Category: Business

MIL-OSI Africa: Tanzania celebrates and honors Akinwumi Adesina’s impactful legacy as President of the African Development Bank

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, on 14 June, has honored the President of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) Dr Akinwumi Adesina describing him as “a visionary leader, a tireless son of Africa who has dedicated his life to transform the narrative of the continent.”

President Samia Suluhu Hassan praised Adesina’s vital role in the development of her country’s economy, singling out large-scale infrastructure projects financed by the Bank.

During a two-day visit to Tanzania that began on Friday, Bank president Dr Akinwumi Adesina was invited on a tour of some of the Bank-financed infrastructure projects that are transforming Tanzania’s economy and strengthening its regional and international roles. This includes a new international airport and a major highway that encircles the administrative capital of Dodoma.

The Tanzanian leader highlighted projects in other sectors, such as agriculture and energy, that are financed by the Bank.

“This is in addition to the construction of a modern Standard Gauge Railway line that will link Tanzania to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” said President Suluhu Hassan.

The African Development Bank Group has invested $9 billion in Tanzania since it started its operations in the country in 1971. Total financial support over the last 10 years under Adesina’s leadership stands at $4.73 billion, equivalent to 53% of the Bank’s lending to Tanzania over the past 54 years.

“On behalf of the people of Tanzania, I express our gratitude to the African Development Bank for being a dependable partner of our country’s development journey,” the Tanzanian President said.

Referencing the Bank’s transformative impact, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan told Adesina, “Your visionary leadership has brought significant socio-economic change to Tanzania and across Africa.”

To cheers from the crowd President Suluhu Hassan announced, “I have accepted a recommendation by the Ministry of Works to rename the Dodoma Outer Ring Road as the Dr Akinwumi Adesina Road.”

Adesina, accompanied by his wife, Grace Yemisi Adesina, was visibly moved to tears.

The newly named 112-kilometer dual carriageway is a strategic link in the Cape to Cairo continental corridor. It will decongest Tanzania’s fast-growing administrative capital and enhance regional connectivity.

The Bank provided $138 million in funding for the project, with an additional $42 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund and $34.69 million from the Government of Tanzania.

Earlier, Adesina surprised the crowd when he delivered a lengthy portion of his speech in Kiswahili, the national language of Tanzania, which is widely spoken in East and Central Africa. After recognizing all dignitaries in Kiswahili, he went on to thank President Suluhu Hassan for the warm and generous hospitality accorded to him, first in the City of Peace, Dar es Salaam, and in the attractive city of Dodoma.

“Mheshimiwa Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan, ningependa kukushukuru kwa mapokezi yako ya upendo na ukarimu tuliopewa jana katika jiji la amani, Dar es Salaam na hapa pia katika jiji lenye mvuto la Dodoma. Nimefurahi sana kuwa hapa Dodoma,” Adesina said as the crowd cheered him on.

Earlier, on Friday 13 June, Adesina was awarded a Doctor of Science Honorary Degree (Honoris Causa) from the prestigious University of Dar es Salaam.

The citation highlighted Adesina’s leadership and “lifelong dedication to public service, evidence-based policymaking, and pan-African progress.”

It read further: “Dr Adesina exemplifies the rare blend of academic brilliance, visionary leadership, and practical impact that honorary doctorates are meant to recognize. His emphasis on inclusive growth, innovation, and economic resilience makes him a beacon of integrity, excellence, and servant leadership.”

The honorary degree was bestowed on Adesina by the Chancellor of the University and former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who said, “I would like to tell Tanzanians, the African Development Bank has been a major anchor of Tanzania’s development sector. When it comes to infrastructure, no institution comes close to the African Development Bank.”

Addressing the graduating class, Adesina spoke of his humble beginnings, emphasizing resilience, character, and unity. “Success cannot be achieved alone,” he said, inviting the students to rise, link hands, and repeat together: “Together, we will succeed and make a difference.”

In his congratulatory remarks, Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba said, “Tanzania is proud to stand among the nations celebrating this remarkable journey and enduring legacy.”

From Dar es Salaam, Adesina, accompanied by former President Kikwete and Finance Minister Nchemba, took the Standard Gauge Railway train for the three-hour, 450-kilometre journey to Dodoma.

The African Development Bank Group has established a syndication strategy to mobilize $1.2 billion in conjunction with Deutsche Bank, Société Générale, and other partners for the 651-kilometre extension of the electrified Standard Gauge Railway that will connect Tanzania to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The project financing, signed during the 2024 Africa Investment Forum Market Days and includes more than $85 million from the Bank’s concessional financing window, the African Development Fund, a mix of Partial Credit Guarantees totaling $994.3 million across some sections of the railway, complemented by $247 million from the Government of Tanzania in counterpart financing. Initial disbursement from the African Development Fund and partner, the OPEC Fund, is expected by July 2025.

Adesina said, “This railway line is a cornerstone of East Africa’s regional integration vision, aimed at delivering a modern, cost-effective, and high-capacity transport system anchored on the port of Dar es Salaam and linking landlocked nations.”

“Our shift from traditional road systems to integrated transport solutions is helping position Tanzania as a key logistics and trade hub in the region,” he added.

Accompanied by Adesina, President Suluhu Hassan travelled across more than 30 kilometers of the Dodoma Outer Ring Road, stopping along the way at the Bank-funded Msalato International Airport which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The state-of-the-art airport features a 3.6-kilometre landing strip—one of the longest in East Africa, with a capacity to accommodate Airbus A380 aircraft.

The African Development Bank has provided over $198 million to finance the Msalato International Airport project with $23 million coming from the African Development Fund and $50 million from the African Grow Together Fund.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Christin Roby
Regional Communication Officer for East Africa
Communication and External Relations
Email: media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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MIL OSI Africa –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Phillips 66 releases 2025 Sustainability and People Report

Source: Phillips

HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) released its 2025 Sustainability and People Report today, demonstrating the company’s approach to helping supply the world’s growing energy needs while advancing projects to reduce emissions and foster growth.
“This report showcases our achievements in 2024 and the dedication of our employees to our transformative strategy,” said Phillips 66 Chairman and CEO Mark Lashier, “We are committed to delivering affordable, reliable energy and investing in high-return projects that reduce emissions intensity, strengthen asset reliability and provide growth opportunities. We will continue to pursue strategic investments that align with our vision of being the leading integrated downstream energy provider.”
This year’s publication highlights the company’s 2024 sustainability performance and its approach to building a high-performing organization including:

Reporting a 15% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity and an 8% reduction in Scope 3 emissions intensity compared to 2019 baseline levels.
Expanding methane disclosures to align with shareholder feedback.
Achieving a 38% reduction in injuries from serious incidents.
Fostering career development through learning resources designed to meet unique employee needs.

Phillips 66 has published annual sustainability metrics and information since the company was founded in 2012. The company is committed to providing transparent and meaningful disclosures relating to its workforce practices and sustainability initiatives, including important performance data.
To read Phillips 66’s 2025 Sustainability and People Report, go to phillips66.com/sustainability.
About Phillips 66
Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
Cautionary Statement for the Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 — This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “anticipated,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies,” “priorities” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding progress made on sustainability goals and GHG emissions targets and investment in employee development and team building. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: the possibility that Phillips 66 may not fully realize the expected benefits of the announced transaction; the risk of any unexpected costs or expenses resulting from the announced transaction; changes in governmental policies relating to NGL, crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum or renewable fuels products pricing, regulation or taxation, including exports; the company’s ability to timely obtain or maintain permits, including those necessary for capital projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum products, renewable fuels, renewable feedstocks and natural gas prices, and refined product, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for the company’s products; changes to government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for biofuels; liability resulting from pending or future litigation or other legal proceedings; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs or technical requirements for constructing, modifying or operating the company’s facilities or transporting its products; the company’s ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that it may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected technological or commercial difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting the company’s products, including chemical products; the level and success of producers’ drilling plans and the amount and quality of production volumes around the company’s midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; changes in the cost or availability of adequate and reliable transportation for the company’s NGL, crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; failure to complete definitive agreements and feasibility studies for, and to complete construction of, announced and future capital projects on time or within budget; the company’s ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to the company’s credit profile or illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets; damage to the company’s facilities due to accidents, weather and climate events, civil unrest, insurrections, political events, terrorism or cyberattacks; domestic and international economic and political developments including armed hostilities, such as the war in Eastern Europe, instability in the financial services and banking sector, excess inflation, expropriation of assets, and changes in fiscal policy, including interest rates; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and properties, plants and equipment and/or strategic decisions or other developments with respect to the company’s asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; substantial investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of existing or future environmental rules and regulations, including greenhouse gas emissions reductions and reduced consumer demand for refined petroleum products; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates) applicable to our business; political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to the company’s business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of joint ventures that the company does not control; the potential impact of activist shareholder actions or tactics, and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting the company’s businesses generally as set forth in Phillips 66’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: Phillips 66

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong 37th Annual Awards Dinner (English only) (with photo/video)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong 37th Annual Awards Dinner today (June 19):

Josephine (Chair of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Ms Josephine Orgill), Consul-General Gareth Williams (Consul-General of Australia to Hong Kong and Macao), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is a pleasure to be with you tonight as we celebrate the 37th anniversary of AustCham in Hong Kong.

Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to you all. For nearly four decades, you have evolved from a casual lunch club into the largest offshore Australian Chamber of Commerce.

And through your Community Awards, you not only honour excellence in sustainability, women’s leadership, sports, entertainment and entrepreneurship; you have also strengthened the vibrant ties between Hong Kong and Australia.

We value your friendship, your contributions and your wise counsel over the years.

Tonight’s celebration brings back fond memories of my visit to Australia last September. I was moved by the energy, the innovation and the genuine enthusiasm of Australian businesses to deepen collaboration with Hong Kong. The potential for partnership is vast and growing.

Trade and investment are cornerstones of our relationship. Since the Hong Kong–Australia Free Trade Agreement and the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement came into force in 2020, our economic ties have continued to flourish. The merchandise trade between us grew by 5 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter this year.

And we have a diverse and vibrant community of about 160 Australian companies in Hong Kong who have contributed to the dynamism of the city’s business scene and economic progress. And the 10 000 Australian nationals residing in Hong Kong, who have brought with them experience and expertise in various fields ranging from finance and education to legal services, construction engineering and more.

For example, I trust you would be proud of the significant involvement of Australian companies in the building and management of our world-class Kai Tak Sports Park.

As a staunch advocate of free trade, Hong Kong is eager to contribute more to regional trade and economic integration. Our application to join RCEP, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, underscores that commitment. We are grateful for AustCham’s support all the way, and we look forward to Australia’s active endorsement as well.

In a world challenged by rising unilateralism and protectionism, like-minded economies must come together. Hong Kong and Australia share a firm commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system. That shared belief is the foundation for stronger co-operation and mutual prosperity.

Of course, our ties go beyond trade. Our people-to-people exchanges are thriving. In the first five months of this year, nearly 200 000 Australian visitors came to Hong Kong, a 35 per cent increase year-on-year. These visits not only help promote mutual understanding, but also lay the foundation for long-term collaboration in business and beyond.

Ladies and gentlemen, looking into the future, Hong Kong continues to offer a world-class and unique platform for Australian companies seeking access to the vast Chinese Mainland market.

Our commitment to the “one country, two systems” framework remains firm and steadfast. This is the foundation that underpins our competitiveness. As consistently acknowledged in various international rankings, Hong Kong continues to perform well in government efficiency, business environment, rule of law, infrastructure and connectivity, quality education, lifestyle and more. These strengths have made Hong Kong a highly attractive destination for global businesses.

Indeed, in recent months we have seen a notable inflow of international capital into Hong Kong. Our stock market is gaining momentum, and bank deposits have risen by over 7 per cent last year, and another 4 per cent so far this year, reaching HK$18 trillion. These are strong indicators of renewed confidence in our markets and the opportunities offered by this city.

In March, a new amendment to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force. This brings good news for Australian businesses. Two key highlights: first, Australian companies established in Hong Kong can benefit from immediate priority access to the Mainland market. Second, they can opt for common law and choose Hong Kong as the place of arbitration for eligible contracts within the Greater Bay Area.

Hong Kong is also charting an ambitious path forward. From major infrastructure projects like the Northern Metropolis, to innovation and technology development, to deeper economic integration with the Greater Bay Area, the opportunities are vast. We warmly welcome our Australian friends to be part of this exciting journey.

In closing, I would like to thank AustCham once again for your continued partnership and support. Congratulations to all award recipients this evening. Your achievements inspire us all.

Enjoy the dinner, and have a wonderful evening ahead. Thank you.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: TSplus Academy Relaunches with a New Look and Enhanced Learning Experience
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PARIS, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TSplus is proud to announce the official relaunch of the TSplus Academy, its fully revamped e-learning platform, now live and available at https://academy.tsplus.net/.

A New Design to Enable a Better TSplus Training Process

Designed to empower users and partners around the world, the TSplus Academy has been completely redesigned to offer a more engaging, intuitive, and effective training experience. From first-time users learning the basics to seasoned professionals seeking certification, the new platform makes technical training accessible and rewarding for all.

What’s New on TSplus Academy platform?
- A sleek and modern interface for easier navigation
- Real-time progress tracking to follow your learning journey
- Clear module structure with intuitive icons and organized content
- Highlighted certification modules
- Dedicated space to showcase badges and certifications
Members of the TSplus Academy get full access to all Certified Training paths!

Users can now select from the full suite of TSplus product training, including:
- Remote Access
- Remote Support
- Advanced Security
- Server Monitoring
A TSplus Training Platform with Purpose

The TSplus Academy is more than just a training site — it’s a professional development tool and a gateway to certification and recognition. Its mission is twofold:
1. For end users and IT professionals: To gain a full understanding of TSplus software — from basic functionality to advanced features — and to unlock the full potential of each solution.
2. For official TSplus partners and resellers: To validate their technical expertise and demonstrate their commitment to quality service through official TSplus certifications.
Certified partners can proudly display their TSplus credentials on their websites, in-store signage, and across their digital presence, including LinkedIn — reinforcing trust with clients and customers.

Applying to TSplus Training allows professionals to start a simple TSplus Certification Process:

Participants can become certified TSplus experts by completing all “To Do” modules in each course, which include both quizzes and practical use-case tests.

All current users will find their previous progress saved on the new website, and new participants are welcome to join the platform today!

To explore the Academy and start a certification journey, TSplus users can register on https://academy.tsplus.net/.

For any question or need for assistance, users can contact TSplus Academy’s manager, Chantal Dumont at chantal.dumont@tsplus.net.

About TSplus

TSplus is a global software company that empowers organizations to securely access their business applications from anywhere. With solutions in Remote Access, Server Monitoring, and Remote Support, TSplus is the smart alternative to traditional virtualization platforms—trusted by over 500,000 users in more than 140 countries.

Press Contact:

Caleb Zaharris
Marketing Director at TSplus
caleb.zaharris@tsplus.net

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fa5dca22-9ecb-474d-8305-54c2cc5ad6f4

The MIL Network –
June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: TSplus Academy Relaunches with a New Look and Enhanced Learning Experience
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PARIS, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TSplus is proud to announce the official relaunch of the TSplus Academy, its fully revamped e-learning platform, now live and available at https://academy.tsplus.net/.

A New Design to Enable a Better TSplus Training Process

Designed to empower users and partners around the world, the TSplus Academy has been completely redesigned to offer a more engaging, intuitive, and effective training experience. From first-time users learning the basics to seasoned professionals seeking certification, the new platform makes technical training accessible and rewarding for all.

What’s New on TSplus Academy platform?
- A sleek and modern interface for easier navigation
- Real-time progress tracking to follow your learning journey
- Clear module structure with intuitive icons and organized content
- Highlighted certification modules
- Dedicated space to showcase badges and certifications
Members of the TSplus Academy get full access to all Certified Training paths!

Users can now select from the full suite of TSplus product training, including:
- Remote Access
- Remote Support
- Advanced Security
- Server Monitoring
A TSplus Training Platform with Purpose

The TSplus Academy is more than just a training site — it’s a professional development tool and a gateway to certification and recognition. Its mission is twofold:
1. For end users and IT professionals: To gain a full understanding of TSplus software — from basic functionality to advanced features — and to unlock the full potential of each solution.
2. For official TSplus partners and resellers: To validate their technical expertise and demonstrate their commitment to quality service through official TSplus certifications.
Certified partners can proudly display their TSplus credentials on their websites, in-store signage, and across their digital presence, including LinkedIn — reinforcing trust with clients and customers.

Applying to TSplus Training allows professionals to start a simple TSplus Certification Process:

Participants can become certified TSplus experts by completing all “To Do” modules in each course, which include both quizzes and practical use-case tests.

All current users will find their previous progress saved on the new website, and new participants are welcome to join the platform today!

To explore the Academy and start a certification journey, TSplus users can register on https://academy.tsplus.net/.

For any question or need for assistance, users can contact TSplus Academy’s manager, Chantal Dumont at chantal.dumont@tsplus.net.

About TSplus

TSplus is a global software company that empowers organizations to securely access their business applications from anywhere. With solutions in Remote Access, Server Monitoring, and Remote Support, TSplus is the smart alternative to traditional virtualization platforms—trusted by over 500,000 users in more than 140 countries.

Press Contact:

Caleb Zaharris
Marketing Director at TSplus
caleb.zaharris@tsplus.net

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fa5dca22-9ecb-474d-8305-54c2cc5ad6f4

The MIL Network –
June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Haivision Announces Availability of Latest Release of the Kraken Video Processing Platform with Shield AI Object Detection

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MONTREAL, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Haivision (TSX: HAI), a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, today announced the availability of the latest release of the Kraken video processing platform with Shield AI object detection, bringing the power of AI to full motion video and metadata processing, and enabling quick and life-saving decision making.

Designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and situational awareness applications, Kraken encodes, transcodes, and transports high quality video and metadata in real-time, even in environments where network bandwidth is unpredictable or limited. The latest update to Kraken features the availability of a new option – Shield AI’s Sentient Tracker, an AI-powered software for superior object detection for multi-domain operations.

Tracker uses AI and two decades of computer vision research and development to detect moving objects in full-motion video, turning raw data into actionable intelligence with speed and efficiency. It can detect moving objects on land such as vehicles and people and in maritime settings stationary and moving targets such as boats, vessels, individuals, and life jackets.

Kraken’s advanced capabilities enable real-time transcoding of live video streams to ensure downstream system compatibility, while also transporting essential metadata such as object detection and tracking information within the full-motion video (FMV) stream. When integrated with Shield AI’s Tracker software, the solution can automatically detect and track objects in live video captured by crewed or uncrewed aircraft operating in complex land and maritime environments. Downstream systems can use the combined video with augmented tracking information either as overlays of tracking boxes or as inputs to common operating picture tools like TAK or ATAK. Together, these capabilities streamline the ISR workflow, enabling faster, more informed decision-making in mission-critical operations.

“The latest release of Kraken with Tracker brings the best of breed tracking algorithms from Shield AI to real-time FMV – making it possible for our users to obtain AI-enabled insights to their streams anywhere Kraken can run – on purpose-built hardware at the tactical edge, on servers in the data center, or in the cloud,” said John Leipper, Defense Product Manager, Haivision.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Haivision to integrate our advanced AI object detection technology with their defense-certified Kraken video processing software,” said Christian Gutierrez, Vice President of Hivemind Engineering at Shield AI. “By combining Tracker with Haivision’s trusted ISR video ecosystem, we’re enabling customers to seamlessly apply AI within existing video workflows for faster, more informed decision-making.” Kraken is a cornerstone solution in Haivision’s ISR video solutions portfolio, including the recently announced Kraken X1 Rugged video transcoder, Makito X4 Rugged video encoder, Makito X1 Rugged video encoder, and Haivision Play ISR video player, products which adhere to rigorous cybersecurity and interoperability standards for use within defense networks.

Trusted globally to support critical missions, Shield AI is a deep-tech company building state-of-the-art autonomy software products and defense aircraft. Shield AI’s advanced artificial intelligence and computer vision technology empower defense, government, and public safety organizations to rapidly transform raw data into actionable intelligence, enhancing decision-making and operational effectiveness. Committed to innovation, security, and reliability, Shield AI solutions integrate seamlessly into existing defense workflows, supporting mission success in complex environments worldwide.

Deployed and trusted worldwide, Haivision’s mission-critical video solutions help aerospace, enterprise, government, military, and public safety organizations make informed decisions faster. Haivision’s video wall systems for command centers, video distribution solutions, and ISR video technology fuel real-time analysis and decision-making. To learn more about the combined Tracker and Kraken solution, watch the recent webinar with Haivision and Shield AI experts: AI Object Detection from Anywhere.

About Haivision
Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision-making. We provide high-quality, low-latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open-sourced its award-winning SRT low-latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. To learn more, visit Haivision at www.haivision.com.

Contact:
Lamia Milonas
PR and Communications Manager
(514) 799-8105

The MIL Network –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Haivision Announces Availability of Latest Release of the Kraken Video Processing Platform with Shield AI Object Detection

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MONTREAL, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Haivision (TSX: HAI), a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, today announced the availability of the latest release of the Kraken video processing platform with Shield AI object detection, bringing the power of AI to full motion video and metadata processing, and enabling quick and life-saving decision making.

Designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and situational awareness applications, Kraken encodes, transcodes, and transports high quality video and metadata in real-time, even in environments where network bandwidth is unpredictable or limited. The latest update to Kraken features the availability of a new option – Shield AI’s Sentient Tracker, an AI-powered software for superior object detection for multi-domain operations.

Tracker uses AI and two decades of computer vision research and development to detect moving objects in full-motion video, turning raw data into actionable intelligence with speed and efficiency. It can detect moving objects on land such as vehicles and people and in maritime settings stationary and moving targets such as boats, vessels, individuals, and life jackets.

Kraken’s advanced capabilities enable real-time transcoding of live video streams to ensure downstream system compatibility, while also transporting essential metadata such as object detection and tracking information within the full-motion video (FMV) stream. When integrated with Shield AI’s Tracker software, the solution can automatically detect and track objects in live video captured by crewed or uncrewed aircraft operating in complex land and maritime environments. Downstream systems can use the combined video with augmented tracking information either as overlays of tracking boxes or as inputs to common operating picture tools like TAK or ATAK. Together, these capabilities streamline the ISR workflow, enabling faster, more informed decision-making in mission-critical operations.

“The latest release of Kraken with Tracker brings the best of breed tracking algorithms from Shield AI to real-time FMV – making it possible for our users to obtain AI-enabled insights to their streams anywhere Kraken can run – on purpose-built hardware at the tactical edge, on servers in the data center, or in the cloud,” said John Leipper, Defense Product Manager, Haivision.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Haivision to integrate our advanced AI object detection technology with their defense-certified Kraken video processing software,” said Christian Gutierrez, Vice President of Hivemind Engineering at Shield AI. “By combining Tracker with Haivision’s trusted ISR video ecosystem, we’re enabling customers to seamlessly apply AI within existing video workflows for faster, more informed decision-making.” Kraken is a cornerstone solution in Haivision’s ISR video solutions portfolio, including the recently announced Kraken X1 Rugged video transcoder, Makito X4 Rugged video encoder, Makito X1 Rugged video encoder, and Haivision Play ISR video player, products which adhere to rigorous cybersecurity and interoperability standards for use within defense networks.

Trusted globally to support critical missions, Shield AI is a deep-tech company building state-of-the-art autonomy software products and defense aircraft. Shield AI’s advanced artificial intelligence and computer vision technology empower defense, government, and public safety organizations to rapidly transform raw data into actionable intelligence, enhancing decision-making and operational effectiveness. Committed to innovation, security, and reliability, Shield AI solutions integrate seamlessly into existing defense workflows, supporting mission success in complex environments worldwide.

Deployed and trusted worldwide, Haivision’s mission-critical video solutions help aerospace, enterprise, government, military, and public safety organizations make informed decisions faster. Haivision’s video wall systems for command centers, video distribution solutions, and ISR video technology fuel real-time analysis and decision-making. To learn more about the combined Tracker and Kraken solution, watch the recent webinar with Haivision and Shield AI experts: AI Object Detection from Anywhere.

About Haivision
Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision-making. We provide high-quality, low-latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open-sourced its award-winning SRT low-latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. To learn more, visit Haivision at www.haivision.com.

Contact:
Lamia Milonas
PR and Communications Manager
(514) 799-8105

The MIL Network –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: zerohash Expands Blockchain Ecosystem with Polkadot Integration

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — zerohash, the leading crypto and stablecoin infrastructure platform, today announced full deposit and withdrawal support for DOT as well as USDC, and USDT on the Polkadot blockchain. This includes integration with Polkadot’s Asset Hub, a purpose-built parachain for stablecoins and other fungible assets.

Polkadot is a modular Layer 0 blockchain that enables secure, scalable interoperability across a network of independent rollups. With one of the most active developer ecosystems and a large on-chain treasury, Polkadot supports cross-chain applications spanning DeFi, payments, and asset tokenization. zerohash has also added support for DOT staking and validator participation to help secure the network.*

“We’ve created a simple integration for developers and the Polkadot ecosystem,” said Edward Woodford, CEO and Founder of zerohash. “zerohash provides the easiest pathway for platforms to launch on-chain products within the Polkadot ecosystem without needing to manage blockchain infrastructure, validator operations, or regulatory licensing. This reflects our continued focus on enabling cross-chain interoperability and broad accessibility in the evolving crypto and stablecoin landscape.”

“As the Polkadot ecosystem continues to strengthen its position as the leading Web3 platform for stablecoins, partnering with zerohash was a natural fit,” said Nicolas Arevalo, CEO of Velocity Labs. “zerohash is a recognized leader in stablecoin infrastructure, and we’re excited to collaborate with their team and their customer base to unlock novel and impactful stablecoin use cases on Polkadot.”

About Polkadot
Polkadot is the powerful, secure core of Web3, providing a shared foundation that unites some of the world’s most transformative apps and blockchains. Polkadot offers advanced modular architecture that allows devs to easily design and build their own specialized blockchain projects, pooled security that ensures the same high standard for secure block production across all connected chains and apps connected to it, and robust governance that ensures a transparent system where everyone has say in shaping the blockchain ecosystem for growth and sustainability. With Polkadot, users are not just participants, they’re co-creators with the power to shape its future

About zerohash
zerohash is the leading infrastructure provider for crypto, stablecoin, and tokenized assets. Its API and embeddable dev-kit enables innovators to easily launch solutions across cross-border payments, commerce, trading, remittance, payroll, tokenization and on/off-ramps.

zerohash powers solutions for some of the largest and innovative companies including Interactive Brokers, Stripe, Shift4, Franklin Templeton, Felix Pago, Kalshi and LightSpark. Zerohash Holdings is backed by investors, including Point72 Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and NYCA.

In the United States, Zero Hash LLC is a FinCen-registered Money Service Business and a regulated Money Transmitter that can operate in 51 U.S. jurisdictions. Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC are licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Zero Hash Trust Company LLC has been approved by the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks as a non-depository trust company. For information about our global regulatory footprint, including our Argentinian registrations, see here.

zerohash Disclosures

The zerohash services and product offerings may not be available in all jurisdictions, including in the State of New York. Crypto and stablecoin holdings held in zerohash accounts are not subject to FDIC or SIPC protections in the U.S., or any such equivalent protections that may exist outside of the U.S. zerohash’s technical support and enablement of any asset is not an endorsement of such asset and is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any crypto asset. The value of any cryptocurrency, including digital assets pegged to fiat currency, commodities, or any other asset, may go to zero.

*Staking services are not available to New York customers.

Learn more by visiting zerohash.com or following us on X @ZeroHashX

Media Contacts
zerohash
Shaun O’Keeffe
(855) 744-7333
media@zerohash.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a78b23e-fabb-4547-ac45-2eb271fe80fb

The MIL Network –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: zerohash Expands Blockchain Ecosystem with Polkadot Integration

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — zerohash, the leading crypto and stablecoin infrastructure platform, today announced full deposit and withdrawal support for DOT as well as USDC, and USDT on the Polkadot blockchain. This includes integration with Polkadot’s Asset Hub, a purpose-built parachain for stablecoins and other fungible assets.

Polkadot is a modular Layer 0 blockchain that enables secure, scalable interoperability across a network of independent rollups. With one of the most active developer ecosystems and a large on-chain treasury, Polkadot supports cross-chain applications spanning DeFi, payments, and asset tokenization. zerohash has also added support for DOT staking and validator participation to help secure the network.*

“We’ve created a simple integration for developers and the Polkadot ecosystem,” said Edward Woodford, CEO and Founder of zerohash. “zerohash provides the easiest pathway for platforms to launch on-chain products within the Polkadot ecosystem without needing to manage blockchain infrastructure, validator operations, or regulatory licensing. This reflects our continued focus on enabling cross-chain interoperability and broad accessibility in the evolving crypto and stablecoin landscape.”

“As the Polkadot ecosystem continues to strengthen its position as the leading Web3 platform for stablecoins, partnering with zerohash was a natural fit,” said Nicolas Arevalo, CEO of Velocity Labs. “zerohash is a recognized leader in stablecoin infrastructure, and we’re excited to collaborate with their team and their customer base to unlock novel and impactful stablecoin use cases on Polkadot.”

About Polkadot
Polkadot is the powerful, secure core of Web3, providing a shared foundation that unites some of the world’s most transformative apps and blockchains. Polkadot offers advanced modular architecture that allows devs to easily design and build their own specialized blockchain projects, pooled security that ensures the same high standard for secure block production across all connected chains and apps connected to it, and robust governance that ensures a transparent system where everyone has say in shaping the blockchain ecosystem for growth and sustainability. With Polkadot, users are not just participants, they’re co-creators with the power to shape its future

About zerohash
zerohash is the leading infrastructure provider for crypto, stablecoin, and tokenized assets. Its API and embeddable dev-kit enables innovators to easily launch solutions across cross-border payments, commerce, trading, remittance, payroll, tokenization and on/off-ramps.

zerohash powers solutions for some of the largest and innovative companies including Interactive Brokers, Stripe, Shift4, Franklin Templeton, Felix Pago, Kalshi and LightSpark. Zerohash Holdings is backed by investors, including Point72 Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, and NYCA.

In the United States, Zero Hash LLC is a FinCen-registered Money Service Business and a regulated Money Transmitter that can operate in 51 U.S. jurisdictions. Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC are licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Zero Hash Trust Company LLC has been approved by the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks as a non-depository trust company. For information about our global regulatory footprint, including our Argentinian registrations, see here.

zerohash Disclosures

The zerohash services and product offerings may not be available in all jurisdictions, including in the State of New York. Crypto and stablecoin holdings held in zerohash accounts are not subject to FDIC or SIPC protections in the U.S., or any such equivalent protections that may exist outside of the U.S. zerohash’s technical support and enablement of any asset is not an endorsement of such asset and is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any crypto asset. The value of any cryptocurrency, including digital assets pegged to fiat currency, commodities, or any other asset, may go to zero.

*Staking services are not available to New York customers.

Learn more by visiting zerohash.com or following us on X @ZeroHashX

Media Contacts
zerohash
Shaun O’Keeffe
(855) 744-7333
media@zerohash.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a78b23e-fabb-4547-ac45-2eb271fe80fb

The MIL Network –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: QuestionPro Appoints Laura Baker, Former KnowledgeHound CEO, as President of InsightsHub and Communities

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AUSTIN, Texas, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuestionPro today announced the appointment of Laura Baker to the position of President of Communities and InsightsHub. In her new role, Baker will lead the strategic vision and growth for two of QuestionPro’s cornerstone platforms that enable organizations to streamline research operations and unlock real-time customer insights.

Vivek Bhaskaran, CEO and Founder of QuestionPro, stated, “We look forward to Laura Baker joining the QuestionPro leadership team. Her exceptional track record in scaling data-focused businesses and her deep understanding of the research landscape make her the ideal leader to spearhead our Communities and Insights Hub divisions.”

Baker joins QuestionPro with deep experience leading high-performing commercial teams in the SaaS and market research industries. She previously served as CEO of KnowledgeHound, a search-based survey data analysis solution, where she guided the team through significant product and revenue growth. Following KnowledgeHound’s strategic acquisition by YouGov, she served as Chief Commercial Officer, integrating the teams and market offerings. Her earlier career includes building and growing commercial teams for over 14 years at Mintel International. Most recently, she founded Vista Growth Solutions, a boutique consultancy advising companies on strategic growth, team performance, and go-to-market effectiveness.

“I am incredibly excited to join QuestionPro, a company that is at the forefront of revolutionizing how businesses engage with their customers and leverage insights,” said Laura Baker. “The opportunity to combine InsightsHub’s powerful, centralized intelligence solution with the deep engagement of the Communities platform is incredibly exciting,” said Baker. “I’m looking forward to partnering with the team to help our clients drive more value from their insights and build truly customer-led strategies.”

About QuestionPro

Founded in 2006, QuestionPro is a global provider of online survey and research services that help companies make better decisions through data. Our fully integrated online platform includes surveys, research & insights, customer experience (CX) and workforce/employee experience software. We additionally offer polling, journey mapping, employee 360s and data visualization. Our clientele ranges from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies, who rely on us for insights about customers, employees, and the marketplace. With offices in the US, Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, Japan, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and India, we offer customers 24-7 access to highly trained support specialists and engineers. More information is available at www.questionpro.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9cd68657-8166-4c74-91d7-1c6ddfc87c27

The MIL Network –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: QuestionPro Appoints Laura Baker, Former KnowledgeHound CEO, as President of InsightsHub and Communities

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AUSTIN, Texas, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuestionPro today announced the appointment of Laura Baker to the position of President of Communities and InsightsHub. In her new role, Baker will lead the strategic vision and growth for two of QuestionPro’s cornerstone platforms that enable organizations to streamline research operations and unlock real-time customer insights.

Vivek Bhaskaran, CEO and Founder of QuestionPro, stated, “We look forward to Laura Baker joining the QuestionPro leadership team. Her exceptional track record in scaling data-focused businesses and her deep understanding of the research landscape make her the ideal leader to spearhead our Communities and Insights Hub divisions.”

Baker joins QuestionPro with deep experience leading high-performing commercial teams in the SaaS and market research industries. She previously served as CEO of KnowledgeHound, a search-based survey data analysis solution, where she guided the team through significant product and revenue growth. Following KnowledgeHound’s strategic acquisition by YouGov, she served as Chief Commercial Officer, integrating the teams and market offerings. Her earlier career includes building and growing commercial teams for over 14 years at Mintel International. Most recently, she founded Vista Growth Solutions, a boutique consultancy advising companies on strategic growth, team performance, and go-to-market effectiveness.

“I am incredibly excited to join QuestionPro, a company that is at the forefront of revolutionizing how businesses engage with their customers and leverage insights,” said Laura Baker. “The opportunity to combine InsightsHub’s powerful, centralized intelligence solution with the deep engagement of the Communities platform is incredibly exciting,” said Baker. “I’m looking forward to partnering with the team to help our clients drive more value from their insights and build truly customer-led strategies.”

About QuestionPro

Founded in 2006, QuestionPro is a global provider of online survey and research services that help companies make better decisions through data. Our fully integrated online platform includes surveys, research & insights, customer experience (CX) and workforce/employee experience software. We additionally offer polling, journey mapping, employee 360s and data visualization. Our clientele ranges from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies, who rely on us for insights about customers, employees, and the marketplace. With offices in the US, Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, Japan, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and India, we offer customers 24-7 access to highly trained support specialists and engineers. More information is available at www.questionpro.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9cd68657-8166-4c74-91d7-1c6ddfc87c27

The MIL Network –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: As BTC Aims for $230k All-Time-High (ATH), PFM Crypto Announces Smart Cloud Mining to Help Users Maximize BTC Earning

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LOS ANGELES, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin (BTC) has come under the spotlight again as analysts project its new all-time high to reach $230k in the next bull market. This price prediction has sparked optimism among crypto holders and investors. Some investors debate the possibility of BTC achieving this new price, while others continue to explore profitable ways to accumulate more BTC in preparation.

Click here to watch the video: How to Profit from PFM CRYPTO Mining?

Noted for its high volatility, growing crypto portfolio by buying is considered high risk by investors – especially first-time crypto traders. However, BTC has consistently shown signs of strengthening momentum, driving market sentiment towards a buy and hold trading strategies.

PFM Crypto is dedicated to offering users in 192 countries a secure way to acquire crypto and grow their portfolio without increasing their financial strains. As a leading cloud-mining protocol with millions of users, PFM Crypto technology powers the next generation of smart crypto mining, enriching seasoned investors and first-time traders without bias or border restriction.

PFM Crypto Launch a 1-day BTC Mining Plan with Instant Withdrawal and $10 Welcome Bonus.
Trusted by over 9.2 million users at the time of writing, PFM Crypto has established itself as a secured and reliable cloud mining protocol in 2025, offering a flexible yet straightforward cloud mining service to users in over 192 countries using cutting-edge technology and a click-to-mine crypto mining model.
Featuring an easy-to-use and trackable mining interface, PFM Crypto empowers investors with all the tools required to maximize their portfolio as they prepare for the next bull cycle for leading cryptocurrencies like BTC, LTC, DOGE and XRP.

Mine in 1-day for 6.00% reward – Withdrawal in 24 hours – Overcome the Challenge of Hidden Fees.
Click here to view the 1-Day BTC Mining Plan.

Investors preparing for the next bull cycle can now earn BTC without buying – start by setting up a mining contract and start earning more BTC directly into their wallets in 24 hours.

“The ultimate goal is for PFM Crypto to support the creation of a crypto space that is established on proper re-distribution of wealth approach, not one that gets investors to panic-sell when the price hits low. This is why we launch the 1-day BTC mining contract- to enable investors to grow their portfolios consistently as we prepare for the coming bull cycle,” said PFMCrypto CEO.

June BTC mining revenue forecast:
1-day contract strategy: +6.00% revenue
5-day contract strategy: +6.15% revenue
15-day contract strategy: +20.70% revenue
30-day contract strategy: +55.6% revenue
These are not hypothetical data, but are based on real feedback from millions of users.

Click here to view all mining contract strategies.

Why PFM Crypto is the Best Platform for BTC Mining in 2025:
– $10 welcome bonus: PFM Crypto gives every user a $10 welcome bonus to buy their first mining contract
– No hardware requirement: PFM Crypto makes it possible for everyday users to mine BTC without investing in a single hardware. The platform rents out its existing mining power to make mining with a click possible.
– AI-Support: Make informed mining decisions for better returns. With an AI-supported dashboard, users can track their mining power, contract level and mining difficulty level.
– ESG-Compliant Infrastructure: Users who are worried about the impact of mining on the ecosystem can relax knowing that PFM Crypto operate an ESG-Compliant policy and infrastructure.
– Flexible Mining Plan: Starting with its newly launched 1-day BTC mining contract, PFM Crypto allows users to choose their preferred mining plan without facing any disadvantages.
– Free and Instant Withdrawal: Understanding why every $BTC earning is vital, PFM Crypto makes it possible for users to earn crypto within 24 hours and withdraw it directly to their wallet without delay or fee.

About PFM CRYPTO
PFMCrypto is operated by Precision Financial Management Ltd, a UK-registered and FCA-regulated entity (Company No. 11719896), headquartered in Leyland, England. Founded in 2018, PFMCrypto represents a new category of crypto platform—data-driven, performance-focused, and widely trusted. Backed by a global community of successful users, it stands out as one of this year’s most compelling digital asset opportunities for investors and traders seeking substance over hype. As global interest in crypto trading continues to surge, PFM Crypto present seasoned investors and first-time traders with the technological support and mining platform that allows them to build their portfolios cost-effectively.

Get your free $10: https://pfmcrypto.net

Media Contact:

Amelia Elspeth
PFMcrypto
info@pfmcrypto.net

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/be992f6f-5601-45b1-bf2a-7716206f437b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d05dd13d-2eb8-4c20-ac01-c74e1e14b67c

The MIL Network –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Trump administration’s conflicting messages on Chinese student visas reflect complex US-China relations

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Meredith Oyen, Associate Professor of History and Asian Studies, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

The U.S. announced plans to scrutinize and revoke student visas for students with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or whose studies are in critical fields, but appears to have reconsidered. The decision and apparent about-face could have a wide-ranging impact on both nations. LAW Ho Ming/Getty Images

President Donald Trump appears to have walked back plans for the U.S. State Department to scrutinize and revoke visas for Chinese students studying in the country.

On June 11, 2025, Trump posted on his social media platform TruthSocial that visas for Chinese students would continue and that they are welcome in the United States, as their presence “has always been good with me!”

The announcement came weeks after Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that his department would begin scrutinizing and revoking student visas for Chinese nationals with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, or whose studies are in critical fields.

The contradictory moves have led to confusion among Chinese students attending college or considering studying in the United States.

Over time, Chinese nationals have faced barriers to studying in the U.S. As a scholar who studies relations between the two nations, I argue that efforts to ban Chinese students in the United States are not unprecedented, and historically they have come with consequences.

Student visas under fire

The Trump administration laid out the terms for revoking or denying student visas to Chinese nationals but then backtracked.
STAP/Getty Images

Since the late 1970s, millions of Chinese students have been granted visas to study at American universities. That total includes approximately 277,000 who studied in the United States in the 2023-2024 academic year.

It is difficult to determine how many of these students would have been affected by a ban on visas for individuals with Chinese Community Party affiliations or in critical fields.

Approximately 40% of all new members of the Chinese Communist Party each year are drawn from China’s student population. And many universities in China have party connections or charters that emphasize party loyalty.

The “critical fields” at risk were not defined. A majority of Chinese students in the U.S. are enrolled in math, technology, science and engineering fields.

A long history

Since the late 1970s, the number of Chinese students attending college in the U.S. has increased dramatically.
Kenishiroite/Getty Images

Yung Wing became the first Chinese student to graduate from a U.S. university in 1852.

Since then, millions of Chinese students have come to the United States to study, supported by programs such as the “Chinese Educational Mission,” Boxer Indemnity Fund scholarships and the Fulbright Program.

The Institute for International Education in New York estimated the economic impact of Chinese students in the U.S. at over US$14 billion a year. Chinese students tend to pay full tuition to their universities. At the graduate level, they perform vital roles in labs and classrooms. Just under half of all Chinese students attending college in the U.S. are graduate students.

However, there is a long history of equating Chinese migrants as invaders, spies or risks to national security.

After the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, the U.S. Department of Justice began to prevent Chinese scholars and students in STEM fields – science, technology, engineering and math – from returning to China by stopping them at U.S. ports of entry and exit. They could be pulled aside when trying to board a flight or ship and their tickets canceled.

In one infamous case, Chinese rocket scientist Qian Xuesen was arrested, harassed, ordered deported and prevented from leaving over five years from 1950 to 1955. In 1955, the United States and China began ambassadorial-level talks to negotiate repatriations from either country. After his experience, Qian became a much-lauded supporter of the Communist government and played an important role in the development of Chinese transcontinental missile technology.

During the 1950s, the U.S. Department of Justice raided Chinatown organizations looking for Chinese migrants who arrived under false names during the Chinese Exclusion Era, a period from the 1880s to 1940s when the U.S. government placed tight restrictions on Chinese immigration into the country. A primary justification for the tactics was fear that the Chinese in the U.S. would spy for their home country.

Between 1949 and 1979, the U.S and China did not have normal diplomatic relations. The two nations recognized each other and exchanged ambassadors starting in January 1979. In the more than four decades since, the number of Chinese students in the U.S. has increased dramatically.

Anti-Chinese discrimination

The idea of an outright ban on Chinese student visas has raised concerns about increased targeting of Chinese in the U.S. for harassment.

In 1999, Taiwanese-American scientist Wen Ho Lee was arrested on suspicion of using his position at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico to spy for China. Lee remained imprisoned in solitary confinement for 278 days before he was released without a conviction.

In 2018, during the first Trump administration, the Department of Justice launched its China Initiative. In its effort to weed out industrial, technological and corporate espionage, the initiative targeted many ethnic Chinese researchers and had a chilling effect on continued exchanges, but it secured no convictions for wrongdoing.

Trump again expressed concerns last year that undocumented migrants from China might be coming to the United States to spy or “build an army.”

The repeated search for spies among Chinese migrants and residents in the U.S. has created an atmosphere of fear for Chinese American communities.

Broader foreign policy context

An atmosphere of suspicion has altered the climate for Chinese international students.
J Studios/Getty Images

The U.S. plan to revoke visas for students studying in the U.S. and the Chinese response is being formed amid contentious debates over trade.

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian accused the U.S. of violating an agreement on tariff reduction the two sides discussed in Geneva in May, citing the visa issues as one example.

Trump has also complained that the Chinese violated agreements between the countries, and some reports suggest that the announcement on student visas was a negotiating tactic to change the Chinese stance on the export of rare earth minerals.

When Trump announced his trade deal with China on June 11, he added a statement welcoming Chinese students.

However, past practice shows that the atmosphere of uncertainty and suspicion may have already damaged the climate for Chinese international students, and at least some degree of increased scrutiny of student visas will likely continue regardless.

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

– ref. Trump administration’s conflicting messages on Chinese student visas reflect complex US-China relations – https://theconversation.com/trump-administrations-conflicting-messages-on-chinese-student-visas-reflect-complex-us-china-relations-258351

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The term ‘lone gunman’ ignores the structures that enable violence

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Art Jipson, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Dayton

Members of law enforcement agencies search for shooting suspect Vance Boelter at a house on June 15, 2025, in Belle Plaine, Minn. AP Photo/George Walker IV

When shots rang out in Minnesota, targeting state Democratic politicians, the headlines quickly followed a familiar script: a mentally unstable suspect and the well-worn label “lone gunman.”

According to media reports, the Minnesota gunman, Vance Luther Boelter, was a deeply religious anti-abortion activist and a conservative who supported President Donald Trump.

The term lone gunman, routinely deployed in the aftermath of mass shootings and political violence – that the suspect was simply acting alone, so there’s no one or nothing else to blame – may offer a comforting explanation, but it’s dangerously simplistic.

It obscures the conditions that made the violence possible in the first place. It casts the perpetrator as an isolated anomaly – mentally unwell, unpredictable, detached from broader movements or ideologies.

As a scholar of extremism, I argue that the use of this term ignores the larger symptoms of deeper societal failures such as rising political extremism, systemic hate or the normalization of violent rhetoric.

The lone gunman myth

The idea of the lone gunman has long held sway in American public discourse, with perhaps no example more iconic than the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The Warren Commission that was set up to investigate concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, a finding still contested by many.

But more significant than the historical debate is how the lone gunman label became entrenched in the national psyche. It presents a digestible narrative, one that absolves institutions of responsibility and short-circuits more difficult questions about what conditions produced the attacker in the first place.

More recent examples reveal how this myth continues to serve as a shield against systemic scrutiny.

After the 2012 mass shooting that killed 12 people and injured 70 others at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, media coverage quickly centered on James Holmes’ mental state, with little emphasis on the culture of gun access, misogyny or disaffection with peers that shaped his actions.

Similarly, after Dylann Roof murdered nine Black churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015, early coverage emphasized his apparent isolation and mental state. However, he had openly stated his motivations in a racist manifesto and had long-standing connections to white supremacist ideology that motivated and shaped his violence.

Radicalization is rarely solitary

In most cases, so-called lone wolves are not as isolated as the term implies. Researchers have increasingly shown that radicalization is a social process.

Individuals absorb extremist views through online echo chambers, algorithmic recommendation systems, peer validation and reinforcement from political and media figures.

Robert Bowers’ lawyers claimed in a public court filing that he was suffering from schizophrenia and structural and functional brain impairments.
AP Photo/Matt Rourke

This is evident in cases like that of Robert Bowers, who killed 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018. Bowers’ defense attorneys said in a March 2023 court filing that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Though he acted alone, Bowers was deeply embedded in far-right networks on the social media platform Gab, where he echoed white nationalist and antisemitic conspiracy theories.

Similarly, Payton Gendron, who killed 10 Black people in a Buffalo supermarket in 2022, cited previous mass shooters as inspiration and plagiarized sections of a white nationalist manifesto. His radicalization was nourished in extremist online forums on platforms such as 4chan and Discord.

Even attacks without manifestos or explicit ideological tracts often follow recognizable scripts. The El Paso shooter, who killed 23 people in a Walmart in 2019, wrote that he was targeting Hispanics as part of a defense against an “invasion” of immigrants – echoing language used by some conservative analysts, pundits and political figures in mainstream U.S. media and government.

Again and again, attackers are seen to be acting in ways that align with a broader rationalization or ideology, even if they do not carry official membership in a particular group or organization.

The politics of the ‘lone gunman’

Importantly, the lone gunman narrative is applied unevenly, especially along racial lines.

White perpetrators are frequently described as mentally ill or troubled loners. Their violence is compartmentalized as the result of personal demons. In contrast, as the Sentencing Project – which is working to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system – has shown, Black, Muslim or immigrant suspects are often held up as proof of a broader threat: religious, ethnic or cultural.

This double standard not only reinforces racial stereotypes but also shapes how law enforcement and the media view violence committed by white actors – as an aberration rather than a pattern.

The media can play a crucial role in perpetuating the lone gunman myth.
Consider how swiftly the media and politicians labeled the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, perpetrated by Omar Mateen, as an act of Islamist terrorism. Even though Mateen had no meaningful connections to any terrorist groups, his Islamic religious beliefs were used to construct a narrative that he was part of a global threat.

By contrast, the FBI hesitated to call Dylann Roof’s actions “racial terrorism.” Terrorism is defined as a form of political violence, where the threat or use of physical force by individuals or groups is not only intended to influence or disrupt governmental authority but to instill fear and force political change. The FBI designated Roof’s crime as a hate crime perpetrated by a disturbed young man.

This distinction between calling Roof’s attack a hate crime rather than racially motivated terrorism sparked significant criticism from scholars, activists and commentators. Many argued that Roof’s white supremacist motives and the symbolic target, a historic Black church, made it a clear case of racial terrorism.

Moving toward a more honest understanding

This asymmetry matters.

I argue that it shapes public perception, policy responses and resource allocation. It allows white supremacist violence to flourish under the radar, often dismissed until it becomes undeniable – usually after multiple lives have been lost.

At the same time, politicians are frequently reluctant to acknowledge the ideological underpinnings of such violence, particularly when those ideologies overlap with their own rhetoric or voter base.

After the 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo, where the gunman explicitly cited the “Great Replacement theory” in his manifesto, several Republican politicians who had previously echoed similar anti-immigrant rhetoric condemned the violence but avoided addressing the ideology behind it. The Great Replacement theory is a white supremacist conspiracy theory that falsely claims white populations are being deliberately replaced by nonwhite immigrants, especially Muslims, Latinos or Black people, through immigration, higher birth rates and federal government policy.

Despite the shooter’s clear ideological motivation, once again many officials focused on mental illness or the violence as an isolated case of extremism. The impact of the messages about immigration and demographic change in contributing to a climate of racial fear and conspiracy were left unacknowledged.

The Department of Homeland Security has repeatedly identified white supremacist violence as one of the top domestic terrorism threats. Investigations related to domestic terrorism and violence have increased significantly over the past few years. In a 2023 interview with “PBS NewsHour,” Seamus Hughes of the University of Nebraska Omaha’s National Counterterrorism, Innovation, Technology and Education Center said that “the FBI was investigating 850 people three years ago. Now they’re investigating 2,700.”

Yet meaningful, structural reforms, whether in tech and social media regulation, gun control or public education, have remained elusive. I believe connecting the larger social, political and cultural issues that surround extreme violence is critical to building healthy communities.

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

– ref. The term ‘lone gunman’ ignores the structures that enable violence – https://theconversation.com/the-term-lone-gunman-ignores-the-structures-that-enable-violence-259107

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Metro Detroit is growing – but its suburbs are telling a more complicated story

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Grigoris Argeros, Professor of Sociology, Eastern Michigan University

Detroit is still a majority Black city, but the share of white, Asian and Hispanic residents is growing. DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Following decades of population loss, Detroit may finally be turning a corner.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent estimates, the city saw an increase in population for both 2023 and 2024.

An additional 11,000 people moved into the city in the years 2023 and 2024, a small gain in a city with a population of 645,705 – but one which marked a symbolic shift.

The census data shows just over 1% growth in the past year alone and 0.7% the year before compared with a nearly 25% loss between 2000 and 2010.

As an urban sociologist studying issues related to race and ethnicity, I am interested in how Detroit’s population is changing, and where different groups live in both the city and its suburbs.

Analyzing population trends in the metro Detroit area using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, I wanted to understand how racial, ethnic and socioeconomic trends are unfolding, and what those changes can tell us about the evolution and vitality of Detroit.

Black Detroiters relocate, city diversifies

From 2010 to 2023, Detroit’s racial and ethnic makeup continued to gradually diversify even as the city was declining in population.

While Black residents are still the majority, their proportion of the total number fell from around 84% to 79%.

Other groups, in contrast, increased their share of the city’s population. Between 2010 and 2023, the percentage of Hispanic residents grew from 6.6% to 8.3%, the percentage of white residents grew from 8.2% to 10.7%, and the percentage of Asian residents grew from 1.3% to 1.7%.

These shifts reflect a steady and ongoing diversification of Detroit’s population, indicative of new migration trends and shifting neighborhood dynamics.

Suburbs in flux

In addition to Detroit’s recent population growth, a broader story is unfolding in the city’s suburbs.

The population of the suburban area as a whole increased 0.73% from 2023 to 2024, but growth was not evenly spread. Collectively, the outer-ring suburbs gained almost 20,000 people, increasing by 1%. Communities such as the city of Troy and Macomb Township accounted for a significant share of that growth.

A map of Detroit and the surrounding suburbs, with shading to indicate which areas are considered to be the ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ suburbs.
Grigoris Argeros, CC BY

Inner-ring suburbs, such as Southfield, Warren and others, grew less vigorously – gaining just 4,000 people, or 0.31%.

These differences highlight the necessity of complicating the conventional city-versus-suburb narrative to acknowledge the many economic and racial divisions across the metropolitan region.

The socioeconomic statuses of residents of the inner- and outer-ring suburbs diverged between 2000 and 2020.

My analysis of census data shows that although both subregions witnessed increases in median household incomes, the rates of change were significantly higher in the outer-ring suburbs, with a 37.7% increase versus a 16.8% increase in the inner rings.

The data shows a similar trend in higher education attainment. Outer ring suburbs gained 7.1% more residents with college degrees or higher during this period, while the inner suburbs lost 7.5%.

Homeownership patterns in the two suburban regions also diverged over those two decades, increasing 18% in the outer rings and decreasing 10% in the inner rings.

The data on poverty and immigration also reveal contrasting results.

According to my calculations of census data, inner-ring suburbs experienced a 77% increase in poverty, while the outer ring experienced a lesser, though considerable, 50.8% bump in poverty during the 2000-2020 period.

Meanwhile, during the same time period, the foreign-born populations in the outer suburbs expanded by 24.9%, with increases of at least 10,000 in places such as Sterling Heights, Novi and Canton. In contrast, the inner suburbs saw more modest gains — around 5,000 in cities such as Dearborn Heights and Warren — while their overall foreign-born share declined by nearly 20%.

Together, the above trends highlight the necessity of not viewing the suburban area as a monolith. These patterns reflect national trends, in which many older, inner-ring suburbs are experiencing socioeconomic stagnation or decline while newer, outer-ring suburbs continue to attract more people who have higher incomes.

Mixed neighborhoods grow

Residential segregation also differentiates inner and outer suburban rings.

Segregation levels remain high in the inner suburbs, especially between white and Black residents. While outer suburbs tend to be more integrated today, the rate of change there has been more modest over the past two decades.

Social scientists measure segregation using a tool called the “dissimilarity index.” The index represents the proportion of one group that would need to move to establish an equal distribution of the population based on their relative numbers. It ranges from 0 to 100. A score of 0 means equal distribution across neighborhoods, while a score of 100 means the two groups live in completely separate areas.

From 2000 to 2020, white-Black segregation across the region decreased from 84.4% to 68.3% on the index, while white-Hispanic segregation decreased from 47.6% to 39.9%. Together, these numbers indicate a broader trend toward more integrated living patterns.

In the inner-ring suburbs, segregation fell across the board. White-Black segregation went down by 15.6%; white-Asian and white-Hispanic segregation dropped even more, by 43.2% and 30.7%, respectively.

These trends suggest that while the outer suburbs currently have lower levels of segregation, the inner suburbs are integrating more rapidly, reflecting shifting patterns of neighborhood change and increasing racial and ethnic diversity.

Detroit has come a long way since exiting bankruptcy in 2014. Its recent population growth and increasing diversity show important signs of renewal.

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

– ref. Metro Detroit is growing – but its suburbs are telling a more complicated story – https://theconversation.com/metro-detroit-is-growing-but-its-suburbs-are-telling-a-more-complicated-story-257875

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Metro Detroit is growing – but its suburbs are telling a more complicated story

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Grigoris Argeros, Professor of Sociology, Eastern Michigan University

Detroit is still a majority Black city, but the share of white, Asian and Hispanic residents is growing. DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Following decades of population loss, Detroit may finally be turning a corner.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent estimates, the city saw an increase in population for both 2023 and 2024.

An additional 11,000 people moved into the city in the years 2023 and 2024, a small gain in a city with a population of 645,705 – but one which marked a symbolic shift.

The census data shows just over 1% growth in the past year alone and 0.7% the year before compared with a nearly 25% loss between 2000 and 2010.

As an urban sociologist studying issues related to race and ethnicity, I am interested in how Detroit’s population is changing, and where different groups live in both the city and its suburbs.

Analyzing population trends in the metro Detroit area using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, I wanted to understand how racial, ethnic and socioeconomic trends are unfolding, and what those changes can tell us about the evolution and vitality of Detroit.

Black Detroiters relocate, city diversifies

From 2010 to 2023, Detroit’s racial and ethnic makeup continued to gradually diversify even as the city was declining in population.

While Black residents are still the majority, their proportion of the total number fell from around 84% to 79%.

Other groups, in contrast, increased their share of the city’s population. Between 2010 and 2023, the percentage of Hispanic residents grew from 6.6% to 8.3%, the percentage of white residents grew from 8.2% to 10.7%, and the percentage of Asian residents grew from 1.3% to 1.7%.

These shifts reflect a steady and ongoing diversification of Detroit’s population, indicative of new migration trends and shifting neighborhood dynamics.

Suburbs in flux

In addition to Detroit’s recent population growth, a broader story is unfolding in the city’s suburbs.

The population of the suburban area as a whole increased 0.73% from 2023 to 2024, but growth was not evenly spread. Collectively, the outer-ring suburbs gained almost 20,000 people, increasing by 1%. Communities such as the city of Troy and Macomb Township accounted for a significant share of that growth.

A map of Detroit and the surrounding suburbs, with shading to indicate which areas are considered to be the ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ suburbs.
Grigoris Argeros, CC BY

Inner-ring suburbs, such as Southfield, Warren and others, grew less vigorously – gaining just 4,000 people, or 0.31%.

These differences highlight the necessity of complicating the conventional city-versus-suburb narrative to acknowledge the many economic and racial divisions across the metropolitan region.

The socioeconomic statuses of residents of the inner- and outer-ring suburbs diverged between 2000 and 2020.

My analysis of census data shows that although both subregions witnessed increases in median household incomes, the rates of change were significantly higher in the outer-ring suburbs, with a 37.7% increase versus a 16.8% increase in the inner rings.

The data shows a similar trend in higher education attainment. Outer ring suburbs gained 7.1% more residents with college degrees or higher during this period, while the inner suburbs lost 7.5%.

Homeownership patterns in the two suburban regions also diverged over those two decades, increasing 18% in the outer rings and decreasing 10% in the inner rings.

The data on poverty and immigration also reveal contrasting results.

According to my calculations of census data, inner-ring suburbs experienced a 77% increase in poverty, while the outer ring experienced a lesser, though considerable, 50.8% bump in poverty during the 2000-2020 period.

Meanwhile, during the same time period, the foreign-born populations in the outer suburbs expanded by 24.9%, with increases of at least 10,000 in places such as Sterling Heights, Novi and Canton. In contrast, the inner suburbs saw more modest gains — around 5,000 in cities such as Dearborn Heights and Warren — while their overall foreign-born share declined by nearly 20%.

Together, the above trends highlight the necessity of not viewing the suburban area as a monolith. These patterns reflect national trends, in which many older, inner-ring suburbs are experiencing socioeconomic stagnation or decline while newer, outer-ring suburbs continue to attract more people who have higher incomes.

Mixed neighborhoods grow

Residential segregation also differentiates inner and outer suburban rings.

Segregation levels remain high in the inner suburbs, especially between white and Black residents. While outer suburbs tend to be more integrated today, the rate of change there has been more modest over the past two decades.

Social scientists measure segregation using a tool called the “dissimilarity index.” The index represents the proportion of one group that would need to move to establish an equal distribution of the population based on their relative numbers. It ranges from 0 to 100. A score of 0 means equal distribution across neighborhoods, while a score of 100 means the two groups live in completely separate areas.

From 2000 to 2020, white-Black segregation across the region decreased from 84.4% to 68.3% on the index, while white-Hispanic segregation decreased from 47.6% to 39.9%. Together, these numbers indicate a broader trend toward more integrated living patterns.

In the inner-ring suburbs, segregation fell across the board. White-Black segregation went down by 15.6%; white-Asian and white-Hispanic segregation dropped even more, by 43.2% and 30.7%, respectively.

These trends suggest that while the outer suburbs currently have lower levels of segregation, the inner suburbs are integrating more rapidly, reflecting shifting patterns of neighborhood change and increasing racial and ethnic diversity.

Detroit has come a long way since exiting bankruptcy in 2014. Its recent population growth and increasing diversity show important signs of renewal.

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

– ref. Metro Detroit is growing – but its suburbs are telling a more complicated story – https://theconversation.com/metro-detroit-is-growing-but-its-suburbs-are-telling-a-more-complicated-story-257875

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: SIU freezes property allegedly bought with misappropriated lottery funds

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a freezing order from the Special Tribunal against a property allegedly purchased using funds misappropriated from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).

The funds were initially earmarked for community development initiatives.

The tribunal’s order prohibits the sale or transfer of the agricultural holdings property in Centurion, Gauteng, pending the conclusion of civil proceedings to recover the misappropriated funds.

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the property is registered under Black Tshisimba (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by Collin Tshisimba, who has been implicated in other instances of NLC grant misappropriation, as part of ongoing investigations.

“The SIU’s investigation revealed that Make Me Movement NPO, which received grants totalling approximately R17.5 million from the NLC for cycling development in rural areas, diverted substantial sums to entities linked to Tshisimba and his associates,” Kganyago said.

Key findings of the investigation include:
•    R3 million was paid to Thwala Front CC, owned by Fhulufhelo Kharivhe, Tshisimba’s life partner, within days of receiving NLC funds.
•    R1 million was transferred to Black Tshisimba (Pty) Ltd, which was later used to purchase the frozen property.
•    Over R8 million of the initial R14 million grant disbursed to companies controlled by respondents, despite their lack of affiliation with the NPO.
•    The NLC deposited the second tranche of R3 558 400.00, which had a balance of R1 371.35 before this deposit. From January to April 2019, a total of R2 500 000.00 was allocated in instalments for property purchases. This amount was distributed as R2.5 million to Thwala Front CC, along with an additional R1 million.

Kganyago said the freezing order of the Special Tribunal is part of the SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions due to corruption or negligence.

“The order forms part of a broader investigation into corruption involving NLC grants intended for community development projects. The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action,” Kganyago explained. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Ministry of Commerce: China is fully prepared to join CPTPP

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) — China is fully prepared to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.

Since submitting its formal application to join the CPTPP in September 2021, China has conducted an in-depth analysis and assessment of the content of the agreement, prepared market access applications in areas such as trade in goods, services, investment and government procurement, and held extensive exchanges of views with all other members, fully demonstrating its determination, capabilities and actions to achieve the high standards of the agreement, ministry spokesman He Yadong said at a press conference.

In the future, China will actively follow high-standard international economic and trade rules such as the CPTPP, steadily expand its institutional opening-up, and continue to carry out in-depth communication and exchanges with all members in accordance with relevant procedures, actively advancing the country’s accession to the agreement, he said.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce hopes that CPTPP members will accelerate China’s accession process, support multilateralism and free trade through practical actions, and bring more certainty and impetus to global trade and economic development, He Yadong concluded. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China: China will actively expand imports of energy resources, minerals and high-quality agricultural products from Central Asian countries

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) — China will faithfully implement the important agreements and results reached at the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, actively expand imports of energy resources, minerals and high-quality agricultural products from Central Asian countries, promote exports of automobiles, home appliances, communications equipment, textiles and other products, and cultivate new business forms of trade such as trade in services and cross-border e-commerce, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong said at a regular press conference on Thursday.

He Yadong noted that during the summit, the ministry signed three documents with relevant departments of Central Asian countries on strengthening trade and economic cooperation, deepening cooperation on unimpeded trade and intensifying cooperation in the field of “green” mineral resources, as well as five bilateral documents with relevant countries in the fields of economy, trade, investment, e-commerce and technical and economic cooperation.

According to him, the ministry will deepen the development and utilization of green mineral raw materials in all links of the industrial chain, including their exploration, production, supply, storage and marketing, and expand cooperation in new areas such as electric vehicles, biomedicine, new energy sources and the digital economy.

The number of China-Europe freight trains passing through Central Asian countries will also be increased, and the capacity of border crossings will be increased to ensure stability and continuity of supply chains, he added.

China will implement the new versions of investment agreements signed with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, and accelerate negotiations on an agreement on trade in services and investment with Kyrgyzstan, He Yadong noted, stressing that China firmly supports Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan’s aspirations to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and, together with Central Asian countries, defends the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Get up to $50 Amazon gift cards with NordVPN’s Prime Day deal

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LONDON, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NordVPN, the world’s leading cybersecurity company, has launched a limited-time Amazon gift card giveaway to thank new users for choosing to protect their online privacy.

This exclusive deal can get people Amazon Gift cards up to $50 with a purchase of any 2-year deal. The deal is available in the US, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia. The promotion aims to celebrate our commitment to making digital security both accessible and rewarding.

“With this giveaway, we want to go one step further in showing our appreciation to new users,” said Gabrielius Blazys, head of marketing operations. “As more people recognize the importance of cybersecurity, we’re offering an extra incentive to start their journey with us.”

All gift cards will be sent between 31 and 50 days after subscription purchase. Therefore, customers can’t claim their free voucher and request a refund. However, if people decide NordVPN isn’t suitable for their needs, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What features do new users get?

All NordVPN plans protect up to 10 devices and include new post-quantum encryption support, keeping customers safe into the next era of computing. NordVPN Plus plan includes Threat Protection Pro, an ad, tracker, and malware blocker. It identifies malware and protects from scams and online threats. Plus subscribers also get NordPass, helping them to manage their passwords.

NordVPN Complete plan adds 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage to all Plus features. For total cybersecurity protection, customers from the US can also choose the NordVPN Prime plan, which adds NordProtect. It provides up to $1 million in cyber insurance, up to $100k in cyber extortion protection, credit and dark web monitoring, and a dedicated case manager. NordProtect is also available as a standalone product.

Outside the US, NordVPN Ultra is the most comprehensive plan available. It includes everything mentioned above except NordProtect and features the Incogni data removal service instead.

NordVPN Plus plans get customers $20 to spend, NordVPN Complete plans give $40, and Ultra or Prime plans provide a $50 gift card when signing up.

Full NordVPN price and plan structure can be found here.

ABOUT NORDVPN

NordVPN is the world’s most advanced VPN service provider, chosen by millions of internet users worldwide. The service offers features such as dedicated IP, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN servers, which help to boost your online privacy with zero tracking. One of NordVPN’s key features is Threat Protection Pro™, a tool that blocks malicious websites, trackers, and ads and scans downloads for malware. The latest creation of Nord Security, NordVPN’s parent company, is Saily — a global eSIM service. NordVPN is known for being user friendly and can offer some of the best prices on the market. This VPN provider covers 165 locations across 118 countries. For more information, visit https://nordvpn.com.

Contact
Brigita
brigita@nordsec.com

The MIL Network –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New data laws will make life easier for British people, cutting life admin, easing traffic and speeding up roadworks
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

New data laws will make life easier for British people, cutting life admin, easing traffic and speeding up roadworks

British people will benefit from new laws which will make their day-to-day lives easier – from slashing grocery bills and cutting traffic jams to speeding up NHS diagnoses – as the government delivers on manifesto commitments.
The Data Use and Access Bill now has Royal Assent.

Data (Use and Access) Bill becomes law – to unleash the power of data to help working people save money and time.

New data regime will reduce time people spend stuck in traffic and give NHS staff more time with patients.

New laws will inject £10 billion into the British economy over ten years, helping the government deliver on its growth mission in the Plan for Change and key manifesto commitments.

It comes as the Data (Use and Access) Act has today (19th June) received Royal Assent, unleashing the power of data into the British society and economy.

The new data regime is set to pump £10 billion into the British economy over the next decade – by cutting NHS and police bureaucracy, speeding up roadworks, and turbocharging innovation in tech and science.

Measures in the Act will ensure healthcare information – like a patient’s pre-existing conditions, appointments and tests – can easily be accessed in real time across all NHS trusts, GP surgeries and ambulance services, no matter what IT system they are using. Enabling data sharing across platforms will save NHS staff 140,000 hours a year in admin, giving them more time to care for patients and make better informed decisions for them more quickly – speeding up diagnoses and treatments for the British people.

Delivering on a manifesto commitment, the Act boosts the development of technology such as price comparison apps that can provide hyper personalised experiences to people so they can save money and time with bills and food shops. The new laws will broaden the access that third parties, like energy suppliers, have to consumer data.

For example, consumers will be able to share data on their energy usage which will help create more accurate price comparisons, informing what utility provider best suits their needs. This measure will give consumers the ability to compare utility prices, find better deals, and reduce their energy use, as well as foster tech innovation and boost competition, which will ultimately grow the UK economy.  

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

For too long, previous governments have been sitting on a goldmine of data, wasting a powerful resource which can be used to help families juggle food costs, slash tedious life admin, and make our NHS and police work smarter.

These new laws will finally unleash that power for hardworking people – putting cash back in pockets and boosting vital public services, all part of our Plan for Change.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said:

This is a game-changing moment for UK healthcare.

No longer will patients be left waiting needlessly for treatment as NHS staff battle “computer says no” bureaucracy.

We’re making it easier for GPs, nurses, and paramedics to access the information they need, when they need it, safely, securely and at speed.

Only by challenging the status quo and cutting through red tape can we truly deliver our Plan for Change and an NHS Fit for the Future.

Another key manifesto commitment the Act will deliver on is legislation to help bereaved parents get the answers they deserve when social media activity is linked to the death of their child. The new laws will establish a data preservation process that will require Ofcom, when notified by a coroner, to issue a data preservation notice to social media companies supporting their investigations into the death.

The data regime will also ease the frustrations of traffic by creating a National Underground Asset Register, a map of the country’s underground pipes and cables, which will allow construction workers to instantly see their exact location – information which currently takes 6 days to access. Slashing the average data-sharing process to 6 seconds, workers in the field will have quick access to a rich view of buried assets, helping them make more informed decisions on how to carry out works safely and efficiently – speeding up roadworks and closures and reducing delays for those on the road.

By legislating on digital verification services and introducing trusted digital verification tools, people will be able to prove their identity online more easily. This will simplify important tasks such as renting a flat and starting work. The measures will give companies who provide tools for verifying identities the ability to get certified against the government’s stringent trust framework of standards, and receive a ‘trust mark’ to use as a result. As well as increasing trust in the market, these efficiency gains will boost the UK economy by £4.3 billion over the next decade.

Notes to editors

Further details on the specific measures can be found here.

Today we also announce the launch of a recruitment campaign for 7 Non-Executive members to the board of the new Information Commission, which will be established by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 to replace the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as the UK’s data regulator. This is an important step in modernising the ICO and ensuring that the regulator has a diversity of skills, experience and perspectives at the top of the organisation. The closing date for applications is Friday 1 August 2025. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.

DSIT media enquiries

Email press@dsit.gov.uk

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

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Published 19 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 20, 2025

MIL-OSI: Alain Rhéaume Announces His Retirement as Chair of the Board of Directors of Boralex

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MONTREAL, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex Inc. (“Boralex” or the “Company”) (TSX: BLX) today announced that the Chair of its Board of Directors, Mr. Alain Rhéaume, has informed the Board that he will step down from his position once a successor has been appointed by the directors, no later than December of this year.

Mr. Rhéaume is announcing his retirement following the release of Boralex’s 2030 Strategy. The process of selecting a new Chair will be overseen by the Board’s Governance Committee and must be completed no later than December 2025, at the request of Mr. Rhéaume, as he will then reach the 15-year term limit for directors in accordance with the Company’s governance policies.

“In recent years, Boralex’s Board of Directors has focused on the orderly evolution of the Company, including its leadership, strategic directions, and governance. We have made significant progress on each of these priorities, which are essential to our shareholders and all our stakeholders,” said Mr. Rhéaume.

Under Mr. Rhéaume’s leadership, Boralex has made substantial progress, including:

Drawing on the succession plan implemented under the Board’s supervision, the executive team has been renewed, beginning with the appointment of Patrick Decostre as President and Chief Executive Officer. The team now includes new leaders across several areas of the Company;
Over the past 10 months, the Board has welcomed three new directors, enhancing the Board’s broad range of skills and experience, while two others have stepped down;
The objectives of the 2025 Strategic Plan have been rigorously pursued and largely achieved. The 2030 Strategy, unveiled on June 17, will ensure the continuation of Boralex’s ambitious growth trajectory.

“This key milestone in Boralex’s evolution, culminating in the presentation of its new 2030 Strategy, has required significant effort from both the Board and senior management. The implementation of the Company’s new strategic directions will benefit from the appointment of a new Chair who can guide it over the medium term,” said Mr. Rhéaume.

“The turbulence and uncertainty of global economies present challenges that companies must adapt to, but the strong growth in energy demand and the ongoing energy transition offer significant opportunities for Boralex, which is well positioned to continue asserting itself as a leader in renewable energy,” he added.

“We express our deep gratitude for Alain Rhéaume’s 15 years of service on Boralex’s Board of Directors, including eight years as Chair. Alain combines sharp business acumen with unmatched governance expertise. Always available, attentive, and insightful, he consistently balances risk and opportunity with a human approach and a commitment to the greater good. On behalf of the entire Boralex team, I thank him sincerely.”

“I have greatly appreciated working with the highly dedicated and high-performing teams at Boralex, both on the Board, within management and across the organization. Together, we have helped advance this small company, born from the vision of its founder Bernard Lemaire, to a stage of development he would be proud of,” concluded Mr. Rhéaume.

For more information on the Board of Directors and its governance practices, please visit the Boralex website.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those relating to the process of selecting a replacement for the position of Chair of the Board, are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, within the meaning of securities legislation. Boralex would like to point out that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties such that its results or the measure it adopts could differ materially from those indicated by or underlying these statements, or could have an impact on the degree of realization of a particular forward-looking statement. Unless otherwise specified by the Company, the forward-looking statements do not take into account the possible impact on its activities, transactions, non-recurring items or other exceptional items announced or occurring after the statements are made. There can be no assurance as to the materialization of the results, performance, or achievements as expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Unless required to do so under applicable securities legislation, Boralex management does not assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or other changes.

About Boralex

At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has increased by more than 50% to 3.2 GW. We are developing a portfolio of projects in development and construction of more than 8 GW in wind, solar and storage projects, guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, discipline, expertise and diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

For more information

MEDIA

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Camille Laventure
Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and External Communications

Boralex Inc.

438 883-8580
camille.laventure@boralex.com

Stéphane Milot
Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning and Analysis

Boralex Inc.

514 213-1045
stephane.milot@boralex.com

Source: Boralex inc.

The MIL Network –

June 20, 2025

MIL-OSI: Alain Rhéaume Announces His Retirement as Chair of the Board of Directors of Boralex

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Under Mr. Rhéaume’s leadership, Boralex has made substantial progress, including:

Drawing on the succession plan implemented under the Board’s supervision, the executive team has been renewed, beginning with the appointment of Patrick Decostre as President and Chief Executive Officer. The team now includes new leaders across several areas of the Company;
Over the past 10 months, the Board has welcomed three new directors, enhancing the Board’s broad range of skills and experience, while two others have stepped down;
The objectives of the 2025 Strategic Plan have been rigorously pursued and largely achieved. The 2030 Strategy, unveiled on June 17, will ensure the continuation of Boralex’s ambitious growth trajectory.

For more information on the Board of Directors and its governance practices, please visit the Boralex website.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

About Boralex

For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

For more information

MEDIA

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Camille Laventure
Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and External Communications

Boralex Inc.

438 883-8580
camille.laventure@boralex.com

Stéphane Milot
Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning and Analysis

Boralex Inc.

514 213-1045
stephane.milot@boralex.com

Source: Boralex inc.

The MIL Network –

June 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei and Industry Partners Win Four Prizes at the World’s First New Calling x AI Challenge Launched by GSMA & GTI

Source: Huawei

Headline: Huawei and Industry Partners Win Four Prizes at the World’s First New Calling x AI Challenge Launched by GSMA & GTI

[Shanghai, China, June 18, 2025] At the GTI (Global TD-LTE Initiative) Summit held during MWC Shanghai 2025, the winning teams of the world’s first New Calling x AI Challenge were announced. Huawei, together with industrial partners, were awarded four major awards, providing the industry with successful cases of 5G-A and AI integrated applications, and offering practical models for the innovative development of the New Calling industry.
New Calling x AI Challenge, co-organized by the GSMA Foundry and GTI, was the first global innovation competition in the New Calling sector. It encouraged innovative and potentially impactful use cases of New Calling services from around the world, in order to rejuvenate the global communications ecosystem. This competition attracted nearly 100 submissions from 16 universities and 58 enterprises, showcasing creative applications tailored for both individuals and enterprises. Such wide participation underscores the global industry’s fervor to integrate New Calling and AI technology, as well as to stimulate service innovation.

“5G New Calling x AI In-Nanjing” and “Exploring the New Paradigm of stc Bank’s Intelligent Customer Service by Deep Integration of New Calling and AI” project won the first prize

“Service AI x Network AI Empowering the New Calling DC-based Customer Service” project won the second prize

“A2A Intelligent Agent Interconnection Revolutionizing Communication Experience” project won the third prize

In this competition, China Mobile Jiangsu, with industry partners such as Huawei, clinched the top spot with their “5G New Calling x AI In-Nanjing” project, alongside stc and Huawei’s “Exploring the New Paradigm of stc Bank’s Intelligent Customer Service by Deep Integration of New Calling and AI” project. China Mobile Henan also partnered with Huawei to receive the second place for their “Service AI x Network AI Empowering the New Calling DC-based Customer Service” project, while Huawei claimed the third prize for their “A2A Intelligent Agent Interconnection Revolutionizing Communication Experience” project.
As a groundbreaking innovation in the mobile AI era, New Calling is rapidly gaining momentum for commercial use. Services like Visualized Voice Calling, Idol Calling, Real-Time Translation, and Simultaneous Interpretation have been put into commercial use across China, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. New Calling is helping operators transform their business model from voice-only operations to content operations. Teamed up with GTI, China Mobile, Huawei, and other global industry partners, GSMA has established the GSMA Foundry and 5G New Calling Task Force. Together, they have launched innovation showcases and white papers to foster collaboration and growth in the New Calling industry.
Ma Peng, President of CS&IMS Domain, Huawei Cloud Core Network Product Line, received the awards. “The integration of New Calling and AI will spur service innovation, transforming the dial pad into an entry for a wide range of AI-powered services, and helping operators achieve business success,” said Ma Peng, “The thriving success of New Calling depends on collective engagement and sustained commitment across the industry. Together with operators and industry partners, Huawei will remain dedicated to driving innovation and shaping a transformative future for the voice industry.”
MWC Shanghai 2025 will be held from June 18 to June 20 in Shanghai, China. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions in Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).
The commercial adoption of 5G-Advanced is accelerating in 2025. Huawei collaborates with global carriers, industry experts, and opinion leaders to explore how innovations in AI can be used to reshape telecom services, infrastructure, and operations to generate new revenue sources and accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwcs2025

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Banking: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Prathamik Shikshak Sahakari Bank Ltd., Satara, Maharashtra

Source: Reserve Bank of India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 20, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.00 lakh (Rupees Two Lakh only) on Prathamik Shikshak Sahakari Bank Ltd., Satara, Maharashtra (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Advances against Term Deposits of Non-members’ to Salary Earners’ Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, oral submissions made during the personal hearing and additional submissions made by it, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

The bank, despite being a Salary Earners’ Primary (Urban) Co-operative Bank, had sanctioned:

loans against fixed deposits to non-members, without fulfilling the Financially Sound and Well Managed (FSWM) criteria; and
gold loans to non-members.

This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

(Puneet Pancholy)
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2025-2026/564

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow has signed an agreement with one of the Russian banks on cooperation in the implementation of KRT projects

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

At the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Moscow Government signed an agreement on interaction and development of cooperation in the sphere of implementation of integrated territorial development projects (ITD) with PAO Bank PSB. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

“The agreement that the city signed with one of the largest banks, PSB Bank, will be valid for 10 years. We expect that the result of our joint work will be an increase in the availability of loans and the attraction of bank guarantees in accordance with the requirements of the agreement on KRT. Banks – partners of the program for the integrated development of territories will provide investors with financing at all stages of project implementation. It will be available to both capital companies and regional developers,” noted Vladislav Ovchinsky.

The main goal of the city’s cooperation with banks in the urban development sphere is to create favorable conditions for investors participating in the implementation of KRT projects. Thus, investors receive support not only from the city, but also from large financial organizations.

According to the program of integrated development of territories, multifunctional city blocks are being created, where roads, comfortable housing and all necessary infrastructure are being designed on the site of former industrial zones and inefficiently used areas. Currently, 302 KRT projects with a total area of about 4.2 thousand hectares are at various stages of development and implementation in Moscow. This work is being carried out on behalf of Sergei Sobyanin.

Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155498073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The Moscow Government has signed agreements with new participants in the “Labor Productivity” project

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

At the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Moscow Government signed agreements on participation in the federal project “Labor Productivity” with four Moscow companies. They are engaged in the manufacturing industry, scientific research, and the tourism and hospitality sector. On behalf of the Government, the documents were signed by Maria Bagreeva, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, Head of the Department of Economic Policy and City Development.

“The “Labor Productivity” project is one of the key measures to support the capital’s business, which over three years of implementation has already proven its effectiveness for more than 400 Moscow companies from various industries: manufacturing, construction, transportation and storage, tourism, trade, research and development (R&D) and others. Thanks to participation in the project, companies were able to restructure business processes, find hidden reserves, improve employee qualifications, optimize work and save money for investment in further development without additional costs. On behalf of the Moscow Government, I welcome new participants in the “Labor Productivity” project in the capital. I am confident that our joint work will bring high-quality results and allow companies to reach a new level of development,” emphasized Maria Bagreeva.

New participants talk about their expectations from the project

The manufacturing industry is represented by the Aquarius group of companies, which is included in the list of systemically important organizations in the electronics industry. It provides a full production cycle from printing boards and assembling components to assembling and testing finished products, and also supplies high-tech equipment and implements IT projects throughout the country. The project will be implemented by experts from the Federal Competence Center.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the group of companies Alexey Kalinin said that participation in the federal project is an important step towards further growth. Lean manufacturing is a tool for increasing the efficiency, technology and sustainability of business processes, which is especially relevant for the advanced development of radio electronics and the creation of competitive advantages, including in the global market.

Sobyanin spoke about the implementation of the national project “Labor Productivity” in Moscow How to improve business efficiency with lean technologies will be discussed in the course for entrepreneurs

The Research Institute of Railway Transport (JSC VNIIZhT), a leading scientific center in the railway industry, has become a new participant in the Labor Productivity project from the R&D sphere. Deputy General Director for Engineering, Implementation and Development of Technologies of the joint-stock company Evgeny Shishkov noted the special value of cooperation with experts from the Moscow regional competence center. The successful experience of other enterprises has proven the effectiveness of the project, and therefore the company is confident that the implementation of lean technologies will allow it to optimize key scientific and production processes.

In the tourism and hospitality sector, the Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow, has joined the project. General Manager Stanislav Kondov said that the practical experience of colleagues from the network who are already participants in the project has proven the effectiveness of the program: they have managed to optimize work processes and reduce costs. For the pilot stage, they chose the registration of hotel guests and hope to achieve high results.

Another new participant is the Shokoladnitsa group of companies. Pavel Perov, Executive Director for Production, emphasized that the introduction of lean manufacturing principles is currently being considered to improve the operational efficiency of both the food preparation process and the work of the retail chain of coffee shops. This experience will help strengthen the competitive advantage in the areas of production and sales.

In 2022–2024, the national project “Labor Productivity” was implemented in Moscow using funds from the city budget. How reported Sergei Sobyanin, 419 enterprises took part in it, including about a quarter of the city’s large and medium-sized industrial companies. Since 2025, Moscow companies have continued to increase labor productivity within the framework of the national project “Efficient and competitive economy” (federal project “Labor Productivity”). The federal project is being implemented in the capital at the expense of the city budget. Applications for participation are accepted atwebsite regional competence center of Moscow.

Get the latest news quicklythe city’s official telegram channel Moscow.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155504073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Performance of Private Corporate Business Sector during Q4:2024-25

Source: Reserve Bank of India

Today, the Reserve Bank released data on the performance of the private corporate sector during the fourth quarter of 2024-25, drawn from abridged quarterly financial results of 2,936 listed non-government non-financial companies. This summary position also includes comparable data for Q4:2023-24 and Q3:2024-25 to enable study of sequential (q-o-q) and annual (y-o-y) change (web-link https://data.rbi.org.in/DBIE/#/dbie/reports/Statistics/Corporate%20Sector/Listed%20Non-Government%20Non-Financial%20Companies).

Highlights

Sales

Sales of listed private non-financial companies registered 7.1 per cent growth (y-o-y) during Q4:2024-25 as compared to 8.0 per cent growth in the previous quarter (6.9 per cent in Q4:2023-24) (Table 1A).
Aggregate sales growth (y-o-y) of 1,659 listed private manufacturing companies moderated to 6.6 per cent during Q4:2024-25 from 7.7 per cent during the previous quarter; even as major industries such as electrical machinery, chemicals, food products and pharmaceuticals industries recorded double digit sales growth; weak performance of petroleum industry pulled down the sector’s sales growth (Table 2A and 5A, Chart 1).

On annual basis, sales growth (y-o-y) of IT companies improved further to 8.6 per cent in Q4 from 6.8 per cent in the previous quarter and 3.1 per cent a year ago.
Sales of non-IT services companies continued to grow in double digits at 10.9 per cent in Q4, on the back of good performance of telecommunication and transport & storage companies.

Expenditure

Manufacturing companies’ expenses on raw material rose by 8.3 per cent (y-o-y) in tandem with their sales growth, however, raw material to sales ratio broadly remained stable during Q4 from the previous quarter (Table 2A and 2B).
Staff cost of manufacturing, IT and non-IT services companies rose by 10.0 per cent, 6.4 per cent and 9.5 per cent, respectively, during Q4:2024-25. Staff cost to sales ratio for manufacturing, IT and non-IT services companies broadly remained stable at 5.5 per cent, 48.0 per cent, and 10.1 per cent, respectively, during Q4:2024-25.

Pricing power

Operating profit of manufacturing and non-IT services companies rose by 8.1 per cent and 18.4 per cent, respectively, during Q4, while it increased modestly by 2.4 per cent for IT companies (Table 2A).
Operating profit margin improved for manufacturing and non-IT services companies sequentially to 14.7 per cent and 23.0 per cent, respectively, during Q4, while it moderated for IT companies by 190 bps to 21.3 per cent in Q4 from the previous quarter (Table 2B and Chart 2).

Interest expenses

With sequential rise in profits, manufacturing companies’ interest coverage ratio (ICR)¹ improved to 8.7 in Q4:2024-25 from 7.6 in the previous quarter. ICR for non-IT services companies remained steady and continued to stay above unity, while it improved for IT service companies during Q4 (Table 2B).

List of Tables

Table No.		Title
1	A	Performance of Listed Non-Government Non-Financial Companies	Growth Rates
	B		Select Ratios
2	A	Performance of Listed Non-Government Non-Financial Companies – Sector-wise	Growth Rates
	B		Select Ratios
3	A	Performance of Listed Non-Government Non-Financial Companies according to Size of Paid-up-Capital	Growth Rates
	B		Select Ratios
4	A	Performance of Listed Non-Government Non-Financial Companies according to Size of Sales	Growth Rates
	B		Select Ratios
5	A	Performance of Listed Non-Government Non-Financial Companies according to Industry	Growth Rates
	B		Select Ratios
Explanatory Notes
Glossary

Notes:

The coverage of companies in different quarters varies, depending on the date of declaration of results; this is, however, not expected to significantly alter the aggregate position.
Explanatory notes detailing the compilation methodology, and the glossary (including revised definitions and calculations that differ from previous releases) are appended.

(Puneet Pancholy)
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2025-2026/565

MIL OSI Economics –

June 20, 2025

MIL-OSI: Kaz Resources LLC and Cove Kaz Capital LLC Announce 2025 Work Programs to Advance Critical Minerals Projects in Kazakhstan
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kaz Resources and Cove Kaz Capital LLC, Portfolio companies of Cove Capital LLC, are pleased to announce the launch of their respective 2025 work programs across its key critical mineral assets in Kazakhstan. These initiatives reflect a shared commitment to accelerating on-the-ground activity across our licensed concessions, tailings, and the joint venture projects with Kazakhstan’s national partners.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Work Programs:
- Kaz Resources LLC will continue advancing its exploration program across its concession portfolio in East Kazakhstan. Building on the success of its 2024 drilling campaign, the Company will initiate follow-up resource development activities, including step-out and infill drilling, surface geochemical sampling, and targeted geophysical surveys. These efforts will focus on high-priority ore zones delineated for their lithium and polymetallic prospectivity, with the objective of expanding known historical mineralization and defining drill-ready targets for future resource estimation.
- Kaz Resources LLC has initiated a comprehensive metallurgical test work and pilot plant program to evaluate the recovery of lithium, tantalum-niobium, and other critical minerals from historical tailings located on its licensed concessions. The program will involve systematic tailings sampling, detailed mineralogical analysis, and a pilot-scale processing phase. The objective is to develop a viable process flow sheet to support a fast-tracked development strategy aimed at bringing the tailings into commercial production.
- Cove Kaz Capital LLC, through its newly formed joint venture, Akbulak REE Ltd., is advancing the Akbulak Rare Earth Project in partnership with Qazgeology JSC, Kazakhstan’s national geological company, and subsidiary of Kazakhstan’s national mining company, Tau-Ken Samruk. The joint venture is in the process of obtaining final approval from the Ministry of Industry and Construction for the transfer of the exploration license to Akbulak REE Ltd., which is established under the AIFC legal framework.
  Concurrently, the joint venture is preparing to initiate initial exploration activities at the Akbulak site in the Kostanay region. The program will begin with a desktop review of historical geological data, surface mapping, structural and alteration analysis, targeted sampling, and metallurgical testing, forming the groundwork for a staged exploration campaign.
The Akbulak Rare Earth Project hosts a historical resource of 380,000 tons of rare earth oxides, including neodymium and praseodymium, key elements in permanent (NdFeB) magnets, and yttrium, utilized in electronics, medicine, and materials science applications.

Pini Althaus, CEO of Kaz Resources, commented:

“The 2025 programs reflect the momentum we’ve built since entering Kazakhstan in 2023, and our intention to deliver tangible progress across our exploration assets, strategic tailings, and rare earths development. This is a coordinated step forward, aligned with Kazakhstan’s resource development goals, which include establishing a fully-integrated supply chain, and meeting US and global critical mineral supply chain needs.”

“This partnership represents a practical example of how international cooperation can accelerate resource development in Kazakhstan. We look forward to seeing tangible results from the Akbulak project and continuing our productive collaboration with the private sector,” said Dauren Abuov, Acting CEO of Qazgeology JSC.

These efforts mark a continuation of both companies’ contribution to Kazakhstan’s role as a critical minerals partner and regional development leader.

For further information, please contact:

Brandon McGrath
Samantha O’Neil
info@covecapital.com.au

About Cove Capital LLC

Cove Capital was founded in 2015. With offices in Melbourne and New York (head office), Cove Capital invests in mining, renewable energy, and clean technology. Since 2018, Cove Capital has been at the forefront of investment and development in critical minerals projects. Cove Capital, under the visionary leadership of Mr. Pini Althaus, brings unparalleled knowledge and extensive experience to the critical minerals industry.

About Qazgeology

Qazgeology is Kazakhstan’s national geological exploration company, and a wholly owned subsidiary of national mining company, Tau-Ken Samruk, dedicated to the discovery and development of the country’s mineral wealth. Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge research, Qazgeology plays a pivotal role in advancing Kazakhstan’s mining industry and unlocking new resources for future development.

About Tau-Ken Samruk

Tau-Ken Samruk is the national mining company of Kazakhstan, overseeing the efficient development of the country’s mineral resources. Committed to innovation and sustainability, Tau-Ken Samruk collaborates with domestic and international partners to enhance the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s mining sector and support economic growth.

The MIL Network –
June 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Catholic Order of Foresters Chooses ManageMy to Improve Member & Agent Engagement

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

With the ManageMy Platform, Catholic Order of Foresters launches new, white labeled member and agent portals

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Catholic Order of Foresters (COF), a Catholic fraternal benefit society dedicated to protecting families and supporting communities, announced its selection of ManageMy. Using the ManageMy platform, COF successfully deployed a white-labeled member portal and agent portal to provide better online experiences—enhancing member engagement, providing agents with a more robust portal, and improving overall ease of access.

COF sought a partner that could provide a seamless, modern, and personalized experience for its members, agents, and internal teams. Previously, the company relied on expensive technology that still siloed operations and increased manual efforts required to maintain member relations. COF found ManageMy was the best choice to provide a configured and impactful front-end for members and agents.

“Finding the right tech partner was crucial to the success of our ongoing digital transformation journey,” said Joni Kazmierczak, Vice President of Operations, COF. “Our goal was to improve the experience not only for our members and agents but also for our home office teams who serve them. ManageMy stood out for their partnership mindset and hands-on operational support. They’ve helped us streamline operations and increase membership satisfaction.”

Through the ManageMy Platform, COF members now have 24/7 access to view their policies, manage personal information, and connect with support—all through a user-friendly and secure portal. Members also benefit from intuitive tools that streamline communication, simplify servicing needs, and drive post-sales engagement. Agents benefit from a well-organized, easy-to-navigate portal that enhances communication, simplifies access to essential servicing tools, and makes key information readily available. And behind the scenes, home office employees are equipped with the tools and insights they need to deliver exceptional service efficiently.

This initiative reflects COF’s long-standing mission of putting members first, now enhanced through digital innovation.

“Our partnership with COF is a great example of how we’re helping fraternal organizations modernize their engagement approach,” said Stuart Johnston, Chief Revenue Officer at ManageMy. “Our platform is designed to support the full customer journey and configured to the needs of our clients. We’re excited to see COF continue delivering a superior digital experience for members, agents, and home office teams alike.”

About Catholic Order of Foresters:

Catholic Order of Foresters is a Catholic fraternal benefit society dedicated to helping members achieve financial security through life insurance while supporting the Catholic community through fraternal outreach.

About ManageMy:

ManageMy is the digital platform insurance carriers rely on to increase sales, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Built around a powerful no-code API, ManageMy integrates easily with existing core systems, giving carriers the flexibility to configure insurance workflows and digital experiences to their specific needs—improving conversion, accelerating risk assessment, and driving retention.

ManageMy is purpose-built for carriers to meet rising expectations for seamless, digital-first XPeriences, without overhauling their core.

For more information, please visit: https://managemy.com/

The MIL Network –

June 20, 2025

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New participants talk about their expectations from the project