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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: Nimanode’s $NMA Presale Demand Surges, Positions For Explosive Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEEDS, United Kingdom, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nimanode is the first platform of its kind to deliver a zero-code solution for launching on-chain AI agents that can perform complex blockchain tasks such as smart contract development, DeFi optimization, compliance monitoring, and Web3 user support. The platform’s no-code interface makes it accessible to both developers and non-technical users, providing drag-and-drop workflows to configure, test, and launch autonomous agents on-chain in minutes.

    Building on XRPL was the priority for them, “We’re bringing AI automation to the heart of Web3 through XRPL, and doing it with usability in mind,” said the Nimanode founding team. “Our mission is to simplify intelligent infrastructure and put real on-chain power in the hands of every user.” They chose a blockchain with speed , security and scalibilty in mind.

    Presale Page

    Designed for the XRP Ecosystem

    Built natively on XRPL, Nimanode leverages the blockchain’s speed, low fees, and scalability to enable high-frequency, low-latency AI agent execution. The platform’s agents are capable of:

    • Executing smart contracts via XRPL Hooks
    • Scanning wallets and tokens for real-time risk
    • Monitoring compliance in tokenized real-world assets (RWAs)
    • Managing liquidity and maximizing APY across XRPL protocols
    • Operating 24/7 as decentralized customer support interfaces

    $NMA Presale

    Unlocking the Agent Economy

    At the core of Nimanode is the Agent Marketplace, where users can license, share, and monetize AI agents with other users and businesses. Combined with its SDK for developers and drag-and-drop builder for creators, Nimanode is positioning itself as a hub for Web3 automation and on-chain labor.

    $NMA, the platform’s utility token, is used for:

    • Deploying and upgrading agents
    • Licensing agents via the marketplace
    • Staking to earn protocol rewards
    • Participating in decentralized governance

    $NMA Token Sale Now Live

    As part of its official launch, Nimanode has begun the presale of its native token, $NMA. A total of 90 million tokens (45% of the 200 million supply) are available during the presale.

    Participants can purchase $NMA tokens using XRP by sending funds directly from XRPL-compatible wallets (such as XAMAN) to the official Nimanode presale address listed on their Presale Page. All transactions are recorded on-chain for full transparency.

    Presale contributors will receive $NMA at an early-access rate, prior to the token’s public listing on decentralized exchanges at a projected 25% markup post-sale.

    Don’t Miss Out on Nimanode

    Nimanode is a decentralized AI agent platform built on the XRP Ledger, offering no-code and developer tools to deploy on-chain AI agents that automate blockchain activity, optimize protocol interaction, and monetize intelligent services. By bridging AI with decentralized infrastructure, Nimanode is building the next evolution of digital work and Web3 automation.

    Connect with Nimanode

    Website: https://nimanode.com

    Twitter/X: https://x.com/nimanodeai

    Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI

    Documentation: https://docs.nimanode.com

    Contact:
    Nick Lambert
    contact@nimanode.com

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/80fe44e4-8452-4862-a8e1-0fcc3adb5477

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Wearable Devices Receives U.S. Patent for Innovative Gesture Control, Enabling Precision Interaction with Digital Devices

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Yokneam Illit, Israel, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wearable Devices Ltd. (the “Company” or “Wearable Devices”) (Nasdaq: WLDS, WLDSW), a technology growth company specializing in artificial intelligence (“AI”)-powered touchless sensing wearables, recently announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted a continuation of  its patent titled “Gesture and Voice-Controlled Interface Device”, strengthening its leadership in revolutionizing intuitive human-device interactions for next-generation digital ecosystems.

    Traditional gesture sensing systems continuously track hand and finger movements but lack clear “start” and “end” points, making it difficult for devices to understand when a user truly intends to zoom, adjust volume, or manipulate an object. As a result, unintuitive solutions have been used – such as requiring the use of both hands, adding special buttons, or abandoning continuous control altogether. The same goes for voice assistants, which require a “wake word”, prompting them to wait for further instructions.

    Wearable Devices’ newly allowed patent defines a method to extract precise start and end points from continuous gestures. This breakthrough enables devices to support natural and intuitive control gestures like pinch-to-zoom not just for zooming images, but also for adjusting volume, resizing objects, or moving elements – seamlessly and touch-free.

    The technology is ideally suited for augmented reality (“AR”) headsets, gesture-controlled smart devices, and wearable controllers based on cameras, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), or electromyography (EMG) sensors – making mid-air fine control finally accessible and natural.

    About Wearable Devices

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

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

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

    Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hurricane season is here, but FEMA’s policy change could leave low-income areas less protected

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ivis García, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University

    Hurricane Harvey inundated the Cottage Grove neighborhood of Houston in 2018. Scott Olson/Getty Images

    When powerful storms hit your city, which neighborhoods are most likely to flood? In many cities, they’re typically low-income areas. They may have poor drainage, or they lack protections such as seawalls.

    New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward, where hundreds of people died when Hurricane Katrina broke a levee in 2005, and Houston’s Kashmere Gardens, flooded by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, are just two among many examples.

    With those disasters in mind, the Federal Emergency Management Agency made a big change to its Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide in 2023. The agency began encouraging cities, towns and counties to address equity in their hazard mitigation plans, which outline how they will reduce disaster risk.

    Local governments have an incentive to follow those federal guidelines: Those that want to receive FEMA hazard mitigation assistance – money which can be used to repair aging infrastructure like roads, bridges and flood barriers – or funding from other programs such as dam rehabilitation have to develop local mitigation plans and update them every five years.

    Hurricane Irma flooded Immokalee, Fla., in 2017. The community, home to many farmworkers, had infrastructure problems before the storm, and recovery was slow.
    AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

    The new guidance required cities to both consider social vulnerability among neighborhoods in their disaster mitigation planning and involve socially vulnerable communities in those discussions in ways they hadn’t before.

    However, as the U.S. heads into what forecasters predict will be an active 2025 hurricane season, that guidance has changed again. The Trump administration’s new FEMA Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide 2025 talks about public involvement in planning but strips any mention of equity, income or social vulnerability. It mentions using “projections for the future” to plan but removes references to climate change.

    Who is most at risk in hurricanes, and why

    Hurricanes and other storms that cause flooding don’t affect everyone in the same way.

    A legacy of redlining and discrimination in many U.S. cities left poor and minority families living in often risky areas. These neighborhoods also tend to have poorer infrastructure.

    In the past, local mitigation plans just focused on fixing roads or protecting property in general from storm damage, without recognizing that socially vulnerable groups, such as low-income or elderly populations, were more likely to be hardest hit and take much longer to recover.

    Low-income neighborhoods in Puerto Rico have been slow to recover from 2017’s Hurricane Maria.
    Ivis Garcia

    The FEMA 2023 guidance encouraged communities to consider both the highest risks and which neighborhoods would be least able to respond in a disaster and address their needs.

    The equity requirement was designed to ensure that local plans didn’t just protect those with the most wealth or political influence but considered who needs the help most. That might mean providing information in multiple languages in emergency alerts or investing in flood prevention in neighborhoods with aging infrastructure like roads, bridges and flood barriers.

    How New York City’s 2024 plan helped

    New York City’s 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan, for example, included a thorough social vulnerability assessment to identify neighborhoods with high percentages of people who were living in poverty or were older, disabled or weren’t fluent in English.

    Knowing where disaster risk and social vulnerability overlapped allowed the city to boost investments in flood protection, emergency communication and cooling centers during summer heat in neighborhoods such as the South Bronx and East Harlem. These neighborhoods historically faced some of the greatest risks from disasters but saw little investment.

    The NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice mapped the risk of storm surge flooding in the 2020s (purple) and 2080s (dark blue), and neighborhoods that fall under the city’s ‘disadvantaged communities’ criteria. A 1% risk means a 1% of chance of flooding in any given year, also referred to as a 100-year flood risk.
    NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice

    Further, New York’s plan calls for expanding outreach and early warning systems in multiple languages and enhancing infrastructure in areas with high concentrations of Spanish speakers. These kinds of changes help ensure that vulnerable residents are more likely to be better protected when disaster strikes.

    Why is FEMA dropping that emphasis now?

    FEMA’s reasoning for the guidance change in 2025: make it quicker and easier to get plans approved and unlock federal funding for projects like flood barriers, storm shelters and buyouts in areas at high risk of damage.

    It’s a pragmatic move, but one that raises big questions about whether residents who are least able to help themselves will be overlooked again when the next disaster strikes.

    And FEMA isn’t alone — other agencies, like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and its Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program, have made similar changes to their own disaster planning rules. Community Development Block Grant funds for disaster recovery are flexible and can be used for things like rebuilding homes and businesses, restoring infrastructure and helping local economies recover.

    What this means for low-income areas

    Some experts worry that the changes might mean low-income and other at-risk communities will be ignored again when cities develop their next five-year mitigation plans. Research from the Government Accountability Office shows that when something is required by law, it gets done. When it’s just a suggestion, it’s easy to skip, especially in places with fewer resources or less political will to help.

    But the short-lived rules may have already helped in one important way: They made cities and states pay attention to social vulnerability, climate change and the needs of all their residents.

    Many local leaders have learned the value of using data to understand where socially vulnerable residents face high disaster risks. And they have a model now for involving communities in decision-making. Even if those steps are no longer required, the hope is that these good habits will stick.

    Where and how communities invest in disaster protection affects who stays safe and who faces higher risks from flooding, hurricanes and other disasters. When government policy shifts, it’s not just about paperwork – it’s about real people.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Hurricane season is here, but FEMA’s policy change could leave low-income areas less protected – https://theconversation.com/hurricane-season-is-here-but-femas-policy-change-could-leave-low-income-areas-less-protected-256985

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: MKS PAMP to Participate at Mining in Motion as Bronze Sponsor

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

    ACCRA, Ghana, May 30, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Mining in Motion 2025 Summit – Ghana’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – welcomes global precious metals trading and investment firm MKS PAMP as a bronze sponsor.

    Taking place on June 2 – 4, 2025 in Accra, the summit will serve as a platform for MKS PAMP to showcase its growing contributions to Ghana’s mining sector, particularly its support for responsible and inclusive gold supply chains.

    As a sponsor, MKS PAMP will take part in high-level panel discussions, highlighting innovative financing models aimed at empowering Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector.

    The company’s global operations – spanning sourcing, refining, trading, and supplying of precious metals – include a strong focus on Ghanaian gold, contributing to both local industry growth and the stability of global gold supply.

    Through its partnership with the Bank of Ghana, MKS PAMP is actively supporting ASGM operators by providing financial and technical assistance. The partnership is designed to help small-scale miners transition into the formal gold market, ensuring they benefit from global trading standards while enhancing traceability and compliance.

    In addition to supporting small-scale miners, MKS PAMP also works with large-scale operators to reinforce transparency across the value chain. In a notable collaboration with Newmont Corporation – which operates the Ahafo and Akyem Mines in Ghana – MKS PAMP launched mine-to-market traceable gold bars. The solution enables consumers to track the origin of their gold while offering regulators and stakeholders confidence in the transparency and ethical sourcing of monetized resources.

    At Mining in Motion, MKS PAMP will delve deeper into these contributions through participation in exclusive networking sessions and project showcases, engaging with local, regional, and international partners. The firm’s participation at Mining in Motion reflects a broader commitment to supporting sustainable development, responsible sourcing, and emerging investment opportunities within Ghana’s expanding gold sector.

    Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative – led by Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom – in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, World Bank, and the World Gold Council, with the support of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the summit offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders.

    Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting small-scale miners and medium- to large-scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting www.MiningInMotionSummit.com. For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact Sales@ashantigreeninitiative.org.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • India’s real GDP grows at 6.5% in FY 2024-25; Q4 sees strong 7.4% expansion

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has released the Provisional Estimates of Annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the financial year 2024–25, along with the Quarterly Estimates for the January–March period (Q4) of the same year.

    India’s real GDP at constant (2011–12) prices is estimated to have grown by 6.5% in FY 2024–25, reaching ₹187.97 lakh crore, compared to ₹176.51 lakh crore in 2023–24. At current prices, the nominal GDP has increased by 9.8%, amounting to ₹330.68 lakh crore, up from ₹301.23 lakh crore in the previous financial year.

    Real Gross Value Added (GVA) for the year is estimated at ₹171.87 lakh crore, reflecting a 6.4% growth from ₹161.51 lakh crore in FY 2023–24. The nominal GVA stands at ₹300.22 lakh crore, a 9.5% increase over the previous year.

    In the fourth quarter (January to March) of FY 2024–25, real GDP rose to ₹51.35 lakh crore, a 7.4% increase from ₹47.82 lakh crore in Q4 of FY 2023–24. Nominal GDP during the same period reached ₹88.18 lakh crore, reflecting a 10.8% growth. Real GVA in Q4 stood at ₹45.76 lakh crore, up 6.8% from ₹42.86 lakh crore, while nominal GVA reached ₹79.46 lakh crore, marking a 9.6% increase.

    Among the key drivers of this economic performance, the construction sector led with an annual growth of 9.4%, accelerating to 10.8% growth in Q4. The public administration, defence, and other services sector followed with 8.9% growth during the year and 8.7% in Q4. Financial, real estate, and professional services saw a 7.2% increase annually and 7.8% growth in the final quarter.

    The primary sector, which includes agriculture, livestock, forestry, fishing, mining, and quarrying, registered a growth rate of 4.4% in FY 2024–25, a notable improvement from 2.7% in the previous year. In Q4 alone, the sector grew by 5.0%, up significantly from 0.8% in the same quarter of the previous year.

    Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) recorded a 7.2% growth during FY 2024–25, reflecting stronger consumer spending compared to 5.6% in FY 2023–24. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), an indicator of investment demand, grew by 7.1% for the full year and 9.4% in Q4.

    The GDP estimates were compiled using the benchmark-indicator method, based on the extrapolation of the previous year’s estimates using sector-specific performance indicators. These include data from the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), financial performance of listed companies, crop and livestock output, energy and construction material production, transport and trade data, banking and insurance activity, GST collections, and government expenditure records.

    The estimates also reflect the tax and subsidy data available from both the Central and State Governments. For tax calculations, both GST and non-GST revenues were considered, and for subsidies, major components such as food, urea, petroleum, and nutrient-based subsidies were accounted for.

    These provisional figures are subject to revision based on updated inputs from source agencies. Users are advised to interpret the data with this in mind.

    The next release of GDP data, covering the first quarter of FY 2025–26 (April–June), is scheduled for 29 August 2025.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Algernon Yau visits Tokyo

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today attended the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Ministerial Meeting, aimed at strengthening regional collaboration on the development of information and communications technology, in Tokyo, Japan.

     

    Whilst in Tokyo, the commerce chief also took the opportunity to meet Japanese political and business leaders.

     

    Speaking at a discussion session at the ministerial meeting, Mr Yau spoke about Hong Kong’s efforts in building sustainable and accessible information and communications technology infrastructure, and its commitment to a more inclusive and resilient digital future.

     

    Mr Yau said in the wake of the full liberalisation of its telecommunications market in 2003, Hong Kong’s telecommunications sector has become one of the most advanced, open, and dynamic markets globally.

     

    He highlighted that Hong Kong leads the world on mobile voice affordability, ranks second globally on mobile broadband affordability, and is seventh on fixed broadband affordability. The city’s 5G availability also ranks first in the Asia-Pacific region.

     

    Mr Yau emphasised that Hong Kong’s robust infrastructure provides a strong foundation for sustainable telecommunications development, including future 6G deployment and other cutting-edge services.

     

    The 6G Global Summit held in Hong Kong earlier this month, which was the summit’s first edition in the Asia-Pacific region, also focused support for 6G development.

     

    With regard to innovation and technology (I&T), Mr Yau explained that the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint, promulgated in 2022, set out clear development directions and strategies including, including accelerated development of new digital infrastructure.

     

    He added that artificial intelligence (AI) opens up vast new opportunities for global economic development and scientific research, and that Hong Kong is developing its AI ecosystem on various fronts. This include the launch of the AI Supercomputing Centre at Cyberport to meet demand for high-performance computing power.

     

    Mr Yau said Hong Kong will continue to work hand in hand with APT members and other stakeholders to advance sustainable infrastructure and promote eco-friendly information and communications technology for a connected future.

     

    Meanwhile, Mr Yau also paid a courtesy call on Japan-Hong Kong Parliamentarian League Chairman and House of Councillors Member Jimi Hanako to update her on Hong Kong’s latest economic and trade developments.

     

    Upon arriving in Tokyo yesterday, Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Miyaji Takuma.

     

    Noting the close bilateral relations between the two places, Mr Yau updated Mr Miyaji on Hong Kong’s robust economic developments on various fronts under the “one country, two systems” principle, and solicited Japan’s support for Hong Kong’s early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

     

    Mr Yau also met Japan Association of Corporate Executives representatives to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and investment opportunities.

     

    The commerce chief will return to Hong Kong tomorrow after the APT Ministerial Meeting concludes.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Topping out at Langage Freeport site

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Foundations – Tick. Frame – Tick. Walls – Tick. Now the roof is being topped out on the first purpose-built commercial units within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport.

    Councillor Mark Lowry – Cabinet Member for Finance
    Richard May – CEO of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport
    Nigel Whelan – Managing Director of Devon Contractors

    Cabinet member for Finance Mark Lowry was on hand to mark this crucial milestone in the development of four units in Beaumont Way, Langage – one of three Freeport tax sites as part of the region’s continuing success story in the marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering and clean energy sectors.

    Devon Contractors are progressing the construction of the units which range in size from 750 square metres to just over 2,000 sqm.

    The units will have workshop/production space inside with fully fitted offices at ground and first floor level (with lift access) and welfare facilities, including showers.

    Each will have its own dedicated service yard, parking and EV charging pod and the units will be highly sustainable and incorporate technology to minimise carbon emissions and running costs, including solar photo-voltaic panels, increased levels of insulation, higher levels of natural daylight and ventilation and highly efficient heating systems. The units are being designed and built to BREEAM Excellent standards and Net Zero status.

    As part of its own social values policies, the Council is always keen to consider social value measures that a contractor can apply to projects carried out on behalf of the Council and this has been achieved in spades at this Langage site.

    Seven students from Brook Green Centre recently enjoyed a site tour through the support of DUCTU (www.ductu.co.uk) and the Devon Careers Hub and had a go at bricklaying. Small groups from Plympton Academy and Tor Bridge will shortly visit and the site will soon host an event for military personnel to tour the site and discuss opportunities available in the construction industry.

    Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “This site is so much more than just buildings. It is about potential – not just companies interested in being part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport story.

    “One of our priorities as a Council is ‘green investment, jobs, skills and better education.’ I am really chuffed to hear the work Devon Contractors are doing here on this site to inspire our next generation of workers and let them see at first hand work what skilled, well-paid jobs looks like. It’s just brilliant.”

    The development has been made possible thanks to a £4 million Freeport seed capital funding, match funded by Plymouth City Council. Once complete, it is expected to support around 138 full time jobs and associated long term spin off benefits.

    Richard May CEO of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport said; “It’s wonderful to witness the first new industrial units being built in the Freeport with many more to follow over the next few years.

    “We have several businesses keen to move in and they will help us strengthen local capability, innovation and bring on new skills in our key sectors of marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering and clean tech.”

    Devon Contractors are on target to finish the scheme in time for units to be ready to move into by Autumn 2025.

    Nigel Whelan, Managing Director of Devon Contractors, said: “We’re making excellent progress on site at Langage and its a testament to the collaborative spirit across the board.

    “Our supply chain, consultants, suppliers and the client team have all come together as one, working seamlessly to drive the project forward. This level of co-operation is what allows us to maintain momentum and deliver with confidence. Were particularly excited to be launching our work placements schools projects next month – a great opportunity to engage the next generation and share in the future of construction.”

    The Langage Tax Site is the largest of three tax sites for the Freeport and is on the edge of the existing Langage Business Park. It is strategically significant as it provides the space and opportunities to support sector growth plans and economic specialisation, underpinning the Freeport’s trade and investment objectives.

    Eligible businesses that are part of the Freeport can take advantage of a range of tax and customs benefits and incentives to support growth, innovation and investment in the South West, including business rates relief, employer National Insurance contributions rate relief, stamp duty land tax relief, capital allowances, VAT and tariff benefits and simplified import procedures.

    As this site is part of the Freeport designated tax site, eligible tenants must specialise in either marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering or clean energy.

    Interested parties should contact [email protected] or for information about the Freeport contact [email protected]

    www.plymouth.gov.uk/langage-south-beaumont-way

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Restive Ventures Opens Applications for 9th Fintech Founder Cohort

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Restive Ventures, the premier seed-stage venture firm focused on fintech innovation, is now accepting applications for its 9th cohort. This application-based investment cycle is open to early-stage founders building the future of financial services, with a growing focus on AI-native companies accelerating transformation across the financial ecosystem.

    Since its launch in 2018, Restive-backed startups have raised over $800 million in follow-on capital and created over $5 billion in enterprise value, reshaping how millions of people and businesses interact with money, data, and infrastructure.

    Applications are open from May 30 to July 15. Founders can apply here.

    “We’re seeing a massive resurgence in fintech—especially in companies where AI is being used to unlock new workflows, reimagine user experiences, and build radically more efficient companies,” said Ryan Falvey, Managing Partner at Restive. “We want to meet technical founders building in this moment—those creating high-velocity businesses in payments, infrastructure, compliance, risk, and more.”

    Restive’s previous cohorts drew over 1,500 applications, with a final group of 10 companies selected. Over 70% of the cohort was AI-native, building across financial infrastructure, compliance, lending, and B2B payments. Founders represented a global mix, including teams from the U.S., Mexico, the U.K., and India, and brought deep technical backgrounds from companies like Stripe, Plaid, and Coinbase.

    Who Should Apply

    The cohort is designed for pre-seed and seed-stage companies, whether the product is live or still in development. Restive is especially interested in startups where:

    • AI is being used to rethink legacy financial processes and empower small, lean teams to build products exceptionally fast
    • Teams are engineering-led with a deep understanding of the technical problem they’re solving
    • The business touches a regulated space, enterprise workflow, or consumer financial experience
    • Founders are seeking early capital plus high-touch connectivity to fintech operators, regulators, and follow-on VCs

    What Selected Startups Receive:

    • At least a $500,000 initial investment at market terms
    • One-on-one support from fintech operators and an industry-leading network of founders
    • Curated introductions to partners, regulators, and future investors
    • Ongoing capital support throughout the company’s early growth

    Restive’s selection process is open to any fintech startup, pre-seed or seed, across a wide range of verticals. “In the last quarter alone, we’ve seen fintech M&A activity and IPO interest pick up and a strong return of venture appetite in early-stage deals,” said Cameron Peake, Partner at Restive. “There’s a clear market pull—and we want to help the most promising founders move faster.”

    Fintech founders interested in joining the next cohort can learn more and apply here.

    About Restive Ventures
    Restive is on a mission to help entrepreneurs build the world’s best fintech companies. Restive partners with early founders who have an unrelenting vision to improve fintech and build world-changing companies. The team provides a foundation of early-stage capital, deep operational expertise, and systematic connections to help founders launch and grow more quickly. Learn more at https://www.restive.com or follow X/Twitter and LinkedIn.

    Contact:

    Press@restive.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Upexi to Present at the iAccess Alpha Virtual Best Ideas Summer Investment Conference on June 24-25

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAMPA, Fla., May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Upexi, Inc. (NASDAQ: UPXI) (the “Company” or “Upexi”), a brand owner specializing in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of consumer products with diversification into the cryptocurrency space, today announced that management will present at the iAccess Alpha Virtual Best Ideas Summer Investment Conference 2025 on June 24 and 25, 2025.

    iAccess Alpha Virtual Conference Details:
    Date: June 24-25, 2025
    Presentation Date and Time: Tuesday, June 24th at 12:30 p.m. ET
    Webcast: https://ir.upexi.com/news-events/ir-calendar

    To schedule a one-on-one meeting with Upexi, please contact KCSA Strategic Communications at Upexi@KCSA.com.

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Depot Eliminates Up-C Corporate Structure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM operator and leading fintech company, announced it has simplified its organizational and capital structure by eliminating its Up-C Restructuring (the “Up-C Restructuring”).

    Pursuant to the Up-C Restructuring, BT Assets, Inc., an entity controlled by the Company’s Founder and CEO, Brandon Mintz, that held Common Units in BT HoldCo LLC and shares of the Company’s Class V Common Stock has merged with a subsidiary of the Company and received 41,193,024 shares of the Company’s Class M common stock, which will continue to carry 10 votes per share, as consideration in the merger.

    In connection with the Up-C Restructuring, all of the shares of the Company’s Class V Common Stock held by BT Assets have been transferred to the Company and cancelled. After giving effect to the Up-C Restructuring, Mintz holds a total of 41,193,024 shares of the Company’s Class M Common Stock and 142,973 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock.

    Post-transaction, Bitcoin Depot now wholly-owns its principal operating subsidiaries. The Company believes the simpler structure will offer benefits like better stock liquidity, easier use of stock for acquisitions, and a clearer corporate profile.

    In addition, the Up-C Restructuring extinguishes the $2.2 million Tax Receivable Agreement liability and will lead to further long-term savings, as the Company estimates its cash tax rate will be reduced by an estimated 12 percentage points. Other professional services costs associated with tax, accounting and legal will also be reduced by this simpler structure.

    About Bitcoin Depot

    Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 48 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 29 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with over 8,400 kiosk locations as of February 25, 2025.  Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com. 

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release and any oral statements made in connection herewith include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations of plans, business strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including our growth strategy and ability to increase deployment of our products and services, our ability to strengthen our financial profile, and worldwide growth in the adoption and use of cryptocurrencies. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipate,” “appears,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “designed,” “effect,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “initiative,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,“ ”plan,“ ”potential,“ ”priorities,“ ”project,“ ”pursue,“ ”seek,“ ”should,“ ”target,“ ”when,“ ”will,“ ”would,” or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond our control.

    These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; risks relating to the uncertainty of our projected financial information; future global, regional or local economic and market conditions; the development, effects and enforcement of laws and regulations; our ability to manage future growth; our ability to develop new products and services, bring them to market in a timely manner and make enhancements to our platform; the effects of competition on our future business; our ability to issue equity or equity-linked securities; the outcome of any potential litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries; and those factors described or referenced in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our assessments to change.

    We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law. All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    Contacts:

    Investors 
    Cody Slach,
    Gateway Group, Inc. 
    949-574-3860 
    BTM@gateway-grp.com

    Media 
    Brenlyn Motlagh, Ryan Deloney 
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    949-574-3860 
    BTM@gateway-grp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NIRI Philadelphia Elects 2025 – 2026 Board Members

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PHILADELPHIA, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Philadelphia Chapter of NIRI: The Association for Investor Relations is pleased to announce that its members have elected nine investor relations leaders to serve on the Board of Directors for the 2025–2026 term.

    “I’m proud of the accomplishments and strong connections we’ve built together as a chapter,” said Nahla A. Azmy, NIRI Philadelphia Board President. “It’s an honor to continue serving in this role alongside such an esteemed group of returning board members. I look forward to building on our momentum and creating even more opportunities for learning, leadership, and community in the year ahead.”

    The 2025 -2026 NIRI Philadelphia Board of Directors include:

    President
    Nahla Azmy, Investor Relations & Financial Communications Leader

    Executive Vice President
    Andrew Bjorkman, Director – Regional Head, Mid-Atlantic & Northwest at NYSE

    Vice President, Treasurer
    Joe Shiffler, Director, Investor Relations at Power Integrations

    Vice President, Programs
    Michael Wherley, Vice President, Investor Relations at Nouryon

    Vice President, Marketing & Communications
    Gene Cleary, Vice President, Investor Relations, M&A and External Reporting at Aramark

    Vice President, Technology
    Alex Whitelam, Vice President, Investor Relations at Dorman Products

    Vice President, Membership
    Curt Brooks, Director, Investor Relations at FMC Corp.

    Co-Vice President, Sponsorships
    Lisa Caperelli, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Professional at CAP Strategies, LLC
    Rebecca Gardy, Senior Vice President, Chief Investor Relations Officer at The Campbell’s Company

    About the NIRI Philadelphia Chapter
    NIRI Philadelphia, formed in 1971, is a professional association of investor relations officers, communicators, consultants and providers serving organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area. NIRI Philadelphia includes members from a variety of industries and market cap sizes who are responsible for communications between their organizations, the investing public, and the financial community. NIRI Philadelphia’s goal is to provide its members the resources needed to be strategic leaders in their organizations.

    About NIRI: The Association for Investor Relations 
    Founded in 1969, NIRI is the professional association of corporate officers and investor relations consultants responsible for communication among corporate management, shareholders, securities analysts, and other financial community constituents. NIRI is the largest professional investor relations association in the world with members representing over 1,500 publicly held companies and $12 trillion in stock market capitalization.

    Contact: President@niriphiladelphia.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Announced at Kaltura Connect on the Road 2025: Salesforce, Bloomberg, Wells Fargo, EY, IBM, and Adobe are Among the Winners of this year’s Kaltura Digital Engagement Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kaltura (Nasdaq: KLTR), the AI Video Experience Cloud, today announced the recipients of the 2025 Kaltura Digital Engagement Awards. The awards were presented at the annual Kaltura Connect on the Road event series, which brought together hundreds of leaders from Marketing, Communications, and Enterprise Media to share how they’re driving AI-powered transformation within their organizations. The honorees of the awards included leading brands such as Oracle, SAP, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Accenture, BP, Shell, Vanguard, Airbnb, KPMG and Pinterest.  

    “The way that people engage with content, with brands, and with each other, is being redefined before our eyes, and we are proud to work with the organizations that are leading this transformation,” said Ron Yekutiel, Co-founder, Chairman, President, and CEO of Kaltura. “From immersive onboarding, through autonomous customer journeys, to AI-powered accessibility and more, these awards recognize the companies that, beyond showing the world what’s next, are showing what’s possible as Agentic AI applications come to the forefront of business operations.”  

    The Digital Engagement Awards celebrate companies that have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with Kaltura’s Agentic AI video platform, showcasing exceptional creativity and impact across enterprise digital experiences. Honorees were selected based on their innovative use of Kaltura’s technologies, scalable impact, purposeful innovation, visionary leadership, and commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. 

    Honorees of the AI Transformation Trailblazer Award:  

    • Bloomberg, for being the first to shape the unknown, setting the pace for enterprise innovation and proving that leadership often means leaping first. 
    • SAP, for leading with vision and experimenting with purpose, and setting the pace for intelligent innovation at enterprise scale. 

    Honorees of the Collaboration Champion Award:  

    • Vanguard, for turning a complex rollout into a unified movement, aligning 10 business lines under one vision, and proving that real collaboration scales. 
    • Oracle, for bringing people together, breaking down silos, and turning video into a unifying force across the business journey at every stage. 
    • KPMG, for breaking down silos and building global alignment—leveraging strategy, technology, and partner ecosystems to turn collaboration into a competitive edge. 

    Honorees of the Brand Engagement Innovator Award: 

    • Pinterest, for reminding us that inclusion is innovation, and prioritizing accessibility across every element to guarantee each audience feels welcome, seen, and truly supported. 
    • BP, for proving that great brands don’t just follow guidelines—they live them. With bold, consistent storytelling, BP brings its brand to life in every frame. 

    Honorees of the Accessibility & AI Mover & Shaker Award: 

    • Accenture, for proving that real progress starts where innovation meets inclusion, bringing AI and accessibility together to build a future where every voice is heard. 
    • JP Morgan Chase & Co., for designing a workplace where accessibility isn’t an add-on, rather is built in. With adaptive tech, inclusive design, and seamless assistive integration, they are setting the gold standard for digital belonging. 
    • Wells Fargo, for leading with top-down commitment and organization-wide impact, turning high-level vision into real accessibility progress, and raising the bar for inclusive digital experiences. 
       

    Honoree of the Sustainability Advocate Award: 

    • Salesforce, for backing bold words with bold action—investing in next-gen carbon removal, building low-impact events, and proving that sustainability at scale is possible. 

     
    Honorees of the Legacy Builder Award:  

    • IBM, for mastering the balance of honoring the past while building what’s next—bridging eras, empowering progress, and proving that evolution is the boldest legacy of all. 
    • Airbnb, for building a legacy through years of meaningful engagement, trusted partnership, and a commitment that continues to shape how their teams connect and grow. 
    • Shell, for evolving with purpose, turning institutional expertise into enduring impact through initiatives like “Legal – Better Together,” and showing how consistency builds legacy. 

    Honorees of the Future-First Leader Award: 

    • EY, for shaping what’s next by leaning in early and often, turning feedback into forward motion, and helping bring bold new ideas to life. 
    • Adobe, for leading with clarity and purpose, setting the standard for what employee experience can look like in an AI-powered world, and what thoughtful transformation really means.  

      More information about the winners and the full on-demand content from the Kaltura Connect on the Road event series can be found on the event’s virtual hub. 

    About Kaltura  

    Kaltura’s mission is to create and power AI-infused hyper-personalized video experiences that boost customer and employee engagement and success. Kaltura’s AI Video Experience Cloud includes a platform for enterprise and TV content management and a wide array of Gen AI-infused video-first products, including Video Portals, LMS and CMS Video Extensions, Virtual Events and Webinars, Virtual Classrooms, and TV Streaming Applications. Kaltura engages millions of end-users at home, at work, and at school, boosting both customer and employee experiences, including marketing, sales, and customer success; teaching, learning, training and certification; communication and collaboration; entertainment and monetization. For more information, visit www.corp.kaltura.com.  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PrairieSky Receives TSX Approval for Renewed Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. (“PrairieSky” or the “Company“) (TSX: PSK) is pleased to announce that the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX“) has accepted the notice of PrairieSky’s intention to commence a normal course issuer bid (the “NCIB“).

    On April 14, 2025, PrairieSky announced its intention to seek TSX approval to renew its NCIB for an additional one-year period. The NCIB allows the Company to purchase up to 15,355,946 common shares which represents approximately 6.5% of the common shares outstanding, being 235,536,040 as of May 21, 2025, and 10% of the public float of 153,559,462 common shares which is defined as the common shares outstanding after excluding common shares beneficially owned by directors and executive officers of PrairieSky and persons who beneficially own or exercise control or direction over more than 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of PrairieSky. The NCIB will commence on June 4, 2025 and will expire no later than June 3, 2026.

    Under the NCIB, common shares may be repurchased in open market transactions on the TSX, and/or other Canadian alternative trading systems. In accordance with the rules of the TSX governing normal course issuer bids, the total number of common shares the Company is permitted to purchase is subject to a daily purchase limit of 99,954 common shares, representing 25% of the average daily trading volume of common shares on the TSX calculated for the six-month period ended April 30, 2025, being approximately 399,818 common shares. However, the Company may make one block purchase per calendar week which exceeds the daily repurchase restriction. Any common shares that are purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled by PrairieSky.

    The Company believes that from time to time the market price of the common shares may not reflect their underlying value. The purchase of common shares will increase the proportion of interest of, and be advantageous to, all remaining shareholders. In addition, any purchases by the Company will afford increased liquidity to those shareholders of the Company who may wish to dispose of their common shares.

    PrairieSky has entered into an automatic share purchase plan with its broker, CIBC Capital Markets, in order to facilitate purchases of its common shares. The automatic purchase plan allows for purchases by the Company of its common shares at any time, including, without limitation, when the Company would ordinarily not be permitted to make purchases due to regulatory restriction or self-imposed blackout periods. Purchases will be made by PrairieSky’s broker based upon the parameters prescribed by the TSX and the terms of the parties’ written agreement.

    PrairieSky currently intends to purchase up to a maximum of 15,355,946 common shares to effect NCIB purchases over the next 12 months. PrairieSky purchased 3,415,900 common shares under its current normal course issuer bid which authorized the purchase for cancellation of up to 5,000,000 common shares and commenced on June 4, 2024 and runs to June 3, 2025. Since instituting the normal course issuer bid in 2016 to March 31, 2025, PrairieSky has purchased and cancelled an aggregate of 20.1 million common shares at a weighted average price per share of $16.74.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “believe”, “intends”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include our expectations with respect the number of common shares under NCIB purchases to be effected over the next 12 months.

    With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this press release, we have made several assumptions including that the common shares will from time-to-time trade below their value, that the Company will complete purchases of common shares pursuant to the NCIB and those described in detail in our Management Discussion & Analysis and the Annual Information Form for the period ended December 31, 2024. Readers and investors are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such forward-looking statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Our actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that any of the events anticipated will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits we will derive from them.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control, including the market price of the common shares being too high to ensure that purchases benefit the Company and its shareholders, impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, stock market volatility and failure to execute purchases under the NCIB. The foregoing and other risks are described in more detail in PrairieSky’s Management Discussion & Analysis and the Annual Information Form for the period ended December 31, 2024 under the headings “Risk Management” and “Risk Factors”, respectively, each of which is available at www.sedarplus.com.

    Further, any forward-looking statement is made only as of the date of this press release, and PrairieSky undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable securities laws. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for PrairieSky to predict all of these factors or to assess in advance the impact of each such factors on PrairieSky’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    ABOUT PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD.

    PrairieSky is a royalty-focused company, generating royalty revenues as petroleum and natural gas are produced from its properties. PrairieSky has a diverse portfolio of properties that have a long history of generating funds from operations and that represent the largest and most concentrated independently-owned fee simple mineral title position in Canada. PrairieSky’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PSK.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

    PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.

    Investor Relations
    (587) 293-4000

    www.prairiesky.com

    PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/6d0e44ba-aa7a-422f-b79d-9d3722a29243

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Australian Oilseeds Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COOTAMUNDRA, Australia, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: COOT), a manufacturer and seller of sustainable edible oils to customers globally, today announced financial results for its third quarter fiscal 2025 ended March 31, 2025.

    Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Highlights Compared to Prior Year

    • Sales revenue increased 49.8% to A$9.4 million driven by broad-based growth across retail, wholesale and high protein meal categories.
    • Retail oil revenue increased 69.4% to A$4.7 million reflecting expanded distribution at several leading retailers in Australia along with the addition of new SKUs.
    • Net loss of A$0.6 million compared to net income of A$41 thousand, reflecting changes to sales mix, planned investments in brand and marketing, as well as higher professional fees, insurance and employee costs.

    “We were pleased to deliver strong year-over-year growth in the third quarter, led by our retail category where our expanded distribution network and broader product lineup drove results,” said Gary Seaton, Chief Executive Officer. “We also saw robust demand across customers and channels, validating our commitment to premium quality. We remain steadfast in our commitment to eliminating chemicals from the edible oil production and manufacturing systems and continue to believe we are well positioned for significant growth and improving returns over the long term.”

    About Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited. Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: COOT) through its subsidiaries, including Australian Oilseeds Investments Pty Ltd., an Australian proprietary company, is focused on the manufacture and sale of sustainable oilseeds (e.g., seeds grown primarily for the production of edible oils) and is committed to working with all suppliers in the food supply chain to eliminate chemicals from the production and manufacturing systems to supply quality products to customers globally. The Company engages in the business of processing, manufacture and sale of non-GMO oilseeds and organic and non-organic food-grade oils, for the rapidly growing oilseeds market, through sourcing materials from suppliers focused on reducing the use of chemicals in consumables in order to supply healthier food ingredients, vegetable oils, proteins and other products to customers globally. Over the past 20 years, the Company’s cold pressing oil plant has grown to become the largest in Australia, pressing strictly GMO-free conventional and organic oilseeds.

    Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding our financial outlook, business strategy and plans, market trends and market size, opportunities and positioning. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe,” “hope,” “target,” “project,” “goals,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “could,” “intend,” “shall” and variations of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. For example, global economic conditions could in the future reduce demand for our products; we could in the future experience cybersecurity incidents; we may be unable to manage or sustain the level of growth that our business has experienced in prior periods; our financial resources may not be sufficient to maintain or improve our competitive position; we may be unable to attract new customers, or retain or sell additional products to existing customers; we may experience challenges successfully expanding our marketing and sales capabilities, including further specializing our sales force; customer growth could decelerate in the future; we may not achieve expected synergies and efficiencies of operations from recent acquisitions or business combinations, and we may not be able to pay off our convertible notes when due. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for June 30, 2024 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our views only as of the date of this press release and we assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

    Contact
    Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited
    126-142 Cowcumbla Street
    Cootamundra New South Wales 2590
    Attn: Amarjeet Singh, CFO
    Email: amarjeet.s@energreennutrition.com.au

    Investor Relations Contact
    Reed Anderson
    (646) 277-1260
    reed.anderson@icrinc.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NowVertical Secures Up to $26 Million USD in Financing with HSBC to Fuel Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NowVertical Group Inc. (TSXV: NOW) (“NowVertical” or the “Company“), a leading data and AI solutions provider, announced that NowVertical, NowVertical UK Ltd. and NowVertical Group, Inc. and certain of their affiliates have entered into a senior secured facilities agreement (the “Facilities Agreement”) with HSBC UK Bank plc (“HSBC”), as arranger, original lender and agent. Unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars.

    Pursuant to the Facilities Agreement, NowVertical UK Ltd. and NowVertical Group, Inc., as borrowers, have access to credit facilities of up to $18 million (together, the “Facilities”) which may be increased by up to an additional $8 million upon the approval of HSBC, for total credit of up to $26 million.

    “This Financing Agreement is truly transformational for NowVertical,” said Sandeep Mendiratta, CEO of NowVertical. “It simplifies our capital structure by consolidating debt previously spread across multiple lenders into a single, long-term facility with significantly improved terms. This provides immediate access to capital to fuel our organic growth under the ‘One Brand, One Business’ strategy, while also positioning us to pursue targeted, strategic acquisitions. Importantly, the Facilities give us the flexibility to renegotiate or fully retire our existing convertible loan, materially reducing our cost of capital and preserving our cash position. Combined with a shift from short-term to long-term debt, this strengthens our balance sheet and allows us to operate with greater agility. HSBC’s support reflects the institutional confidence we’ve unlocked by evolving into a single, integrated business—providing enhanced capital access and a stronger foundation for scalable, strategic growth.”

    “We are pleased to support NowVertical’s next phase of growth,” said Chris Winter, Senior Corporate Relationship Director at HSBC. “This partnership underscores our confidence in NowVertical’s vision and growth strategy.”

    Pursuant to the Facilities Agreement, the borrowers have access to the Facilities, a portion of which will be used to repay existing debt, with the remainder available for general working capital purposes and acquisitions. The Facilities consist of: (i) a $6 million term loan, amortizing equally over 5 years and maturing on the fifth anniversary of the Facilities Agreement; and (ii) a $12 million revolving credit facility with an initial 3-year term, which may be extended for up to an additional 24 months. In addition, amounts available under the revolving credit facility may be increased to $20 million upon the exercise of an accordion option and certain ancillary facilities, subject to HSBC’s consent.

    Amounts drawn under the Facilities shall bear interest at a competitive interest rate ranging from 2.25% per annum to 3.75% per annum in respect of the term loan and 1.75% per annum to 3.25% per annum in respect of the revolving credit facility, in each case above the SOFR floating rate, with rates increasing or decreasing based on NowVertical’s net leverage position. In addition, NowVertical is obligated to pay a commitment fee in respect of undrawn amounts available under the revolving credit facility. The initial blended interest rate on the Facilities is approximately 7.25%.

    In connection with entering into the Facilities Agreement, NowVertical will use amounts available under the Facilities to prepay certain existing term debt, including obligations to TD Bank and Export Development Canada. The obligations of the borrowers under the Facilities have been guaranteed by NowVertical and certain of NowVertical’s subsidiaries, including NowVertical UK Limited, NowVertical UK Holdings Limited, Acrotrend Solutions Limited, NowVertical Group, Inc., and Resonant Analytics, LLC (collectively, the “Guarantors”), and security granted by the Company and the Guarantors, including: (i) a pledge of all of the issued and outstanding shares of each of the material Guarantors; and (ii) a security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company and certain of the Guarantors.

    Concurrently with the execution of the Facilities Agreement, NowVertical entered into a subordination agreement with HSBC and TSX Trust Company (“TSX Trust”), in its capacity as trustee under the debenture indenture dated as of October 5, 2022, pursuant to which TSX Trust confirmed the subordination of the amounts owing to the holders of senior unsecured convertible debentures to obligations of NowVertical under the Facilities Agreement.

    NowVertical is pleased to have worked with Fort Capital Partners as its advisor on this transaction.

    About NowVertical Group Inc.
    NowVertical is a global data and analytics company which helps clients transform data into tangible business value with AI, fast. Offering a comprehensive suite of solutions and services, the Company enables clients to quickly harness the full potential of their data, driving measurable outcomes and accelerating potential return on investment. Enterprises optimize decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and unlock long-term value from their data using the Company’s AI-Infused first party and third-party technologies. NowVertical is growing organically and through strategic acquisitions.

    For further details about NowVertical, please visit www.nowvertical.com.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    For further information, please contact:

    Andre Garber, CDO 
     IR@nowvertical.com 

    Investor Relations: Bristol Capital Ltd.
    Stefan Eftychiou
     stefan@bristolir.com
    +1(905)326-1888 x60 

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (together “forward-looking statements“), including, with respect to the availability of funds under the Facilities, the ability of NowVertical to utilize funds under the Facilities, the effect of the Facilities on NowVertical’s operations contemplated in this press release on NowVertical’s business, finances and operations. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies, certain of which are unknown. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by inherent risks and uncertainties, including: adverse market conditions; risks inherent in the data analytics and artificial intelligence sectors in general; regulatory and legislative changes; that future results may vary from historical results; inability to service the Company’s debt; any inability to realize the expected benefits and synergies of acquisitions or dispositions; that market competition may affect the business, results and financial condition of the Company and other risk factors identified in documents filed by the Company under its profile at www.sedarplus.com, including the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited Announces Conversion of Existing A$5 Million of Debt to Equity, Strengthening Balance Sheet Moving Forward

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COOTAMUNDRA, Australia, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: COOT), a manufacturer and seller of sustainable edible oils to customers globally, today announced a A$5 million debt-to-equity conversion (the “Conversion”).

    In connection with the conversion, JSKS Enterprises Pty Ltd., (“JSKS”), an entity controlled by Gary Seaton, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, converted approximately A$5 million of its outstanding loan into 4,452,479 shares of Company’s ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value per share (“Ordinary Shares”).

    Gary Seaton, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We continue to be very pleased with the momentum and trajectory of our business. The decision to convert a meaningful portion of debt to equity strengthens our balance sheet and enhances financial flexibility while also demonstrating the long-term commitment to the Company’s future by management and its shareholders, which will reduce our debt by A$5 million and increases our shareholders’ equity by the same amount, and is in line with our strategy to optimize our capital structure.”

    Pursuant to the Conversion, the principal amount of all loans made to the Company by JSKS, along with accrued interest through April 30, 2025, will be deemed repaid by the Company and all of its obligations with respect to the principal amount and accrued interest will be satisfied in full and cancelled. In exchange, the Company has issued to JSKS 4,452,479 Ordinary Shares. 

    About Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited. Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: COOT) through its subsidiaries, including Australian Oilseeds Investments Pty Ltd., an Australian proprietary company, is focused on the manufacture and sale of sustainable oilseeds (e.g., seeds grown primarily for the production of edible oils) and is committed to working with all suppliers in the food supply chain to eliminate chemicals from the production and manufacturing systems to supply quality products to customers globally. The Company engages in the business of processing, manufacture and sale of non-GMO oilseeds and organic and non-organic food-grade oils, for the rapidly growing oilseeds market, through sourcing materials from suppliers focused on reducing the use of chemicals in consumables in order to supply healthier food ingredients, vegetable oils, proteins and other products to customers globally. Over the past 20 years, the Company’s cold pressing oil plant has grown to become the largest in Australia, pressing strictly GMO-free conventional and organic oilseeds.

    Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding our financial outlook, business strategy and plans, market trends and market size, opportunities and positioning. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe,” “hope,” “target,” “project,” “goals,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “could,” “intend,” “shall” and variations of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. For example, global economic conditions could in the future reduce demand for our products; we could in the future experience cybersecurity incidents; we may be unable to manage or sustain the level of growth that our business has experienced in prior periods; our financial resources may not be sufficient to maintain or improve our competitive position; we may be unable to attract new customers, or retain or sell additional products to existing customers; we may experience challenges successfully expanding our marketing and sales capabilities, including further specializing our sales force; customer growth could decelerate in the future; we may not achieve expected synergies and efficiencies of operations from recent acquisitions or business combinations, and we may not be able to pay off our convertible notes when due. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for June 30, 2024 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our views only as of the date of this press release and we assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

    Contact
    Australian Oilseeds Holdings Limited
    126-142 Cowcumbla Street
    Cootamundra New South Wales 2590
    Attn: Amarjeet Singh, CFO
    Email: amarjeet.s@energreennutrition.com.au

    Investor Relations Contact
    Reed Anderson
    (646) 277-1260
    reed.anderson@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. Doses First Patient with CER-1236 in Phase 1 Clinical Trial for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and is Advancing Through Protocol-Defined Evaluations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CERO Chief Medical Officer to discuss trial protocol in poster at the American Society for Clinical Oncology Conference

    The first patient has been dosed and is advancing through protocol-defined evaluations

    SOUTH SAN FRANSCISCO, Calif., May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., (Nasdaq: CERO) (“CERo” or the “Company”) an innovative cellular immunotherapy company seeking to advance the next generation of engineered T cell therapeutics that employ phagocytic mechanisms, announces it has dosed the first patient in its Phase 1 clinical trial of CER-1236.  The patient was dosed at the lead trial site in a study focused on patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).  Now more than seven days post-infusion, monitoring continues for key safety, tolerability, and efficacy endpoints.  The study will be featured in a poster being presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology being held in Chicago May 30-June 3, 2025. 

    Abhishek Maiti, M.D., assistant professor of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, is the lead investigator of the trial. He worked with Cero team on publishing the novel preclinical data in Clinical Cancer Research.

    The first-in-human, multi-center, open label, Phase 1/1b study is designed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of CER-1236 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia that is either relapsed/refractory, or in remission with measurable residual disease, or newly diagnosed patients with TP53 mutated MDS/AML or AML. The two-part study has begun with dose escalation to determine the highest tolerated dose and recommended dose for Phase 2, followed by an expansion phase to evaluate safety and efficacy.  Primary outcome measures include incidence of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs), incidence of dose limited toxicities and estimation of overall response rate (ORR), complete response (CR), composite complete response (cCR), and measurable residual disease (MRD).  Secondary outcome measures include pharmacokinetics (PK).

    Robert Sikorski, M.D. Ph.D., CERo Therapeutics’ Chief Medical Officer remarked, “The completion of first-in-human dosing represents a clinical development milestone for CER-1236, a novel autologous CAR-T therapeutic candidate targeting TIM 4L.  Protocol-specified evaluations of safety, pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and efficacy endpoints are in progress.  We look forward to communicating results as data matures.”

    A peer-reviewed manuscript with robust preclinical data was published earlier in Clinical Cancer Research. The Company is presenting a poster that outlines the Phase 1/1b study at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2025 Annual Meeting in Chicago May 30-June 3, 2025 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center. The abstract for the poster, titled, “First in human study of autologous chimeric engulfment receptor T-cell CER-1236 targeting TIM-4-L in acute myeloid leukemia (CertainT-1)” can be found here.  The poster session, at which Dr. Sikorski will be present, is being held June 1st, and is titled, “Hematologic Malignancies – Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Allotransplant.”

    CERo CEO Chris Ehrlich concluded, “We are grateful for the participation of our first patient and to the many people who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone, including our CERO team, our consultants and study sites.  We look forward to discussing additional outcomes, which we continue to believe will validate the scientific work performed to date with CER-1236.”

    About CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.

    CERo is an innovative immunotherapy company advancing the development of next generation engineered T cell therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Its proprietary approach to T cell engineering, which enables it to integrate certain desirable characteristics of both innate and adaptive immunity into a single therapeutic construct, is designed to engage the body’s full immune repertoire to achieve optimized cancer therapy. This novel cellular immunotherapy platform is expected to redirect patient-derived T cells to eliminate tumors by building in engulfment pathways that employ phagocytic mechanisms to destroy cancer cells, creating what CERo refers to as Chimeric Engulfment Receptor T cells (“CER-T”). CERo believes the differentiated activity of CER-T cells will afford them greater therapeutic application than currently approved chimeric antigen receptor (“CAR-T”) cell therapy, as the use of CER-T may potentially span both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. CERo has commenced clinical trials for its lead product candidate CER-1236 for hematological malignancies.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication contains statements that are forward-looking and as such are not historical facts. This includes, without limitation, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations of CERo. These statements constitute projections, forecasts and forward-looking statements, and are not guarantees of performance. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this communication, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. When CERo discusses its strategies or plans, it is making projections, forecasts or forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the beliefs of, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to, CERo’s management.

    Actual results could differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements in this communication. Certain risks that could cause actual results to differ are set forth in CERo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the documents incorporated by reference therein. The risks described in CERo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are not exhaustive. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all such risk factors, nor can CERo assess the impact of all such risk factors on its business, or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. You should not put undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements made by CERo or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. CERo undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Contact:
    Chris Ehrlich
    Chief Executive Officer
    chris@cero.bio

    Investors:
    CORE IR

    investors@cero.bio

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lending and Deposit Rates of Scheduled Commercial Banks – May 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Data on lending and deposit rates of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) (excluding regional rural banks and small finance banks) received during the month of May 2025 are set out in Tables 1 to 7.

    Highlights:

    Lending Rates:

    • The weighted average lending rate (WALR) on fresh rupee loans of SCBs stood at 9.26 per cent in April 2025 (9.35 per cent in March 2025).

    • The WALR on outstanding rupee loans of SCBs declined to 9.70 per cent in April 2025 from 9.77 per cent in March 2025.1

    • 1-Year median Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) of SCBs moderated to 8.95 per cent in May 2025 from 9.00 per cent in April 2025.

    Deposit Rates:

    • The weighted average domestic term deposit rate (WADTDR) on fresh rupee term deposits of SCBs stood at 6.30 per cent in April 2025 as compared to 6.65 per cent in March 2025.

    • The weighted average domestic term deposit rate (WADTDR) on outstanding rupee term deposits of SCBs was 7.01 per cent in April 2025 (7.03 per cent in March 2025).1

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/445

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Briefing notes on MSF project in the West Bank

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    We periodically publish briefing notes on our work in Hebron, the West Bank, Palestine. These briefing notes cover topics related to movement restrictions, obstacles people face in accessing medical care, and increased violence.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sol 4553: Back to the Boxwork!

    Source: NASA

    Written by Lucy Thompson, Planetary Geologist at University of New Brunswick
    Earth planning date: Tuesday, May 27, 2005
    We return to planning today after a successful long weekend and about 42 meters of drive distance (about 138 feet). We planned four sols of activities on Friday to keep Curiosity busy, while the U.S.-based science team and engineers took time off yesterday for the Memorial Day holiday. As we got to admire the new workspace and drive direction view in front of the rover this morning, I realized that we have now driven about 35 kilometers (about 22 miles) and climbed more than 850 meters (2,789 feet) in elevation since landing nearly 13 years ago, and we continue to do exciting science on Mars, having recently driven onto new terrain. 
    The so-called boxwork structures are a series of resistant ridges observed both from orbit and in long-distance rover imaging (see Ashley’s blog here). Not only are the ridges of interest (do they indicate enhanced fluid-flow and cementation?), but the outcrop expression in general changed after we drove over a shallow trough onto the rocks that host the ridges.
    This plan will continue characterization of the interesting boxwork terrain. We had an example of a more resistant, ridge-like feature in our workspace today (see accompanying image). The composition of the ridge will be investigated using ChemCam (target “Sisquoc River”) and APXS (target “Palo Verde Mountains”), with accompanying Mastcam and MAHLI images. We will also acquire Mastcam imaging of a trough-like feature surrounding a bedrock slab, as part of our ongoing documentation of such structures, as well as of an apparent resistant boxwork ridge in the distance (“Lake Cachuma”). And a first for our mission, we are planning the longest-distance ChemCam remote imaging mosaic that we will have acquired — 91 kilometers (almost 57 miles) away! The intent is to compare the long-distance view from the ground with HiRISE orbital images in an attempt to create a 3D view. We also managed to squeeze in a Navcam large dust-devil survey before the planned 24-meter drive (about 79 feet). Once we arrive at our new location, MARDI will take an image of the terrain beneath the rover.
    The plan is rounded out with the standard REMS, DAN and RAD activities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Survivor Assistance Available at Three New Locations

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Survivor Assistance Available at Three New Locations

    Survivor Assistance Available at Three New Locations

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark

    – The state of Arkansas, FEMA and the U

    S

    Small Business Administration have added three sites that offer face-to-face help for residents affected by the March 14-15 and April 2-22 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding

    Homeowners and renters in the impacted counties may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance for losses not covered by insurance

    Specialists are available to help you apply for FEMA assistance, review your existing application and submit documents needed to move your application forward

    The new locations include:FULTON COUNTYHardy Fire Station203 Church StreetHardy, AR 72452Days: May 30 – June 7; hours: 9 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

    Monday to Friday; 9 a

    m

    to 1 p

    m

    Saturday; Closed Sunday CRITTENDEN COUNTYEarle City Hall                                                                     1005 2nd StreetEarle, AR 72331 Days: June 2 – June 4; hours: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     CRAIGHEAD COUNTYLake City – City Hall406 Court StreetLake City, AR 72437 Days: June 2 – June 4; hours: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Additional locations are listed online at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and facebook

    com/FEMARegion6/

    Survivors in Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone counties may apply for federal assistance if they had damage in the March storms

    Similarly, those who were affected by the April storms, tornadoes and flooding in Clark, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Desha, Fulton, Hot Spring, Jackson, Miller, Ouachita, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Sharp, St

    Francis and White counties may also apply

    Survivors affected by both the March and April storms should file a separate claim for each

    Here are the ways to apply:Go to DisasterAssistance

    govDownload the FEMA App for mobile devicesCall the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a

    m

    and 10 p

    m

    CT

    Help is available in most languages

     If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service

    For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, go to Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube

    The Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of any size

    To apply online, visit https://lending

    sba

    gov or call 800- 659-2955

    For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services

    For the latest information about Arkansas’ recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4865 or fema

    gov/disaster/4873

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6/

    thomas

    wise
    Fri, 05/30/2025 – 00:50

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Tech Gives Treadmill Users a ‘Boost’  

    Source: NASA

    Creators of the original antigravity treadmill continue to advance technology with new company.

    The antigravity treadmill, which has benefits in space and on Earth, was pioneered by Robert Whalen at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, California, in the 1980s and ’90s. 
    Whalen built a system that placed a pressurized bulb over the user’s upper body, creating downward pressure that could simulate gravity for astronauts running on a treadmill in space. With support from Ames, he prototyped a treadmill in his garage that reversed the concept, with the bubble enclosing the user from the waist down to create lift. He thought the system could help patients rehabilitate.  
    Years later, his son recalled the prototype in the garage and turned it into the AlterG concept. The AlterG treadmill, which uses air pressure to take weight off the user, had proven popular with professional sports teams and rehabilitation clinics, but Whalen and his friends wanted to make it affordable enough for home use, so they founded Boost Treadmills in 2017.  
    Now Boost, based in Palo Alto, California, has cut the price of an antigravity treadmill by almost two thirds. In 2022, the company released the Boost 2, which is quieter and more energy-efficient than its predecessor, among other improvements. The Boost 2 has roughly tripled sales to individuals, progressing on the company’s goal of moving into the home.  
    Offloading weight during exercise is a clear solution for patients whose injuries prevent them from walking or running at their full weight, but Boost says it can be equally valuable for people with long-term mobility impairments, such as obesity or arthritis.  
    Advanced through NASA, the antigravity treadmill is one of many space-inspired technologies benefitting life on Earth.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA, SBA and the State of Texas Are Opening Additional Disaster Recovery Centers in South Texas

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA, SBA and the State of Texas Are Opening Additional Disaster Recovery Centers in South Texas

    FEMA, SBA and the State of Texas Are Opening Additional Disaster Recovery Centers in South Texas

    AUSTIN – In coordination with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), FEMA and U

    S

    Small Business Administration (SBA) staff will open three additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) on May 30 to offer face-to-face help to residents of the four South Texas counties affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred March 26-28

    Homeowners and renters in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties may be eligible for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance

    FEMA and SBA will support state-led recovery efforts at the recovery centers

    Staff can help survivors apply for federal assistance

    They can also identify potential needs and connect survivors with local, state and federal agencies, as well as nonprofits and community groups

    The new DRCs join the four already open in the affected counties

     All seven centers will be open Friday, May 30, and will remain open daily from 8 a

    m

    to 7 p

    m

    :Cameron CountyNEW: San Benito Parks and Recreation Building705 N Bowie St

    San Benito, TXHarlingen Convention Center701 Harlingen HeightsHarlingen, TX 78552Hidalgo CountyNEW: Las Palmas Community Center1921 N

    25th St

      McAllen, TX  NEW: Pharr Development & Research Center  850 W

    Dicker Rd  Pharr, TXWeslaco EDC275 S

    Kansas Ave

    Weslaco, TX 78596Starr CountyStarr County Courthouse Annex100 N FM 3167Rio Grande City, TX 78582 Willacy CountySebastian Community Center434 West 8th St

    Sebastian, TX 78594 Residents can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of Texas and the SBA

    No appointment is needed

    Additional locations may be added

    All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology

    If you need a reasonable accommodation or sign language interpreter, please call 833-285-7448 (press 2 for Spanish)

    FEMA staff are easily recognizable by their official photo identification (ID)

    If you meet people offering assistance, first ask to see their ID before giving them your personal information

    They may have FEMA clothing, but that can be easily imitated

     FEMA staff can help residents in several ways including:Checking the status of an application already in the system and making minor changes to applications

    Contacting faith-based organizations, community groups, private sector businesses and public libraries that may have the capability to distribute disaster-related information to residents in the impacted counties

    Identifying organizations providing disaster-related services and/or resources to the public for long-term recovery

    Gathering information about impacts to communities

    Providing flyers explaining how to apply for disaster assistance

    Survivors with homeowners or renters insurance should first file a claim with their insurance company as soon as possible

    If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance

    SBA’s Customer Service Representatives are available at the centers to answer questions, assist business owners complete their disaster loan application, accept documents and provide updates on an application’s status

    For information and to apply online visit SBA

    gov/disaster

    Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba

    gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance

    For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services

    Survivors can apply to FEMA in several ways including going online to DisasterAssistance

    gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Calls are accepted every day from 6 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    CT

    Help is available in most languages

     If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

    To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube

    For more information, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4871

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6/

    myla

    ashton
    Thu, 05/29/2025 – 18:56

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Stock market ends lower ahead of key GDP data

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The domestic market closed lower in Friday’s trading session. At the end of trading, the Sensex was down 182.01 points or 0.22 per cent at 81,451.01 while the Nifty was down 82.9 points or 0.33 per cent at 24,750.70.

    Midcap and smallcap closed almost flat. The Nifty Midcap 100 index closed down 37.25 points at 57,420.00 and the Nifty Smallcap 100 index closed down 6.10 points at 17,883.30.

    Metal and IT stocks led the decline. Nifty Metal index closed down by 1.69 per cent and Nifty IT index down by 1.15 per cent. Apart from this, auto, pharma and FMCG sectors also saw a decline. Only PSU bank, financial services and media indices closed in the green.

    The Nifty remained volatile with a slightly negative bias on the first day of the June series. On the smaller time frame, the index has formed a bearish moving average crossover.

    “The RSI on the hourly chart indicates bearish price momentum, suggesting short-term weakness. Additionally, signs of exhaustion are visible on the daily RSI, accompanied by a strong negative divergence,” said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities.

    However, Nifty has been struggling to move beyond a certain level. Immediate support is placed at 24,700; a breach below this level could lead to a decline towards 24,500. On the higher side, 24,800 is likely to act as a crucial resistance, as call writers have built significant positions at that level.

    The impact of GDP figures will be seen on the market in coming trading sessions, said analysts.

    A range-bound movement continued in the market, with the temporary reinstatement of US tariffs by the appeal court influencing investors to stay sidelined.

    “The global market may contend with macroeconomic concerns as the global trade landscape has yet to see stability, which may navigate a short-term consolidation. Meanwhile, FII inflows continued due to the volatility in the US 10-year yield and an expectation of solid domestic Q4 GDP data later today and a rate cut by RBI,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.

    Rupee traded weak by 8 paise at 85.52 as the dollar index gained 0.25 per cent to 99.46.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Monthly Data on India’s International Trade in Services for the Month of April 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The value of exports and imports of services during April 2025 is given in the following table.

    International Trade in Services
    (US$ million)
    Month Receipts (Exports) Payments (Imports)
    January – 2025 34,726
    (12.0)    		 16,706
    (12.6)
    February – 2025 31,625
    (11.6)    		 14,506
    (-4.8)
    March – 2025 35,600
    (18.6)    		 17,475
    (5.3)
    April – 2025 32,843
    (8.8)    		 16,909
    (0.9)
    Notes: (i) Data for January-April are provisional; and
    (ii) Figures in parentheses are growth rates over the corresponding month of the previous year which have been revised on the basis of balance of payments statistics.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/444

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Financial results for month ended April 30, 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Financial results for month ended April 30, 2025 

     April 30, 2025
    HK$ millionrepayment of Government Bondsissuance of Government Bondsrepayment of Government BondsGovernment Debts as at April 30, 2025 (Note 3)
        HK$306,963 million
    Debts Guaranteed by Government as at April 30, 2025 (Note 4)
        HK$126,268 million

    TABLE 2. FISCAL RESERVES
     

     April 30, 2025
    HK$ millionrepayment of Government BondsNotes:

    1. This Account consolidates the General Revenue Account and the following eight Funds: Capital Works Reserve Fund, Capital Investment Fund, Civil Service Pension Reserve Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund, Land Fund, Loan Fund and Lotteries Fund. It excludes the Bond Fund, the balance of which is not part of the fiscal reserves. The Bond Fund balance as at April 30, 2025, was HK$218,575 million.Issued at HKT 16:30

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST’s speech at “Hong Kong Night” business networking reception and seminar in Vancouver, Canada (English only) (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SFST’s speech at “Hong Kong Night” business networking reception and seminar in Vancouver, Canada (English only) (with photo) 
    Distinguished guests, industry leaders and innovators, friends in Canada and from around the world,
     
    Good evening, everyone. Thanks for having me today for this very special occasion, called “Hong Kong Night”. I must say I always wonder why we have “Hong Kong night” in broad daylight. I suppose it could be a distinctive feature of this city which everybody loves. Just now, our colleague from Cathay Pacific mentioned to me that there will be a draw right after for tickets so I’m sure that explains why you are all here.
     
    Let me give you some flavour in terms of how Hong Kong has been faring, and also at the same time some talking points that you may want to share after this session. I want to give you an overview in terms of how Hong Kong has done so far in financial services under my portfolio, and also in particular the reason why I’m here in Vancouver because this is my last stop, after Toronto and also Ottawa. Through this visit, I had the opportunity to see many people at the government, regulators and also financial institutions. What I am impressed most is that it’s really a place where people are looking for a change. You already have a new government. At the same time, you are looking for ways to diversify, in terms of your economy, and also in terms of financial activities. So I think Hong Kong comes at the right time, where it’s a very viable option, either you are a corporate, an individual, or even an investor, to consider that in the context of diversification.
     
    Before I further proceed, maybe first of all, let me give you an overview of how Hong Kong’s been faring so far. I’ve been asked a lot in terms of the impact of tariffs on Hong Kong. I understand that there will be a fireside chat by Rocky (the Director and Head of Policy Research of the Financial Services Development Council, Dr Rocky Tung) later on, and I’ll leave that to the experts. But that said, Hong Kong being a service economy, I must say we don’t have much to export. At the same time, we are a free economy as stipulated in our Basic Law. So far so good in terms of our resilience, I would say, in the broader context of geopolitical change.
     
    More specifically, in our capital market, recently we do see an upsurge in our stock market. Right now, our average daily turnover is exceeding US$32 billion, and also we’ve welcomed a number of key mega IPOs (initial public offerings), like the recent one is CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited). It’s a major or global battery manufacturer for EVs (electric vehicles), and they just got listed at the same time, offering a shares equivalent to the size of around HK$41 billion. And funny enough, when you look at the composition of the investors, we have those from the US. At the same time, we also have investors from the Middle East, where the Kuwait Sovereign Wealth Fund, what we call the KIA, Kuwait Investment Authority, actually put in US$500 million in that offer. So you can see that despite all the talk about the deglobalisation or decoupling, finance, in particular, capital formation takes place, and also monies after returns.
     
    Of course, that is not alone in terms of what we are welcoming. We also welcome Canadian companies to list in Hong Kong as well. Right now, we have around six Canadian companies already listed in Hong Kong, like Manulife and also some of the mining and oil and gas companies. I do very much welcome many more listings, especially from this part of the world, where it could be tech, could be mining, or for other types of new economic activities.
     
    The second part I want to highlight, apart from how Hong Kong has been faring, is in terms of my observations so far this year, so far in my visit. Apart from the general ones that I just highlighted, I do see a number of areas that Hong Kong and Canada can work together. First of all, wealth management, because I got the chance to see and meet a number of insurance companies and banks from this part of the world. In fact, many of them are heavily invested and also have a strong presence in Hong Kong, like Manulife, which takes up 27 per cent of our Mandatory Provident Fund, a pension service system in Hong Kong. And also Sun Life, which is in collaboration with Dah Sing Bank in Hong Kong through the bank insurance businesses. Also we have CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce) and others that already have a strong presence in corporate banking in Hong Kong.
     
    Many people see wealth management as an emerging trend, an area where we should work together. Because in the way that we see the world, like all of you, people are looking for ways to diversify. Many of the traditional markets where people want to park their wealth in the Anglo-Saxon world, people are still changing their minds in terms of whether they should diversify through geography or through products. In either way, Hong Kong is an option, because we have been the largest offshore cross-boundary wealth management centre so far in Asia, and we are looking to be the biggest one in the world. It is an area that we are very keen to develop further. Right now, we have 2 700 single family offices. We are going to have facilitated at least 200 more family offices by the end of this year. Also, we are going to have more tax concessions for family offices to cover private credit, carbon credit, and virtual assets. I will leave these details to our Invest Hong Kong colleagues. They will have all the details. All I want to say is wealth management, in particular in terms of family offices and high-net-worth individuals, is an area that I think Hong Kong can walk closely together with this country.
     
    The second area that I think is important to note in terms of collaboration is about what the host mentioned just now – the Web Summit Vancouver. The reason that I’m here is because we just passed a law to regulate stablecoin issues in Hong Kong. It is a big topic, not just in Hong Kong, but regionally, because many people see virtual assets as speculative. But that said, stablecoins being underpinned by fiat currency is a different animal, which potentially can be used in the form of payment. At a time when the US dollar or US-related assets are being questioned, I think many of the alternatives, also at the same time, in the form of stablecoins, have that role to play.
     
    In that regard, I have more to share in terms of our ecosystem effort to build an ecosystem in Hong Kong for our virtual assets. We have already 10 virtual asset exchanges, and also at the same time, we are going to issue licenses for stablecoin issuers. And very soon, we will also regulate these virtual asset custodians. For anyone of you who are participating, in this space, I do urge you to look at what Hong Kong has done and also at the same time how you can leverage the opportunities for your own development.
     
    Last but not least, in terms of what I want to inform this group is having debriefed all of you about what Hong Kong has done in terms of wealth management and virtual assets and also fintech in general, I’m sure that you do see a lot of need to come to Hong Kong. So even though you may not be able to get those free tickets, I’m sure you’re all rich enough to buy your own and also give yourself a reason to come to Hong Kong soon. And anytime, anywhere, you’re most welcome. Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 16:49

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by CE at Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation 
    Honourable Minister Wang Yi (Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs), Your Excellencies, ministers and officials from around the world, honourable representatives of international organisations, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good morning. I am delighted to join you on this historic occasion: to celebrate with you the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation.
     
    Gathered here today, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, are high-level representatives of over 80 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe; and from the United Nations and about 20 international organisations. A very warm welcome to Hong Kong!
     
    It is a privilege for us to host this signing ceremony, and to serve as the IOMed headquarters, once the Convention enters into force.
     
    This singular occasion is made possible by the ongoing and dedicated efforts of China, our country, in working with around 20 states, since late 2022, to establish an intergovernmental organisation devoted to mediation. After five rounds of intensive negotiation since 2023, co-ordinated by the IOMed Preparatory Office, the negotiating states concluded the very Convention signed today.
     
    The IOMed will become the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. It also reflects our shared confidence in mediation as a peaceful means to maintain international peace and security, as stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations.
     
    The IOMed will provide a pathway for countries – regardless of culture, language and legal system – to resolve international disputes based on mutual respect and understanding. This is increasingly important amid mounting geopolitical tensions. When protectionism threatens to derail the international trade order, and when unilateralism looms over global supply chains, it is dialogue – not division – that restores balance.
     
    China has long championed equity and unity. The Chinese virtue of “和而不同”, meaning “harmony in diversity”, is deeply rooted in our community and culture. This value of mutual respect in spite of differences also sits at the heart of mediation, the IOMed, and a world that seeks co-operation over conflict.
     
    Despite geopolitical turbulence, Hong Kong builds bridges, not walls. Under our unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is the only world city that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. With the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has risen as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region.
     
    We are the only common law jurisdiction in China, and the only jurisdiction in the world with a bilingual common law system in both Chinese and English. We have a long tradition of the rule of law, and our courts exercise their judicial power independently. Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal, which is vested with the power of final adjudication, has on its bench eminent jurists from both Hong Kong and overseas common law jurisdictions.
     
    Our robust, efficient and well-respected legal system is supported by world-class legal and dispute resolution professionals. Often bilingual or even multilingual, they are well-versed in international rules and practices, and help to position Hong Kong as a preferred venue for dispute resolution.
     
    In this year’s International Arbitration Survey, Hong Kong is the most preferred seat of arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region, and shares second place globally with another jurisdiction. Our economy also came first in “business legislation” and “international trade” in the World Competitiveness Yearbook. In the latest Business Ready Report published by the World Bank Group, Hong Kong ranks eighth in “dispute resolution” among the 50 economies covered.
     
    All this underscores Hong Kong’s effectiveness as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” among many economies. We contribute to cross-border investment and economic activity through our top-notch professional services. Our “one country, two systems” advantages make us well-placed to be the headquarters of the important institution of the IOMed.
     
    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is devoted to supporting the IOMed’s provision of friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services. We actively promote a vibrant culture of mediation. In fact, it is a general policy to incorporate a mediation clause in all government contracts. We are also enhancing the system on local accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession.
     
    And we go all out to build bridges with the world. Hong Kong will actively promote the IOMed’s valuable work in settling international disputes through mediation, and advocate mediation as a global tool for peace and justice across borders.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen, the establishment of the IOMed’s headquarters in Hong Kong is a great honour for our city. The headquarters, as you may know, will be based in the building that once housed the Wan Chai Police Station, just a stone’s throw away from here. Built in 1932, this iconic building has a long association with law and order in Hong Kong. From its prime downtown location, it has also witnessed the transformation of our city that has long treasured unity. In its new role as the IOMed headquarters, the building will play a vital part in the future of Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services.
     
    We are working to complete the conversion of the building for its new mission. I’m happy to say that it could open its doors as early as the end of this year. We look forward not only to welcoming its new occupants, but also to supporting them in building new bridges for a more connected, peaceful and prosperous future through mediation.
     
    I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Central Government for its staunch support of Hong Kong, allowing Hong Kong the honour of housing the IOMed headquarters here. My sincere gratitude also goes to the international community, for placing your trust and confidence in our city. Let’s renew our commitment to peace, justice and the rule of law. Let’s cultivate a mediation culture together. Let’s build a strong IOMed for a global community of shared future founded on peace and prosperity. Please enjoy the day and enjoy Hong Kong. Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 11:50

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government to further reduce emission allowances of power plants

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government to further reduce emission allowances of power plants 
         The Tenth TM, which is issued under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (the Ordinance), reduces the annual emission allowances of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and respirable suspended particulates (RSPs) from the electricity sector from 2030 onwards at 2 302 tonnes, 8 350 tonnes and 317 tonnes respectively. This represents further tightening by 19 per cent, 25 per cent and 14 per cent respectively when compared with the emission allowances for the electricity sector for 2026 set under the Ninth TM.
     
         A spokesperson for the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) said, “In setting the new emission allowances, we have taken into account factors such as local electricity demand, the gas-fired electricity generation of the two power companies (including the progress of constructing new gas-fired units for replacement of coal-fired units), the emission performance of existing generating units, the estimated import of nuclear power and clean energy, and the projected electricity intake from renewable energy sources. The Government has also been requiring the two power companies to adopt the best practicable means in their plants’ design and operational management to minimise emissions of air pollutants.”
    　　  
         The Hongkong Electric Company Limited is building a new gas-fired generating unit for operation in 2029, while an existing coal-fired generating unit will be decommissioned correspondingly by then. As for CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP), driven by major infrastructure developments (such as the Northern Metropolis), the electricity demand in 2030-2031 is forecasted to be about 9 per cent higher than the forecast made in the Ninth TM. CLP plans to increase the output of its existing gas-fired generating units to meet the additional electricity demand, and will import more zero-carbon energy from the Mainland. These measures can further reduce the two power companies’ reliance on coal-fired power generation, thereby reducing pollutant emissions.

    　　The spokesperson added, “Hong Kong’s air quality has been improving continuously in recent years. The ambient concentrations of SO2, nitrogen dioxide and RSPs recorded in 2024 had been reduced by 45 per cent to 88 per cent when compared with that in 2004. The number of hours of reduced visibility observed had also been greatly reduced by 82 per cent from its peak in 2004. The significant improvement is also attributable to the Government’s efforts in implementing measures to reduce air pollutant emissions from power plants. As emissions from the electricity sector accounted for 61 per cent, 27 per cent and 13 per cent of the territory-wide emissions of SO2, NOx and RSPs respectively in 2022, the tightened emission allowances for power plants will help further improve the air quality in Hong Kong and the PRD region.　　 
    　　The Tenth TM will be tabled at the Legislative Council on June 4 for commencement by the end of 2025. In accordance with the Ordinance, the new set of emission allowances will come into effect on January 1, 2030.
    Issued at HKT 11:30

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Japanese medical and life science companies join business mission to understand Hong Kong’s investment environment and explore business opportunities (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Japanese medical and life science companies join business mission to understand Hong Kong’s investment environment and explore business opportunities  
         This is the fourth sector-specific business mission organised by InvestHK and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) in recent years, following the last innovation and technology mission in May 2024, and two food and beverage missions, which were held in February 2025 and April 2023 respectively.
     
         Tying in with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Asia Summit on Global Health and the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair 2025, on May 26 and 27, the delegation attended a series of visits, themed seminars, networking sessions, as well as business matching meetings with potential investors, investees and business partners.
     
         At the welcome dinner held on May 26, the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, said, “With the highest life expectancy in the world, Hong Kong has proven itself as a hub of healthcare excellence and technological innovation. Home to two of the world’s top 30 medical schools, a first-class research talent pool, and globally recognised clinical trial data, our city is a powerhouse for biotech advancement.”
     
         On May 27, the delegates visited the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to attend a briefing session on the business environment and opportunities available in Hong Kong, followed by a tour of the HKSTP’s Japanese tenants’ lab and other facilities. The delegates then attended a networking dinner organised by InvestHK.
    Issued at HKT 14:45

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