https://theconversation.com/scroll-watch-burn-sunscreen-misinformation-and-its-real-world-damage-261137

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Scroll, watch, burn: sunscreen misinformation and its real‑world damage

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachael Kent, Senior Lecturer in Digital Economy & Society Education, Department of Digital Humanities, King’s College London

    Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock

    On a sunny afternoon, I was scrolling through social media when I came across a video of a young woman tossing her sunscreen into a bin. “I don’t trust this stuff anymore,” she said to the camera, holding the bottle up like a piece of damning evidence.

    The clip had been viewed over half a million times, with commenters applauding her for “ditching chemicals” and recommending homemade alternatives like coconut oil and zinc powder.

    In my research on the effect of digital technology on health, I’ve seen how posts like this can shape real-world behaviour. And anecdotally, dermatologists have reported seeing more patients with severe sunburns or suspicious moles who say they stopped using sunscreen after watching similar videos.

    Sunscreen misinformation created by social media influencers is spreading and this isn’t just a random trend. It’s being fuelled by the platforms designed to host influencer content.

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    In my book, The Digital Health Self, I explain how social media platforms are not neutral arenas for sharing information. They are commercial ecosystems engineered to maximise engagement and time spent online – metrics that directly drive advertising revenue.

    Content that sparks emotion – outrage, fear, inspiration – is boosted to the top of your feed. That’s why posts questioning or rejecting science often spread further than measured, evidence-based advice.

    Health misinformation thrives in this environment. A personal story about throwing out sunscreen performs well because it’s dramatic and emotionally charged. Algorithms reward such content with higher visibility: likes, shares and comments all signal popularity.

    Each second a user spends watching or reacting gives the platform more data – and more opportunities to serve targeted ads. This is how health misinformation becomes profitable.

    In my work, I describe social media platforms as “unregulated public health platforms”. They influence what users see and believe about health, but unlike public health institutions, they’re not bound by standards for accuracy or harm reduction.

    If an influencer claims sunscreen is toxic, that message won’t be factchecked or flagged – it will often be amplified. Why? Because controversy fuels engagement.



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    Misinformation lends itself to social contagion – here’s how to recognize and combat it

    I call this environment “the credibility arena”: a space where trust is built not through expertise, but through performance and aesthetic appeal. As I write in my book: “Trust is earned not by what is known, but by how well one narrates suffering, recovery, and resilience.”

    A creator crying on camera about “toxins” can feel more authentic to viewers than a calm, clinical explanation of ultraviolet radiation from a medical expert.

    This shift has real consequences. Ultraviolet rays are invisible, constant and damaging. They penetrate cloud cover and harm skin even on cool days.

    Decades of research, especially in countries like Australia with high skin cancer rates, show that regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen dramatically reduces risk. And yet, myths spreading online are urging people to do the opposite: to abandon sunscreen as dangerous or unnecessary.

    This trend isn’t driven solely by individual creators. It’s embedded in how content is designed, framed and presented. Algorithms prioritise short, emotionally-charged videos. Interfaces highlight trending sounds and hashtags. Recommendation systems push users toward extreme or dramatic content.

    These features all shape what we see and how we interpret it. The “For You” page isn’t neutral. It’s engineered to keep you scrolling, and shock value outperforms nuance every time.

    That’s why videos about “ditching chemicals” thrive, even as posts on other aspects of women’s health are shadowbanned or suppressed. Shadowbanning refers to when a platform limits the visibility of content – making it harder to find, without informing the user – often due to vague or inconsistently applied moderation rules.

    The system rewards spectacle, not science. Once creators discover that a particular format, like tossing products into a bin, boosts engagement, it’s replicated over and over again. Visibility isn’t organic. It’s manufactured.

    Those who throw away their sunscreen often believe they’re doing the right thing. They’re drawn to creators who feel relatable, sincere and independent — especially when official health campaigns seem cold, patronising or out of touch. But the consequences can be serious. Sun damage accumulates silently, raising skin cancer risk with every hour spent unprotected.

    Sunscreen isn’t perfect. It needs to be reapplied properly and paired with shade and protective clothing. But the evidence for its effectiveness is clear and robust.

    The real danger lies in a system that not only allows misinformation to spread, but also incentivises it. A system in which false claims can boost an influencer’s reach and a platform’s revenue.



    Read more:
    Four ways you can design social media posts to combat health misinformation

    To resist harmful health trends, we need to understand the systems that promote them. In the case of sunscreen, rejecting protection isn’t just a personal decision – it’s a symptom of a digital culture that turns health into content, and often profits from the harm it causes.

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

    – ref. Scroll, watch, burn: sunscreen misinformation and its real‑world damage – https://theconversation.com/scroll-watch-burn-sunscreen-misinformation-and-its-real-world-damage-261137

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