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Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches U-Based Leverage Trading with 25x to 100x Leverage, Adds 45 New Trading Pairs and Double Deposit Bonus No KYC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, 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.

    In addition to 100x leverage, BexBack is offering new U-based leverage trading options with 25x, 50x, and 75x leverage, giving traders greater flexibility to manage risk while maximizing potential returns. The platform has also added 45 new popular trading pairs, expanding the range of assets available to trade, creating more opportunities for strategic investment.

    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    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits.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, XRP, and 50 other major cryptocurrencies for 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 (complete one trade within one week of registration), 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. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4110cea-b777-4e8a-a7eb-a18dd12391f9

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/adc5f0e3-e140-4b4a-9027-4bd52b34fb95

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/44223717-8017-48e3-8f16-cc79ec9de8b0

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6fa2fed7-ca6f-4ecb-82e0-464a07c6f8bb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Telnyx unveils Voice AI: The future of human-like conversations at scale

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AI-powered voice interactions are advancing quickly, and Telnyx Voice AI is leading the way. Telnyx Voice AI is redefining the way businesses engage with customers, delivering real-time, intelligent, and ultra-natural voice conversations that feel just like talking to a human.

    Until now, voice automation has been plagued by delays, robotic speech, and a lack of real intelligence. Telnyx Voice AI changes that by combining cutting-edge AI voice synthesis, real-time streaming, and a global, private IP network, ensuring ultra-low latency and hyper-realistic conversations. Unlike fragmented solutions, Telnyx takes a full-stack approach to conversational AI, offering businesses all the essential building blocks—voice infrastructure, AI-driven automation, and real-time connectivity—to create custom, scalable voice AI solutions from the ground up.

    What can businesses do with Voice AI?

    • Automate customer support – Deploy AI agents that respond instantly and resolve issues in real-time.
    • Enhance IVR and call routing – Guide customers efficiently with intelligent, context-aware voice interactions.
    • Boost sales and engagement – Power AI-driven outbound calls for follow-ups, reminders, and personalized outreach.
    • Enable conversational commerce – Let customers book, buy, and inquire using natural, human-like voice AI.

    Unlike other AI solutions that struggle with delays and disjointed conversations, Telnyx Voice AI is built from the ground up for real-time speech processing—meaning zero awkward pauses, just smooth, seamless conversations. And because it runs on Telnyx’s private global infrastructure, it’s more reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient than other cloud-based providers.

    “AI-powered voice is the future of customer interactions, and with Telnyx Voice AI, that future is here,” said Ian Reither, COO at Telnyx. “Businesses can now automate real-time, human-like conversations at scale without the delays, robotic tone, or high costs of traditional solutions. We’ve built a powerful, flexible AI voice platform so companies can create seamless, intelligent voice experiences like never before.”

    With Telnyx Voice AI, the future of voice automation isn’t just smarter—it’s more human. Experience Telnyx Voice AI today: https://telnyx.com/voice-ai

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    Telnyx Media Relations
    press@telnyx.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Entrepreneurship as a way out of poverty? Study in rural Kenya shows why it doesn’t always work

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ralph Hamann, Professor, University of Cape Town

    International development agencies and non-governmental organisations often seek to advance community development by fostering entrepreneurship. The premise is that poor people can enhance their household incomes by establishing small businesses or by adding value to natural resources.

    Such programmes commonly include training and the provision of loans to enable micro-entrepreneurs to get started. But these interventions aren’t straightforward and often fail to achieve their objectives.

    Prior research has pointed to the fundamental economic challenges of entrepreneurship in the context of poverty. Cultural and institutional factors also play a role. Researchers have argued, for instance, that cultural norms of collectivism shape how entrepreneurs define themselves. They are likely to prioritise their roles as mentors or community safety net. This constrains their ability to innovate and grow their businesses.

    We wanted to explore an entrepreneurship-focused intervention in more detail. Specifically, why do some people seem more inclined than others to adopt these new behaviours?

    In a recent paper we set out our findings based on a study we conducted with 25 participants in northern Kenya. We built on our combined interests in entrepreneurship in resource-constrained environments, identity theory, and community development. We found that programme participants responded to the intervention in very different ways, and that religion helped explain these differences.

    Our findings have implications for interventions promoting entrepreneurship as a means to reduce poverty. First, such interventions can create profound identity tensions for participants and so their proponents need to take into account local cultures much more than is commonly the case. Second, entrepreneurship-focused interventions can change participants’ behaviours in ways that potentially disadvantage the poorest community members, leading to greater inequality at the community level.

    On the ground

    The development intervention we examined was aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in extremely poor pastoralist communities. The programme built on a small government cash transfer and put recipients into savings groups of up to 30 people. Participants were encouraged to start small businesses in these group discussions. They also received training in life skills and basic financial and business skills, such as the concept of profit and how to buy and sell goods.

    We found that over the five-year period of our study, an increasing number of pastoralists began engaging in businesses involving the sale of livestock, beadwork, sugar, tea leaves, washing powder and other necessities. But we discovered that these new business-oriented behaviours created profound tensions for the participants, and participants responded in different ways.

    The source of these tensions was in how individuals defined themselves within the local culture.

    The collectivist culture in these communities involved norms such as nkanyit (loosely translated, respect), which meant that people should share their belongings with others. But the training and the credit repayment requirements associated with the intervention made this problematic.

    To make profits and repay loans, the programme participants had to deny other community members’ requests for handouts or loans. This contravened local norms and expectations. It also created the fear that community members might curse the entrepreneur or her or his family.

    One participant explained:

    Business is different from what we were doing; business is not to give credits and also not to just give things to people… but people can curse you {if you say no}.

    Yet participants responded to these tensions in different ways. Some (about one-third of our research participants) gave in to the existing expectations and the need to avoid curses. As a result, they gave handouts to community members and often this led to their business languishing or collapsing. One participant noted:

    When I have food {business goods} in the house, I can’t tell people that I don’t have anything, and they know that I do. I just give some to avoid {curses}.“

    Others, however, continued with the new business activities despite the threat of curses. We discovered that a key factor explaining this was religion.

    Christians believed that their faith would protect them from curses. For some this occurred from the beginning. Others, fearful of curses early on, came to believe that curses would not apply in the context of the businesses that they wanted to keep running.

    For instance, one participant argued:

    Don’t give to people because of the fear of curses, just say no and pray for protection from the curses because God is great.

    Implications

    We highlight the importance of people’s social identities – specifically religious identities – in explaining why some participants are more likely to adopt capitalist behaviours (such as borrowing money to invest in business, or charging consumers interest on loans) than others.

    Organisations delivering entrepreneurship interventions and education in contexts of extreme poverty need to be aware of what identities they are encouraging participants to construct, either directly or indirectly through training and mentorship, and even through the questions that they ask participants.

    They need to be careful about creating tensions between existing cultural norms and the new concepts and behaviours they are introducing.

    More broadly, there may also be unintended negative consequences at the community level. Among the research participants in our study that adopted the entrepreneur role, this was linked to a diminished willingness to support poor community members. So, even if participants in the programme benefit through higher incomes, their entrepreneurial behaviours reduce traditional habits of giving to the needy. This could increase hardships for the very poor and create greater inequalities.

    This article is co-authored by Jody Delichte, and it is based on her PhD research at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business. Jody currently works as an international development and culture consultant. We are grateful to Jeremy Upane for his translation support in the field.

    – Entrepreneurship as a way out of poverty? Study in rural Kenya shows why it doesn’t always work
    – https://theconversation.com/entrepreneurship-as-a-way-out-of-poverty-study-in-rural-kenya-shows-why-it-doesnt-always-work-246700

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Coalition of Unions, Small Businesses, Veterans, and Conservation Organizations Seek Injunction to Prevent Unlawful Firings

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Amended Complaint also Targets Illegal “Five Things” Email

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In their lawsuit attempting to block the unlawful mass terminations of probationary federal employees, some of the nation’s largest and most influential public service unions, along with small businesses, veterans, and conservation organizations, have filed for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its Acting Director, Charles Ezell. The TRO would stop OPM from directing the unlawful firings, which the plaintiffs refer to in their complaint as “one of the most massive employment frauds in the history of this country.”

    The complaint, filed last week and amended yesterday, says that OPM’s egregious firings were made on false pretenses and violate federal law, including the Administrative Procedure Act and other statutes defining federal employment and OPM’s role. These firings were executed across federal agencies, based on directives from OPM. OPM, the complaint asserts, acted unlawfully by directing federal agencies to use a standardized termination notice falsely claiming performance issues. Congress, not OPM,controls and authorizes federal employment and related spending by the federal administrative agencies, and Congress has determined that each agency is responsible for managing its own employees.   

    In federal service, new employees and employees who change positions (including through promotions) have probationary status. The plaintiffs claim that OPM is exploiting and misusing the probationary period to eliminate staff across federal agencies.

    The amended complaint is the first to target OPM’s illegal demand that federal employees enumerate five accomplishments of the previous week. The demand, which has been widely derided, is also a violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, as explained in the complaint. “This request, and the resulting confusion, is not just inappropriate – it is disruptive to essential government functions,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley, in a letter to Acting Director Ezell.

    With respect to the termination of the provisional employees,“small business owners across the country rely on the Small Business Administration for access to capital, technical assistance, government contracting, disaster relief and many other critical services. Main street businesses also rely on consistent and predictable permitting and regulation,” said Richard Trent, Executive Director for the Main Street Alliance. “More than 20 million new small businesses have formed in the US since 2020. OPM should immediately stop this chaos. MSA will keep fighting until they do.”

    “Units of the National Park System across the country – who are already struggling with a lack of staff – have been impacted by the unlawful and reckless firings of federal employees,” said Phil Francis, Chair of the Executive Council of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. “We know these reductions in staff will lead to partial or full park closures, safety concerns due to a lack of  emergency responders, reduction or elimination of visitor center operations, a lack of maintenance including filthy restrooms, and an increased risk of harm to plants, animals, and other natural and cultural resources. These mass firings hurt our national parks and they hurt surrounding communities that depend on tourism and visitor spending to help support the local economy. The Coalition appreciates and supports our NPS employees and all federal workers who work tirelessly to conserve and protect our country’s national parks and public lands.”

    “Federal land and wildlife agencies are already understaffed, and the Trump administration’s recent hatchet-job on federal employees is resulting in chaos that will reduce federal oversight over lands that are supposed to be managed for the public interest, with conservation of lands, wildlife, and watersheds an important focus,” said Erik Molvar, a wildlife biologist and Executive Director of Western Watersheds Project. “We are concerned that these new job cuts will result in less federal oversight over public lands, allowing loggers, grazers, and drillers to get away with serious land abuses.”

    “This administration’s mass firings are a direct attack on the working people who have dedicated their lives to public service, including thousands of veterans. These reckless terminations threaten their livelihoods, their families, and their ability to continue serving their country, but the harm doesn’t stop there. Working families across the country could suffer from cuts to essential government services, whether it’s VA hospitals, disaster relief, or public safety,” said Jose Vasquez, Executive Director, CommonDefense.us. “This is not just bureaucratic mismanagement, it’s an assault on our nation from within. Common Defense stands with our fellow plaintiffs to demand an immediate stop to this unlawful purge and to defend the veterans, military families, and public servants who keep our government running.”

    “Veterans constitute approximately 30% of the federal workforce.  The recent mass layoffs have disproportionately affected them, leading to job losses and increased uncertainty. Many veterans rely on federal employment for stability, and these cuts have disrupted their livelihoods, said VoteVets Action Fund Chairman Major General (Ret.) Paul Eaton. “In addition, the termination of tens of thousands of probationary federal employees has had an adverse impact on the services provided to veterans, leading to staffing shortages, diminished support for critical programs, and increased uncertainty for veterans and their families.”

    “This administration has abused the probationary period to conduct a chaotic, ill-informed, and politically-driven firing spree. The result has been the indiscriminate firing of thousands of patriotic public servants across the country who help veterans in crisis, ensure the safety of our nuclear weapons, keep power flowing to American homes, combat the bird flu, and provide other essential services,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “These actions aren’t just illegal. They are hurting everyday Americans and making us all less safe. It’s a stark reminder of the price we all pay when you stack the government with political loyalists instead of professionals.”

    “Overnight, tens of thousands of federal employees received the same termination letter citing ‘performance issues’ without any explanation or reasoning,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “These mass firings are yet another unlawful attempt by this billionaire-run administration to gut public services without regard to the health and safety of our communities. Federal workers are qualified professionals who make our nation stronger – supporting our schools, parks, hospitals and vital infrastructure. We will keep fighting these attacks on their freedoms that threaten everything from food safety to national security to health care.”

    “New hires are crucial as our country continues to face nurse staffing challenges. Indiscriminately firing these nurses, who are essential to the care their units provide, could truly cost lives,” said Charmaine S. Morales, RN and UNAC/UHCP President.

    Ambassador Norm Eisen, representing the plaintiffs and executive chair of SDDF, said, “SDDF is proud to stand with leading public service unions and others in this critical fight to protect their members, who dedicate their lives to serving our nation. The mass firings ordered by OPM are illegal and betray the trust of countless federal employees. The patronizing demand that federal workers still on the job have to justify themselves by enumerating five accomplishments just adds insult to injury. That too is against the law. We are committed to protecting all these workers.”

    The TRO motion is available here.
    The memorandum in support of the TRO is available here.
    The proposed TRO order is available here.
    The amended complaint is available here.

    # # #

     

    The Main Street Alliance champions the voices of small business owners to create a thriving economy. We cultivate a network of entrepreneurs, connecting them with resources to build sustainable enterprises. Our membership drives state and federal policymaking that gives a fair shot to small businesses and strengthens communities nationwide.
    Western Watersheds Project is a unionized nonprofit conservation group dedicated to protecting and restoring wildlife and watersheds throughout the American West.
    Common Defense Civic Engagement (“CommonDefense.us”) is a grassroots membership organization of progressive veterans, military families, and civilian supporters standing up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence. Common Defense invests in the leadership of its members through training and deployment in campaigns that connect directly to their history of service, including voting rights, climate justice, and anti-militarism. Approximately 33,187 of Common Defense’s members live in California, including approximately 2,000 veterans.
    VoteVets uses public issue campaigns to relentlessly lift up the voices of veterans on matters of national security, veterans’ care, and everyday issues that affect the lives of those who served, and their families.
    Altshuler Berzon LLP is a California law firm that  focuses on providing legal representation in the service of economic justice and the public interest. The law firm represents clients in federal and state trial and appellate courts and before administrative agencies.
    State Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Risk Strategies Appoints Craig D. Simon Managing Director, Private Equity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Risk Strategies, a leading North American specialty insurance brokerage and risk management and consulting firm, today announced it has hired Craig D. Simon as Managing Director in its National Private Equity Practice. In his role, Simon will be responsible for brokering, servicing, and program administration for clients in the private equity sector.

    Based in New York City, Simon brings over 25 years of experience to the Risk Strategies private equity practice. Simon is an expert in designing and implementing non-traditional and alternative risk management programs. He is a well-respected industry expert whose opinion with clients and leading trade and business publications, is frequently sought.

    “Bringing Craig on board is a real win for this practice,” said Neil Krauter Sr., National Private Equity Practice Leader, Risk Strategies. “His reputation as both an industry expert and team leader are well deserved, and we are excited to see the difference he will make for our clients and our business.”

    Prior to joining Risk Strategies, Simon was a Team Leader for U.S. Energy & Power at Marsh. He also served as Senior Managing Director at Crystal & Company (now Alliant) for over 15 years, overseeing the firm’s liability insurance placement and brokering operations. Simon previously led the U.S. liability insurance brokering as the National Casualty Practice Leader for Willis North America (now Willis Towers Watson).

    “I’m excited to join the practice at Risk Strategies and work with a team of true specialists,” said Simon. “Over my career, I have seen the power that focused industry expertise has for clients. Risk Strategies has built its success on this approach, and I’m excited to help grow this business.”

    A graduate of Hofstra University, Simon holds a Master of Business Administration in finance as well as a Bachelor of Arts in economics.

    About Risk Strategies

    Risk Strategies, part of Accession Risk Management Group, is a North American specialty brokerage firm offering comprehensive risk management services, property and casualty insurance and reinsurance placement, employee benefits, private client services, consulting services, and financial & wealth solutions. The 9th largest U.S. privately held broker, we advise businesses and personal clients, have access to all major insurance markets, and 30+ specialty industry and product line practices and experts in 200+ offices – Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Grand Cayman, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington, DC. RiskStrategies.com

    Media Contact
    Alana Bannan
    Senior Account Executive
    360-975-1812
    Rsc@matternow.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New law to ban bonuses for polluting water bosses

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New law to ban bonuses for polluting water bosses

    The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 has today received Royal Assent, boosting the powers of water sector regulators to tackle pollution.

    Major legislation to crack down on water bosses polluting Britain’s rivers, lakes and seas has today been signed into law in the most significant increase to enforcement powers in a decade.   

    The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 will give regulators new powers to take tougher and faster action to crack down on water companies damaging the environment and failing their customers.  

    The Act delivers on the manifesto pledges to clean up the water sector, including increasing the ability of the Environment Agency to bring forward criminal charges against water executives who break the law. It will create new tougher penalties, including possible imprisonment, for water executives who obstruct investigations.   

    The new legislation will provide powers for Ofwat to ban the payment of bonuses to water bosses if they fail to meet high standards to protect the environment, their consumers, and their company’s finances.     

    Other measures in the Act include automatic penalties to allow regulators to issue penalties more quickly, without having to direct resources to lengthy investigations. It will also introduce independent monitoring of every sewage outlet, with water companies required to publish real-time data for all emergency overflows. Discharges will have to be reported within an hour of the initial spill.  

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

    “We promised to put water companies under tough special measures to clean up our waterways. Today, the Government has delivered on that promise as we continue to deliver on our Plan for Change.       

    “Polluting water bosses will no longer be paid undeserved bonuses. And if they break the law over water pollution, they could end up in the dock and face prison time. 

    “This is just the beginning. The Independent Water Commission will report back later this year to shape new laws that will transform our water system so we can clean up our rivers, lakes, and seas for good.” 

    The Act introduces bold new measures to clean up the industry, including:   

    • Enhanced enforcement powers: The Environment Agency will have increased ability to bring criminal charges against water bosses who break the law, who could face tougher penalties such as imprisonment of executives when companies fail to cooperate or obstruct investigations. The cost recovery powers of regulators will be expanded to ensure that water companies bear the cost of enforcement action taken in response to their failings.  

    • Ban on bonuses: Ofwat will have the power to set rules prohibiting the payment of executive bonuses if companies fail to meet high standards in protecting the environment, their consumers, and financial resilience.  

    • Automatic penalties: Automatic penalties will be introduced for a range of offences, allowing regulators to issue penalties more quickly without redirecting resources to lengthy investigations.   

    • Independent monitoring: Every emergency sewage outlet will be monitored, with data independently scrutinised and made publicly available within an hour of sewage spills occurring. This will ensure transparency and direct further investment to improving sewage infrastructure.   

    • Pollution Incident Reduction Plans (PIRPs): Water companies in England will be required to publish annual Pollution Incident Reduction Plans and report regularly on their progress, enabling the public and regulators to hold companies accountable for reducing pollution incidents.   

    The Act marks a major milestone in the government’s long-term approach to tackling the systemic issues in the water sector – helping to meet the challenges of the future, such as climate change, and driving economic growth.   

    Further legislation aimed at fundamentally transforming how our entire water system operates will be guided by the findings of the Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, which is currently conducting the largest review of the industry since privatisation.   

    Action taken so far 

    Immediate steps:   

    In his first week, the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed announced a series of initial steps towards ending the crisis in the water sector: 

    • After writing to Ofwat, the Secretary of State secured agreement that funding for vital infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment not diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases.    

    • Water companies will place customers and the environment at the heart of their objectives. Companies have agreed to change their ‘Articles of Association’ – the rules governing each company – to make the interests of customers and the environment a primary objective.   

    • Consumers will gain new powers to hold water company bosses to account through powerful new customer panels. For the first time in history, customers will have the power to summon board members and hold water executives to account.   

    • Strengthen protection and compensation for households and businesses when their basic water services are affected. We have now doubled the compensation customers are legally entitled to when key standards are not met. The payments will also be triggered by a wider set of circumstances including Boil Water Notices.   

    Independent Commission:   

    • We have launched an Independent Commission into the water sector and its regulation, in what is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation.  

    • Former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, Jon Cunliffe, has been appointed as the chair of the Commission. With several decades of economic and regulatory experience, his appointment demonstrates the Government’s serious ambitions. The Commission will draw upon a panel of experts from across the regulatory, environment, health, engineering, customer, investor, and economic sectors.   

    • A set of recommendations will be delivered to the Defra Secretary of State, and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.   

    • These recommendations will form the basis of further legislation to attract long-term investment and clean up our waters for good – injecting billions of pounds into the economy, speeding up delivery on infrastructure to support house building and addressing water scarcity, given the country needs to source an additional 5 billion litres of water a day by 2050.

    Further information:   

    Please see further details on the Water (Special Measures) Act here.

    Stakeholder quotes: 

    Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:   

    “The passing into law of the Water (Special Measures) Act is a crucial step in making sure water companies take full responsibility for their impact on the environment.  

    “The increased regulatory powers introduced by this legislation will allow us to close the justice gap, deliver swifter enforcement action and ultimately deter illegal activity.   

    “Alongside these reforms, we are undertaking the biggest ever transformation to the way we regulate. By investing in additional resources, training and updated digital assets, we are ensuring the water system better meets the needs of both people and the environment, now and in the future.” 

    Huw Irranca-Davies, Wales’s Deputy First Minister for Wales with responsibility for Climate Change, said:  

    “Restoring our rivers and improving water quality is a key priority for us.  

    “We’ve been working in partnership with the UK Government to tackle pollution in our rivers, lakes, and seas, and to make sure the water industry is properly regulated.  

    “Today’s Royal Assent of the Special Measures Bill is another step forward and shows what we can achieve working together.” 

    Helen Campbell, Ofwat’s Senior Director for Sector Performance, said: 

    ‘’We welcome today’s Royal Assent of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, which provides a clear signal to create a water sector that delivers for all customers and the environment.   

    “The Act gives Ofwat new powers to set requirements for companies on remuneration and governance, including prohibiting performance-related executive pay. These rules are an important step towards rebuilding public trust within the water sector, while also prompting water companies to focus on delivering a change in their culture that better meets the expectations of their customers. 

    “We are working at pace to implement these new rules and intend to launch consultations on the final proposals later this year.” 

    Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said: 

    “Repairing people’s fractured trust in the water sector requires not only a vast improvement in environmental performance, but also a sea change in water company culture so customers’ priorities are put before profit.  

    “It will take time to transform the water sector, but these new legal powers mark an important step in tackling two issues which make people’s blood boil – water company executives being rewarded for failure and pollution in our rivers, lakes, and seas.  

    “Water companies will be placing much bigger demands on billpayers’ finances over the next five years, so people have a right to expect far more for their money.” 

    Mark Lloyd, Rivers Trust CEO, said:   

    “The Water Special Measures Bill is a welcome first step from the government towards building a water system which restores nature, builds resilience to drought and flooding, and tackles the widespread issues of pollution.  

    “We welcome the improvements made to the bill in its passage through the Lords and the Government’s acceptance of amendments strengthening the environment duty of Ofwat and a greater emphasis on Nature Based Solutions.   

    “We are engaging closely with the current Independent Water Commission which we see as a once in a generation opportunity to take several more, and bolder steps towards a more integrated and catchment-based approach to managing water.” 

    “We welcome Royal Assent of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, an important step toward cleaning up the freshwater environment. Regulators must make decisive use of new enforcement powers wherever companies continue to pollute, and Ofwat should make the most of new financial disclosure rules to ensure that funds that ought to be spent cleaning up rivers are never again siphoned off for profit.  

    “As the Government has recognised, the Act is just a first step. It must be followed promptly by further legislation and action to clamp down on pollution and ramp up environmental investment across whole catchments and across all the sectors responsible for polluting our rivers.” 

    Ali Morse, Water Policy Manager at the Wildlife Trusts, said:  

    “It’s encouraging to see The Water (Special Measures) Act bringing welcome powers and resourcing for regulators, as well as protections for the environment, with additional sewage spill monitoring and a focus on reducing pollution. These are topics that customers really care about. It lays important groundwork for the future legislative changes which are vital to ensure that the water sector can achieve what it needs to in the interests of its customers, and the rivers, lakes, and seas which people cherish. 

    “The work of the Independent Water Commission offers a once in a generation opportunity to reshape the way that we secure the improvements our waters desperately need, across catchment and sectors, and we’ll continue to work with the Commission and Government to ensure that these vital changes are driven forward.” 

    Jamie Cook, Angling Trust CEO, said:  

    “We welcome the government’s early action on water pollution with this bill. The behaviour of water companies is a national scandal, and illegal sewage pollution must result in prosecutions.  

    “The Angling Trust’s network of water-testing volunteers regularly exposes horrendous pollution in waterways and damage done to fisheries. The Environment Agency must use its powers to prosecute any law-breaking water bosses and address any illegal sewage spills uncovered in its long-standing investigation into potential permit breaches.  

    “This bill is a first step toward cleaning up waterways and fixing the regulatory system. The Independent Water Commission must now drive systemic reform, leading to a stronger water bill later in this Parliament—one that transforms water management and safeguards rivers, lakes, seas, and the fish that depend on them.” 

    Ben Seal, Head of Access and Environment at Paddle UK, said: 

    “Paddle UK and The Clean Water Sports Alliance welcomes the Water (Special Measures) Act receiving Royal Assent today. This legislation is a shot across the bows of polluting companies. Banning bonuses for failures and issuing tougher penalties is a very welcome first step by the Government – a down payment on the promised future reform that our broken system so desperately needs” 

    “Enjoying time in, on, or alongside water is vitally important in supporting the health and wellbeing of millions of people. Our community has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the impact pollution is having on both people and nature. We will be watching closely to ensure that these new powers are used to their fullest, to hold polluters to account and begin to restore our precious blue spaces”. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Drugs Made in America Acquisition Corp. Announces Advisory Team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fort Lauderdale, FL, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Drugs Made in America Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: DMAAU), (the “Company”) today announced the formation of an advisory team to lead its effort towards acquiring a well-managed, revenue generating business for the foundation and development of “End to End production, manufacturing and distribution, for the Drugs Made In America Platform”.  Under the direction of Lynn Stockwell, Chief Executive Officer of DMAAU, the advisory team will proactively pursue the deliverable of a business or combinations that seeks to become a new competitive cost producer of drugs made in America. Onboarding production back to the USA creates jobs, mitigates national security risks and will ensure the American people will have clean, pure, cost-efficient medications through a resilient supply chain made in America.

    The advisory team includes Charles C. Conaway who is chairman of The Sabre group, a private capital business which has operated, acquired & originated a variety of businesses in the health, consumer and other segments.   Mr. Conaway has led and served on the Board of a variety of organizations, including Fortune 100 companies as President of CVS Corporation, where he led the successful restructuring to create CVS as a stand-alone public company.  Mr. Conaway was one of the lead architects in transforming CVS from a large retailer to one of largest health care companies in the U.S.

    The team also includes Paul J. Mastronardi and Edward A. Robinson.

    Mr. Mastronardi is a third-generation greenhouse grower and distributor in the North American market. He was recognized as a Top 10 Under 40 honoree by Greenhouse Canada in 2017 and as a Top 40 Under 40 honoree by Produce Business in 2024. Paul also serves on multiple boards across various industries and brings extensive experience in developing businesses.

    Mr. Robinson is the former Chief Executive Officer of BMW Financial Services N.A. He was responsible for the America’s Region, which included BMW Bank, an Industrial Loan Corporation in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since retiring from BMW, Mr. Robinson has acted as a consultant on a wide range of businesses including public and private entities.

    The team will leverage resources and networks for efficient outreach to commence immediately. The effort will be focused on creating proprietary transaction opportunities. The Company believe personal relationships built over time are critical not just in generating transaction opportunities, but also in consummating a business combination.

    About Drugs Made In America Acquisition Corp.

    The Company is a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands as an exempted company incorporated for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses. It has not selected any specific business combination target and has not, nor has anyone on its behalf, engaged in any substantive discussions, directly or indirectly, with any business combination target with respect to an initial business combination. While the Company may pursue a business combination target in any business, industry or geographical location, it intends to focus its search for businesses in the pharmaceutical industry. The Company believes that it is possible to mitigate risks in the U.S. medical supply chain by investing in companies that will reduce America’s overreliance on production of pharmaceuticals from concentrated geographic regions through investments in strategic on-shoring of advanced domestic manufacturing technologies for critical drugs.

    Contact Information

    Drugs Made In America Acquisition Corp.
    1 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 700
    Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

    Lynn Stockwell

    Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chair
    Email: lynn@dmaacorp.com
    Phone: (954) 870-3099

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Registration Statement and related preliminary prospectus filed in connection with the initial public offering with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE COLLECTS $10,739,347.57 IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL ACTIONS IN FISCAL YEAR 2024

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced today that the Northern District of Florida collected $10,739,347.57 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $6,129,268.26 was collected in criminal actions and $4,610,079.31 was collected in civil actions.            

    “Our office’s civil and criminal divisions, in coordination with our federal, state, and local law partners, have continued to work tirelessly to collect funds owed the America people in both criminal and civil matters,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Spaven.  “These efforts recover funds owed in civil and criminal debts and are used to punish criminals, make victims whole, and return funds to the federal treasury.”

    For example, in November, 2023, Chad Wade pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, and bankruptcy fraud, for acts of COVID-related fraud.  He was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, ordered to pay restitution to the United States Small Business Administration in the amount of about $1.58 million, and ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.00.  In FY 2024, the Northern District of Florida collected the full amount of the restitution.  In addition to the criminal judgment, the Northern District of Florida obtained a civil judgment under the False Claims Act for over $4 million, of which over $2.2 million has been collected.  The total amount collected from Wade is over $3.8 million.

    In November, 2022, Kathleen Jasper pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to commit theft of trade secrets. She was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution to the Florida Department of Education in the amount of $135,026.00.  In FY 2024, the Northern District of Florida recovered the full amount of the restitution, including over $20,000 through the Treasury Offset Program.

    The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

    Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Northern District of Florida, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $10,417,393 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Mavenir and Terrestar Achieve Industry First Satellite Voice Over NB-IoT Call in NTN Mode

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RICHARDSON, Texas, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider building the future of networks, and Terrestar Solutions Inc., Canada’s premier mobile satellite operator, have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully completing an industry first Voice over NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) call in NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) mode. The achievement was conducted over a 3GPP-standardized NTN S-band spectrum, avoiding interference common in terrestrial networks. Designed to work with GEO satellite delays as well, the network ensures consistent coverage despite higher latency. This approach enables GEO operators to monetize NTN services immediately.

    This industry-first call was made earlier in the year, January 2025, using standard codec, Sony’s Altair ALT1250 module, Mavenir Open RAN (Open vRAN and Open Beam radio), Mavenir Converged Packet Core, and was conducted in collaboration with Terrestar.

    The successful VoNB (Voice over NB-IoT) call highlights Mavenir’s and Terrestar’s industry leadership in delivering innovative solutions that bridge the connectivity gap in challenging and remote environments. By leveraging 3GPP standards-based NTN technology, the collaboration is driving the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks to bring seamless connectivity to underserved regions, supporting IoT use cases and extending the scope of reliable communication.

    Jacques Leduc, President, Terrestar Solutions: “Terrestar Solutions embodies innovation and leadership as the first MSS player to offer a real-time voice service based on a fully compliant 3GPP non-terrestrial network. With our dedicated S-band spectrum and an open network architecture, we leverage the strength of the 3GPP ecosystem to drive a breakthrough that sets us apart. Our mission: to accelerate the ecosystem development and provide all, through their mobile service provider, with satellite mobile connectivity that ensures security, autonomy, and independence.” 

    Sachin Karkala, SVP & GM, RAN Business Unit, Mavenir: “Satellite services provide the perfect addition to existing terrestrial networks, adding a layer of widespread coverage, and nowhere is this more important than underserved and remote regions. This development allows satellite operators to launch voice services immediately using available spectrum, existing GEO satellites and industry-standard user equipment with a simple software upgrade to deliver voice services country-wide.”

    This achievement paves the way for broader adoption of NTN-based NB-IoT solutions and further integration of voice services into IoT ecosystems as the standards progress. It also reinforces Mavenir’s role as a pioneer in delivering technologies that empower industries and communities worldwide.

    Notes to the editor:

    About Terrestar Solutions

    Terrestar Solutions Inc. is the only Canadian mobile satellite operator engaged in the race to bring direct-to-device satellite services to smartphones and IoT devices and make anywhere-in-Canada communication a reality. Terrestar is committed to nurturing the ever-evolving, standards-based and open network ecosystem, enabling Mobile Network Operators to deliver ubiquitous communication services. Thanks to the Echostar T1 satellite, its ground network infrastructure and 40MHz of S-band mobile-satellite spectrum, Terrestar connects Canadians from almost anywhere in the country, even in Canada’s most remote regions, through its Strigo Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS). The Strigo service also supports non-profit and First Nations organizations, a testament to the Company’s powerful sense of responsibility towards the welfare and progress of the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.terrestarsolutions.ca, or follow us on LinkedIn. 

    About Mavenir

    Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir’s award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com

    Meet Mavenir at Mobile World Congress 2025, Barcelona, Mar 3-6, 2025.

    To explore Mavenir’s latest innovations and learn more about how Mavenir is delivering the Future of Networks – Today, visit us in Hall 2 (Stand 2H60) at #MWC25.

    Media Contacts

    Mavenir: Emmanuela Spiteri PR@mavenir.com
    Terrestar: Victoria Ollers media@terrestarsolutions.ca 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why including people with disabilities in the workforce and higher education benefits everyone

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lauren Shallish, Associate Professor of Disability Studies in Education, Rutgers University – Newark

    The employment rate for people with disabilities is about half that of nondisabled people. Johner Images via Getty Images

    Whether it’s declaring that blindness prevents government employees from doing their jobs or suggesting that hiring workers with intellectual disabilities contributed to Federal Aviation Administration safety lapses, the Trump administration has repeatedly questioned whether people with disabilities belong in the workplace.

    This stance reflects widespread stigma and misconceptions about what people with disabilities can and do accomplish.

    Negative stereotypes and exclusionary practices persist despite the fact that people with disabilities are the largest minority group in the United States, representing nearly 30% of the population. Whether or not you identify as disabled, most people live or work in close proximity to others with a disability.

    For years I have researched how people with disabilities have been kept out of efforts to guarantee equal access for everybody, particularly in higher education. This exclusion is often due to unfounded beliefs about capacity, intellect and merit, and the false premise that disability inclusion requires lowering standards.

    However, studies demonstrate that including people with disabilities is good for everyone, not just disabled people. Schools and workplaces are more collaborative and responsive when people with disabilities are included at all levels of the organization. In other words, disability inclusion isn’t about charity; it’s about making organizations work better.

    The Americans with Disabilities Act, enacted in 1990, provides legal protections for people with disabilities in the workplace.
    kyotokushige/DigitalVision via Getty Images

    Rolling back protections

    President Donald Trump issued executive orders the day he took office for a second time that aimed at ending government and private-sector efforts to make U.S. workplaces and schools more diverse, equitable and inclusive. In addition to affecting LGBTQ+ communities and people of color, these measures could erode years of progress toward protecting the rights of people with disabilities to earn a living.

    Between 40 million and 80 million Americans identify as disabled. Even the higher end of this range underestimates the actual number of people with disabilities, because some individuals choose not to identify that way or even realize they qualify as such. That includes people with impairments from chemical and pesticide exposure, as well as many older people and those who are living with HIV and AIDS, to name some examples.

    Only 15% of people with disabilities are born with their impairment, so most individuals become disabled over their lifetime.

    Tracing historical precedents

    Blaming failures on people with disabilities and people of color echoes the harms embedded in eugenics, an attempt to scientifically prove genetic inferiority of disabled, LGBTQ+ Indigenous and Black people.

    Eugenics led to the institutionalization and forced sterilization of, and the coercive experimentation on, people with disabilities, immigrants and people of color across the U.S. Even the Supreme Court endorsed the concept in the early 20th century.

    These studies began to fade after World War II, but their legacy persists. Even today, forced sterilization continues to be lawful in U.S jurisdictions in 31 states and in Washington.

    Due to widespread activism and the advent of new legal protections, many states finally dismantled their eugenic policies in the late 1970s. But eugenics-era experiments provided foundations for contemporary medical research, standardized testing and segregated school placements.

    People with disabilities have far-reaching legal guarantees of civil rights and access today due to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The statute, which was enacted in 1990 and strengthened in 2008, provided protections in the workplace, educational settings, transportation and places of recreation and commerce, among others. It also guarded against negative perceptions of disability.

    For example, if an employer perceived someone as disabled and denied them consideration in the hiring process because of that, the candidate would be protected from discrimination under the ADA – whether or not they had a disability.

    While these advances are significant, many people with disabilities still do not have access to their basic civil rights. This is particularly true of Black people with disabilities, as they are disproportionately pushed out of school, disciplined more harshly, targeted for incarceration and marginalized in disability representation and research.

    Accommodations for people with disabilities enable them to contribute unique talents to classrooms and workplaces.
    Halfpoint Images via Getty Images

    Gaining workplace accommodations

    Critics of inclusion efforts sometimes wrongly argue that employing people with disabilities is too costly due to the accommodations they may require. But the Job Accommodation Network in the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy found in 2023 that nearly 60% of these accommodations cost nothing.

    What’s more, many tax incentives are available to cover these costs.

    Disability civil rights law does not mandate hiring people who are not qualified or lowering standards to include the disabled. The law requires that candidates meet the “essential functions” of the job in order to be hired.

    According to a 2024 Labor Department report, the employment rate for working-age people with disabilities was 38% compared with 75% for nondisabled people. Though there are countless reasons for this disparity, many people with disabilities can and want to work, but employers don’t give them the opportunity.

    Providing benefits for everyone

    Many accommodations designed for people with disabilities also benefit others.

    Captioning on videos and movies was originally meant to benefit the deaf community, but it also helps multilingual speakers and people who simply are trying to follow the dialogue. Similarly, visual or written instructions assist people with depression, Down syndrome or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but they can also make tasks more accessible for everyone, along with breaking assignments into smaller components.

    Sensory break rooms benefit people with autism and post-traumatic stress disorder, while also providing a reprieve in a noisy work environment and minimizing distractions. Remote work options can make it easier for people with chronic illnesses to be employed, and they similarly benefit others who may have caregiving responsibilities – helping attract and retain talented employees. Text-to-speech software provides people with cerebral palsy and nonspeaking individuals with options for communication, similar to options that many people already use on their phones.

    A large body of research demonstrates the broad benefits of making jobs and schools more accessible to people with disabilities, which is ultimately an advantage for everyone.

    Studies on diversity in educational and workplace settings also demonstrate positive outcomes. In a study of 10 public universities, researchers found that students who reported positive, informal interactions with diverse peers had higher scores on measures of more complex thinking, a concern for the public good and an interest in poverty issues, and were more likely to vote and develop strong leadership skills.

    In a national survey of human resources managers conducted in 2019, 92% of the respondents who were aware that one or more of their employees had a disability said those individuals performed the same or better than their peers who did not.

    Research published by the Harvard Business Review found many advantages to hiring people with disabilities.

    For one thing, people with disabilities can have unique insights that contribute to the workplace culture. The presence of employees with disabilities can make the environment of entire companies and organizations more collaborative. Earning a reputation for inclusiveness and social responsibility can improve customer relations and can give businesses an edge when they seek funding and recruit talented new employees.

    Ultimately, I believe it’s important to create conditions where anyone can thrive, including people with disabilities. Doing so benefits everyone.

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

    – ref. Why including people with disabilities in the workforce and higher education benefits everyone – https://theconversation.com/why-including-people-with-disabilities-in-the-workforce-and-higher-education-benefits-everyone-249676

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Elon Musk’s deep ties to – and admiration for – China could complicate Trump’s Beijing policy

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Linggong Kong, Ph.D. Student, Auburn University

    Elon Musk holds an outsized influence in the new Trump administration.

    As head of his Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, the world’s wealthiest man has enjoyed nearly unfettered political power in slashing and refashioning the federal government as he sees fit. And it has quickly become clear that he has the president’s ear on issues beyond that brief.

    But on one topic, Musk stands somewhat apart from others in the coterie of aides and advisers around Trump: China. In contrast to the many hawks in the new Trump cabinet who call for a hard-line approach on China, Musk is a striking outlier.

    As an expert on China-U.S. relations who has monitored Musk’s views on China, I don’t find his long history of espousing pro-Chinese sentiment surprising, given that he has sought throughout to get a business hold in the country.

    But those entanglements are worth scrutiny, given Musk’s role in the Trump administration at a time when one of America’s biggest foreign policy challenges is how to manage its relationship with Beijing.

    Musk’s journey to the East

    For years, Musk has had significant business interests in China, with Tesla’s Shanghai factory, Tesla Giga Shanghai, playing a crucial role in the company’s global operations.

    Since its opening in 2019, the Shanghai plant has surpassed Tesla’s Fremont, California, facility in both size and productivity, now accounting for more than half of the company’s global deliveries and a majority of its profits. Moreover, nearly 40% of Tesla’s battery supply chain relies on Chinese companies, and these partnerships continue to expand.

    Elon Musk walks with Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong during the groundbreaking ceremony for a Tesla factory in Shanghai on Jan. 7, 2019.
    STR/AFP via Getty Images

    Notably, Tesla was the first foreign automaker permitted to establish operations in China without a local partner, following a change in ownership regulations. The Shanghai factory was constructed with the support of US$1.4 billion in loans from Chinese state-owned banks, granted at favorable interest rates.

    Between 2019 and 2023, the Shanghai government also provided Tesla with a reduced corporate tax rate of 15% – 10 percentage points lower than the standard rate.

    The cost advantages of manufacturing in Shanghai, which include lower production and labor expenses, have further cemented Tesla’s reliance on the Chinese market.

    Given that Musk’s wealth is largely tied to Tesla stock, his financial standing is increasingly dependent on the company’s fortunes in China, making any potential disengagement from the country both economically and strategically challenging.

    Tesla’s continued investment in China underscores this dependency. On Feb. 11, 2025, the company opened its second factory in Shanghai — a $200 million plant that is set to produce 10,000 megapack batteries annually. It’s the company’s first megapack battery factory outside the U.S..

    This investment deepens Tesla’s presence in China amid a new wave of U.S.-China trade tensions. On Feb. 1, the Trump administration imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, prompting Beijing’s retaliation with tariffs on American coal, liquefied natural gas, agricultural equipment and crude oil.

    A Chinese fan

    It remains unclear to what extent Musk’s financial interests in China will translate to real influence over the Trump administration’s policy toward Beijing. But Musk’s long history of pro-China remarks suggests the direction he wants the administration to move.

    During his visit to Beijing in April 2024, Musk praised the country, noting also: “I also have a lot of fans in China – well, the feeling is mutual.”

    His admiration appears to hinge in part on how he views business and labor practices in China. In that vein, Musk has criticized American workers as lazy and has faced U.S. labor law disputes, while simultaneously praising Chinese workers for “burning the 3 a.m. oil” under an intensely repressive labor system.

    In numerous posts on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, which he owns, Musk has also praised China’s infrastructure and high-speed rail system, lauded its space program, applauded its leadership in global green energy initiatives and urged his followers to visit the country.

    Musk has also opposed U.S. efforts to decouple from China, describing the countries’ economies as “conjoined twins,” despite a sizable part of the foreign policy establishment in the West viewing decreased dependency on China as necessary for security interests amid rising geopolitical tensions.

    On the issue of Taiwan, the most dangerous flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, Musk has compared Taiwan to Hawaii, arguing that it is an integral part of China and noting that the U.S. Pacific Fleet has prevented mainland China from achieving reunification by force.

    Musk further suggested that the Taiwan dispute could be resolved by allowing China to establish Taiwan as a special administrative zone, similar to Hong Kong.

    His remarks were shared and welcomed by China’s then-ambassador to the U.S., who, in a post on X, emphasized China’s so-called peaceful unification strategy and advocated for the “one country, two systems” model.

    Trump’s back-channel envoy?

    The big question going forward is how Musk’s financial stakes in, and stated admiration for, China will translate into attempts to influence the U.S. administration’s China policy, particularly given Musk’s unconventional advisory role and the strong faction of anti-China hawks in Trumpworld.

    Given Musk’s approach to China, it’s hard to see him not trying to use his influence with the president to push for somewhat warmer relations with Beijing.

    If such counsel were heeded, it’s easy to envision Musk leveraging his deep ties to China, particularly his close personal relationship with China’s current second-ranking official, Premier Li Qiang, who was the Shanghai party chief when Tesla’s factory was built. In the scenario, Donald Trump could tap Musk as a back channel for diplomacy to ease U.S.-China tensions and facilitate bilateral cooperation when needed.

    To this point, it was, perhaps, telling that it was Musk who met with China President Xi Jinping’s envoy to Trump’s inauguration, Vice President Han Zheng, on the eve of the event.

    But it’s far from certain that Trump wants that diplomatic role for Musk, or that other voices won’t win out with regard to Beijing. In his first term, Trump launched an unprecedented trade war and tech blockade against China, fundamentally reshaping U.S.-China relations and pushing the U.S. toward something of a bipartisan consensus to counter Beijing that has existed for several years.

    Trump’s tariff moves and second-term picks for top trade and commerce roles, like Peter Navarro and Jamieson Greer — who played key roles in the trade war against China during the president’s first term — suggest that Trump’s commitment to further decoupling from China remains strong.

    Furthermore, Musk’s business interests and personal wealth tied to China could leave him vulnerable to Chinese influence. By leaning on Musk’s close ties with Trump, China could use his dependence on the Chinese market as a bargaining chip to pressure Trump into making concessions on issues of major strategic importance to Beijing.

    China has a history of coercing foreign companies reliant on its market into making compromises on matters concerning its national interests. For instance, Apple removed virtual private network apps from its app store in China at the government’s request. Similarly, Tesla could face comparable pressure in the future if Beijing wants to use Musk as a cudgel to influence policy in the Trump administration. Notably, as the head of DOGE, with access to sensitive data from multiple agencies, Musk could find himself caught between U.S. security scrutiny and China’s strategic targeting.

    So long as Musk retains the influence with Trump that he holds now, it’s conceivable that his pro-China sentiments will translate into attempts to influence government policy. Yet even if this is to be the case, whether those efforts succeed will depend on the president and his other advisers, many of whom are seeking an aggressive front against Beijing and are likely to view Musk as an impediment rather than ally in that fight to come.

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

    – ref. How Elon Musk’s deep ties to – and admiration for – China could complicate Trump’s Beijing policy – https://theconversation.com/how-elon-musks-deep-ties-to-and-admiration-for-china-could-complicate-trumps-beijing-policy-249988

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Sustainability ideals are often crushed by corporate demands. Here’s how businesses can let them flourish

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sanne Frandsen, Associate Professor in Organization, Lund University

    Urbanscape/Shutterstock

    A “calling” in the context of work might be characterised by a strong sense of purpose and a motivation beyond just being paid at the end of the month. It’s mostly associated with occupations like healthcare workers, teachers or nonprofit staff, for example. We might not immediately think of sustainability managers – employed by companies to reduce their environmental impact – as following a calling in the same sense.

    As researchers, however, we have found that sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) managers are also drawn to their work by a calling to serve as agents for social change – even though their roles are corporate ones.

    The social aspirations of sustainability managers are key to the success of corporations’ CSR and sustainability work. However, these aspirations often clash with the corporate reality within the organisation.

    Our research is based on 57 sustainability managers in international companies in Sweden across various industries and career levels. We found that sustainability managers chose their careers in order to live out their strong socio-environmental ambitions.

    Yet keeping that motivation is far from easy. According to sustainability managers themselves, their employers fail to live up to their social aspirations. They are pushed to prioritise corporate goals over social good, and their visions are reduced to compliance only. Their innovative ideas can fade in the struggle to be heard and gain support within the organisation.

    We found that as sustainability managers gain more seniority within the corporation, they lose their socio-environmental purpose and instead start to focus on the bottom-line results of sustainability initiatives. This means they become less ambitious with regard to sustainability initiatives – and more concerned with the profit-driven benefits of sustainability.

    For example, a senior sustainability manager among our cohort who was employed at a company facing accusations of human rights violations focused more on improving the sustainability report and how she could communicate the idea that “CSR makes sense for business”.

    Though sustainability managers in the early stages of their careers are committed to radical change, their voices are seldom heard by the management or their colleagues. They struggle with feelings of social exclusion and meaninglessness, as their aspirations crumble.

    This can be emotionally draining and challenging to their identity, ultimately leading them to adopt more commercial aspirations instead. The sustainability managers find they can do little to mobilise the organisation to support their case for doing good.

    Shifting to the corporate mindset

    During their mid-careers, sustainability managers seemed more able to sell their social aspirations within the corporation. But their calling for social and environmental change becomes “corporatised” and a scaled-back version of their original vision. The shift to a business mindset seems important to get others in the organisation to take them seriously. It’s also important for the sustainability managers themselves, as it increases their sense of belonging within the organisation.

    But the initial drive towards societal change begins to dissipate. One sustainability manager explained that they had been “moulded” to think with more of a business mindset. “The first thing is that everything has to have business value,” they said.

    As sustainability managers in the later stages of their careers gain more power within their organisation, they also express more pride when they talk about their achievements. These are often linked to increased ranking or branding value – for example featuring on sustainability indices or securing media coverage of the company’s sustainability credentials.

    The social motivation for sustainability work, however, is sidelined. Sustainability managers say their work is meaningful and in line with their purpose. But the purpose is now almost exclusively driven more by corporate benefits.

    Businesses should take care not to crush the ambitions of early-career sustainability staff in the corporate machine.
    Iryna Inshyna/Shutterstock

    Are sustainability managers useless, then? Far from it. But our research shows how the very system that hires them to drive change often stifles their social and environmental aspirations.

    As such, companies should value and respond to sustainability managers’ social aspirations to ensure that they maintain the spirit, motivation, and passion for change. This, after all, is what lies at the heart of sustainability and CSR work.

    Our research underscores a critical point. If corporations want sustainability managers to drive meaningful and lasting change, they must support their calling for social impact. This includes giving them a voice and authority, for example, by including them in the executive team.

    Sustainability managers should not be relegated to work only on compliance tasks, but actively encouraged to contribute to the corporate strategy. A culture of openness that welcomes critical perspectives should embrace sustainability managers challenging the status quo. Without this, the drive for greener and more equitable corporate practices risks fading away.

    Sanne Frandsen receives funding from Handelsbankens Forskningstiftelser and the Swedish Research Council.

    Enrico Fontana and Mette Morsing do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Sustainability ideals are often crushed by corporate demands. Here’s how businesses can let them flourish – https://theconversation.com/sustainability-ideals-are-often-crushed-by-corporate-demands-heres-how-businesses-can-let-them-flourish-249556

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Study: Brain Exercise Lowers Fatigue Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Researchers at New York University (NYU) found that a particular set of brain exercises lowered the incidence of the all-too-common symptom of fatigue among patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in a recently published study in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports. The exercises used in the study are from the commercially-available brain exercise app, BrainHQ made by Posit Science.

    This is the tenth published study in patients with MS using the BrainHQ exercises. Earlier studies have shown significant gains in processing speed, which is a signature cognitive deficit of MS, as well as in various measures of cognitive function, including the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) and in each of its subtests (speed of processing, visuospatial memory, and verbal learning).

    While studies in other populations have found training with BrainHQ exercises improved measures of mood (depressive symptoms, feeling of control) and distress (anxiety, stress and fatigue), this is the first study in MS patients showing an improvement from BrainHQ exercises in measures of fatigue.

    “We are grateful for the ongoing work by independent researchers examining the potential usefulness of our plasticity-based BrainHQ exercises in addressing chronic diseases,” said Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science. “The NYU team continues to be at the forefront of that research in MS.”

    The latest study at NYU set out to examine whether transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), which provides mild electrical stimulation of the brain, could further improve the benefits from training with BrainHQ by enhancing brain plasticity (i.e., the brain’s ability to change chemically, physically, and functionally). The study used a tDCS headset from Soterix®, and employed the PROMIS fatigue score change as the primary outcome measure and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale as a secondary fatigue measure.

    The 117 study participants were randomized into either a group receiving active tDCS stimulation while training with BrainHQ exercises, or a group using a sham tDCS stimulation while training. Each group was asked to complete thirty 20-minute training sessions over six weeks (for a total of 10 hours of training). 

    The researchers found both groups experienced a significant decrease in fatigue over the time period on both measures, but no between group difference. “Both the active and sham tDCS groups experienced reductions in fatigue, with no significant difference between the two groups, suggesting that tDCS does not provide any additional benefit over cognitive training alone in reducing fatigue,” the researchers wrote. They noted the study also confirmed the feasibility and tolerance of the home-based intervention.

    BrainHQ exercises have shown benefits in more than 300 studies. Such benefits include gains in cognition (attention, speed, memory, decision-making), in quality of life (depressive symptoms, confidence and control, health-related quality of life) and in real-world activities (health outcomes, balance, driving, workplace activities). BrainHQ is offered by leading health and Medicare Advantage plans, by leading medical centers, clinics, and communities, and by organizations focused on peak performance. Consumers can try a BrainHQ exercise for free daily at https://www.brainhq.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Houston American Energy Corp. Enters Definitive Agreement to Acquire Abundia Global Impact Group, Expanding into Renewable Fuels and Chemicals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) (“HUSA” or the “Company”) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Abundia Global Impact Group, LLC (“AGIG”), a company specializing in converting waste into high value fuels and chemicals. The acquisition supports HUSA’s strategy to diversify its portfolio, expand its global footprint and execute its comprehensive strategy aimed at driving shareholder value through innovation in the renewable energy sector. The agreement is subject to HUSA shareholder approval and standard closing conditions.

    Under the terms of the agreement, HUSA will acquire 100% of AGIG’s issued and outstanding units from AGIG’s members and HUSA will issue to AGIG’s members a number of shares of HUSA common stock which shall equal 94% of HUSA’s aggregate issued and outstanding common stock at the time of the Closing. AGIG is preparing to build its first advanced plastic recycling facility in Cedar Port, Texas. The facility represents the first phase of a structured, capital-efficient growth plan aimed at scaling and deploying AGIG’s suite of technologies for producing renewable fuels and chemicals from waste.

    Building a Scalable, Sustainable Business in Renewable Fuels

    “The AGIG acquisition aligns with our strategy to position HUSA into the multi-billion dollar renewable energy market” said Peter Longo, CEO of Houston American Energy Corp. “AGIG has developed a commercially ready project for converting waste into valuable fuels and chemicals, and this transaction gives HUSA shareholders a ready-made platform and project pipeline for future value generation. We are witnessing the growing momentum of the fuel and chemical industry’s transformation into alternative solutions like recycled chemical alternatives and the highly publicized sustainable aviation fuel market.”

    A Structured Path to Growth

    AGIG’s Cedar Port facility will serve as the hub for its five-year development plan in the US. This facility will be designed to scale production capacity while maintaining capital discipline. The company’s proven upgrading processes, strategic technology partnerships, and established industry relationships are expected to provide a clear path to commercialization.

    “The consummation of this transaction represents a major milestone for AGIG, demonstrating our commitment to drive shareholder value through strategic commercial opportunities,” said AGIG CEO Ed Gillespie. “We are excited to use this platform to support the deployment and development of our suite of technologies that will assist in the evolution of fuel, chemical and waste markets, providing commercial alternatives and sustainable products.”

    Looking Ahead

    HUSA and AGIG will continue working toward a structured integration and execution plan, with additional updates expected in the coming months as the acquisition advances toward closing and AGIG further develops its business. HUSA expects to close on the AGIG acquisition early in the second quarter.

    About HUSA

    HUSA is an independent oil and gas company focused on the development, exploration, exploitation, acquisition, and production of natural gas and crude oil properties. Our principal properties, and operations, are in the U.S. Permian Basin and the South American country of Colombia. Additionally, we have properties in the Louisiana U.S. Gulf Coast region. For more information, please visit: https://houstonamerican.com/

    About AGIG

    AGIG develops scalable technologies for converting plastic and biomass waste into renewable fuels and chemicals. AGIG’s focus on commercial readiness, capital efficiency, and strategic industry partnerships supports a disciplined path to growth in sustainable energy markets.

    Important Information About the Proposed Acquisition and Where to Find It

    For additional information on the proposed transaction, see HUSA’s Current Report on Form 8-K, which will be filed concurrently with this press release. In connection with the proposed acquisition, HUSA intends to file relevant materials with the SEC, including a proxy statement, and will file other documents regarding the proposed acquisition with the SEC. HUSA’s stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the proxy statement and documents incorporated by reference therein filed in connection with the proposed acquisition, as these materials will contain important information about AGIG and HUSA and the acquisition. HUSA will mail the definitive proxy statement and a proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting relating to the approval of the acquisition and other proposals set forth in the proxy statement. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and stockholders of HUSA are urged to carefully read the entire proxy statement, when available, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements thereto, because they will contain important information about the proposed acquisition. The documents filed by HUSA with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to HUSA at 801 Travis Street, Suite 1425, Houston, Texas 77002.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    HUSA and certain of its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from HUSA’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in HUSA will be included in the proxy statement for the proposed acquisition when available at www.sec.gov. Other information regarding the interests of the participants in the proxy solicitation will be included in the proxy statement pertaining to the proposed acquisition when it becomes available. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the source indicated above.

    AGIG and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of HUSA in connection with the proposed acquisition. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed acquisition will be included in the proxy statement for the proposed acquisition.

    Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be included in the proxy statement filed with the SEC. Stockholders, potential investors, and other interested persons should read the proxy statement carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to (i) AGIG’s growth prospects and market size; (ii) AGIG’s projected financial and operational performance; (iii) new product and service offerings by AGIG may introduce in the future; (iv) the potential acquisition, including the likelihood and ability of the parties to consummate the potential acquisition successfully; (v) the risk the proposed acquisition may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of HUSA’s securities; (vi) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the proposed acquisition, including the approval of the proposed acquisition by the stockholders of HUSA (vii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed acquisition on HUSA’s or AGIG’s business relationships, performance and business generally; (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against HUSA or AGIG related to the proposed acquisition or any agreement related thereto; (ix) the ability to maintain the listing of HUSA on NYSE American; (x) the price of HUSA’s securities, including volatility resulting from changes in the competitive and regulated industry in which AGIG operates, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting AGIG’s business; (xi) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the proposed acquisition and identify and realize additional opportunities; and (xii) other statements regarding HUSA’s or AGIG’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions and strategies regarding the future.

    In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “outlook,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “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. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject, are subject to risks and uncertainties.

    With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the company has made numerous assumptions. While the company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. A complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing our business is disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC on www.sec.gov. You should carefully consider those risks and uncertainties, as well as those described in the “Risk Factors” section of HUSA’s proxy statement relating to the proposed acquisition, which is expected to be filed by HUSA with the SEC, other documents filed by HUSA from time to time with SEC, and any risk factors made available to you in connection with HUSA, AGIG, and the proposed acquisition. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of HUSA and AGIG) and other assumptions, that may cause the actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. HUSA and AGIG caution that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive.

    All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release relates to a proposed acquisition between HUSA and AGIG, and does not constitute a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of HUSA or AGIG, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    For additional information, view the company’s website at www.houstonamerican.com or contact Houston American Energy Corp. at (713) 222-6966.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni meets with the President of the United Arab Emirates

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    24 Febbraio 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at Palazzo Chigi today. President Meloni later delivered a speech at the Italy-UAE Business Forum at the Hotel Parco dei Principi in Rome.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Capital City Bank Establishes Chief Banking Officer; Names New Chief Lending Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Capital City Bank announces a newly created executive role of chief banking officer, providing comprehensive oversight of the lending and deposit functions of the Bank with a strategic focus on growth, efficiency and operational cohesion. The position has been filled by Ramsay Sims, a tenured member of the Company’s senior leadership team who brings broad expertise in financial services and effective leadership. Concurrently, William Smith has been promoted to chief lending officer, filling the vacancy left by Sims’ promotion to chief banking officer.

    “Adding this new leadership role positions us for long-term success and sustained excellence as we continue to grow,” said Bill Smith, Capital City Bank Group Chairman, President and CEO. “With Ramsay’s extensive experience, proven track record and demonstrated ability to lead in diverse banking environments, he is well-equipped to drive the strategic goals and objectives of this critical role.”

    As chief banking officer providing high-level oversight of both lending and deposit functions of the Bank, Sims will streamline the strategic direction of these areas, allowing for more efficient management and alignment of growth objectives. Smith will focus on driving the lending strategies of the Bank as chief lending officer under Sims’ direction.

    Capital City Bank Group Chairman, President and CEO Bill Smith added, “Ramsay has been a key contributor to our success since he joined the Bank. I have consistently valued his expertise as a member of our executive leadership team. Likewise, William’s diverse background, impressive achievements and deep understanding of the market will add additional strength to our executive ranks. I am confident that these enhancements to our executive management team will provide a solid foundation for continued progress and future growth.”

    Sims came to Capital City Bank in 2010 and served most recently as chief lending officer. He has amassed decades of experience serving corporations, governments and non-profit organizations in the financial sector. Before joining Capital City Bank, Sims spent five years in public finance with Merrill Lynch, three years in corporate tax-exempt finance with Banc of America Securities and six years with GE Capital. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of the South (Sewanee) and a master’s in business administration from Florida State University.

    Smith, who served most recently as North Florida Region executive overseeing an operational area that included Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties in Florida and Grady County in Georgia, joined Capital City Bank in 2007 as a management trainee. Over his career, Smith has gained expertise in multiple specialties, including small business, commercial real estate, special assets and private banking. In 2020, he was appointed the market president overseeing Leon County and served three years in that role until being promoted to North Florida Region executive in 2023. Smith demonstrates a deep commitment to community advocacy through service on multiple non-profit boards, including Big Bend Hospice, where he holds the office of treasurer, and the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Tallahassee Entrepreneurs Organization and Florida Bankers Association Government Relations Council.

    About Capital City Bank Group, Inc.
    Capital City Bank Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCBG) is one of the largest publicly traded financial holding companies headquartered in Florida and has approximately $4.3 billion in assets. We provide a full range of banking services, including traditional deposit and credit services, mortgage banking, asset management, trust, merchant services, bankcards, securities brokerage services and financial advisory services, including the sale of life insurance, risk management and asset protection services. Our bank subsidiary, Capital City Bank, was founded in 1895 and now has 63 banking offices and 104 ATMs/ITMs in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. For more information about Capital City Bank Group, Inc., www.ccbg.com.

    For Information Contact:
    Brooke Hallock
    Hallock.Brooke@ccbg.com
    850.402.8525

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8d7d86ca-9eaa-4b27-a720-ce03ed405f6f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/93aea2c1-c40c-48d0-ba61-febe3f386283

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple will spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple will spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years

    February 24, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple will spend more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years

    Teams and facilities to expand in Michigan, Texas, California, Arizona, Nevada, Iowa, Oregon, North Carolina, and Washington

    Plans include a new factory in Texas, doubling the U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, a manufacturing academy, and accelerated investments in AI and silicon engineering

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced its largest-ever spend commitment, with plans to spend and invest more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. This new pledge builds on Apple’s long history of investing in American innovation and advanced high-skilled manufacturing, and will support a wide range of initiatives that focus on artificial intelligence, silicon engineering, and skills development for students and workers across the country.

    “We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, we’re thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing. And we’ll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.”

    As part of this package of U.S. investments, Apple and partners will open a new advanced manufacturing facility in Houston to produce servers that support Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that helps users write, express themselves, and get things done. Apple will also double its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, create an academy in Michigan to train the next generation of U.S. manufacturers, and grow its research and development investments in the U.S. to support cutting-edge fields like silicon engineering.

    The $500 billion commitment includes Apple’s work with thousands of suppliers across all 50 states, direct employment, Apple Intelligence infrastructure and data centers, corporate facilities, and Apple TV+ productions in 20 states. Apple remains one of the largest U.S. taxpayers, having paid more than $75 billion in U.S. taxes over the past five years, including $19 billion in 2024 alone.

    Today, Apple supports more than 2.9 million jobs across the country through direct employment, work with U.S.-based suppliers and manufacturers, and developer jobs in the thriving iOS app economy.

    Opening a New Manufacturing Facility in Houston

    As part of its new U.S. investments, Apple will work with manufacturing partners to begin production of servers in Houston later this year. A 250,000-square-foot server manufacturing facility, slated to open in 2026, will create thousands of jobs.

    Previously manufactured outside the U.S., the servers that will soon be assembled in Houston play a key role in powering Apple Intelligence, and are the foundation of Private Cloud Compute, which combines powerful AI processing with the most advanced security architecture ever deployed at scale for AI cloud computing. The servers bring together years of R&D by Apple engineers, and deliver the industry-leading security and performance of Apple silicon to the data center.

    Teams at Apple designed the servers to be incredibly energy efficient, reducing the energy demands of Apple data centers — which already run on 100 percent renewable energy. As Apple brings Apple Intelligence to customers across the U.S., it also plans to continue expanding data center capacity in North Carolina, Iowa, Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada.

    Doubling Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund

    As part of this new investment, Apple is doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, which was created in 2017 to support world-class innovation and high-skilled manufacturing jobs across America. The growing commitment will increase the fund from $5 billion to $10 billion, focused on promoting advanced manufacturing and skills development throughout the country.

    The fund’s expansion includes a multibillion-dollar commitment from Apple to produce advanced silicon in TSMC’s Fab 21 facility in Arizona. Apple is the largest customer at this state-of-the-art facility, which employs more than 2,000 workers to manufacture the chips in the United States. Mass production of Apple chips began last month.

    Silicon used by Apple is designed to bring Apple users incredible features, performance, and power efficiency across their devices. Apple’s suppliers already manufacture silicon in 24 factories across 12 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah. The company’s investments in the sector help create thousands of high-paying jobs across the country at U.S. companies like Broadcom, Texas Instruments, Skyworks, and Qorvo.

    To date, Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund has supported projects in 13 states — including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Indiana — that have helped build local businesses, train workers, and create a wide range of innovative manufacturing processes and materials for Apple products.

    Growing R&D Investments Across the U.S.

    Apple continues to expand its R&D across the U.S. In the past five years, Apple has nearly doubled its U.S.-based advanced R&D spend, and it will continue to accelerate its growth.

    Recently, Apple announced the newest addition to its iPhone lineup, iPhone 16e. iPhone 16e delivers fast, smooth performance and breakthrough battery life, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1 — the first cellular modem designed by Apple, and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone. Apple C1 adds a new chapter to the story of Apple silicon and is the result of years of R&D investment, bringing together the work of thousands of engineers. Apple C1 is the start of a long-term strategy that will allow Apple to innovate and optimize the modem system for additional Apple products.

    In the next four years, Apple plans to hire around 20,000 people, of which the vast majority will be focused on R&D, silicon engineering, software development, and AI and machine learning. The expanded commitment includes significant investment in Apple’s R&D hubs across the country. This includes growing teams across the U.S. focused on areas including custom silicon, hardware engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

    Supporting American Businesses with a New Manufacturing Academy in Detroit

    To help companies transition to advanced manufacturing, Apple will open the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. Apple engineers, along with experts from top universities such as Michigan State, will consult with small- and medium-sized businesses on implementing AI and smart manufacturing techniques. The academy will also offer free in-person and online courses, with a skills development curriculum that teaches workers vital skills like project management and manufacturing process optimization. The courses will help drive productivity, efficiency, and quality in companies’ supply chains.

    Apple has long been committed to investing in education and skills development for American workers and students. That includes ongoing and expanding grant programs for organizations like 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and FIRST, which work closely with Apple in communities across the country to create free programming that helps young people learn vital skills like coding.

    Apple’s support for the next generation of innovators also includes efforts like the company’s New Silicon Initiative, which prepares students for careers in hardware engineering and silicon chip design. Last year, this program expanded to students at Georgia Tech, and it now reaches students at eight schools across the country. Apple is continuing to expand the initiative, including a new collaboration with UCLA’s Center for Education of Microchip Designers (CEMiD) beginning this year.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    Press Contacts

    Nick Leahy

    Apple

    nleahy@apple.com

    Anna Mitchell

    Apple

    anna_m@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Energetic UK SME Raplas awarded DTEP funding

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Energetic UK SME Raplas awarded DTEP funding

    Raplas Technologies will be collaborating with BAE Systems on innovative 3D printing projects for defence applications

    • Congratulations to SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) Raplas Technologies Ltd
    • They will be collaborating with higher tier supplier BAE Systems
    • The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) boosts defence innovation while supporting the technology supply chain

    Sully based SME Raplas Technologies Ltd has been awarded funding through the latest round of the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP). They will collaborate with BAE Systems who will mentor them over the duration of a forthcoming defence project. They will receive a government grant worth 50 percent of the project value with the aim of developing innovative new solutions that meet UK defence challenges and increase capability in the UK defence supply chain.

    The DTEP programme, which seeks to improve the competitiveness of the UK defence supply chain, is sponsored by the MOD’s Directorate of Industrial Strategy and Exports (DISE) and delivered through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), Innovate UK, and ADS.

    Congratulations to Raplas

    Raplas is a leading UK designer and manufacturer of 3D printing solutions and equipment for multiple industries. They have proposed to deliver an innovative system for the safe printing and post processing of BAE proprietary energetic material formulations with automated handling of materials in an unmanned environment.

    Raplas will design and produce purpose-made systems which will process BAE proprietary material formulation.

    The new process and production methods will enable these materials to be manufactured in the UK, ensuring a consistent supply to the MOD without having to rely on international imports and thus eliminating the potential for future gaps in the defence supply chain.

    Dr Richard Wooldridge, CEO of Raplas, said:

    “We are honoured to have worked with the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) on an exciting journey to deliver new, commercially viable solutions to the UK defence industry. We are therefore delighted that our advanced resin-based 3D printing technology has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence and BAE Systems, further solidifying our position as a leader in the 3D printing industry. The Raplas team looks forward to collaborating with BAE Systems, leveraging our combined expertise in hardware and software to deliver innovative solutions that strengthen the defence of our nation and its sovereign capabilities.”

    Jon Davies, Business Development, Future Programmes, BAE Systems:

    “BAE Systems is delighted to be working with RAPLAS to explore the benefits of their 3D printing technologies for defence applications. This collaboration aligns with our strategy to integrate cutting-edge technological innovations into our Future Product development initiatives.”

    Anita Friend, Head of DASA, said:

     “We’re proud to announce the allocation of DTEP funding to Raplas Technologies and wish them every success with their collaboration with BAE Systems. DTEP funding allows SMEs to collaborate with higher tier partners to develop innovations that will make a distinct contribution to the UK’s defence supply chain. DASA is delighted to foster collaborations such as this that will help ensure the continued success of future defence and security.”

    DTEP’s funding for Raplas highlights the MOD’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening the UK defence supply chain through strategic SME partnerships.

    Learn more about DASA’s funding opportunities here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: APO Group Founder Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard Invited as a Special Guest to Attend the Elective General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) in Algeria

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

    APO Group Founder Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard Invited as a Special Guest to Attend the Elective General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) in Algeria APO Group has been a strategic partner of ANOCA since 2022, supporting its mission to promote the Olympic values and strengthen the development of sports in Africa ALGIERS, Algeria, February 24, 2025/APO Group/ — APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is glad to announce that its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), has been invited as a special guest to attend the Elective General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), taking place on March 14-15, 2025, in Algiers, Algeria.  The invitation, extended by ANOCA President Mr. Mustapha Berraf, underscores the strong partnership between APO Group and ANOCA, as well as Mr. Pompigne-Mognard’s influential role in advancing the Olympic movement and sports development across Africa.  In a letter of invitation, ANOCA expressed its honor to welcome Mr. Pompigne-Mognard, stating: “As the founder and Chairman of APO Group, we are more than honored to welcome you among us as a special guest of the ANOCA Elective General Assembly.”  The event, to be held at the International Conference Center in Algiers, will bring together key stakeholders from the African Olympic community to discuss the future of sports on the continent and elect new leadership.  APO Group has been a strategic partner of ANOCA since 2022, supporting its mission to promote the Olympic values and strengthen the development of sports in Africa.   Reflecting on the invitation, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard said: “I am deeply honored to be invited to this prestigious event. The partnership between APO Group and ANOCA is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing the Olympic movement in Africa. I look forward to contributing to the discussions and supporting ANOCA’s vision for the future of African sports.”  Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com) was named among Africa’s Top 100 Most Influential People in 2023 and in 2024. His wholly owned company, APO Group, serves as the Pan-African public relations agency for the NBA, the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the World Football Summit, and as the press release distribution service for YallaVamos 2030 – the joint bid by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup™. APO Group is also the Official Public Relations Partner and Sport Marketing Agency for Rugby Africa, Strategic Partner of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), and a Partner of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), positioning the company as a key player in African sports communications. APO Group was the Pan-African PR agency for FIFA from 2020 to 2024. Nicolas also sits on the Advisory Board of the World Football Summit and serves as Special Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa. In 2022, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura appointed Nicolas as a member of the FIFA-CAF Task Force for Infrastructure Development in Africa.  For more information about the strategic partnership between APO Group and ANOCA, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/43eWx8d Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. Media contact:  marie@apo-opa.com  About APO Group:  Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.  Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including the PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy in Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2025.  APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With teams on the ground in numerous African countries, we offer unmatched insights and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences. 

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers For Agricultural And Rural Labourers – January, 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 11:17AM by PIB Delhi

    The All-India Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) (Base: 1986-87=100) decreased by 4 points & 3 points, respectively for the month of January 2025, reaching 1316 and 1328 points.

    The year-on-year inflation rates based on CPI-AL and CPI-RL for the month of January, 2025 were recorded at 4.61% and 4.73%, respectively, compared to 7.52% and 7.37% in January, 2024. The corresponding figures for December, 2024 were 5.01% for CPI-AL and 5.05% for CPI-RL.

    All India Consumer Price Index (General and Group-wise):

    Group

    Agricultural Labourers

    Rural Labourers

     

    December,             2024

    January,             2025

    December,             2024

    January,             2025

    General Index

    1320

    1316

    1331

    1328

    Food

    1262

    1255

    1269

    1261

    Pan, Supari, etc.

    2093

    2103

    2100

    2111

    Fuel & Light

    1382

    1390

    1372

    1380

    Clothing, Bedding & Footwear

    1329

    1332

    1392

    1396

    Miscellaneous

    1376

    1385

    1377

    1385

                     

     

    ***

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2105708) Visitor Counter : 100

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Two-Day National Startup Festival organised by CSIR-IIIM concludes

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 10:55AM by PIB Delhi

    CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu successfully concluded the National Startup Festival on sunday, showcasing remarkable success stories in startup promotion, innovation and entrepreneurial growth across Jammu & Kashmir.

    The two-day festival, which concluded today, was inaugurated on 22nd February, Saturday  by the Chief Guest, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy, and Department of Space; and Vice President of CSIR in presence of Satish Sharma, J&K UT Cabinet Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and ARI & training departments, Padma Shri Prof. Vinod K. Singh, Chairperson, Recruitment & Assessment Board (RAB), CSIR and Institute Chair Professor of Chemistry at IIT Kanpur, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Dr. Prabodh Kumar Trivedi, Director, CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow, Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Dr. Jatinder Kumar, Managing Director, DBT-BIRAC and Dr. N. Zaheer Ahmed, Director General, CCRUM. Recognizing the innovative works of the startup they showcased during the event, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM awarded the certificates to 45 startups.

    The two days mega event held at Government Women College, Gandhi Nagar which on day 2 also attracted huge crowd of students drawn from various degree colleges and schools of Jammu region to provide a platform to the entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, scientists, researchers, bio-incubators, manufacturers, regulators and members of civil society to witness the technologies and innovation showcased during the festival.

    In a press handout, it was stated that an overwhelming response of visitors has been seen today as well, more than 800 visitors visited the exhibition and witnessed the demonstration of innovations driven ideas some startups and the products and technologies developed by few of them.

    Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM who is spearheading the institute’s resolute to
    nurture the startup ecosystem in the region, while addressing the startup and exhibitors during closing ceremony said that besides the institute’s forte in the pre-clinical drug discovery, under the mentoring of Union Minister of S&T and Vice President, Dr. Jitendra Singh, IIIM has equally galvanised agri- entrepreneurship and set up two incubators for incubation support to the startup. To set up a new Incubator at Industrial Biotech Park, Ghatti, Kathua, the Grant-in-aid Letter Agreement (GLA) was also signed yesterday by Director, CSIR-IIIM and MD, BIRAC in the presence of the Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh, he added.

    A spokesperson informed that a total of 45 StartUps participated from all over India. Students from various Government Degree Colleges of Jammu district also actively participated in the event.

    Some of the prominent StartUps those took part in the Expo were- M/s Herbal Aura, M/s Gaurico, M/s One Veda, M/s Happico, M/s Gleen Biotech, M/s Himalayan Essential Oils Producer Company Ltd., M/s JK Aroma Ltd. Samast Eco Alternatives Pvt. Ltd. M/s SRANAS POC Pvt Ltd M/s Chenab Valley Zaitoon Tel ltd M/s Katyani Metal works and the farmers led by Dr. Hygina from Meghalaya. The stalls were also put by young innovators of Jammu district school. The event was organised under the overall supervision of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM, assisted by his team of HoDs and Scientists, including Er. Abdul Rahim, Dr. Asha Chaubey, Dr. Dhiraj Vyas, Dr. Shashank Singh, Dr. Sumit Gandhi, Dr. Naveed Qazi, Dr. Suphla Gupta, Dr. Saurabh Saran, Dr. Raj Kishore, Vikram Singh, Sr. COA, Ajay Kumar, CoFA, Dilip Gehlot, SPO and Rajesh Gupta, AO.

    ****

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2105703) Visitor Counter : 29

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mandatory use of Child Restraining Device in private cars to come into effect on November 1

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Transport Department (TD) today (February 24) reminded private car drivers that, starting from November 1, 2025, child passengers travelling in private cars must use a Child Restraining Device (CRD), such as a child safety seat.

         Following the passage of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2024 by the Legislative Council, starting from November 1, 2025, unless child passengers aged below 8 reach a body height of 1.35 metres, they must use CRDs in private cars irrespective of sitting in the front or rear seats. Passengers aged 8 or above, or with a body height of at least 1.35m must either use a CRD or wear an adult seat belt. Otherwise, the driver must not drive the car on any road. Apart from conventional types of child safety seats, there are various types of portable CRDs, such as a seat belt adjuster, a wearable safety restraint vest or a foldable booster, available in the market for selection.

         The Police may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of $230 to drivers breaching the requirement. Serious cases may be referred to the court, which can impose a maximum fine of $2,000. To cater for individual exceptional circumstances, two statutory defences have been provided under the Amendment Regulation: (1) a private car driver having a reasonable ground to believe that the passenger has attained 8 years of age or has reached a body height of 1.35m; or (2) the child passenger is being transported in a case of emergency (such as emergency treatment) where the driver may not have time to arrange and use a CRD.

         A spokesman for the TD said, “The new requirement aims to enhance protection for children and passenger safety. CRDs provide effective protection for child passengers in traffic accidents and they can substantially reduce the risks of being killed or seriously injured.”

         The spokesman urged parents, guardians or private car drivers carrying a child passenger to select and purchase appropriate devices fit for their children’s age and body. They should take a close look at the packaging description and follow the installation guidelines. If an International Standards Organization FIX (ISOFIX) safety seat is preferred, pay special attention to its applicable vehicle models. For enquiries, they should consult the manufacturer or retailer on the product standards to meet the legal requirements.

         The TD will work with the Police and the Road Safety Council to step up publicity and public education on road safety for private car drivers, covering the legal requirements as well as points to note during selection and use of CRDs (including national and international standards recognised). The TD will also maintain close liaison with the Consumer Council to enhance information dissemination for the public to make an informed choice.

         Members of the public may refer to the TD’s Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk), or call the hotline 2804 2600 for details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: UK VC funding up by 43.5% YoY to $1.2 billion in January 2025 despite fewer deals, finds GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    UK VC funding up by 43.5% YoY to $1.2 billion in January 2025 despite fewer deals, finds GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    The venture capital (VC) funding landscape in the UK market saw year-on-year (YoY) decline in deal volume by 12.6% from January 2024 to January 2025, with the number of deals dropping from 87 to 76. Despite this decrease in deal volume, the total funding value increased significantly by 43.5% from $863.2 million in January 2024 to $1.2 billion in January 2025, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The notable rise in total funding value, despite a decline in deal volume, highlights a shift towards larger investments in the UK market. Furthermore, the UK has upheld its position as a prominent market in the global venture capital funding landscape.”

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that the UK was among the top five markets globally for VC funding activity in terms both deal volume and value. The UK accounted for 5.8% share of the total number of VC deals announced globally during January 2025 while its share of the corresponding funding value stood at 5%.

    Some of the notable VC funding deals announced in the UK during January 2025 include $411 million fundraising by Verdiva Bio, $180 million funding in Synthesia, and $55 million worth fundraising by Lindus Health, among others.

    Bose concludes: “The shift towards larger and more targeted investments signals that the UK VC funding landscape remains attractive. The increase in total funding value reflects a positive outlook for the UK startup ecosystem, underscoring the market’s appeal for those looking to make significant investments in promising startups and innovative ventures.”

    Note: Historic data may change in case some deals get added to previous months because of a delay in disclosure of information in the public domain.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Kyivstar Selects Mavenir to Deliver Enhanced Enterprise Fixed-Mobile Convergence Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    READING, United Kingdom, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider building the future of networks, has been selected by Kyivstar, the leading Ukrainian digital operator, part of VEON Group (Dubai, UAE) to deliver enhanced Enterprise fixed and mobile connectivity for the operator’s B2B customers. Kyivstar has partnered with Mavenir to deploy its leading-edge, future-proof architecture and full-stack solution, including hardware, software and containerized platform.

    The FMC solution includes Converged Telephony Application Server (CTAS), Media Resource Function (MRF), Element Management System and Analytics Platform providing enterprise services. Mavenir also brings in-depth knowledge of the Ukrainian market, and an ability to deliver the solution with short timelines. Defne, a specialist in providing innovative voice solutions for the enterprise market, will be working alongside Mavenir to deliver some of the niche business services, whilst Mavenir will be responsible for the overall solution. Investment in world-class connectivity infrastructure remains a high priority for Kyivstar despite the conditions in the region.

    Kyivstar CIO, Andriy Zhukovskyi, said: “Connectivity is incredibly important in Ukraine at this time, and our role is to keep deploying the best services to all our customers. Mavenir has demonstrated to us that they have a world-class solution that meets the needs of our Enterprise customers, showcasing the ability to deliver on time – despite the extremely challenging environment in which we are working.”

    Dr. Virtyt Koshi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EMEA at Mavenir, added: “The team at Kyivstar is committed to deliver cutting edge services, and we’re proud to be the preferred partner for this new Enterprise and Business Services capability.”

    -x-

    About Kyivstar:

    Kyivstar is Ukraine’s largest communications operator, serving more than 23.3 million mobile subscribers and over 1.1 million Home Internet fixed line customers (as of September 2024). The company provides services across a wide range of mobile and fixed line technologies, including 4G, Big Data, Cloud solutions, cybersecurity, digital TV, and more. Kyivstar plans to invest USD 1 billion into the development of new telecom technologies in Ukraine over 2023-2027. Kyivstar has allocated over UAH 2 billion over the past two years to help Ukraine overcome wartime challenges, including providing support for the Armed Forces, clients and social projects. Kyivstar is a part of VEON, global digital operator. The Group’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq (New York) stock exchange. Kyivstar has been operating in Ukraine for 27 years and is recognized as the largest taxpayer in the communications sector, the best employer and a socially responsible company. For more information: www.kyivstar.ua

    About Mavenir:

    Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir’s award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com

    Meet Mavenir at Mobile World Congress 2025, Barcelona, Mar 3-6, 2025.

    To explore Mavenir’s latest innovations and learn more about how Mavenir is delivering the Future of Networks – Today, visit us in Hall 2 (Stand 2H60) at #MWC25.

    PR Contacts: pr@mavenir.com and pr@kyivstar.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Information on unaudited Financial statements for the twelve month period as at 31st of December of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Urbo Bankas, a Lithuanian capital bank, generated a net profit of EUR 7.4 million in 2024. The Bank’s loan portfolio grew by 30.6% to EUR 414.5 million last year, while the Bank’s assets at the end of the year stood at EUR 634.8 million, or 15.8% more than a year earlier (EUR 548.1 million). 

    “2024 was a good year for the Lithuanian economy. At a time when even the major European countries such as Germany and France were struggling, our economy has adapted and demonstrated both impressive GDP growth (compared, again, to the European Union) and high consumer expectations, which are also contributing significantly to the positive economic trends. It has been a good year for our bank as well – we have maintained consistent, sustainable growth and improved our performance in all key categories of banking activity, from the number of loans issued or the deposit portfolio to the bank’s assets and shareholders’ equity,” says Marius Arlauskas, Head of Administration of Urbo Bankas.

    In addition to the aforementioned almost one-third increase in the loan portfolio, the deposits held with Urbo Bankas reached EUR 543.9 million at the end of December last year, up EUR 76.4 million year-on-year. The Bank’s net interest income increased by a tenth, or EUR 2.1 million, to EUR 22.9 million. The annual net profit for 2024 of EUR 7.4 million was EUR 857 thousand lower than in 2023, which, according to Mr. Arlauskas, was due to lower commission income and investments in the bank’s developments.

    “In 2024, the bank entered a new phase of its development – we changed the long-standing name of Medicinos Bankas and became Urbo, we renewed our visual identity, and we moved our headquarters, which had been located on Pamėnkalnio Street in Vilnius, to the central business district of Vilnius, Konstitucijos Avenue, and settled down in Artery, a modern and sustainable business centre,” shares the Head of Administration of the Bank.

    In the last quarter of last year, net service fee and commission income of Urbo Bankas decreased by 29.9% (EUR 1.5 million) to EUR 3.5 million compared to the last quarter of 2023, mainly due to a 70.2% (EUR 0.8 million) decrease in payment collection income and an 88.2% (EUR 0.4 million) decrease in brokerage income. The net result from foreign currency operations decreased by 26.5% (EUR 0.9 million) to EUR 2.4 million in the reference period.

    “Looking at economic trends, there is little doubt that this year will be better than the last one: there is no threat of new spikes in inflation, GDP should grow by at least 3%, and wage growth, although not reaching a tenth, should remain high. It is expected that the Euribor base rate may be lowered to 2% this year, all of which will increase both the demand for Lithuanian exported goods and services and domestic consumption,” says Mr. Arlauskas, adding that the positive economic trends will also have a positive impact on the bank’s long-term performance.

    The shareholders’ equity of Urbo Bankas was EUR 64.3 million on the last day of the previous year and has increased by 13.3% during the year since 31 December 2023, when it was EUR 56.7 million. At the end of 2024, customer service network of Urbo Bankas consisted of 25 territorial branches with 280 employees.

    For more information please contact: Julius Ivaška, Head of Business Division, tel. +370 601 04 453, e-mail media@urbo.lt

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Paramount Gardening Launches Franchise Opportunities For Entrepreneurs To Start A Lawn Mowing Business

    Source: Press Release Service – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Paramount Gardening Launches Franchise Opportunities For Entrepreneurs To Start A Lawn Mowing Business

    Lawn mowing franchises are available New Zealand-wide starting from $19,000. Entrepreneurs can join the Paramount Gardening team with full support to run their own businesses and provide premium outdoor services to customers nationwide.

    The post Paramount Gardening Launches Franchise Opportunities For Entrepreneurs To Start A Lawn Mowing Business first appeared on PR.co.nz.

    – –

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How Whyalla can be upgraded to green steel and why we need to keep steel production in Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Rossetto, Adjunct, Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources, University of Adelaide

    Financial challenges at the Whyalla steelworks in South Australia have reignited debate about the nation’s steel industry and its future.

    Australians should have access to quality steel at competitive prices. The domestic steel production industry employs tens of thousands of people.

    The state and federal governments have stepped in, however, announcing a A$1.9 billion support package for Whyalla, together with a new $1 billion green iron investment fund. Half of the new fund will be allocated to Whyalla to support its transition to green steel production. That’s a large amount of money for a privately owned business.

    So, are the new packages going to be money well spent? To answer that question, let’s examine the priorities.

    A national priority

    Steel is an industry in which securing sovereign production capability is crucial. Sovereign capability means ensuring an industry can survive external shocks such as interruptions to shipping routes or disputes with other countries in the supply chain.

    Steel is a vital input for defence industries such as ship and submarine building. What could be said of a country’s autonomy – or its sovereign capability – if it relies on others for the steel needed for its defence?

    Whyalla is one of the two largest steelworks in Australia, the other being BlueScope’s Port Kembla plant. At least at first glance, the green iron investment fund seems to deal with the sovereign capability criterion well enough. Whyalla appears an ideal candidate.

    However, the public subsidy is large. The subsidised plant’s ability to operate in an economically competitive manner needs to be examined. Further, while the Whyalla plant began its life as a supplier to an adjacent shipbuilding operation, its share of the current domestic defence industry steel market is unclear.

    Environmentally friendly steel?

    Production of steel using iron ore and coking coal is a greenhouse gas emissions intensive process. It can result in as many as 2.5 tonnes of greenhouse gas per tonne of steel.

    The plan for Whyalla has long been to replace its coal-fired blast furnace with an electric arc furnace. This could, in turn, be supplied with low-emission sources of energy and consume scrap steel. While there is no globally agreed definition, this kind of approach would likely qualify as green steel.

    Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG, the owner of the plant, had originally wanted this furnace to be operating by 2025, potentially using solar among its energy supply. The plan would have cut its emissions dramatically. The timeline later slipped to 2027.

    The longer term plan for Whyalla appears based around production of green hydrogen to replace coking coal. As the world charges toward net zero emissions by 2050, the belief is that Australia can capture a good part of the green metals market.

    The challenge is that green hydrogen is expensive and not widely used around the world. It’s hard to find signs that the global steel market is willing to pay a premium in the absence of sectoral emissions pricing. The strategy could therefore be seen as a bet on the future. If the bet went wrong, who would absorb the losses? It would, most likely, be the taxpayer.

    The United States leads the way in low-emissions steel production. Firms there use electric arc furnaces to recycle scrap steel with energy from low-emission sources. This technology is proven and operates at industrial scale. It has a fraction of the emissions intensity but relies on the availability of scrap steel.

    Can we add value?

    Australia is a major world supplier of two key materials crucial for most steel making. These are iron ore and coking coal.

    The countries to which we sell those raw materials then do the processing and manufacture, capturing profit that is arguably lost to the Australian economy. Whyalla is already an example of domestic value-adding. It uses iron ore from mines in the adjacent area, and domestic coking coal.

    For Australia, however, this is going to be tricky. Australia is effectively signalling to its international customers that, one day, it hopes to compete with them in the global steel markets. In other words, this creates an incentive for the country’s customers to look for alternatives to buy iron ore.

    Whether Australia increases steel production ahead of its customers finding new sources of iron ore elsewhere in the world is a risky race with an uncertain result.

    Focus on government spending

    So, back to the question: is the new funding going to be money well spent? Perhaps the most solid justification among the priorities examined, is sovereign capability.

    The government probably needs to provide more information on how the new fund differs through from Future Made in Australia or the National Reconstruction Fund. Is this old funding with a new name? The nation is entering federal election season. Focus on government spending efficiency is likely to increase.

    Daniel Rossetto is the owner of Climate Mundial Limited, a private company that does consulting work but is currently inactive. He does ad hoc private consulting through various consulting platforms. He is also the owner and host of a new private and independent YouTube channel called Climate Mundial’s Energy and Climate Weekly. He is on the editorial board of the Discover Sustainability journal published by Springer Nature.

    – ref. How Whyalla can be upgraded to green steel and why we need to keep steel production in Australia – https://theconversation.com/how-whyalla-can-be-upgraded-to-green-steel-and-why-we-need-to-keep-steel-production-in-australia-250402

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Inspection blitz targets St Kilda rentals

    Source: Government of Victoria 2

    Rental properties in the St Kilda area were visited by our Consumer Affairs renting taskforce at the weekend to check if they meet minimum standards.

    The taskforce targeted properties open for inspection in its first blitz for 2025, following operations in Footscray, Werribee, Fitzroy and Clayton last year. There will be more targeted blitzes throughout 2025.

    The inspections check whether minimum standard laws are understood, with inspectors checking that properties advertised for rent are safe, secure and fit for renters to move into.

    Victoria’s 14 rental minimum standards cover aspects of properties people would reasonably expect in a home, like structural soundness, a functional kitchen and secure windows and doors.

    Letting a new renter move into a property that doesn’t meet the minimum standards is an offence, with maximum penalties of more than $11,000 for individuals and more than $59,000 for companies.

    As well as regular blitzes, the Renting Taskforce uses intelligence and market analysis to monitor rental campaigns, do targeted inspections and act on breaches they’ve identified.

    The taskforce has issued over 55 fines totalling more than $540,000 for breaches of rental laws, including advertising properties without a fixed price, failing to meet minimum standards and not lodging bonds.

    If you see a rental property advertised that you don’t think meets the minimum standards or doesn’t look like its marketing, you can report it anonymously through our online form.

    Learn more about the renting taskforce.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Policy to drive rebound of foreign equity investment

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Foreign equity investment in China may recover this year, as Chinese assets attract growing global interest and the country further opens up to foreign investors, experts and industry observers said.

    Their remarks follow the release of an action plan last week by the State Council, China’s Cabinet, aimed at stabilizing foreign investment this year.

    The plan outlines measures to encourage foreign investors’ strategic shareholding in Chinese listed companies, facilitate their participation in mergers and acquisitions, and accommodate the establishment of foreign investment companies while lifting restrictions on their use of domestic loans.

    Pan Yuanyuan, deputy director of the international investment department at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences’ Institute of World Economics and Politics, said, “These measures are well-rounded and timely, directly addressing pain points that foreign investors have encountered and indicating a strong commitment to deepening financial opening-up.”

    The policy efforts coincide with global investors’ ongoing reassessment of Chinese companies’ valuations, helping create new opportunities for foreign investors to capitalize on China’s fast-growing international competitiveness in various sectors, Pan said.

    These factors may work together in driving the recovery of foreign equity investment in China this year, possibly even exceeding expectations, Pan added.

    According to the action plan, foreign investment companies will be allowed to use domestic loans for equity investments in China.

    “This policy is a major boost for foreign investment firms in China, because it will expand their financing channels and reduce costs,” said Nancy Li, international tax and transaction services partner at EY China. Previously, such companies relied on offshore funding or reinvested local earnings, as domestic loans were limited for operational use or to designated items, Li noted.

    “Using domestic loans for equity investment will create a completed loop throughout investment life cycles, spanning from domestic borrowing to onshore investment and onshore exit, and lower the capital requirements for foreign investment companies,” Li added.

    The plan also arranges steps to encourage multinational corporations to establish investment companies in China, providing convenience in terms of foreign exchange management, cross-border data transfer and personnel movement.

    Dai Guanchun, a senior capital markets lawyer, said that facilitating the operation of foreign investment companies’ onshore legal entities will help enhance their investment efficiency in China, addressing the issue of some foreign funds lacking an onshore investment platform and being compelled to rely on partnerships with domestic funds to complete investments.

    Highlighting that the plan vows to put the revised rules on foreign investors’ strategic investment in Chinese listed companies well into place, Dai said this will ease the hurdles faced by foreign strategic investors such as strict eligibility criteria, long lock-in periods and limited investment tools, making it easier for foreign capital to participate deeply in China’s stock market.

    The revised rules on foreign investors’ strategic investment in listed companies, which were unveiled in November, allow strategic investment through tender offers and ease restrictions on cross-border share-for-share exchanges — both common in global transactions.

    The action plan also promises to optimize the provisions for foreign investors acquiring domestic companies, lowering the barriers for them to conduct cross-border share-for-share exchanges in mergers and acquisitions.

    Sun Xuegong, director of the department of policy study and consultation at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, said that encouraging foreign participation in China’s merger and acquisition market will facilitate industry consolidation in various sectors, which is a source of productivity enhancement.

    “This is not only for attracting foreign investment, but also for improving productivity and efficiency of the existing capacity,” Sun said.

    The action plan comes as China’s foreign equity investment landscape reflects both challenges and resilience. In January, the country utilized 97.6 billion yuan ($13.5 billion) in foreign capital, marking a 13.4 percent year-on-year decline but a 27.5 percent month-on-month rebound, the Ministry of Commerce said.

    Rani Jarkas, chairman of Cedrus Group, a Swiss international financial group with investments in China, said the company sees firsthand that Swiss and other global companies have significant interest in investing and expanding in the Chinese market.

    “This is driven by supportive policies, a capable workforce, world-class infrastructure and a large, addressable market,” Jarkas said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump is reviving a tariff strategy from America’s ‘Gilded Age’. It didn’t end well last time

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Garritt C. Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Waikato

    Getty Images

    A White House fact sheet about Donald Trump’s recently announced “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” on trade described it as “the art of the international deal” – a reference to Trump’s 1987 business book, The Art of the Deal.

    It was a classic piece of self-marketing from the president, but whether his latest tariff proposal will really turn out to be artful is very much open to question.

    In fact, the United States’ long history of “reciprocity” in tariffs and trade suggests ordinary Americans could be in for a bumpy ride.

    In essence, Trump is reviving a strategy used in the US more than a century ago to protect developing domestic industries. This time, according to the president, reciprocal tariffs aim “to correct longstanding imbalances in international trade and ensure fairness across the board”.

    The plan targets trade relationships with other countries where the US does not receive reciprocal treatment. And it echoes the policies of the 25th US president, William McKinley, who presided over an aggressive reciprocal tariff regime in the late 19th century.

    McKinley was president from 1897 until he was assassinated in 1901. And while Trump greatly admires his business acumen, McKinley’s economic legacy also reads like a cautionary tale.

    Not a simple equation

    From the current US perspective, “reciprocity” refers to symmetrical tariffs. Trump’s plan targets unequal rates, such as the European Union’s 10% tariff on US cars, compared with the 2.5% US tariff on European automobiles.

    The EU’s 10% rate represents its “most-favoured-nation” tariff, which applies to all its favoured-nation trading partners (with certain exceptions).

    While this looks like a clear lack of reciprocity, it’s not that simple. The US also applies a 25% tariff on EU utility vehicles (pickup trucks).

    This is significant because of the popularity of pickups in the US – a 2024 survey found 47% of Americans owned one. Until last year, the Ford F150 had been the bestselling “car” in the US for 42 years in a row.

    This is just one example of how differences in tariffs can be more complex than they appear at first glance.

    A history of reciprocal tariffs

    This cycle of higher and lower tariffs has gone on for well over a century. From 1861 to 1930, the US Congress maintained control over trade tariffs, with levels as high as 50% to protect developing industries.

    But in 1934, Congress passed the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act, giving President Franklin D. Roosevelt authority to negotiate reciprocal tariff reductions with individual nations to stimulate global trade during the Great Depression.

    These tariff reductions continued after World War II with the development of the World Trade Organization and US tariff levels declining to 5%. Economist Douglas Irwin refers to this period as the “reciprocity period” of nations lowering barriers to international trade.

    The last time “reciprocity” was used to refer to the opposite process of raising tariffs was in 1890, under the Tariff Act, often just called the McKinley Tariff. It is this era Trump harked back to in his inaugural address:

    President McKinley made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent – he was a natural businessman.

    William McKinley.
    Getty Images

    Before he became president, McKinley was head of the House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee. He proposed an average increase in tariffs on all imports, rising from 38% to 49.5% to “secure reciprocal trade”.

    The new law was designed to protect the tinplate industry with a tariff of 70%, and “to reduce the revenue and equalize duties on imports”.

    At the time, the US was running large surpluses from tariff revenues, which was threatening economic growth. This sounds counterintuitive these days, but surpluses were a problem because the US dollar was backed by gold at a fixed price (the gold standard).

    Because the amount of money in circulation – and state spending – were limited to the amount of gold held by the government, surplus funds had to be kept in the Treasury reserves. This reduced the money supply and led to lower growth, less investment and tighter credit.

    Republicans thought higher tariffs would reduce imported goods and therefore tariff revenues. Instead, income from the higher tariffs more than compensated for import reductions, and the surpluses increased.

    Consumer prices rose, farm prices dropped, and the resulting voter backlash saw the Republicans lose control of Congress at the 1890 midterm elections. There was a financial panic in 1893, followed by a recession that lasted until 1896.

    A new ‘Gilded Age’

    This period in late 19th-century US history is often referred to as the “Gilded Age”, from the title of an 1873 book by Charles Dudley Wright and Mark Twain.


    The book was a satire of political corruption and unscrupulous businessmen who benefited from political favours. The title reflects the reality of the era – superficially prosperous but not truly golden.

    A thin veneer of technological progress, innovation and wealth concealed widespread corruption, scandals and income inequality.

    But aside from the obvious historical parallels, it is overly optimistic to expect a plan from 1890 to succeed in a complex global trade environment that relies on interdependent supply chains to function.

    McKinley’s flawed strategy sought protection for a few industries, but also aimed to reduce revenue for a government running large surpluses. However, Trump’s new tariffs are meant to raise revenue to pay off the US$36.5 trillion national debt, as well as to enforce reciprocal trade terms.

    Trump began his second term with a declaration that “the golden age of America begins right now”. As in 1890, however, the risk remains that a handful of wealthy industrialists will benefit from increased protection, while ordinary citizens will pay higher prices.

    Less the “art of the deal”, then, than a possible dealbreaker. In which case, Trump may yet be remembered less for a new golden age than for a Gilded Age 2.0.

    Garritt C. Van Dyk received funding from the Getty Research Institute in 2024 .

    – ref. Trump is reviving a tariff strategy from America’s ‘Gilded Age’. It didn’t end well last time – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-reviving-a-tariff-strategy-from-americas-gilded-age-it-didnt-end-well-last-time-250389

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –