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Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China releases first national standard for school meal services

    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) — China has issued its first national standard for school meal services, which will take effect on Dec. 1 this year, the State Administration for Market Regulation announced Monday.

    The School Food Service Business Management Guidelines regulate the activities of businesses providing food preparation and delivery services to primary and secondary schools and kindergartens.

    There are currently more than 460,000 primary and secondary schools and kindergartens in China, attended by more than 237 million students.

    According to the guidelines, businesses are required to appoint full-time employees responsible for ensuring and checking food safety.

    Businesses are required to purchase key ingredients, including rice, flour and vegetable oil, from designated suppliers and maintain testing records for each batch of raw materials.

    The food preparation process should be integrated into a kitchen monitoring system with online access, and key food processing operations should be openly demonstrated to schools, parents and students. –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 USA: Sen. Markey, Democratic Colleagues Query FAA Administrator Bedford on the Impact of Staff Cuts and Use of Artificial Intelligence on Aviation Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Letter Text (PDF)

    Washington (July 21, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, led 11 of his Democratic colleagues in writing a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford, requesting answers on the impact of FAA workforce reductions on aviation safety, including among analytical staff who proactively identify safety risks. The senators also inquired about comments by FAA officials suggesting the agency is using artificial intelligence to analyze safety data to identify risks.

    In the letter, the lawmakers write, “The tragic crash of American Airlines flight 5342 highlighted serious gaps in our aviation safety system and demonstrated the need for a robust and experienced analytical workforce at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Unfortunately, over the past six months, your agency has significantly reduced its workforce.”

    The lawmakers continued, “In the aftermath of the crash, the FAA should be analyzing the near miss data from events at Reagan National Airport and reviewing the sufficiency of FAA staffing. Instead, the agency has moved ahead with workforce reductions. In particular, FAA fired hundreds of probationary employees in critical support roles key to assisting air traffic controllers in doing their jobs.”

    The lawmakers request the following information by August 11, 2025:

    1. For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please provide the (a) number of employees employed as of January 1, 2025, (b) number of employees employed as of July 1, 2025, and (c) the current number of job openings.
    2. For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please indicate whether any of its job positions are currently subject to a hiring freeze as of January 20, 2025.
    3. Please provide the analysis conducted by the Office of Airports related to the impact of workforce cuts on its safety mission.
    4. Besides the Office of Airports, please explain if any other FAA line of business has conducted an analysis of the impact of workforce cuts on its ability to deliver its mission. If so, please provide those analyses.
    5. Please explain all relevant FAA lines of business and relevant suboffices charged with identifying aviation safety trends and possible safety risks affecting airport operations in congested airspace.
    6. What specific AI tools is the FAA using to analyze aviation safety impacts and flight data and how is this improving FAA’s analysis? Does the FAA have adequate staff, familiar with these tools, to manage this analysis and ensure the security of the data used and generated by AI?

    The letter was co-signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va,), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.).

    Senator Markey is one of the leading aviation safety champions in the Senate. In February 2025, he led twelve of his Senate colleagues in a letter to the Department of Transportation requesting information about impacts of staffing cuts on transportation safety. In April 2025, Senator Markey introduced his Safety Starts at the Top Act, which would require large aerospace manufacturers have representation from labor unions and safety experts on the company’s board of directors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Announce Changes to 2025 AgriStability Program

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 21, 2025

    Following a virtual meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison announced Saskatchewan producers will see changes to AgriStability for the 2025 program year. 

    “Now is the time for unity, and we are working together to deliver for producers right across the country to make sure our programs work for them,” MacDonald said. “That is why, at our meeting last week, we agreed to make changes to AgriStability so that producers facing trade uncertainty and dry conditions have more protection.”

    “Supporting producers with immediate changes to AgriStability increases the effectiveness of the program,” Harrison said. “Reliable and effective business risk management programs help protect against large declines in producers’ margins and are an important tool for a strong agricultural sector in Saskatchewan.”

    For the 2025 AgriStability program year, the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is immediately implementing program changes to respond to ongoing international trade concerns and strengthen the program’s support for Saskatchewan producers.

    For the 2025 program year only, AgriStability participants will see an increase in the compensation rate from 80 per cent to 90 per cent, meaning producers who access a benefit will now receive 90 cents on every dollar of eligible margin decline, generating larger payments. The margin protection AgriStability can provide is unique to each farm, making it important for producers to understand their historical reference margin. 

    In addition, for the 2025 program year only, the maximum payment cap is doubling, from $3 million to $6 million per operation. This change can provide additional protection for eligible operations. 

    Starting in the 2026 program year, AgriStability will see adjustments to the feed inventory pricing for livestock producers. This permanent change ensures the program appropriately captures the feed inventory valuation method for inventories destined to be used on farm and not sold. This change ensures program calculations properly reflect farm realities, especially in years of dry conditions. 

    In addition, AgriStability allowable expenses are under consideration for the 2026 program year. This includes considering feed expenses from grazing on rented pasture as an eligible expense, which means if a producer rents pasture, AgriStability would capture the value of the feed consumed by livestock and include it as an allowable expense. 

    “The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has been strongly advocating on behalf of agricultural producers and ranchers, and we are pleased to hear there will be changes made to the AgriStability Program for 2025,” SARM President Bill Huber said. “Offering producers further coverage, including permanent adjustments to feed inventory pricing for 2026, are all welcome additions to the program. Saskatchewan producers are currently facing rising costs, harsh weather conditions causing drought and feed uncertainty. These changes are a good first step in providing support for farming operations at a time when they need it most.”

    “The Saskatchewan Cattle Association (SCA) has long advocated for changes to the eligible feed expenses and changes to the feed inventory pricing for AgriStability,” SCA Chair Chad Ross said. “We applaud the changes announced today, including moving forward with the permanent change to the feed inventory pricing for the 2026 program year. This should make the program more responsive for livestock producers. We will continue to advocate for the allowable feed expenses to become permanent as well.” 

    “The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) would like to thank Minister Harrison for his consultations and continued work for the livestock sector,” SSGA President Jeff Yorga said. Including feed inventory cost and rental costs is a positive first step towards making AgriStability relevant to producers. As we deal with the effects of a decade long drought, BRM improvements are key to industry sustainability. We look forward to working for producers and advocating for further change.”

    “Farmers, particularly livestock producers, will be pleased with these improvements in risk management,” Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) President Bill Prybylski said. “The permanent changes in feed accounting and cost adjustments mean the unique hurdles they face are finally being acknowledged. APAS is thrilled to witness these positive developments and advises all farmers to consider what AgriStability has to offer for protecting their businesses.” 

    The AgriStability Program continues to respond. From 2018 to 2023, AgriStability has paid over $645 million in benefits. Payments are trending higher for the 2024 program year, compared to the past 15 years.

    SCIC reminds Saskatchewan producers that the deadline to enrol in AgriStability for the 2025 program year is extended to July 31, 2025. With a deadline extension to the end of July, producers are well positioned to evaluate the real-time impacts to their operation. They can make the best-informed decision to enrol in AgriStability.

    AgriStability protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions. It is one of the Business Risk Management programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

    For more information, producers can call 1-866-270-8450 or visit scic.ca. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Data Shows U.S. Economy Is Back on Track Under President Trump

    Source: US Whitehouse

    Even the media admits the U.S. economy is “regaining its swagger” under President Donald J. Trump — and you need not look further than the banner economic news from the past week for proof.

    • Core inflation beat market expectations for the fifth straight month — every full month since President Trump took office.
      • Since President Trump took office, core inflation has tracked at just 2.1% — levels not seen since the first Trump Administration, when prices were low and stable — and right in line with the Fed’s inflation target.
    • Wholesale prices came in completely flat, below market expectations and underscoring the tremendous progress made on taming the Biden-era inflation crisis.
    • Industrial production bested market expectations with a higher-than-expected climb, showing that inflation is falling as domestic production surges.
      • Manufacturing output has surged by 1.8% in the first five months of President Trump’s second term, compared to a -0.7% decline in the final five months preceding President Trump’s inauguration.
    • Customs and tariff revenues have totaled $120 billion since President Trump took office — topping $100 billion in a fiscal year for the first time ever — including $7 billion in the last week alone, fueling the first June budget surplus in nearly a decade.
    • Advance retail sales smashed expectations in June, showing that consumers are confident and spending thanks to low inflation and strong wage gains.
    • Consumer sentiment shot up in July, beating market expectations yet again as inflation expectations for the next year dropped sharply.
    • Initial claims for unemployment benefits fell for the fifth straight week, confirming the strong jobs report.
    • Housing starts and permits for new builds both increased in June above market expectations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • 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 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: StablR Secures Strategic Investment from Kraken as Stablecoin Adoption Surges

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AMSTERDAM, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StablR, a leading European stablecoin issuer, proudly announces a strategic investment from Kraken, a technology platform built on crypto that unlocks access and reduces inefficiencies to drive financial freedom. This partnership reflects Kraken’s support for StablR’s mission, and reinforces their shared commitment to expanding access to compliant, secure, and globally accessible stablecoins that are actively listed and tradable on major platforms (like Kraken).

    In just six months since launch, StablR’s euro-pegged (EURR) and dollar-pegged (USDR) stablecoins have achieved remarkable milestones:

    • Listed on over 50 exchanges, including Kraken, Bitfinex, Bybit, and HTX.
    • Available in more than 150 trading pairs, enhancing liquidity and accessibility for users worldwide.
    • Surpassed $3 billion in transaction volume in the first 6 months of 2025, reflecting growing trust and adoption among institutional and retail users.

    “Our collaboration with Kraken marks a significant step in expanding stablecoin adoption across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond,” said Gijs op de Weegh, Founder and CEO of StablR. “As stablecoins continue to reshape global finance, partnerships with reputable platforms ensure users can confidently engage with regulated digital currencies like EURR and USDR.”

    “Stablecoins are reinventing how everyday investors and financial institutions interact with financial services worldwide. We’re thrilled to team up with industry partners, including StablR, and to invest in driving this next wave of crypto adoption in line with our mission,” said Mark Greenberg, Kraken’s VP of Product & GM of Consumer.

    StablR’s commitment to compliance and security is evident through its adherence to the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation and its Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license authorized by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

    The strategic investment from Kraken follows a similar move by Tether in December 2024, further validating StablR’s position as a trusted stablecoin provider in the European market.
    For more information, visit www.stablr.com.

    About StablR
    StablR is a European stablecoin provider dedicated to delivering compliant, secure, and accessible digital asset solutions. With its EURR and USDR stablecoins, StablR aims to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions and drive the adoption of stablecoins in the global financial ecosystem.

    Media Contact:
    StablR Communications Team
    Email: press@stablr.com
    Website: www.stablr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • 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 United Kingdom: TRA publishes Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    TRA publishes Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

    TRA releases 2024-25 Annual Report and Accounts and outlines how it is building stronger trade defences.

    The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has today published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2024-25, highlighting its work protecting UK businesses from unfair trading practices.

    Trade remedies (also known as trade defence instruments), are measures put in place to help protect UK businesses from unfair imports. Trade remedies include anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures.

    The report details how the organisation has continued to investigate and review cases involving imported goods being sold at unfair prices (dumping) or subsidised imports that could harm UK industry.

    During 2024-25, the TRA has:

    • initiated reviews on schedule for the last of the 43 trade remedy measures the UK transitioned from the EU system. So far, after carrying out its reviews, the TRA have retained 25 of 30 of those transitioned measures to protect UK businesses against unfair international trading practices.
    • successfully completed five new dumping and subsidy cases on behalf of UK industries which had approached them to make an investigation into possible unfair imports.
    • begun preparing industries for the expiry of current measures that will reach their final year in 2026, so that they can seek extensions if they believe the measures are still needed.

    Newly appointed Chief Executives Carmen Suarez and Jessica Blakely said:

    This year’s report demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting fair trade for UK businesses. By conducting thorough and impartial investigations, we are helping to create a level playing field in international trade and defend the UK’s economic interests.

    The report also outlines the TRA’s financial performance and governance arrangements for the year and how the TRA has adapted to new challenges and demands as a still young organisation. The TRA is exploring further improvements to its investigations processes which will bring efficiencies in the coming years and ensure the organisation continues to support a thriving UK economy.

    The full Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25 can be found here.

    Notes to editors

    • As an independent body operating at arm’s length from the Department for Business & Trade, the TRA is guided in its work by its principles of proportionality, impartiality, transparency, and efficiency.
    • The TRA welcomes applications for trade remedies investigations from any business operating in the UK. Read our online guidance to find out more about how to apply and what information to provide.
    • The TRA’s Trade Remedies Advisory Service can be contacted on: contact@traderemedies.gov.uk. Previously known as the Pre-Application Office, it will provide support not only at the pre-application stage, but throughout the life of the case to interested parties who have questions about our investigation process.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: G20: Startup20 priorities unveiled

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has unveiled South Africa’s priorities for the Startup20 Engagement Group – an official engagement group under the country’s G20 presidency.

    The Minister was delivering remarks at the midterm meeting held at Birchwood in Boksburg on Monday.

    Startup20 serves as a platform for startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to engage with G20 leaders on the challenges and opportunities they face.

    The five priorities are: 

    • Foundation and alliance – with the focus on enabling policies, and ways to build a more supportive and resourced eco-system for early-stage entrepreneurs and scale-ups.
    • Finance and investment – with the focus on addressing gaps in early-stage financing, cross-border financing, and ways to derisk investment, for underserved regions and groups like women and youth, including through pre-investment capital readiness support.
    • Inclusion and sustainability – with the focus on circular economy models, green innovation incentives, and pre-investment business support for youth and women led enterprises to improve capital readiness.
    • Market access – with the focus on facilitating international trade, enabling e-commerce, reforming public procurement systems and supporting regional integration
    • Township and rural entrepreneurship – with the focus on strengthening local value chains, improving infrastructure and connectivity, and improving access to finance and eco-system support for supporting co-operatives and micro enterprises.

    “Task teams made up of South African and international representatives have been established in these five priority areas.

    “This Midterm Engagement Group Session provides the opportunity for these task forces together with others in the broader eco-system to develop policy recommendations that culminate in a clear programme of action to be finalised in the Startup20 Summit on the 13th and 14th of November.

    “This summit in November will also include the inaugural Startup20 Awards, where the best startups and eco-system enablers from the G20 countries will be recognised. We will also, as DSBD, integrate our Presidential MSME Awards where we recognise and reward our best local talent,” Ndabeni said.

    She emphasised that South Africa would utilise its G20 presidency to champion “issues of the Global South and Africa in particular, including issues of public debt, food security, market access, and the availability and cost of capital”.    

    “With the African Union’s induction as a permanent G20 member in 2023, Africa’s voice is now more prominent in global policymaking. South Africa plays a dual role: both as a sovereign G20 member and as a strategic member of the AU. As such we are well positioned to support the continent’s startup and MSME agenda.

    “This alignment allows for greater policy coherence, enabling South Africa to serve as a bridge between global discourse and regional development aspirations, particularly in areas such as startup financing, regulatory reform, and digital transformation,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Prolific week for entrepreneurs

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has declared this a “historic week” for entrepreneurs and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    She was addressing the Startup20 Midterm Engagement Group Meeting held in Gauteng on Monday.

    The meeting kicks off a busy week, with Global Trade Promotion Organisations holding a parallel meeting hosted by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), together with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

    “They will consider how the global trade system is being reconfigured, and how MSMEs can build resilience and pivot towards new markets,” Ndabeni said.

    Later this week, the department will host the Global SME ministerial meeting with the International Trade Centre.

    “This meeting will see Ministers, Deputy Ministers and officials from more than 60 countries, as well as various multilateral organisations, converge to discuss entrepreneurship and MSME policy, and look at ways to scale global support for MSMEs, especially in underserved countries,” Ndabeni explained.

    The Global SME ministerial meeting will take aim at:

    • How to bridge the digital divide to empower MSMEs and startups with the infrastructure, skills, and tools needed to compete globally;
    • How to unlock capital access, especially for women- and youth-led businesses, through inclusive financial ecosystems;
    • How to position MSMEs as key actors in the green economy, supporting sustainable practices and circular innovation, and
    • How to foster inclusive trade policies that ensure MSMEs have a seat at the global economic table.

    “The outcome will be a Call to Action, endorsed by the 60 plus countries, which will contain practical policy measures and reforms that will be championed in the UN system and which we can integrate with our G20 MSME agenda.

    “Building on the work started in Brazil, as South Africa we want a dedicated G20 MSME and Startup Working Group, and this week’s deliberations will greatly assist us craft clear terms of reference and agenda for this working group,” Ndabeni said.

    The ministerial meeting will also allow opportunities for inputs from the Startup20 Midterm engagement.

    “Some of you… will be given space to share your thinking with the delegates at the ministerial meeting.

    “Together, we will build a more equal and sustainable future led by MSMEs and startups,” Ndabeni said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: As XRP Crosses $200 Billion Market Cap – HASHJ Launches Expanded XRP Mining Tools

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, United Kingdom, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As XRP breaks past the $200 billion market cap milestone (as per CoinMarketCap), MGPD Finance Limited, doing business as HASHJ Cloud Mining, is expanding its XRP mining infrastructure with new tools, contracts, and DeFi utility—offering users a smarter, greener, and more liquid path to participate in the XRP ecosystem.

    With more than 9.3 million users across 96 countries, HASHJ continues to deliver institutional-grade mining services to everyday users. The newly enhanced XRP platform arrives just as XRP becomes one of the fastest-growing assets in the crypto space, used by over 50 global banks and backed by near-instant settlement and ultra-low transaction fees.

    Introducing the Turbo-Yield Dual-Engine™ for XRP

    HASHJ’s newly launched Turbo-Yield Dual-Engine Cloud Lane now supports high-frequency participation in XRP consensus operations, enabling:

    • Daily XRP payouts (T+0 settlements)
    • Real-time AI-based hash power routing to the highest-yielding nodes
    • Integration with DeFi tools for compounding or stablecoin conversion
    • Powered entirely by green energy (solar, wind, and hydro)

    This system dynamically shifts computing power across XRP and Solana nodes for optimal yield performance—delivering compounding rewards without user setup or hardware.

    Getting Started with XRP Mining on HASHJ

    New users receive a $118 starter pack ($18 cash + $100 hash power), activating XRP income within minutes. Simply:

    To begin:

    1. Register at www.hashj.com or download the HASHJ app.
    2. Claim Your $118 Bonus Now and $100 in trial hash power.
    3. Select a mining contract (2, 7, or 30 days).
    4. Start earning daily rewards on mined BTC, ETH, and more.

    No hardware or prior experience is required.

    XRP contracts include:

    Contract Tier Investment Duration Daily Yield Total Return
    Free Trial $0 1 day $1.00 Up to $365/year
    Starter $100 5 days $3.00 $115 total
    Advanced $500 10 days $12.00 $620 total
    Enterprise $12,000 32 days $204.00 $6,528 total

    Withdraw earnings once your balance hits $100, or reinvest with one tap to maximize compound gains.

    Security, Speed & Sustainability

    HASHJ’s infrastructure offers:

    • Cold wallet security and multi-signature protection
    • AI-optimized energy usage across 100+ green-powered data centers
    • Real-time earnings dashboard to track profits in XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, USDT, and more
    • 99.99% uptime across all global nodes

    With XRP surging in global adoption, HASHJ helps users turn price momentum into real-time cash flow.

    Market Context: Why XRP Now?

    Recent forecasts by CryptoVision and BlockSignals project XRP to reach $1.80+ by year-end. XRP-related searches are up 190% in the last 90 days, per Google Trends, reflecting growing global interest.

    HASHJ’s XRP cloud mining suite translates this demand into daily returns—letting users capitalize on XRP’s growth with ease, transparency, and zero hardware.

    About MGPD Finance Limited (doing business as HASHJ)

    Founded in 2018, HASHJ is a global leader in AI-powered, renewable-energy-backed cloud mining. With support for XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, LTC, and USDT, HASHJ provides a frictionless gateway into multi-chain mining and passive income. From mobile contracts to advanced yield tools, HASHJ transforms proof-of-work complexity into one-tap simplicity.

    For more information, visit: www.hashj.com
    App Download: Available on iOS and Android
    Business Inquiries: pr@hashj.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: As XRP Crosses $200 Billion Market Cap – HASHJ Launches Expanded XRP Mining Tools

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, United Kingdom, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As XRP breaks past the $200 billion market cap milestone (as per CoinMarketCap), MGPD Finance Limited, doing business as HASHJ Cloud Mining, is expanding its XRP mining infrastructure with new tools, contracts, and DeFi utility—offering users a smarter, greener, and more liquid path to participate in the XRP ecosystem.

    With more than 9.3 million users across 96 countries, HASHJ continues to deliver institutional-grade mining services to everyday users. The newly enhanced XRP platform arrives just as XRP becomes one of the fastest-growing assets in the crypto space, used by over 50 global banks and backed by near-instant settlement and ultra-low transaction fees.

    Introducing the Turbo-Yield Dual-Engine™ for XRP

    HASHJ’s newly launched Turbo-Yield Dual-Engine Cloud Lane now supports high-frequency participation in XRP consensus operations, enabling:

    • Daily XRP payouts (T+0 settlements)
    • Real-time AI-based hash power routing to the highest-yielding nodes
    • Integration with DeFi tools for compounding or stablecoin conversion
    • Powered entirely by green energy (solar, wind, and hydro)

    This system dynamically shifts computing power across XRP and Solana nodes for optimal yield performance—delivering compounding rewards without user setup or hardware.

    Getting Started with XRP Mining on HASHJ

    New users receive a $118 starter pack ($18 cash + $100 hash power), activating XRP income within minutes. Simply:

    To begin:

    1. Register at www.hashj.com or download the HASHJ app.
    2. Claim Your $118 Bonus Now and $100 in trial hash power.
    3. Select a mining contract (2, 7, or 30 days).
    4. Start earning daily rewards on mined BTC, ETH, and more.

    No hardware or prior experience is required.

    XRP contracts include:

    Contract Tier Investment Duration Daily Yield Total Return
    Free Trial $0 1 day $1.00 Up to $365/year
    Starter $100 5 days $3.00 $115 total
    Advanced $500 10 days $12.00 $620 total
    Enterprise $12,000 32 days $204.00 $6,528 total

    Withdraw earnings once your balance hits $100, or reinvest with one tap to maximize compound gains.

    Security, Speed & Sustainability

    HASHJ’s infrastructure offers:

    • Cold wallet security and multi-signature protection
    • AI-optimized energy usage across 100+ green-powered data centers
    • Real-time earnings dashboard to track profits in XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, USDT, and more
    • 99.99% uptime across all global nodes

    With XRP surging in global adoption, HASHJ helps users turn price momentum into real-time cash flow.

    Market Context: Why XRP Now?

    Recent forecasts by CryptoVision and BlockSignals project XRP to reach $1.80+ by year-end. XRP-related searches are up 190% in the last 90 days, per Google Trends, reflecting growing global interest.

    HASHJ’s XRP cloud mining suite translates this demand into daily returns—letting users capitalize on XRP’s growth with ease, transparency, and zero hardware.

    About MGPD Finance Limited (doing business as HASHJ)

    Founded in 2018, HASHJ is a global leader in AI-powered, renewable-energy-backed cloud mining. With support for XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, LTC, and USDT, HASHJ provides a frictionless gateway into multi-chain mining and passive income. From mobile contracts to advanced yield tools, HASHJ transforms proof-of-work complexity into one-tap simplicity.

    For more information, visit: www.hashj.com
    App Download: Available on iOS and Android
    Business Inquiries: pr@hashj.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Crypto Futures Made Simple: BexBack Offers No KYC, 100x Leverage and Double Deposit Bonus to All New Users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating above $120,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users , you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. 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.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.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TLGY Acquisition Corp. Announces Business Combination and Approximately $360 Million PIPE Financing to Form StablecoinX, an Ethena Stablecoin-Focused Treasury Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Combined Business Expected to be the First Pure-Play Treasury Company in the Ethena Stablecoin Vertical and Will Seek to have its Shares Listed on Nasdaq under Ticker “USDE” at Closing

    Ethena Foundation to Immediately Initiate $260M Token Buyback Program  

    New York , July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TLGY Acquisition Corp. (OTC: TLGYF) (“TLGY”), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement for a business combination with StablecoinX Assets Inc. (“SC Assets”), a newly-formed validator and infrastructure business supporting the Ethena ecosystem (the definitive agreement, the “Business Combination Agreement” and the transactions contemplated thereby, the “Transaction”). The combined company will be named StablecoinX Inc. (“StablecoinX” or the “Company”) and the parties will seek to have StablecoinX’s Class A common shares listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “USDE.”

    Approximately $360 Million in New Capital Anchors ENA Treasury Strategy

    To support the Transaction, TLGY and SC Assets have also entered into binding agreements for approximately $360 million private investment in public equity (“PIPE”), including a $60 million contribution from the Ethena Foundation and additional capital commitments from leading investors Dragonfly, Ribbit Capital, Blockchain.com, Pantera Capital, ParaFi Capital, Haun Ventures, Polychain Capital, Galaxy Digital, Wintermute, and others.

    The proceeds from the PIPE are expected to anchor a multi-year treasury strategy to build a reserve of ENA, the Ethena protocol’s native token. Ethena is the third-largest issuer of digital dollars on-chain, after Tether and Circle. This treasury initiative supports StablecoinX’s objective of generating shareholder value by securing a strategic stake in a protocol at the forefront of the accelerating global demand for digital dollars. StablecoinX believes large-scale ENA accumulation will enable the Company’s shareholders to secure early exposure to the secular stablecoin supercycle. 

    “As a top issuer of digital dollars alongside Tether and Circle, Ethena is a direct beneficiary of the growth in stablecoin adoption,” said Young Cho, CEO of TLGY and CEO of SC Assets. “But, it is currently difficult for investors to capitalize on its strong position since the native token ENA is difficult to access in traditional capital markets. This transaction gives public market investors transparent, well‑governed access to the Ethena ecosystem. Deploying capital to accumulate ENA at scale is a deliberate, multi‑year capital allocation strategy that will enable StablecoinX to capture the value driven by the secular surge in demand for digital dollars while compounding intrinsic value per share.”

    To support StablecoinX’s operations and facilitate its accumulation of ENA after the closing of the Transactions, StablecoinX and the Ethena Foundation have entered into a multi-year collaboration agreement (the “Collaboration Agreement”) governing the continued partnership between the two parties. In addition, to help support the PIPE, a subsidiary of the Ethena Foundation and  SC Assets, solely in its capacity as agent for certain of the PIPE investors, have entered into a token purchase agreement (the “Token Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which SC Assets will use the cash proceeds from the PIPE to make an initial purchase of discounted locked ENA from the Ethena Foundation subsidiary.

    “The Ethena Foundation’s mandate is to safeguard Ethena’s longevity and decentralisation,” said Marc Piano, Director at the Ethena Foundation. “Partnering with StablecoinX under a disciplined, locked‑token framework ensures that capital entering the ecosystem is long-term and value‑accretive while enhancing ecosystem capital efficiency. The built‑in lockups, investment‑committee oversight and permanent‑capital mandate create strong incentives for sustained contribution to the protocol.”

    The Ethena Foundation subsidiary, via intermediary market makers, plans to use the proceeds from the token sale under the Token Purchase Agreement to strategically purchase ENA across publicly traded venues starting today, further aligning the Foundation’s incentives with those of StablecoinX shareholders.

    “StablecoinX’s treasury program is a milestone for broadening institutional access to the Ethena ecosystem,” said Guy Young, founder of Ethena Labs and advisor to StablecoinX. “By systematically accumulating ENA through a transparent, permanent‑capital vehicle, StablecoinX will give public market investors a clear, accessible way to gain exposure to one of the most compelling growth stories in all of finance – digital dollars upgrading money to the internet era. We’re excited to support a strategy that deepens ENA liquidity, bolsters Ethena’s ecosystem, and aligns shareholder value with the long‑term success of USDe, USDtb, and other upcoming Ethena products.”

    Following the business combination, StablecoinX will operate infrastructure and staking services, running validators and related technical services for the Ethena protocol. StablecoinX’s management is committed to maximizing ENA per share, directing excess capital and ecosystem earnings into strategic ENA accumulation so that each outstanding share steadily increases its backing over time.

    Key Terms of the Token Purchase Agreement and the Collaboration Agreement between StableXoinX and Ethena Foundation

    • SC Assets will direct the purchase of locked ENA tokens equal in value to its cash PIPE proceeds (less certain fees and expenses).
    • StablecoinX will retain the right to join future ENA token offerings by the Ethena Foundation (directly or via subsidiaries) after the closing of the Transactions on mutually agreed terms.
    • The Collaboration Agreement has a five‑year initial term with automatic one‑year renewals, aligning both parties on long‑term network development and advocacy.
    • Capital allocation decisions, including ENA purchases, treasury operations and equity issuances of StablecoinX, to require majority approval of a three‑member Investment Committee to be comprised of representatives of StablecoinX, the Ethena Foundation and an independent member.

    As part of the Collaboration Agreement, StablecoinX will adopt a long-term permanent capital treasury mandate dictating that every ENA token the Company acquires will be held permanently and unencumbered on its balance sheet, with no sale, lending, pledging or other disposition permitted without the Ethena Foundation’s approval.

    Transaction Overview

    • Shares, warrants and units of TLGY will continue to trade under the symbol “TLGYF”, “TLGWF” and “TLGUF”, respectively, until the closing of the proposed Transaction. Following the closing of the proposed Transaction, StablecoinX’s Class A shares and warrants are expected to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “USDE” and “USDEW”, respectively.
    • TLGY and SC Assets have entered into binding agreements for approximately $360 million in PIPE financing, of which approximately $260 million is being funded in cash and $100 million is being funded in discounted ENA. The cash proceeds from the PIPE will be used to purchase discounted locked ENA from the Ethena Foundation subsidiary in conjunction with the transaction announcement, which will be held in a custody account for the benefit of such investors through the closing of the Transaction. At the closing of the PIPE, investors will receive shares of StablecoinX Class A stock, which will be non-voting. In addition to the StablecoinX Class A shares, the Ethena Foundation will also receive shares of StablecoinX Class B stock, which will have 1 vote per share, resulting in the Ethena Foundation holding a majority of the voting power of StablecoinX after the closing. The shares to be issued to the PIPE investors will be valued at $10.00 per share and the number of which will fluctuate based on the price performance of ENA from announcement to closing.
    • The board of directors of SC Assets, the board of directors of TLGY, and a special committee of disinterested and independent directors of TLGY, have unanimously approved the proposed business combination.
    • The transactions are expected to close in Q4 2025, subject to shareholder approval, StablecoinX’s successful listing on the Nasdaq, and other customary closing conditions.

    For additional information regarding the transaction, see TLGY’s related Form 8-K, which will be filed promptly, and which can be obtained, without charge, at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s internet site (http://www.sec.gov).

    Conference Call

    TLGY will discuss its proposed business combination with StablecoinX with securities analysts in a call today, Monday, July 21, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET. A webcast of the meeting will be available in a listen-only mode to individual investors, media, and other interested parties on TLGY’s website at www.tlgyacquisition.com under the “Events” section.

    Advisors

    Perkins Coie LLP is acting as legal advisor to TLGY. Ropes & Gray LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Ethena Foundation. Edelman Legal Advisory PLLC is acting as legal advisor to SC Assets.

    About TLGY Acquisition Corporation

    TLGY Acquisition Corporation is a blank-check company sponsored by Carnegie Park Capital LLC, whose business purpose is to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. TLGY was formed to focus on growth companies through long-term, private equity-style value creation.
     
    About StablecoinX Assets Inc.

    StablecoinX is a newly-formed validator and infrastructure business expected to operate infrastructure and staking services, running validators and related technical services for the Ethena protocol. StablecoinX is expected to adopt a multi-year treasury strategy to build a reserve of ENA, the Ethena protocol’s native token.

    About the Ethena Foundation

    The Ethena Foundation serves as an independent steward of the Ethena protocol – the network behind the USDe and USDtb digital dollars – with a focus on the protocol’s long-term success and integrity. The Ethena Foundation is responsible for the protocol’s governance framework, oversight of key protocol assets, and facilitating essential operations. The foundation’s commitment is to ensure the sustainable development and stability of the Ethena ecosystem for all its participants.

    Important Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the Transaction, StablecoinX intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”), which will include a preliminary proxy statement of TLGY and a preliminary prospectus of StablecoinX, and after the Registration Statement is declared effective, TLGY will mail the definitive proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Transaction to its shareholders as of the record date to be established for voting at the Extraordinary General Meeting. The Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, will contain important information about the Transaction and the other matters to be voted upon at the Extraordinary General Meeting. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the Transaction and other matters and is not intended to provide the basis for any investment decision or any other decision in respect of such matters. TLGY and StablecoinX may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the Transaction. TLGY’s shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the Registration Statement, including the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, the amendments thereto and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed in connection with the Transaction, as these materials will contain important information about TLGY, SC Assets, StablecoinX and the Transaction.

    TLGY’s shareholders and other interested persons will be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement, including the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed or that will be filed by TLGY and StablecoinX with the SEC, free of charge, through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes certain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements with respect to the proposed Transaction include expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions, plans, prospects, financial results or strategies regarding SC Assets, StablecoinX, TLGY and the proposed Transaction, statements regarding the anticipated benefits and timing of the completion of the proposed Transaction, the assets held by SC Assets and StablecoinX, the price and volatility of ENA, ENA’s growing prominence as an issuer of digital dollars on-chain, StablecoinX’s listing on any securities exchange, the macro, political and regulatory conditions surrounding ENA, the planned business strategy including StablecoinX’s ability to develop a corporate architecture capable of supporting its treasury initiatives and strategic stake in the Ethena Protocol, plans and use of proceeds, objectives of management for future operations of StablecoinX, the upside potential and opportunity for investors, StablecoinX’s plan for value creation and strategic advantages, market size and growth opportunities, regulatory conditions, technological and market trends, future financial condition and performance and expected financial impacts of the proposed Transaction, the satisfaction of closing conditions to the proposed Transaction and the level of redemptions of TLGY’s public shareholders, and StablecoinX’s expectations, intentions, strategies, assumptions or beliefs about future events, results of operations or performance or that do not solely relate to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including, but not limited to: the risk that the proposed Transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of TLGY’s securities; the risk that the proposed Transaction may not be completed by TLGY’s business combination deadline; the failure by the parties to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the proposed Transaction, including the approval of TLGY’s shareholders and the listing of StablecoinX’s securities on a national securities exchange at closing; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Transaction; the level of redemptions by TLGY’s public shareholders, which may reduce the public float of, reduce the liquidity of the trading market of, and/or impact the ability of, the shares of Class A common stock of StablecoinX to be listed in connection with the proposed Transaction; the insufficiency of the third-party fairness opinion for the board of directors of TLGY in determining whether or not to pursue the proposed Transaction; the failure of StablecoinX to obtain or maintain the listing of its securities on any securities exchange after closing of the proposed Transaction; risks associated with TLGY, SC Assets and StablecoinX’s ability to consummate the proposed Transaction timely or at all, including in connection with potential regulatory delays or impediments, changes in ENA prices or for other reasons; costs related to the proposed Transaction and as a result of becoming a public company; changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; risks relating to StablecoinX’s anticipated operations and business, including the volatile nature of the price of ENA; the risk that StablecoinX’s stock price will be highly correlated to the price of ENA and the price of ENA may decrease between the signing of the definitive documents for the proposed Transaction and the closing of the proposed Transaction or at any time after the closing of the proposed Transaction; risks associated with TLGY, SC Assets and StablecoinX’s ability to consummate the proposed Transaction timely or at all, including in connection with potential regulatory delays or impediments, changes in ENA prices or for other reasons; risks related to increased competition in the industries in which StablecoinX will operate; risks relating to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty regarding ENA; risks relating to the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes; risks that after consummation of the proposed Transaction, StablecoinX experiences difficulties managing its growth and expanding operations; the risks that launching and growing StablecoinX’s ENA treasury advisory and services in digital marketing and strategy could be difficult; challenges in implementing StablecoinX’s business plan, due to operational challenges, significant competition and regulation; being considered to be a “shell company” by any stock exchange on which StablecoinX’s Class A Common Stock will be listed or by the SEC, which may impact StablecoinX’s ability to list its securities and restrict reliance on certain rules or forms in connection with the offering, sale or resale of securities; the outcome of any potential legal proceedings that may be instituted against StablecoinX, SC Assets, TLGY or others following announcement of the proposed Transaction, and those risk factors discussed in documents that StablecoinX and/or TLGY has filed, or will file, with the SEC. The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of The Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q that have been and/or will be filed by TLGY with the SEC from time to time, the Registration Statement that will be filed by StablecoinX and TLGY and the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, and other documents that have been or will be filed by TLGY and StablecoinX from time to time with the SEC. These filings do or will identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that neither TLGY, SC Assets nor StablecoinX presently know or that TLGY, SC Assets and StablecoinX currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and each of TLGY, SC Assets, and StablecoinX assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither TLGY, SC Assets, nor StablecoinX gives any assurance that any of TLGY, SC Assets, or StablecoinX will achieve their respective expectations. The inclusion of any statement in this press release does not constitute an admission by TLGY, SC Assets or StablecoinX or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material.

    The terms of the proposed Transaction described in this press release, including any dollar-denominated figures or implied valuations, are based on information as of the date of the signing of the definitive Business Combination Agreement and assume no redemptions from the TLGY trust account. These terms are subject to change, including as a result of fluctuations in the price of ENA prior to closing of the proposed Transaction. There can be no assurance that the final terms at the closing of the Transaction will reflect the figures referenced herein.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release does not constitute (i) a solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the Transaction or (ii) an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to purchase, any securities of TLGY, SC Assets, the combined company or any of their respective affiliates. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or an exemption therefrom, nor shall any sale of securities in any states or jurisdictions in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction be affected. No securities commission or securities regulatory authority in the United States or any other jurisdiction has in any way passed upon the merits of the Transaction or the accuracy or adequacy of this communication.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    TLGY, SC Assets, StablecoinX and their respective directors and officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of TLGY’s shareholders in connection with the Transaction. More detailed information regarding the directors and officers of TLGY, and a description of their interests in TLGY, is contained in TLGY’s filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on March 5, 2025, and is available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of TLGY’s shareholders in connection with the Transaction and other matters to be voted upon at the Extraordinary General Meeting will be set forth in the Registration Statement for the Transaction when available.

    Media Contacts

    StablecoinX
    press@stablecoinx.com

    TLGY Acquisition Corp.
    media@tlgycpc.com

    Ethena Foundation
    nate.johnson@augustco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Online Presentation: Altucher Spotlights Elon Musk’s Next Big Leap as Countdown to August 13 Begins

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Austin, TX, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Could Elon Musk’s next public move signal the start of a new era in American infrastructure? According to entrepreneur and bestselling author James Altucher, the signs are all there—if you know where to look.

    In a newly published prediction, Altucher makes the case that Starlink—Musk’s space-based internet network—may soon take center stage in a dramatic transformation of how the world connects, communicates, and competes.

    From Quiet Build to Public Breakthrough

    For years, Starlink has been building quietly, with thousands of satellites launched and regulatory groundwork laid across dozens of countries. But Altucher believes we’re now approaching a public moment that could change everything.

    The Date That Could Define the Decade

    Altucher emphasizes August 13, 2025, as a key turning point.

    “This is the moment Elon’s been quietly preparing for—building toward it piece by piece over nearly two decades,” he writes. And with little fanfare, Altucher adds, “After this date, the window could slam shut—and you may never have this same chance again”.

    The Race for Space-Based Sovereignty

    Altucher frames Starlink not just as a product—but as a potential geopolitical force. He argues that Starlink’s independence from legacy infrastructure could make it the most powerful communications tool on Earth.

    In an increasingly unstable world, Altucher believes that matters now more than ever.

    Why the Public Isn’t Prepared

    Altucher believes this is a moment most people will miss—not because it’s hidden, but because it’s too big to see clearly.

    “You don’t need to be an expert in satellites or data to understand what’s happening here,” he writes. “You just need to connect the dots before the rest of the world does”.

    He calls this shift “a rare convergence of timing, technology, and transformation”.

    About James Altucher

    James Altucher is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and podcast host. He has launched more than 20 companies across technology, finance, and digital media. His books—including Choose Yourself and Skip the Line—have sold over 1 million copies worldwide. Altucher’s commentary has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and TechCrunch, and he has been featured on CNBC, Fox Business, and other major outlets. Through his daily insights, Altucher continues to help readers understand the forces shaping our future.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gevo Sells Carbon Credits from North Dakota Asset

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) is pleased to announce that it is selling carbon abatement into the market for the first time. To support decarbonization and to mitigate its corporate travel emissions, the buyer, a global financial and technology company, purchased high-integrity durable carbon removal credits, known as CORCs (or CO2 Removal Certificates), that are Puro.earth-certified and are ready to retire immediately. CORCs provide true carbon abatement, with a volume of actual carbon dioxide permanently removed from circulation, which offsets the effect of emissions.

    Selling high-integrity CORCs is core to Gevo’s strategy, with the rapidly expanding demand for high-quality carbon credits presenting a real market opportunity today. CO2 produced by operations at Gevo’s North Dakota ethanol-production facility is currently being generated and sequestered through carbon capture and storage (“CCS”), delivering credits backed by real carbon removal.

    The Gevo North Dakota facility has the appropriate geological formation and operational Class IV well for CCS, with a total estimated sequestration capacity of up to 1 million metric tonnes of CO2 per year. This site can supply customers with CORCs today that are ready to be retired immediately. The supply of credits is certified by Puro.earth under its strict standards for 1,000-plus-years permanence and other key quality parameters required by customers. CCS is a key part of our decarbonization strategy for sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) as we develop production on multiple pathways.

    CO2 is a product that is often used in industrial applications, including the food and beverage industry or the petroleum production industry through enhanced oil recovery (“EOR”). Alternatively, CO2 can have value by being captured and permanently stored, in lieu of being emitted to the atmosphere. At Gevo North Dakota, biogenic CO₂ is captured and securely stored underground—enabling the generation of the CORCs.

    “These are real sales of credits for carbon dioxide removal that are being generated right now,” says Alex Clayton, Chief Business Development Officer for Gevo. “Customers should feel confident in the CORCs we provide due to the rigor Gevo and Puro.earth are putting into every step of the process. We previously said that after our purchase of Gevo North Dakota that we would be selling carbon and that’s what we’re doing.”

    “Gevo is demonstrating that durable carbon removal isn’t some distant solution—it’s available now,” said Trenton Spindler, Chief Growth Officer at Puro.earth. “With Puro-certified CORCs, buyers worldwide can act decisively to tackle their toughest emissions with confidence in real, permanent results.”

    About Gevo
    Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including SAF, motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring, and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.

    For more information, see www.gevo.com.

    About Puro.earth
    Puro.earth is a leading carbon-crediting platform for durable carbon dioxide removal (“CDR”). Via the Puro Standard’s rigorous carbon credit methodologies, suppliers that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to durable storages for at least 100 years are certified and issued CORCs into the transparent Puro Registry. CORCs are then purchased by corporations to help address climate change and neutralize residual carbon emissions. Puro.earth is driving forward the carbon removal industry, enabling new revenue streams to accelerate carbon removal.

    For more information, visit puro.earth.

    Forward Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to a variety of matters, including, without limitation, Puro.earth and its business system, the markets for CORCs and carbon dioxide removal, and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of the management of Gevo and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Gevo undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Gevo believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Gevo in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gevo for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Gevo.

    Media Contacts
    Heather L. Manuel for Gevo
    VP, Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
    PR@gevo.com

    Charlie Morrow for Puro.earth
    PuroEarth@cognitomedia.com

    IR Contact
    Eric Frey, PhD
    VP, Finance & Strategy
    IR@Gevo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Foreign National Sentenced for Conspiring to Export U.S.-Made Drill Rigs to Iran in Violation of U.S. Sanctions Laws

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, 63, of Beirut, Lebanon, was sentenced to 44 months in prison for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), attempted unlawful export of goods from the United States to Iran without a license, attempted smuggling goods from the United States, submitting false or misleading export information, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    “The defendant conspired to export millions of dollars of U.S.-made heavy machinery to Iran, a leading state sponsor of terrorism,” said John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “The National Security Division will find and prosecute those who illegally sell American products to our adversaries.”

    “The defendant threatened U.S. economic and national security by conspiring and concealing his efforts to circumvent our export controls to provide heavy machinery to Iran, a designated state sponsor of terrorism for the past 40 years,” said U.S. Attorney John P. Heckin for the Northern District of Florida. “My office will continue to aggressively pursue anyone who violates our laws and offers material support to America’s enemies.”

    Assi was convicted of the charges in October 2024. According to evidence presented at trial, Assi was a Middle East-based salesman of a multinational heavy machinery manufacturer with a U.S.-based subsidiary and production plant located in Alachua, Florida. Assi conspired with individuals affiliated with Sakht Abzar Pars Co. (SAP-Iran), based in Tehran, Iran, to export U.S.-made heavy machinery indirectly to Iran without first obtaining the required licenses from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    Assi and his Iranian co-conspirators orchestrated the scheme by locating an Iraq-based distributor to serve as the forward-facing purchaser of two U.S.-origin blasthole drills from the U.S. subsidiary of Assi’s employer. The drills are a type of heavy machinery used to create holes in the ground that are then filled with controlled explosives for mining.

    Assi facilitated the sale of the drills and attempted export them to Iran and used freight forwarding companies to ship the heavy equipment from the U.S. to Turkey. In doing so, Assi concealed any Iranian involvement in the transaction from his employer, claiming the drills were ultimately destined for use in Iraq. But in truth, Assi intended for his Iranian co-conspirators to transship or reexport those items from Turkey to Iran, in circumvention of the U.S. export control and sanction laws.

    In furtherance of the conspiracy, Assi concealed his activities with his Iranian co-conspirators by causing false information to be entered into the Automated Export System (AES), a U.S.-government database containing information about exports from the United States. The U.S.-based plant hired a U.S. freight forwarder to arrange the drill’s export from the U.S. to Iraq. As part of the shipping process, the freight forwarder submitted information to AES about the shipment, including the ultimate consignee’s name and the ultimate delivery destination. Assi misled his employer by claiming that the Iraqi distributor was the ultimate consignee, and that the ultimate delivery destination was Iraq. In fact, Assi knew that his co-conspirators in Iran were the true intended recipients, and Iran was the ultimate intended delivery destination.

    In furtherance of the illicit transaction, Assi and his co-conspirators caused the transfer of approximately $2.7 million from Turkey to pass through the United States.

    The Commerce Department Bureau of Industry and Security’s Office of Export Enforcement investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Grogan and Harley W. Ferguson for the Northern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Amb. Douglas Yu-Tien Hsu And Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Attend the 2025 Australia-Taiwan Business Council Limited (ATBC) Annual General Meeting Business Luncheon

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Taiwan in Australia Amb. Douglas Yu-Tien Hsu and Taiwan in Sydney Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu were pleased to be invited by Australia-Taiwan Business Council Limited (ATBC)President John Toigo and CEO Ching-Mei Maddock to its 2025 Annual General Meeting Business Luncheon, catching up and reconnecting with Australian counterparts, business leaders and think tank experts.
    In his remarks, Amb. Hsu highlighted that Taiwan’s strengths in the semiconductor and AI industries make it a natural partner to support AU’s “Future Made in Australia” policy. This partnership adds new momentum into supply chain integration, not only between TW and AU, but across the broader region. He emphasized that the CPTPP serves as the best platform to facilitate such cooperation.
    Amb. Hsu thanked the ATBC and #ROCABC/CIECA for including TW’s CPTPP application on the agenda for the 38th Joint Conference in Taipei on Aug 21. He expressed the hope that AU would evaluate TW’s bid based on its economic performance and merits, free from external pressure, and that AU, as the current CPTPP chair, would play a constructive role in moving the initiative forward.
    We sincerely thank the Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP for his compelling keynote speech. He strongly acknowledged the achievements in TW–AU trade, economic, and scientific collaboration, as well as the great potential for future partnership. He underscored that trade is not a zero-sum game and reaffirmed the NSW Government’s commitment to open and diversified trade principles.
    We look forward to seeing TW and AU work hand in hand to expand markets and grow together.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ethics and Integrity Commission to drive up standards across the public sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Ethics and Integrity Commission to drive up standards across the public sector

    A new Ethics and Integrity Commission will be established to drive up standards in public life, delivering on a key manifesto commitment.

    • Overhaul will simplify and strengthen standards system as government delivers on key manifesto promise 
    • Rule-breaking ministers who leave office following serious breach of Ministerial Code stopped from getting severance payments
    • Advisory Committee for Business Appointments abolished as financial sanctions introduced

    A new Ethics and Integrity Commission will be established to drive up standards in public life, delivering on a key manifesto commitment.

    The body will have an ambitious remit to uphold the highest ethical standards across the public sector.

    Rule-breaking ministers who leave office following a serious breach of the Ministerial Code will be stopped from getting pay-offs as part of the overhaul that will simplify and strengthen the standards system.

    The Prime Minister has made clear public service is a privilege and is committed to showing how politics can be a force for good. Since taking office last July, the government has made the choice to break away from old approaches, learn the lessons from previous years, and restore trust in government by ensuring ministers are held to the highest standards.

    The government will go further by establishing the Ethics and Integrity Commission, which will be created by strengthening and reforming the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said:

    This overhaul will mean there are stronger rules, fewer quangos and clearer lines of accountability.

    The Committee on Standards in Public Life has played an important role in the past three decades. These changes give it a new mandate for the future.

    But whatever the institutional landscape, the public will in the end judge politicians and government by how they do their jobs and how they fulfil the principles of public service.

    Ministers will give the Ethics and Integrity Commission a stronger mandate and an expanded role to help put ethics and integrity at the heart of every public sector organisation.

    Its wider remit will include a new obligation to report annually to the Prime Minister on the overall health of our standards system, and a new function of regular engagement with public sector bodies to assist them in the development of clear codes of conduct with effective oversight arrangements.

    The government is also providing a new commitment to respond to all Ethics and Integrity Commission reports in a reasonable timeframe following criticism that previous recommendations were simply ignored.

    The Ethics and Integrity Commission will be responsible for convening and coordinating ethics bodies, formalising cooperation and the sharing of best practice. It will be tasked with improving public understanding of the ethics system and will act as a ‘one-stop shop’ for members of the public looking for information on standards in public life.

    Lieutenant General (Retired) Doug Chalmers CB DSO OBE, who is Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, will be Chair of the Ethics and Integrity Commission.

    Ministerial Severance Payments

    Under further plans announced today, the eligibility for ministerial severance payments will be restricted.

    Currently, ministers are entitled to a severance payment equivalent to three months’ salary when they leave office for any reason and regardless of how long they’ve been in the job – even if it’s just a few days or weeks.

    Under the new changes, ministers who leave office following a serious breach of the Ministerial Code or having served fewer than six months will forgo their severance payment. Ministers who return to office within three months of leaving will forgo their salary until the end of that three-month period.

    The Business Appointment Rules 

    As part of the standards overhaul and the wider review of arms length bodies, the government will close the Advisory Committee for Business Appointments, which vets the jobs that ministers and senior officials take after leaving government to avoid conflicts of interest. Its functions will be split between the Civil Service Commission and the Prime Minister’s Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards.

    This will be accompanied by reforms to strengthen the business appointments system – which ensures former ministers and officials do not improperly profit personally from their experience in government. There has previously been criticism about the lack of sanctions. 

    Under the new changes, former ministers found to have seriously breached the Business Appointment Rules after leaving office will be asked to repay any severance payment received.

    The First Civil Service Commissioner has been asked to consider how the Business Appointment Rules could be strengthened further. The Civil Service Commission will also undertake regular audits of how individual government departments oversee the application of the rules for former civil servants.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Announces Date for Third Fiscal Quarter Financial Results and Business Update Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, N.Y., July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced it will host its third fiscal quarter financial results and business update webcast on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

    On the webcast, management will review NANO Nuclear’s results of operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 as well as the Company’s achievements during the quarter and more recently. Included in this discussion will be updates on NANO Nuclear’s progress, particularly with respect to its lead microreactor project, the KRONOS MMR™Energy System.

    Event:   NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. Third Fiscal Quarter Financial Results and Business Update Call
    Date:   Thursday, August 14, 2025
    Time:   5:00 p.m. ET
    Live Call:   1-877-269-7756 (U.S. Toll Free) or 1-201-689-7817 (International)
    Webcast:   https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/news-events/events

    A replay of the webcast will be made available on NANO Nuclear Energy’s website for at least 30 days at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/news-events/events.

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include patented KRONOS MMR™Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:

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    NANO Nuclear Energy X PLATFORM

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release, the webcast referred to herein and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release and such webcast contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release and the webcast referred to herein, forward-looking statements include those related to the Company’s development plans and anticipated future milestones. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23, 2025 Executive Orders seeking to streamline nuclear regulation, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Royal Welsh Show: ‘After countless U-turns, Labour must now also reverse its tax raid on Welsh farms’ – Plaid Cymru

    Source: Party of Wales

    Ann Davies MP and Llyr Gruffydd MS say UK Government should introduce a wealth tax instead of ‘targeting those who sustain our rural communities’

    On the first day of the Royal Welsh Show, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Agriculture Spokesperson Ann Davies MP has today called on the UK Government to reverse its planned changes to Agricultural Property Relief, warning that the policy will do “lasting harm” to Welsh family farms.

     

    Speaking from Llanelwedd, Ms Davies said that after repeated policy reversals, it is time for Labour to “add this damaging farm tax to the list.”

     

    Plaid Cymru’s Agriculture spokesperson in the Senedd, Llyr Gruffydd MS, said that most Welsh farmers are “cash poor” and that “many live a hand-to-mouth existence”.

     

    The UK Government plans to introduce a cap on Agricultural and Business Property Relief from April 2026, meaning family farms valued above that threshold could face inheritance tax for the first time in 40 years. Despite claims that only 500 farms per year will be affected, Welsh farming unions warn that the vast majority of productive family farms in Wales could fall into scope due to rising land, machinery and asset values.

     

    From the financial implications of restrictions and testing requirements to limit the spread of the Bluetongue virus, to the effects of prolonged dry and warm weather on crops and pasture, the new inheritance tax rules will be introduced amidst mounting financial pressures on farmers.

     

    Plaid Cymru is calling for:

     

    • A Wales-specific impact assessment that includes tenant and generational family farms

     

    • Protection for active food-producing family farms from inheritance tax

     

    • The introduction of a tax on extreme wealth – targeting assets worth over £10 million

     

    Ann Davies MP said:

    “After countless U-turns, Labour must now add its damaging farm tax to the list. Changes to Agricultural Property Relief represent a deeply unfair policy that targets the people who feed us, care for our land, and sustain our rural communities. It will do lasting harm to Welsh family farms.

    “It is a policy based on the assumption that farmers are rich – that is fundamentally wrong in Wales, where our upland farmers are guardians of the land and make very little profit. The UK Government admits it has done no Wales-specific assessment. That’s unacceptable, and it must change immediately.

    “Plaid Cymru believes that those with the broadest shoulders should pay their fair share. But the UK Government’s policy is too broad brush and targets the wrong people. Instead, the introduction of a tax on extreme wealth – a 2% tax on assets worth over £10 million – could raise over £20 billion a year. That is the fair and progressive way to fund public services and address inequality.

    “The Royal Welsh Show is a chance to celebrate everything our farmers contribute. But because of this policy, they’re anxious about their ability to continue producing food into the future. With Bluetongue requirements and intense drought intensifying already significant financial pressures on farmers, Labour must reverse course – and they must do it now.”

     

    Llyr Gruffydd added:

    “Most of our family farms are cash poor and many live a hand-to-mouth existence. They don’t have the capital to shoulder this huge tax burden.

    “Whilst it’s right to target those who buy land for tax avoidance purposes, our working family farms must not be caught in the crossfire. We have urged the Government to look at alternative approaches such as a clawback system that’s used successfully in other countries. This would only tax land if it’s subsequently sold within a specific number of years after inheritance.

    “Sadly, the Chancellor’s policy will force already struggling businesses to sell off their land, making them less sustainable in the future. Plaid Cymru will fight the family farm tax all the way.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Opinion] Samsung in Collaboration with DTIC: Creating Meaningful Employment & Strengthening SA Economy through EEIP

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    According to research by Thrive CFO*: Small businesses in South Africa face numerous challenges, including access to funding, competition from larger companies, limited market reach, high operating costs, lack of skilled labour, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity threats, cash flow management, limited access to technology and environmental sustainability. *
     
    To help small enterprises in South Africa to overcome some of these challenges, Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has – under its R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in 2019 – formulated programmes that address some of government’s priorities as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) challenges.
     
    This multi-million rand EEIP programme aims to empower black owned and local SMEs with a particular focus on women and start-up businesses in the ICT sector. It supports skills development, enterprise development and job creation to contribute to black economic empowerment. The EEIP is part of Samsung’s broader commitment to social responsibility and economic development within South Africa.
     
    Samsung’s EEIP programme is closely aligned to the overarching objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision for 2030 and South Africa’s framework of broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) – providing a mechanism for multi-nationals to contribute towards the development of black South Africans.
     
    This framework has allowed our company to contribute to B-BBEE goals through alternative investments, including investments in black-owned businesses, ICT development and skills development. Our EEIP programme focuses on strengthening black economic empowerment by supporting ICT entrepreneurs and fostering technological advancement, ultimately contributing to socio-economic development and job creation. South Africa’s NDP envisions a thriving SME sector as a cornerstone of the country’s inclusive, resilient economy by 2030.
     
    In essence, the NDP sees SMEs as a crucial engine for economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. This strategic plan for South Africa’s future outlines various tactics to foster SME development and ensure their long-term success. Our government, which includes our collaborative partner, DTIC, believe that SMEs can create the majority of new jobs in the country – contributing significantly to economic growth as well as play a vital role in the reduction of poverty and inequality.
     
    As Samsung, we also understand how much entrepreneurship contributes to job creation, community development and how it fosters innovation and drives economic growth. For that reason, Samsung EEIP programme and DTIC have opened the third Call to Market for the Transformative SME Development Programme – targeting suitable ICT entrepreneurs in the country, that are eager to grow their businesses for funding and support.
     
    This transformative SME Development Programme seeks to support local entrepreneurs throughout their journey as well as driving a culture of innovation and digital solutions. So, in an effort to go beyond meeting our obligations towards government and demonstrate our ongoing investment in SME development – we are in the process of recruiting suitable SMEs to participate in this EEIP SME Development Programme with the ultimate aim of contributing to economic growth and job creation.
     
    In the last two years, our criteria for this EEIP SME Development Programme focused on targeting SMEs that had been operating in the ICT and Service Centre space for at least a minimum of three years with a turnover that is less than R50M per annum. This year, our EEIP SME Development Programme “Call to Market” campaign for entries has gone with a unique approach that aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of local ICT SMEs. We have changed our focus to include start-up, micro-enterprises that are still in their infancy stage and also put a strong focus on women-owned businesses.
     
    In collaboration with DTIC, we understand that start-up businesses are generally considered high-risk ventures, particularly in the early stages. We have therefore put in place some mitigating measures coupled with key performance indicators (KPI’s) to help manage these micro-enterprises efficiently and overcome any challenges that might come our way. The specific KPIs that are used in this EEIP SME Development Programme include:
     

    Economic Impact – looks at accumulative investment in SME development, capacity building as well as the contribution to the South African economy. Also, this KPI looks at job creation, growth in revenue and the profitability of supported SMEs.
    Enterprise Development – evaluates the number of SMEs specifically black-owned as well as those that are township-based and the number of businesses supported.
    Capacity Building: looks at the number of individuals trained or upskilled, improvements in business management skills as well as access to new markets and technologies. And lastly,
    Sustainability: The environmental impact of supported businesses, long-term viability of supported SMEs as well as the number of black-owned businesses and townships-based that are supported.

     
    We made these changes because we understand the need to develop local start-up enterprises and also how gender representation plays a crucial role in the development of entrepreneurs in the country. Importantly, we strongly believe that gender inclusion in the ICT entrepreneurship space will help to unlock economic potential, drive innovation and create a more equitable and sustainable future.
     
    With this new approach in this year’s EEIP SME Development Programme, we are now able to offer a larger pool of eligible ICT SMEs in the country an opportunity to access grant funding and enterprise development support to help propel their businesses to greater heights. This improved approach aims to identify gems in the market and offer them holistic support which also includes Business Development assistance (mentoring and coaching) to help in fostering growth, a dynamic and connected information society as well as a knowledge economy.
     
    This essentially means that this holistic approach in our transformative EEIP SME Development Programme does not only focus on developing technical skills (for those organisations in the ICT sector), but also other key entrepreneurial capabilities such as soft skills that can help create sustainable businesses in South Africa and enable them to become engines for job creation.
     
    Also, our business development initiatives include an Enterprise Development Bootcamp that is part of Samsung’s EEIP Programme – which helps young entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. This fast-paced four –month long, Bootcamp programme focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills and supporting Black-owned businesses in South Africa, particularly in the areas of Service Centre repairs and ICT. It aims to accelerate and grow businesses by providing entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and financial support. 
     
    Samsung’s EEIP programme – now in its seven years of sustained success and this Enterprise Development “Call to Market” which represents the 3rd edition of our programme seeks to continue making a measurable difference to the socio-economic development of black South Africans. This year’s call follows two successful cycles and forms part of our broader commitment to the ICT sector, SME development and Vision 2030.
     
    This is our way of ensuring that we empower South Africa’s digital future by helping ICT entrepreneurs thrive as we deepen our commitment and collaboration with DTIC. The success of this EEIP SME Development Programme is highlighting the significant milestone of our EEIP in the country and the profound impact it has had on the nation’s ICT sector in conjunction with the DTIC.
     
    Our programme’s alignment with South Africa’s Vision 2030 and its success to date – has positioned this transformative SME Development Programme as one of the notably -value adding EEIPs in the sector. Furthermore, our strong and successful collaboration with the DTIC in strengthening the ICT sector through the EEIP – now complemented by our focus on providing support to start-ups in the infancy stage while also ensuring gender representation in this year’s SME Development Programme – is a true testament to shared goals for national development in the country.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Opinion] Samsung in Collaboration with DTIC: Creating Meaningful Employment & Strengthening SA Economy through EEIP

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    According to research by Thrive CFO*: Small businesses in South Africa face numerous challenges, including access to funding, competition from larger companies, limited market reach, high operating costs, lack of skilled labour, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity threats, cash flow management, limited access to technology and environmental sustainability. *
     
    To help small enterprises in South Africa to overcome some of these challenges, Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has – under its R280-million worth Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which was launched in 2019 – formulated programmes that address some of government’s priorities as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) challenges.
     
    This multi-million rand EEIP programme aims to empower black owned and local SMEs with a particular focus on women and start-up businesses in the ICT sector. It supports skills development, enterprise development and job creation to contribute to black economic empowerment. The EEIP is part of Samsung’s broader commitment to social responsibility and economic development within South Africa.
     
    Samsung’s EEIP programme is closely aligned to the overarching objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision for 2030 and South Africa’s framework of broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) – providing a mechanism for multi-nationals to contribute towards the development of black South Africans.
     
    This framework has allowed our company to contribute to B-BBEE goals through alternative investments, including investments in black-owned businesses, ICT development and skills development. Our EEIP programme focuses on strengthening black economic empowerment by supporting ICT entrepreneurs and fostering technological advancement, ultimately contributing to socio-economic development and job creation. South Africa’s NDP envisions a thriving SME sector as a cornerstone of the country’s inclusive, resilient economy by 2030.
     
    In essence, the NDP sees SMEs as a crucial engine for economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. This strategic plan for South Africa’s future outlines various tactics to foster SME development and ensure their long-term success. Our government, which includes our collaborative partner, DTIC, believe that SMEs can create the majority of new jobs in the country – contributing significantly to economic growth as well as play a vital role in the reduction of poverty and inequality.
     
    As Samsung, we also understand how much entrepreneurship contributes to job creation, community development and how it fosters innovation and drives economic growth. For that reason, Samsung EEIP programme and DTIC have opened the third Call to Market for the Transformative SME Development Programme – targeting suitable ICT entrepreneurs in the country, that are eager to grow their businesses for funding and support.
     
    This transformative SME Development Programme seeks to support local entrepreneurs throughout their journey as well as driving a culture of innovation and digital solutions. So, in an effort to go beyond meeting our obligations towards government and demonstrate our ongoing investment in SME development – we are in the process of recruiting suitable SMEs to participate in this EEIP SME Development Programme with the ultimate aim of contributing to economic growth and job creation.
     
    In the last two years, our criteria for this EEIP SME Development Programme focused on targeting SMEs that had been operating in the ICT and Service Centre space for at least a minimum of three years with a turnover that is less than R50M per annum. This year, our EEIP SME Development Programme “Call to Market” campaign for entries has gone with a unique approach that aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of local ICT SMEs. We have changed our focus to include start-up, micro-enterprises that are still in their infancy stage and also put a strong focus on women-owned businesses.
     
    In collaboration with DTIC, we understand that start-up businesses are generally considered high-risk ventures, particularly in the early stages. We have therefore put in place some mitigating measures coupled with key performance indicators (KPI’s) to help manage these micro-enterprises efficiently and overcome any challenges that might come our way. The specific KPIs that are used in this EEIP SME Development Programme include:
     

    Economic Impact – looks at accumulative investment in SME development, capacity building as well as the contribution to the South African economy. Also, this KPI looks at job creation, growth in revenue and the profitability of supported SMEs.
    Enterprise Development – evaluates the number of SMEs specifically black-owned as well as those that are township-based and the number of businesses supported.
    Capacity Building: looks at the number of individuals trained or upskilled, improvements in business management skills as well as access to new markets and technologies. And lastly,
    Sustainability: The environmental impact of supported businesses, long-term viability of supported SMEs as well as the number of black-owned businesses and townships-based that are supported.

     
    We made these changes because we understand the need to develop local start-up enterprises and also how gender representation plays a crucial role in the development of entrepreneurs in the country. Importantly, we strongly believe that gender inclusion in the ICT entrepreneurship space will help to unlock economic potential, drive innovation and create a more equitable and sustainable future.
     
    With this new approach in this year’s EEIP SME Development Programme, we are now able to offer a larger pool of eligible ICT SMEs in the country an opportunity to access grant funding and enterprise development support to help propel their businesses to greater heights. This improved approach aims to identify gems in the market and offer them holistic support which also includes Business Development assistance (mentoring and coaching) to help in fostering growth, a dynamic and connected information society as well as a knowledge economy.
     
    This essentially means that this holistic approach in our transformative EEIP SME Development Programme does not only focus on developing technical skills (for those organisations in the ICT sector), but also other key entrepreneurial capabilities such as soft skills that can help create sustainable businesses in South Africa and enable them to become engines for job creation.
     
    Also, our business development initiatives include an Enterprise Development Bootcamp that is part of Samsung’s EEIP Programme – which helps young entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. This fast-paced four –month long, Bootcamp programme focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills and supporting Black-owned businesses in South Africa, particularly in the areas of Service Centre repairs and ICT. It aims to accelerate and grow businesses by providing entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and financial support. 
     
    Samsung’s EEIP programme – now in its seven years of sustained success and this Enterprise Development “Call to Market” which represents the 3rd edition of our programme seeks to continue making a measurable difference to the socio-economic development of black South Africans. This year’s call follows two successful cycles and forms part of our broader commitment to the ICT sector, SME development and Vision 2030.
     
    This is our way of ensuring that we empower South Africa’s digital future by helping ICT entrepreneurs thrive as we deepen our commitment and collaboration with DTIC. The success of this EEIP SME Development Programme is highlighting the significant milestone of our EEIP in the country and the profound impact it has had on the nation’s ICT sector in conjunction with the DTIC.
     
    Our programme’s alignment with South Africa’s Vision 2030 and its success to date – has positioned this transformative SME Development Programme as one of the notably -value adding EEIPs in the sector. Furthermore, our strong and successful collaboration with the DTIC in strengthening the ICT sector through the EEIP – now complemented by our focus on providing support to start-ups in the infancy stage while also ensuring gender representation in this year’s SME Development Programme – is a true testament to shared goals for national development in the country.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Finding funding for the Bakerloo line extension

    Source: Mayor of London

    Transport for London (TfL) has proposed an extension of the Bakerloo line from Elephant and Castle, to Lewisham, including the potential for a further extension beyond Lewisham to Hayes and Beckenham Junction.

    The project is estimated to cost between £5.2 billion to £8.7 billion (at 2021 prices), with an additional £800 million to £1.9 billion required to extend the line further to Hayes.1

    The scheme would support over 53,000 new homes along the route, transform access to public transport in southeast London, significantly reducing journey times and increasing sustainable travel options. However, questions remain over how this project will be funded.

    Tomorrow, the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee will hear from experts and TfL on the potential funding options for the Bakerloo line extension, and other new and future capital projects.

    Guests are:

    • Professor Tony Travers, Professor in Practice and Associate Dean, the London School of Economics
    • John Kavanagh, Programme Director, Infrastructure, Business LDN 
    • Chris Whitehouse, Technical Director, WSP 
    • Maurice Lange, Analyst, Centre for Cities 
    • Manish Gupta, Corporate Finance Director, TfL 
    • Lucinda Turner, Director of Spatial Planning, TfL

    The meeting will take place on Tuesday 22 July 2025 from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stanford faculty member George Tidmarsh, M.D., Ph.D. named Director of Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    July 21, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the appointment of George Francis Tidmarsh, M.D., Ph.D., as Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). In this role, Dr. Tidmarsh will lead the FDA’s efforts to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality drugs are available to the American people.
    “Dr. Tidmarsh is an accomplished physician-scientist and leader whose experience spans the full arc of drug development—from bench to bedside,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “His appointment to lead CDER brings exceptional scientific, regulatory, and operational expertise to the agency. I look forward to working with him to strengthen our drug review programs, foster innovation, and advance cross-agency initiatives that improve health outcomes for the American public.”
    Dr. Tidmarsh earned his M.D. and Ph.D. in cancer biology from Stanford University where he completed residency training in pediatrics. He went on to complete two subspecialty programs at Stanford, one in pediatric oncology and another in neonatology. He brings over 30 years of experience in biotechnology, clinical medicine, and regulatory science and has authored 143 scientific publications and patents.  
    Dr. Tidmarsh was also the founding co-director of Stanford’s Master of Translational Research and Applied Medicine (M-TRAM) program, which bridges academic research and clinical application by training students and researchers to translate scientific discoveries into real-world medical solutions. His commitment to education, mentorship, and translational research continues to shape the next generation of physician-scientists and innovators. 
    Dr. Tidmarsh has led the successful clinical development of seven FDA-approved drugs and served as founder and CEO of multiple biopharmaceutical companies focused on oncology and critical care medicine. His work spans the full translational pipeline—from discovery through regulatory approval—and he is widely recognized for his ability to bring forward innovative treatments that address serious unmet medical needs. He has also served on advisory boards across academia, government, and industry.

    Consumer:888-INFO-FDA

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Content current as of:
    07/21/2025

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stanford faculty member George Tidmarsh, M.D., Ph.D. named Director of Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    July 21, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the appointment of George Francis Tidmarsh, M.D., Ph.D., as Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). In this role, Dr. Tidmarsh will lead the FDA’s efforts to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality drugs are available to the American people.
    “Dr. Tidmarsh is an accomplished physician-scientist and leader whose experience spans the full arc of drug development—from bench to bedside,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “His appointment to lead CDER brings exceptional scientific, regulatory, and operational expertise to the agency. I look forward to working with him to strengthen our drug review programs, foster innovation, and advance cross-agency initiatives that improve health outcomes for the American public.”
    Dr. Tidmarsh earned his M.D. and Ph.D. in cancer biology from Stanford University where he completed residency training in pediatrics. He went on to complete two subspecialty programs at Stanford, one in pediatric oncology and another in neonatology. He brings over 30 years of experience in biotechnology, clinical medicine, and regulatory science and has authored 143 scientific publications and patents.  
    Dr. Tidmarsh was also the founding co-director of Stanford’s Master of Translational Research and Applied Medicine (M-TRAM) program, which bridges academic research and clinical application by training students and researchers to translate scientific discoveries into real-world medical solutions. His commitment to education, mentorship, and translational research continues to shape the next generation of physician-scientists and innovators. 
    Dr. Tidmarsh has led the successful clinical development of seven FDA-approved drugs and served as founder and CEO of multiple biopharmaceutical companies focused on oncology and critical care medicine. His work spans the full translational pipeline—from discovery through regulatory approval—and he is widely recognized for his ability to bring forward innovative treatments that address serious unmet medical needs. He has also served on advisory boards across academia, government, and industry.

    Consumer:888-INFO-FDA

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Content current as of:
    07/21/2025

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Annual inflation at 2.7 percent in June 2025 – Stats NZ media and information release: Consumers price index: June 2025 quarter

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ, others to attend Belt-Road event

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, in his capacity as the chair of the sub-group on Belt & Road development under the Steering Group on Integration into National Development, will lead Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government officials in attending the eighth “Joint Conference on Advancing Hong Kong’s Full Participation in & Contribution to the Belt & Road Initiative”, due to be held on Thursday in Beijing. 

    The other officials attending include Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, Permanent Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Maggie Wong, Under Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Joseph Chan and Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong.

    During his stay in Beijing, Mr Lam and Law Officer (International Law) in the Department of Justice James Ding will visit the State Council’s Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to report on the progress of the Department of Justice’s major policy initiatives, including relevant work on the International Organization for Mediation and promoting Hong Kong’s position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre.

    Mr Lam will also visit the Ministry of Commerce to exchange views on matters of mutual interest.

    He will return to Hong Kong on the afternoon of July 24. During Mr Lam’s absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary for Justice.

    In Mr Yau’s absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development. During Ms Linn’s absence, Under Secretary for Development David Lam will be Acting Secretary for Development.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –