NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • President Droupadi Murmu to lead ‘MSME Day 2025’ celebrations in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will preside over the ‘MSME Day 2025 – Udyami Bharat’ celebrations on June 27 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event will witness participation from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
     
    The day will serve as a platform to acknowledge the vital role of the MSME sector in driving economic growth and job creation while introducing forward-looking initiatives aimed at building a resilient and future-ready business ecosystem.
     
    To mark the silver jubilee of the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), the President will release a commemorative postage stamp. Over the past 25 years, CGTMSE has extended more than 1.18 crore credit guarantees amounting to ₹9.80 lakh crore. In the financial year 2024–25 alone, a record ₹3 lakh crore worth of guarantees were approved, underlining its significance in supporting small businesses.
     
    President Murmu will also unveil the Ministry of MSME’s new Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Portal. Designed to address the challenge of delayed payments, the portal will allow Micro and Small Enterprises to resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively from their preferred location. The initiative aims to free up blocked capital and boost business competitiveness by ensuring timely access to justice.
     
    Another key highlight of the event will be the launch of MSME Hackathon 5.0 and the announcement of results for Hackathon 4.0. The Hackathon is part of the MSME Champions Scheme’s Incubation component, which promotes innovation and the adoption of advanced technologies within the sector. Through registered Host Institutes, the scheme supports innovators with grants of up to ₹15 lakh per selected idea, helping nurture start-ups aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
     
    In addition, the President will release MSME Patrika, an in-house journal offering updates and insights on MSME-related issues and opportunities, intended to foster experience sharing within the sector. A booklet titled Know Your Lender will also be launched to help MSMEs make informed credit decisions and better understand their financial rights.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 21).

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the state of competition in the Russian Federation for 2024

    The report presents the results of an analysis of the state of competition in 2024, including in the context of ensuring the sustainability of socially significant commodity markets, developing the domestic market, and supporting small and medium-sized businesses.

    2. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses”

    The bill is aimed at liberalizing the liability of participants in foreign economic activity.

    3. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to the Ministry of Finance of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the provision of a subsidy to the budget of the Kemerovo Region

    The draft order is aimed at providing additional funds from the federal budget to the budget of the Kemerovo region – Kuzbass for financial support of expenses for the remuneration of public sector employees in 2025.

    4. On the distribution of subsidies to the budgets of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol

    The draft order is aimed at financing expenditure obligations arising from the implementation of activities of the state program of the Russian Federation “Socio-economic development of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol”.

    5. On amendments to the order of the Government of the Russian Federation of January 17, 2025 No. 31-r

    The draft order is aimed at financial support for expenses related to pension provision for citizens living in the territories of the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Kherson region, in accordance with regional legislation in the third quarter of 2025.

    Moscow, June 25, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Lantronix Selected by Tier-1 U.S. Wireless Operator to Digitally Monitor 50,000+ Cell Site Generators

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVINE, Calif., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions enabling Edge AI Intelligence, today announced a multi-year agreement with a Tier-1 U.S. mobile network operator to digitally transform the management of more than 50,000 backup power systems across wireless cell sites nationwide. The deployment will leverage Lantronix’s Edge gateways and cloud-based software to enable real-time monitoring, enhance network reliability and reduce operational costs.

    The backup generators are essential to maintaining uninterrupted mobile service during power outages, supporting everything from mobile phones to life-saving medical devices and public safety systems. Historically, maintaining the generators required costly and inefficient manual inspections. Lantronix Edge Intelligence solutions enable remote oversight and data-driven servicing, significantly reducing operational expenses and improving network reliability.

    “This win positions Lantronix as a key player in the digital transformation of telecom infrastructure,” said Kurt Hoff, chief revenue officer for Lantronix. “Having been selected from more than 20 competitors, this recognition underscores the strength of our solutions and our proven ability to scale across large, distributed asset networks. We are pleased to announce that volume shipments have already commenced.”

    Lantronix’s FOX Series gateways and Percepxion™ platform provide a scalable, vendor-agnostic solution for real-time monitoring of generator health, including fuel levels, battery status, oil pressure, coolant temperature and more, which enables data-driven servicing, reduces unnecessary site visits and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.

    By deploying Lantronix’s industrial IoT solutions, the mobile network operator has digitized the remote management of its nationwide fleet of cell site generators. Key outcomes include:

    • Improved Network Resilience: Significantly increased uptime of backup generators that support millions of connected devices, from smartphones to critical infrastructure.
    • Real-Time Operational Visibility: 24/7 monitoring of remote sites with automated alerts for outages, tampering or security threats, along with comprehensive audit capabilities.
    • Secure Lifecycle Management: Centralized device management that ensures all connected assets remain secure, updated and compliant throughout their operational lives.
    • Operational Efficiency: Streamlined integration of millions of devices from edge to cloud, reducing manual site visits and lowering operational costs.
    • Expanded Infrastructure Monitoring: In addition to generators, available digital oversight of HVAC systems, power regulators, battery backup banks and power phase and frequency metrics for further site readiness improvement.

    For more information on Lantronix’s critical infrastructure solutions, visit its case study here.

    About Lantronix

    Lantronix Inc. is a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth industries including Smart Cities, Automotive and Enterprise. Lantronix’s products and services empower companies to succeed in the growing IoT markets by delivering customizable solutions that address each layer of the IoT Stack. Lantronix’s leading-edge solutions include Intelligent Substations infrastructure, Infotainment systems and Video Surveillance, supplemented with advanced Out-of-Band Management (OOB) for Cloud and Edge Computing. 

    For more information, visit the Lantronix website.

    ©2025 Lantronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Lantronix is a registered trademark. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements related to Lantronix products or leadership team. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, future business, financial condition, or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this news release. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as the effects of negative or worsening regional and worldwide economic conditions or market instability on our business, including effects on purchasing decisions by our customers; our ability to mitigate any disruption in our and our suppliers’ and vendors’ supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other outbreaks, wars and recent tensions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, or other factors; future responses to and effects of public health crises; cybersecurity risks; changes in applicable U.S. and foreign government laws, regulations, and tariffs; our ability to successfully implement our acquisitions strategy or integrate acquired companies; difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights; the level of our indebtedness, our ability to service our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements; and any additional factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Sept. 9, 2024, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of that report, as well as in our other public filings with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in our future filings. In addition, actual results may differ as a result of additional risks and uncertainties about which we are currently unaware or which we do not currently view as material to our business. For these reasons, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements we make speak only as of the date on which they are made. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our opinions or expectations, except as required by applicable law or the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. If we do update or correct any forward-looking statements, investors should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections.

    Lantronix Media Contact:
    Gail Kathryn Miller 
    Corporate Marketing & 
    Communications Manager 
    media@lantronix.com 
    949-212-0960 

    Lantronix Analyst and Investor Contact:
    investors@lantronix.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes ITAFOS INC. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced ITAFOS INC. (TSX-V: IFOS; OTCQX: ITFS), a phosphate and specialty fertilizer company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. ITAFOS INC. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    ITAFOS INC. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “ITFS.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    About ITAFOS INC.
    Itafos is a phosphate and specialty fertilizer company. Itafos’ businesses and projects are as follows: Conda – a vertically integrated phosphate fertilizer business located in Idaho, US with production capacity as follows: -approximately 550kt per year of monoammonium phosphate (“MAP”), MAP with micronutrients (“MAP+”), superphosphoric acid (“SPA”), merchant grade phosphoric acid (“MGA”) and ammonium polyphosphate (“APP”); and -approximately 27kt per year of hydrofluorosilicic acid (“HFSA”); Arraias – a vertically integrated phosphate fertilizer business located in Tocantins, Brazil with production capacity as follows: -approximately 500kt per year of single superphosphate (“SSP”) and SSP with micronutrients (“SSP+”); and -approximately 40kt per year of excess sulfuric acid (220kt per year gross sulfuric acid production capacity); Farim – a high-grade phosphate mine project located in Farim, Guinea-Bissau; and Santana – a vertically integrated high-grade phosphate mine and fertilizer plant project located in Pará, Brazil.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATSTM are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Star Copper Corp. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Star Copper Corp. (CSE: STCU; FWB: SOP; OTCQX: STCUF), a mineral exploration company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Star Copper Corp. upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB® Venture Market.

    Star Copper Corp. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “STCUF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    The OTCQX Market is designed for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks an important milestone for companies, enabling them to demonstrate their qualifications and build visibility among U.S. investors.

    “Our upgrade to the OTCQX Market is a reflection of our strategic planning as we continue to advance our copper-gold asset position in North America,” states Darryl Jones, CEO of Star Copper. “It also reflects the Company’s underlying fiscal health and commitment to compliance, disclosure and corporate governance. We anticipate that this upgrade will increase our exposure within the U.S. investment community and provide greater access to shareholders seeking to participate in our growth.”

    About Star Copper Corp.
    Star Copper Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing Canadian mining projects. Our flagship Star Project is an Alkalic Copper-Gold Porphyry located within the well-known Golden Triangle and Golden Horseshoe regions of British Colombia, an exceptionally prolific area for porphyry copper-gold projects. Significant exploration work including historical drilling has confirmed open mineralization at depth and in all directions. Star Copper’s strategic plans include geological mapping and geophysical surveys to refine existing targets, diamond drilling programs to test high-priority zones, environmental baseline studies and permitting groundwork alongside data analysis and resource modeling to support a future resource estimate prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. The Company further plans to advance its Indata Project with follow-up drilling to expand on previous high-grade copper and gold
    intercepts, trenching and surface sampling to delineate mineralized zones, and infrastructure improvements for site accessibility and operations. With a commitment to sustainable development and value creation, Star Copper aims to position itself to support surging industrial demand to meet growing global electrification needs.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATSTM are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Range Resources Publishes 2024-2025 Corporate Sustainability Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WORTH, Texas, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RANGE RESOURCES CORPORATION (NYSE: RRC) today published its 2024-2025 Corporate Sustainability Report. The report illustrates the Company’s focus on sustainably developing the energy the world needs.

    “Operational excellence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand – delivering sustainable performance today, and long-term value well into the future,” said Dennis Denger, the Company’s CEO, “the natural gas and natural gas liquids we produce in Pennsylvania are economically and environmentally advantaged due in large part to the innovative culture Range has built. The latest report reflects our disciplined approach that prioritizes environmental stewardship, efficient operations and financial strength.”

    Corporate Sustainability Report Highlights

    Range achieved Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions through direct emissions reductions and verified carbon offsets for 2024 emissions, ahead of its 2025 goal. This milestone was the result of a focused strategy to reduce direct emissions through operational efficiencies, best emission management practices, and deploying new technologies. Range’s GHG and methane emissions intensity were reduced by 43% and 83% respectively, since 2019, exceeding initial targets. To complement these efforts in reaching net zero, Range invested in high quality, verified carbon credits, and retired them through credible registries.

    Environmental Stewardship

    • 43% reduction in GHG emission intensity since 2019 
    • 83% reduction in methane emissions intensity since 2019 
    • 33% reduction in total number of reportable spills ≥ 1 bbl compared to 2023 
    • Recycled approximately 100% of flowback and produced water generated from our operations 
    • “A” grade MiQ certification for all production

    Safety Leadership 

    • 0.17 Employee Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) Rate 
    • 0.33 Employee Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) 
    • Range employees completed more than 3,000 hours of safety training 

    Human Capital Management 

    • Average employee tenure rate of ~10 years 
    • Managers completed 1,680+ hours of leadership/ management training 
    • Employees completed 16.8 hours of training on average 

    Responsible Governance

    • Earned a “AA” MSCI ESG Rating 
    • Ranked first among Appalachian producers and outperformed or met the industry averages in all five categories of JUST Capital’s Most JUST Companies rankings
    • Named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for the fourth consecutive year 

    Community Impact 

    • Paid over $5 billion, to date, in impact fees, royalty and lease payments, and charitable contributions benefiting Pennsylvania communities  
    • Invested $1.2 million into our communities, including $213,500 to first responders through Range’s Good Neighbors Fund 
    • Range employees volunteered a Company record 3,100+ hours in support of community organizations 
    • Awarded grants to 449 local grassroot nonprofit organizations 

    The full Corporate Sustainability Report is available at www.rangeresources.com/sustainability.

    About Range Resources’ 2024-2025 Sustainability Report

    Range’s Sustainability Report incorporates feedback from key stakeholders and was developed in alignment with current best practice sustainability reporting standards and frameworks, which include guidelines and recommendations by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the IPIECA (formerly known as the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association), the TCFD framework, and the American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) ESG Metrics Framework.

    RANGE RESOURCES CORPORATION (NYSE: RRC) is a leading U.S. independent natural gas and NGL producer with operations focused in the Appalachian Basin. The Company is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. More information about Range can be found at www.rangeresources.com.

    Included within this release are certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are not limited to historical facts, but reflect Range’s current beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding future events.  Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “outlook”, “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pursue,” “target,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

    All statements, except for statements of historical fact, made herein regarding activities, events or developments the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, such as those regarding future well costs, expected asset sales, well productivity, future emissions and carbon offsets, future liquidity and financial resilience, anticipated exports and related financial impact, natural gas and NGL market supply and demand, improving commodity fundamentals and pricing, future capital efficiencies, future shareholder value, emerging plays, capital spending, anticipated drilling and completion activity, acreage prospectivity, expected pipeline utilization and future guidance information, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on assumptions and estimates that management believes are reasonable based on currently available information; however, management’s assumptions and Range’s future performance are subject to a wide range of business risks and uncertainties and there is no assurance that these goals and projections can or will be met. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information on risks and uncertainties is available in Range’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Unless required by law, Range undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events after the date they are made.

    SOURCE: Range Resources Corporation

    Range Investor Contact:

    Laith Sando, Senior Vice President – Corporate Strategy & Investor Relations
    817-869-4267
    lsando@rangeresources.com

    Range Media Contact:

    Mark Windle, Director of Corporate Communications
    724-873-3223
    mwindle@rangeresources.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSX-V: SCZ; OTCQX: SCZMF), which engages in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Latin America, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB® Venture Market.

    Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “SCZMF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    The OTCQX Market is designed for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks an important milestone for companies, enabling them to demonstrate their qualifications and build visibility among U.S. investors. 

    Executive Chairman and CEO, Arturo Préstamo, commented: “Graduating to the OTCQX Best Market is an important milestone for Santacruz Silver and a reflection of our continued commitment to transparency, operational excellence, and disciplined growth. This achievement strengthens our visibility and accessibility among U.S. investors as we advance our strategy to grow a leading silver and base metals producer in Latin America.”

    About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
    Santacruz Silver is engaged in the operation, acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties across Latin America. In Bolivia, the Company operates the Bolivar, Porco, and Caballo Blanco mining complexes, with Caballo Blanco comprising the Tres Amigos and Colquechaquita mines. The Reserva mine, whose production is provided to the San Lucas ore sourcing and trading business, is also located in Bolivia. Additionally, the Company oversees the Soracaya exploration project. In Mexico, Santacruz operates the Zimapán mine.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS™ are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Wedbush Securities Enhances Client Offering Through Trading Infrastructure Upgrade with Rapid Addition’s Messaging Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wedbush Securities, a leading global financial services firm, has adopted a solution from Rapid Addition, a leading trading technology provider, to advance its trading infrastructure and better serve its clients. By integrating Rapid Addition’s highly flexible, cloud-ready platform, Wedbush is streamlining multi-asset class trading, risk management, and post-trade processes, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and relentless client service.

    “At Wedbush, we’re always focused on pushing the boundaries of what we can offer our clients. This expansion with Rapid Addition is a key step in that direction, enabling us to elevate our trading infrastructure and streamline operations. The move to the cloud not only strengthens our ability to respond to market changes but also significantly enhances how we serve our clients — by improving efficiency, scalability, and integration across all touchpoints of our execution and clearing services,” said Rodrigo Parrode, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, Wedbush Securities.

    Mike Powell, Chief Executive Officer at Rapid Addition, commented, “We are proud to be part of Wedbush’s transformation strategy and support them in delivering this innovative client-centric project. By helping harness the benefits of cloud and integrating trading process across front and middle-office, the RA Platform will help Wedbush drive efficiency, respond faster to client needs, and scale its trading infrastructure as their business grows.”

    This collaboration sets the stage for future innovations, including potential expansion into additional asset classes and workflows, ensuring both organizations remain at the forefront of the financial services industry.

    About Rapid Addition:
    Rapid Addition is a pioneer in the development of advanced electronic trading technology and a recognised leader in financial messaging protocols and high-performance middleware. Our asset class- and message protocol-agnostic platform enables organisations to build unique trading capabilities to meet their specific requirements.

    Architected to accelerate the deployment of customer IP and custom business logic, the RA Platform empowers firms to implement a broad spectrum of optimised electronic trading workflows through our low-code development framework.

    About Wedbush Securities:
    Wedbush Securities is the largest subsidiary of Wedbush Financial Services. Since its founding in 1955, Wedbush is widely known for providing our clients, both retail and institutional, with a wide range of securities brokerage, clearing, wealth management, and investment banking services. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California with 100 registered offices and nearly 900 colleagues, the firm focuses on client service and financial safety, innovation, and the utilization of advanced technology. Securities and Investment Advisory services are offered through Wedbush Securities Inc. Member NYSE/ FINRA / SIPC 

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    Serina Molano
    Senior Associate, Public Relations
    publicrelations@wedbush.com 
    213-688-4564

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Abaxx Announces Digital Title Pilot to Unlock the Collateral Value of Physical Commodities Through its Integrated Market Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE:ABXX)(OTCQX:ABXXF) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, today announced it intends to conduct a pilot transaction to finance margin with physical gold using its ID++ Technology to create real-time digital documents of title.

    This pilot will demonstrate the use of Abaxx’s Private Digital Title, a cryptographically-secured document of title for physical gold held at Abaxx Spot, to finance cash margin requirements for a gold futures position. By unlocking the collateral value of real-world assets, the initiative advances Abaxx’s broader effort to modernize collateralization and increase capital efficiency across commodity markets, including the unique ability to move real-time collateral privately through a federated network.

    Abaxx’s Private Digital Title Pilot Highlights

    • Demonstrates the integration of Abaxx Exchange and Clearing, Abaxx Spot, and ID++ Technology, activating the full stack of Abaxx infrastructure to address inefficiencies in commodity markets and supply-chain risk management.
    • Lays the groundwork for expanding the pool of high quality liquid asset (“HQLA”) collateral to include physically-held commodities and for netting physical and financial positions, reducing capital costs and inefficiencies in risk management.
    • Operates across the full commodity transaction lifecycle with integrated counterparty verification that keeps transaction data private from unrelated intermediaries and public ledger records, removing a key barrier to token adoption in global commodity markets.
    • Leverages Verifiable Credentials to issue legally-enforceable digital documents of title, preserving confidentiality, improving collateral mobility, and aligning with global legal standards like the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law’s (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR).

    “For decades, innovations in payment systems have accelerated the velocity of money while the immense value of physical assets has remained locked in slow, analog workflows,” said Josh Crumb, CEO of Abaxx Technologies. “What stablecoins and modern payment rails are to bank money, Abaxx is to physical collateral. We are building the tools to free your physical assets. This pilot will be the first end-to-end demonstration of our smarter markets architecture, where regulated market infrastructure and decentralized financial technology work together to turn physical commodities into dynamic, real-time financial instruments at the heart of financial clearing systems.”

    A New Framework for Digital Collateral

    Abaxx’s vision is to re-engineer the relationship between physical assets and financial risk management. To support this transformation, the Company has developed multi-layered market infrastructure designed to connect physical assets to financial workflows, anchored by a regulated futures exchange and clearinghouse, a spot market for physically-allocated gold, and Abaxx’s proprietary ID++ Technology and suite of console apps, including Verifier+, Abaxx Messenger, and Abaxx Sign.

    This infrastructure addresses two persistent challenges for commodity producers, traders, and financiers: limited collateral mobility and the high cost of managing basis and counterparty risk. It seeks to expand the pool of high-quality collateral to include real-world assets and creates the potential to reduce capital and operational costs by enabling the netting of physical and financial positions.

    Legal ownership of physical assets is digitized using Verifiable Credentials as documents of title, unlike tokenization models that rely on centralized issuance or new legal constructs. Abaxx’s approach is designed to reduce legal and operational friction, shorten onboarding timelines, and enable more flexible, direct use of physical commodities as collateral without compromising confidentiality or enforceability.

    The intended result is a system where physical assets support a flexible credit facility, transforming inventory from untapped collateral into a real-time financial resource.

    About the Pilot

    This pilot represents the first application of Abaxx’s Private Digital Title across the Company’s integrated exchange, clearing, and spot market infrastructure. It is intended to demonstrate how a cryptographically-secured Private Digital Title can act as a document of title for physical gold and finance the margin requirements of a gold futures position, replacing traditional warehouse receipts with a legally-enforceable digital document of title.

    As part of this framework, Abaxx’s Private Digital Title can embed legal terms and asset history, including attributes such as its provenance or environmental footprint, directly to the asset’s digital identity, supporting evolving market expectations around traceability.

    By increasing the pool of eligible collateral, increasing collateral mobility, and enhancing transparency, the initiative targets a $47 billion opportunity in gold trade finance¹ and lays the foundation for broader applications across commodity markets.

    Join the Working Group

    This pilot transaction is planned to take place in 4Q2025. Interested parties, including clearing firms, brokers, traders, custodians, banks, and technologists who would like to participate in our working group are invited to contact us at digitaltitle@abaxx.tech for more information.

    ¹ Source: ICC Trade Register Summary Report: Global Risks in Trade Finance, International Chamber of Commerce, November 2023.

    About Abaxx Technologies
    Abaxx Technologies is building Smarter Markets: markets empowered by better tools, better benchmarks, and better technology to drive market-based solutions to the biggest challenges we face as a society, including the energy transition.

    In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is the majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte. Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, and the parent company of wholly owned subsidiary Abaxx Spot Pte. Ltd., the operator of Abaxx Spot.

    Abaxx Exchange delivers the market infrastructure critical to the shift toward an electrified, low-carbon economy through centrally-cleared, physically-deliverable futures contracts in LNG, carbon, battery materials, and precious metals, meeting the commercial needs of today’s commodity markets and establishing the next generation of global benchmarks.

    Abaxx Spot modernizes physical gold trading through a physically-backed gold pool in Singapore. As the first instance of a co-located spot and futures market for gold, Abaxx Spot enables secure electronic transactions, efficient OTC transfers, and is designed to support physical delivery for Abaxx Exchange’s physically-deliverable gold futures contract, providing integrated infrastructure to deliver smarter gold markets.

    For more information, visit abaxx.tech | abaxx.exchange | abaxxspot.com | basecarbon.com | smartermarkets.media

    For more information about this press release, please contact:

    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: +1 647-490-1590

    Media and investor inquiries:

    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 246 271 0082
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “plan”, “should”, “would”, “could”, “target”, “purpose”, “goal”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “potential”, “likely” or the negative thereof or similar expressions.

    In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements regarding the potential results, benefits and market impact of the pilot transaction, the Company’s business strategies, plans, and objectives, the development of new markets and products, expectations regarding Abaxx’s partnerships, demand for Abaxx’s products and market adoption and regulatory approvals. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; acquiring and maintaining regulatory approvals for Abaxx’s products and operations; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions; protection of intellectual property rights; contractual risk; third-party risk; clearinghouse risk; malicious actor risks; third- party software license risk; system failure risk; risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; and changes in the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains, and the risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GDS Announces Results of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GDS Holdings Limited (“GDS Holdings”, “GDS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698), a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China, today announced that it held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (“2025 AGM”) on June 26, 2025. Each of the resolutions submitted to the shareholders for approval at the 2025 AGM has been approved.

    Specifically, the shareholders of the Company passed ordinary resolutions approving:

    1. Re-election of Mr. William Wei Huang as a director of the Company;
    2. Re-election of Ms. Bin Yu as a director of the Company;
    3. Re-election of Mr. Zulkifli Baharudin as a director of the Company;
    4. Confirmation of the appointment of KPMG Huazhen LLP as independent auditor of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025;
    5. Authorization of the Board of Directors of the Company to allot or issue, in the 12-month period from the date of the 2025 AGM, ordinary shares or other equity or equity-linked securities of the Company up to an aggregate thirty per cent. (30%) of its existing issued share capital of the Company at the date of the 2025 AGM, whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions (OTHER THAN any allotment or issues of shares on the exercise of any options that have been granted by the Company); and
    6. Authorization of each of the directors and officers of the Company to take any and every action that might be necessary to effect the foregoing resolutions as such director or officer, in his or her absolute discretion, thinks fit.

    About GDS Holdings Limited

    GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698) is a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China. The Company’s facilities are strategically located in and around primary economic hubs where demand for high-performance data center services is concentrated. The Company’s data centers have large net floor area, high power capacity, density and efficiency, and multiple redundancies across all critical systems. GDS is carrier and cloud-neutral, which enables its customers to access the major telecommunications networks, as well as the largest PRC and global public clouds, which are hosted in many of its facilities. The Company offers co-location and a suite of value-added services, including managed hybrid cloud services through direct private connection to leading public clouds, managed network services, and, where required, the resale of public cloud services. The Company has a 24-year track record of service delivery, successfully fulfilling the requirements of some of the largest and most demanding customers for outsourced data center services in China. The Company’s customer base consists predominantly of hyperscale cloud service providers, large internet companies, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, IT service providers, and large domestic private sector and multinational corporations. The Company also holds a non-controlling 35.6% equity interest in DayOne Data Centers Limited which develops and operates data centers in International markets.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    GDS Holdings Limited
    Laura Chen
    Phone: +86 (21) 2029-2203
    Email: ir@gds-services.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Ross Warner
    Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    Brandi Piacente
    Phone: +1 (212) 481-2050
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    GDS Holdings Limited

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaMalfa, California GOP Delegation Call on Newsom to Halt New Gas Price Hikes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) joined the entire California Republican congressional delegation in sending a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to immediately suspend a scheduled increase to the state’s gasoline excise tax and pause the implementation of new California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations projected to significantly raise fuel costs for California drivers.

    Starting July 1, 2025, California is set to raise its gas tax to 61.2 cents per gallon. On the same day, new CARB regulations under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) are set to take effect—regulations estimated by University of Pennsylvania economists to drive fuel prices up by as much as 65 cents per gallon. Combined, these changes will further strain California’s already fragile fuel supply and add more costs for families and businesses across the state.

    “At a time when Californians are already paying $1.44 more per gallon than the national average, the last thing they need is another gas tax hike and a costly new mandate from unelected CARB officials,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “The Phillips 66 refinery is set to close this fall, and Valero’s Benicia facility will follow next spring. Together, those shutdowns will cut California’s refining capacity by over 20 percent. Resulting in less fuel available on the market, higher prices, and more pain for everyone. Instead of addressing this looming supply crisis, the Governor is adding 1.6 cents to the gas tax and letting CARB push through a regulation that is estimated to raise prices by up to 65 cents per gallon. These policies are not just tone-deaf, they’re dangerous to California’s economy. The Governor continues to ignore this reality. Refusing to change course will only make things worse.”

    These price increases come as California faces a looming supply crisis due to the scheduled closures of two major in-state refineries. According to a May 2025 report from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, the combined shutdown of the Phillips 66 refinery in Los Angeles and the Valero refinery in Benicia could result in a 21% drop in California’s refining capacity. This shortfall is expected to create a gasoline supply deficit of up to 13.1 million gallons per day and push prices as high as $8.43 per gallon by the end of 2026, especially when combined with the effects of new state mandates like the LCFS, Cap-and-Trade expansion, and excise tax increases.

    The USC study also warns that these disruptions will ripple across the economy, impacting air travel, food delivery, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, while placing further pressure on household budgets and reducing state tax revenues at a time when California faces a projected $73 billion budget deficit.

    The California Republican congressional delegation has consistently urged the Governor to suspend the gas tax, address in-state supply constraints, and reject policies that deepen the cost-of-living crisis, but to date continue to be ignored.

    The full text of the letter is available here.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Over 90% Indian employees confident about affording healthcare needs: Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    More than 90 per cent of employees in India are confident that they can afford the healthcare needs for themselves and their families, according to a report on Thursday.

    The Mercer Marsh Benefits report, based on a survey of over 18,000 employees across 17 markets, including in India, explores what employees value most from their workplace benefits, and how their expectations are evolving.

    The findings showed that for Indian employees there are high levels of well-being and satisfaction. The report also highlights growing expectations around flexibility, personalisation, and long-term support, indicating a broader evolution in the Indian workforce – one that is becoming more rooted in long-term ambitions.

    While the report showed that although 92 per cent of employees are confident about affording healthcare needs, the top two reasons for delaying healthcare are financial and anticipated long wait times.

    This suggests that even with insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and other financial considerations are still preventing some employees from getting the care they need.

    Further, the report showed that employers have emerged as the most trusted source of affordable, quality healthcare.

    It showed that more than 80 per cent of employees who could personalise their benefits packages felt their employer cared about their health and well-being.

    For employers, this presents a timely opportunity to outpace their competition by adapting their benefits strategy and building affordable coverage by focusing on preventive care and early detection to primary care, through outpatient provisions (OPD), said the report.

    “Our report provides a strategic blueprint for employers. Specifically for India, it is the growing emphasis on longevity and planning for the future. As life expectancy increases and careers extend, employers have a profound opportunity to build trust and commitment by prioritising benefits that support long-term health planning and financial well-being, ensuring their workforce thrives not just today, but well into retirement,” said Sanjay Kedia, Chief Executive Officer, Marsh McLennan India President and CEO, Marsh India.

    The report also suggested employers bolster quality and timely healthcare by exploring innovative care delivery models, such as telemedicine and partnerships with local healthcare providers.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Central African Republic: United Nations (UN) Expert calls for urgent institutional reform of electoral authority ahead of 2025 elections


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    The National Elections Authority (ANE) in the Central African Republic is grappling with serious operational hurdles ahead of the 2025 legislative, presidential, and local elections, a UN expert warned today.

    “Despite the multiform support provided by national authorities and technical and financial partners to the ANE, persistent internal dysfunction has hampered its effectiveness, compromising the running of the electoral timetable,” said Yao Agbetse, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic.

    The ANE is the constitutional body mandated to organise elections in the Central African Republic (CAR).

    Legislative and presidential elections must be held within strict constitutional deadlines in 2025.

    The local elections are critically important to the transitional justice process in CAR and will strengthen local governance as a lever for the restoration of state authority and an instrument of peace and national reconciliation, the expert said.

    “ANE’s efforts to respond to challenges encountered, in particular by organising a high-level dialogue on 16 and 17 May 2025 to curb violence against women during the electoral period, do not prevent objective concerns about several aspects of the electoral process,” Agbetse said.

    “Local elections, initially scheduled for 2022, have been postponed several times,” he said.

    Agbetse noted that despite assurances provided by senior ANE officials during his mission to CAR in February 2025 and at several press conferences, the holding of these elections on the set date of 31 August 2025 remains uncertain.

    While a revised electoral register is a fundamental basis for transparency, credibility and inclusiveness of the electoral process, the ANE had so far failed to produce even a provisional version of the register, the expert noted.

    “This is a serious situation because the publication of a definitive electoral list was scheduled for 29 May 2025 to enable the Government to issue the decree convening the electorate on 4 June 2025,” Agbetse said.

    “The current electoral budget, which only covers local elections despite being six months away from presidential and legislative polls, needs urgent reassessment to reflect operational realities,” the expert warned.

    He cited the 17 May 2025 derogation law suspending Article 18 of the Electoral Code as proof of the hurdles faced by the ANE. Agbetse said there were major challenges in awarding contracts for electoral materials, deploying technical staff, and processing electoral data.

    “With the first round of presidential and legislative elections set for 28 December 2025, the electoral register must be finalised by 28 September. At the current pace, these deadlines are unlikely to be met, undermining confidence in the process. Swift action is essential,” the expert said.

    Agbetse urged an institutional overhaul of the ANE and its local branches to boost technical, organisational, and strategic capacity and ensure transparent internal governance.

    He called for a realistic, agreed electoral timetable and appealed to the international community to enhance support for CAR’s democratic institutions and ensure credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections in line with international standards.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Bonn ‘talking shop’ at odds with urgency needed to save forests, climate

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Bonn, Germany – A lack of urgency to address the escalating climate crisis has marred the Bonn Climate Change Conference, leaving much work to be done to deliver real progress on climate and biodiversity action at COP30 in Brazil.   

    Ambition to accelerate mitigation, including transitioning away from fossil fuels in upcoming 2035 climate action plans was lacking and talks stalled on climate finance and the Baku to Belém roadmap to mobilise up to US$1.3 trillion for developing countries became polarised. Efforts to secure an end to deforestation by 2030 also struggled to find a landing ground.

    An Lambrechts, Biodiversity Policy Expert, Greenpeace International, said: “As temperatures escalate, efforts to end deforestation and protect critical ecosystems are an essential part of the 1.5°C solution. But if an action plan to end forest destruction is to be agreed in Belém, parties must grasp the urgency and deliver a transformative COP30 forest outcome.

    “While there were some positive signs for potential progress on synergies between climate and biodiversity action in Belém, there’s been far too much procrastination in Bonn and too little decision-making. We believe in multilateralism, but that spirit needs to be reinvigorated ahead of COP30 to accelerate the protection and restoration of critical ecosystems.”

    Lorelei Limousin, Climate and Fossil Fuels Campaigner, Greenpeace France said: “The 1.5°C goal is getting harder every day and ambition to deliver the Paris Agreement must be ramped up in 2035 climate action plans. As custodian of the Paris Agreement, France must drive ambition and needs to support EU targets for both 2035 and 2040 that are aligned with 1.5°C.

    “Macron’s attempts to weaken EU ambition is sabotaging the Paris Agreement in its 10th anniversary year, putting at risk EU climate leadership. Instead of backtracking, France – and the EU – need to signal they’ll move ahead and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

    “But the EU and Global North as a whole, must also help unlock robust public climate finance to help stimulate climate action in developing countries. One clear solution is to give the bill to the fossil fuel producers and make them pay for the climate destruction their products cause.”

    Camila Jardim, International Politics Specialist, Greenpeace Brazil said: “Amid challenging times, this is a great opportunity for Brazilian climate leadership to emerge. As COP30 host, Brazil can make the goal of halting global deforestation and forest degradation a reality, delivering a fruitful COP30 legacy to forests all over the world.

    “2035 NDCs and bridging the 1.5°C ambition gap is the make-or-break for COP30. A strong COP outcome is needed to combat the expected shortfall in ambition alongside finance to enable greater action in developing countries. But in Bonn a stalemate on emission reductions and finance was exposed, as the Global Stocktake and NDCs became a new taboo in negotiation rooms and developed countries refused to step up on finance. This needs to change – it’s time to act.” 

    ENDS

    Contacts:
    Aaron Gray-Block, Climate Politics Communications Manager, Greenpeace International, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    Join the Greenpeace UNFCCC WhatsApp Update Group

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public views sought on the licensing of sexual entertainment venues

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    A new consultation has been launched seeking the public’s views on the licensing of Sexual Entertainment Venues in Aberdeen.

    The Council’s Licensing Committee resolved on 3 December 2019 to licence Sexual Entertainment Venues.  The existing Sexual Entertainment Venue Licensing Policy was approved on 14th December 2021 and became effective from 1st March 2022.  

    Members of the committee are looking to undertake a formal review of the policy to establish whether it remains fit for purpose and to ensure details such as the numerical limit of premises remain at the appropriate level.

    Committee convener Councillor Gill Al-Samarai: “It is almost three years since our existing policy was introduced and we are encouraging interested parties to make their views known as to whether or not it requires amending.

    “In developing the current licensing policy, we took care to balance the freedom of individuals to engage in legal employment and activities with the right to exercise appropriate control and regulation to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of the staff and patrons. The same approach will underpin our consultation and any changes that need to be made to further ensure public safety.”

    There are currently six licensed Sexual Entertainment Venues in Aberdeen city centre, although it is thought that one of the premises is not currently operating as a Sexual Entertainment Venue and another of the premises is currently up for sale.  

    It was previously decided that there should be zero licenced Sexual Entertainment Venues outwith Aberdeen city centre, as locations outside the city centre were deemed not suitable for the licensable activity.

    The committee is seeking views on:  
    •    the appropriate number of Sexual Entertainment Venues in Aberdeen city centre;
    •    whether the number of Sexual Entertainment Venue premises outwith Aberdeen city centre should remain at zero; and
    •    what matters should be taken into consideration in any amendments of the existing policy.  
    Premises are classed as a Sexual Entertainment Venue if:
    •    sexual entertainment is provided before a live audience for the direct or indirect financial benefit of the organiser; 
    •    sexual entertainment is any live performance or live display of nudity provided for the sole or principal purpose of sexual stimulation of members of the audience.
    Premises where sexual entertainment is provided on no more than four occasions in a 12-month period are not to be treated as Sexual Entertainment Venues.

    To take part in the consultation: Sexual Entertainment Venue Licensing Policy Consultation 2025

    The consultation ends on 31 July and feedback received will be included in the report to Licensing Committee on 27 August 2025.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council rolls out smart messaging to tackle debt fairly

    Source: City of Derby

    A new messaging service aimed at collecting debt more efficiently and ethically has been launched by Derby City Council.

    A key feature of the messaging service is its integration with an advanced AI-powered dashboard, which gathers and analyses information from across Council systems.

    The dashboard gives staff a detailed view of outstanding debt, allowing the Council to examine individual cases and identify where it needs to offer support to minimise debt, and maximise income collection.

    From 26 June, businesses in the city who don’t pay their business rates by Direct Debit can expect timely emails to remind them of upcoming payments and when instalments are overdue.

    This proactive approach aims to help businesses avoid arrears and potential costly recovery actions.

    Similar messaging services for Council Tax payers and sundry debtors are also set to launch shortly and are the latest applications in the Council’s pioneering AI programme.

    Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Cabinet Member for Digital and Organisational Transformation at Derby City Council said:

    At a time when every penny counts, it’s more important than ever that the Council manages its limited finances responsibly.

    This new service, supported by advanced technology, gives us a much more detailed view of individual cases. It means we can take a more tailored and compassionate approach to debt collection — ensuring support is targeted where it’s needed most, while still being fair and effective.

    It’s a great example of how smart use of technology can benefit the Council, city businesses and our residents.

    The Council has a legal duty and responsibility to Derby’s citizens to ensure that outstanding debt is paid promptly and in line with relevant legislation, best practice, and ethical collection methods.

    In February 2024, Cabinet approved a revised debt management policy. This provides a framework for the Council to manage its debt while ensuring that customers receive appropriate assistance, guidance and support, and that mutually agreed repayment arrangements are affordable and sustainable.

    Details on all payment methods, how to set up Direct Debits and paperless billing, can be found on the Council’s website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: Commitment to the spirit of mutual respect, trust, benefit and support is the driving force behind the development of cooperation between China and Central Asia – expert from Uzbekistan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Tashkent, June 26 (Xinhua) — The driving force behind the sustainable development of cooperation between China and Central Asian countries is the two sides’ commitment to the spirit of “mutual respect, trust, benefit and support,” Professor Nodira Murodova, head of department at Navoi State University, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

    According to her, for Uzbekistan these principles are not just diplomatic slogans, but a real basis for a long-term and stable partnership with China, as well as for the entire region. She emphasized that it is on this foundation that strong and trusting interaction between the two countries is built.

    Mutual respect, according to N. Murodova, is the basis of deepening Uzbek-Chinese relations. China, as the expert noted, consistently demonstrates respect for the sovereignty, social structure and development strategy of Uzbekistan. “Such a sincere attitude on equal terms allows us to more confidently and independently build external relations, forming a truly equal partnership,” she said.

    Particular importance is also attached to mutual trust, which the expert called a guarantee of the strength of cooperation. “Thanks to regular high-level contacts, intergovernmental dialogues and projects implemented in practice, strong political trust has been formed between our countries,” N. Murodova noted. She also added that in such strategic areas as regional security and infrastructure development, Uzbekistan and China maintain close coordination and dialogue.

    As for the principle of mutual benefit, the professor emphasized that it is reflected in concrete results. “In key areas such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture and the digital economy, Chinese companies have brought advanced technologies and management experience to Uzbekistan, creating many jobs,” the expert said. China’s participation in the construction of roads, railways and energy facilities, according to her, helps strengthen production chains and accelerates the country’s modernization process.

    N. Murodova also particularly noted the importance of mutual support, which is especially evident at critical moments. “Whether it is the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic or today’s efforts on environmental transformation and development of education, Uzbekistan and China always act together. Such support at key moments is a manifestation of the true spirit of a community with a common destiny,” she said.

    In conclusion, the professor expressed confidence that, based on the principles of “mutual respect, trust, benefit and support,” cooperation between China and Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, will continue to deepen and expand, serving the interests of the peoples and strengthening peace, development and cooperation in the broader regional and international context. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Indian PSUs turn wealth creators, add Rs 57 lakh crore in market cap in just 5 years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The market capitalisation of the Indian public sector units (PSUs) surged from Rs 12 lakh crore in March 2020 to Rs 69 lakh crore in June 2025 — adding Rs 57 lakh crore in just five financial years, a report revealed on Thursday. 
     
    Over FY20–FY25, PSUs clocked a stellar 36 per cent earnings CAGR —outpacing private peers — and powered a 32 per cent surge in the BSE PSU Index, according to the report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.
     
    Despite a cooling-off in FY25, the core profit engine remains intact. The decade-long recovery story is anchored in balance sheet clean-ups, policy tailwinds, and sector-specific structural shifts, the findings showed.
     
    “PSUs have clawed back space in the overall market cap pool. Their share, which had slipped to 10.1 per cent in FY22, now stands at 15.3 per cent, thanks to a strong rally and profit growth,” the report mentioned.
     
    PSU profits jumped from Rs 1.2 lakh crore in FY20 to Rs 5.3 lakh crore in FY25, far outpacing private sector growth and reversing their earlier underperformance from FY15–20.
     
    “Profitability metrics have improved materially. Better capital efficiency, operating discipline, and lower losses have lifted RoEs across the PSU board,” said the report.
     
    FY25 marks the fifth consecutive year of declining losses among PSUs.
     
    BFSI contribution rose to 38 per cent of PSU profits in FY25—from just 7 per cent in FY20. PSU banks, once weighed down by bad loans, are now leading the charge — with clean balance sheets, improving NIMs, and strong earnings visibility.
     
    Capital goods PSUs clocked a 28 per cent CAGR in profits over FY20–25. Defence and infra-led order flows have fuelled this growth. Names like HAL and BEL have emerged as institutional favourites, backed by execution and earnings consistency.
     
    With fundamentals intact and macro tailwinds building, the next phase of re-rating is already underway.
     
    BFSI is expected to drive 53 per cent of incremental PSU profits over the next two years. Loss-making PSUs now account for just 1 per cent of the total profit pool, down from 45 per cent in FY18.
     
    According to the report, structural clean-ups have reshaped the PSU universe, and the earnings base is now broad, resilient, and quality-led.
     
    (IANS)

  • Global energy CO2 emissions reached record high last year, report says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Global carbon dioxide emissions from the energy sector hit a record high for the fourth year running last year as fossil fuel use kept rising even as renewable energy reached a record high, the Energy Institute’s annual statistical review of world energy showed on Thursday.
     
    The report’s figures highlight the challenge of trying to wean the world economy off fossil fuels at a time when conflict in Ukraine has redrawn oil and gas flows from Russia and fighting in the Middle East raises concern about security of supplies.
     
    Last year was the hottest year on record, with global temperatures exceeding 1.5 C (34.7 F) above the pre-industrial era for the first time.
     
    The world saw a 2% annual rise in total energy supply in 2024, with all sources of energy such as oil, gas, coal, nuclear, hydro and renewable energy registering increases, which last occurred in 2006, the report said.
     
    This led to carbon emissions increasing by around 1% in 2024 and exceeding the record level set the previous year at 40.8 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
    Of all the global fossil fuels, natural gas saw the biggest increase in generation, growing 2.5%. Meanwhile, coal grew by 1.2% to remain the largest source of generation globally, while oil growth was under 1%.
     
    Wind and solar energy expanded by 16% in 2024, nine times faster than total energy demand, the report showed.
     
    Industry body the Energy Institute, which comprises energy professionals across levels, together with consultancies KPMG and Kearney, took over from BP (BP.L), opens new tab last year to author the report.
     
    Analysts tracking progress have said the world is not on course to meet a global goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 despite record amounts being added.
     
    “Last year was another turning point for global energy, driven by rising geopolitical tensions,” Romain Debarre of consultancy Kearney, one of the authors of the report, said in a release.
     
    “COP28 set out a bold vision to triple global renewables by 2030, but progress is proving uneven and despite the rapid growth we have seen globally we are still not at the pace required,” said Wafa Jafri, a partner at KPMG.
     
    COP28 was the United Nations Climate Change Conference that took place in Dubai in 2023, at which countries signed a pact to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
     
    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS attends 10th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in Beijing (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the 10th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing today (June 26). He also held separate meetings with the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo’an, and the President of the AIIB, Mr Jin Liqun.
     
         Mr Chan participated in the opening ceremony of the annual meeting and joined the subsequent Governors’ Official Session.
     
         During the meeting, he witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the AIIB.  Under the partnership agreement, the HKMA will collaborate closely with the AIIB to support venture capital in emerging Asia to jointly support the emerging economies in the region to drive green transformation and development of infrastructure through scientific and commercial innovation.
     
         Speaking about the agreement, Mr Chan said, “Energy transition and infrastructure development of the Global South require substantial financial investment and support from technological applications in various fields. This collaboration combines and leverages the knowledge, experience, networks, and strengths of the HKMA and the AIIB. It supports emerging Asian economies in accelerating their development towards more prosperous and inclusive growth through innovation and technology. Additionally, it aids in building a more vibrant venture capital and innovation ecosystem within the region and further reinforces Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, innovation and technology centre.”
     
         Mr Chan later met with the President of the AIIB, Mr Jin Liqun. He expressed Hong Kong’s willingness to further enhance collaboration with the AIIB amid the ongoing reshaping of the global economic landscape and the development challenges faced by emerging economies. Such initiatives can include issuing bonds in more currencies and of various tenors, advancing investment co-operation in infrastructure loan securitisation and catastrophe bonds, and mobilising private capital to support Asia’s green and sustainable development projects and relevant technological proposals. He also reiterated Hong Kong’s support for the AIIB to establish an office in Hong Kong and said he looks forward to the proposal’s early implementation.
     
         Subsequently, Mr Chan called on the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo’an, where both parties exchanged in-depth views on the economic and social development of the Mainland and Hong Kong. Mr Chan briefed Mr Lan on Hong Kong’s latest developments in financial markets, innovation and technology, and public finance. He highlighted that, with Hong Kong’s financial market advancing steadily and international investors’ confidence strengthening, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to fully support the issuance of RMB Sovereign Bonds in Hong Kong. Efforts will also be made to enrich investment products and risk management tools, enhance RMB liquidity, and improve financial infrastructure to build a more prosperous offshore RMB business ecosystem.
     
         Mr Chan concluded his visit to Beijing today and will return to Hong Kong in the evening.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gold delivery vault launched

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau welcomed the launch of the Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE)’s first offshore gold delivery vault in Hong Kong and the listing of relevant gold contracts for delivery in Hong Kong on its International Board today.

     

    Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said that the SGE’s decision to establish its first International Board certified vault in Hong Kong offers international investors an option for delivering gold offshore, marking a key stride in the internationalisation of the country’s gold market, extending the global footprint of renminbi-denominated gold trading, and further strengthening Hong Kong’s role in the regional market.

     

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is pushing ahead with the development of an international gold trading centre in Hong Kong to tap into new growth areas for financial services as well as to consolidate and enhance the city’s status as an international financial centre.

     

    Mr Hui highlighted that the SGE’s establishment of a certified vault in Hong Kong will attract more international investors to participate in the SGE’s trading and increase gold storage in Hong Kong, thus driving the development of related services, giving impetus to the development of an international gold trading centre.

    He added that Hong Kong has unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle and is able to provide comprehensive financial, logistics, and shipping services. Coupled with a deep offshore renminbi liquidity pool, international institutional investors will enjoy facilitation in their participation in gold trading with delivery in Hong Kong.

     

    The Hong Kong SAR Government and the Shanghai Municipal Government signed the Action Plan for Collaborative Development of Shanghai and Hong Kong International Financial Centres.

     

    Mr Hui said he looks forward to the further deepening of co-operation, expansion of mutual market access between the two markets, and scaling up of two-way participation between Hong Kong and Shanghai by complementing the advantages of the two leading international financial centres under the “one country, two systems” framework.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New partnership approach to boost adult skills and job opportunities

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Thursday, 26th June 2025

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council has approved a new plan to help more adults gain the skills they need to find and stay in work.

    The new Adult Skills and Employment Framework was considered by the council’s cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday 24 June.

    The plan aims to raise skill levels across the city and support more residents into better jobs by working closely with partners in education, training and employment.

    It will help make sure more people can take advantage of local job opportunities and contribute to a growing city economy. It also supports the council’s wider aim to improve residents’ health, wellbeing and quality of life.

    Alongside consulting a broad range of organisations, the council has worked with partners including the Chamber of Commerce, Staffordshire Providers Group and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to shape the framework. This joint approach ensures the plan reflects local needs and builds on what is already in place.

    A new Local Skills and Employment Partnership will also be set up to lead the work, helping partners to stay joined-up and focused on long-term improvements.

    Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “There is so much untapped potential in our city and by creating more opportunities for residents to enhance and improve their skills, we will help more people thrive in the workplace and social life.

     “Supporting people to gain the knowledge and experience they need to secure good jobs will not only improve their quality of life, but also help them build a more secure future. Working with partners across different sectors and types of institutions is crucial to this, as it will mean everyone can make the most of the opportunities available to them in Stoke-on-Trent.

    “Together, we will ensure the building of a bigger and better economy, as well as improving the overall wellbeing of the population.”

    For more information on the city council’s post-16 employment and learning hub go to www.stoke.gov.uk/adultlearning

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council awarded share of €7.5m PEACEPLUS funding to deliver community cross border walking programme

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is proud to announce it has been awarded funding from PEACEPLUS to help deliver ‘Walking for All’, a participation-based walking programme which will engage over 14,000 people in walking in rural areas in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

    The funding announcement of €7,536,957 from PEACEPLUS is a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

    Walking for All aims to create healthier rural communities by encouraging participation in walking through organised, volunteer-led walks. These short walks, guided by trained volunteers, will be held in local community spaces and will also aim to bring diverse communities together, fostering acceptance and respect for differences.

    Key outcomes of this cross-border cross-community project include the appointment of dedicated Walking for All Officers, who will oversee the recruitment and training of Volunteer Walk Leaders. These leaders will support the creation of nearly 600 walking groups across rural communities, with the aim of engaging thousands of individuals in regular, social walks.

    The project involves 19 partners. Outscape, a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation, will co-ordinate and lead the project. Delivery on the ground across Northern Ireland will be undertaken by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, 7 other Northern Ireland Local Authorities and Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust. There will be 6 Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in Republic of Ireland who will also be responsible for project delivery including Louth, Cavan, Leitrim, Monaghan, Donegal and Sligo. Sport Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland and the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland are support partners and were instrumental in the development of the programme.

    Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray said: “We are delighted to be one of the delivery partners for Walking for All and receive this funding from the Special EU Programmes Body to implement Walking for All. Being part of this programme under the mentorship of Outscape, we can take significant steps towards improving the health and wellbeing of rural communities in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon.

    “We look forward to being part of this collaborative approach which will use walking to address issues associated with people’s health, social exclusion and isolation.”

    Gina McIntyre, CEO Special EU Programmes Body commented: “Significant developments have been made in the provision of collaborative cross-border services in recent years, providing equality of access for citizens in rural areas. The EU INTERREG programme enabled much of this work and PEACEPLUS funding now builds – and further expands – these collaborative initiatives into areas of increasing wellbeing and reducing social isolation in rural areas.”

    Speaking on the project’s potential impact, Caro-Lynne Ferris, Executive Director at Outscape commented: “This is the most ambitious project Outscape has undertaken to date, and it marks a major milestone for both Northern Ireland and the border counties. We are excited to work with communities across NI and ROI, helping them embrace walking as a means to better health and strengthen social connections. This project will be a powerful catalyst for increased social cohesion and community wellbeing, with impacts that extend far beyond its duration.”

    Spanning the next three years, the project represents a significant step towards Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council achieving its vision of ‘A happy, healthy and connected community, a vibrant and sustainable economy and appealing places for living, working and learning’ by delivering on one of its strategic goals of providing opportunities which improve quality of life and wellbeing for our communities in outdoor activities.  Walking For All also aligns with key government priorities, including the draft Obesity Strategy ‘Healthy Futures’ in Northern Ireland.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global and Platinum Group UAE Sign Joint Venture Agreement Creating Beam Middle East LLC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with the Platinum Group LLC, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chaired by His Royal Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, the Platinum Group UAE is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry.

    Beam Global and the Platinum Group will form a new entity, Beam Middle East LLC, which will sell and manufacture Beam Global’s patented sustainable infrastructure solutions for transportation electrification, energy storage, energy security, and smart city development across the Middle East and African regions. This joint venture supports Beam Global’s strategy of geographic diversification by opening new markets and creating opportunities for revenue growth outside the United States. Beam Global, Beam Europe, and now Beam Middle East will each sell and manufacture the company’s full portfolio of patented sustainable technology solutions.

    “The Platinum Group is an organization of the highest reputation, influence and relationships in Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region. They are a perfect partner to accelerate Beam Global’s growth in the Middle East and Africa,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “With planned spending on sustainable infrastructure in the region projected to reach $75.6 billion by 2030, we believe that Beam Global’s patented technology combined with Platinum’s unrivalled position should create a platform for growth which we are uniquely able to leverage. Platinum’s relationships with the best companies in the region and their government contacts, including at the highest level in the UAE and with entities like Masdar City, will allow Beam Middle East to secure direct audiences with top decision makers. Our technology is ideal for the region’s current and future plans, but this is a region where relationships matter just as much as products and solutions. That is why our joint venture with Platinum is so ideal – Beam’s tried and tested clean-technology solutions and Platinum’s influence and relationships form a combination that ticks all the boxes and is without rivals.”

    “The Platinum Group seeks out the highest quality, most timely and relevant companies in each of the industries we target. Beam Global’s unique and patented products are ideally suited to provide value to governments and businesses, as the Gulf region and beyond transitions to clean and sustainable technologies,” said Dr Ali Nasser Sultan Al Yahbouni Al Daheri, CEO of Platinum Group. “We are looking forward to ensuring that our new joint venture with Beam Global, forming Beam Middle East, is a highly successful enterprise with wins in the Middle East and increasingly in Africa. With abundant sunshine and fast-growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), renewables, and energy storage, the region is perfect for Beam Global’s solutions. Energy security and Smart Cities solutions like those offered by Beam Middle East are at the forefront of government planning. Our timing is right, and our partnership is formed on mutual benefit from growth and success. We are delighted to have Beam Global as part of our growing family of businesses.”

    Middle East Market Overview Across Five Key Markets: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan

    • The number of EVs in the region is projected to grow from approximately 69.0 thousand in 2024 to approximately 1.5 million by 2030 (Table 1), representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 66.6%.
    • Assuming a 5.0% share of regional chargers using EV ARC™ units, the addressable revenue could reach $516.5 million by 2030.
    • If eBikes account for just 5.0% of total EV volume and follow the same growth trajectory (Table 2), BeamBike™ units could represent a $245.0 million revenue opportunity in the region by 2030.

    Middle East Market Overview: Abu Dhabi Case Study

    • The UAE eBike market is projected to reach $443.8 million by 2030. Assuming 15.0% of that spend goes toward charging infrastructure, and that Abu Dhabi accounts for 35.0% of the national market based on population, the addressable eBike charger market for BeamBike™ in Abu Dhabi is approximately $23.3 million.
    • A streetlight-to-population ratio based on New York City, applied to Abu Dhabi’s estimated 3.8 million residents (Table 3), suggests BeamSpot™ units could represent a potential revenue opportunity of approximately $322.1 million assuming a market penetration of 5.0%.
    • Using Abu Dhabi’s population and a comparable U.S. Police motorcycle fleet ratio (Table 4), the opportunity to electrify local law enforcement fleets with BeamPatrol™ units is estimated at approximately $2.4 million.
    • With over 5.8 million annual hotel guests, Abu Dhabi also offers a strong use case for BeamSkoot™ at resorts, both for logistics and recreational purposes. Assuming adoption rates of 10.0% (Table 5), the potential revenue opportunity for BeamSkoot™ units could reach approximately $10.0 million.

    The above scenarios are estimates only, based upon market data taken from internet resources. Beam Global believes these case studies can be replicated in other markets across the Middle East and Africa.

    Key Terms of the Agreement
    Beam Middle East LLC will be a 50/50 joint venture between Beam Global and Platinum Group UAE, incorporated in Abu Dhabi. Beam Global will license its proprietary technologies to the joint venture and support it with incoming opportunities, training, marketing materials, and procurement assistance. Platinum Group will leverage its existing relationships at the highest levels, coordinate local sales, provide experienced and influential business development professionals, and establish manufacturing capabilities efficiently and inexpensively. Both parties will collaborate on the development of a regional manufacturing facility for the products. Beam Middle East will be headquartered in Masdar City, a pioneering sustainable urban community and world-class business and technology hub, where Platinum Group has recently signed an agreement. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, strategically positioned at the center of the country’s drive toward a net-zero future by 2050.

    About Platinum Group UAE
    Platinum Group UAE is a diversified, multi-billion-dollar conglomerate operating in energy, real estate, finance and investing, healthcare, information technology, sports and entertainment, food services and legal services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Chaired by His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, son of the former ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Group is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry. Platinum Group UAE is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with offices in Dubai and Sharjah. For more information visit, PlatinumGroupUAE.com.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Broadview, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit, BeamForAll.com, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “may,” or similar expressions. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected benefits, market potential, and future operations of Beam Middle East LLC; anticipated revenue opportunities in the Middle East and African regions; projections regarding electric vehicle and infrastructure market growth; and strategic goals and international expansion plans of Beam Global.

    These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, risks associated with entering new markets and joint ventures, including regulatory and operational challenges; risks relating to the adoption of EV technologies and infrastructure in foreign jurisdictions; the ability to develop and scale manufacturing capabilities in the region; the effectiveness of partnerships; and general economic, political, and business conditions in the Middle East and Africa. Additional risks and uncertainties are detailed in Beam Global’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

    Beam Global disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Media Contact
    Andy Lovsted
    +1 858-327-9123
    Press@BeamForAll.com

    Investor Relations
    Luke Higgins
    +1 858-261-7646
    IR@BeamForAll.com

    Appendix 1 – Sources for Middle East Market Overview Sections

    Table 1 – Projected Growth of EV Adoption in the Middle East

      Number of EVs in 2024 Number of EVs in 2030
    Countries:    
    UAE 28,000 42,000
    Saudi Arabia 23,170 1,300,000
    Qatar 5,624 75,167
    Oman 2,200 13,500
    Jordan 10,000 45,000
         
    Total Number of EVs: 68,994 1,475,667

    Table 2 – Projected Growth of eBike Adoption in the Middle East Assuming 5% EV Market Share

      Number of eBikes in 2024 Number of eBikes in 2030
    Countries:    
    UAE 1,400 2,100
    Saudi Arabia 1,159 50,000
    Qatar 281 3,758
    Oman 110 675
    Jordan 500 2,250
         
    Total Number of eBikes: 3,450 58,783


    Table 3 – Estimated Number of Streetlights in Abu Dhabi Based on New York City’s Streetlight-to-Population Ratio

    Population of NYC 8,258,000
    Number of Street Lights 400,000
    Number of Street Lights per Person 21
    Population of Abu Dhabi 3,800,000
    Number of Street Lights approx. 180,952

    Table 4 – Estimated Size of Abu Dhabi Police Motorcycle Fleet Based on a Comparable U.S. Ratio

    Population of NYC 8,258,000
    Number of Police Motorcycles 115
    Number of People per Motorcycle 71,809
    Population of Abu Dhabi 3,800,000
    No. of Police Motorcycles approx. 53

    Table 5 – Estimated eScooter Demand in Abu Dhabi Based on Annual Number of Hotel Guests

    No. Hotel Guests in Abu Dhabi Annually: 5,811,000
       
    Scenario:  
    Number of Tourists Renting Annually (10%) 581,100
    Rentals per day 1,592
    Average Rentals per Scooter per Day 4
    eScooters Required 398

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global and Platinum Group UAE Sign Joint Venture Agreement Creating Beam Middle East LLC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with the Platinum Group LLC, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chaired by His Royal Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, the Platinum Group UAE is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry.

    Beam Global and the Platinum Group will form a new entity, Beam Middle East LLC, which will sell and manufacture Beam Global’s patented sustainable infrastructure solutions for transportation electrification, energy storage, energy security, and smart city development across the Middle East and African regions. This joint venture supports Beam Global’s strategy of geographic diversification by opening new markets and creating opportunities for revenue growth outside the United States. Beam Global, Beam Europe, and now Beam Middle East will each sell and manufacture the company’s full portfolio of patented sustainable technology solutions.

    “The Platinum Group is an organization of the highest reputation, influence and relationships in Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region. They are a perfect partner to accelerate Beam Global’s growth in the Middle East and Africa,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “With planned spending on sustainable infrastructure in the region projected to reach $75.6 billion by 2030, we believe that Beam Global’s patented technology combined with Platinum’s unrivalled position should create a platform for growth which we are uniquely able to leverage. Platinum’s relationships with the best companies in the region and their government contacts, including at the highest level in the UAE and with entities like Masdar City, will allow Beam Middle East to secure direct audiences with top decision makers. Our technology is ideal for the region’s current and future plans, but this is a region where relationships matter just as much as products and solutions. That is why our joint venture with Platinum is so ideal – Beam’s tried and tested clean-technology solutions and Platinum’s influence and relationships form a combination that ticks all the boxes and is without rivals.”

    “The Platinum Group seeks out the highest quality, most timely and relevant companies in each of the industries we target. Beam Global’s unique and patented products are ideally suited to provide value to governments and businesses, as the Gulf region and beyond transitions to clean and sustainable technologies,” said Dr Ali Nasser Sultan Al Yahbouni Al Daheri, CEO of Platinum Group. “We are looking forward to ensuring that our new joint venture with Beam Global, forming Beam Middle East, is a highly successful enterprise with wins in the Middle East and increasingly in Africa. With abundant sunshine and fast-growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), renewables, and energy storage, the region is perfect for Beam Global’s solutions. Energy security and Smart Cities solutions like those offered by Beam Middle East are at the forefront of government planning. Our timing is right, and our partnership is formed on mutual benefit from growth and success. We are delighted to have Beam Global as part of our growing family of businesses.”

    Middle East Market Overview Across Five Key Markets: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan

    • The number of EVs in the region is projected to grow from approximately 69.0 thousand in 2024 to approximately 1.5 million by 2030 (Table 1), representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 66.6%.
    • Assuming a 5.0% share of regional chargers using EV ARC™ units, the addressable revenue could reach $516.5 million by 2030.
    • If eBikes account for just 5.0% of total EV volume and follow the same growth trajectory (Table 2), BeamBike™ units could represent a $245.0 million revenue opportunity in the region by 2030.

    Middle East Market Overview: Abu Dhabi Case Study

    • The UAE eBike market is projected to reach $443.8 million by 2030. Assuming 15.0% of that spend goes toward charging infrastructure, and that Abu Dhabi accounts for 35.0% of the national market based on population, the addressable eBike charger market for BeamBike™ in Abu Dhabi is approximately $23.3 million.
    • A streetlight-to-population ratio based on New York City, applied to Abu Dhabi’s estimated 3.8 million residents (Table 3), suggests BeamSpot™ units could represent a potential revenue opportunity of approximately $322.1 million assuming a market penetration of 5.0%.
    • Using Abu Dhabi’s population and a comparable U.S. Police motorcycle fleet ratio (Table 4), the opportunity to electrify local law enforcement fleets with BeamPatrol™ units is estimated at approximately $2.4 million.
    • With over 5.8 million annual hotel guests, Abu Dhabi also offers a strong use case for BeamSkoot™ at resorts, both for logistics and recreational purposes. Assuming adoption rates of 10.0% (Table 5), the potential revenue opportunity for BeamSkoot™ units could reach approximately $10.0 million.

    The above scenarios are estimates only, based upon market data taken from internet resources. Beam Global believes these case studies can be replicated in other markets across the Middle East and Africa.

    Key Terms of the Agreement
    Beam Middle East LLC will be a 50/50 joint venture between Beam Global and Platinum Group UAE, incorporated in Abu Dhabi. Beam Global will license its proprietary technologies to the joint venture and support it with incoming opportunities, training, marketing materials, and procurement assistance. Platinum Group will leverage its existing relationships at the highest levels, coordinate local sales, provide experienced and influential business development professionals, and establish manufacturing capabilities efficiently and inexpensively. Both parties will collaborate on the development of a regional manufacturing facility for the products. Beam Middle East will be headquartered in Masdar City, a pioneering sustainable urban community and world-class business and technology hub, where Platinum Group has recently signed an agreement. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, strategically positioned at the center of the country’s drive toward a net-zero future by 2050.

    About Platinum Group UAE
    Platinum Group UAE is a diversified, multi-billion-dollar conglomerate operating in energy, real estate, finance and investing, healthcare, information technology, sports and entertainment, food services and legal services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Chaired by His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, son of the former ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Group is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry. Platinum Group UAE is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with offices in Dubai and Sharjah. For more information visit, PlatinumGroupUAE.com.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Broadview, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit, BeamForAll.com, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “may,” or similar expressions. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected benefits, market potential, and future operations of Beam Middle East LLC; anticipated revenue opportunities in the Middle East and African regions; projections regarding electric vehicle and infrastructure market growth; and strategic goals and international expansion plans of Beam Global.

    These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, risks associated with entering new markets and joint ventures, including regulatory and operational challenges; risks relating to the adoption of EV technologies and infrastructure in foreign jurisdictions; the ability to develop and scale manufacturing capabilities in the region; the effectiveness of partnerships; and general economic, political, and business conditions in the Middle East and Africa. Additional risks and uncertainties are detailed in Beam Global’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

    Beam Global disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Media Contact
    Andy Lovsted
    +1 858-327-9123
    Press@BeamForAll.com

    Investor Relations
    Luke Higgins
    +1 858-261-7646
    IR@BeamForAll.com

    Appendix 1 – Sources for Middle East Market Overview Sections

    Table 1 – Projected Growth of EV Adoption in the Middle East

      Number of EVs in 2024 Number of EVs in 2030
    Countries:    
    UAE 28,000 42,000
    Saudi Arabia 23,170 1,300,000
    Qatar 5,624 75,167
    Oman 2,200 13,500
    Jordan 10,000 45,000
         
    Total Number of EVs: 68,994 1,475,667

    Table 2 – Projected Growth of eBike Adoption in the Middle East Assuming 5% EV Market Share

      Number of eBikes in 2024 Number of eBikes in 2030
    Countries:    
    UAE 1,400 2,100
    Saudi Arabia 1,159 50,000
    Qatar 281 3,758
    Oman 110 675
    Jordan 500 2,250
         
    Total Number of eBikes: 3,450 58,783


    Table 3 – Estimated Number of Streetlights in Abu Dhabi Based on New York City’s Streetlight-to-Population Ratio

    Population of NYC 8,258,000
    Number of Street Lights 400,000
    Number of Street Lights per Person 21
    Population of Abu Dhabi 3,800,000
    Number of Street Lights approx. 180,952

    Table 4 – Estimated Size of Abu Dhabi Police Motorcycle Fleet Based on a Comparable U.S. Ratio

    Population of NYC 8,258,000
    Number of Police Motorcycles 115
    Number of People per Motorcycle 71,809
    Population of Abu Dhabi 3,800,000
    No. of Police Motorcycles approx. 53

    Table 5 – Estimated eScooter Demand in Abu Dhabi Based on Annual Number of Hotel Guests

    No. Hotel Guests in Abu Dhabi Annually: 5,811,000
       
    Scenario:  
    Number of Tourists Renting Annually (10%) 581,100
    Rentals per day 1,592
    Average Rentals per Scooter per Day 4
    eScooters Required 398

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: RBC iShares Expands iShares Core Offering with Launch of New ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, RBC iShares expands its iShares Core exchange traded fund (ETF) lineup with the launch of the iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (the ‘iShares Fund’).

    The iShares Fund will provide investors with broad-based exposure to the total U.S. equity market, covering large-, mid-, small-, and micro-capitalized companies. The iShares Fund is a Canadian dollar-hedged offering and complements the iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF, XTOT, which was launched on June 2, 2025.

    The iShares Fund is expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) today; the iShares Fund is managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc (“BlackRock”).

    Fund Name Ticker Annual
    Management
    Fee    1
    iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XTOH 0.07%2

    RBC iShares aims to help clients achieve their investment objectives by empowering them to build efficient portfolios and take control of their financial futures. RBC iShares is committed to delivering a truly differentiated ETF experience and positive outcomes for clients.

    For more information about RBC iShares, please visit https://www.rbcishares.com.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.

    About iShares

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.3 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

    About RBC
    Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 97,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

    We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

    About RBC Global Asset Management
    RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) is the asset management division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). RBC GAM is a provider of global investment management services and solutions to institutional, high-net-worth and individual investors through separate accounts, pooled funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, exchange-traded funds and specialty investment strategies. RBC Funds, BlueBay Funds, PH&N Funds and RBC ETFs are offered by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (RBC GAM Inc.) and distributed through authorized dealers in Canada. The RBC GAM group of companies, which includes RBC GAM Inc. (including PH&N Institutional) manage approximately $693 billion in assets and have approximately 1,600 employees located across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.

    RBC iShares ETFs are comprised of RBC ETFs managed by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. and iShares ETFs managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    ® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. iSHARES is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. Used under license. © 2025 BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited and RBC Global Asset Management Inc. All rights reserved.

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email: Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    _______________________

    1 As an annualized percentage of the iShares Fund’s daily net asset value.
    2 If applicable, BlackRock Canada or an affiliate is entitled to receive a fee for acting as manager of each iShares ETF in which this iShares Fund may invest (an “underlying product fee” and together with the management fee payable to BlackRock Canada, the “total annual fee”). As the underlying product fees are embedded in the market value of the iShares ETFs in which this iShares Fund may invest, any underlying product fees are borne indirectly by this iShares Fund. BlackRock Canada will adjust the management fee payable to it by this iShares Fund to ensure that the total annual fees paid directly or indirectly to BlackRock Canada and its affiliates by this iShares Fund will not exceed the percentage of the NAV set out above. The total annual fee is exclusive of HST. Any underlying product fees borne indirectly by this iShares Fund are calculated and accrued daily and are paid not less than annually.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: RBC iShares Expands iShares Core Offering with Launch of New ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, RBC iShares expands its iShares Core exchange traded fund (ETF) lineup with the launch of the iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (the ‘iShares Fund’).

    The iShares Fund will provide investors with broad-based exposure to the total U.S. equity market, covering large-, mid-, small-, and micro-capitalized companies. The iShares Fund is a Canadian dollar-hedged offering and complements the iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF, XTOT, which was launched on June 2, 2025.

    The iShares Fund is expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) today; the iShares Fund is managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc (“BlackRock”).

    Fund Name Ticker Annual
    Management
    Fee    1
    iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XTOH 0.07%2

    RBC iShares aims to help clients achieve their investment objectives by empowering them to build efficient portfolios and take control of their financial futures. RBC iShares is committed to delivering a truly differentiated ETF experience and positive outcomes for clients.

    For more information about RBC iShares, please visit https://www.rbcishares.com.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.

    About iShares

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.3 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

    About RBC
    Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 97,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

    We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

    About RBC Global Asset Management
    RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) is the asset management division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). RBC GAM is a provider of global investment management services and solutions to institutional, high-net-worth and individual investors through separate accounts, pooled funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, exchange-traded funds and specialty investment strategies. RBC Funds, BlueBay Funds, PH&N Funds and RBC ETFs are offered by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (RBC GAM Inc.) and distributed through authorized dealers in Canada. The RBC GAM group of companies, which includes RBC GAM Inc. (including PH&N Institutional) manage approximately $693 billion in assets and have approximately 1,600 employees located across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.

    RBC iShares ETFs are comprised of RBC ETFs managed by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. and iShares ETFs managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    ® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. iSHARES is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. Used under license. © 2025 BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited and RBC Global Asset Management Inc. All rights reserved.

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email: Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    _______________________

    1 As an annualized percentage of the iShares Fund’s daily net asset value.
    2 If applicable, BlackRock Canada or an affiliate is entitled to receive a fee for acting as manager of each iShares ETF in which this iShares Fund may invest (an “underlying product fee” and together with the management fee payable to BlackRock Canada, the “total annual fee”). As the underlying product fees are embedded in the market value of the iShares ETFs in which this iShares Fund may invest, any underlying product fees are borne indirectly by this iShares Fund. BlackRock Canada will adjust the management fee payable to it by this iShares Fund to ensure that the total annual fees paid directly or indirectly to BlackRock Canada and its affiliates by this iShares Fund will not exceed the percentage of the NAV set out above. The total annual fee is exclusive of HST. Any underlying product fees borne indirectly by this iShares Fund are calculated and accrued daily and are paid not less than annually.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC’s $1M TON Campaign Shatters Exchange Records with $6.6 Billion in Trading Volume

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC today announced the successful conclusion of its groundbreaking $1 million TON partnership campaign, which generated over $6.6 billion in combined trading volume and attracted more than 110,000 participants—making it one of the most successful single-token promotional campaigns in cryptocurrency exchange history.

    The 30-day “TON Triumph” campaign reshaped market dynamics for The Open Network (TON) ecosystem while demonstrating the power of zero-fee trading structures and competitive staking rewards to drive mass adoption.

    Record-Breaking Results

    The campaign generated exceptional engagement across all components:

    • TON Spot Trading: $1.4+ billion USDT in total volume
    • TON Futures Trading: $5.2+ billion USDT in total volume
    • Combined Impact: $6.6+ billion represents an estimated 300%+ increase over typical monthly TON trading volume on MEXC
    • TON Staking Pool: 2.2+ million TON tokens pledged by participants
    • USDE Holdings Program: $102+ million USDE held during campaign
    • Total Participants: Over 110,000 unique users
    • New User Conversion: 65%+ of participants completed first-time transactions on MEXC

    Market Impact and Platform Performance

    MEXC executives reported that results exceeded their most optimistic projections and validated their strategy of removing traditional barriers while offering exceptional value. The campaign’s zero-fee structure and high staking rewards attracted both retail and sophisticated traders, contributing to sustained high-volume activity throughout the 30-day period.

    TON Foundation representatives noted that the scale of participation demonstrated remarkable appetite for TON ecosystem engagement, creating a substantial new cohort of active TON holders who will contribute to long-term ecosystem growth.

    MEXC’s infrastructure successfully handled the surge in activity, processing zero-fee trades across multiple TON markets while managing complex staking operations. Industry experts highlighted this as a significant technical achievement demonstrating mature infrastructure capabilities.

    Value Creation and Future Outlook

    The campaign created substantial value for participants across all categories, with early stakers in the 400% APR program achieving returns significantly outpacing traditional crypto opportunities. Zero-fee trading enabled participants to maximize profits from TON market movements, while USDE holders earned over 557,000 USDE in distributed rewards.

    MEXC strategy executives indicated these results validated their focus on emerging Layer-1 ecosystems and demonstrated market demand for innovative partnership structures. The company is evaluating similar large-scale campaigns with other blockchain ecosystems based on this success.

    The TON Triumph campaign’s unprecedented success sets a new benchmark for cryptocurrency exchange partnerships and demonstrates the potential for innovative incentive structures to drive meaningful blockchain ecosystem adoption. As the crypto industry continues to evolve, this campaign serves as a blueprint for how strategic partnerships can create win-win scenarios that benefit exchanges, blockchain projects, and users alike.

    Campaign Final Statistics:

    • Total Participants: 110,000+
    • Combined Trading Volume: $6.6+ billion USDT
    • TON Tokens Staked: 2.2 million
    • USDE Peak Holdings: $102+ million
    • Total Rewards Distributed: $1+ million equivalent

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    About TON
    The Open Network (TON) is a fully decentralized layer-1 blockchain designed for mass adoption. Originally conceived by Telegram and now developed by the open TON Community, the network offers exceptional scalability, accessibility, and ease of use.

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2b6ecb18-f57b-439b-b736-1c2c1e976396

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GDS Announces the Launch of an Initial Public Offering for its C-REIT on the Shanghai Stock Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GDS Holdings Limited (“GDS Holdings”, “GDS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698), a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China, today announced that the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”) and Shanghai Stock Exchange have approved the registration and launch of an initial public offering (“IPO”) for its China REIT (“C-REIT”).

    The transaction involves the sale by GDS of 100% equity interest in a project company which holds stabilized data center assets to a newly formed C-REIT. The C-REIT will fund the acquisition through an IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. GDS will subscribe for 20% of the units to be issued by the C-REIT, with the remaining 80% to be subscribed by institutional and retail investors. 50% of the units have already been pre-placed with cornerstone institutional investors, with lock-up commitments of between one to three years. The remaining 30% will be offered through an institutional bookbuilding process and a retail public offering.

    The appraised valuation of the underlying data center assets to be acquired by the C-REIT, as per the valuation report contained in the offering memorandum, is approximately RMB 1,933 million. The final offering price for the C-REIT units will be determined following completion of the institutional bookbuilding, which is expected in approximately one week’s time.

    The transaction is expected to close within the next few weeks and is subject to certain closing conditions.

    About GDS Holdings Limited

    GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698) is a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China. The Company’s facilities are strategically located in and around primary economic hubs where demand for high-performance data center services is concentrated. The Company’s data centers have large net floor area, high power capacity, density and efficiency, and multiple redundancies across all critical systems. GDS is carrier and cloud-neutral, which enables its customers to access the major telecommunications networks, as well as the largest PRC and global public clouds, which are hosted in many of its facilities. The Company offers co-location and a suite of value-added services, including managed hybrid cloud services through direct private connection to leading public clouds, managed network services, and, where required, the resale of public cloud services. The Company has a 24-year track record of service delivery, successfully fulfilling the requirements of some of the largest and most demanding customers for outsourced data center services in China. The Company’s customer base consists predominantly of hyperscale cloud service providers, large internet companies, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, IT service providers, and large domestic private sector and multinational corporations. The Company also holds a non-controlling 35.6% equity interest in DayOne Data Centers Limited which develops and operates data centers in International markets.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    GDS Holdings Limited
    Laura Chen
    Phone: +86 (21) 2029-2203
    Email: ir@gds-services.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Ross Warner
    Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    Brandi Piacente
    Phone: +1 (212) 481-2050
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    GDS Holdings Limited

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GDS Announces the Launch of an Initial Public Offering for its C-REIT on the Shanghai Stock Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GDS Holdings Limited (“GDS Holdings”, “GDS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698), a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China, today announced that the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”) and Shanghai Stock Exchange have approved the registration and launch of an initial public offering (“IPO”) for its China REIT (“C-REIT”).

    The transaction involves the sale by GDS of 100% equity interest in a project company which holds stabilized data center assets to a newly formed C-REIT. The C-REIT will fund the acquisition through an IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. GDS will subscribe for 20% of the units to be issued by the C-REIT, with the remaining 80% to be subscribed by institutional and retail investors. 50% of the units have already been pre-placed with cornerstone institutional investors, with lock-up commitments of between one to three years. The remaining 30% will be offered through an institutional bookbuilding process and a retail public offering.

    The appraised valuation of the underlying data center assets to be acquired by the C-REIT, as per the valuation report contained in the offering memorandum, is approximately RMB 1,933 million. The final offering price for the C-REIT units will be determined following completion of the institutional bookbuilding, which is expected in approximately one week’s time.

    The transaction is expected to close within the next few weeks and is subject to certain closing conditions.

    About GDS Holdings Limited

    GDS Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: GDS; HKEX: 9698) is a leading developer and operator of high-performance data centers in China. The Company’s facilities are strategically located in and around primary economic hubs where demand for high-performance data center services is concentrated. The Company’s data centers have large net floor area, high power capacity, density and efficiency, and multiple redundancies across all critical systems. GDS is carrier and cloud-neutral, which enables its customers to access the major telecommunications networks, as well as the largest PRC and global public clouds, which are hosted in many of its facilities. The Company offers co-location and a suite of value-added services, including managed hybrid cloud services through direct private connection to leading public clouds, managed network services, and, where required, the resale of public cloud services. The Company has a 24-year track record of service delivery, successfully fulfilling the requirements of some of the largest and most demanding customers for outsourced data center services in China. The Company’s customer base consists predominantly of hyperscale cloud service providers, large internet companies, financial institutions, telecommunications carriers, IT service providers, and large domestic private sector and multinational corporations. The Company also holds a non-controlling 35.6% equity interest in DayOne Data Centers Limited which develops and operates data centers in International markets.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    GDS Holdings Limited
    Laura Chen
    Phone: +86 (21) 2029-2203
    Email: ir@gds-services.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Ross Warner
    Phone: +86 (10) 6508-0677
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    Brandi Piacente
    Phone: +1 (212) 481-2050
    Email: GDS@tpg-ir.com

    GDS Holdings Limited

    The MIL Network –