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Category: Business

  • RBI to continue liquidity operations in line with policy stance

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday said it will continue to undertake liquidity management operations in line with its monetary policy stance, to ensure adequate liquidity in the banking system that supports the productive needs of the economy.

    In its annual report for 2024-25, the central bank emphasised the importance of maintaining financial stability while supporting growth, particularly in the backdrop of easing inflation and moderate economic expansion.

    With inflation easing below the target in February and March 2025, largely due to a sharp fall in food prices, the RBI said there is increased confidence in achieving a durable alignment with its medium-term inflation target of 4 per cent over a 12-month horizon.

    Reflecting this, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in April voted unanimously to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.0 per cent, and also shifted its policy stance from neutral to accommodative.

    “Inflation converged towards the target during 2024-25, supported by easing input costs, proactive supply-side measures by the government, and the continued transmission of earlier monetary policy actions,” the RBI noted.

    Headline inflation averaged 4.6 per cent in 2024-25, down from 5.4 per cent in the previous year. This was driven by a broad-based moderation in core inflation to 3.5 per cent and fuel deflation at 2.5 per cent, the report said.

    Liquidity conditions remained in surplus throughout the year. The RBI reported that the average daily net absorption under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) rose to Rs 1,605 crore in 2024-25, compared to Rs 485 crore in the previous year.

    To manage both short-term and structural liquidity, the central bank undertook a series of market operations. These included open market purchases, USD/INR buy-sell swaps, and longer-tenor variable rate repos (VRR). Additionally, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) was reduced by 50 basis points, in two tranches of 25 bps each, to inject durable liquidity into the system.

    The RBI said it would continue to use a mix of instruments to manage both frictional and durable liquidity, while ensuring orderly movement of money market interest rates. It added that the current inflation outlook, combined with moderate growth, provides space for the monetary policy to remain supportive of growth, while staying alert to global uncertainties.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI Russia: From idea to prototype: Polytechnic University held a fair of student projects

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The first Student Project Fair “Idea in Action” was held at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The organizers were the Youth Trajectory Center “Polytech Tower” under the Youth Policy Department and the OPD competition team. The goal of the event was to provide students with a platform to present their projects to the university’s partners, establish new contacts and find opportunities for further development. In addition, participants from the FabLab Polytech association presented the infrastructure and equipment available for creating prototypes.

    The event attracted interest from both student engineering teams, who organized more than 20 stands with their prototypes, and partners. The exhibition was visited by such companies as: JSC Power Machines, OOO Glavstroy-SPB Specialized Developer, OOO ARMAN, JSCB FORA-BANK (JSC) in St. Petersburg, TRICOLOR, the Russian Union of Young Scientists, ROBBO, JSC NPF Dipol, OOO VK, GC SoftBalance, Gazprom ID, the State Hermitage Museum.

    The university’s partners were also able to select three best projects, among which were: the robot battle team “Omnivores” (IMMIT, Higher School of Automation and Robotics) and two projects from the Higher School of Project Activity and Industrial Innovations of IMMIT – an electronic cigarette sensor and the student project accelerator “Grant Lab”.

    In addition to the exhibition of engineering projects, a traditional competition of projects for the course “Fundamentals of Project Activities” was held.

    The competition was held based on the results of the spring semester of this year, which was completed by more than 4,000 second-year students of all areas of training at SPbPU. 50 projects reached the university-wide final in four nominations: scientific and technical (8), IT (18), organizational (10), creative (14). Four teams from Surgut State University, winners of a similar event at their university, participated outside the competition. At Surgut State University, the OPD course is taught by teachers trained at SPbPU.

    In the nomination “Scientific and technical projects” the winner was the project “Development of a series of decks for skateboards and longboards and a modular ramp”, headed by Maya Varennikova. The project under the supervision of Daniil Vyzhanov “Robotized production line fishertechnik indusrty 4.0 under the control of 1C: Enterprise 8.3.” took 2nd place, “Bionic hand prosthesis”, headed by Ekaterina Trosko – 3rd place.

    The strongest organizational project was “IPMET Board Games”, Anastasia Kurynkina. The second was the project led by Varvara Polyakova “Development of a turnkey service package for a segment of the target audience (optional)”, the third was “Podcast for applicants of SPbPU ISI”, led by Polina Khazova.

    In creative projects, the leaders ranked as follows: 1st place – “Development of a game with a banking theme”, leader Daria Yudina, 2nd place – “Development of a board game dedicated to the history of the university (TsifKaf)”, leader of the RP Alexander Perin, 3rd place – “Katastrofa Code”, leader Alexandra Ryfalskaya.

    Among IT projects, the best was recognized as “Mobile application “Safe House”, headed by Mark Zheleznyakov. Second place was taken by the project “Development of a computer simulator/game “By the lake”” headed by Anastasia Bagrova, 3rd place – “Neural network fuzzer”, headed by Daniil Morozov.

    The award ceremony for the teams was attended by Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov, Director of the Higher School of Project Activities and Innovations in Industry Sergey Redko, and Director of the Center for Youth Trajectories Andrey Dolgirev.

    Director of the Center for Youth Trajectories Andrey Aleksandrovich Dolgirev shared his impressions: It is great that our Polytechnic has so many wonderful students who, applying the knowledge they gained during their studies, have the desire and opportunity to create their own technical and social projects. This is also facilitated by the OPD course, as well as the space of opportunities with a fleet of machines and equipment, such as the Polytechnic Towers. If we add here the industrial partners of the university, such projects can be noticed by employers and investors. This is the main idea of the format of the “Idea in Action” fair. It allows combining educational activities and opportunities outside the educational programs, as well as giving students a chance for direct dialogue with companies.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Days were held at the International Institute of Energy Policy and Diplomacy of MGIMO of the Russian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    As part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the International Institute of Energy Policy and Diplomacy of MGIMO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia (MIEP), thematic “Rosneft Days” were held for the university students.

    Over the course of two days, representatives of the Central Office and scientific institutes of Rosneft told students about the Company’s projects. The lecture topics covered issues of climate change, the use of renewable energy sources, sustainable development, carbon management and the implementation of climate projects that are relevant to the global energy agenda. The students were also told about the Company’s unique experience in conducting scientific expeditionary work in the Arctic and the evolution of fuels and petrochemical synthesis.

    For visitors of the Company’s theme days, master classes and a business game were organized, and educational films about the activities of Rosneft were shown. In addition, a selection of candidates for admission to the master’s program of the basic department with subsequent internship at Rosneft was also held. 50 applicants from MIEP took part in the selection.

    In May, one of Rosneft’s key partners, the International Institute of Energy Policy and Diplomacy of MGIMO University of the Russian Foreign Ministry, celebrates its 25th anniversary. Cooperation with the institute has been developing for over 20 years, is comprehensive and includes: work with talented youth, retraining and advanced training of the Company’s employees, implementation of the Company’s educational cooperation with foreign universities, development of the institute’s educational infrastructure, support for students and teachers, as well as research work.

    Rosneft was the first fuel and energy company to create a basic department of “Global Energy Policy and Energy Security” at MIEP, which has been operating since 2007. The department trains masters in the program “Energy Strategies of International Oil and Gas Companies”. The curriculum of the program includes practice-oriented courses in special disciplines and a two-year internship for students in the Company’s specialized divisions. The annual admission to the master’s program is 10 people.

    During the operation of the basic department, more than 160 master’s degree students completed a long-term internship at Rosneft. The best graduates of the master’s degree are employed by the Company following the internship.

    The Rosneft Corporate Training Center, created at MIEP, implements more than 20 unique programs for advanced training in regional studies, international law, economics, finance and other areas for the Company’s specific needs. More than 4 thousand employees of the Company have completed training at the Center.

    For high-potential and promising employees of the Company, who are in the personnel reserve, training is provided under the corporate Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a specialization in “International Business in the Oil and Gas Industry”. More than 200 managers and personnel reserves of Rosneft have graduated from the program.

    Rosneft, together with MIEP, is developing cooperation with foreign partner universities.

    Reference:

    Rosneft cooperates with 203 educational partner organizations, including 75 Russian universities. Work with educational institutions is carried out within the framework of the corporate system of continuous education “School – College/University – Enterprise”, which has been in operation since 2005 and ensures a constant influx of young specialists with a high level of training to the Company.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 29, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government appoints new Managing Director of Urban Renewal Authority

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government appoints new Managing Director of Urban Renewal Authority 
         The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said, “Mr Choi is a veteran architect and has worked in the fields of architecture and property development for a long time. He has a deep understanding of the local land and housing planning, the property market, conservation of historic buildings, green buildings and innovative construction techniques, among others, and is committed to creating quality and vibrant urban living in Hong Kong. I am confident that Mr Choi will lead the URA management in furthering the important task of urban renewal, as well as effectively handling the challenges of building decay while maintaining the financial sustainability of the URA. I look forward to close collaboration with him.”
     
         “I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr Wai Chi-sing, who is retiring upon completion of his term of office, for his invaluable contributions to the work of the URA over the years. Since taking up the position of Managing Director in 2016, with his exceptional leadership and extensive experience, Mr Wai has led the URA in taking forward various urban renewal initiatives with an innovative mindset. Apart from introducing new planning concepts and measures to enhance the speed and quality of redevelopment through a number of redevelopment projects and district studies, he also adopted a forward-looking mindset to promote building rehabilitation and made significant contributions to advancing sustainable urban renewal,” Ms Linn added.
     
         The Government appointed a consultancy firm last year to conduct an open recruitment exercise for the Managing Director post of the URA. The shortlisted candidates were considered by a selection panel chaired by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the recommendation on the appointment was made to the Chief Executive. Panel members included the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Chairman of the URA, Mr Chow Chung-kong; and Non-Executive Director of the URA Board Mr William Chan Fu-keung.
     
         The URA Managing Director is the URA’s administrative head, responsible for leading project teams to implement the decisions and instructions of the URA Board. The Managing Director is also the Deputy Chairman of its Board.
     
         A brief biography of Mr Choi is as follows:
     
         Mr Choi is an architect by profession. He was the Chief Executive Officer of Chinachem Group from 2018 to August 2024 before his retirement. Prior to that, he was the Managing Director of the Nan Fung Development Limited and a Director at Foster + Partners. He previously served as President of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects and of the Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design. 
     
         Mr Choi holds a Bachelor of Mathematics degree from the University of British Columbia in Canada and professional degrees in architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Hong Kong and a Master of Arts in Comparative and Public History degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. 
    Issued at HKT 14:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Hyperscale Data Subsidiary Ault Capital Group Plans to Launch XRP Lending Platform for U.S. Public Companies in Q3 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”) is planning to launch an enterprise-focused XRP lending platform (the “Platform”) in the third quarter of 2025. The Platform, which will initially be a beta version, is expected to be ACG’s first decentralized finance (“DeFi”) application.

    The Platform will be exclusively available to public companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American and all three tiers of the NASDAQ Stock Market. Eligible applicants will be able to apply to borrow up to a fixed amount of XRP (each, a “Loan”) on terms and conditions negotiated between the applicant and ACG. Once finalized, the Loan details will be posted on-chain. The Loans are expected to be secured by assets of the applicant and/or convertible into registered shares of common stock of the applicant.

    As the Loans are currently anticipated to be repaid in XRP, ACG expects to utilize XRP futures contracts on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to hedge market exposure, bringing a different approach to risk management and financial sophistication to cryptocurrency-based lending. The Platform will leverage the XRP Ledger to facilitate fast, low cost, and secure lending, backed by ACG’s recently announced initiative to acquire up to $10 million of XRP.

    ACG is seeking to deliver a secure, compliant and institutional-grade solution for blockchain-based lending. The Platform is part of ACG’s broader initiative to tokenize real-world assets, provide alternative financing solutions to listed companies, and facilitate cross-border settlements using blockchain technology. Additional crypto-financial instruments are expected to be announced in the coming months.

    “We are seeking to build infrastructure that merges traditional finance with blockchain technology,” said Milton “Todd” Ault, III, Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data. “With the host of enterprise features offered by XRP and the XRP Ledger, institutional borrowers and lenders now have access to integrated hedging and risk management tools as part of their operations.   We look forward to exploring the desire of other publicly traded companies to participate in DeFi transactions that can provide greater transparency, efficiency and security.”

    Hyperscale Data notes that acquisitions of XRP and the development and/or viability of the Platform are subject to various risks and uncertainties, one or more which could result in the planned acquisitions of XRP and the development of the Platform being curtailed, delayed or terminated, including, but not limited to: the volatility in XRP market price; the inability to, or cost prohibitive nature of, adequately hedging market exposure to XRP; the inability of the Company to have sufficient capital to purchase the intended amount of XRP; and regulatory challenges, consents or approvals, if necessary. The Company will continue to monitor market conditions and may increase or decrease its holdings of XRP as it deems appropriate.

    For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

    About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

    Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging artificial intelligence (“AI”) ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, ACG, is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

    Hyperscale Data expects to divest itself of ACG on or about December 31, 2025 (the “Divestiture”). Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would solely be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, though it may at that time continue to mine Bitcoin. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

    On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be stockholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    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. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.

    Hyperscale Data Investor Contact:
    IR@hyperscaledata.com or 1-888-753-2235

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Influencer Crypto Costa Opens Short Position on XRP via BYDFi

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crypto Costa, a well-known trading educator and content creator, has announced that he is initiating a short position on XRP, drawing notable attention and discussion across the trading community. The position was opened on BYDFi, a globally renowned crypto trading platform where Costa serves as a global brand ambassador.

    XRP Surges Past $2.3 Amid Bullish Momentum

    XRP recently climbed to $2.3, marking a significant rally after clearing a key psychological resistance level. The price movement follows renewed optimism in the broader Ripple ecosystem, fueled by legal progress and sustained investor interest. Trading volumes and social metrics have surged, reflecting growing retail and institutional participation in the asset.

    BYDFi Ambassador Crypto Costa Against the Tide

    While broader sentiment remains optimistic, Costa has taken a contrarian stance by initiating a short-selling strategy against XRP’s rally.

    “I’m starting to scale into a short on #XRP. First short entry at $2.3,” Costa posted on X. “I think the top for this centralized coin is long gone, so I’m planning to hold the short through the upcoming dumps in the coming weeks and months.”

    While Costa’s tone remains provocative, the move has sparked renewed discussion about XRP’s short-term volatility. As a trader, he noted BYDFi’s execution speed, depth of liquidity, and contract infrastructure as factors influencing his choice of platform for this trade.

    About Crypto Costa

    Crypto Costa is recognized for his outspoken market views and educational content across X and YouTube. Known for his contrarian takes, he shares trading insights with a global audience and joined BYDFi as a brand ambassador earlier this year.

    About BYDFi

    Established in 2020, BYDFi has grown to serve over 1,000,000 users across 190+ countries and regions. The platform has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Crypto Exchanges & Apps for Beginners of 2025, and offers a full suite of trading products—including spot, perpetual contracts, copy trading, trading bots, and on-chain tools—designed to support both beginners and experienced crypto users.

    BYDFi is committed to providing a world-class crypto trading experience for every user.

    BUIDL Your Dream Finance.

    • Website: https://www.bydfi.com
    • Support email: cs@bydfi.com
    • Business partnerships: bd@bydfi.com
    • Media inquiries: media@bydfi.com

    Twitter( X ) | LinkedIn | Telegram | YouTube | How to Buy on BYDFi

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/445ba42c-a6e0-4f63-b56b-e4243bd0f2d7

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1c78e22a-1dca-4cd4-9368-678f28badf30

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Zeo Energy Corp. to Acquire Heliogen, Inc., Expected to Create a Clean Energy Platform for Residential, Commercial, and Utility Markets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Acquisition Seeks to Combine Zeo’s Solar Energy Platform with Heliogen’s Advanced Clean Storage Solutions

    Transaction Represents Culmination of Heliogen’s Comprehensive Strategic Alternatives Review Process

    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. and PASADENA, Calif., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zeo Energy Corp. (Nasdaq: ZEO) (“Zeo Energy,” or “Zeo”), a leading Florida-based provider of residential solar and energy efficiency solutions, and Heliogen, Inc. (OTCQX: HLGN) (“Heliogen”), a provider of on-demand clean energy technology solutions, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger and reorganization (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which Zeo will acquire all of Heliogen’s outstanding equity securities in an all-stock transaction. The transaction is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Following the closing of the transaction, Zeo plans to leverage Heliogen’s solutions, brand, intellectual property, capital, and technical talent to establish a division focused on long-duration energy generation and storage for commercial and industrial-scale facilities, including artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing data centers. The transaction is expected to create a robust clean energy platform spanning residential, commercial, and utility-scale markets, supported by internal financing capabilities and domain expertise.

    Management Commentary

    “Heliogen brings a set of practical solutions to customers, particularly data centers, looking for longer duration energy storage with substantially lower costs than alternatives on the market,” said Tim Bridgewater, CEO of Zeo Energy. “Through this acquisition, we believe that Zeo will be able to accelerate our vision of serving energy consumers across the spectrum – from residential rooftops to larger-scale industrial solar and storage applications to build an energy platform at scale.”

    “We believe this combination offers a compelling opportunity for Heliogen stockholders through the opportunity to participate in the substantial growth potential of the combined company,” added Christiana Obiaya, CEO of Heliogen. “We believe that Zeo’s proven track record and network of customers can enhance the value creation opportunities for Heliogen’s solutions and technical capabilities, while enhancing liquidity for stockholders. We’re proud to be joining forces to scale practical, dispatchable clean energy solutions. This transaction is the result of the Heliogen Board’s comprehensive review of strategic alternatives. Our Board is unanimous in its belief that this transaction is the optimal path forward and in the best interest of our stockholders.”

    Strategic Rationale

    • Expanded Market Reach: The transaction unites Zeo’s existing residential solar and storage footprint with Heliogen’s long-duration energy storage expertise. Heliogen’s commercial and utility-scale thermal storage solutions address mission-critical power quality and energy capacity issues faced by AI and cloud computing data centers, while concurrently aiding grid stability.
    • Operational Synergies: The transaction is expected to streamline costs and reduce corporate overhead, while retaining core technical and commercial talent.
    • Strengthened Balance Sheet: At close, Zeo anticipates benefiting from Heliogen’s incremental liquidity, supporting investments for future growth in the solar and energy storage space.
    • Enhanced Financing Capabilities: Zeo’s affiliated financing arm, which has provided over $44 million in clean energy tax equity financing to date, has the ability to be used for future Heliogen utility-scale and long-duration energy storage projects.
    • Accelerated Growth Opportunities: The transaction seeks to position Zeo to capitalize on increasing demand for resilient, cost-effective, low-carbon energy infrastructure, supported by favorable long-term tailwinds and potential tax equity investments.

    Transaction Details and Closing Timeline

    Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, upon the closing of the transaction, Heliogen’s securityholders will receive shares of Zeo’s Class A common stock valued at approximately $10 million in the aggregate, based on a Zeo Class A common stock price of $1.5859 per share, and subject to an adjustment mechanism based on Heliogen’s net cash at the closing.

    The proposed transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of both companies and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approval by Heliogen’s stockholders, as well as Heliogen having a specified minimum amount of net cash at the closing. Certain Heliogen stockholders holding approximately 23% of Heliogen’s outstanding shares of common stock have entered into voting agreements, pursuant to which they have agreed, among other things, to vote all of such shares in favor of the proposed transaction. The proposed transaction will not require the approval of Zeo’s stockholders under Nasdaq rules.

    Advisors

    Piper Sandler & Co. is acting as financial advisor and Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP is acting as legal counsel to Zeo.

    Pickering Energy Partners is acting as financial advisor and Cooley LLP is acting as legal counsel to Heliogen.

    About Zeo Energy Corp.

    Zeo Energy Corp. is a Florida-based regional provider of residential solar, distributed energy, and energy efficiency solutions. Zeo Energy focuses on high-growth markets with limited competitive saturation. With its differentiated sales approach and vertically integrated offerings, Zeo serves customers who desire to reduce high energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. For more information on Zeo Energy Corp., please visit www.zeoenergy.com.

    About Heliogen, Inc.

    Heliogen (OTCQX: HLGN) is a renewable energy technology company that provides solutions for delivering cost-effective, low-carbon energy production around the clock. By combining commercially proven solar technologies with thermal systems expertise, Heliogen supports customers in achieving a practical transition to cleaner energy. For more information about Heliogen, please visit www.heliogen.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act“), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to Zeo and/or Heliogen. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements that refer to projections, forecasts, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, such as statements regarding the structure, timing, and completion of the proposed transaction between Zeo and Heliogen and the vision, goals, and trajectory of Zeo following the proposed transaction. The words “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will,” and similar references to future periods may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release, and current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks, and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Zeo’s or Heliogen’s views as of any subsequent date, and neither Zeo nor Heliogen undertakes any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, Zeo’s Heliogen’s actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of Zeo or Heliogen to terminate the Merger Agreement; the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close when expected or at all because the conditions to closing are not satisfied on a timely basis or at all, including the failure to timely obtain stockholder approval for the proposed transaction from Heliogen’s stockholders, if at all; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction are not realized when expected or at all; the possibility that the vision, goals, and trajectory of Zeo following the proposed transaction are not timely achieved or realized, if at all; the possibility that the integration of the two companies may be more difficult, time-consuming, or costly than expected; the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive or take longer to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Zeo, Heliogen or others related to the proposed transaction; Zeo’s or Heliogen’s success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, its officers, key employees, or directors; Zeo’s ability to maintain the listing of its common stock and warrants on Nasdaq; limited liquidity and trading of Zeo’s or Heliogen’s securities; geopolitical risk and changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Zeo or Heliogen may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; operational risk; litigation and regulatory enforcement risks, including the diversion of management time and attention and the additional costs and demands on Zeo’s or Heliogen’s resources; and other risks and uncertainties, including those included under the heading “Risk Factors” in Zeo’s and Heliogen’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in subsequent periodic reports and other filings with the SEC. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by Zeo or Heliogen, or their respective directors, officers or employees or any other person that Zeo or Heliogen will achieve their objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the proposed transaction, Zeo and Heliogen intend to file relevant materials with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”), which will include a proxy statement of Heliogen that will also constitute a prospectus of Zeo with respect to the shares of class A common stock of Zeo to be issued in the proposed transaction (the “proxy statement/prospectus”). After the Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC, a definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of Heliogen. This press release is not a substitute for any registration statement or proxy statement/prospectus, or other documents Zeo and/or Heliogen may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed acquisition. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, STOCKHOLDERS AND INVESTORS OF HELIOGEN AND ZEO ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED BY HELIOGEN AND/OR ZEO WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. The Registration Statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by Zeo and Heliogen with the SEC, when filed, will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC by Heliogen online at investors.heliogen.com, and will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement, proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC by Zeo online at investors.zeoenergy.com.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    This press release is not a solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. However, under SEC rules, Heliogen, Zeo and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of their management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the interests of Heliogen’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Heliogen’s stock is set forth in Heliogen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on March 27, 2025 (the “2024 Heliogen 10-K”). Information regarding the interests of Zeo’s directors and executive officers is set forth in Zeo’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on May 28, 2025 (the “2024 Zeo 10-K”). To the extent that either Zeo’s or Heliogen’s directors and executive officers and their respective affiliates have acquired or disposed of security holdings since the “as of” date indicated in the 2024 Zeo 10-K or 2024 Heliogen 10-K, such transactions have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 or amendments to beneficial ownership reports on Schedule 13D filed with the SEC.

    Additional information regarding the identity of potential participants, and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed acquisition when it is filed with the SEC. These documents (when available) may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, from Heliogen’s website at https://investors.heliogen.com/ and from Zeo’s website at https://investors.zeoenergy.com/.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or the solicitation of any proxy, vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    Zeo Energy Corp. Contacts

    For Investors:
    Tom Colton and Greg Bradbury
    Gateway Group
    ZEO@gateway-grp.com

    For Media:
    Zach Kadletz
    Gateway Group
    ZEO@gateway-grp.com

    Heliogen Contacts

    Investors Contact:
    Phelps Morris
    Chief Financial Officer
    Phelps.Morris@heliogen.com

    Heliogen Media Contact:
    Cory Ziskind
    ICR, Inc.
    HeliogenPR@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is Sudan’s war the reason for South Sudan’s economic crisis? What’s really going on with oil revenue

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jan Pospisil, Associate Professor at the Centre for Peace and Security, Coventry University

    The civil war in Sudan between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has had an impact on its neighbours. One of the most keenly affected countries is South Sudan, which became an independent state in 2011 and went on to endure its own civil war. This ended in 2018 with a tenuous peace agreement.

    The impact of the Sudanese war on South Sudan, however, isn’t a straightforward spillover catastrophe. The picture is more nuanced, and this is most clearly seen in South Sudan’s oil economy. Jan Pospisil, who has studied the dynamics in Sudan and South Sudan, explains.

    What is the current status of oil exports from South Sudan through Sudan?

    Landlocked South Sudan is reliant on its neighbour to the north to transport oil from its fields to the international market. Crude oil is transported via pipeline to Port Sudan on the Red Sea.

    However, recent drone strikes on Port Sudan carried out by the Rapid Support Forces targeted power plants that supply electricity to pumping stations along Sudan’s critical oil pipelines.

    Soon after, the Sudanese army formally notified South Sudan that it would have to halt exports. Following hectic negotiations, the South Sudanese government released a statement that the stoppage could be prevented.

    This back and forth has reopened the pressing question of the impact of Sudan’s war on South Sudan’s economy and, in particular, the role of crude oil.

    Assessments of the impact of Sudan’s war on South Sudan suggest the worst: oil revenues would account for 80% of South Sudan’s budget and 90% of its fiscal revenue.

    This informs the International Monetary Fund’s warnings of looming economic collapse in case of a breakdown of oil exports. The predominant view is that a shutdown of the oil pipeline through Sudan would lead to a collapse of dollar inflows to South Sudan, triggering a severe economic crisis.

    However, South Sudan’s 2024-25 budget suggests a high reliance on non-oil revenue.

    In fact, government oil revenues for 2024-25 are based on a volume of only around 16,000 barrels per day. This is the share of total production of about 130,000 barrels per day controlled by South Sudan. Attempts to increase production to pre-war levels of up to 400,000 barrels failed. The substantial drop in production is explained by a decline in the quality of South Sudan’s oil wells, especially in Paloch in the north-east’s Upper Nile State, and Unity State in the north-central region.

    South Sudan additionally lacks the operational capacity to extract the oil it has in the ground.

    The 2024-25 budget projects a hefty fiscal deficit. The revenues projected will cover only about half of total planned state spending. Oil and non-oil revenues – which mainly include tax income from international NGOs and businesses – each account for about half of the revenue that’s expected to come in.

    Oil income has to account for debt (capital and interest) repayments on loans, as well as pipeline transport fees paid to Sudan. This means that even the optimistically assessed net contributions of oil revenue would only pay for 16% of planned government spending. South Sudan remains with a hefty deficit.

    What are the challenges South Sudan is facing in growing oil revenues?

    First, Petronas, a Malaysian multinational oil and gas company, withdrew from South Sudan in August 2024 after three decades.

    It left behind substantial challenges, including an arbitration process worth more US$1 billion. This followed the government preventing Petronas from selling its shares to the British-Nigerian group Savannah Energy.

    As a short-term solution, South Sudan de facto nationalised Petronas’ shares. It did this by transferring the shares to the state’s oil and gas company, Nile Petroleum Corporation (NilePet). This was perhaps in the hope of increasing revenue in the short term.

    However, NilePet hasn’t been able to replace Petronas’ production logistics. This has resulted in huge challenges in restoring production to levels before the 2024 pipeline disruptions.

    A second factor is the sale of oil forward. The then finance minister said in 2022 that most of the oil production had been sold in advance until 2027. He later retracted the statement, saying instead that some oil advances were merely “spread up to 2027”. While this walk-back attempted to soften the political fallout, it reinforced wider uncertainty about how much control NilePet actually retains over the revenues formally under its authority.

    Given the limited relevance of oil revenues for the official South Sudanese budget, why the major concern about disruptions?

    There are three reasons.

    First, NilePet plays a structural role in South Sudan’s informal and often dubious hard currency circulation, which international observers would call large-scale corruption. NilePet’s accounts rarely appear in any official financial accounts and are often channelled off-budget. NilePet functions as a black box within the public finance system where real money flows can only rarely be traced. Recent intentions by the president to structurally reform the company might implicitly confirm this.

    Second, there are indirect oil revenues that are important to the country’s security apparatus. This includes protection rents which come from protecting South Sudanese oil fields. This revenue never hits the budget. It pays the National Security Service either directly as salaries, or is reinvested in the considerable conglomerate of companies owned by the security service to multiply profits. Losing this revenue could destabilise the country because the funds are used to pay the salaries of the best-trained and best-equipped security service in the country.

    Third, South Sudan’s ability to attract new loans depends on the repayment of existing ones. These repayments largely depend on oil production. As the 2024-24 budget shows, South Sudan desperately needs new loans to keep even core state functions operational. Yet, funding from multilateral agencies has dwindled to small-scale loans from the African Development Bank. The International Monetary Fund has currently ended all its funding programmes.

    This is not a result of the war in Sudan. It is due to persistent concerns over insufficient financial governance in South Sudan and the state’s performance. Negotiations with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates for new loans appear to have stalled, not least because of a default in repayments to Qatar.

    These factors show that the flow of oil to Port Sudan is significant to the availability of hard currency in South Sudan’s economy. But this is in more indirect ways than the outdated claim of an 80% budgetary dependency would suggest.

    The war in Sudan has a significant yet multifaceted impact on South Sudan’s economic health. But Juba’s biggest challenges are internal.

    South Sudan’s economy over the last six years has been mainly dependent on international loans coming in – a flow which has now dried up, resulting in a severe economic crisis unprecedented in the young country’s history.

    Jan Pospisil receives funding from the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PeaceRep), funded by UK International Development from the UK government. However, the views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies. Any use of this work should acknowledge the authors and the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform.

    – ref. Is Sudan’s war the reason for South Sudan’s economic crisis? What’s really going on with oil revenue – https://theconversation.com/is-sudans-war-the-reason-for-south-sudans-economic-crisis-whats-really-going-on-with-oil-revenue-257375

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: International Day of Peacekeepers, Middle East & other topics- Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    International Day Of UN Peacekeepers
    Middle East
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Unrwa
    Yemen
    Sudan
    Haiti
    Ukraine
    Global Climate Predictions
    Global Employment Growth

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UN PEACEKEEPERS
    Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, who be the guest on Thursday to brief reporters on the International Day of Peacekeepers.
    As part of that at 2:45pm tomorrow, the Secretary-General will lay a wreath to honour the more than 4,400 United Nations peacekeepers who have given their lives in the line of duty since 1948. He will also preside over a ceremony in the Trusteeship Council, during which the Dag Hammarskjöld Medals will be awarded posthumously to 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, who lost their lives serving under the flag of the United Nations last year.
    At 3 p.m., the Secretary-General will present awards to the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year. That is Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana and he will also present an award to the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year, and that is Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone.
    Both serve with the peacekeeping mission in Abyei.

    MIDDLE EAST
    Sigrid Kaag, the acting UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, briefed the Security Council this morning, telling Council members that the two-State solution is on life support and reviving it requires decisive action.
    She said the upcoming high-level international conference in June, co-chaired by France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, must not be another rhetorical exercise and instead must launch a concrete path towards ending the occupation and realizing the two-State solution based on international law, UN resolutions and previous agreements.
    Ms. Kaag warned that the entire population of Gaza is facing the risk of famine. As the Secretary-General has said, families are being starved and denied the very basics.
    She added that while Gaza rightly captures the world’s attention, the West Bank is on a dangerous trajectory. Developments are best described as accelerating de facto annexation through settlement expansion, through land seizures, and through settler violence. If not reversed, Ms. Kaag said, these will make the two-State solution physically impossible.
    Ms. Kaag will also be speaking to you after the Council session has ended. We are advised that there will likely not be closed consultations afterwards and we will let you know when she is there.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=28%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpI-lzCyvrQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • India’s real GDP growth projected at 6.5% in FY 2025-26: RBI

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has projected India’s real GDP growth at 6.5 per cent for the financial year 2025-26, with the outlook described as “evenly balanced” amid global uncertainties.

    In its annual report for 2024-25, released on Thursday, the central bank said India is poised to remain the fastest-growing major economy, riding on strong macroeconomic fundamentals, a resilient financial sector, and a continued policy push towards sustainable and inclusive growth.

    This outlook comes despite global headwinds, including financial market volatility, geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, supply chain disruptions, and climate-induced uncertainties — all of which pose downside risks to growth and upside risks to inflation.

    “Amid multiple global headwinds, Indian financial markets exhibited resilience and orderly movements. The central government maintained its fiscal consolidation efforts, supported by buoyant tax revenues and prudent expenditure management. On the external front, the merchandise trade deficit was offset by robust services exports and steady remittance inflows, keeping the current account deficit at a sustainable level,” the RBI noted.

    “The outlook for the Indian economy remains promising,” the RBI said, citing factors such as a revival in consumption demand, the government’s ongoing focus on capital expenditure alongside fiscal consolidation, healthier balance sheets of corporates and banks, and resilience in the services sector.

    The central bank said the agriculture sector could perform well in FY26, buoyed by the forecast of an above-normal southwest monsoon and productivity-oriented policy interventions announced in the Union Budget 2025-26.

    The manufacturing sector is also expected to gain traction, driven by rising domestic demand, higher capacity utilisation and supportive government policies, including the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the National Manufacturing Mission, which are aimed at reinforcing the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

    “Improving business and consumer sentiment, as reflected in RBI’s forward-looking surveys, underlines optimism in both manufacturing and services sectors,” the report said.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS: ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PL

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: AXA Investment Managers S.A.
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		  
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Alpha Group International plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 28 May 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 0.2p ordinary
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 712,276 1.68    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 712,276 1.68    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/Sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.2p ordinary Sale 2,340 GBP 30.11

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

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

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercise

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

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

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
           

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

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

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

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 29 May 2025
    Contact name: Anthony GILSOUL
    Telephone number*: +33 1 44 45 97 54

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

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

    *If the discloser is a natural person, a telephone number does not need to be included, provided contact information has been provided to the Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit.

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s UN envoy calls for long-term ceasefire in Gaza

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    UNITED NATIONS, May 29 (Xinhua) — China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong on Wednesday called for a long-term ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip.

    According to him, since May 16, Israel has continued to intensify its military operation in Gaza, which in the last two weeks alone has resulted in the complete destruction of densely populated areas and the death of more than 1,000 people.

    Questions have been repeatedly asked about when this conflict will end, whether any means are allowed in it, and whether Palestinians will have to lose their homes again, Fu Cong noted. “In the face of such questions, China firmly states that a long-term ceasefire in Gaza is urgent, and Israel must immediately stop all military operations,” the diplomat emphasized.

    “Alleviating the humanitarian catastrophe is a top priority. Israel must lift the blockade, fully restore humanitarian access, and support the UN and other international humanitarian organizations in their relief efforts,” the Permanent Representative said.

    The Gaza Strip and the West Bank are integral parts of the State of Palestine, he stressed, adding that the international community must resolutely oppose any attempts to annex these territories and forcibly displace the population of Gaza.

    The United States, as a country with significant influence on the parties involved, should act fairly and responsibly and take effective and decisive steps, Fu Cong said. The UN Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, he noted, stressing that China supports the Security Council in taking effective measures to promote a lasting ceasefire and alleviate the humanitarian disaster.

    The implementation of the “two states for two peoples” plan is the only viable way to resolve the Palestinian issue, the diplomat said. The international community should step up efforts to advance the political settlement process based on the principle of coexistence of two states, he noted.

    Fu Cong said China will continue to work with the international community to end the fighting in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian disaster, achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, and restore peace and stability in the Middle East. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 5.28.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 28, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    LaCandice Ochoa, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Independent Living and Community Access Division at the Department of Rehabilitation. Ochoa has been Dean of Workforce and Economic Development in the Office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges since 2020, where she was previously Operations Manager of Workforce and Economic Development from 2020 to 2022. She was the Operations Manager for the Commission on Disability Access at the Department of General Services from 2018 to 2020. Ochoa was a Program Manager at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services from 2015 to 2018. She was a Program Analyst for the Health Professions Education Foundation at the Department of Healthcare Access and Information from 2014 to 2015. Ochoa was an Associate Governmental Program Analyst at the California Department of Rehabilitation from 2012 to 2014. She was an Executive Assistant at Disability Rights California from 2011 to 2012. Ochoa was an Outreach and Training Advocate at the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers from 2009 to 2011. She was a Support Staff Assistant for Bob Segalman, Ph.D. from 2008 to 2009. Ochoa is a member of the California Community College Association of Occupational Educators, Association of California Community College Administrators, and Association of California State Employees with Disabilities. She earned a Master of Science degree in Assistive Technology and Human Services from California State University, Northridge and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ethnic Studies from University of California, San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $137,616. Ochoa is a Democrat.

    Aaron Christian, of Chino, has been appointed Chief of Population Risk, Quality Assurance, and Data Operations at the Department of Developmental Services. Christian has been Deputy Director of the Division of Community Assistance and Resolutions at the California Department of Developmental Services since 2024, where he has held several roles since 2020, including Assistant Deputy Director and Southern Region Manager. He held several roles at the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center from 2010 to 2020, including Director of Client Services, Director of Community Services, Assistant Director of Community Services, Resource Developer, and Service Coordinator. Christian was a Youth Counselor at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from 2007 to 2009. He was a Program Manager at Esperanza Services from 2003 to 2007. Christian earned a Master of Public Administration degree in Public Sector Leadership from California State University, Northridge and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from University of Phoenix. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $187,104. Christian is registered with no party preference. 

    Sherri Miller, of Sacramento, has been appointed Special Assistant to the Secretary at the California Environmental Protection Agency. Miller has been Executive Office Manager at California High-Speed Rail Authority since 2023, where she was previously Staff Services Manager II from 2021 to 2023. She held several roles at the California Department of Motor Vehicles from 2012 to 2019, including Administrative Assistant II to the Department of Motor Vehicles Director and Executive Secretary. Miller is a participant of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program at California High-Speed Rail Authority. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and compensation is $108,000. Miller is a Democrat.

    Jason Paguio, of Coronado, has been reappointed to the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, where he has served since 2022. Paguio has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Business Association San Diego and the Asian Business Association Foundation since 2019 and a Member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary since 2017. He was Director for North America at Dalman & Narborough from 2006 to 2025. Paguio was Director of Strategic Partnerships and Political Director for the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce from 2020 to 2022. He was a Land Use Advisor for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors from 2017 to 2019. Paguio was Chief of Staff for the Office of the Deputy Mayor of the City of Chula Vista from 2015 to 2017. He is Chair of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Community Housing Corporation, Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors of LEAD San Diego, Member of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, NTC Foundation, and San Diego Opera and a member of the California Entrepreneurship and Economic Mobility Task Force in the Office of the Small Business Advocate. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Paguio is a Democrat.

    Rajan Gill, of Yuba City, has been reappointed to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, where he has served since 2013. Gill has been a Filmmaker at Neena Filmhouse since 2024, Professor of History at Yuba College since 2019, and Managing Partner at Gill Ranches since 2010. He was Professor of History at Las Positas College from 2018 to 2019. Gill was an Adjunct Professor at Yuba College from 2015 to 2018. He earned a Master of Arts degree in History from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Middle Eastern and South Asian studies from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Gill is a Democrat.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement after a federal court ruled today that President Trump exceeded his use of emergency powers to enact broad-sweeping tariffs that hurt states, consumers, and businesses: “Like we said when we filed…

    May 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bill:SB 49 by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) – Tribal gaming: compact and amendment ratification.For full text of the bill, visit: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.  Recent…

    May 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an emergency proclamation for Trinity County to assist in recovery from the December 2024 winter storms that caused significant damage to the local area. The emergency proclamation authorizes the Governor’s Office…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Defiance Launches CVNX: The First 2X Long ETF for Carvana Co.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Defiance ETFs introduces CVNX, the Defiance Daily Target 2X Long CVNA ETF (CVNX), a 2X leveraged single-stock ETF designed to provide amplified exposure to Carvana Co. (NYSE: CVNA). This ETF offers traders a way to pursue enhanced upside potential in Carvana without the need for a margin account.

    CVNX seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, of two times (200%) the daily percentage change in the share price of Carvana Co., a trailblazer in the digital transformation of used-car retail.

    “The Defiance Daily Target 2X Long CVNA ETF (CVNX) unleashes the full throttle of Carvana’s meteoric rise—up nearly 200% in the last year with Q1 2025 revenue smashing $4.23 billion. This ETF is built for savvy traders ready to amplify their stake in a company that’s rewriting the rules of used-car retail. With CVNA’s relentless growth, we’re giving investors the tools to seize this moment and ride the wave of automotive disruption.”
    — Sylvia Jablonski, CEO and CIO, Defiance ETFs

    For more information, visit DefianceETFs.com.

    The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Fund pursues a daily leveraged investment objective, which means that the Fund is riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the Fund magnifies the performance of the Underlying Security. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily leveraged (2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. For periods longer than a single day, the Fund will lose money if the Underlying Security’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the Underlying Security’s performance declines over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of their investment within a single day.

    An investment in CVNX is not an investment in Carvana Co.

    About Defiance ETFs

    Founded in 2018, Defiance is at the forefront of ETF innovation. Defiance is a leading ETF issuer specializing in thematic, income, and leveraged ETFs. Our first-mover leveraged single-stock ETFs empower investors to take amplified positions in high-growth companies, providing precise leverage exposure without the need to open a margin account.

    IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

    Defiance ETFs LLC is the ETF sponsor. The Fund’s investment adviser is Tidal Investments, LLC (“Tidal” or the “Adviser”).

    The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other important information about the investment company. Please read the prospectus and / or summary prospectus carefully before investing. Hard copies can be requested by calling 833.333.9383.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. As an ETF, the funds may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. A portfolio concentrated in a single industry or country, may be subject to a higher degree of risk.

    There is no guarantee that the Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment.

    Total return represents changes to the NAV and accounts for distributions from the fund.

    CVNA Risks: The Fund invests in swap contracts and options that are based on the share price of CVNA. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of CVNA even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. CVNA is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares.

    Trading Risk. The trading price of the Fund may be subject to volatility and could experience wide fluctuations due to various factors. Short sellers may also play a significant role in trading CVNA, potentially affecting the supply and demand dynamics and contributing to market price volatility. Public perception and external factors beyond the company’s control may influence CVNA’s stock price disproportionately.

    Performance Risk. CVNA may fail to meet publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of CVNA to decline.

    Automotive Industry Risk. The automotive retail industry is subject to significant risks that can impact both profitability and competitiveness. The industry is highly dependent on consumer demand, which can be influenced by various factors such as economic conditions, consumer confidence, fuel prices, and preferences for particular vehicle types.

    Additional Risks:

    Compounding and Market Volatility Risk. The Fund has a daily leveraged investment objective and the Fund’s performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which is very likely to differ from two times (200%) the Underlying Security’s performance, before the Fund’s management fee and other expenses.

    Leverage Risk. The Fund obtains investment exposure in excess of its net assets by utilizing leverage and may lose more money in market conditions that are adverse to its investment objective than a fund that does not utilize leverage. An investment in the Fund is exposed to the risk that a decline in the daily performance of the Underlying Security will be magnified.

    Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risks related to the market, leverage, imperfect daily correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation, and legal restrictions.

    Swap Agreements. The use of swap transactions is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund.

    Fixed Income Securities Risk. When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed-income securities owned by the Fund.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, epidemics/pandemics, new legislation, or regulatory changes inside or outside the United States.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Diversification does not ensure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market. Brokerage Commissions may be charged on trades.

    Distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC

    Contact Information
    David Hanono
    info@defianceetfs.com
    833.333.9383

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9cbde05-7266-4bc8-9d94-24ec43e4a822

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Heron Power Raises $38M Series A to Accelerate an All-Electric Future

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Today’s electricity infrastructure can’t meet surging energy demand, holding back the electric economy and driving energy bills higher

    Founded by longtime Tesla SVP and backed by leading VCs, Heron Power is developing cheaper, faster and smarter hardware solutions for renewable energy and data centers to connect to the grid 

    SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heron Power, an energy infrastructure company, today announced that it raised $38 million in Series A funding led by Capricorn Investment Group’s Technology Impact Fund, with participation from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Energy Impact Partners, Gigascale Capital, Powerhouse Ventures, Valor Equity Partners, Tesla co-founder JB Straubel, and former Tesla CFO Zach Kirkhorn. The round brings the total funding raised by Heron Power to $43 million. The company is developing industrial power electronics purpose-built for the 21st-century grid, helping the electricity sector to grow faster with scalable, reliable and software-integrated infrastructure. Heron Power will use the new funding to expand its team and complete engineering of the Heron Link, a solid-state transformer solution displacing legacy transformers and power converters.

    Over the last decade, technologies like solar, batteries, and data centers have scaled faster than anyone imagined—growing from a few gigawatts in 2014 to more than 500 GW in 2024, equivalent to roughly two-thirds of the U.S. peak demand. But while energy technologies have leapt forward, the equipment connecting them to the grid hasn’t changed in a century.

    Today’s outdated medium-voltage transformers (MVTs) are massive, built with 10 tons of grain-oriented electrical steel and copper submerged in oil, and designed for a one-way, analog grid. They offer no real-time control, can’t regulate voltage or frequency, and can’t adapt to dynamic grid conditions. Now, as energy demand surges, transformers have become a critical bottleneck: lead times stretch up to 24 months, U.S. manufacturing meets less than 20% of demand, and prices have spiked 60-80% since 2020.

    “We’re at an inflection point where clean, abundant energy is ready to come online—but grid interconnection challenges hold us back,” said Drew Baglino, Founder and CEO of Heron Power. “Heron Power aims to bridge that gap. With electrification on a path to triple electricity demand and AI’s exponential need for power, we’re moving fast on the opportunity to modernize the grid with more capable hardware.”

    Heron Power’s first product, the Heron Link, deletes the legacy transformer and connects directly to medium voltage. It is a modular megawatt-scale power converter built on the latest advances in wide-bandgap semiconductors. Designed for high power density and ease of maintenance, it offers greater reliability and lower costs for renewable, energy storage, and data center developers. With integrated voltage and frequency regulation, Heron Link also enhances grid stability—helping to prevent cascading outages like the one in Spain in early 2025.

    Heron Power has partnerships with major energy and datacenter developers. The company is targeting an internal pilot in 2026, partner installations in early 2027, and plans to manufacture Heron Link in the US. The team brings deep technical expertise, having collectively designed and deployed over 80 gigawatts of grid-connected power electronics over the past decade. 

    “Power electronics innovation brings the power of ‘Moore’s law’ to energy,” said Dipender Saluja, co-managing partner of Capricorn’s Technology Impact fund. “For two decades, we’ve sought out and invested in transportation, aviation, electronics, materials and energy companies with innovative power electronics at the core of their products. Heron Power’s team is singularly impressive: they have the technical depth, execution experience, and clarity of intention to reinvent utility-scale power electronics.”

    About Heron Power

    Heron Power Electronics Company is developing industrial power electronics purpose-built for the 21st-century grid, helping the electricity sector to grow faster with scalable, reliable and software-integrated infrastructure. Its modular solid state transformer technology enables renewable energy, storage, and datacenter developers to directly connect to medium voltage transmission without the use of a transformer. Led by founder and CEO Drew Baglino, the Scotts Valley, CA-based company combines expertise in power electronics, software, and high-volume manufacturing. For more information, visit www.heronpower.com.

    Media Contact

    press@heronpower.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1ce02aff-c8e9-47f7-a919-f99d440e7ea2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s global trade plans are in disarray, after a US court ruling on ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics, University of South Australia

    A United States court has blocked the so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs that US President Donald Trump imposed on imported goods from around 90 nations. This puts implementation of Trump’s current trade policy in disarray.

    The Court of International Trade ruled the emergency authority Trump used to impose the tariffs could not override the role of Congress, which has the right to regulate commerce with other countries.

    Tariffs imposed via other legislative processes – such as those dealing with cars, steel and aluminium – continue to stand. But the broad-based “reciprocal” tariffs will need to be removed within ten days of the court’s ruling. Trump administration officials have already filed plans to appeal.

    The ruling calls into question trade negotiations underway with more than 18 different nations, which are trying to lower these tariffs. Do these countries continue to negotiate or do they wait for the judicial process to play out?

    The Trump administration still has other mechanisms through which it can impose tariffs, but these have limits on the amount that can be imposed, or entail processes which can take months or years. This undermines Trump’s preferred method of negotiation: throwing out large threats and backing down once a concession is reached.

    Emergency powers were a step too far

    The lawsuits were filed by US importers of foreign products and some US states, challenging Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977.

    The lawsuits argued the national emergencies cited in imposing the tariffs – the trade deficit and the fentanyl crisis – were not an emergency and not directly addressed by the tariff remedy. The court agreed, and said by imposing tariffs Trump had overstepped his authority.

    The ruling said the executive orders used were “declared to be invalid as contrary to law”.

    The act states the president is entitled to take economic action in the face of “an unusual and extraordinary threat”. It’s mainly been used to impose sanctions on terrorist groups or freeze assets from Russia. There’s nothing in the act that refers to tariffs.

    The decision means all the reciprocal tariffs – including the 10% tariffs on most countries, the 50% tariffs Trump was talking about putting on the EU, and some of the Chinese tariffs – are ruled by the court to be illegal. They must be removed within 10 days.

    The ruling was based on two separate lawsuits. One was brought by a group of small businesses that argued tariffs materially hurt their business. The other was brought by 12 individual states, arguing the tariffs would materially impact their ability to provide public goods.

    Some industry tariffs will remain in place

    The ruling does not apply to tariffs applied under Section 201, known as safeguard tariffs. They are intended to protect industries from imports allegedly being sold in the US market at unfair prices or through unfair means. Tariffs on solar panels and washing machines were brought under this regulation.

    Also excluded are Section 232 tariffs, which are applied for national security reasons. Those are the steel and aluminium tariffs, the automobile and auto parts tariffs. Trump has declared all those as national security issues, so those tariffs will remain.

    Most of the tariffs against China are also excluded under Section 301. Those are put in place for unfair trade practices, such as intellectual property theft or forced technology transfer. They are meant to pressure countries to change their policies.

    Other trade investigations are still underway

    In addition, there are current investigations related to copper and the pharmaceuticals sector, which will continue. These investigations are part of a more traditional trade process and may lead to future tariffs, including on Australia.

    The Trump administration is still weighing possible sector-specific tariffs on pharmaceuticals.
    Planar/Shutterstock

    Now for the appeals

    The Trump administration has already filed its intention to appeal to the federal appeals court. This process will take some time. In the meantime, there are at least five other legal challenges to tariffs pending in the courts.

    If the appeals court provides a ruling the Trump administration or opponents don’t like, they can appeal to the Supreme Court.

    Alternatively, the White House could direct customs officials to ignore the court and continue to collect tariffs.

    The Trump administration has ignored court orders in the past, particularly on immigration rulings. So it remains to be seen if customs officials will release goods without the tariffs being paid in ten days’ time.

    The administration is unlikely to lie down on this. In addition to its appeal process, officials complained about “unelected judges” and “judicial overreach” and may contest the whole process. The only thing that continues to be a certainty is that uncertainty will drive global markets for the foreseeable future.

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

    – ref. Trump’s global trade plans are in disarray, after a US court ruling on ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs – https://theconversation.com/trumps-global-trade-plans-are-in-disarray-after-a-us-court-ruling-on-liberation-day-tariffs-257812

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU presented its developments at the VI International Transport Festival “TransportFest”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Development by Ekaterina Shatalova: experience in managing the homogeneity of a gas-air mixture

    Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering took part in the VI International Transport Festival “TransportFest”. As part of the business program on May 23, students and teachers of the Automobile and Road Engineering Faculty made presentations, presented their projects and research papers.

    At the technology session of the Children’s Automobile Forum (DAF-2025), student Mikhail Smetanin presented the development of power frame elements for special vehicles, carried out under the supervision of Associate Professor of the Department of Technical Operation of Vehicles Sergei Vorobyov.

    “The Keystone Auto company, which is a distributor of ALTAI brand trucks, set a technical task: to develop a power frame for a category No. 2 vehicle with a total load capacity of 12 tons, designed for the installation of special garbage collection superstructures. The department team completed the work on designing the power frame. The results have been implemented in the production process, and soon we will see these vehicles on the streets of our city,” said Sergey Vorobyov.

    Students Alena Isaeva, Dmitry Aleksandrov, Anastasia Tikhomirova and Andrey Garin (supervisor – postgraduate student Evgeny Trofimov) presented a report entitled “Safety, durability, storability, and maintainability of a traction battery using the example of a category 2 vehicle.”

    As Anastasia Tikhomirova explained, a traction battery is a battery designed to ensure continuous operation of a vehicle. Unlike starter batteries, it is designed for deep discharges (long-term operation) and multiple charge cycles. A category 2 vehicle is a truck with a gross weight of 3.5 to 12 tons.

    “Motor transport remains the main danger on the roads, many accidents happen every day. Given the growing number of electric vehicles and the active development of infrastructure for electric transport, the relevance of our project lies in the safety and operational reliability of such vehicles, increasing the service life of the battery and the convenience of its maintenance. We are successfully engaged in the conversion of vehicles to electric traction, previously we have already produced “Eletromus” vehicles and an electric tow truck based on MAN TGL 12.250,” said Anastasia Tikhomirova.

    Students Maria Raski and Ekaterina Shatalova presented a report entitled “Increasing the efficiency of using natural gas as a motor fuel in a gas-diesel engine”.

    “Our faculty conducts research related to the use of alternative fuels. We began studying the use of natural gas as a motor fuel in a gas-diesel engine in September 2024. Expanding the use of natural gas as a motor fuel is a hot topic, and according to the energy strategy of the Russian Federation until 2050, the volume of natural gas (methane) consumption should increase 15 times. In Russia, gas buses are becoming more common, as manufacturers strive to reduce emissions and improve the environmental sustainability of public transport. In the process of studying this topic, we identified several problems associated with the use of gas-diesel engines. The main problems include low efficiency and increased fuel consumption,” said Ekaterina Shatalova.

    To improve the efficiency of gas-diesel engines, students proposed the following approaches:

    Increasing mixture homogeneity: Optimizing the process of mixing gas and air can lead to more complete combustion and reduce energy losses; Reducing gas losses during valve overlap: Improving the design of valves and the control system can reduce leaks and improve the overall efficiency of the engine; Switching to a gas-diesel cycle: Studying and implementing a gas-diesel cycle, which combines the advantages of both gas and diesel fuel, can significantly improve efficiency and reduce consumption.

    Young researchers are confident that these measures can improve the performance of gas-diesel engines and will help to more widely introduce natural gas as an alternative motor fuel.

    The architecture of building a sustainable transport system based on a planned-cyclical development strategy is the focus of attention of student Ivan Beshentsev (project manager – Deputy Head of the Department of Information Technologies and Intelligent Systems of St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise “Gorelectrotrans” Alexander Figichev).

    “The concept of a sustainable transport system is inextricably linked with a planned-cyclical development strategy. Sustainability implies a well-coordinated interaction of all elements of the city’s transport framework – urban development belts, infrastructure, corridors and routes. For convenience, I have combined them into one pyramid. Each level has its own goal setting and takes on a certain transport load. Thus, the system as a whole is sustainable, and in order to maintain this sustainability in the long-term equivalent, it is necessary to apply a planned-cyclical development strategy. That is, pre-determined volumes of infrastructure necessary for sustainable development are introduced annually – primarily for electric transport,” the student explained.

    According to Ivan Beshentsev, the cyclicality concerns the implementation of repair work: each infrastructure facility has a certain life cycle, which is assessed based on the infrastructure load. In St. Petersburg, this cycle is 25 years, and every year 24 km of infrastructure for electric transport is updated (we have 600 km in total). If less is repaired, the wear and tear of the infrastructure will be unacceptable for current operation. If more, this will negatively affect the transport situation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free Steward Training for Community Groups

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Community groups across the borough are invited to attend a free ‘Steward Training’ session on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at Portadown Townhall.

    This practical training is designed to support local organisations in running safer, more effective events. Participants will gain essential skills in managing crowds, handling emergencies, and supporting team operations.

    The session will cover key stewarding topics including:

    • Preparing for spectator events
    • Managing entry, exit, parking, traffic flow, and spectator movement
    • Monitoring crowds and addressing potential problems
    • Supporting the team and wider organisation
    • Conflict management strategies
    • Responding to accidents and emergencies

    This training is specifically targeted at community groups within the borough and aims to build local capacity for delivering safe and well-organised events.

    To reserve your place, click here: https://form.jotform.com/251401691567054

    For further information contact Timothy Conn, Good Relations Support Officer at E:

    *protected email*

    or T: 077804 77509

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pension plan to double £25 billion+ megafunds, boost investment and improve returns for savers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Pension plan to double £25 billion+ megafunds, boost investment and improve returns for savers

    Millions of workers are set to retire with bigger pension pots as the Government confirms plans to double the number of UK pension megafunds by 2030, unlocking billions to invest in Britain’s future.

    • Move secures over £50 billion investment in UK infrastructure, new homes and fast-growing businesses, as pension funds reverse decades of declining domestic investment. 
    • Average earner could get £6,000 boost to their pension pots at retirement from consolidation alone – with further increases expected through the Pension Schemes Bill. 
    • £1 billion a year of costs could be saved through consolidation and better governance, ensuring savings deliver for working people and the economy.

    Reforms set to be introduced through the Pension Schemes Bill will mean all multi-employer Defined Contribution pension schemes and Local Government Pension Scheme pools operate at megafund level, managing at least £25 billion in assets by 2030. Evidence from Australia and Canada shows that this size allows pension funds to invest in big infrastructure projects and private businesses, boosting the economy while potentially driving higher returns for savers. 

    These changes will drive more investment directly into the UK economy for new homes and promising scale-up businesses, with over £50 billion secured through the recent voluntary commitment from pension funds to invest 5 percent of assets in the UK and new local investment targets for Local Government Pension Scheme authorities. 

    This tackles the gradual decline in domestic investment from UK pension funds, where around 20 per cent of Defined Contribution assets are currently invested compared to over 50 per cent in 2012, as the Government goes further and faster to drive growth, create jobs and put more money into people’s pockets through the Plan for Change. More than 50 scale-up businesses have signed a joint letter to the Chancellor welcoming the reforms as a ‘significant milestone in ensuring British institutions back British businesses at the scale required to generate growth, employment and wealth.’ 

    New figures from the final report of the Pensions Investment Review published today also show that these reforms will drive higher returns for savers, in part by cutting waste in the system. By 2030 these schemes could be saving £1 billion a year through economies of scale and improved investment strategies. As a result, an average earner who saves over their career could see a £6,000 boost to their Defined Contribution pension pot at retirement through the creation of megafunds – with even better returns expected to be generated through changes in the upcoming Pension Schemes Bill.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: 

    We’re making pensions work for Britain. These reforms mean better returns for workers and billions more invested in clean energy and high-growth businesses – the Plan for Change in action.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:  

    The untapped potential of the £392 billion Local Government Pension Scheme is enormous. Through these reforms we will make sure it drives growth and opportunities in communities across the country for years to come – delivering on our Plan for Change.

    Today’s pensions announcements follow a month of major delivery milestones for the Plan for Change: new trade deals with India, the US and the EU, UK growth the highest in the G7, and the fourth interest rate cut since last summer after the government secure the economy’s foundations. 

    Multi-employer defined contribution pension schemes will be required to operate at megafund level, managing £25 billion or more in assets, and the full investment might of the £392 billion Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) will be unleashed by consolidating assets currently split over 86 administering authorities into just 6 pools.  

    Defined Contribution schemes will be given more freedom through legislation to move savers into better performing funds, enabling bulk transfer of assets into the megafunds while ensuring savers’ interests are always protected. Schemes worth over £10 billion that are unable to reach the minimum size requirement by the end of the decade will be allowed to continue operating, as long as they can demonstrate a clear plan to reach £25 billion by 2035. 

    The Mansion House Accord shows DC schemes are voluntarily investing more in infrastructure and businesses. To provide additional certainty that individual schemes will not lose business by investing in private markets, which offer the potential for higher returns but are expensive to invest in upfront, the Government will take a reserve power in the Pension Schemes Bill to set binding asset allocation targets. 

    The Pensions Investment Review confirms the March 2026 deadline for LGPS asset pooling, with a backstop power set to be taken in the Pension Schemes Bill to protect the interests of LGPS members and local taxpayers where necessary by directing an Administering Authority to participate in a specific investment pool.  

    Local investment targets will be agreed with LGPS authorities for the first time, securing £27.5 billion for local priorities. LGPS authorities will work with regional mayors, Welsh Authorities and councils to back the projects that matter most to the 6.7 million public servants – most of whom are low-paid women – whose savings they manage.

    Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, said: 

    Our economic strategy is about delivering real change, not tinkering around the edges. When it comes to pensions, size matters, so our plans will double the number of £25 billion plus megafunds. These reforms will mean bigger, better pension schemes, delivering a better retirement for millions and high investment in Britain.

    Irene Graham OBE, CEO ScaleUp Institute said:

    This represents a significant milestone in ensuring British institutions back British business – at the scale required – to generate growth, employment and wealth. UK pension funds are central to achieving this goal and addressing the UK’s longstanding growth capital gap that have held back growth ambitions. 

    The ScaleUp Institute, and the broad representatives of the scaleup economy across the UK, have written to the Chancellor today to welcome the Government’s final report on the Pensions Investment Review and the Government’s commitment to double the number of UK pension megafunds by 2030, thereby unlocking billions of patient capital to scaling businesses across the country.

    The changes come as London CIV has become the first LGPS pool to announce its intention to work with the British Business Bank on the launch of the British Growth Partnership (BGP), joining Aegon UK and NatWest Cushon, who last year announced their intention to collaborate on the BGP and invest in fast-growing businesses. These three funds manage a combined £274 billion in assets. 

    The upcoming Pension Schemes Bill will continue the Government’s fundamental reset of our pensions landscape, including by tackling the small pots problem, allowing Defined Benefit surpluses to be safely released, requiring every scheme to deliver value for money, and ensuring all savers are offered a default retirement income product. 

    Countries like Canada and Australia show how powerful pension consolidation can be – having built megafunds that invest in assets that boost their economies. Today’s reforms put the UK on the same path.

    More information

    • The final report of the Pensions Investment Review will be here. Further detail on all calculations and assumptions will be contained in the analytical annex. 

    • Just over 50% of DC assets were invested domestically in 2012 which has gradually declined to just over 20% by 2023. 

    • The £50 billion investment figure combines the Mansion House Accord commitment to invest 5% of assets in the UK (£25 billion by 2030), and the estimate for Local Government Pension Scheme local investment (5% of £550 billion by 2030). 

    • The £6,000 boost to retirement pots is from the impact of consolidation alone, which we estimate to deliver at least a 6-basis point reduction in fees as well as increase allocations to productive assets such as infrastructure projects. This means an average (median) earner saving into a DC pension, who is 22 and saves for their entire career until State Pension Age will see a £6,000 boost to their retirement pot before other measures in the Pension Schemes Bill are factored in. 

    • The £1 billion savings figure for DC schemes is based on a 12 basis point reduction in costs applied to £800 billion assets under management by 2030 – delivering a £960m saving. The Pension Investment Review consultation responses suggested consolidation of pension providers could lead to reduced charges by up to 10-20bps over the longer term and Australia had around a 12bp cost reduction through scale. 

    • The government’s response to the Options for Defined Benefit schemes consultation, also published today sets out how Government will unlock some of the £160 billion of surplus funds from well-funded Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes, to benefit employers, members and the economy. It also sets out that the Government is continuing to consider a consolidator for DB schemes, run by the Pensions Protection Fund. The response is here: Options for Defined Benefit schemes – GOV.UK

    • The joint letter from scale up businesses can be found here

    Irene Graham OBE, CEO ScaleUp Institute, said:

    The ScaleUp Institute, and the broad representatives of the scaleup economy across the UK, have written to the Chancellor today to welcome the Government’s final report on the Pensions Investment Review and the Government’s commitment to double the number of UK pension megafunds by 2030, thereby unlocking billions of patient capital to scaling businesses across the country.

    This represents a significant milestone in ensuring British institutions back British business – at the scale required – to generate growth, employment and wealth. UK pension funds are central to achieving this goal and addressing the UK’s longstanding growth capital gap that have held back growth ambitions. 

    To deliver tangible impacts on the ground we must now see the intent in these reforms, alongside the recently augmented Mansion House Accord, turn into practical institutional investment outcomes in every part and sector of the country, including our rapidly growing innovation and industrial sectors.

    That is why it is so important that the Government’s plans today remain focussed on making sure these reforms are enacted swiftly, and that will place powers into the Pension Scheme Bill to enable compliance.

    The ScaleUp ecosystem across the country looks forward to working with the government and industry partners to ensure the ambitions of this review are fully realised and deliver lasting impact. Thereby ensuring that UK businesses with global ambition get access to the local funding needed to scale, build, and stay in the UK.

    Michael Moore, BVCA Chief Executive, said: 

    These reforms are a real win-win for UK scaleups and pension savers. 

    Countries like Canada and Australia show that when pension funds invest in private capital, you help the national economy and deliver better retirement outcomes. The government should be applauded for learning from their example.

    Megafunds will have the scale needed to develop the expertise required to invest in private capital funds, which will support the development of fast growing businesses and generate stronger returns for pensions savers.

    Jamie Jenkins, Director of Policy & Technical, Royal London said: 

    Today’s announcement sets out a long-term, strategic approach for pension provision in the UK, improving value for savers, and providing greater certainty for employers and their advisers.

    The Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King, said:

    As joint architects of the Mansion House Accord, we welcome the Government’s final Pension Investment Review report as a vital next step in delivering on our shared ambition to unlock capital for growth. This landmark agreement will facilitate the injection of over £25 billion into the UK economy, supporting crucial capital for high-growth businesses and infrastructure projects. With greater consolidation, scale, and alignment between pensions and the real economy, we now have the opportunity to secure better outcomes for savers and long-term investment in the future of the UK. To ensure the best investment outcomes, it is essential that pension funds maintain the autonomy to allocate assets optimally, thereby maximising returns for the savers whose interests they safeguard.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • ‘Make in India’ was key to Operation Sindoor’s success, says Rajnath Singh at CII summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday credited the ‘Make in India’ initiative for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, highlighting indigenous defence production as a cornerstone of India’s national security strategy.

    Speaking at the inaugural plenary session of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Business Summit, Singh said the Indian Armed Forces would not have been able to carry out effective strikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) without the country’s strengthened domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

    Describing ‘Make in India’ as crucial for security and prosperity, the defence minister said that the use of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor has proved that India “has the power to penetrate any armour of the enemy.”

    “We destroyed terrorist hideouts and then targeted military bases. While we could have done much more, what we demonstrated was a powerful example of coordinated strength and strategic restraint,” he added.

    Singh also noted that, for the first time, private sector firms would be part of India’s ambitious fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme – a project approved by him earlier this week.

    The defence minister emphasized that India has redefined its approach to terrorism, forcing Pakistan to recognize that the business of terrorism is no longer cost-effective – it now carries a heavy price. He reiterated that India’s engagement with Pakistan will now be limited strictly to discussions on terrorism and PoK.

    Reaffirming India’s sovereignty over PoK, Singh said, “We believe that people living in PoK will, sooner or later, voluntarily reunite with India.”

    “Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to its resolve of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Most of the people in PoK have a deep connection with India. There are only a few who have been misled,” he said.

    Singh noted that the government has prioritized indigenization, strategic autonomy, economic resilience, and policy clarity. He urged Indian businesses to align with national interests. “If securing company interests is your karma, then safeguarding national interests should be your dharma,” he told industry leaders.

    Singh highlighted India’s rise as a global economic force, stating that under PM Modi, the country has become the world’s fourth-largest economy.

    “It is not just a matter of the economy growing in size; it is also about the world’s ever-increasing trust in India and its trust in itself,” he said.

    He pointed to a significant transformation in India’s defence sector over the past decade.

    “10-11 years ago, our defence production was approx. Rs 43,000 crore. Today, it has crossed the record figure of Rs 1,46,000 crore, with a contribution of over Rs 32,000 crore by the private sector. Our defence exports, which were around Rs 600-700 crore 10 years ago, have surpassed a record figure of Rs 24,000 crore today. Our weapons, systems, sub-systems, components, and services are reaching around 100 countries. Over 16,000 MSMEs, associated with the defence sector, have become the backbone of the supply chain. These companies are not only strengthening our self-reliance journey, but are also providing employment to lakhs of people,” he said.

    Singh noted that India is now manufacturing not just fighter jets and missile systems, but also preparing for next-generation warfare. “Our progress in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Defence, Unmanned Systems, and Space-Based Security is being recognised globally,” he said.

    “India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for engineering, precision manufacturing, and advanced technologies,” he added.

    The event was attended by top defence and industry officials, including Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen N.S. Raja Subramani and CII President Sanjiv Puri.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby Market Hall reopening draws stunning numbers of visitors on opening weekend

    Source: City of Derby

    A spectacular week-long celebration is now under way at Derby’s iconic Victorian Market Hall, continuing throughout the May half-term holiday.

    The programme features live music, creative workshops, performances, and family activities designed for all ages in the revitalised Market Hall.

    The transformed Market Hall officially reopened to the public on Saturday 24 May, drawing in over 34,500 visitors in its first three days.

    The grand opening saw thousands of visitors from across Derby and beyond queuing outside Osnabruck Square to be among the first to step into the historic Grade II listed building. The occasion was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Councillor Nadine Peatfield, and the new Mayor of Derby, Ajit Atwal – nearly 159 years since the Market Hall opened its doors in 1866.

    Extraordinary crowds gathered on opening day, with thousands of people queuing to visit on Saturday 24 May. The excitement continued throughout the Bank Holiday weekend with over 34,500 visitors in total. Visitors enjoyed a weekend full of live entertainment and workshops whilst browsing trader stalls and tasting a vibrant array of local and international cuisine on offer. 

    Saturday’s celebrations saw a performance from Deep Down Brass alongside a packed programme of live music, walkabout performers, and family entertainment. The festivities continued throughout the Bank Holiday weekend with local musical talent, performances, and free creative workshops for children. 

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:

    It was absolutely phenomenal to see that the Market Hall drew in over thirty-four thousand visitors in its first three days. The queues to get in on Saturday were beyond expectations, and I’m thrilled that it has been a successful opening weekend.

    We can be proud that Derby Market Hall is now a vibrant destination with live entertainment, pop-ups, bars, and incredible dining options. By giving people so many reasons to visit there really is something for everyone, and Derby’s Market Hall is truly thriving once again. 

    This is a big catalyst moment in Derby’s ongoing regeneration efforts. The impact on the entire city that 34,500 additional visitors has had shows that the decision to invest in our most cherished heritage building was an important one. Going forward, the Market Hall will contribute significantly to the local economy, generating over three and half million pounds for the local economy every year.

    Originally opened in 1866, the iconic Grade II listed building has undergone a significant £35.1 million restoration – part funded with £9.43 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund – creating a vibrant venue that brings together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking, and entertainment under one beautiful roof.

    More information about traders and events is available on the Derby Market Hall website. You can also follow Derby Market Hall on Facebook and Instagram.  

    Derby Market Hall is open 8am – 3pm from Monday to Wednesday; 8am – 10pm Thursday to Saturday and 11am until 3pm on Sunday. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Data-powered development gains steam in China

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

    BEIJING, May 29 — China’s data-driven development has gained steam since the implementation of a three-year action plan aimed at promoting the use of data as a factor of production and enhancing its role in driving economic and social development.

    The 2024-2026 action plan has played an important role in promoting the integration of data into large-scale socialized production since it was released more than a year ago, with positive progress made in the market-oriented development of data, the National Data Administration said on Thursday.

    An increasing number of enterprises are engaging in the data market, Luan Jie, an official with the administration, told a news briefing. Nearly 500 digital technology companies have been established by central enterprises, and about 66 percent of the leading enterprises across industries in China have purchased data, Luan added.

    The application of data has delivered positive outcomes across industries, yielding substantial benefits for enterprises. In agriculture, for instance, some planting companies have boosted crop yields by 5.5 percent by using data to optimize the fertilization process, the administration noted.

    In the industrial sector, some leading enterprises have shortened their R&D, procurement and high-end product delivery cycles by over 30 percent through the integration of industrial chain data, including R&D, logistics, inventory and pricing information.

    The administration said it will beef up efforts to pilot the program, address bottlenecks and challenges in applying data to key scenarios, and push for the implementation of the action plan.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Arkansas’ Credit Rating Rises Under Gov. Sanders’ Leadership

    Source: US State of Arkansas

    Arkansas’ Credit Rating Rises Under Gov. Sanders’ Leadership

    S&P raises to AA+, highest since 1966

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Ratings both released their outlook on the State of Arkansas’ creditworthiness. S&P raised its long-term rating on state general obligation bonds to AA+ – the highest since 1966 – and affirmed the state’s stable outlook. Moody’s affirmed Arkansas’ Aa1 issuer rating.

    These strong ratings from two of the world’s leading credit rating agencies emphasize Arkansas’ steady budget management and make it more affordable for the State to issue bonds.
     
    “Good leadership matters, and when Arkansas is able to cut taxes, invest in priorities, and grow our reserve funds – all at the same time – it just proves that our conservative economic agenda is working,” said Governor Sanders. “Today’s announcement is more than just a seal of approval on our financial discipline; it also shows potential investors that we are an excellent state for their business.”
     
    “In our conversations with both S&P and Moody’s we pointed to the strength of the state’s balance sheet, including the addition of the $1 billion Arkansas Reserve Fund, Governor Sander’s leadership in cutting taxes by more than 20% in just two years, our growing steel and lithium industries, and the booming metropolitan area in Northwest Arkansas,” said Department of Finance and Administration Secretary Jim Hudson. “S&P’s and Moody’s ratings tell us that we are on the right track in Arkansas.”
     
    S&P and Moody’s favorable ratings will have an immediate benefit to the state in connection with a planned $25 million bond issuance through the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission for irrigation, water, and wastewater projects.      
     
    A full list of state credit ratings from S&P Global is available here.
     
    A full list of state credit ratings from Moody’s is here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sanders, ANRC Announce an Additional $13 Million in Arkansas Water Projects

    Source: US State of Arkansas

    LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Wednesday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced an additional $13,680,374 in financial assistance for water and wastewater projects for 12 entities. The projects serve more than 42,288 Arkansans across the state. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved this funding on May 21, 2025.
     
    “My administration is working hard to improve Arkansas’ water systems, and this additional $13 million in funding will help communities around the state have access to safe drinking water,” said Governor Sanders. “Arkansans are counting on their local water utilities to deliver consistent and safe water, which is why we have gone above and beyond to overhaul and improve Arkansas’ water resources.”
     
    “Adequate water and wastewater infrastructure is critical,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Thank you to Governor Sanders for her continued leadership on an issue that impacts the economic viability of our state and the quality of life of every Arkansan.” 

    “Access to dependable water and wastewater systems is essential for the well-being of Arkansans and the growth of our communities,” said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division. “The projects approved today will provide substantial benefit to the citizens served.”

    In August, Governor Sanders announced the first phase of the Arkansas Water Plan has been completed by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Along with state partners, Governor Sanders has administered over $2.5 billion for water development projects in all 75 counties using state and federal funds.

    The projects receiving funding are below:

    • The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, received a $1,805,421 grant from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund set asides from the Arkansas Department of Health. These funds will be used for a statewide PFAS detection program bank.
    • The Arkansas Rural Water Association, received two grants: a $125,000 grant and a $65,000 grant both from the Water Development Fund. These funds will be used for a circuit rider grant agreement and technical assistance.
    • Banks, Bradley County, received a $95,384 grant from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 1,048. These funds will be used as part of a regionalization project with the Southeast Bradley County Water Authority.
    • Cushman, Independence County, received a $140,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 433. These funds will be used for Water System Improvement project including renovation of booster stations.
    • Flippin, Marion County, received a $2,500,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 1,836. These funds will be used for water system improvements including water main and meter replacements.
    • Gillett, Arkansas County, received a $448,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 333. These funds will be used for construction of an elevated water storage tanks.
    • Hampton, Calhoun County, received a $221,700 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The project serves a current customer base of 1,181. These funds will be used for a wastewater collection rehabilitation project.
    • Haskell, Saline County, received a $562,638 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The project serves a current customer base of 3,956. These funds will be used for a sanitary sewer evaluation survey.
    • Nail Swain Water Association, Newton County, received a $41,037 loan from the Water Development Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 357. These funds will be used for a maintenance truck.
    • Sherwood, Pulaski County, receiveda $7,059,046 loan from the General Obligation Bond Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 32,731. These funds will be used for a Five Mile Creek interceptor rehabilitation.
    • The Watershed Conservation Resource Center, Washington County, received $299,092 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. These funds will be used to implement phase t• The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment is receiving a $1,805,421 grant from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund set asides from the Arkansas Department of Health. These funds will be used for a statewide PFAS detection program bank.
    • Weiner, Poinsett County, received a $318,057 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The project serves a current customer base of 413. These funds will be used for wastewater sludge holding pond renovations

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Himax Subsidiary Liqxtal Technology Pro-Eye Vision Care Display Makes its Medical Taiwan 2025 Debut

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAINAN, Taiwan, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, and Liqxtal Technology Inc. (“Liqxtal”), a subsidiary of Himax dedicated to developing various liquid crystal optical components with exceptional design expertise, today jointly unveiled the industry’s first patented vision care display — the Liqxtal® Pro-Eye will be showcased at Medical Taiwan 2025, the premier medical and healthcare technology exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region taking place June 5 – 7 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 2. Liqxtal® Pro-Eye has already been deployed in multiple engineering projects with leading industry partners targeting applications addressing age-related presbyopia and slowing the progression of myopia for school-aged children, as well as eye comfort during extended viewing times. Alongside the Pro-Eye display, several other products will also be on display that integrate cutting-edge imaging and liquid crystal-based smart optical technologies.

    Liqxtal® Pro-Eye employs patented electrically tunable liquid crystal technology to break beyond the typical 20 to 24-inch viewing distance of conventional computer monitors, projecting a virtual image roughly 16 feet away. This effectively relieves ciliary muscle fatigue, dramatically alleviating eye strain and creating a comfortable, low-effort virtual viewing distance, redefining the interactive experience of personalized displays. Liqxtal’s patented technology is especially suited for seniors and school-age children. It not only eases near-vision strain and eye dryness for individuals with presbyopia but also reduces the risk of axial elongation in children from prolonged close-range reading, thereby helping to delay myopia progression and support vision health.

    Liqxtal® Pro-Eye – Cutting-Edge Patented Vision Care Display

    Dr. Hung Shan Chen, President of Liqxtal, will give a speech entitled “Presbyopia Savior! The Most Comfortable Vision-Care Display for Seniors,” on June 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the main stage where he will dive into the core technologies behind the Liqxtal® Pro-Eye and its revolutionary application scenarios.

    Liqxtal will also showcase a range of other products that combine innovative imaging and smart optical technologies. Among them is the Liqxtal® Dim adaptive lens, which integrates Liqxtal’s exclusive pixelated light valve control with Himax’s WiseEye ultralow power AI sensing technology. Liqxtal® Dim can detect ambient light in real time and adaptively adjust light tuning, making it ideal for smart sunglasses and vision training devices, significantly improving user comfort in both bright sunlight and dim indoor conditions.

    “Liqxtal has been relentlessly advancing liquid crystal-based optical technologies and expanding applications particularly in display and wearable applications. The Pro-Eye display showcased at Medical Taiwan is a prime example,” said Dr. Hung Shan Chen, President of Liqxtal. “With our patented electrically tunable liquid crystal technology, Pro-Eye significantly alleviates the fatigue and dryness associated with extended viewing, delivering unprecedented comfort and visual clarity. Whether for seniors, schoolchildren, or anyone who spends long hours in front of a screen, this truly is a tangible innovation in visual wellness for our digital age.”

    Himax and Liqxtal warmly invite all interested media and professionals to visit Booth P0430 in the “Digital Health Pavilion” first floor of Hall 2 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Come experience the Liqxtal® Pro-Eye display and other cutting-edge technologies firsthand and see how liquid crystal-based optics is transforming health-focused display applications.

    About Liqxtal Technology Inc.

    Liqxtal Technology Inc. is a Taiwan based company that has been focused on exploring opportunities with liquid crystal (“LC”) beyond just displays since the company’s inception. With a distinguished track record in liquid crystal optics, Liqxtal has developed liquid crystal based optical components such as LC lens for ophthalmic application, LC diffuser for 3D sensing and LC retarder for light sensing. Additionally, Liqxtal designed and released LQ001, a high voltage & tunable frequency LC driver with a 1mm x 2mm footprint, which is particularly ideal for portable products. As a subsidiary of Himax Technologies, Liqxtal also integrates novel display solutions such as tunable backlight with local dimming capability powered by FPGA for niche applications. Lastly, Liqxtal is dedicated to novel vision eyewear technology and strives to innovate and advance useful optical solutions to the world.

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.

    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEyeTM Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,603 patents granted and 389 patents pending approval worldwide as of March 31, 2025.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Forward Looking Statements

    Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

    Liqxtal Contact:
    Henry Hung, Deputy Director of Market & Sales Division
    Liqxtal Technology Inc.
    Tel: +886-6-505-0880
    Email: info@liqxtal.com

    Himax Contacts:
    Karen Tiao, Head of IR/PR
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw

    Mark Schwalenberg, Director
    Investor Relations – US Representative
    MZ North America
    Tel: +1-312-261-6430
    Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us 
    www.mzgroup.us

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a129e586-9c5f-4f5f-998a-e831ea57972e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XenDex Presale Extension: $XDX Token Still Selling As The Project Team Reveals Investors’ Request For Presale Extension

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a dramatic turn of events, XenDex has announced a short extension to its presale following overwhelming requests from late investors. With less than 7% of the $XDX allocation remaining and growing demand, this short extension gives stragglers one last chance to secure tokens before listings go live. The timing is impeccable considering Ripple’s acquisition of Circle and Volatility Shares’ launch of the XRPI Futures ETF have intensified institutional interest in XRP, setting a bullish tone across the ecosystem.

    Buy $XDX Before Listing On Exchanges Soon

    As major buyers scramble to grab the last batch of tokens, the team has confirmed that the presale will not be extended again. $XDX is in discussion to be listed on Binance, BitMart, Gate.io, MagneticX, and FirstLedger, and investors who delay now risk buying at significantly higher post-launch prices.

    What is XenDex on XRP Blockchain?

    XenDex is the first all-in-one decentralized exchange (DEX) built entirely on the XRP Ledger. Designed for speed, security, and scalability, XenDex merges advanced DeFi tools into a clean, user-friendly interface.

    Purchase XDX And Earn Rewards

    Features and Problems XenDex Aims to Solve on XRPL

    XenDex brings long-awaited DeFi functionality to XRP, including:

    • AI Copy Trading – Auto-mirror expert traders and minimize loss
    • Lending & Borrowing – Lend or borrow crypto without intermediaries
    • Cross-Chain Trading – Swap XRP across other blockchain on Solana, Ethereum, BNB, etc.
    • DAO Governance – Token holders vote on upgrades via $XDX

    Why Should I Buy $XDX?

    Holding $XDX gives users:

    • rewards through Staking and liquidity provision
    • Platform fee discounts
    • Early access to features, airdrops, and listings
    • Voting power on future platform decisions and upgrades

    Where Can I Trade $XDX?

    After the presale, $XDX is expected to be available for trading on major exchanges, with active discussions currently underway with Binance, Gate.io, MEXC, BitMart, MagneticX, and FirstLedger

    Purchase $XDX At Its Cheapest Price Before Going Public

    Is XenDex a Legit Project on XRP?

    Yes. Developed by blockchain veterans with roots in Cardano and SUI, XenDex is undergoing full smart contract audits and integrates with Xaman, XRP Toolkit, and Github.

    How Do I Buy $XDX?

    Visit: https://xendex.net/presale
    Rate: 1.25 XRP = 10 XDX
    Minimum Buy: 150 XRP
    Detailed Guide On How To Buy $XDX: https://xdxdocs.gitbook.io

    XenDex Presale Details

    • Soft Cap: Reached
    • Hard Cap: 93% SoldTime Left: 72-Hour Grace Period Only
    • Presale Rate: 150 XRP = 1200 $XDX

    Buy XDX At A Discount Before Pumping Upon Listing on Exchanges: https://xendex.net/presale

    Join XenDex Community Below

    Website: https://xendex.net
    Presale: https://xendex.net/presale
    Telegram: https://t.me/xendexcommunity
    Twitter/X: https://x.com/xendex_xrp
    Docs: https://xdxdocs.gitbook.io

    Contact:
    Frank Richards
    Frank@xendex.net

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: 600 days into war, Israel’s mass displacement campaign is entirely erasing Gaza – warns Oxfam

    Source: Oxfam –

    Since breaking the ceasefire, Israel issued nearly one displacement order every two days, strangling people into isolated areas covering less than 20 percent of the Gaza Strip 

    Israel has used mass displacement orders and relentless military assault to systematically force civilians into five restricted zones—hemmed in by military corridors and the sea—that now make up less than 20 percent of Gaza. Combined with deliberate deprivation, this reveals a strategy not of targeting militants, but of dismantling and erasing Gaza itself, Oxfam warned today. 

    A new Oxfam analysis found that since breaking the ceasefire on March 18, Israel has issued over 30 forced displacement orders—nearly one every two days- covering a swathe of 68 out of 79 neighbourhoods, some multiple times. These, together with the expanding “no-go” Israeli military zones, make up over 80 percent of the Gaza Strip. The cumulative effect is the de facto confinement of the population into overcrowded, infrastructure-stripped enclaves.  

    The sheer scale and relentless frequency of these orders have made it virtually impossible for people to find refuge. The pattern suggests not an effort to neutralize a threat, but a deliberate campaign to dismantle and depopulate Gaza—a process of forced displacement which is a war crime.  

    Meanwhile, Israel has extended its military presence along five so called “security corridors”—Philadelphi, Murag, Kisufim, Netzarim, and Mefalsim—that cut horizontally across the length of the Gaza Strip. These corridors effectively divide the territory into five isolated zones, severing north from south and restricting civilian movement within what is already a tightly confined space.  

    Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam’s Policy Lead in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said:  

    “For over 600 days, Israel has been saying it’s targeting Hamas, but it is civilians who have been corralled, bombed and killed en masse every day. The displacement orders follow a clear and calculated pattern: using the threat of violence to herd civilians into ever-shrinking zones of confinement. This isn’t counterterrorism, as Israel alleges —it’s the systematic clearing of Gaza through militarized force into enclaves of internment.”   

    For over 600 days, Israel has been saying it’s targeting Hamas, but it is civilians who have been corralled, bombed and killed en masse every day. This isn’t counterterrorism, as Israel alleges —it’s the systematic clearing of Gaza through militarized force into enclaves of internment.”   

    Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam’s Policy Lead

    Oxfam in the Occupied Palestinian Territory 

    The pattern of Israel’s orders followed by military strikes underscores what Israeli officials have openly stated: plans to take control of Gaza and establish militarized “humanitarian” hubs, where civilians would receive aid from private contractors under armed guard. Oxfam and other international agencies have firmly rejected these proposals as coercive, politicized, and incompatible with humanitarian principles. 

    In just the last week (15–20 May), over 160,000 people were displaced—part of a broader total of nearly 600,000 people displaced since March 18, many of them repeatedly. 

    One of the most significant recent orders, issued on 20 May, covered 34.9 km², roughly 10 percent of Gaza’s land area, that affected 150,000–200,000 people in North Gaza’s Beit Lahiya and Jabalia. The effect of such orders on already-displaced populations has been devastating.  

    “In any other conflict, civilians would have routes to flee to neighbouring areas or countries. In this case, Palestinians are entirely caged under an iron-clad siege, being shoved towards the coastline.” 

    Fidaa Alaraj – Oxfam’s Gender Advisor in Gaza- who has been displaced with her family several times, said: “Imagine trying to move with four children or an elderly parent in the middle of the night, with no transport and nowhere to go. People are so exhausted, many would rather face death than flee again.”  

    The so-called “known shelters” designated by Israel—chief among them Al-Mawasi—are little more than dust-choked encampments that offer no real protection. Al-Mawasi, a barren coastal strip of roughly 40 square kilometre that housed just 7,000 people before the war, has now been designated as a relocation site for hundreds of thousands. Despite its label as a safe zone, it has been repeatedly struck by Israeli fire. 

    Nearly all of the remaining areas where civilians are being forcibly relocated—comprising just 20 percent of Gaza’s territory—entirely lack clean water, sanitation, medical care, and basic infrastructure. This reality stands in direct violation of international humanitarian law, which obligates Israel as the occupying power to ensure displaced civilians receive adequate shelter, hygiene, and protection. 

    “This annihilation campaign and the bloodshed must end. It is long past time for Western governments and other influential powers to move beyond statements and apply meaningful pressure on Israel to lift the siege and abandon any designs on annexing Gaza”, added Khalidi. 

    “Peace cannot be brokered on the ruins of Gaza nor the theft of Palestinian land. Ahead of the Two-State Solution Summit planned in New York next month, world leaders must urge Israel to lift the siege and abandon any annexation plans of Gaza or the West Bank. What’s at stake is not only Palestine’s future, but the integrity of every nation that claims to uphold international law.”  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Providence Life Assurance Company (Bermuda) Limited

    Source: Isle of Man

    On 23 May 2025 the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority issued a permit to Providence Life Assurance Company (Bermuda) Limited under section 22 of the Insurance Act 2008. The permit has immediate effect and covers Class 1 and Class 2 insurance business

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Signs “Powering Growth” Plan into Law to Secure Energy Dominance for Future Growth

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed into law comprehensive legislation designed to solidify Alabama’s energy dominance, accelerate economic development and address potential critical energy infrastructure supply chain vulnerabilities. The “Powering Growth” plan includes the establishment of the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Bank, a strategic plan to mitigate long lead times for crucial energy equipment and streamlined permitting processes mirroring recent federal initiatives signed by President Trump to support economic development projects.

    The Powering Growth plan’s goal is to create a robust framework for energy dominance and security across Alabama. This initiative aligns with the Alabama Growth Alliance’s strategic priorities, focusing on expanding energy capacity and developing prime sites for industrial and commercial development, turning “shovel ready sites” into “move in ready” sites and addressing supply chain constraints.

    “In order to keep Alabama’s economy growing, we’ve got to make sure that we have the power to support it,” said Governor Ivey. “That’s what Powering Growth is all about — making sure our energy infrastructure is robust enough to meet the demands of new industries, new jobs and a stronger future. This plan ensures we’re prepared to compete, not just with neighboring states, but on a national level. By investing now, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term growth – especially in areas that need it most.”

    Key Components of Powering Growth:

    Cutting Red Tape for Energy and Economic Growth

    • Streamlines permitting and removes unnecessary regulatory delays so energy

    infrastructure projects can move faster and at lower costs.

    • Makes Alabama more attractive to industrial prospects that need speed to market and predictability in the planning process.

    Fixing Supply Chain Bottlenecks

    • Accelerates access to critical materials and equipment for energy infrastructure.
    • Reduces government-caused delays that slow down site readiness and project approvals.

    Developing More Move-In-Ready Industrial Sites

    • Funds energy development at industrial parks and economic development prospects to make more sites power ready.
    • Helps local communities compete for job-creating projects by eliminating a key barrier: lack of immediate power access.

    Creating the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Bank (AEIB)

    • Provides flexible financing for power infrastructure tied to industrial growth and job creation.
    • Funds energy infrastructure expansion to power up sites statewide.
    • Ensures grid reliability and resilience, strengthening Alabama’s long-term energy security.
    • Leverages state funds to unlock private and federal investment, without raising taxes.

    “Alabama has already achieved remarkable success by focusing on what economic development truly demands: available land, strong incentives, robust broadband and excellent roads and bridges,” said Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “However, energy availability consistently ranks as the No. 1 factor in site selection for economic development projects, and the demand for energy is growing exponentially nationwide. By investing in our energy infrastructure and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities – across both our urban and rural areas – we are laying the foundation for long-term economic prosperity and ensuring Alabama remains a premier destination for businesses.”

    The Alabama Growth Alliance, a coalition of business and government leaders dedicated to driving economic development, has identified energy infrastructure and supply chain resilience as key priorities. A statewide study commissioned by the Legislature and the Commerce Department identified the establishment of the Energy Infrastructure Bank as well as targeted growth projects that may help the State Industrial Development Authority in directing this funding mechanism.

    “Powering Growth is truly a visionary plan that was developed through a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to identify today our energy needs for tomorrow,” said state Sen. Arthur Orr. “You don’t want to build a levee when the water is already rising. As energy demand is going to continue to accelerate in the future, we are laying the groundwork now through Powering Growth to ensure we are able to compete and win on economic development projects for decades to come.”

    Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter emphasized the importance of this initiative for Alabama’s economic trajectory while stressing sustainability and accountability.

    “Building more energy capacity, overcoming supply chain hurdles and improving the speed of permitting is essential for building a stronger economy,” said Speaker Ledbetter. “This legislation represents a strategic investment in our state’s future, ensuring we have the energy resources necessary to support job creation and economic growth for generations to come while at the same time ensuring sustainable growth that protects our citizens without raising taxes.”

    Alabama Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger said that in the development of this package, the Legislature made it a top priority to ensure that this package focuses on helping develop and support rural areas.

    “My key focus throughout the development of these bills has been to make sure that they support and grow opportunity in the rural parts of our state,” said Pro Tem Gudger. “We worked to include language in these bills that ensures a significant portion of this investment goes to rural Alabama, and I can’t wait to see the projects and economic growth that these investments will make for years to come. Energy security and dominance is critical for growth, and this is a big step forward in ensuring that we have both here in Alabama.”

    A photo of today’s bill signing is attached.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 to Unpack the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) Cobalt Market Prospects, Global Significance

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

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 29, 2025/APO Group/ —

    As the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) seeks to maximize the financial and economic returns from its cobalt reserves – considered some of the largest worldwide -, the upcoming African Mining Week will spotlight the country’s expanding investment opportunities across the cobalt value chain.

    Taking place October 1-3, 2025, in Cape Town, the event is Africa’s premier gathering of mining stakeholders. A dedicated panel discussion, titled Cobalt Opportunity: DRC’s Strategic Position in the EV Revolution, will unpack the DRC’s pivotal role in the global cobalt market, detailing how the nation is boosting value addition, addressing global demand while creating lucrative prospects for international investors.

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    A key ingredient for lithium-ion batteries, cobalt is witnessing a surge in demand as countries worldwide accelerate the deployment of energy transition technologies such as renewable energy, electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage. The World Bank posits that global cobalt consumption could increase to 344,000 tons in 2030, representing a 9.6% annual increase between 2017 and 2030. Accounting for 70% of global cobalt production, the DRC is strategically positioned to leverage its comparative advantage in the industry to increase revenue, drive development and consolidate its position as a global cobalt supplier.

    Given this potential, the country is enhancing its role in the global EV value chain by promoting local value addition and establishing direct supply agreements. The country partnered with Zambia and the African Export-Import Bank to develop regional Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for EV manufacturing, leveraging local cobalt resources to build a competitive industrial base. Supporting this vision is the creation of the Congolese Battery Council, which facilitates SEZ development, and a $350 million cobalt smelting plant under development in partnership with U.S.-based Delphos International. Similarly, Congolese firm Buenassa – backed by $3.5 million in initial funding from the government – is also constructing a hydrometallurgical plant in Lualaba province, set to produce 30,000 tons of copper cathode and 5,000 tons of cobalt sulphate annually by 2027.

    In addition to infrastructure advancements, the DRC is proving an attractive environment for foreign investment. Ivanhoe Mines reported revenues of $973 million in Q1, 2025 – a 57% year-on-year increase – at its Kamoa-Kakula Copper-Cobalt mine, demonstrating the potential for strong returns within the country. Meanwhile, China’s CMOC Group, the world’s top cobalt producer, achieved record-breaking production in 2024 from its Tenke Fungurume and Kisanfu mines and is on track to exceed those volumes in 2025, further strengthening the DRC’s global footprint in the EV revolution.

    Amid these developments, African Mining Week will connect global investors with the DRC’s rapidly evolving cobalt sector and its broad array of high-return opportunities. The panel discussion will outline investment opportunities, challenges and upcoming initiatives.

    MIL OSI Africa –