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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: Little Pepe Raised Above $10,000,000 in Presale as Stage 7 Kicks Off With EVM Layer 2 Tech

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Little Pepe ($LILPEPE) has just crossed a major milestone, surpassing $10 million in total presale funding as Stage 7 continues at a token price of $0.0016. The project’s rapid growth is attracting attention from both retail and institutional crypto investors—not just because of its meme appeal, but also due to the strong utility it offers through its Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 infrastructure.

    With each stage of the presale selling out faster than the last, Little Pepe is now on a fast track to becoming one of the most influential meme-utility projects in the current market cycle.

    Milestone Moment: $10M Raised and Counting

    The $10 million in funds raised in the $LILPEPE presale marks a defining milestone, placing it among the top-performing new crypto projects of 2025. Unlike many meme projects that depend completely on hype, Little Pepe has progressively built momentum by providing a roadmap filled with tangible technology, inclusive of the rollout of its EVM Layer 2 blockchain, low gas fees, and future dApp integration.

    Raising such a large amount before its official token launch shows strong confidence in the team and the broader vision. Each stage of the presale has attracted a wider range of investors—from casual meme coin fans to serious blockchain users—indicating that the appeal of $LILPEPE goes far beyond memes alone.

    Little Pepe—The Rise of a Meme Coin With Real Utility

    Little Pepe ($LILPEPE) has raised more than $10 million till now in total and is continuing its upward trajectory in the crypto space. The project’s ability to continually meet and exceed presale desires is a testament to growing investor interest and its wonderful approach to the meme coin market. Unlike other meme tokens that frequently depend completely on hype, Little Pepe backs its viral energy with a strong technological foundation: a custom-built Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 blockchain.

    With Stage 7 going on and tokens available at $0.0016. The speed at which the presale stages have sold out shows rising demand and a strong urge for a meme coin that offers both network enchantment and scalable blockchain infrastructure. For those seeking to get in early, the project continues to present a compelling opportunity.

    Built for Scalability and Speed

    At the heart of Little Pepe’s success is its Layer 2 architecture. Built on an EVM-compatible chain, the project offers quicker transaction speeds and decreases gas fees in comparison to the Ethereum mainnet. This technical edge lets it support a range of real-world use cases, from decentralized finance (DeFi) to NFTs and beyond. As scalability is still a major challenge within the blockchain world, Little Pepe positions itself as a forward-thinking solution with real staying power.

    The Layer 2 design no longer enhances overall performance but additionally keeps the platform less expensive and reachable, which is key for meme-driven communities. The project has smartly capitalized on this by creating an ecosystem that invites developers, creators, and investors to take part without being hindered by high fees or network congestion.

    Strong Community Driving Growth

    Another foremost motive behind Little Pepe’s speedy achievement is its vibrant and passionate community. Across X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and other social platforms, customers are actively discussing the project, sharing memes, and encouraging others to get involved. This natural momentum is critical for meme coins, as network engagement regularly determines long-term viability.

    The project has also gained attention from numerous crypto influencers and analysts who see $LILPEPE as one of the few meme coins with real long-term potential. As an end result, the project has visible strong participation from both retail investors and crypto fans eager to be part of the following huge meme coin movement.

    Furthermore, Little Pepe’s journey from meme concept to blockchain innovation is proving to be one of the most compelling tales of 2025. With Stage 7 going on and over $10 million raised, the project has already exceeded expectations. As the presale continues and new milestones are hit, $LILPEPE is proving that meme coins can evolve beyond jokes and speculation to offer true value to the crypto space. Investors looking for a next-gen meme project with real potential may just find what they’re looking for in Little Pepe.

    About Little Pepe

    Little Pepe is a next-gen Layer 2 blockchain designed to merge meme culture with high-speed, low-cost decentralized infrastructure. Built for scalability, security, and accessibility, Little Pepe supports EVM-compatible applications and is powered by means of the $LILPEPE token. The project’s mission is to create a meme coin environment wherein utility meets virality, empowering users through cutting-edge technology and lightning-fast transactions.

    For more information:
    Website: https://littlepepe.com/
    Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken
    Twitter: https://x.com/littlepepetoken

    Contact Details: COO- James Stephen Email: media@littlepepe.com

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bee0236f-746e-4132-b142-0bb044c24f1d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Little Pepe Raised Above $10,000,000 in Presale as Stage 7 Kicks Off With EVM Layer 2 Tech

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Little Pepe ($LILPEPE) has just crossed a major milestone, surpassing $10 million in total presale funding as Stage 7 continues at a token price of $0.0016. The project’s rapid growth is attracting attention from both retail and institutional crypto investors—not just because of its meme appeal, but also due to the strong utility it offers through its Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 infrastructure.

    With each stage of the presale selling out faster than the last, Little Pepe is now on a fast track to becoming one of the most influential meme-utility projects in the current market cycle.

    Milestone Moment: $10M Raised and Counting

    The $10 million in funds raised in the $LILPEPE presale marks a defining milestone, placing it among the top-performing new crypto projects of 2025. Unlike many meme projects that depend completely on hype, Little Pepe has progressively built momentum by providing a roadmap filled with tangible technology, inclusive of the rollout of its EVM Layer 2 blockchain, low gas fees, and future dApp integration.

    Raising such a large amount before its official token launch shows strong confidence in the team and the broader vision. Each stage of the presale has attracted a wider range of investors—from casual meme coin fans to serious blockchain users—indicating that the appeal of $LILPEPE goes far beyond memes alone.

    Little Pepe—The Rise of a Meme Coin With Real Utility

    Little Pepe ($LILPEPE) has raised more than $10 million till now in total and is continuing its upward trajectory in the crypto space. The project’s ability to continually meet and exceed presale desires is a testament to growing investor interest and its wonderful approach to the meme coin market. Unlike other meme tokens that frequently depend completely on hype, Little Pepe backs its viral energy with a strong technological foundation: a custom-built Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 blockchain.

    With Stage 7 going on and tokens available at $0.0016. The speed at which the presale stages have sold out shows rising demand and a strong urge for a meme coin that offers both network enchantment and scalable blockchain infrastructure. For those seeking to get in early, the project continues to present a compelling opportunity.

    Built for Scalability and Speed

    At the heart of Little Pepe’s success is its Layer 2 architecture. Built on an EVM-compatible chain, the project offers quicker transaction speeds and decreases gas fees in comparison to the Ethereum mainnet. This technical edge lets it support a range of real-world use cases, from decentralized finance (DeFi) to NFTs and beyond. As scalability is still a major challenge within the blockchain world, Little Pepe positions itself as a forward-thinking solution with real staying power.

    The Layer 2 design no longer enhances overall performance but additionally keeps the platform less expensive and reachable, which is key for meme-driven communities. The project has smartly capitalized on this by creating an ecosystem that invites developers, creators, and investors to take part without being hindered by high fees or network congestion.

    Strong Community Driving Growth

    Another foremost motive behind Little Pepe’s speedy achievement is its vibrant and passionate community. Across X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and other social platforms, customers are actively discussing the project, sharing memes, and encouraging others to get involved. This natural momentum is critical for meme coins, as network engagement regularly determines long-term viability.

    The project has also gained attention from numerous crypto influencers and analysts who see $LILPEPE as one of the few meme coins with real long-term potential. As an end result, the project has visible strong participation from both retail investors and crypto fans eager to be part of the following huge meme coin movement.

    Furthermore, Little Pepe’s journey from meme concept to blockchain innovation is proving to be one of the most compelling tales of 2025. With Stage 7 going on and over $10 million raised, the project has already exceeded expectations. As the presale continues and new milestones are hit, $LILPEPE is proving that meme coins can evolve beyond jokes and speculation to offer true value to the crypto space. Investors looking for a next-gen meme project with real potential may just find what they’re looking for in Little Pepe.

    About Little Pepe

    Little Pepe is a next-gen Layer 2 blockchain designed to merge meme culture with high-speed, low-cost decentralized infrastructure. Built for scalability, security, and accessibility, Little Pepe supports EVM-compatible applications and is powered by means of the $LILPEPE token. The project’s mission is to create a meme coin environment wherein utility meets virality, empowering users through cutting-edge technology and lightning-fast transactions.

    For more information:
    Website: https://littlepepe.com/
    Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken
    Twitter: https://x.com/littlepepetoken

    Contact Details: COO- James Stephen Email: media@littlepepe.com

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bee0236f-746e-4132-b142-0bb044c24f1d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: AI in universities: How large language models are transforming research

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ali Shiri, Professor of Information Science & Vice Dean, Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, University of Alberta

    Generative AI, especially large language models (LLMs), present exciting and unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges for academic research and scholarship.

    As the different versions of LLMs (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity.ai and Grok) continue to proliferate, academic research is beginning to undergo a significant transformation.

    Students, researchers and instructors in higher education need AI literacy knowledge, competencies and skills to address these challenges and risks.

    In a time of rapid change, students and academics are advised to look to their institutions, programs and units for discipline-specific policy or guidelines regulating the use of AI.

    Researcher use of AI

    A recent study led by a data science researcher found that at least 13.5 per cent of biomedical abstracts last year showed signs of AI-generated text.



    Read more:
    AI-detection software isn’t the solution to classroom cheating — assessment has to shift

    Large language models can now support nearly every stage of the research process, although caution and human oversight are always needed to judge when use is appropriate, ethical or warranted — and to account for questions of quality control and accuracy. LLMs can:

    • Help brainstorm, generate and refine research ideas and formulate hypotheses;

    • Design experiments and conduct and synthesize literature reviews;

    • Write and debug code;

    • Analyze and visualize both qualitative and quantitative data;

    • Develop interdisciplinary theoretical and methodological frameworks;

    • Suggest relevant sources and citations, summarize complex texts and draft abstracts;

    • Support the dissemination and presentation of research findings, in popular formats.

    However, there are significant concerns and challenges surrounding the appropriate, ethical, responsible and effective use of generative AI tools in the conduct of research, writing and research dissemination. These include:

    • Misrepresentation of data and authorship;

    • Difficulty in replication of research results;

    • Data and algorithmic biases and inaccuracies;

    • User and data privacy and confidentiality;

    • Quality of outputs, data and citation fabrication;

    • And copyright and intellectual property infringement.

    AI research assistants, ‘deep research’ AI agents

    There are two categories of emerging LLM-enhanced tools that support academic research:

    1. AI research assistants: The number of AI research assistants that support different aspects and steps of the research process is growing at an exponential rate. These technologies have the potential to enhance and extend traditional research methods in academic work. Examples include AI assistants that support:

    • Concept mapping (Kumu, GitMind, MindMeister);

    • Literature and systematic reviews (Elicit, Undermind, NotebookLM, SciSpace);

    • Literature search (Consensus, ResearchRabbit, Connected Papers, Scite);

    • Literature analysis and summarization (Scholarcy, Paper Digest, Keenious);

    • And research topic and trend detection and analysis (Scinapse, tlooto, Dimension AI).

    2. ‘Deep research’ AI agents: The field of artificial intelligence is advancing quickly with the rise of “deep research” AI agents. These next-generation agents combine LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation and sophisticated reasoning frameworks to conduct in-depth, multi-step analyses.

    Research is currently being conducted to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of deep research tools. New evaluation criteria are being developed to assess their performance and quality.

    Criteria include elements such as cost, speed, editing ease and overall user experience — as well as citation and writing quality, and how these deep research tools adhere to prompts.

    The purpose of deep research tools is to meticulously extract, analyze and synthesize scholarly information, empirical data and diverse perspectives from a wide array of online and social media sources. The output is a detailed report, complete with citations, offering in-depth insights into complex topics.

    In just a short span of four months (December 2024 to February 2025), several companies (like Google Gemini, Perplexity.ai and ChatGPT) introduced their “deep research” platforms.

    The Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, a non-profit AI research institute based in Seattle, is experimenting with a new open access research tool called Ai2 ScholarQA that helps researchers conduct literature reviews more efficiently by providing more in-depth answers.

    Emerging guidelines

    Several guidelines have been developed to encourage the responsible and ethical use of generative AI in research and writing. Examples include:

    LLMs support interdisciplinary research

    LLMs are also powerful tools to support interdisciplinary research. Recent emerging research (yet to be peer reviewed) on the effectiveness of LLMs for research suggests they have great potential in areas such as biological sciences, chemical sciences, engineering, environmental as well as social sciences. It also suggests LLMs can help eliminate disciplinary silos by bringing together data and methods from different fields and automating data collection and generation to create interdisciplinary datasets.

    Helping to analyze and summarize large volumes of research across various disciplines can aid interdisciplinary collaboration. “Expert finder” AI-powered platforms can analyze researcher profiles and publication networks to map expertise, identify potential collaborators across fields and reveal unexpected interdisciplinary connections.

    This emerging knowledge suggests these models will be able to help researchers drive breakthroughs by combining insights from diverse fields — like epidemiology and physics, climate science and economics or social science and climate data — to address complex problems.



    Read more:
    The world is not moving fast enough on climate change — social sciences can help explain why

    Research-focused AI literacy

    Canadian universities and research partnerships are providing AI literacy education to people in universities and beyond.

    The Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute offers K-12 AI literacy programming and other resources. The institute is a not-for profit organization and part of Canada’s Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

    Many universities are offering AI literacy educational opportunities that focus specifically on the use of generative AI tools in assisting research activities.

    Collaborative university work is also happening. For example, as vice dean of the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Alberta (and an information science professor), I have worked with deans from the University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg and Vancouver Island University to develop guidelines and recommendations around generative AI and graduate and postdoctoral research and supervision.

    Considering the growing power and capabilities of large language models, there is an urgent need to develop AI literacy training tailored for academic researchers.

    This training should focus on both the potential and the limitations of these tools in the different stages of the research process and writing.

    Ali Shiri 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. AI in universities: How large language models are transforming research – https://theconversation.com/ai-in-universities-how-large-language-models-are-transforming-research-260547

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Dating app categories could be shaping you more than you know

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kevin Guyan, Chancellor’s Fellow & Director of the Gender + Sexuality Data Lab, University of Edinburgh

    Natalllenka.m/Shutterstock

    Any account of love and dating in the 2020s is incomplete without addressing an uncomfortable topic: are our encounters with technology shaping who we are and how we desire?

    Dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Feeld allow users to choose from dozens of genders, sexualities, desires and relationship types. Commonplace descriptors such as “straight”, “gay” and “bisexual” are now joined by labels including “polysexual” (an attraction to multiple, but not all, genders), “skoliosexual” (an attraction predominantly to people who don’t conform to traditional gender norms) and “heteroflexible” (an attraction that is mostly heterosexual with some exceptions).

    But do these categories provide a more accurate representation of the world beyond the app? Or do they partly construct the world they claim to describe?

    As a regular user of gay dating apps throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, I discovered a menu of categories to describe myself. There was everything from “twinks” (slim build, youthful appearance and little or no body hair) and “otters” (the same but with a bit more body hair and a more masculine appearance) to “bears” (large build and lots of body hair) and “muscle daddies” (older with a muscular physique).

    I quickly understood how to maximise my success on the app by hacking the algorithm: the curated buzzwords in my bio, profile pics that struck the right balance between “sexy” and “intelligent”, how often to use the app and when. If the app gave prominence to a certain “category” of gay man in its listings, I was more than willing to present myself as that category.

    But, in the process, the line between the category and the thing being categorised (me and my desires) became increasingly impossible to untangle.

    This experience inspired research in my new book Rainbow Trap, which investigates the technical aspects of app design and how the provision of more “inclusive categories” for LGBTQ+ communities often does nothing to reconfigure the narrow accounts of desire encoded in the tech.

    Dating today can feel like a mix of endless swipes, red flags and shifting expectations. From decoding mixed signals to balancing independence with intimacy, relationships in your 20s and 30s come with unique challenges. Love IRL is the latest series from Quarter Life that explores it all.

    These research-backed articles break down the complexities of modern love to help you build meaningful connections, no matter your relationship status.

    Writing in the early 2000s, science and technology scholars Geoffrey C. Bowker and Susan Leigh Star coined the term “convergence” to describe what happens when “people get put into categories and learn from those categories how to behave”. Philosopher of science Ian Hacking similarly used the term looping effect“ to describe the multi-directional relationship between a category and the “thing” being categorised.

    These encounters, however, highlight a fundamental tension between queer communities and classifications: the classifications used to describe us also come to define us. This can determine what doors are opened and closed and who we are allowed to be.

    Thinking back to my early forays into dating apps, I would often assign myself to the category of “twink”. Although used by app designers to assist with the algorithmic sorting of users, the identity felt contoured to my life.

    The connections suggested by the app, based on my self-categorisation as a “twink”, felt as if they reflected who I was and what I had always wanted. And, for a period, I believed it.

    However, in hindsight, I don’t know if I was ever really attracted to men with 26-inch waists and hair frazzled by too much bleach. I had limited myself to what the app told me I should like. But desire isn’t so easily put into a box.

    Getting critical about categories

    Underpinning the mechanics of all dating apps are categories, and we can learn a lot about love and dating by thinking critically about the categories used.

    Between 2021 and 2023, Tinder reported a 30% increase in the use of gender identities other than “male” or “female” on the app, creating more than 145 million new matches. Identification with the label “non-binary” also more than doubled in just one year.

    In 2023, the dating app Feeld (which describes itself as designed “for the curious”) reported that more than half its users who identified as “heterosexual” connected with someone on the app who did not identify as “heterosexual”. Feeld also has claimed that over 180,000 people “changed their sexuality” during their first year of using the app and that “the longer Feeld members are on the app, the less heterosexual they get”.

    I am not suggesting that our navigation of love and dating through the prism of technology (and its growing menu of categories) is making us more queer – as these technologies could just as equally be making us more straight. But whatever is happening, it is clear that assigning yourself to a particular category opens and closes opportunities for love and desire.

    It is app designers who then hold the power to decide what connections are made – for example, whether “twinks” connect with “bears”, whether your category features first or last on the home page. Because the classifications used to describe us are also now defining us, app designers partly shape how you think about yourself and your desires. This power does not stop when you turn off the app, it extends into offline worlds too.

    So, for app users, be open to how your encounters with categories shape who and how you desire. Who will the app include and exclude based on your self-categorisation? And is that the experience you necessarily what?

    Kevin Guyan 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. Dating app categories could be shaping you more than you know – https://theconversation.com/dating-app-categories-could-be-shaping-you-more-than-you-know-256368

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Is a ‘nanny state’ a price worth paying to keep the NHS free? The evidence shows it could work

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Renaud Foucart, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University

    Nanny says no. SOK Studio/Shutterstock

    The UK government’s new ten-year-plan to transform the NHS includes a focus on preventing ill health rather than treating illness. But to what extent should people depend on the state to help them make healthy decisions?

    Some think any kind of nudge in that direction is symptomatic of a “nanny state” overstepping its boundaries. Others might argue that nanny knows best, or that governments should do whatever works best both economically and to keep people healthy.

    Either way, if a country like the UK wants to keep providing free (or at least tax-payer funded) and universal healthcare, rather than charging every patient for their specific needs, its choices are limited.

    Take obesity for example, which is estimated to cost the NHS around £12.6 billion a year – more than 5% of its total budget.

    In 2022, 28.7% of adults in the UK had obesity, compared to 10.9% in France, 14.3% in Denmark and 22% in Belgium. (In the US, it was 42.8%.)

    Government analysis claims that if everyone who is overweight reduced their calorie intake by just 216 calories a day – roughly equivalent to a single 500ml bottle of fizzy drink – obesity would be halved, and so would the associated costs. It also estimates that cutting the calorie count of a daily diet by just 50 calories would lift 340,000 children and 2 million adults out of obesity.

    But how should it persuade people to cut those calories? Happy to ignore accusations of being a nanny state, the UK government is now working with food retailers and manufacturers to encourage people to make healthier choices.

    Under the plan, products will be made with less sugar and fat. And the data that supermarkets own about your shopping habits (through online shopping and loyalty cards) will be used to nudge you towards more fruits and vegetables and fewer bags of crisps. Businesses that fail to induce changes in customer consumption will face financial penalties.

    And perhaps this is more effective than personal responsibility. Recent alternative policies which relied on individual action like following diets using the NHS weight loss app have not worked.

    The UK has also invested hundred of millions of pounds trying to encourage people to burn calories by walking and cycling more. But the country remains reluctant to reduce its car-dependence, with its cities poorly served by public transport. Walking and cycling are just not that popular.

    So perhaps state intervention is the only policy British people are willing to accept. Understandably, they want the freedom to make their own choices when it comes to exercise, eating and drinking, but they also want to keep the NHS free. Only 7% would support charging people for their use of healthcare.

    Fat tax

    Another option is to tax the consumption of fat and sugar to pay for the cost it imposes on others. In 2016, the UK was among the first countries to introduce a tax on sugary drinks. Since then, the total amount of sugar in British soft drinks has decreased by 46%, because changing the recipes means the producers pay less tax.

    Research shows that the tax also deters younger people from buying too much sugar. However, it does little to reduce consumption among those who have the most sugar-intensive diets, just like alcohol taxes do nothing to convince the most addicted alcoholics to drink less.

    There is also a valid argument that taxing sugar and fat is unfair. Unhealthy food is a much larger proportion of the budget of poorer households than it is for wealthier one, making it a regressive tax.

    Love for the NHS.
    John Gomez/Shutterstock

    Yet policies nudging people towards healthy choices often have a good track record. A study of food labelling policies which placed warning labels on high sugar and high calorie foods in Chile showed that people bought less of them.

    To stay below the threshold, firms then changed their recipes, just like with the tax. In that case, the warnings led to people consuming 11.5% less sugar and 2.8% less fat.

    While paternalistic interventions can be annoying or upsetting, pretending obesity is purely an individual choice is misleading. Obesity starts in childhood, and can destroy future choices. Children with obesity are more likely to be bullied, and don’t do as well at school.

    The state regularly bans harmful products without controversy. Even if you wanted to, you could not insulate your house with asbestos, and the UK is currently busy banning the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2009.

    With NHS waiting lists remaining at record highs, and a struggling economy, risk of the country becoming a nanny state by trying to encourage healthier food might actually be a pretty minor one.

    Renaud Foucart 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. Is a ‘nanny state’ a price worth paying to keep the NHS free? The evidence shows it could work – https://theconversation.com/is-a-nanny-state-a-price-worth-paying-to-keep-the-nhs-free-the-evidence-shows-it-could-work-260539

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA’s 2024–25 Annual Report and Accounts and Impact Report show progress on safety, innovation, and regulatory excellence

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    MHRA’s 2024–25 Annual Report and Accounts and Impact Report show progress on safety, innovation, and regulatory excellence

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published its 2024–25 Annual Report and Accounts, and accompanying Impact Report.

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published its 2024–25 Annual Report and Accounts, and accompanying Impact Report, demonstrating how we have enhanced patient safety across the UK, restored our performance to ensure we are meeting regulatory timelines, and sharing our success in enabling access to life-changing medical products.

    As an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, the MHRA plays a critical role in protecting public health while supporting the UK’s £100 billion life sciences sector. Over the past year, the agency has significantly improved its core operations by enhancing safety systems, clearing licensing backlogs, and helping bring safe innovative treatments and technologies to patients faster.

    Highlights of the MHRA’s work in 2024–25 include:

    • Clearing all statutory backlogs by March 2025 and consistently meeting statutory targets for clinical trials.
    • Approving more than 2,000 licences for medicines, including 54 new medicines, such as treatments for Alzheimer’s, rare diseases, and cancer.
    • Assessing over 5,000 clinical trial applications and launching the UK’s most significant clinical trial regulatory reform in over two decades.
    • Supporting patient safety through the assessment of over 100,000 adverse drug reaction reports and blocking over 1.5 million unregulated online listings.
    • Piloting a world-first AI Airlock to safely develop artificial intelligence in medical devices.
    • Providing over 127,000 units of biological standards worldwide and launching new World Health Organisation-endorsed standards to strengthen global pandemic preparedness.

    The reports also reflect the MHRA’s strengthened focus on patient and public engagement, environmental sustainability, and global regulatory collaboration, with over £7 million in research grants supporting cutting-edge regulatory science.

    The reports also highlight the MHRA’s focus on strengthening internal capability and real-world evidence. Through the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), the agency continues to support public health research with anonymised data from UK GP practices.

    Internally, the MHRA has enhanced its digital infrastructure, improved cyber resilience, and modernised customer services, while investing in its people through graduate schemes, apprenticeships, and strong governance.

    View the MHRA Annual Report and Accounts 2024–25 and MHRA Impact Report 2024–25.

    For media enquiries, please contact: newscentre@mhra.gov.uk or call 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: ✅ President Trump Has Kept His Promises — and Then Some

    Source: US Whitehouse

    President Donald J. Trump campaigned on a list of “20 core promises to Make America Great Again” — and in just six months, he has unquestionably delivered. From lowering costs to securing the border to enhancing public safety, President Trump has done more to make good on his promises than any president in modern American history, and he’s just getting started.

    The list goes far beyond these promises. President Trump has successfully forced hospitals nationwide to abandon their so-called “gender-affirming care“ and chemical castration programs for kids, defunded biased PBS and NPR, ended woke DEI programming across higher education and corporate America, weeded out nonsense “climate” initiatives, made English our official language, and so much more.

    Promises Made, Promises Kept:

    1. Seal the border and stop the migrant invasion: “We will close the border. We will stop the invasion of illegals into our country.” (10/12/24, Aurora, CO)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: Under President Trump, the number of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border are at historic lows and border wall construction has resumed. Last month, illegal border crossings were the lowest ever recorded, while this fiscal year is on track to see the fewest illegal crossings in five decades. For two straight months, zero illegals were released into the country’s interior.
    2. Carry out the largest deportation operation in American history: “We will begin the largest deportation operation in the history of our country.” (10/21/24, Concord, NC)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: Every single day, the Trump Administration is removing illegal immigrant killers, rapists, gangbangers, drug traffickers, and other violent criminals off our streets — and sending them back.
    3. End inflation, and make America affordable again: “Starting the day I take the oath of office, I will rapidly drive prices down and we will make America affordable again.” (8/17/24, Wilkes-Barre, PA)
    4. Make America the dominant energy producer in the world, by far: “We will stop the Biden-Harris war on American energy … American energy is such a big deal. We will drill, baby, drill.” (8/3/24, Atlanta, GA)
    5. Stop outsourcing, and turn the United States into a manufacturing superpower: “Together, we’re going to … bring thousands of factories back to the USA, right where they belong — and that will be done through tariffs and smart policy. We will build American, we will buy American, and we will hire American.” (1/19/24, Washington, D.C.)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: As President Trump pursues his bold commitment to an America First trade agenda, scores of companies have announced trillions of dollars in new investment as they onshore workers from foreign countries and create tens of thousands of new American jobs — positioning the U.S. as the dominant player for the jobs of the future.
    6. Large tax cuts for workers, and No Tax on Tips: “We’re going to have very large tax cuts for workers and … No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime.” (10/12/2024, Reno, NV)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: The largest tax cut in history for working- and middle-class Americans — including No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and No Tax on Social Security — is now the law of the land, along with unprecedented tax relief for small businesses, farmers, workers, and families.
    7. Defend our constitution, our bill of rights, and our fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms: “We’re going to bust up the censorship regime and bring back free speech again” (1/28/23, Columbia, SC), “I will defend religious liberty.” (1/19/25, Washington, D.C.)
    8. Prevent World War III, restore peace in Europe and in the Middle East, and build a great iron dome missile defense shield over our entire country — all made in America: “We will build a great Iron Dome over our country like Israel has a dome like has never been seen before, a state-of-the-art missile defense shield that will be entirely built in America and create jobs, jobs, jobs.” (6/15/24, Detroit, MI)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump has achieved remarkable success by employing his Peace Through Strength doctrine around the world —preventing war between India and Pakistan, ending the 12 Day War, brokering a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and averting escalation in other areas. Meanwhile, the One Big Beautiful Bill delivers funding for the Golden Dome missile defense system to protect our homeland from 21st Century threats.
    9. End the weaponization of government against the American people: “Biden has worked to persecute political dissidents, including conservatives, Catholics and other Christians, and opponents of his weaponized state … This abuse will be rectified, and it will be rectified very quickly.” (5/25/24, Washington, D.C.)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump has purged corrupt elements from the DOJ and FBI, pardoned pro-life Americans wrongly targeted by the Biden Administration, and launched full-scale investigations into deep state abuses — bringing the era of weaponized government to an end and restoring fairness and trust in American institutions.
    10. Stop the migrant crime epidemic, demolish the foreign drug cartels, crush gang violence, and lock up violent offenders: “The drug cartels are waging war on America — and it’s now time for America to wage war on the cartels” (12/22/23), “We will expel every single illegal alien gang member and migrant criminal operating on American soil and remove the savage gang, Tren de Aragua, from the United States.” (1/19/25, Washington, D.C.)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: The Trump Administration is dismantling human smuggling networks, sanctioning cartels and designating them as foreign terrorist organizations, and deporting gang members in droves — ridding our country of these public safety threats for good and making our streets safer than they’ve ever been.
    11. Rebuild our cities, including Washington, D.C., making them safe, clean, and beautiful again: “We will rebuild our once great cities, including our capital in Washington, DC, making them safe, clean, and beautiful again.” (1/19/25, Washington, D.C.)
    12. Strengthen and modernize our military, making it, without question, the strongest and most powerful in the world: “We will again build the strongest military the world has ever seen.” (1/20/25, Washington, D.C.)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: With the largest military investment in decades, President Trump is modernizing our forces with cutting-edge technology, rebuilding depleted stockpiles, and ensuring our troops are the best-equipped in history — deterring adversaries and keeping America safe without unnecessary conflicts.
    13. Keep the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency: “If I’m elected, the dollar is so secure. Your reserve currency is the strongest it’ll ever be.” (10/15/24, Detroit, MI)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: Through pro-growth policies and tough trade deals, President Trump has fortified the dollar’s dominance, preventing de-dollarization efforts abroad and ensuring it remains the global standard — boosting American economic power worldwide.
    14. Fight for and protect Social Security and Medicare with no cuts, including no changes to the retirement age: “I will not cut one penny from Social Security or Medicare … I will not talk about one day or one year shorter, and I will not raise the retirement age of Social Security by one day, not by one year.”(7/27/24, West Palm Beach, FL)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump hasn’t touched Social Security — and has consistently called for rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse to safeguard the programs’ solvency for future generations, delivering on his ironclad commitment to America’s seniors.
    15. Cancel the electric vehicle mandate and cut costly and burdensome regulations: “We’re going to be ending the electric car mandate quickly.” (1/7/25, Palm Beach, FL)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: On day one, President Trump revoked the burdensome electric vehicle mandate — and fortified that action by signing a congressional resolution into law. The Trump Administration has also slashed job-killing regulations to unleash innovation, lower costs, and put American workers first.
    16. Cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory, radical gender ideology, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content on our children: “I will sign a new executive order to cut federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory … or political content onto the shoulders of our children.” (8/3/24, Atlanta, GA)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump signed an order to defund schools promoting divisive critical race theory and radical gender ideology.
    17. Keep men out of women’s sports: “We will keep men out of women’s sports.” (5/26/24, Washington, D.C.)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump immediately ended the unfair, demeaning practice of forcing women to compete against men in sports — which resulted in the NCAA changing its rules and drove countless states and high schools to change their policies.
    18. Deport pro-Hamas radicals and make our college campuses safe and patriotic again: “We will deport the foreign Jihad sympathizers and Hamas supporters from our midst. We will get them out of our country.” (9/19/24, Washington, D.C.)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump has cracked down on campus chaos with federal enforcement and visa revocations for pro-Hamas agitators — restoring safety, free speech, and American values to universities across the nation.
    19. Secure our elections, including same day voting, voter identification, paper ballots, and proof of citizenship: “We will secure our elections — and they will be secure once and for all.” (10/13/24, Prescott Valley, AZ)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump implemented nationwide election integrity measures through executive action, banning foreign nationals from election interference, strengthening voter citizenship verification, prosecuting non-citizen voting, requiring voter-verifiable paper ballot records, and ensuring state-by-state compliance with federal law.
    20. Unite our country by bringing it to new and record levels of success: “It’s time to unite … Success is going to bring us together.” (11/6/24, West Palm Beach, FL)
      • ✅ PROMISE KEPT: President Trump’s remarkable success is bringing the country together — with more Americans saying the country is on the right track than any point in two decades and support among Republicans for President Trump and his agenda near historic levels.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: G50 Corp to Present at the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference July 23

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TUCSON, Ariz., July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — G50 Corp (ASX: G50; OTCQB: GFTYF), based in Sydney, Australia, and focused on its precious and strategic metals discovery at the Golconda Project, Arizona, today announced that Mark Wallace, Managing Director / CEO, will present live at the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com on July 23, 2025.

    DATE: July 23
    TIME: 10 am ET
    LINK: REGISTER HERE
    Available for 1×1 meetings: July 23, 24, 25, 28, 29

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    • New high-grade gold and silver discovery at Golconda in base and precious metals rich quartz-sulphide veins of a mesothermal style
    • Confirmed consistent significant gallium discovery across 1 km of strike from surface to a depth of 200m over 2 phases of drilling
    • Approved for trading on OTCQB under GFTYF

    G50 Corp (https://www.g50corp.com) is an exploration company focused on the southwestern United States. The Company’s flagship Golconda Project comprises both patented and unpatented claims and is ideally positioned near existing mining infrastructure and logistics hubs to meet the country’s growing demand for domestic mineral resources including gold, silver and gallium.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:

    G50 Corp
    Mark Wallace
    Managing Director / CEO
    (775) 993 3737
    queries@g50corp.com

    Viriathus
    Beverly Jedynak
    Beverly.jedynak@viriathus.com
    312-943-1123
    773-350-5793 (cell)

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Bioenergies : update on the process to search for buyers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PRESS RELEASE

    Global Bioenergies: update on the process to search for buyers

    Evry, 21 July 2025 – 05:45 p.m.: At the outcome of the deadline for submitting offers set on Friday, 18 July 2025, 4 offers to take over some activities and assets have been sent to Maître Joanna Rousselet1 as part of the pre-pack sale process started on 3 June 2025.

    As a reminder, the pre-pack sale enables potential buyers to position themselves for the takeover of all or part of a company’s business and assets. To date, no proposal to take over the shares has been submitted. Their value will then become null upon liquidation of the Company following the potential asset sale transaction.

    The offers, which are still at a preliminary stage, may be subject to change and contain conditions precedent that will have to be lifted by the time of the review hearing of the offers, which could take place in September or October 2025 at the Evry Commercial Court.

    About GLOBAL BIOENERGIES

    As a committed player in the fight against global warming, Global Bioenergies has developed a unique process to produce SAF and e-SAF from renewable resources, thereby meeting the challenges of decarbonising air transport. Its technology is one of the very few solutions already certified by ASTM. Its products also meet the high standards of the cosmetics industry, and L’Oréal is its largest shareholder with a 13.5% stake. Global Bioenergies is listed on Euronext Growth in Paris (FR0011052257 – ALGBE).

    Contacts

    1 Interested candidates are invited to submit their offer to: Maître Joanna Rousselet – SCP Abitbol et Rousselet, joanna.rousselet@fajr.eu.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Okalio Mining: One account to start the journey of cloud mining of BTC, XRP, and ETH!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Millions of users around the world have chosen Okalio Mining to obtain stable daily income from mainstream currencies such as BTC, XRP, and ETH, and easily realize passive income!

    In the current context of continuous positive news in the currency circle and the continuous rise in the prices of BTC and ETH, more and more investors are beginning to look for ways to invest in crypto assets without high risks and obtain daily income. And Okalio Mining’s cloud mining service is the most ideal choice in this era.

    No hardware equipment or technical knowledge is required, only one account is needed, Okalio Mining can open the road to automated mining income for the three major mainstream currencies of BTC, XRP, and ETH for you.

    Why choose Okalio Mining?
    Daily income, available at any time
    After the user purchases the mining machine contract, the system will automatically calculate the daily mining profit, and the income will be credited every day, which can be withdrawn or reinvested at any time, truly realizing “capital appreciation in flow”.

    Register and get $10 mining machine experience bonus
    You can get $10 free mining contract by just registering with your email address. You don’t need to invest capital, and you can also experience the real profit process of the platform.

    Legal and compliant, available worldwide
    Okalio Mining relies on stable global cloud computing resources and AI computing power allocation system, and has been operating under the regulatory compliance framework of many countries for a long time, supporting users in more than 180 countries to register and use.

    Support multi-currency mining, flexible and optional
    The platform is now fully open to mining of the following mainstream currencies:

    Bitcoin (BTC): the first choice for value storage and global asset hedging

    Ethereum (ETH): the cornerstone asset of Web3 and DeFi

    Ripple (XRP): the fastest and most stable asset in the global payment industry

    Popular mining machine contract plan (income illustration)
    Contract name Investment amount Period Daily income Total income illustration
    Free novice contract $10 (gift upon registration) 1 day 0.6 USD 10 USD + 0.6 USD
    BTC smart contract 100 USD 2 days 3.3 USD 100 USD + 6.6 USD
    ETH high-speed contract 500 USD 5 days 6.5 USD 500 USD + 32.5 USD
    XRP daily income contract 1000 USD 10 days 13.48 USD 1000 + 134.8 USD

    Start mining in three steps

    Register an account: Enter your email address to register for free and get $10 immediately

    Choose currency and contract: Freely choose a mining machine plan based on your budget and currency preference

    Daily income: The platform runs automatically, income is automatically settled, and there is no operation threshold

    Who is suitable for using Okalio Mining?

    Crypto beginners who want to make stable profits with small amounts of funds

    Investors who do not have technical equipment but want to participate in mining

    XRP/BTC/ETH holders who want to achieve automatic asset appreciation

    A new generation of users looking for long-term stable passive income

    Join now and start earning money today!

    Official website: https://okaliomining.com/

    Say goodbye to complex wallet operations, mining machine noise, and soaring electricity bills! Okalio Mining allows you to earn BTC, XRP and ETH easily, safely and efficiently, and start an era of crypto income that truly belongs to you.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ALRMiner multi-currency mining upgrade: SOL and DOGE support added, AI deployment is more efficient!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the crypto market gradually recovers, mainstream digital assets such as Solana (SOL) and Dogecoin (DOGE) are becoming increasingly popular. In this wave, ALR Miner, a long-established cloud mining platform from the UK, once again leads the industry trend. It recently announced a comprehensive upgrade of multi-currency cloud mining services and officially launched smart cloud mining contracts for SOL and DOGE. Relying on AI technology empowerment, users can achieve one-click participation, daily income, transparent funds, and a safe and controllable mining experience.

    Leading the trend: SOL and DOGE officially join the ALR Miner smart mining system
    As a compliant platform that has been deeply involved in the cloud mining industry for 7 years, ALR Miner has always kept up with market trends and is committed to providing global users with the most growth potential for currency mining options. The newly added Solana (SOL) and Dogecoin (DOGE) not only have extremely high market activity and community support, but also have shown strong growth potential in the past year.

    SOL (Solana): Known for its high-speed chain performance, suitable for long-term holding and stable growth;

    DOGE (Dogecoin): Strong community drive, high liquidity, suitable for short-term income strategy.

    Through intelligent algorithm scheduling computing power, ALR Miner maximizes the income potential of different currencies, bringing users a truly efficient, diversified, and stable income combination.

    The mining process is simple and clear, and 0 devices can easily earn daily income

    Users do not need to configure any mining machines or technical background, and only need 3 steps to start the cloud mining journey

    Register an account: Visit the official website https://alrminer.com to quickly create an account

    Get $12 bonus: Register and get $12 computing power funds, you can directly participate in mining

    Select a contract to start mining: You can choose different mining contracts according to the currency (SOL, DOGE, BTC, ETH, XRP, etc.) and cycle. The system will AI allocate the optimal computing power path and automatically start income settlement.

    All income is automatically distributed to the account balance every day, and you can withdraw or reinvest to purchase other contracts at any time to achieve rolling compound growth.

    Mining income test display

    The income is clear and transparent, and it is credited daily. It also supports automatic principal refund or reinvestment after the contract expires, so as to achieve steady asset appreciation.

    Legal, safe and transparent, guaranteed by the old British cloud mining platform
    ALR Miner was established in 2017 and is a UK registered entity company (Private Limited Company) with complete company information and compliant SIC business code (62090/63110). The platform fully complies with the UK Company Law, international anti-money laundering regulations (AML), KYC certification process, and has completed the compliance deployment of servers in multiple countries/regions.

    Different from the exaggerated false platforms on the market, ALR Miner always adheres to the following core principles:

    Real computing power + real settlement

    Fixed daily income model

    All income can be checked and withdrawn

    It is precisely with the concept of “compliance, transparency, safety and stability” that ALR Miner can stand in the fiercely competitive market for 7 years and become a cloud mining brand trusted by users.

    Multi-currency income is fully upgraded, and you can enjoy $12 bonus immediately after registration!
    ALR Miner is now promoting a multi-currency smart mining plan, adding support for SOL and DOGE, and will expand to more popular assets in the future. Register now to receive a $12 bonus to experience mining benefits, and you can start without investment!

    Official website address: https://alrminer.com
    New user benefits: Register and get $12 mining power
    Customer service support: 7×24 hours online, no language barriers

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alford, Colleagues Urge Two-Prong Approach to Cementing America’s Role as Global AI Capital

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)

    Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) led a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Howard Lutnick. The letter urges the Commerce Department to continue pursuing policies that will cement the United States as the world capital of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    Specifically, the Members of Congress are advocating for Secretary Lutnick to pursue a well-balanced strategy that limits foreign adversaries’ ability to develop frontier AI and enables American companies to compete quickly in the global marketplace.

    Reps. Jack Bergman, Andrew Garbarino, Diana Harshbarger, Robert Wittman, John McGuire, Ben Cline, and Vern Buchanan joined Congressman Alford in sending the letter to Secretary Lutnick.

    Read the full letter to Commerce Secretary Lutnick here.

    Read key excerpts from the letter below:

    “Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is shaping emerging technologies globally and positioned as the world capital of artificial intelligence (AI). The President’s cabinet is unshackling American energy, cutting burdensome red tape, and unwinding Biden’s bad policies. One important example of bolstering American prosperity was your decision to rescind and replace the Biden administration’s AI Diffusion Rule. This rule would have helped China win the AI race, and replacing this rule quickly will provide American innovators a stable environment to compete and win. …

    “While we are currently ahead of Communist China in the AI race, we must continue to help our nation, companies, and innovators succeed. Failure to maintain our lead in AI development means that we could be at the mercy of Communist China for many critical industries. Examples include cryptography, next-generation pharmaceuticals, and advanced defense materials. President Trump has been at the forefront of securing investment during his recent successful trip to the Middle East. He closed deals promoting U.S. technology as the global standard and secured landmark investments in frontier AI development at home. We must continue to capitalize on this momentum by ensuring allies and partners building out their AI investments see the U.S. as the superior, most reliable partner.

    “One crucial next step in this competition is providing American innovators, exporters, and nations around the world a stable exporting structure. Mr. Secretary, your testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee included key elements of an AI diffusion framework that would enable American AI diffusion around the world while also limiting China’s ability to develop frontier AI. The Trump administration should not return to Biden’s tiers and caps that confused close allies and partners. …

    “We can only win the AI race with Communist China if we are wisely limiting our foreign adversary’s opportunities to develop frontier AI and enabling American companies to compete quickly in the global marketplace. Both prongs are important and the balance between them are crucial. America is winning the AI race, but the competition has been hard fought and will continue to be. Steps must be taken quickly since investments happening now will create the world’s tech ecosystem for decades to come. …”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Influencers Discover Ultra Sleek Galaxy Innovation at #TeamGalaxy Connect 2025 in NYC

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics hosted the #TeamGalaxy Connect 2025 event in New York City from July 9 to 11. More than 110 #TeamGalaxy influencers from around the world — content creators active in areas including camera, gaming, health, fashion and beauty — gathered for a vibrant exchange centered on real-life use of Galaxy products. Participants were among the first to experience the new Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7 and Watch8, sharing original content with global audiences.
     

     
     
    Experiencing Innovation at Galaxy Unpacked 2025
    The excitement kicked off in Brooklyn at Galaxy Unpacked 2025. As the new foldables and wearables were unveiled, #TeamGalaxy influencers captured the energy of the launch and shared first impressions in real time on YouTube, Instagram and other platforms — drawing the attention of Galaxy fans around the world.
     
    ▲ #TeamGalaxy members enjoy their first hands-on experience with the new devices. (From left: @seoulmafia, @kokeshi.karen, @francypave, @deniseteojiaqi and @catriona_gray)
     
     
    Inspiring Creativity Through Collaboration
    Following the event, participants visited Meta’s New York office for the official program launch. In collaboration with Meta, the #TeamGalaxy Connect 2025 briefing featured sessions including Meta: IG Unfiltered, led by Meta; a Galaxy Watch8 spotlight, led by Sung Chang, Executive Vice President of Brand Marketing, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics; and a Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 spotlight, led by Matthew Leem, Vice President of Brand Marketing, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. These sessions provided deeper insight into Galaxy’s brand philosophy and technology, along with creative tips to elevate influencer content.
     
    The #TeamGalaxy influencers then split into three themed groups — health, camera and gaming — to reinterpret the new devices’ advanced hardware and Galaxy AI features in their own unique ways.
     
    ▲ Sung Chang leads a talk session with creators.

     
    Running With Galaxy RunnerzZz
    On July 10, the “Galaxy RunnerzZz in NYC” event started as part of a global challenge promoting the values of rest, rise and run — all tracked through the Galaxy Watch. More than 70 #TeamGalaxy influencers ran alongside local runners, half-marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo and freestyle skier Alex Hall.
     
    Participants tracked their Energy Score with the Galaxy Watch8 and captured the experience using the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 before completing a 3.5- or 7.09-kilometer course.
     
    “Running as a team with people from all over the world was incredible,” said one influencer. “Thanks to the Galaxy Watch8’s pace guidance feature, I was able to finish without overexerting myself.”
     
    ▲ #TeamGalaxy influencers take a group selfie before the run, pose with Jacob Kiplimo at the photo wall and show off their medals.
     
    ▲ #TeamGalaxy influencers celebrate their finish at the after-race party.
     
     
    Collaborating Creatively With the Galaxy Z Fold7
    Meanwhile, #TeamGalaxy camera influencers teamed up with rising directors from a local film school for “The Ultra City Tales, Unfolds” project. The short film, shot entirely on the Galaxy Z Fold7, highlighted the device’s ultra-level camera capabilities and its suitability for high-quality filmmaking.
     
    At the same time, #TeamGalaxy gaming influencers visited a New York gaming café to challenge local gamers — showcasing the Galaxy Z Fold7’s immersive large-screen experience and powerful performance, even while folded.
     
    ▲ #TeamGalaxy member @clementinem_ytb shares filming tips with an aspiring director using the Galaxy Z Fold7; #TeamGalaxy member @keenanlam reviews footage shot on the Galaxy Z Fold7 with a film student; and #TeamGalaxy member @hammybanks plays with a local gamer on the Galaxy Z Fold7’s large display.
     
     
    Remembering #TeamGalaxy Connect 2025
    At the farewell dinner marking the end of the three-day experience, #TeamGalaxy influencers celebrated their content achievements and received awards for outstanding work.
     
    The event offered a meaningful opportunity to explore the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Watch8 while creating original content that brought the Galaxy brand to life. Samsung looks forward to #TeamGalaxy influencers continuing to share the innovation and creativity of Galaxy with audiences worldwide.
     
    ▲ Winners of the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 “Ultra Unfolds” and the Galaxy Watch8 “Galaxy RunnerzZz” content awards. (From left: @catriona_gray, @perrykuan, @uekan2b, @granthinds, @bilgesuisik, @drexlee @joaoalmeidac, @andymtzurita, @mikkitygram, @kovirami_fit, @lutajuci_putnik, @kim.gottwald and David Moon, Head of Influencer Marketing, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics)
     
    ▲ #TeamGalaxy member @uekan2b compares the Galaxy Z Fold7’s sleek design to New York’s architecture (left and center). #TeamGalaxy member @granthinds reimagines the city using Audio Eraser and Generative Edit in his evocative short, Alone in New York (right). Winning entries are featured on the official Samsung Mobile Instagram.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Introducing Alvenco Advisory: Guiding Strategic Investment in Namibia’s Energy Future

    Source: APO

    With Namibia set to start oil production by 2029, the country is witnessing a surge in global investments across its exploration and production landscape. From global energy majors to leading independents to regional energy companies and financiers, energy firms are ramping up their investments in what is poised to become the next major African producer. As international investors navigate Namibia’s evolving energy and mining industries, the newly-launched Alvenco Advisory will support companies as they expand their presence across the southern African country.  

    Spearheaded by Namibia’s former-Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo, Alvenco Advisory represents the partner of choice for global companies seeking to make forays into Namibia. As a strategic advisory firm, Alvenco Advisory is committed to shaping investments that are profitable, inclusive and sustainable. The company will work closely with government stakeholders and global companies, aligning closely with the country’s energy goals by offering policy and regulatory support, strong alignment with national priorities, local stakeholder engagement and ESG focus as well as strategies for shared value and long-term returns. As Namibia embarks on its next chapter of energy development Alvenco Advisory has emerged as a strong partner for global investors.

    The launch of Alvenco Advisory comes as Namibia accelerates the development of offshore oil and gas discoveries made in the Orange Basin. TotalEnergies targets a final investment decision for its Venus discovery in 2026, with first oil expected in 2029. Galp is making progress with the development of the Mopane field following a string of positive results at exploration wells drilled in 2024 and 2025. The latest of these – the Mopane 3S well – revealed the presence of light oil and gas condensate. On the exploration front, Rhino Resources is making strides towards field development following a discovery at the Capricornus-1X well in April 2025 and the confirmation of a hydrocarbon reservoir at the Sagittarius-1X well in February 2025. Halliburton is set to drill two exploration wells at Block 2914 in PEL 85 while Stamper Oil & Gas Corp is also pursuing exploration projects in the Orange and Lüderitz Basins. Chevron is spearheading exploration in the Walvis Basin following its acquisition of an 80% stake in Blocks 2112B and 2212A. These investments seek to unlock a new hydrocarbon province in southern Africa.

    Namibia’s energy transformation comes not only from its oil and gas industry but its bold steps into green hydrogen. The country seeks to reach green hydrogen volumes of between 10-15 million tons per annum by 2050 and is working closely with global partners to achieve this goal. Major projects include the country’s flagship $10 billion flagship Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project – targeting 350,000 tons of green hydrogen annually – and the Daures Green Hydrogen Village – targeting 700,000 tons per annum after 2032. In addition to Hyphen, Namibia is already producing hydrogen from the Hylron Oshivela Project. The project started operations in March 2025, producing green hydrogen using 12 MW of electrolyzer capacity.  Meanwhile, a partnership between the European Union and Namibia – forged in early 2025 – is set to drive up to $12 billion in European private investments into the country in support of its green hydrogen goals. As this investment flows into Namibia, Alvenco Advisory stands ready to support companies as they navigate policy, national priorities and local stakeholder engagement.

    “Namibia is on the cusp of extraordinary change. With major oil discoveries and bold steps into green hydrogen, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to ensure that our natural resources uplift all Namibians. Alvenco Advisory will not only support global investors in Namibia, but ensure their investments unlock tangible opportunities for the people of Namibia. At Alvenco Advisory, we are committed to driving inclusive and sustainable projects. We are here to align the goals of governments and investing companies – if you’re investing in Namibia or thinking about it let’s talk,” states Alweendo.  

    Alweendo has held various positions in Namibia, including Governor of the Bank of Namibia, Director General of the National Planning Commission and Minister in Charge of the National Planning Commission. In 2018, he was appointed Minister of Mines and Energy. His term ended in 2025. In this role, he oversaw all of the country’s major oil discoveries, and since these milestones, has maintained investor confidence through competitive policies, engagement with international operators and flexible investment structures. This laid the foundation for future growth across the market, setting the country up for continued success in the oil, gas and broader energy sectors.

    To learn more about Alvenco Advisory, visit www.AlvencoAdvisory.com.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK secures £2 billion investment from major Korean bank

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK secures £2 billion investment from major Korean bank

    South Korea’s oldest banking firm, Shinhan Bank, will facilitate £2 billion of investment into the UK’s financial services sector by 2030.

    • Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson opens the expanded UK office of Shinhan Bank, the Republic of Korea’s oldest banking firm.
    • Expansion comes as Shinhan aims to facilitate £2 billion of investment into the UK’s financial services sector by 2030, supporting the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
    • Announcement builds on the £460 million Shinhan has already invested in the UK, in a major vote of confidence in the economy and delivering growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    New collaboration between the UK government and a top Korean banking company will unlock £2 billion of investment into Britain, boosting economic growth and driving forward the government’s Plan for Change.

    Shinhan, the Republic of Korea’s second largest bank, aims to finance the investment over the next 5 years into energy, digital assets, infrastructure projects as well as businesses based in the UK’s thriving financial services sector.

    The bank’s expansion and investment plans follows £460 million the business has already invested in the UK since 2023. This latest vote of confidence reaffirms the UK’s position as a global investment destination.

    The plans back the government’s aim to significantly increase long-term business investment following the publication of the Modern Industrial Strategy, which marks a new era of collaboration between government and high growth industries, slashing energy bills for industry, increasing skills, and boosting investment to unlock the UK’s economic potential.

    Today [Monday 21 July], Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson opened the expanded office for Shinhan Bank in London and met with President and CEO of Shinhan Bank, Jung Sang Hyuk. 

    Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE said: 

    The UK is a top investment destination, and Shinhan’s latest investment will help us make the UK the number one destination for financial services by 2035, delivering on our Plan for Change. 

    Financial Services are a UK success story, and one of the eight growth sectors we identified with the biggest potential for growth in our modern Industrial Strategy, as we look to boost the economy and put more money in people’s pockets.

    Shinhan Bank President & CEO Jung Sang Hyuk said:

    The expansion of London office is a strategic decision aimed at proactively responding to the rapidly changing financial environment and delivering greater value and higher-level services to our customers. The (Shinhan) Head Office will remain fully committed to providing strong support, enabling London office to take on an even more central role within London’s financial market and to grow together as a trusted financial partner.

    Securing foreign direct investment is key to delivering economic growth, and companies like Shinhan investing billions in the UK economy shows the government’s Plan for Change is working – creating jobs and putting more money in working people’s pockets.

    The news also builds on the positive findings from Deloitte’s latest survey which found that finance leaders see the UK as the joint-most attractive destination when it comes to investment.

    Economic growth is the Government’s central mission and unlocking new investment opportunities with South Korea is vital to achieving this, as the UK looks to build on the £21 billion record-level of investment the country has attracted from Korean businesses.

    This major investment comes just days after the Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, which aims to position the UK as the number one destination for financial services companies by 2035.

    Today’s announcement also follows the Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson’s visit to South Korea earlier this month, where she met a range of investors and businesses including SeAH, Hana Bank and Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) to encourage further investment into the country.

    Notes to editors:

    • For more info on Deloitte’s latest survey of the UK’s investment attractiveness – please see here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City centre’s first distillery and bar now open in Derby Market Hall

    Source: City of Derby

    A brand-new distillery and bar is now open in Derby Market Hall, bringing locally crafted spirits, cocktails, and a stylish new venue to the heart of the city centre.

    The Spirit Run Distillery and Bar officially opened its doors to the public on Saturday 19 July, with the occasion being marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Nadine Peatfield.

    The new venue will join the list of growing traders at Derby Market Hall, a Grade II-listed Victorian building in the heart of the city. The Spirit Run is the latest venture from Darley Abbey Wines, situated in the newly renovated former Poultry Market space, adjoining Osnabruck Square.

    The distillery offers a truly unique experience to visitors, allowing customers to admire the iconic stills while enjoying a cocktail, refreshing gin, or a glass of wine. It will offer high-quality spirits crafted in bespoke, British-made copper stills, built by Somerset company, BritStill. 

    Innovative gin and cocktail experiences will also be available to customers, guiding them on an immersive journey through the process before tasting. These experiences, and the venue itself, can be booked for mixed groups or private parties.

    The bar will specialise in spirits, featuring a strong cocktail menu and showcasing The Spirit Run’s own creations alongside those from other local distillers and well-known brands. Customers can also choose from a range of draft beers, including selections from Derbyshire’s Thornbridge brewery, and explore a select rotating list of ‘discovery wines’ for an ambitious tasting experience. 

    The Spirit Run is also teaming up with fellow Derby Market Hall traders, including Cheeky Pancakes and Japanese street food trader SHIO, to offer customers some tasty small plates to go with their favourite drink. Keep a look out for IZAKAYA – a new Sunday Japanese Brunch Club featuring sushi and small plates from SHIO, paired with drinks from The Spirit Run. The event will feature on Sundays in September.

    The new addition forms part of Derby Market Hall’s phased reopening, which has seen several new traders joining the historic building in recent months. More traders are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. 

    Nichol Malia-Barlow, owner of The Spirit Run, said:

    I’m absolutely thrilled that The Spirit Run is now open. We’ve had an amazing opportunity to bring something truly unique to the heart of Derby as the city centre’s first distillery. The historic Market Hall is the perfect location for The Spirit Run.

    Not only will customers have a place where they can socialise and catch up with friends over drinks, but they’ll also be able to see their favourite wines, gin, rum, and more, being produced in the distillery. We welcome everyone to come and view the transformed space.

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

    It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of the opening of The Spirit Run on Saturday 19 July. The Spirit Run is a perfect addition to the iconic Derby Market Hall, offering a truly unique experience to each visitor as the first distillery in Derby’s city centre. 

    I’m really proud that we are showcasing the best of Derby and Derbyshire’s local talent. The Market Hall is thriving and offers something truly unique to each visitor. I’m looking forward to announcing more traders soon.

    I also can’t wait to try a cocktail that’s been made in the Market Hall; gin just happens to be my favourite tipple!

    Darley Abbey Wines, which began as a wine merchant in 2007, has steadily expanded its offerings. They opened a popular wine bar at Darley Abbey Mills, known for its live music and tasting events, and established Darley Abbey Distillery in 2020. Located at the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, their home is a seventeenth-century cotton mill which once produced the finest cotton thread. Today, Darley Abbey Wines expertly crafts fine spirits in small batches, honouring the building’s rich history. 

    Their first gin, The Uncommon Thread London Dry, launched in November 2022 to great success. The new Derby Market Hall distillery will allow them to increase production, expand existing and new brands, and facilitate exciting small-batch local projects and collaborations.

    The iconic Derby Market Hall reopened in May following a £35.1 million restoration, creating a vibrant venue that brings together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking, and entertainment under one beautiful roof. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China unveils new regulations for rental housing sector

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council regulation on issuing regulations for the high-quality development of the rental housing market to build a housing construction system that is favorable for both rental and purchase.

    The new regulations, which will come into effect on September 15, emphasize the integration of the leading role of the market and the guiding role of the government in the development of the sector. They also encourage an increase in the supply of rental housing through multiple channels and promote the development of market-oriented professional rental housing enterprises.

    The document sets out rules governing the rental business and the conduct of rental businesses and brokerage agencies. Rental brokerage agencies must verify and record information provided by authorized representatives, conduct on-site inspections of properties before listing them, and clearly state the prices for their services, the document states.

    The document stresses the need to strengthen supervision and management of the rental housing sector. Local people’s governments at or above the city level with district divisions should establish a mechanism to monitor housing rents and regularly publish information on rental prices.

    The document provides for strict legal liability for illegal actions of landlords, tenants, rental housing companies, brokerage agencies and employees of relevant government agencies. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: VNBTC Gains UK FCA Certification, Enhancing Trust in Its Cloud Mining Platform for Simple and Secure Bitcoin Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Institutional investment and global interest have driven the Bitcoin price past $120,000. Simultaneously, cloud mining is evolving into a powerful, accessible way to earn cryptocurrency. VNBTC, a cloud mining platform headquartered in the UK, is proud to announce that it has officially received regulatory certification from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This significant milestone marks VNBTC as one of the few legally recognized cloud mining platforms in the global crypto space — reinforcing its commitment to compliance, investor protection, and long-term sustainability.

    With its new FCA status, VNBTC now offers crypto investors worldwide a higher level of trust and transparency. The certification enables VNBTC to operate under strict regulatory guidelines, adding a legal layer of security to its AI-optimized cloud mining services. Users can now confidently access Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Litecoin mining contracts knowing they are engaging with a fully licensed and regulated service provider.

    In 2025, VNBTC has emerged as a standout platform, offering tiered cloud-mining contracts that deliver impressive earning potential, even for beginners. The platform’s signature feature? Clearly defined daily ROI and transparent contract mechanics, making it easy to estimate your returns before you invest. Due to these plan structures, the highest-paying Bitcoin contract offers $17,500 ROI.

    VNBTC credits earnings automatically every 24 hours to your dashboard, so users see their profits grow in real time and can withdraw or reinvest at any time. With millions of investors already using the platform’s AI-optimized contracts, many are seeing daily income ranging from modest starter-plan payouts to five-figure profit cycles.

    VNBTC is making cryptocurrency mining easier, offering multiple ways to earn passively without needing to afford expensive mining rigs. With added benefits like the affiliate program offering 3% and 1.8% referral commission. Now might be the best time to join the future of mining that is globally trusted by millions.

    Media Contact:

    James Carter
    Marketing Specialist
    James.Carter@vnbtc.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c65f8fdb-b322-4f46-8b00-eea82f3658e1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Euronet Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call Details

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEAWOOD, Kan., July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Euronet (or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: EEFT) announced today it will release second quarter 2025 earnings results prior to the market opening on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Euronet will hold a conference call the same day at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results.

    The conference call and accompanying slide show presentation will be accessible via webcast by following the link posted on http://ir.euronetworldwide.com. Participants wanting to access the conference call by telephone should dial (800)715-9871 (USA) or (646)307-1963 (international). While not required, it is recommended participants join the call five minutes prior to the event start.

    A webcast replay will be available beginning approximately one hour after the event at http://ir.euronetworldwide.com and will remain available for one year.

    About Euronet Worldwide, Inc.

    Starting in Central Europe in 1994 and growing to a global real-time digital and cash payments network with millions of touchpoints today, Euronet now moves money in all the ways consumers and businesses depend upon. This includes money transfers, credit/debit card processing, ATMs, POS services, branded payments, foreign currency exchange and more. With products and services in more than 200 countries and territories provided through its own brand and branded business segments, Euronet and its financial technologies and networks make participation in the global economy easier, faster, and more secure for everyone. 

    A leading global financial technology solutions and payments provider, Euronet has developed an extensive global payments network that includes 55,512 installed ATMs, approximately 1,214,000 EFT POS terminals and a growing portfolio of outsourced debit and credit card services which are under management in 69 countries; card software solutions; a prepaid processing network of approximately 735,000 POS terminals at approximately 358,000 retailer locations in 64 countries; and a global money transfer network of approximately 624,000 locations serving 199 countries and territories. Euronet serves clients from its corporate headquarters in Leawood, Kansas, USA, and 67 worldwide offices. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.euronetworldwide.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Euronet Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call Details

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEAWOOD, Kan., July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Euronet (or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: EEFT) announced today it will release second quarter 2025 earnings results prior to the market opening on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Euronet will hold a conference call the same day at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results.

    The conference call and accompanying slide show presentation will be accessible via webcast by following the link posted on http://ir.euronetworldwide.com. Participants wanting to access the conference call by telephone should dial (800)715-9871 (USA) or (646)307-1963 (international). While not required, it is recommended participants join the call five minutes prior to the event start.

    A webcast replay will be available beginning approximately one hour after the event at http://ir.euronetworldwide.com and will remain available for one year.

    About Euronet Worldwide, Inc.

    Starting in Central Europe in 1994 and growing to a global real-time digital and cash payments network with millions of touchpoints today, Euronet now moves money in all the ways consumers and businesses depend upon. This includes money transfers, credit/debit card processing, ATMs, POS services, branded payments, foreign currency exchange and more. With products and services in more than 200 countries and territories provided through its own brand and branded business segments, Euronet and its financial technologies and networks make participation in the global economy easier, faster, and more secure for everyone. 

    A leading global financial technology solutions and payments provider, Euronet has developed an extensive global payments network that includes 55,512 installed ATMs, approximately 1,214,000 EFT POS terminals and a growing portfolio of outsourced debit and credit card services which are under management in 69 countries; card software solutions; a prepaid processing network of approximately 735,000 POS terminals at approximately 358,000 retailer locations in 64 countries; and a global money transfer network of approximately 624,000 locations serving 199 countries and territories. Euronet serves clients from its corporate headquarters in Leawood, Kansas, USA, and 67 worldwide offices. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.euronetworldwide.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why has a bill to relax NZ foreign investment rules had so little scrutiny?

    ANALYSIS: By Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    While public attention has been focused on the domestic fast-track consenting process for infrastructure and mining, Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour has been pushing through another fast-track process — this time for foreign investment in New Zealand.

    But it has had almost no public scrutiny.

    If the Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill becomes law, it could have far-reaching consequences. Public submissions on the bill close tomorrow.

    A product of the ACT-National coalition agreement, the bill commits to amend the Overseas Investment Act 2005 “to limit ministerial decision making to national security concerns and make such decision making more timely”.

    There are valid concerns that piecemeal reforms to the current act have made it complex and unwieldy. But the new bill is equally convoluted and would significantly reduce effective scrutiny of foreign investments — especially in forestry.

    A three-step test
     Step one of a three-step process set out in the bill gives the regulator — the Overseas Investment Office which sits within Land Information NZ — 15 days to decide whether a proposed investment would be a risk to New Zealand’s “national interest”.

    If they don’t perceive a risk, or that initial assessment is not completed in time, the application is automatically approved.

    Transactions involving fisheries quotas and various land categories, or any other applications the regulator identifies, would require a “national interest” assessment under stage two.

    These would be assessed against a “ministerial letter” that sets out the government’s general policy and preferred approach to conducting the assessment, including any conditions on approvals.

    Other mandatory factors to be considered in the second stage include the act’s new “purpose” to increase economic opportunity through “timely consent” of less sensitive investments. The new test would allow scrutiny of the character and capability of the investor to be omitted altogether.

    If the regulator considers the national interest test is not met, or the transaction is “contrary to the national interest”, the minister of finance then makes a decision based on their assessment of those factors.

    Inadequate regulatory process
     Seymour has blamed the current screening regime for low volumes of foreign investment. But Treasury’s 2024 regulatory impact statement on the proposed changes to international investment screening acknowledges many other factors that influence investor decisions.

    Moreover, the Treasury statement acknowledges public views that foreign investment rules should “manage a wide range of risks” and “that there is inherent non-economic value in retaining domestic ownership of certain assets”.

    Treasury officials also recognised a range of other public concerns, including profits going offshore, loss of jobs, and foreign control of iconic businesses.

    The regulatory impact statement did not cover these factors because it was required to consider only the coalition commitment. The Treasury panel reported “notable limitations” on the bill’s quality assurance process.

    A fuller review was “infeasible” because it could not be completed in the time required, and would be broader than necessary to meet the coalition commitment to amend the act in the prescribed way.

    The requirement to implement the bill in this parliamentary term meant the options officials could consider, even within the scope of the coalition agreement, were further limited.

    Time constraints meant “users and key stakeholders have not been consulted”, according to the Treasury statement. Environmental and other risks would have to be managed through other regulations.

    There is no reference to te Tiriti o Waitangi or mana whenua engagement.

    Forestry ‘slash’ after Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 . . . no need to consider foreign investors’ track records. Image: Getty/The Conversation

    No ‘benefit to NZ’ test
     While the bill largely retains a version of the current screening regime for residential and farm land, it removes existing forestry activities from that definition (but not new forestry on non-forest land). It also removes extraction of water for bottling, or other bulk extraction for human consumption, from special vetting.

    Where sensitive land (such as islands, coastal areas, conservation and wahi tapu land) is not residential or farm land, it would be removed from special screening rules currently applied for land.

    Repeal of the “special forestry test” — which in practice has seen most applications approved, albeit with conditions — means most forestry investments could be fast-tracked.

    There would no longer be a need to consider investors’ track records or apply a “benefit to New Zealand” test. Regulators may or may not be empowered to impose conditions such as replanting or cleaning up slash.

    The official documents don’t explain the rationale for this. But it looks like a win for Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, and was perhaps the price of NZ First’s support.

    It has potentially serious implications for forestry communities affected by climate-related disasters, however. Further weakening scrutiny and investment conditions risks intensifying the already devastating impacts of international forestry companies. Taxpayers and ratepayers pick up the costs while the companies can minimise their taxes and send profits offshore.

    Locked in forever?
     Finally, these changes could be locked in through New Zealand’s free trade agreements. Several such agreements say New Zealand’s investment regime cannot become more restrictive than the 2005 act and its regulations.

    A “ratchet clause” would lock in any further liberalisation through this bill, from which there is no going back.

    However, another annex in those free trade agreements could be interpreted as allowing some flexibility to alter the screening rules and criteria in the future. None of the official documents address this crucial question.

    As an academic expert in this area I am uncertain about the risk.

    But the lack of clarity underlines the problems exemplified in this bill. It is another example of coalition agreements bypassing democratic scrutiny and informed decision making. More public debate and broad analysis is needed on the bill and its implications.

    Dr Jane Kelsey is emeritus professor of law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why has a bill to relax NZ foreign investment rules had so little scrutiny?

    ANALYSIS: By Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    While public attention has been focused on the domestic fast-track consenting process for infrastructure and mining, Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour has been pushing through another fast-track process — this time for foreign investment in New Zealand.

    But it has had almost no public scrutiny.

    If the Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill becomes law, it could have far-reaching consequences. Public submissions on the bill close tomorrow.

    A product of the ACT-National coalition agreement, the bill commits to amend the Overseas Investment Act 2005 “to limit ministerial decision making to national security concerns and make such decision making more timely”.

    There are valid concerns that piecemeal reforms to the current act have made it complex and unwieldy. But the new bill is equally convoluted and would significantly reduce effective scrutiny of foreign investments — especially in forestry.

    A three-step test
     Step one of a three-step process set out in the bill gives the regulator — the Overseas Investment Office which sits within Land Information NZ — 15 days to decide whether a proposed investment would be a risk to New Zealand’s “national interest”.

    If they don’t perceive a risk, or that initial assessment is not completed in time, the application is automatically approved.

    Transactions involving fisheries quotas and various land categories, or any other applications the regulator identifies, would require a “national interest” assessment under stage two.

    These would be assessed against a “ministerial letter” that sets out the government’s general policy and preferred approach to conducting the assessment, including any conditions on approvals.

    Other mandatory factors to be considered in the second stage include the act’s new “purpose” to increase economic opportunity through “timely consent” of less sensitive investments. The new test would allow scrutiny of the character and capability of the investor to be omitted altogether.

    If the regulator considers the national interest test is not met, or the transaction is “contrary to the national interest”, the minister of finance then makes a decision based on their assessment of those factors.

    Inadequate regulatory process
     Seymour has blamed the current screening regime for low volumes of foreign investment. But Treasury’s 2024 regulatory impact statement on the proposed changes to international investment screening acknowledges many other factors that influence investor decisions.

    Moreover, the Treasury statement acknowledges public views that foreign investment rules should “manage a wide range of risks” and “that there is inherent non-economic value in retaining domestic ownership of certain assets”.

    Treasury officials also recognised a range of other public concerns, including profits going offshore, loss of jobs, and foreign control of iconic businesses.

    The regulatory impact statement did not cover these factors because it was required to consider only the coalition commitment. The Treasury panel reported “notable limitations” on the bill’s quality assurance process.

    A fuller review was “infeasible” because it could not be completed in the time required, and would be broader than necessary to meet the coalition commitment to amend the act in the prescribed way.

    The requirement to implement the bill in this parliamentary term meant the options officials could consider, even within the scope of the coalition agreement, were further limited.

    Time constraints meant “users and key stakeholders have not been consulted”, according to the Treasury statement. Environmental and other risks would have to be managed through other regulations.

    There is no reference to te Tiriti o Waitangi or mana whenua engagement.

    Forestry ‘slash’ after Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 . . . no need to consider foreign investors’ track records. Image: Getty/The Conversation

    No ‘benefit to NZ’ test
     While the bill largely retains a version of the current screening regime for residential and farm land, it removes existing forestry activities from that definition (but not new forestry on non-forest land). It also removes extraction of water for bottling, or other bulk extraction for human consumption, from special vetting.

    Where sensitive land (such as islands, coastal areas, conservation and wahi tapu land) is not residential or farm land, it would be removed from special screening rules currently applied for land.

    Repeal of the “special forestry test” — which in practice has seen most applications approved, albeit with conditions — means most forestry investments could be fast-tracked.

    There would no longer be a need to consider investors’ track records or apply a “benefit to New Zealand” test. Regulators may or may not be empowered to impose conditions such as replanting or cleaning up slash.

    The official documents don’t explain the rationale for this. But it looks like a win for Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, and was perhaps the price of NZ First’s support.

    It has potentially serious implications for forestry communities affected by climate-related disasters, however. Further weakening scrutiny and investment conditions risks intensifying the already devastating impacts of international forestry companies. Taxpayers and ratepayers pick up the costs while the companies can minimise their taxes and send profits offshore.

    Locked in forever?
     Finally, these changes could be locked in through New Zealand’s free trade agreements. Several such agreements say New Zealand’s investment regime cannot become more restrictive than the 2005 act and its regulations.

    A “ratchet clause” would lock in any further liberalisation through this bill, from which there is no going back.

    However, another annex in those free trade agreements could be interpreted as allowing some flexibility to alter the screening rules and criteria in the future. None of the official documents address this crucial question.

    As an academic expert in this area I am uncertain about the risk.

    But the lack of clarity underlines the problems exemplified in this bill. It is another example of coalition agreements bypassing democratic scrutiny and informed decision making. More public debate and broad analysis is needed on the bill and its implications.

    Dr Jane Kelsey is emeritus professor of law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tough new laws to make online marketplaces safer

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Tough new laws to make online marketplaces safer

    New laws to make online marketplaces safer and protect the public from dangerous products

    Person using computer with caption reading making online marketplaces safer

    • As part of the Plan for Change the Government is taking action to protect customers ensuring online marketplaces are held to same high standards as bricks and mortar stores 
    • Landmark Product Regulation and Metrology Act boosts powers to tackle unsafe products sold online
    • Measures aimed to hold online marketplaces to account and help with growing safety concerns over fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, and e-bikes 

    Tougher powers to make online marketplaces safer and protect the public from dangerous products as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, have moved a step closer following Royal Assent of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act.  

    The new legislation will provide powers to target new and emerging dangers and hold online marketplaces to account for dangerous products sold through their platforms, creating a level playing field with bricks and mortar stores.

    The rising popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters has brought with it an increase in safety incidents – the Office for Product Safety and Standards in 2024 received reports on 211 fires involving e-bikes or e-scooters – equivalent to a fire every 1.7 days.

    Most of these reports (175) were from London Fire Brigade, and many were caused by unsafe lithium-ion batteries purchased through online marketplaces.  

    To help address the sale of unsafe products like these by online marketplaces, the Government intends to introduce requirements for online marketplaces at the earliest opportunity to update their responsibilities. 

    These will create a proportionate regulatory framework where online marketplaces are expected to:

    • prevent unsafe products from being made available to consumers
    • ensure that sellers operating on their platform comply with product safety obligations
    • provide relevant information to consumers;
    • and cooperate closely with regulators. 

    Product Safety Minister Justin Madders said: 

    By giving regulators the teeth to clamp down on unsafe products, we’re ensuring people can shop with confidence whether online or on the high street. 

    This will establish a level playing field and mean online marketplaces are held to the same high standards as bricks and mortar shops, ensuring we back businesses and protect consumers as part of our Plan for Change.

    The new measures will ensure clarity for the approximately 300,000 UK businesses operating in regulated product markets with a combined estimated turnover of £490 billion. 

    The Office for Product Safety and Standards will continue its targeted programme to tackle dangerous products, including the threats from button batteries and small magnets, and building on successful initiatives like the “Buy Safe, Be Safe” campaign launched last October and recent guidelines on lithium-ion battery safety introduced in December. 

    This balanced approach protects consumers while supporting economic growth across all nations of the UK. 

    Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said:  

    Which? has campaigned for years to hold online marketplaces to the same standards as high street retailers. For too long, consumers have been exposed to dangerous – and in some cases lethal – products.  

    The Product Regulation and Metrology Act has the potential to be a game changer for consumer safety. It paves the way for new laws to clarify and strengthen responsibilities for online marketplaces, which is crucial in the fight against the sale of dangerous products online.  

    Following the bill’s Royal Assent, the government must act fast to tighten definitions of online marketplaces, introduce a clear duty so that online marketplaces are accountable for product safety, and empower regulators to issue heavy fines for those that fall short of the required standards.

    London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner Charlie Pugsley said:  

    We are pleased that the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill (PRAM) has been granted Royal Assent.

    London Fire Brigade sees one e-bike or e-scooter fire every two days and we have long called for regulation to improve product safety and safeguards on online marketplaces to protect people from buying dangerous products that pose a fire risk. 

    We welcome this new piece of legislation, which will better regulate unsafe products being sold and help to protect the public from unsafe products and particularly poor quality or non-compliant lithium battery products, which can present unique fire safety challenges. 

    John Herriman, Chief Executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: 

    Alongside the coalition, which included the British Toy and Hobby Association and Electrical Safety First, we welcome the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill gaining Royal Assent as a positive step forward in ensuring the UK maintains strong, modern protections for consumers.  

    This legislation supports the vital work Trading Standards does in keeping unsafe and non-compliant products off the market, creating a fairer and safer trading environment for businesses and consumers alike. We look forward to working closely with government and stakeholders to ensure that the laws that follow, after further consultation, are implemented effectively and contributes to a robust, future-facing regulatory system that will support economic growth in the UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint statement on behalf of 26 partners on the Occupied Palestinian Territories

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 21, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, today issued the following statement:

    “We, the signatories listed below, come together with a simple, urgent message: the war in Gaza must end now.

    “The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths. The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity. We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. It is horrifying that over 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid. The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable. Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

    “The hostages cruelly held captive by Hamas since 7 October 2023 continue to suffer terribly. We condemn their continued detention and call for their immediate and unconditional release. A negotiated ceasefire offers the best hope of bringing them home and ending the agony of their families.

    “We call on the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and to urgently enable the UN and humanitarian NGOs to do their life-saving work safely and effectively.

    “We call on all parties to protect civilians and uphold the obligations of international humanitarian law. Proposals to remove the Palestinian population into a “humanitarian city” are completely unacceptable. Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international humanitarian law.

    “We strongly oppose any steps towards territorial or demographic change in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The E1 settlement plan announced by Israel’s Civil Administration, if implemented, would divide a future Palestinian state in two, marking a flagrant breach of international law, and critically undermine the two-state solution. Meanwhile, settlement building across the West Bank and East Jerusalem has accelerated while settler violence against Palestinians has soared. This must stop.

    “We urge the parties and the international community to unite in a common effort to bring this terrible conflict to an end, through an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire. Further bloodshed serves no purpose.  We reaffirm our complete support to the efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt to achieve this.

    “We are prepared to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political pathway to security and peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the entire region.”

    This statement has been signed by:

    • The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK
    • The EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt announces new plan for 2 sites

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Development Bureau announced today that the Government has decided to cancel the tender for two sites in Yuen Long and Hung Shui Kiu and proactively utilise the sites according to the Government’s development strategy.

     

    Yuen Long Town Lot No. 545 was handed over to the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC), while Hung Shui Kiu Town Lot No. 10 has been put into the Development Bureau’s policy study.

     

    The tenders of the Yuen Long Lot and the Hung Shui Kiu Lot were launched under the two-envelope approach in March and October 2024 respectively for the development of multi-storey buildings for modern industries. The tender invitation for the two sites was originally to close on July 25, 2025.

     

    The Development Bureau explained that taking into account the views of the innovation and technology sector and the logistics sector on the industry development strategy in the area, as well as the Government’s planning strategy for the Northern Metropolis, the Government decided to cancel the tender for the two sites and proactively utilise such sites in accordance with its development strategy, enabling the greater play of the sites in promoting industry development.

     

    The three-hectare Yuen Long Lot is situated within the vicinity of the Yuen Long InnoPark and the Microelectronics Centre therein. The Yuen Long InnoPark is operated and managed by the HKSTPC.

     

    To cater for the HKSTPC’s plan to establish a vibrant microelectronics ecosystem within the Yuen Long InnoPark, the Government has seized the opportunity to convert the Yuen Long Lot to innovation and technology use. The Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau will further discuss with the HKSTPC to draw up a concrete development proposal.

     

    On the other hand, the Development Bureau has been exploring the establishment of a company led by the Government to build and operate an industrial park, involving some of the logistics sites in Hung Shui Kiu.

     

    The study will cover around 15 hectares of industry sites situated in the northern part of Hung Shui Kiu, and the eight-hectare Hung Shui Kiu Lot is exactly adjacent to this 15-hectare area of industry land.

     

    Incorporating the Hung Shui Kiu Lot in the study will endow the industry park company with more ample land resources to achieve economies of scale in the future.

     

    The Development Bureau will complete the study within this year and subsequently commence the work for the establishment of the company.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: José Adolfo “Fito” Macías Villamar, Leader of Los Choneros Transnational Criminal Organization Extradited to Brooklyn Federal Court to Face International Drug and Gun Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BROOKLYN, NY – José Adolfo Macías Villamar, also known as “Fito,” a citizen of Ecuador, will be arraigned today at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn for crimes committed as the leader of Los Choneros, a transnational criminal organization based in Ecuador that is responsible for significant drug trafficking into the United States, firearms trafficking from the United States, and acts of extreme violence.  Macías Villamar will be arraigned on a seven-count superseding indictment charging him with international cocaine distribution conspiracy; international cocaine distribution; using firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; smuggling firearms from the United States; and straw purchasing of firearms conspiracy.  Macías Villamar will be arraigned before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon after being extradited yesterday from Ecuador to the Eastern District of New York.

    Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Robert Murphy, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); L.C. Cheeks, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division (ATF); and Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office (OEE), announced the extradition and arraignment.

    “As alleged, the defendant served for years as the principal leader of Los Choneros, a notoriously violent transnational criminal organization, and was a ruthless and infamous drug and firearms trafficker.  The defendant and his co-conspirators flooded the United States and other countries with drugs and used extreme measures of violence in their quest for power and control,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “This case demonstrates our Office’s commitment to identifying and targeting the leadership of such organizations, wherever they may be located, and bringing them to face justice here in the United States.”

    “José ‘Fito’ Macias thought he could traffic poison into our country, smuggle American weapons back to his killers, and further his criminal enterprise using chaos and bloodshed. He was wrong,” stated DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy.  “Today, the kingpin of Los Choneros faces justice on U.S. soil for his crimes.”

    “ATF remains dedicated to working with our local, state, and federal partners to disrupt the shooting cycle by focusing on those individuals and criminal organizations responsible for the gun violence that plagues our neighborhoods,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Cheeks.  “ATF will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to address violent gang and drug-related activity that endangers the safety of our communities.  Our joint efforts are essential in bringing accountability to violent offenders, combatting threats to the public, and reducing violent crime.”

    As alleged in the indictment and other public filings, from at least 2020 to 2025, Macías Villamar was the principal leader of Los Choneros, the most violent and powerful transnational criminal organization in Ecuador.  As the principal leader of Los Choneros, Macías Villamar employed members of the organization to carry out serious acts of violence on the organization’s behalf. At Macías Villamar’s direction, Los Choneros committed violent acts toward Ecuadorean law enforcement, Ecuadorian politicians, attorneys, prosecutors, and civilians.  Los Choneros obtained many of its firearms and weapons by illegally trafficking and exporting them from the United States to Ecuador.  As alleged, the defendant specifically employed individuals who purchased firearms, firearms components, and ammunition in the United States and then illegally smuggled them to Ecuador for use by Los Choneros.

    In 2011, Macías Villamar went to prison in Ecuador on murder, robbery, weapons possession, and drug trafficking charges.  He escaped in 2013 before being recaptured months later.  During his second imprisonment in Ecuador, Macías Villamar used contraband cell phones and the internet to continue to direct the activities of Los Choneros and publish external communications and threats on Los Choneros’ behalf.  In January 2024, he escaped from Ecuadorian prison a second time—just two days ahead of his planned move to a maximum-security facility. In response to his escape, Ecuador erupted in violence—including prison riots, gang attacks, kidnappings, and bombings—and the government of Ecuador declared a state of emergency.  Ecuadorian authorities recaptured Macías Villamar on June 25, 2025, and he was extradited from Ecuador yesterday.

    Macías Villamar and members and associates of his organization used firearms in furtherance of their weapon and drug trafficking activities, including machine guns, AK-47 assault rifles, and grenades.  Macías Villamar and the Los Choneros organization have also been sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Ecuadorian authorities provided substantial assistance to secure the extradition of Macías Villamar.  This marks Ecuador’s first extradition of an Ecuadorian national since an April 2024 popular referendum amended Ecuador’s constitution to allow for the extradition of Ecuadorian nationals.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and up to life.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section, and as part of the work of the Office’s Transnational Criminal Organizations Strike Force.  Assistant United States Attorneys Chand Edwards-Balfour, Lorena Michelen, and David Berman are in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendant:

    JOSÉ ADOLFO MACÍAS VILLAMAR (also known as “Fito”)
    Age:  45
    Ecuador

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No.: 25-CR-114 (FB)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: PAXMINING and Kraken Partner to Launch Daily Income Crypto Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the cryptocurrency market continues to surge in 2025,  (BTC) breaking through $123,000 and XRP soaring 26% to $2.93, global investors are increasingly seeking high-yield, low-barrier crypto investment opportunities. The world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange Kraken and premier cloud mining platform PAXMINING have announced a strategic partnership, officially launching a “One-Click Mining” service. This collaboration marks the dawn of a “zero-cost” cloud mining era, offering global users a secure, transparent, and sustainable path to passive income.

    PAXMINING: Redefining the Gold Standard in Cloud Mining

    Established in 2017 and headquartered in London, UK, PAXMINING leverages AI-driven technology and 100% renewable energy to deliver a secure, green, and transparent cloud mining platform. Serving over 8 million users across 190+ countries, PAXMINING operates more than 70 high-performance green mining farms powered by hydropower, wind, and solar energy. This approach significantly reduces operational costs while promoting sustainability in the blockchain industry.

    PAXMINING’s Six Core Advantages

    Zero-Entry Barrier: No need to purchase expensive mining rigs or pay electricity fees. New users receive a $15 welcome bonus upon registration to start mining instantly.

    Multi-Currency Support: Supports mining of BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, USDT, USDC, SOL, LTC, BCH, and 9+ other major cryptocurrencies, allowing flexible switching to seize market opportunities.

    Green Energy-Powered: Utilizes 100% renewable energy, aligning with global carbon-neutral goals, reducing costs, and enhancing long-term profitability.

    High Transparency and Security: Blockchain smart contracts ensure transparent earnings, with enterprise-grade wallet custody and multi-layer encryption safeguarding funds.

    User-Friendly Platform: Intuitive interface designed for beginners and seasoned investors alike, requiring no technical expertise.

    No Hidden Fees: Transparent pricing with no additional service or management fees; earnings are settled daily and credited directly to user accounts.

    Strategic partnership with Kraken

    PAXMINING and Kraken have partnered to enable users to seamlessly participate in cloud mining through their Kraken accounts and benefit from the strong security and liquidity of the Kraken exchange. Kraken’s compliance and global reputation lay a solid foundation for PAXMINING’s cloud mining services, ensuring user trust and a convenient operation experience.

    PAXMINING Cloud Mining Contracts: Flexible Options, High Returns

    PAXMINING offers a range of mining contracts to meet the needs of different risk preferences and budgets. Here is an overview of the popular contracts in 2025:

    Contract Project Investment Amount The term Total revenue
    WhatsMiner M50S+ $100 2days $100+$6
    Canaan Avalon miner A14 $500 7days $500+$43.40
    WhatsMiner M60S+ $1,300 15days $1,300+$253.5
    ALPH Miner AL1 $3,500 30days $3,500+$948‬
    Bitcoin Miner S21 XP Imm  $8,000 35days $8,000+$4424
    Bitcoin Miner S21 XP Hyd $12,800 40 days $12,800+$8,601

    （Earnings begin accumulating the next day after contract purchase, with real-time profit tracking available in your dashboard. Explore more contract options at PAXMINING official website.）

    2025 Wealth Opportunities: Seize the Cloud Mining Boom

    As Bitcoin’s market cap exceeds $2.4 trillion and cryptocurrencies such as XRP and DOGE continue to rise, PAXMINING’s cloud mining service provides investors with a stable source of income without speculative trading. The platform uses an AI-optimized computing power allocation mechanism that can be dynamically adjusted according to market and network conditions to ensure that users maximize their returns.

    A PAXMINING spokesperson said: “Our mission is to democratize access to the cryptocurrency economy and share wealth opportunities with everyone. From $100 trial plans to high-yield contracts, PAXMINING provides secure and transparent solutions for users around the world.”

    Join PAXMINING now and start your wealth journey

    New users only need to follow the steps below:
    Sign up for an account to receive a $15 welcome bonus and a daily $0.60 sign-in bonus.

    Choose the right computing power contract and start earning daily income after activation.

    For more information or to get started with your mining contract, visit:

    https://paxmining.com or (click to download the mobile app)

    For direct inquiries, contact: info@paxmining.com

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Maxim Group LLC Expands Equity Sales and Trading with Strategic Hire of Michael Chrisman

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Maxim Group LLC, a leading full-service investment banking, securities, and wealth management firm, is pleased to announce the continued expansion of its Equity Sales and Trading division with the addition of seasoned professional, Michael Chrisman. This strategic addition enables the broadening of institutional services offered through the firm’s California branch.

    Michael Chrisman brings 28 years of experience in Institutional Sales trading. Mr. Chrisman has managed a broad array of West Coast-based mutual funds and hedge funds through trading both domestic and international securities, ETFs and programs across all sectors and market caps. Prior to joining Maxim, Mr. Chrisman served in senior positions at various firms, including ANOS Capital, Piper Jaffray, Deutsche Bank, O’Neil Securities, and The Benchmark Company.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to our team as Maxim’s institutional sales trading platform continues to expand into the West Coast,” said Michael A. Cerussi, Head of Institutional Sales and Trading at Maxim Group. “With his experience in global markets, Michael adds a valuable perspective to our team. His insight will help us unlock new opportunities and strengthen the way we support clients across a wide range of regions and sectors.”

    About Maxim Group LLC
    Maxim Group LLC is a full-service investment banking, securities and wealth management firm headquartered in New York. The independent and employee-owned firm provides a full array of financial services including investment banking; private wealth management; and global institutional equity, fixed-income and derivatives sales & trading, equity research and prime brokerage services. Maxim Group LLC is a registered broker-dealer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) and is a member of FINRA SIPC, and NASDAQ. To learn more about Maxim Group LLC, visit maximgrp.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • 497 DPMUs under PM Vishwakarma scheme to ensure effective implementation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A total of 497 District Project Management Units (DPMUs) have been appointed across 618 districts in the country to facilitate on-ground execution and monitoring of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme

    The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance. The MoMSME acts as the nodal ministry for overall implementation and coordination, while the MSDE is responsible for the skilling component, with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) serving as the Project Implementing Agency (PIA).

    DPMUs play a key role in the effective outreach and coordination of the scheme. Their responsibilities include generating awareness among Vishwakarma beneficiaries, communicating training schedules, batch timings, training centre locations, and benefits. They also ensure regular monitoring of training centres to maintain adherence to established guidelines.

    As of July 16, 497 DPMUs have been deployed, with 107 of them assigned to manage multiple districts due to specific project needs and operational requirements. Despite multiple assignments, no instances of double payments have been reported, as payment processing is strictly based on verified personnel deployment.

    The functioning of DPMUs is closely monitored through a task-based review system. Daily tasks are assigned by the PIA, with weekly performance reviews in place. DPMUs undergo physical orientation sessions before deployment and are continuously guided through physical and virtual meetings by the PIA. They also work in coordination with the Regional Directorates of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (RDSDEs) to ensure efficient implementation at the district level.

    A weekly tracking mechanism has been established by the PIA to monitor progress, and supervision and evaluation of DPMU operations are conducted on a weekly basis.

    The information was shared by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Monday.

    For detailed State/UT-wise information on DPMUs, including those managing multiple districts, the public may refer to the Ministry’s official website at [www.msde.gov.in/documents]

  • MIL-OSI: Dogecoin fans rejoice: Blockchain Cloud Mining launches, promises $5,700 daily returns

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the wake of the recent crypto market rebound, a major shift is taking place across the Dogecoin (DOGE) community. The old mindset of “just hold and wait” is quickly giving way to a smarter, more profitable model: “hold and earn.”

    Today, we are excited to announce the official launch of a new series of high-yield cloud mining contracts on BlockchainCloudMining, a global leader in cloud mining services. These new contracts are specially designed to provide daily passive income opportunities for DOGE holders and crypto investors — with some users already reporting daily earnings of up to $5,700!

    Transformation moment for Dogecoin holders
    Since the advent of DOGE, this “joke coin” derived from Internet culture has had amazing vitality. Although its price has fluctuated greatly, its huge community base and expanding application scenarios have proved its durability in the crypto ecosystem.

    However, in the face of the ever-changing market environment, DOGE holders have gradually realized that relying solely on rising and falling profits is risky, and “activating” assets and generating stable cash flow may be the wise direction for future investment. It is in this context that BlockchainCloudMining has become the “star platform” in this asset reconfiguration revolution.

    The “low threshold and high return” logic of cloud mining platforms
    BlockchainCloudMining is a professional cloud mining platform headquartered in the UK. Since its launch in 2018, it has been committed to providing simple, safe and efficient mining solutions for global crypto users. Users do not need to build their own mines, purchase hardware, and maintain equipment. They only need to register an account and select a contract to start 24-hour automatic mining and obtain daily settled income.

    Security and Sustainability
    In the field of mining, trust and security are crucial. Blockchain Cloud Mining (BlockchainCloudMining) knows this well and puts user safety first. Blockchain Cloud Mining (BlockchainCloudMining) is committed to transparency and legality, ensuring that your investment is protected and allowing you to focus on profitability. All mines use clean energy, making cloud mining carbon neutral. Renewable energy protects the environment from pollution and brings rich returns, allowing every investor to enjoy opportunities and benefits.

    BlockchainCloudMining platform advantages:
    ⦁Get a $12 instant bonus upon registration.
    ⦁High profit level and daily dividends.
    ⦁No other service fees or management fees.
    ⦁The platform supports settlement of more than 9 cryptocurrencies, such as DOGE, BTC, ETH, SOL, USDC, USDT, XRP, LTC and BCH.
    ⦁The company’s affiliate program allows you to refer friends and get up to $50,000 in referral bonuses.
    ⦁McAfee® security. Cloudflare® security. 100% uptime guarantee and excellent 24/7 manual online technical support.

    Actual income performance is outstanding, and investors continue to increase their investment
    The latest data from the BlockchainCloudMining platform shows that the following contracts have become the first choice of users:
    ⦁【New User Experience Contract】: Investment amount: $100, contract period 2 days, total income: $100 + $6.
    ⦁【WhatsMiner M66S】: Investment amount: $500, contract period 7 days, total return: $500 + $45.5.
    ⦁【WhatsMiner M60】: Investment amount: $1000, contract period 14 days, total return: $1000 + $196.
    ⦁【Bitcoin Miner S21+】: Investment amount: $3000, contract period 20 days, total return: $3000 + $900.
    ⦁【ALPH Miner AL1】: Investment amount: $10000, contract period 35 days, total return: $10000 + $5950.
    ⦁【ANTSPACE HK3】: Investment amount: $33000, contract period 40 days, total return: $33000 + $26400.
    You can get income the next day after purchasing the contract, and you can also choose to withdraw to your crypto wallet or continue to purchase other contracts.
    (The platform has launched a number of stable income contracts. For more contract details, please log in to the official website of Blockchaincloudmining.com)

    Global deployment, stable output
    It is worth noting that the BlockchainCloudMining platform has multiple data centers around the world and deploys more than 500,000 high-performance mining machines. This distributed computing power network allows mining tasks to be unaffected by the power or network environment of a single region. Even in extreme market conditions or policy changes, it can still ensure the stable operation of contracts and the payment of daily income as scheduled.

    In short: a “static income revolution” for DOGE users
    In the past, DOGE was the “happy fruit” of the crypto world; now, with the BlockchainCloudMining platform, it is gradually becoming a “passive income engine.”
    If holding coins is a belief, then letting the assets you hold continue to work for you is a smarter continuation of belief. For more and more DOGE users, cloud mining is not only an investment option, but also a long-term asset management strategy.

    For more details, please visit the official website: https://blockchaincloudmining.com
    or contact the official email: info@blockchaincloudmining.com

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

    The MIL Network –