NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £380 million boost for creative industries to help drive innovation, regional growth and investment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    £380 million boost for creative industries to help drive innovation, regional growth and investment

    Thousands of creative professionals and businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a new £380 million investment package as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan.

    • £380 million in targeted funding to support innovation, access to finance, R&D, skills and regional growth across the UK as part of Creative Industries Sector Plan

    • Sector Plan set to nearly double business investment in creative industries to £31 billion by 2035 with 2,000 new film and TV apprenticeships to be delivered

    • Comes as part of Industrial Strategy which sets out government’s ten-year plan to make the UK the best place to do business and unlock growth as part of the Plan for Change

    • New Creative Content Exchange will be a marketplace to sell, buy, license and enable permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets

    From grassroots music venues to world-class film studios, thousands of creative professionals and businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a new £380 million investment package.

    The investment underpins the Creative Industries Sector Plan, which sets out a clear direction on how the Government aims to build a sector that drives regional growth, is financially resilient and is globally competitive.

    Published alongside the Government’s Industrial Strategy today (23 June), the plan outlines a bold vision to nearly double business investment in the sector by 2035 – from £17 billion to £31 billion – cementing the UK’s position as a global creative superpower.

    The £380 million package is part of the wider plan to deliver targeted investment to create thousands of new jobs and opportunities in sub-sectors like film and TV, music, performing and visual arts, video games and advertising, while generating economic growth in six regions outside London over the next three years.

    The wider plan also includes a significant increase in support available from the British Business Bank (BBB), as part of its £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital, which will help creative businesses grow and create jobs.

    The Sector Plan aims to make the UK the best place globally to invest in creativity and drive innovation and tech adoption by 2035, with targeted support for:

    • A £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund for six regions outside London, empowering local Mayors to support creative businesses in their communities with access to finance, mentoring and networking opportunities to help them connect with investors and skills programmes. 
    • At least £50 million for a new wave of Creative Industries Clusters across the UK to accelerate research and development, doubling investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in clusters to £100 million. Clusters bring together universities, businesses, local and regional policymakers, and private funders to drive research, innovation and growth in the creative industries.
    • £25 million for five new innovative UKRI CoSTAR R&D labs and two showcase spaces, which will develop cutting-edge technologies like those used in Abba Voyage and award-winning theatre productions such as last year’s Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

    Building on the Government’s commitment to ensure a robust copyright regime and support UK IP, the plan includes the establishment of a Creative Content Exchange. It will act as a trusted marketplace for selling, buying, licensing and enabling permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets, opening up new revenue streams for content owners.

    The industry plan responds directly to what the sector has said it needs – better access to finance, stronger skills pipelines, and support for innovation – and lays out a roadmap to deliver it.

    This includes upskilling the next generation of creative talent through a £10 million investment in the National Film and Television School (NFTS) which will help to train 2,000 new trainees and apprentices over the next decade – backed by industry giants such as the Walt Disney Company, the Dana and Albert R. Broccoli Foundation, and Sky.

    The investment will also go towards a new £9 million creative careers service, which will help raise awareness of opportunities and provide pathways into the sector for young people. 

    The UK’s leading creative industries, recognised across the world, are a major driver of economic growth as part of the Plan for Change – driving in £124 billion a year to our economy and employing 2.4 million people across the UK. Over the last decade the sector has increased its output more than one and a half times faster than the rest of the economy.                  

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    Our creative industries are powerful economic drivers in this country. By placing them at the heart of our Industrial Strategy this Sector Plan, backed by £380 million of investment, will boost regional growth, stimulate private investment, and create thousands more high-quality jobs.

    This Sector Plan will help nearly double business investment to £31 billion by 2035, supporting our mission to raise living standards everywhere as part of our Plan for Change, ensuring the UK remains the world’s creative powerhouse.

     Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The UK’s creative industries are world-leading and have a huge cultural impact globally, which is why we’re championing them at home and abroad as a key growth sector in our Modern Industrial Strategy.

    We’ve seen the power of investment, with this Government welcoming around £100 billion into the UK since taking office, and our Strategy will not only ensure that the UK is the best country to invest and do business in, but deliver economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets.

    Sir Peter Bazalgette, Co-Chair, Creative Industries Council, said: 

    This ambitious plan for growth represents a coming of age for the creative sector. Crucially the plans for R&D funding and Access to Finance for SMEs are exciting step changes.

    Baroness Shriti Vadera, co-chair of the Creative Industries Council, said: 

    This strategy recognises that the UK Creative Industries are one of the most innovative sectors in the UK economy and have a strong comparative advantage internationally. The work now begins to cement their role as a driver of growth and a global creative super power.

    The investment also includes tailored packages for high-growth sub-sectors through:

    • A £75 million Screen Growth Package supporting UK content development and international investment, and showcasing the best of UK and international film. This includes an enlarged UK Global Screen Fund and scaled-up BFI Film Academy to support 16–25 year olds from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the film industry.
    • A Music Growth Package worth up to £30 million, helping emerging artists break through at home and abroad. Measures will create new touring, performance, mentoring and export opportunities for emerging talent, while also delivering a significant uplift in funding for the grassroots sector to support small venues and help them to platform more high-potential artists.
    • A £30 million Video Games Growth Package, backing the next generation of start-up games studios and developers. This will drive inward investment in the sector through expansion of the UK Games Fund (UKGF) as well as new support for the London Games Festival.

    The Sector Plan also includes support for emerging fashion designers through the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN programme, to help them showcase their work at London Fashion Week and secure business mentoring.

    The Creative Industries Sector Plan maps out in detail how the Government will support the sector to grow even further over the next decade through a focus on boosting regional growth, innovation, access to finance, skills and exports.

    It will also see the Department for Business and Trade ramp up the number of creative trade missions and markets it targets, such as in the Asia-Pacific. Funding will be increased for major creative trade shows such as SXSW and Cannes Lions.

    The Sector Plan was developed in partnership with the Creative Industries Taskforce, Creative Industries Council, businesses, devolved governments, and regional stakeholders. It builds on the recent £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund supporting cultural venues across the nation.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    • The full Creative Industries Sector Plan can be found here.
    • The British Business Bank (BBB) is a state-owned economic development bank established by the UK Government. Its aim is to increase the supply of credit to small and medium-sized businesses and provide business advice services.
    • The BBB has significantly increased its support for the creative industries as part of its £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital, including through support with debt and equity finance. 
    • The new £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund will be devolved to six Mayoral Strategic Authorities: West Midlands, West of England, West Yorkshire, the North East, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester. 
    • CoSTAR labs and the Creative Industries Clusters are delivered by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council.
    • The new Music Growth Package worth up to £30 million follows the Government advocating for an industry-led levy on stadium and arena tickets to support grassroots music. 
    • The establishment of a Creative Content Exchange will act as a trusted marketplace for selling, buying, licensing and enabling permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets. This new marketplace will open up new revenue streams and allow content owners to commercialise and financialise their assets while providing data users with ease of access.
    • The Sector Plan follows the Government’s recent announcement of more than £270 million that will be invested in arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings as part of the Arts Everywhere Fund, to help organisations in need of support to stay up and running, carry out vital infrastructure work and improve their financial resilience.

    Further quotes

    Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive, Creative UK, said:

    The Sector Plan signals that the creative industries are central to the UK’s growth story. From freelancers to scale-ups, this is a step towards the joined-up support our sector needs – and Creative UK stands ready to work with government and industry partners to turn ambition into action. 

    As we move into delivery mode, it’s essential that all parts of the sector – from cultural organisations to creative tech firms – are empowered to grow, invest and contribute fully to the UK’s economic future.

    Ben Roberts, Chief Executive, BFI, said:

    We welcome the Government’s decision to put the creative industries at the centre of its growth strategy. The UK’s screen sector is already a global leader, generating billions for the economy and pioneering new ideas. 

    With a firm focus on developing the sector across the UK, this investment can unlock fresh opportunities – from growing the sector’s talent pool and strengthening creative clusters nationwide, to opening new international markets for UK screen businesses and advancing creative technology innovation, including the CoSTAR work which the BFI is proud to be a partner on.

    UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said:

    UK Music welcomes the Government’s creative industries sector plan and the important status that it gives to music. The plan rightly recognises our world-beating £7.6 billion music sector as an essential high growth driving part of the creative industries.

    It is hugely welcome that funding packages and programmes are being made available to turbocharge the music industry and we are incredibly excited at the opportunity to be working with the Government to deliver on this.

    Barbara Broccoli, EON Productions, said:

    I’m thrilled the Government is joining forces with the National Film and Television School as part of its Industrial Strategy. The NFTS is a world-class institution that has trained some of the most talented members of our industry and I’m especially pleased this investment will focus on much needed support for persons with disabilities.

    Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer, Sky, said:

    Sky is proud to support the National Film and Television School’s expansion plans and growth ambitions, as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. As one of the world’s leading institutions for film, television and games, the NFTS plays a vital role in developing the UK’s creative talent. Our investment underscores our commitment to skills development and sector growth, and we’re excited to see future generations benefit from the school’s outstanding work.

    Jon Wardle, Director, National Film and Television School, said:

    The real world impact of the Sector Plan in action will be felt through the NFTS’s expanded ability to train world-class, diverse talent and fuel growth in a sector where the UK is a global leader. In a challenging climate for the creative industries, the support from the government isn’t just welcome, it’s strategic.  This investment in the NFTS reinforces a commitment to skills, innovation, and the long-term future of the creative economy.

    Wayne Garvie, President International Production, Sony Pictures Television, said:

    The NFTS is an unparalleled training ground for British creativity and it’s wonderful that the Government both recognises the importance of the film and television sector in its Industrial Strategy and the role the NFTS plays in developing the next generation of great British creative talent.

    Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:

    Ambition, excellence and innovation are the golden threads that run through the work of our artists, musicians, dancers, actors, writers, directors and producers. It’s what we’re famous for here at home and on the international stage. This new plan highlights the breadth and brilliance of our nation’s creative professionals and cultural organisations. It provides a roadmap for supercharging the growth of our sector and for nurturing the next generation of British talent, creating jobs across the country and delighting audiences here and around the globe.

    Andrew Georgiou, President & Managing Director for Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, said:

    We welcome this announcement confirming the government’s commitment to invest £375 million to turbocharge the UK’s creative industries. Their mission to drive growth across the country, unlocking new jobs and enabling talent to thrive in every nation and region, strongly resonates with Warner Bros. Discovery. 

    We have a proud UK heritage – present for over 90 years, with a significant employee base which extends North to South across 5 cities. The UK is our biggest base outside of the US and, in our view, one of the best places in the world to do business. We remain committed to the UK and our ambition to grow and strengthen our sector and welcome the government’s announcement to do this. We look forward to a continued and productive relationship between Government and the industry.” 

    Alison Lomax, Managing Director for YouTube UK & Ireland, said: 

    We welcome the Creative Industries Sector Plan’s commitment to a robust framework for creatives across the UK. It’s particularly encouraging to see the government acknowledge the digital creator economy’s vital role in driving growth for our creative industries. By embracing new distribution models that boost our cultural exports, this vision will solidify the UK’s position as a global cultural superpower.

    Nick Poole OBE, Chief Executive, Ukie, said:

    On behalf of the UK’s world-leading video game and interactive entertainment sector, we welcome the measures set out today by the Government to supercharge our Creative Industries as part of the Industrial Strategy. Today’s announcement is both a validation of the huge cultural and economic impact of video games and an opportunity to show the world we are open for business.” 

    Stephen Woodford, CEO, Advertising Association, said:

    Our industry welcomes the recognition of advertising as a priority sector for growth in the Creative Industries Sector Plan – we are a world leader in creativity as proven by our successful performance once again at Cannes Lions this year. 

    This strategy is a platform for growth for the next decade across our regions and nations. We welcome the incentives to attract new talent to join our industry, and we commit to working together to strengthen work that helps businesses innovate, compete in the UK and internationally, and create jobs.

    Professor Christopher Smith, UKRI Creative Industries Champion, and Executive Chair of the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council, said:

    The creative industries are a powerful engine for growth in the UK economy but they are also vital for scientific advance. This Spending Review commits UKRI to a coherent and concerted strategic investment, from the UK’s national capability for the creative industries, CoSTAR, to the Creative Industries Clusters Programme and beyond.

    The deep synergies between creative content and the most cutting-edge science in universities and R&D intensive businesses across the UK place creative industries at the heart of UKRI’s commitment to excellent science for a growing economy.

    Professor Hasan Bakhshi MBE, Director of the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and Professor of Economics of the Creative Industries at Newcastle University, said:

    Today’s new Sector Plan for the creative industries sets out the Government’s priorities for the next 10 years, and the Creative PEC – thanks to our funder, the AHRC – stands ready to provide policymakers and industry with the data and evidence they need to enact it. 

    The commitment to increase public investment in creative industries R&D is especially important, alongside the prioritisation of the sector by the British Business Bank. Also welcome is HMRC’s clarification that arts activities that directly contribute to scientific advance by resolving scientific or technological uncertainties fall within the definition of R&D for R&D tax reliefs. Together these measures should have a catalytic effect in driving more private finance into the sector.

    Mel Sullivan, Chief Executive, Framestore, said:

    The UK is home to highly skilled and exceptionally creative artists, technologists, and thinkers who push the boundaries of what’s possible. The Creative Industries Sector Plan is a powerful show of support to those working in visual effects, film, TV, advertising, and immersive experiences. It will release unlocked potential and open doors to a new wave of talent across the country, giving them the confidence to build their skills, ideas, and innovations here, cementing the UK’s position as a global leader for years to come.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to the R&D elements of the Industrial Strategy

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on R&D elements of the Industrial Strategy, published by the Department for Business and Trade. 

    Prof Siddharthan Chandran, Director of the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 

    “Today’s Industrial Strategy is an important milestone in delivering an internationally competitive package that realises the UK’s potential as a global leader in research and innovation. 

    “The plan rightly demonstrates a strong commitment to long-term investment that will make the most of UK innovations, driving growth across the country. It is right that we forge ahead and double down on our backing for R&D by creating the most attractive environment for innovative research. At the UK Dementia Research Institute, we know that a globally competitive system which supports academic-industry partnerships and spinouts is the way to build a culture of translating research into health and wealth impact. This is about building capacity, recruiting and retaining talent, attracting investment, and accelerating delivery for people living with dementia. 

    “We look forward to seeing this built on in the upcoming Life Sciences Sector Plan and 10 Year Health Plan. By harnessing the UK’s scientific excellence and NHS research capability we can deliver growth for the economy and build toward a future of healthy brain ageing for all.”

    Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:

    “We are delighted to see the announcement of new skills packages for tech, engineering and defence, recognising that the Industrial Strategy’s objectives simply cannot be delivered without a significant boost to investment in our engineering and tech talent base. These packages provide a much-needed opportunity for government to take a holistic view of the rapidly changing skills landscape, and to work with partners across industry and professional bodies to make sure the UK tackles its longstanding skills and diversity deficits in these crucial areas. Today is International Women in Engineering Day – a reminder that we still have much to do to deliver equitable participation in these high-value jobs, and better outcomes for people from all parts of the UK.

    “The Royal Academy of Engineering looks forward to supporting government in taking forward these recommendations, including through our new Skills Centre. We also welcome the publication of the Technology Adoption Review and hope that this will result in meaningful action to increase the capacity of the UK’s industrial base and public sector to deploy existing technologies at the scale and pace demanded in today’s tech-driven world.”

    ‘The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy’ was published by the Department for Business and Trade at 9am UK time on Monday 23rd June 2025.

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-strategy

     

    Declared interests

    The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Llyodstern Establishes New Standards in Digital Business Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Llyodstern.com, a tech company based in London, is changing how businesses work online. The company has built a simple platform that helps people make better business decisions without all the usual headaches.

    Making Business Easier

    Llyodstern created the platform that lets businesses access different markets around the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a small shop or a big company – their tools are designed to be easy to use for everyone.

    Their system almost never stops working. It’s up and running 99.99% of the time, so you can really rely on it when you’re busy. You won’t have to stress about the website going down when you’re trying to do something important.

    “We just wanted to build something that actually helps people,” says someone from the company. “Most platforms are either too confusing or too basic. We tried to make something right in the middle.”

    Wide Range of Business Opportunities

    Through their platform, users can explore over 3,000 different business opportunities. This includes regular company stocks, things like gold and oil, different currencies, and even newer digital stuff like Bitcoin and Ethereum. They have more than 60 different digital options to choose from.

    You can also keep track of big market indicators like the S&P 500 and NASDAQ. Even smaller businesses can get involved in markets that used to be only for big companies.

    Multiple Ways to Access the Platform

    People like to work in different ways, so Llyodstern gives you options. They have a phone app so you can check things while you’re out and about. Perfect for busy people who can’t always be at their computer.

    If you want more detailed charts and analysis, they give you all the advanced tools. But if you just want something simple, their WebTrader works right in your web browser – no need to download anything.

    Help with Retirement Planning

    Llyodstern teamed up with a company called EBROKING to help people manage their retirement money. This partnership makes it easier for people to handle their own retirement funds and gives them access to special bank accounts that work together smoothly.

    It’s especially helpful because it takes care of a lot of the boring paperwork stuff automatically.

    Safe and Secure

    The company follows strict rules and is watched over by financial authorities in Switzerland and works with Interactive Brokers. This means your money and information are protected by the same rules that banks have to follow.

    They also have security systems running 24/7 to watch for any problems and help you avoid them before they happen.

    Global Reach, Local Support

    Llyodstern gets that businesses today are global. That’s why they’ve made sure their customer support speaks many languages and that their platform works for different regions. They cover big markets in Europe, America, and Asia, so you can really think big, even if you’re operating right where you are.

    Their support team is always ready to help, whether you’re new or have some tough questions. They just want to make sure you’re getting the best out of the platform.

    Smart Ways to Handle Risks

    One thing Llyodstern really shines at is managing risk. Their platform has these great tools that help you spot potential problems and make smarter choices. Instead of leaving you to figure things out on your own, the system actually guides you and gives you early warnings when the market starts shifting.

    This approach means businesses can stay ahead of problems, rather than just reacting once things go wrong.

    Steady Growth, Dependable Service

    While a lot of tech companies try to grow super fast, Llyodstern has taken a different route. They’re all about steady, sustainable growth so they never have to cut corners on the service their current clients get. Plus, they test new features really carefully before putting them out there, making sure everything works perfectly from day one.

    This careful way of doing things has built a lot of trust with their clients. Many have been with the company for years and often tell others about them.

    About Llyodstern

    Llyodstern.com is a digital company from London that makes tools to help businesses manage their operations in today’s world. They work with all sorts of clients, from people just starting their own business to very large companies, giving them easy and reliable ways to find business chances all over the globe.

    Llyodstern cares about security, staying compliant, and supporting their customers. That’s why they’ve become a trusted partner for businesses looking to grow and make smarter decisions in today’s connected world.

    Contact Info:

    Want to know more? Just visit their website or send them a message.

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Llyodstern. The statements, views, and opinions expressed are solely those of the provider and do not necessarily reflect those of this media platform or its publisher. Any names or brands mentioned are used for identification purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners. No endorsement or guarantee is made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct independent research and consult qualified professionals. The publisher is not liable for any losses, damages, or legal issues arising from the use or publication of this content.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: eQ Plc Jouko Pölönen to start as CEO of eQ Plc on 1 September 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    eQ Plc Stock Exchange Release
    23 June 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

    eQ Plc announced on 5 May 2025, that the company’s Board of Directors has appointed Jouko Pölönen as the company’s CEO. Today, it has been agreed that Jouko Pölönen will assume the role of eQ Plc’s CEO on 1 September 2025. He succeeds eQ Plc’s interim CEO Janne Larma, who will continue as interim CEO until 31 August 2025. For the sake of clarity, we confirm that Janne Larma will continue as a member of the company’s Board of Directors after the transition.

    eQ Plc

    Additional information: Juha Surve, Group General Counsel, tel. +358 9 6817 8733

    Distribution: Nasdaq Helsinki, www.eQ.fi

    eQ Group is a Finnish group of companies specialising in asset management and corporate finance business. eQ Asset Management offers a wide range of asset management services (including private equity funds and real estate asset management) for institutions and individuals. The assets managed by the Group total approximately EUR 13.6 billion. Advium Corporate Finance, which is part of the Group, offers services related to mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and equity capital markets.

    More information about the Group is available on our website at www.eQ.fi.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: eQ Plc Jouko Pölönen to start as CEO of eQ Plc on 1 September 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    eQ Plc Stock Exchange Release
    23 June 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

    eQ Plc announced on 5 May 2025, that the company’s Board of Directors has appointed Jouko Pölönen as the company’s CEO. Today, it has been agreed that Jouko Pölönen will assume the role of eQ Plc’s CEO on 1 September 2025. He succeeds eQ Plc’s interim CEO Janne Larma, who will continue as interim CEO until 31 August 2025. For the sake of clarity, we confirm that Janne Larma will continue as a member of the company’s Board of Directors after the transition.

    eQ Plc

    Additional information: Juha Surve, Group General Counsel, tel. +358 9 6817 8733

    Distribution: Nasdaq Helsinki, www.eQ.fi

    eQ Group is a Finnish group of companies specialising in asset management and corporate finance business. eQ Asset Management offers a wide range of asset management services (including private equity funds and real estate asset management) for institutions and individuals. The assets managed by the Group total approximately EUR 13.6 billion. Advium Corporate Finance, which is part of the Group, offers services related to mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and equity capital markets.

    More information about the Group is available on our website at www.eQ.fi.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Given Almost $75 Million in Executed Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements, Hyperscale Data Does Not Currently Intend to Raise Additional Equity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that it does not currently intend to pursue additional equity offerings, given that it has entered into existing financing agreements whereby it expects to raise up to an additional $68 million in preferred investments. These agreements, if completed in their entirety, would significantly bolster the Company’s capital position.

    To date, Ault & Company, Inc., a private holding company controlled by the Company’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Milton “Todd” Ault III, has invested almost $51 million in Hyperscale Data through multiple tranches of preferred stock, and has agreed to invest up to an additional $24 million pursuant to the December 2024 securities purchase agreement providing for the purchase of up to $25 million shares of Series G convertible preferred stock and associated warrants.

    Additionally, the Company recently entered into a separate securities purchase agreement with an institutional investor to sell up to $50 million of Series B convertible preferred stock (the “Series B Preferred”). The agreement provides for multiple tranche closings, offering the potential of ongoing access to capital aligned with the Company’s operational progress. To date, $5.7 million of Series B Preferred has been purchased under this agreement.

    “With up to an additional $68 million in preferred equity commitments, we do not anticipate the need to raise additional equity in the next six months,” said Will Horne, CEO of Hyperscale Data. “This funding supports our strategy to expand the Michigan data center and drive long-term value creation as we evolve into a pure-play artificial intelligence (“AI”) and digital infrastructure platform.”

    In February 2025, the Company announced that its indirect, wholly owned subsidiary Alliance Cloud Services, LLC (“ACS”) had reached an agreement in principle with its primary local utility to expand the Michigan facility’s available power from approximately 30 megawatts (“MW”) to 300 MW. The completion of this power upgrade is anticipated to take 44 months from execution of a formal letter of authorization between ACS and the utility, which is currently being negotiated.   In addition, the Company also announced that ACS has reached an agreement in principle with the local natural gas utility to provide an additional 40 MW. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months of the execution of definitive agreements. Combined, this expansion would bring the total expected power capacity of the data center to approximately 340 MW, positioning Hyperscale Data to host large-scale AI and high-performance computing (“HPC”) workloads.

    The Company intends to complete its previously announced separation from Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”) by the end of 2025. Following the separation, Hyperscale Data will operate as an independent, publicly traded infrastructure company focused on AI and digital asset compute solutions.

    While the Company currently believes that its existing preferred equity commitments will be sufficient to support its near term capital needs, future developments, including changes in market conditions, operational requirements, inability to reverse or reduce operating losses, decisions to make additional capital expenditures or strategic opportunities, may result in the need to raise additional capital sooner than anticipated. In addition, the Company currently anticipates financing a significant amount of the development of the Michigan facility through non-dilutive debt financing. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on favorable terms, or at all.  

    The completion of the power upgrades is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, one or more which could result in the project being curtailed, delayed or terminated, including, but not limited to: failure to agree upon terms and execute definitive agreements; the inability of the Company or ACS to raise sufficient funds to pay for the power upgrades; failure to obtain regulatory consents and approvals; the inability to obtain sufficient easements, rights-of-way and land rights necessary to the work to be performed, and other presently unforeseen events or conditions.

    This press release is for information purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale or such assets or securities would be unlawful under the laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

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

    About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

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

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

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

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

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Stay Ahead of the Curve: Instant Market Moves from MCGlobalHub

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MCGlobalHub, a financial company, has launched a new feature that gives users real-time updates on market changes. The goal is to help users react faster when prices move in markets like stocks, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies.

    The update is available to all users and works on both desktop and mobile. It sends instant alerts about major price changes and important market events. No extra tools are needed. Users can stay updated without switching between platforms.

    Helping Traders React Faster

    This new feature was built after hearing from traders who said they often miss fast market changes. They wanted quicker updates so they could act right away when prices move.

    “People kept telling us they needed to see changes the moment they happened,” said a company spokesperson. “We get it, when you’re trading, seconds matter. This tool gives you that quick heads-up when something shifts.”

    The alerts are based on real-time data. They don’t give trading advice or predictions. Instead, they show what’s happening in the market so users can decide what to do.

    Traders can choose which assets they want to track. They can also set how often they get alerts or how big a price change needs to be before they are notified. This makes the feature flexible for different trading styles.

    Built for Simplicity

    MCGlobalHub says the feature is meant to be simple and useful. Instead of adding more complex tools or charts, the company focused on keeping it easy to use.

    “When markets are unstable, traders don’t have time to dig through reports,” the spokesperson added. “Sometimes you just need to know something moved. Then you can decide what’s next. We wanted to make that part easier.”

    The new alerts won’t change any current user settings. Users can turn the alerts on or off at any time. Messages will appear on the trading platform and on mobile devices so users don’t miss anything, even if they’re not at their desks.

    Why Instant Alerts Matter Today

    In today’s fast-moving markets, even small delays can lead to missed chances or unexpected losses. That’s why many traders are asking for tools that show what’s happening as it happens.

    “Markets move fast, and if you’re not watching every second, you can fall behind,” said the spokesperson. “This feature just helps people stay in the loop without needing to stare at the screen all day.”

    MCGlobalHub says the alerts will cover all the major instruments it offers. This includes currency pairs, stocks, commodities like oil and gold, stock indices, and digital assets like Bitcoin. The company plans to improve the feature based on how users interact with it.

    Looking Forward

    MCGlobalHub plans to keep improving its platform based on what users need. The new instant alerts are part of a wider plan to give users better tools without making things too complex. The company says it will listen to feedback to see what works and where to improve. Users are encouraged to try the new feature and adjust settings to fit their trading habits.

    About MCGlobalHub

    MCGlobalHub is a multi-asset access provider offering a range of trading instruments, including Forex, commodities, equities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. The company provides a web-based trading platform accessible on desktop and mobile devices, with standard functionality and security measures, including encryption and account verification. MCGlobalHub prioritizes fast trade execution, offers various deposit and withdrawal methods, and provides customer support through multiple channels.

    Media details:
    Name: Charles Simpson
    Email: Charles.Simpson@MCglobalHub.com
    Website: www.MCglobalHub.com

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Portfolio Manager and Noted Macro and Market Analyst Bob Elliott Launches Substack Newsletter

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bob Elliott, former member of the Investment Committee at Bridgewater Associates and the CEO/CIO of alternative investment firm Unlimited, today announced the launch of Nonconsensus, a new economic and investing newsletter published on Substack. The publication will provide global market insights, economic trend analysis, and portfolio strategy commentary aimed at a wide range of investors including retail traders, financial advisors and institutional professionals.

    Nonconsensus builds on Bob’s well-established presence on X (formerly Twitter), offering deeper insights and expanded analysis. Subscribers will receive a variety of content, including exclusive threads, real-time market commentary, early access to thought leadership, and access to an engaged community of fellow investors—including Bob. A free tier will also be available, offering readers a weekly roundup of Bob’s analysis and select real-time content with guidance on navigating challenging macro environments.

    The newsletter will cover global macroeconomic trends—from central bank policies to market movements—translating complex developments into actionable insight, mirroring Unlimited’s mission of making traditionally elusive alts strategies available to all investors.

    “Since beginning to share my writing publicly a few years ago, I’ve been humbled by how many people have found clarity in my thoughts and engaged so meaningfully,” said Mr. Elliott. “With Nonconsensus, I hope to foster a dynamic and intellectually curious community of investors committed to demystifying the markets.”

    Investors and readers can subscribe to Nonconsensus at https://substack.com/@bobeunlimited.

    Media Contacts:

    Sarah Lazarus Zach Kouwe
    Dukas Linden Public Relations Dukas Linden Public Relations
    +1 617-335-7823 +1 551-655-4032
    sarah@dlpr.com zkouwe@dlpr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Cycle Savvy: St Mary Capital Reveals Tools for Timing Market Peaks and Lows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — St Mary Capital, a global investment firm, has launched new tools to help investors spot when markets may be hitting a peak or nearing a low. The new options are already activated on the investment platform of the company and will assist the users in comprehending market timing in a better manner.

    Visual charts and basic indicators that show patterns across assets like stocks, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies are among these tools. They are meant to provide an investor with a better understanding of what is going on in the markets without a significant understanding of technicalities.

    “Many consumers told us that they were completely overwhelmed while trying to time their buys and sells,” a company spokesperson explained. “And we realized that some things have to change. So, we designed tools specifically to make understanding the market feel less like a massive puzzle and more like something you can actually grasp. We want everyone to feel much more secure.”

    The tools aim to give users signals based on price movements and past patterns. Although they are not future-predictive, they are supposed to help users through the times when they do not know where an asset could be in its cycle, either when it is high, low, or somewhere in the middle.

    Making Market Timing Less Confusing

    Market moves can be hard to understand, especially when headlines and emotions cloud decisions. St Mary Capital said the tools were made for traders who want a clearer way to see what’s going on—without relying too much on guesswork.

    Heatmaps, basic trend lines, and warnings that indicate potential turning points are some of the new features. These tools are applicable to all main asset classes and are updated in real-time.

    St Mary Capital said the tools work on their own or alongside other platform features like watchlists, price alerts, and charting views. Users can customize their dashboard based on what they trade and how often.

    Responding to a Growing Need for Clarity

    The demand for easy-to-understand tools has increased as more people begin trading independently. A lot of individual investors have been requesting methods to create better choices without seeking outside assistance.

    “We kept getting feedback from users saying, ‘Can’t we have something more interactive? This market feels really intimidating” the spokesperson added. “That pushed us to create these tools. It just felt like the right thing to do.”

    The company said the tools were tested during different market conditions and across different asset types. The goal was to create something reliable and easy to follow, especially for people who don’t have a background in trading.

    Staying Realistic About Market Movements

    St Mary Capital has made it clear that these tools are meant to support, not replace—personal research. The company emphasized that a tool could not assure anything or make a prediction of market moves.

    Depending on how well the tools work in real markets, the business intends to collect user input and adjust them as necessary. The objective is to continuously enhance the platform by using actual user experiences.

    About St Mary Capital

    St Mary Capital is a global investment company offering access to a diverse range of financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies, equities, indices, and commodities. Known for its data-driven approach and personalized account management, St Mary Capital empowers clients with tools, insights, and support to navigate today’s complex financial landscape. With a strong focus on transparency and regulatory alignment, the company continues to be a trusted resource for modern investors worldwide.

    Media Contact:
    Name: Benjamin Rothwell
    Email: office@stmarycapital.com
    Website: https://stmarycapital.com/

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Cycle Savvy: St Mary Capital Reveals Tools for Timing Market Peaks and Lows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — St Mary Capital, a global investment firm, has launched new tools to help investors spot when markets may be hitting a peak or nearing a low. The new options are already activated on the investment platform of the company and will assist the users in comprehending market timing in a better manner.

    Visual charts and basic indicators that show patterns across assets like stocks, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies are among these tools. They are meant to provide an investor with a better understanding of what is going on in the markets without a significant understanding of technicalities.

    “Many consumers told us that they were completely overwhelmed while trying to time their buys and sells,” a company spokesperson explained. “And we realized that some things have to change. So, we designed tools specifically to make understanding the market feel less like a massive puzzle and more like something you can actually grasp. We want everyone to feel much more secure.”

    The tools aim to give users signals based on price movements and past patterns. Although they are not future-predictive, they are supposed to help users through the times when they do not know where an asset could be in its cycle, either when it is high, low, or somewhere in the middle.

    Making Market Timing Less Confusing

    Market moves can be hard to understand, especially when headlines and emotions cloud decisions. St Mary Capital said the tools were made for traders who want a clearer way to see what’s going on—without relying too much on guesswork.

    Heatmaps, basic trend lines, and warnings that indicate potential turning points are some of the new features. These tools are applicable to all main asset classes and are updated in real-time.

    St Mary Capital said the tools work on their own or alongside other platform features like watchlists, price alerts, and charting views. Users can customize their dashboard based on what they trade and how often.

    Responding to a Growing Need for Clarity

    The demand for easy-to-understand tools has increased as more people begin trading independently. A lot of individual investors have been requesting methods to create better choices without seeking outside assistance.

    “We kept getting feedback from users saying, ‘Can’t we have something more interactive? This market feels really intimidating” the spokesperson added. “That pushed us to create these tools. It just felt like the right thing to do.”

    The company said the tools were tested during different market conditions and across different asset types. The goal was to create something reliable and easy to follow, especially for people who don’t have a background in trading.

    Staying Realistic About Market Movements

    St Mary Capital has made it clear that these tools are meant to support, not replace—personal research. The company emphasized that a tool could not assure anything or make a prediction of market moves.

    Depending on how well the tools work in real markets, the business intends to collect user input and adjust them as necessary. The objective is to continuously enhance the platform by using actual user experiences.

    About St Mary Capital

    St Mary Capital is a global investment company offering access to a diverse range of financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies, equities, indices, and commodities. Known for its data-driven approach and personalized account management, St Mary Capital empowers clients with tools, insights, and support to navigate today’s complex financial landscape. With a strong focus on transparency and regulatory alignment, the company continues to be a trusted resource for modern investors worldwide.

    Media Contact:
    Name: Benjamin Rothwell
    Email: office@stmarycapital.com
    Website: https://stmarycapital.com/

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Powering Britain’s Future

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Powering Britain’s Future

    Electricity costs for businesses – including potentially hundreds in Scotland – to be slashed as Industrial Strategy launched to unlock investment and new jobs

    More than 7,000 British businesses are set to see their electricity bills slashed by up to 25% from 2027, as the Government unveils its bold new Industrial Strategy today [Monday 23 June].

    The modern Industrial Strategy sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business by tackling two of the biggest barriers facing UK industry – high electricity prices and long waits for grid connections.

    British manufacturers currently pay some of the highest electricity prices in the developed world while businesses looking to expand or modernise have faced delays when it comes to connecting to the grid.

    For too long these challenges have held back growth and made it harder for British firms to compete. Today’s announcement marks a decisive shift — with government stepping in to support industry and unlock the UK’s economic potential.

    From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour for over 7,000 electricity-intensive businesses in manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace and chemicals. Hundreds of Scottish businesses could be in line to benefit.

    These firms, which support over 300,000 skilled jobs, will be exempt from paying levies such as the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market — helping level the playing field and make them more internationally competitive. Eligibility and further details on the exemptions will be determined following consultation, which will be launched shortly.

    The government is also increasing support for the most energy-intensive firms — like steel, chemicals, and glass — by covering more of the electricity network charges they normally have to pay through the British Industry Supercharger. These businesses currently get a 60% discount on those charges, but from 2026, that will increase to 90%. This means their electricity bills will go down, helping them stay competitive, protect jobs, and invest in the future.

    This will help around 500 eligible businesses in sectors such as steel, ceramics and glass reduce their costs and protect jobs in industries that are the backbone of our economy and will be delivered at no additional cost to the taxpayer. The support for steel manufacturing is crucial as it’s a critical enabling industry for Scotland’s world leading defence and renewable energy sectors.

    These reforms complement the government’s long-term mission for clean power, which is the only way to bring down bills for good by ending the UK’s dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets.

    To ensure businesses can grow and hire without delay, the government will also deliver a new Connections Accelerator Service to streamline grid access for major investment projects — including prioritising those that create high-quality jobs and deliver significant economic benefits.

    We will work closely with the energy sector, local authorities, Scottish and Welsh Governments, trade unions, and industry to design this service, which we expect to begin operating at the end of 2025. New powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently before parliament, could also allow the Government to reserve grid capacity for strategically important projects, cutting waiting times and unlocking growth in key sectors.

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

    In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.

    This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray today visited a new industrial development in East Lothian, on the site of a former coal-fired power station. The redevelopment site is partly funded by an £11 million UK Government investment, and includes the construction of a new interconnecter to take power from the Inchcape offshore wind farm to the National Grid. 

    Also joint Department for Business and Trade/HM Treasury Minister for Investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, will meet senior figures from Dundee’s life sciences and tech, gaming, and creative sectors later. 

    Speaking ahead of his visit Mr Murray said:

    Scotland is rightly at the heart of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy with our businesses and expertise integral to further creating jobs and economic growth through the eight sectors identified.

    Advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative Industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences and professional and business services, Scotland excels at them all. But we have the potential to go much further. And by slashing electricity costs for Scottish businesses, increasing business investment and cutting red tape the UK Government is helping turbocharge the economy, create jobs and put more money in the pockets of working Scots as part of our Plan for Change.

    We have a proud industrial heritage and with this new comprehensive 10 year strategy Scotland and the wider UK has an exciting future.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    The UK has some of the most innovative businesses in the world and our Plan for Change has provided them with the stability they need to grow and for more to be created.

    Today’s Industrial Strategy builds on that progress with a ten-year plan to slash barriers to investment. It’ll see billions of pounds for investment and cutting-edge tech, ease energy costs, and upskill the nation. It will ensure the industries that make Britain great can thrive. It will boost our economy and create jobs that put more money in people’s pockets.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We’ve said from day one Britain is back in business under this government, and the £100 billion of investment we’ve secured in the past year shows our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people.

    Our Modern Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK is the best country to invest and do business, delivering economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets and pays for our NHS, schools and military.

    Not only does this Strategy prioritise investment to attract billions for new business sites, cutting-edge research, and better transport links, it will also make our industrial electricity prices more competitive.

    Tackling energy costs and fixing skills has been the single biggest ask of us from businesses and the greatest challenge they’ve faced – this government has listened, and now we’re taking the bold action needed. Government and business working hand in hand to make working people better off is what this Government promised and what we will deliver.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    For too long high electricity costs have held back British businesses, as a result of our reliance on gas sold on volatile international markets.

    As part of our modern industrial strategy we’re unlocking the potential of British industry by slashing industrial electricity prices in key sectors.

    We’re also doubling down on our clean power strengths with increased investment in growth industries from offshore wind to nuclear. This will deliver on our clean power mission and Plan for Change to bring down bills for households and businesses for good.

    The Supercharger and British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will be funded through reforms to the energy system. The government is reducing costs within the system to free up funding without raising household bills or taxes and intends to also use additional funds from the strengthening of UK carbon pricing, including as a result of linking with the EU carbon market.

    We have set out an intention to link emissions trading systems, as part of our new agreement with the European Union to support British businesses. Without an agreement to do this, British industry would have to pay the EU’s carbon tax.

    We intend to link our carbon pricing system with the EU’s, we will ensure that money stays in the UK—which allows us to support British companies and British jobs through these schemes.

    Building on the Spending Review and the recently announced 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, the Industrial Strategy is the latest step forward in our plans to deliver national renewal. It will include targeted support for the areas of the country and economy that have the greatest potential to grow, while introducing reforms that will make it easier for all businesses to get ahead.

    The Strategy’s bold plan of action includes:

    • Slash electricity costs by up to 25% from 2027 for electricity-intensive manufacturers in our growth sectors and foundational industries in their supply chain, bringing costs more closely in line with other major economies in Europe.

    • Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs by increasing British Business Bank financial capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital. This includes an additional £4bn for Industrial Strategy Sectors, crowding in billions more in private capital. By investing largely through venture funds, the BBB will back the UK’s most high-growth potential companies.

    • Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators. 

    • Supporting 5,500 more SMEs to adopt new technology through the Made Smarter programme while centralising government support in one place through the Business Growth Service.

    • Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2bn for AI over the Spending Review, and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors. Regulatory changes will further clear the path for fast-growing industries and innovative products such as biotechnology, AI, and autonomous vehicles.

    • Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migration reforms and the new Global Talent Taskforce.

    • Deepening economic and industrial collaboration with our partners, building on our Industrial Strategy Partnership with Japan and recent deals with the US, India, and the EU.

    • Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.

    • Supporting the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator, at six locations to be chosen across the UK, enhanced regional support from the Office for Investment, National Wealth Fund, and British Business Bank, and more, including  with the Scottish Government to support the Edinburgh-Glasgow Central Belt.

    • Strengthening existing “Industrial Strategy Zones” – in Scotland these are the Forth Green Freeport, Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, Glasgow City Region and the North East Scotland Investment Zones – with an enhanced offer of streamlined planning, better-targeted investment promotion, support for accessing concessionary finance and coordinated support on skills.

    • Delivering AI Growth Zones to attract investment in AI infrastructure in strategic locations across the UK, including Scotland, with support for planning, access to energy, and partnerships with the private sector.

    • Growing high-potential innovation ecosystems through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, with at least £30m for Scotland, building on UK-wide public R&D investment and Innovate UK’s joint action plans with devolved governments.

    • Identifying and securing the right financing for investment projects in Scotland with the National Wealth Fund, working with the Scottish National Investment Bank.  

    • Using a British Business Bank Cluster Champion in Glasgow City Region, with deep expertise and local knowledge, to coordinate investment-readiness programmes, strengthen financial networks, and connect high-potential firms to investors.

    The plan focuses on 8 sectors where the UK is already strong and there’s potential for faster growth: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional and Business Services. Each growth sector has a bespoke 10-year plan that will attract investment, enable growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.

    Dame Clare Barclay DBE, Chair of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council and President of Enterprise & Industry EMEA at Microsoft said:

    I welcome today’s Industrial Strategy, which sets out a clear plan to back the UK’s growth driving sectors. It is particularly positive to see the strong focus on skills in areas such as engineering, technology and defence. Commitments such as £187 million for the TechFirst programme will ensure the UK has the skills it needs to support our growth industries and seize transformative opportunities like AI.

    Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive, CBI said:

    Today’s Industrial Strategy announcement is a significant leap forward in the partnership between government and business that sets us on the path to our shared goal of raising living standards across the country.  

    It sends an unambiguous, positive signal about the nation’s global calling card as well as the direction of travel for the wider economy for the next decade and beyond.

    The CBI has long been advocating for a comprehensive industrial strategy, based on the UK’s USP – the sectors and markets where we can compete to win on the global stage.

    More competitive energy prices, fast-tracked planning decisions and backing innovation will provide a bedrock for growth. But the global race to attract investment will require a laser-like and unwavering focus on the UK’s overall competitiveness. 

    Today marks the beginning of delivering this strategy in close partnership, at pace, and with a shared purpose. 

    Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO at Make UK said:

    British industry has been in desperate need for a government who understands our sector and had the strategic vision for a plan for growth. Today’s Industrial Strategy is a giant and much needed step forward taken by the Secretary of State who has seen the potential and provided the keys to help unlock it.

    Make UK has led the campaign for a new industrial strategy for many years, highlighting the three major challenges that were diminishing our competitiveness, hampering growth and frustrating productivity gains: a skills crisis, crippling energy costs and, an inability to access capital for new British innovators.

    The strategy announced today sets out plans to address all three of these structural failings. Clearly there is much to do as we move towards implementation but, this will send a message across the Country and around the world that Britain is back in business.

    Tufan Erginbilgic, Rolls-Royce CEO, said:

    The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy commitment to support our world-leading aerospace and nuclear industries shows long-term strategic foresight. Rolls-Royce’s highly differentiated technologies in gas turbines and nuclear capabilities- including SMRs and AMRs- are uniquely placed to deliver economic growth, skilled jobs and attract investment into the UK.

    Mike Hawes OBE, SMMT Chief Executive said:

    The publication of an Industrial Strategy – one with automotive at its heart – is the policy framework the sector has long-sought and Government has now addressed. Such a strategy – long-term, aligned to a trade strategy and supported by all of Government – is the basis on which the UK automotive sector can regain its global competitiveness. Making the UK the best place to invest now depends on implementation, and implementation at pace, because investment decisions are being made now against a backdrop of fierce competition and geopolitical uncertainty. The number one priority must be addressing the UK’s high cost of energy, enabling the sector to invest in the technologies, the products and the people that will give the UK its competitive edge. 

    Five sector plans have been published today:

    • Advanced Manufacturing – Backing our Advanced Manufacturing sector with up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years, with the aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35 million, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight. Glasgow is a global force in advanced manufacturing –  home to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District and globally competitive universities, the city region has strengths across defence, space and quantum. Edinburgh houses the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University and the Roslin Institute, which is a leading Agri-Tech research centre. 

    • Clean Energy Industries – Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035, with Aberdeen-headquartered Great British Energy helping to build the clean power revolution in Britain with a further £700 million in clean energy supply chains, taking the total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion. We are supporting Scottish clean energy industries with £200 million development funding to advance the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage project, capitalising on expertise in the oil and gas sector around Aberdeen. Up to £185 million has been allocated to Scotland through the Clean Industry Bonus, unlocking up to £3.5 billion private sector investment in ports and high-tech components needed to build floating and fixed offshore wind farms. Aberdeen is a global energy capital boasting new investment in hydrogen, with its pioneering Energy Transition Zone repositioning the North East as a globally integrated energy cluster.  A new regional skills pilot for Aberdeen will also help ensure a strong local skills base to deliver these opportunities.

    • Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports. It includes a £30 million Games Growth Package to back the next generation of UK video games studios – a sector in which Scotland is world leading. Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee are centres for creative industries. The Edinburgh Festivals incubate creative talent, whilst Edinburgh Futures Institute drives innovation.

    • Digital and Technologies – Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses, with more than £2 billion to drive the AI Action Plan, including a new Sovereign AI Programme, £187 million for training one million young people in tech skills and targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies such as quantum technologies in Scotland. Scotland is home to two of the UK’s five new Quantum Hubs, with involvement in all five. Ten of the top 30 global semiconductor companies have operations in Scotland. Scotland is also home to cutting edge AI research network and R&D infrastructure – Edinburgh Genome Biofoundry and Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre. An up to £750m investment in the UK’s largest supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh sets a marker for our ambition for further growth in digital & technologies.

    • Professional and Business Services – Ensuring our Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry, revolutionising the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI and working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas. Scotland’s financial services sector, second only to London, features a cutting-edge Fintech scene. Over 25% of Glasgow’s top tech firms are in financial & business services, attracting major firms such as Azets and RSM. This is anchored by a highly capable workforce, supported by a world-class skills ecosystem and universities.
       

    The Industrial Strategy will be published on GOV.UK later today.

    The Defence, Financial Services and Life Sciences sector plans will be published shortly.

    The 7,000 businesses are an indicative estimate of how many businesses could be in scope of the scheme. The full scope and eligibility of the scheme will be determined following consultation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Right Committee Opens One Hundred and Forty-Fourth Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Human Right Committee this morning opened its one hundred and forty-fourth session, during which it will examine the reports of Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam on their implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

    In her opening remarks, Sara Hamood, Chief of the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section within the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said this session was taking place in extremely challenging times for human rights globally. 

    Quoting the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ opening remarks at the current Human Rights Council session, she expressed concern about “spiralling conflicts”, “social tensions”, “widespread discrimination” and “attacks on the international institutions that underpin our rights, including the International Criminal Court”, as well as about funding cuts affecting the Office of the High Commissioner, the human rights mechanisms, and civil society partners.  The High Commissioner appealed for the strongest possible defence of international law and human rights, emphasising that human rights provided stability and security in troubled times and that they were guardrails on power, especially when it was unleashed in its most brutal forms.

    On 17 June, the High Commissioner presented to the Council his annual report (A/HRC/59/20), in which he stressed that the “global consensus around international norms and institutions continues to face serious threats”.  He stated that “in this troubled and turbulent context, a global coalition is needed to demonstrate an unequivocal commitment, anchored in human rights, to international order and the rule of law.”

    Last week, the Council also held interactive dialogues with Special Procedures.  The Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association presented her report on the “impact of the 2023-2025 ‘super election’ cycle on the rights of peaceful assembly and association” (A/HRC59/44).  The Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression presented her report on “freedom of expression and elections in the digital age” (A/HRC/59/50). 

    Ms. Hamood said this year marked the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the first international human rights treaty adopted by the General Assembly on 21 December 1965. This year’s commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was dedicated to this important anniversary.  There needed to be a renewed commitment to the Convention, stronger implementation, and inclusive dialogue to advance racial justice.  A series of global events were being held to mark the occasion, including commemorations in New York and Geneva.  As part of this initiative, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination would host a commemorative event on 4 December.

    While recent years had seen growing momentum for racial justice, a rollback on racial justice commitments was now being seen in some contexts, Ms. Hamood said.  Despite significant progress, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination’s promise remained unfulfilled for many.  Racism and white supremacy continued to poison communities, politics, media and online platforms.  Racism was manifested in many ways, including through violations of civil and political rights.  The Human Rights Committee needed to continue its important contribution to the fight against racism; the work of the anti-racism mechanisms would prove helpful in this regard.

    Addressing the financial crisis in the human rights system, Ms. Hamood said that for treaty bodies with three annual sessions, including the Human Rights Committee, the Office of the High Commissioner would not be able to secure the funding to hold their third sessions this year.  The Office received only 73 per cent of its approved regular budget in 2025, a further decrease from the 87 per cent of its approved regular budget received in 2024.  As most of these funds were needed to cover contractual liabilities, particularly staff costs, the amount available for meetings and activities was simply inadequate. Next year also risked seeing a continuation of this trend.

    The liquidity situation was a system-wide crisis.  The United Nations Office at Geneva’s Conference Services had also faced dramatic cuts, leading it to adopt cash conservative measures that would impact the conference support provided to the human rights treaty bodies, particularly in terms of documentation, meeting time and interpretation.  It was called on to reduce official meetings and documentation by 10 per cent.

    Ms. Hamood said reductions of the allotments would impact the treaty bodies’ ability to hold dialogues with States parties and to take decisions on individual communications, resulting in further delays and backlogs.  Another area where cuts were being made was in treaty body capacity building activities, which provided valuable support for States to report to and interact with the treaty bodies.  All this caused real damage to the predictability of the reporting cycle, which was critically important to enable States, civil society organizations and right holders to engage effectively with the treaty bodies.  Ms. Hamood expressed regret that, given the overall reduction in funds and availability of support services, business as usual was no longer possible.

    She reported that the thirty-seventh annual meeting of the Chairs of the human rights treaty bodies took place in Geneva from 2 to 6 June 2025.  An overarching theme addressed in considerable depth was the United Nations liquidity crisis and how it was impacting the effective discharge of the mandates of the treaty bodies.  The Chairs also discussed how to create synergies between human rights mechanisms as well as regional mechanisms, the progress made on the alignment of their working methods and practices, and the implementation of the guidelines on the independence and impartiality of members of the human rights treaty bodies.

    Ms. Hamood said the Committee had a busy agenda ahead of it, including seven State party reviews, the consideration and adoption of 10 lists of issues prior to reporting, as well as several individual communications under the Optional Protocol.  It would also hold briefings with various stakeholders, each of which was a vital opportunity to stem the local but also global assault on human rights and their defenders.  She closed by wishing the Committee a successful and productive session.

    Changrok Soh, Committee Chair, said the Committee was particularly interested in the commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Convention against Racial Discrimination.  Racial discrimination was an issue often dealt with by the Committee, as it often manifested itself in violations of civil and political rights.  The Committee would continue to scrutinise the state of racial discrimination under its mandated activities.  The Committee took inspiration from Ms. Hamood’s statement, as next year would mark the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Covenant, Mr. Soh noted.

    The Committee then adopted its agenda and programme of work for the session.

    Hélène Tigroudja, Committee Vice Chair and Chair of the working group on communications, presented the report on the group’s activities for the one hundred and fortieth session. She said that the format of the group’s work had been adjusted, with three days dedicated to discussions on communications prior to the session.  These were not enough to assess all the communications before the Committee. However, the working group had done tremendous work in a spirit of solidarity.

    Ms. Tigroudja said that, of the 21 documents submitted for consideration, it discussed 18 and adopted 16. The Committee had continued to append in a single document communications submitted against the same State party and concerning the same claims.  This enabled the group to review a total of 26 communications, covering, inter alia, participation in public affairs, the right to self-determination, freedom of expression in political and electoral processes, political representation of indigenous peoples, racial discrimination, arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment in detention, and non-refoulement.  The communications examined were submitted between 2015 and 2023 and concerned 13 States parties covering different continents and regions.

    Following its discussions, and pending the finalisation of its work this week, the working group submitted to the plenary 10 communications with a finding of inadmissibility and six communications with a finding of violation of the rights of the Covenant, Ms. Tigroudja reported.  Five communications were still to be examined this week.  She thanked all those who had worked hard to facilitate the holding of the condensed working group, including the petitions unit, which prepared draft decisions.

    Preparation of draft decisions in advance of plenary meetings was an absolute necessity, and one of the fundamental tasks entrusted to the Committee by States through the Optional Protocol, Ms. Tigroudja said.  Individual communications were an important part of the Committee’s raison d’être. A session without draft decisions previously discussed, reviewed and finalised in working groups and in person would lead to a decrease in the quality and effectiveness of the Committee’s work, and moreover a denial of justice for victims seeking to denounce violations of their rights, she concluded.

    A Committee Expert thanked the working group for its work, and expressed concern about the financial situation, which impeded the holding of pre-sessional working groups, and had caused the cancellation of the third session of the Committee.  She thanked all Committee members for their efforts to maintain the Committee’s work in these difficult circumstances.

    The working group’s report was adopted.

    The Human Rights Committee’s one hundred and forty-fourth session is being held from 23 June to 17 July 2025.  All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 24 June, to begin its consideration of the third periodic report of Kazakhstan (CCPR/C/KAZ/3).

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CCPR25.009E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Trendwatching: Radical Innovations in Creative Industries and Creativity

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Rapid technological development, adaptation of business processes to new economic realities and changing audience demands require creative industry specialists to be aware of current trends and be flexible when implementing projects. In April – May 2025 Institute for the Development of Creative Industries (IRKI) Faculty of Creative Industries HSE University conducted a study of trends in the creative industries.

    The study surveyed over 300 leading experts representing various creative industries. The experts were asked to predict key trends, radical innovations and developments that will appear in the creative industries and the creative sphere in the next three years.

    How exactly will the creative economy change under the influence of new technologies and trends? The survey results allow us to clearly define the main directions of this transformation.

    Technological trends in creative industries:

    the active implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in all creative industries – from generating content in advertising to helping composers create music;

    Neurotechnologies and wearable devices that allow reading body metrics and creating new forms of interaction are becoming key to the development of interactive media and music; development of cognitive neuroadapted wearable predictive models;

    Metaverses, mixed and augmented reality (AR/MR) are used as tools for integrating brands into digital spaces; integrating creative projects with IoT (Internet of Things).

    Changes in approaches to creativity:

    transition from template solutions to experimental approaches;

    Personalization and interactivity are becoming the standard, from customized experiences at events to deep personalization of content in advertising;

    automation of routine processes frees up more time for creativity;

    Gamification is becoming the standard for project implementation.

    Financial assessment of creative results:

    data and metrics are used for the financial evaluation of creative results, big data allows for a fair assessment and determination of the cost of a product based on its usefulness to the end consumer, which will allow for setting an equilibrium price for creative products (for example, reading audience reactions in interactive media);

    The marketplace market is transforming creativity by setting new rules for pricing and distributing creative products.

    Education and Science:

    convergence of different sciences and representation of interdisciplinary tools;

    the emergence of new Practice as Research formats;

    further convergence of science, art and education based on the innovative principles of open science;

    digitalization of science and the development of the format of electronic scientific journals create new formats for the dissemination of knowledge: the formation of creative digital platforms and the creation of a repository of high-quality metadata;

    dissemination of scientific knowledge on Open Access platforms;

    the emergence of neural network pedagogical simulacra.

    Social and cultural changes:

    Segmenting audiences into smaller communities requires more targeted creative strategies;

    the elitism of live events (concerts, exhibitions) is combined with the development of community and user-generated content (UGC);

    increasing emphasis on the individual experience of the participant/viewer, developing event interactivity.

    “An important place in our “HSE Journal of Art and Design“is engaged in the study of the latest theories in the field of art and design practices. In the coming years, new formats of Practice as Research, when practicing artists come to science, will determine innovative publishing strategies for art and design magazines,” says Irina Sakhno, professor Design schools HSE University Faculty of Arts and Design, Editor-in-Chief of the HSE University Journal of Art

    “Artificial intelligence will become an assistant in performing routine tasks, which will give more time for creativity. In the fashion industry, AI will be actively used in work on collection campaigns,” comments Elena Ermakovishna, head of the HSE CREATIVE HUB and teacher at the School of Design, producer of cultural events, art critic, designer.

    “In music, there is the elitism of live concerts and a focus on the artist’s work with the development of a community of like-minded people, a model of recursive mythologization of the narratives of the artist’s musical creativity with the construction of additional branches of transmedia based on fan fiction and UGC (user-generated content),” explains Evgenia Evpak, composer, historian of musical innovation, and researcher of the music industry.

    “Storytelling will become the basis of advertising,” comments Alexander Baru, a teacher of design thinking and marketing at the HSE School of Design.

    Experts believe that creative industries are in for a radical transformation under the influence of new technologies. This will require flexibility from professionals and institutions and a revision of traditional business models.

    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: Global Net Lease Successfully Closes Third and Final Phase of Multi-Tenant Portfolio Sale

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    — Sale of 12 Properties Generates Approximately $313 Million in Gross Proceeds

    — Portfolio Sale Completed; Accelerates Deleveraging Plan and Transforms GNL to Single-Tenant Net Lease REIT

    NEW YORK, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Net Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GNL) (“GNL” or the “Company”) announced that it has completed the final phase of its multi-tenant portfolio sale to RCG Ventures, LLC on June 18, 2025, including 12 encumbered properties. This third phase generated approximately $313 million in gross proceeds1, bringing total gross proceeds from the portfolio sale to $1.8 billion2. GNL plans on using the incremental net proceeds from the third phase of the multi-tenant portfolio sale to further reduce leverage by paying down the outstanding balance on GNL’s Revolving Credit Facility.

    The multi-tenant portfolio sale simplifies GNL’s portfolio and sharpens its strategic focus by becoming a pure-play net lease owner and operator. This transition is expected to generate approximately $6.5 million in recurring annual G&A savings, along with additional cash savings from a substantial reduction in annual capital expenditures. GNL also believes the multi-tenant portfolio sale will create significant efficiencies in its operations by eliminating the complexities associated with managing multi-tenant retail properties.

    “The completion of our multi-tenant portfolio sale marks the final step in our evolution into a pure-play single-tenant net lease company with streamlined operations and improved portfolio quality,” said Michael Weil, CEO of GNL. “Divesting these multi-tenant assets has strengthened our balance sheet by accelerating our deleveraging efforts and improving liquidity. We remain focused on achieving an investment-grade credit rating, which we believe will lower our cost of capital and increase our financial stability. We are confident that this strengthened foundation will support continued growth and value creation for our shareholders.”

    About Global Net Lease, Inc.

    Global Net Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GNL) is a publicly traded internally managed real estate investment trust that focuses on acquiring and managing a global portfolio of income producing net lease assets across the U.S., and Western and Northern Europe. Additional information about GNL can be found on its website at www.globalnetlease.com. 

    Important Notice

    The statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome to be materially different. The words such as “may,” “will,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “predicts,” “plans,” “intends,” “would,” “could,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risks that any potential future acquisition or disposition by the Company is subject to market conditions, capital availability and timing considerations and may not be identified or completed on favorable terms, or at all. Some of the risks and uncertainties, although not all risks and uncertainties, that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those presented in the Company’s forward-looking statements are set forth in the “Risk Factors” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” sections in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and all of its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as such risks, uncertainties and other important factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s subsequent reports. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time, unless required by law.

    Contacts:
    Investor Relations
    Email: investorrelations@globalnetlease.com
    Phone: (332) 265-2020

    Footnotes:
    1 Includes a $210 million mortgage that is being assumed by RCG Ventures, LLC.
    2 Includes $256 million and $210 million mortgages being assumed by RCG Ventures, LLC.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Net Lease Successfully Closes Third and Final Phase of Multi-Tenant Portfolio Sale

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    — Sale of 12 Properties Generates Approximately $313 Million in Gross Proceeds

    — Portfolio Sale Completed; Accelerates Deleveraging Plan and Transforms GNL to Single-Tenant Net Lease REIT

    NEW YORK, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Net Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GNL) (“GNL” or the “Company”) announced that it has completed the final phase of its multi-tenant portfolio sale to RCG Ventures, LLC on June 18, 2025, including 12 encumbered properties. This third phase generated approximately $313 million in gross proceeds1, bringing total gross proceeds from the portfolio sale to $1.8 billion2. GNL plans on using the incremental net proceeds from the third phase of the multi-tenant portfolio sale to further reduce leverage by paying down the outstanding balance on GNL’s Revolving Credit Facility.

    The multi-tenant portfolio sale simplifies GNL’s portfolio and sharpens its strategic focus by becoming a pure-play net lease owner and operator. This transition is expected to generate approximately $6.5 million in recurring annual G&A savings, along with additional cash savings from a substantial reduction in annual capital expenditures. GNL also believes the multi-tenant portfolio sale will create significant efficiencies in its operations by eliminating the complexities associated with managing multi-tenant retail properties.

    “The completion of our multi-tenant portfolio sale marks the final step in our evolution into a pure-play single-tenant net lease company with streamlined operations and improved portfolio quality,” said Michael Weil, CEO of GNL. “Divesting these multi-tenant assets has strengthened our balance sheet by accelerating our deleveraging efforts and improving liquidity. We remain focused on achieving an investment-grade credit rating, which we believe will lower our cost of capital and increase our financial stability. We are confident that this strengthened foundation will support continued growth and value creation for our shareholders.”

    About Global Net Lease, Inc.

    Global Net Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GNL) is a publicly traded internally managed real estate investment trust that focuses on acquiring and managing a global portfolio of income producing net lease assets across the U.S., and Western and Northern Europe. Additional information about GNL can be found on its website at www.globalnetlease.com. 

    Important Notice

    The statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome to be materially different. The words such as “may,” “will,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential,” “predicts,” “plans,” “intends,” “would,” “could,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risks that any potential future acquisition or disposition by the Company is subject to market conditions, capital availability and timing considerations and may not be identified or completed on favorable terms, or at all. Some of the risks and uncertainties, although not all risks and uncertainties, that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those presented in the Company’s forward-looking statements are set forth in the “Risk Factors” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” sections in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and all of its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as such risks, uncertainties and other important factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s subsequent reports. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time, unless required by law.

    Contacts:
    Investor Relations
    Email: investorrelations@globalnetlease.com
    Phone: (332) 265-2020

    Footnotes:
    1 Includes a $210 million mortgage that is being assumed by RCG Ventures, LLC.
    2 Includes $256 million and $210 million mortgages being assumed by RCG Ventures, LLC.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU–NATO cooperation – 23-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The cooperation between the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has deepened significantly in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has reshaped Europe’s security environment and highlighted the complementary roles of both organisations. NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defence, backed by United States (US) capabilities, while the EU has emerged as a key actor in financial aid, military assistance and sanctions. Both institutions have formalised their partnership through joint declarations and strategic documents, including NATO’s Strategic Concept, the EU’s Strategic Compass and White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030. Practical cooperation now spans a wide range of areas including cyber defence, countering hybrid threats, military mobility, critical infrastructure protection, and joint crisis preparedness. Regular staff-level coordination, shared exercises, and technical arrangements – such as the NATO–EU task force on critical infrastructure – have improved resilience and interoperability. The EU has also significantly ramped up its defence role. It has delivered €50.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine (EU plus Member State contributions). It has introduced industrial policies such as EDIRPA, ASAP, and the ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan to reinforce the European defence industrial base. Despite progress, persistent challenges remain. Political tensions – in particular between Cyprus and Türkiye – continue to block intelligence sharing and formal joint planning. The EU still relies heavily on NATO, particularly US assets, for operational capabilities. Growing uncertainty over US commitments under the second Trump Presidency has reinforced the EU’s drive to strengthen strategic autonomy and ensure greater burden-sharing within NATO. The European Parliament supports stronger, complementary EU–NATO ties focused on interoperability, resilience and avoiding duplication, while stressing the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. At the NATO summit on 24-25 June in The Hague (the Netherlands), key challenges include agreeing on higher defence spending targets, maintaining alliance unity, managing the Russia threat, and rapidly scaling up Europe’s defence capabilities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • President Murmu attends National Students’ Convocation of ICMAI in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu, on Monday, graced the National Students’ Convocation of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) in New Delhi, where she underlined the importance of cost and management accountants in shaping India’s economic and sustainable future.

    In her address, the President said that accountants have traditionally enjoyed high regard in society owing to their intrinsic link to accountability. “Throughout our history, accountants have enjoyed high esteem in our society. The reason for that is that accounting and accountability are deeply connected. We value accountability; therefore, we attach special significance to accounting,” she said.

    Founded in 1944, the ICMAI has been a pivotal institution in the evolution of India’s post-Independence economy, she said, adding that its work often goes unrecognised in the public sphere but remains vital behind the scenes.

    “The ICMAI was founded in 1944 for the regulation and development of the profession of cost and management accountants in the country. That makes it a witness to the saga of India’s economic transformation after Independence. Not only a witness, in fact, it has been a very crucial player in making the Indian economy one of the strongest in the world today,” she added.

    President Murmu said that cost and management accountants today serve not only in factories, but also in corporate boardrooms. Their expertise, she noted, contributes directly to policymaking and the development of cost-efficient systems for both government and private institutions.

    Highlighting the growing responsibilities of the profession, the President observed that sustainability has become an unavoidable imperative in contemporary corporate life. “The world is facing the crisis of climate change. Sustainability is no longer a slogan; it has become a necessity. That time is over when corporate organisations worked solely with the profit motive. Now they have to keep the environmental costs in mind. And this is where CMAs, with their skills, can bring about a great change in the future of the planet,” she said.

    Addressing the graduating students, President Murmu urged them to view their careers through the lens of national service and development. “As cost accountants, you are uniquely positioned to contribute to India’s transformation into a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” she said.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government organises 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         This year marks the 5th anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). The law complements and integrates seamlessly with the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance which was enacted last year, collectively forming a legal great wall to safeguard national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). At this significant moment in time, the HKSAR Government has organised the 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum to look back and ahead to the development of the HKSAR’s legal system in safeguarding national security, with a view to enhancing the understanding of the laws on safeguarding national security among various sectors and raising public awareness on national security. 
     
         The Opening Ceremony of the Forum was held this morning. ​The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, was invited to officiate at the ceremony and deliver a keynote speech. The Chief Executive of the HKSAR and the Chairman of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr John Lee, also delivered a keynote speech at the ceremony.
     
         The Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR and National Security Adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR, Mr Zhou Ji; Vice-Chairperson of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and Deputy Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr Zhang Yong; the Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Dong Jingwei; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, Mr Cui Jianchun; and the Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Major General Peng Jingtang, also delivered speeches at the ceremony.
     
         Mr Xia said in his speech that the implementation of the HKNSL over the past five years has proven the law to be a “guardian” in defending the “one country, two systems” principle and in safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. It is a good law of great historical significance and immediate importance, he said, stressing that the situation facing Hong Kong in safeguarding national security is still complex and grave, and that it is necessary to grasp the requirements of safeguarding national security under the “one country, two systems” principle to maintain and consolidate the hard-won situation that Hong Kong is now enjoying. Profound changes are taking place in the internal and external environments of Hong Kong. Hong Kong must safeguard national security in the full process of implementing the “one country, two systems” principle; ensure that the governance of the HKSAR is firmly in the hands of the patriots; be steadfast in safeguarding security and promoting development; effectively protect the human rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, and maintain Hong Kong’s unique position and advantages.
     
         Mr Xia said that the HKSAR Government and all sectors of society must unite and take responsibility to give full play to the institutional advantages of the “one country, two systems” principle, and grasp four key points: first, fully implement a holistic approach to national security to safeguard high-quality development with high-level security; second, leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages in connecting the Mainland and the world to promote high-quality development through openness; third, utilise Hong Kong’s “golden reputation” vis-à-vis the rule of law to safeguard high-quality development; and fourth, uphold Hong Kong’s executive-led system to improve governance of the SAR and promote high-quality development through reform.

         Mr Xia concluded by saying that the enactment and implementation of the HKNSL is a major event in the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle and has already made its mark in history. Looking to the future, the HKNSL will surely safeguard the steady and far-reaching journey of the “one country, two systems” principle, enabling Hong Kong to achieve new and greater accomplishments in the grand endeavor of building a strong nation and realising national rejuvenation.
     
         In his speech, Mr Lee thanked Mr Xia for his heartfelt review of the positive significance of the HKNSL in restoring Hong Kong’s stability and implementing the “one country, two systems” principle in the past five years, and for providing direction for Hong Kong’s future security and development. Mr Lee put forward four main points, stressing that the HKSAR must fully and accurately implement the “one country, two systems” principle and thoroughly adopt a holistic approach to national security; adhere to the solid foundation of the rule of law and leverage Hong Kong’s international advantages; cherish the stable situation and seize development opportunities; and enhance traditional advantages, focusing on reform and innovation. He said that the HKSAR should continue to safeguard national security and make good use of the stable situation to focus its efforts on developing a vibrant economy, achieving prosperous development and improving people’s livelihoods to realise people-centered development.
     
         Mr Lee said that under the institutional protection of the “one country, two systems” principle and the safeguarding of the HKNSL, which complements and integrates seamlessly with the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong’s development and reform will surely continue to advance steadily, thereby making greater contributions to the nation in the building of a great country and advancing toward national rejuvenation.
     
         The young generation plays an important role in passing down the sense of mission and self-awareness on safeguarding national security for it to be deeply rooted and realised. One of the sessions of the forum was a performance with the theme of “Five Years of a New Horizon – Our Commitment to Safeguarding National Security”, which was performed by more than 180 students of different ages. The HKSAR Government has been committed to promoting national security education. The Department of Justice, the Security Bureau and the Education Bureau have organised various activities to raise awareness of national security among the young generation. The awards presentation ceremonies for the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Groups National Security Quiz Competition, the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge 2024/25, and the “Hong Kong National Security Law – Safeguards and Hopes” Social Media Post Competition were held at the forum to commend the young awardees.
     
         After the award presentation ceremonies, Mr Xia, together with Mr Lee, Mr Zhou, Mr Zhang, Mr Dong, Mr Cui, Major General Peng, and Mr Lam, officiated at the Hong Kong National Security Law – Guarding Every Voyage and Forging a Brighter Future Kick-off Ceremony, symbolising that Hong Kong has embarked on a new journey of advancement from stability to prosperity under the protection of the HKNSL.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA signs US$1.5 billion loan with World Bank

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Monday, June 23, 2025

    The South African government and the World Bank have signed a US$1.5 billion Development Policy Loan Agreement that will assist in unlocking key infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in the energy and freight transport sectors.

    In a statement on Monday, the National Treasury explained that the loan is aimed at supporting critical structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services.

    The loan support is anchored on three key pillars of structural reform: improving energy security, enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of freight transport services, and supporting South Africa’s transition toward a low carbon economy. 

    These reforms are critical enablers of inclusive growth and job creation.

    “This partnership marks a significant step towards addressing South Africa’s pressing economic challenges of low growth and high unemployment. 

    “The financing forms part of the government’s broader efforts to implement structural reforms that strengthen public institutions, crowd in private investment, and improve service delivery across priority sectors of the economy,” National Treasury said.

    The financing terms of the loan are in line with National Treasury’s financing strategy. 

    Specifically, the loan offers both favourable interest rates and flexible repayment terms, contributing to minimising increase in debt service costs.

    The financing terms of the World Bank loan are as follows:

    • Nominal value: US$1.5 billion,
    • Maturity: 16 years with a 3 year-grace period,
    • Interest rate: 6-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.49%.

    “The National Treasury wishes to express its appreciation to the World Bank for its continued partnership and support in advancing South Africa’s development objectives. This agreement reinforces the strong and constructive collaboration between the World Bank and the government of South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: A toolkit for financial wellbeing, one rand, one habit, one goal at a time

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    By Thamsanqa Cele

    As Youth Month draws to a close for 2025, let us continue to keep in our minds, hearts and behaviours the courage the young people of the 1976 Soweto uprising, where they protested apartheid’s oppressive education policies, sparking a movement for
    equality. 

    Today, South Africa’s youth, 34.3% of the 60.6 million population, face significant economic challenges, including an over 60% unemployment rate. Rising living costs further strain budgets, making financial wellbeing critical. In honouring the 107 heroes, who were brave young people then, the young people of today face different kinds of challenges. Among them, financial well-being. Put differently, their own personal economic freedom. It is not an easy and straightforward world. Especially when considering the macro-economic environment. That said, it remains a personal journey that does not need to be tackled alone. We present a few of the many tools that young people may want to consider as they fight their way to financial well-being.

    The economic landscape

    South Africa’s youth face daunting economic hurdles. The unemployment rate for those aged 15–24 reached 62.4% in Q1 2025, while 40.4% of those aged 25–34 remain jobless. According to StatsSA, approximately 3.8 million young people are not in
    education, employment, or training (NEET), fostering a sense of hopelessness. Millions of young people are currently dependent on the lifeline of the Social Relief of Distress R370 grant. The high cost of living, driven by inflation, makes essentials like food,
    transport, and housing increasingly unaffordable. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, financial stress affects ~60% of South Africans, contributing to anxiety and depression.

    Despite these lived challenges across the board, opportunities exist. Government initiatives like the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Youth Employment Services (YES) program provides funding, training, and work experience. By combining these resources with sound financial habits, the youth stand a better chance of achieving financial well-being, managing money to meet needs, handling emergencies, achieving goals, and improving their lives. This fosters economic stability and enhances mental health, reducing stress and boosting happiness.

    Why money management matters

    Financial stress is often the root of broader challenges. A large-scale study found that greater financial worries, especially among unemployed and low-income individuals, significantly increase psychological distress. Money is tightly linked with mental and
    even physical health. Financial strain can cause anxiety, poor sleep, and strained relationships, but learning to manage money may reverse these ills. Think of financial wellness as preventive healthcare. Like nutrition or exercise, sound financial habits help guard against crisis. As behavioural finance and mental health experts note, emergency savings build control and agency, two essential buffers for mental well-being. There are many helpful tools to engage in a journey to financial well-being. Some of these are:

    Tool #1: Start Budgeting – Know Where Every Rand Goes 

    A simple budget rule is: Essentials (50%), Life (30%), Savings (20%). The 50/30/20 rule is proven to improve emotional wellness by instilling spending control. It is a simple approach: allocate 50% of income to necessities (rent, food, transport), 30% to wants (entertainment, dining out), and 20% to savings or debt repayment. The 20% for savings and debts must be treated as a holy grail of securing a bright financial future, especially if it is skewed towards Savings.

    Tool #2: Build an Emergency Fund – Your First Safety Net 

    Saving, even small amounts, is crucial for financial security. An emergency fund covering 3 – 6 months of expenses (e.g. R15 000–R30 000 for R5 000 monthly costs) protects against unexpected costs like medical bills or job loss. Start with R100 monthly; over time this builds a significant buffer. With competitive interest rates, Postbank’s Smart Save account helps savings grow. Our customers use this account as a stash away from their main accounts in other banks. Because if you can see it, you will be tempted to use it. Multiple global studies have shown that an emergency fund reduces financial stress, lowers anxiety and reduces the risk of depression.

    Tool #3: Embrace Psychological Resilience Through Discipline

    Financial resilience builds mental resilience. Psychology research defines resilience as adapting successfully under stress when you feel in control. Ability and optimism follow. Money habits support coping in crisis, improve mood, and encourage growth.
    Holistic benefits include:
    * Reduced anxiety and stress
    * Better sleep, which improves physical health
    * Better relationships and social connections
    * Increased ability to seize new opportunities (jobs, entrepreneurship)
    * Mental clarity to focus on education, personal development, and productivity at
    work

    Tool #4: Side Hustles and Entrepreneurship

    Relying on one income source is risky in South Africa’s economy. Additional income streams provide security and accelerate financial goals. Some of the possible side hustles:
    * Freelancing: use what you are good at or that you understand better to freelance
    in areas like writing, designing, teaching, dancing, djaying, babysitting, etc.
    * Selling products: Create and sell handmade goods.
    * Small business: With NYDA support, you can start a low-cost venture like a car wash
    or food stall. The agency offers grants up to R50 000 and training.
    * YES placements, PYEI learnerships, SETA internships, and NYDA entrepreneurship
    support offer stipends, work experience, and business training.
    * Self-employment through grants and youth schemes – e.g. creative sector
    assistance, can seed small enterprises.

    Self-empower by taking advantage of the government-provided WiFi hotspots so you can use data at low costs, if not for free. South Africa’s public WiFi hotspot network, driven by SA Connect, a government program under the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, provincial initiatives, and NGOs like Project Isizwe and Think WiFi, is opening doors for youth across the country. These hotspots are more than data points – they are gateways to education, jobs, civic engagement, and digital inclusion. By embracing these opportunities, young South Africans can transform their futures— accessing knowledge, growing skills, and connecting to their communities.

    Tool #5: Self-Control – Curbing your enthusiasm

    Many fall prey to the impulse to use spending as therapy. Yes, it may be for some who can afford to. Many others, already living beyond their means, tend to fall even deeper into the trap due to impulse-buying, falling foul of peer pressure and a show-
    off mentality. Before you buy it, ask yourself, does it have to be bought now? Can it be saved up for? Can it wait a little longer?

    A final call: Youth Month as a financial rebirth 

    Youth Month 2025 should mark a shift in the narrative:
    * From scrambling to survive, to building resilience through structured money habits.
    * From job-seeking alone to leveraging free government opportunities and saving
    on the payoff.
    * From worrying in silence to growing confidence, emotional control, and direction.

    Postbank is the national savings bank, ready to support every young South African who earns, learns, or aspires—with practical tools and accessible accounts. Postbank is trusted by millions of customers who have saved billions of rands with us. We are here
    to support young people with products that suit their needs. Products like the Smart Saver Account – accessible, competitive and needing as little as you can afford to save When youth learn to manage money, with buffers, budgets, and purpose, they don’t
    just survive, they thrive.

    Let this Youth Month ignite a movement, fuelled by practical habits, economic inclusion, and holistic well-being. We invite every young person to begin with building a savings buffer and continue toward a life of stability and possibilities. Partnering with the youth can help us enable their destiny, one rand, one habit, one goal at a time.

    *Thamsanqa Cele is the Chief Commercial Executive at PostBank

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: High-tech exhibits at the 9th China-South Asia Expo attract many visitors

    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

    KUNMING, June 23 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo is being held in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, from June 19 to 24, featuring high-tech exhibits in such fields as digital economy, artificial intelligence, green energy and low-altitude economy, attracting the attention of many visitors.

    KUNMING, June 23 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo is being held in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, from June 19 to 24, featuring high-tech exhibits in such fields as digital economy, artificial intelligence, green energy and low-altitude economy, attracting the attention of many visitors.

    KUNMING, June 23 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo is being held in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, from June 19 to 24, featuring high-tech exhibits in such fields as digital economy, artificial intelligence, green energy and low-altitude economy, attracting the attention of many visitors.

    KUNMING, June 23 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo is being held in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, from June 19 to 24, featuring high-tech exhibits in such fields as digital economy, artificial intelligence, green energy and low-altitude economy, attracting the attention of many visitors.

    KUNMING, June 23 (Xinhua) — The 9th China-South Asia Expo is being held in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, from June 19 to 24, featuring high-tech exhibits in such fields as digital economy, artificial intelligence, green energy and low-altitude economy, attracting many visitors.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Minister Valdez to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 21, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario

    The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), made the following statement:

    “Today, I join communities across the country in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day.

    “This is a time to honour the rich histories, vibrant cultures and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. From coast to coast to coast, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of Indigenous communities.

    “Today, more than 50,000 small businesses are majority-owned by Indigenous entrepreneurs. Indigenous-led businesses are fuelling economic growth and uplifting communities across the country.

    “In 2023 alone, Indigenous tourism operators generated an estimated 34,700 jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity. These numbers tell a powerful story of resilience and innovation and highlight the vital role Indigenous businesses play in our tourism economy.

    “As Minister of Women and Gender Equality, I am committed to supporting Indigenous-led efforts to end gender-based violence. Through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence and the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples, our government is working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to develop policies and fund programs to end the national crisis facing Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. This work is essential to healing, justice and safety for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, wherever they live.

    “Our government is deeply committed to advancing reconciliation and to building lasting partnerships with Indigenous Peoples by supporting entrepreneurs, fostering economic opportunity and building an inclusive economy that leaves no one behind.

    “Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: SenturoPay Launches Comprehensive Crypto Payment Card for Everyday Users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SenturoPay, a fast-growing digital finance platform, today announced the official launch of its all-in-one crypto payment card, developed to help users manage and utilize their digital assets in everyday life. With features designed to send, swap, and spend crypto, the platform delivers a real-world solution for individuals looking to simplify how they interact with their crypto holdings.

    “This isn’t a tech showcase—it’s a lifestyle tool,designed with our users’ convenience in mind.” said a Co-Founder at SenturoPay.
    “We’ve built a crypto experience that mirrors what users already expect from modern finance—clear, responsive, and practical.”

    Making Crypto Work for the Real World

    While crypto adoption continues to expand, many platforms remain focused on trading or storage, leaving users with limited ways to access their assets for real-world needs. SenturoPay fills that gap by offering a comprehensive crypto app and payments system tailored for ease of use and day-to-day functionality.

    With just a few taps, users can:

    • Send crypto instantly to other users or external wallets
    • Swap crypto between supported tokens directly in the app
    • Spend crypto using virtual cards linked to their balances

    Everything is managed through a centralized, secure dashboard, giving users full control and visibility over their digital finances.

    Key Platform Features

    • Send Crypto Instantly
      Seamlessly transfer digital assets to peers, with zero unnecessary steps or manual delays.
    • Swap Crypto On-Demand
      Convert between supported tokens through a built-in swap function—no need for third-party exchanges.
    • Spend Crypto Securely
      Create virtual crypto cards that can be used online, funded directly from the user’s appin real time.
    • Unified App Interface
      A clean and intuitive dashboard helps users track balances, view transaction history, and manage activity without confusion.

    Designed for Mass Adoption

    SenturoPay is intentionally built for a wide range of users—from crypto newcomers to digital natives. Its emphasis on clarity, simplicity, and utility sets it apart from platforms that require a steep learning curve or technical fluency.

    “We’ve designed SenturoPay so that anyone—regardless of their crypto background—can access, manage, and use their assets confidently,”
    added the spokesperson.
    “It’s about giving people tools that make digital money practical, not just possible.”

    About SenturoPay

    SenturoPay is a digital finance platform focused on turning crypto into a usable, everyday financial tool. With a strong emphasis on simplicity, security, and practical use cases, the platform offers users a streamlined way to send crypto, swap tokens, and spend digital assets through one integrated experience.

    To learn more, visit SenturoPay’s official website.

    The MIL Network –

  • Iran issues stark warning to Trump ‘the gambler’: We will end this war

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran said on Monday that the U.S. attack on its nuclear sites expanded the range of legitimate targets for its armed forces and called U.S. President Donald Trump a “gambler” for joining Israel’s military campaign against the Islamic Republic.

    Since Trump joined Israel’s campaign by dropping massive bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday morning, Iran has repeatedly threatened to retaliate.

    But while it has continued to fire missiles at Israel, it has yet to take action against the United States itself, either by firing at U.S. bases or by targeting the 20% of global oil shipments that pass near its coast at the mouth of the Gulf.

    “Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it,” Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, said on Monday in English at the end of a recorded video statement.

    Iran and Israel traded another wave of air and missile strikes on Monday as the world braced for Tehran’s response.

    Trump’s administration has repeatedly said that its aim is solely to destroy Iran’s nuclear programme, not to open a wider war.

    But in a social media post on Sunday, Trump openly spoke of toppling the hardline clerical rulers who have been Washington’s principal foes in the Middle East since Iran’s 1979 revolution.

    “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” he wrote.

    Experts surveying commercial satellite imagery said it appeared that the U.S. attack had severely damaged the site of Iran’s Fordow nuclear plant, built inside a mountain, and possibly destroyed it and the uranium-enriching centrifuges it housed, although there was no independent confirmation.

    Trump called the strike a “Bullseye!!!”.

    “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran,” he wrote. “The biggest damage took place far below ground level.”

    MORE ISRAELI STRIKES

    Israel’s airstrikes on Iran have met little resistance from Iranian defences since Israel launched its surprise attack on June 13, killing many of Iran’s top commanders.

    The Israeli military said on Monday that about 20 jets had conducted a wave of strikes against military targets in western Iran and Tehran overnight. ⁠In Kermanshah, in western Iran, missile and radar infrastructure was targeted, and in Tehran a surface-to-air missile launcher was struck, it said.

    Iranian news agencies reported air defences had been activated in central Tehran districts, and Israeli air strikes had hit Parchin, the location of a military complex southeast of the capital.

    Iran says more than 400 people have been killed in the Israeli attacks, mostly civilians, but has released few images of the damage since the initial days of the bombing. Tehran, a city of 10 million people, has largely emptied, with residents fleeing to the countryside to escape attacks.

    Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes on Israel have killed 24 people, all civilians, and injured hundreds, the first time a significant number of Iranian missiles have ever penetrated Israeli defences.

    The Israeli military said a missile launched from Iran in the early hours of Monday had been intercepted by Israeli defences. Air raid sirens blared overnight in Tel Aviv and other parts of central Israel.

    LIMITED RETALIATION

    Beyond those missiles, Iran’s ability to retaliate is far more limited than a few months ago, since Israel inflicted defeat on Iran’s most feared regional proxy force, Hezbollah in Lebanon, whose downfall was swiftly followed by that of Iran’s most powerful client ruler, Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.

    Iran’s most effective threat to hurt the West would probably be to restrict global oil flows from the Gulf. Oil prices spiked on Monday at their highest since January. But they have not yet shot up to crisis levels, indicating that traders see a path out of the conflict that avoids serious disruption.

    Brent crude futures were down 0.5% to $76.64 a barrel as of 0830 GMT, after briefly jumping above $80 at the opening.

    Iran’s parliament has approved a move to close the Strait of Hormuz that leads into the Gulf, which would require approval from the Supreme National Security Council, a body led by an appointee of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    Attempting to strangle the strait could send global oil prices skyrocketing, derail the world economy and invite conflict with the U.S. Navy’s massive Fifth Fleet that patrols the Gulf from its base in Bahrain.

    “It’s economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

    As Tehran weighed its options, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was expected to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. The Kremlin has a strategic partnership with Iran, but also close links with Israel.

    Speaking in Istanbul on Sunday, Araqchi said his country would consider all possible responses and there would be no return to diplomacy until it had retaliated. TASS news agency later quoted him as saying Iran and Russia were coordinating their positions.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Industrial Strategy to boost growth and jobs in Wales

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Industrial Strategy to boost growth and jobs in Wales

    Modern Industrial Strategy will make the UK the best country to invest in and grow a business and support tens of thousands of new jobs in Wales.

    The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy

    • Electricity costs for thousands of businesses to be slashed by up to 25%   
    • UK Government to establish a centre for doctoral training in semiconductors, led by Swansea University
    • Welsh businesses to benefit from innovation funding, access to finance, faster grid connections and better-equipped sites for expansion. 

    Wales is set for increased economic growth, billions in investment and tens of thousands of new jobs supported over the next decade as a result of the UK Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which is published today (Monday 23 June).  

    The Strategy contains measures to forge a new relationship between business and government, making Wales and the UK the best place to start and scale up a business. 

    It will unlock growth across Wales, targeting areas of strength from the country’s strengths in aerospace in North Wales to the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales.   

    More than 7,000 UK businesses are set to see their electricity bills slashed by up to 25%. British manufacturers currently pay some of the highest electricity prices in the developed world— in some cases, double the European average, while businesses looking to expand or modernise have faced delays when it comes to connecting to the grid.

    For too long these challenges have held back growth and made it harder for firms to compete globally. Today’s announcement marks a decisive shift — with government stepping in to support industry and unlock the UK’s economic potential.

    From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour for over 7,000 electricity-intensive businesses in manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace and chemicals.

    These firms, which support over 300,000 skilled jobs across the UK will be exempt from paying levies such as the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market — helping level the playing field and make them more internationally competitive. Eligibility and further details on the exemptions will be determined following consultation, which will be launched shortly.

    The UK Government is also increasing support for the most energy-intensive firms — like steel, chemicals, and glass — by covering more of the electricity network charges they normally have to pay through the British Industry Supercharger. These businesses currently get a 60% discount on those charges, but from 2026, that will increase to 90%. This means their electricity bills will go down, helping them stay competitive, protect jobs, and invest in the future.

    These reforms complement the government’s long-term mission for clean power, which is the only way to bring down bills for good by ending the UK’s dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets.

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change. 

    Wales is already punching above its weight in many of the growth driving sectors set out in the Industrial Strategy. 

    The key measures for Wales are: 

    • More than £4bn for the advanced manufacturing sector in the UK over the next 5 years. Wales has a leading advanced manufacturing sector with companies such as Airbus based in Broughton in north Wales. 

    • UK Government to establish a centre for doctoral training in semiconductors, led by Swansea University, building on the world-leading cluster based in south Wales.   

    • A Defence Growth Deal cluster to build on Wales’s major strengths. The top five Ministry of Defence suppliers all have a footprint in Wales. 

    • A new British Business Bank champion for the Cardiff Capital Region to connect investors with businesses and kickstart growth. 

    • £30m for a Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in Wales to work with the Welsh Government and Innovate UK to grow innovation.  

    • The National Wealth Fund working with the Development Bank of Wales to identify and secure financing for investment projects in Wales. 

    • Support for the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator, enhanced regional support from the Office for Investment, National Wealth Fund, and British Business Bank, and more. 

    • Strengthened support from the Office for Investment to help identify, shape and deliver strategic investment opportunities across the UK. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

    This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

    In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the plan for change.

    This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 

    Wales has huge potential and our government’s Industrial Strategy will harness the strengths of our businesses and workforce to drive growth and create jobs. 

    The strategy will support key sectors like aerospace and compound semiconductors while developing industries of the future like floating offshore wind where Wales is well-placed to be a world leader. 

    Our modern Industrial Strategy is built to last and make Wales one of the best places to invest and do business. Working alongside Welsh Government we will boost growth, raise wages and create wealth across our country.”  

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    We’ve said from day one Britain is back in business under this government, and the £100 billion of investment we’ve secured in the past year shows our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people. 

    Our Modern Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK is the best country to invest and do business, delivering economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets and pays for our NHS, schools and military. 

    Not only does this Strategy prioritise investment to attract billions for new business sites, cutting-edge research, and better transport links, it will also make our industrial energy prices globally competitive.  

    Tackling energy costs and fixing skills has been the single biggest ask of us from businesses and the greatest challenge they’ve faced – this government has listened, and now we’re taking the bold action needed. Government and business working hand in hand to make working people better of is what this Government promised and what we will deliver.” 

    Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair of Fintech Wales, said:

    We are delighted to see financial services recognised as a key sector in this Industrial Strategy. We look forward to working closely with the Government to help unlock the sector’s full potential. 

    The emphasis on AI and the compute power required to support its development is particularly welcome, as we begin to see generative AI driving innovation across financial services—empowering both providers and customers through the next generation of digital banking platforms.

    Frank Holmes, Founding Partner of Gambit Corporate Finance and Chair of the Cardiff Capital Region Investment Board, said: 

    Today’s announcements mark a timely and important shift towards a connected, strategic approach to economic growth. The renewed focus on industrial strategy and SME finance speaks directly to the opportunities we are unlocking in the Cardiff Capital Region. We have backed innovative and scalable businesses like Whisper TV, showcasing how tailored regional finance can drive job creation, innovation and global reach.  

    The UK’s commitment to extending SME access to finance aligns perfectly with the ecosystem we are building  in CCR as a proven delivery partner and a model for regional economic development.” 

    Louise Harris, CEO of Tramshed Tech in Cardiff, said: 

    The launch of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy is a pivotal moment for our tech and innovation ecosystem. By aligning local strengths with national ambition, this strategy provides a powerful platform for Welsh businesses to grow, attract investment and lead in emerging sectors such as technology, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.  

    This strategy recognises that innovation isn’t just about technology in isolation – it’s about creating sustainable, high-quality jobs while tackling real-world challenges. This approach will create the perfect environment for startups and scale-ups to thrive, knowing they have both the infrastructure, skills and strategic support to take their innovations from Wales to the world.” 

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change. 

    Investment from private companies is essential to creating new jobs, growing the economy and securing public services. That is why the Strategy will also introduce measures to make it quicker, easier and more profitable for businesses to invest in the UK, with the aim of significantly increasing businesses investment and in key growth sectors by 2035 and helping to create 1.1 million well paid jobs across all corners of the UK. 

    It will realise Wales’ economic potential and raise wages and living standards to a level that the people of Wales deserve.  

    The UK Government’s plans address the main barriers to growth, making it easier and quicker to do business and invest in Wales.  

    The Strategy’s bold plan of action includes: 

    • Slashing electricity costs by 20-25% to level the playing field for energy-hungry industries like chemicals and key growth sectors like automotive. 

    • Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs by increasing British Business Bank capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital.  

    • Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators.   

    • Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2bn for AI over the Spending Review, and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors. Regulatory changes will further clear the path for fast-growing industries and innovative products such as biotechnology, AI, and autonomous vehicles.

    • Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migrations reforms and a new the Global Talent Taskforce.  

    • Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.  

    Five sector plans have also been published today:

    • Advanced Manufacturing – Backing our Advanced Manufacturing sector with up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years, with the aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35 million, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight.

    • Clean Energy Industries – Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035, with Great British Energy helping to build the clean power revolution in Britain with a further £700 million in clean energy supply chains, taking the total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion.

    • Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports.

    • Digital and Technologies – Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses, with more than £2 billion to drive the AI Action Plan, including a new Sovereign AI Programme and targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies such as cyber security in Northern Ireland, semiconductors in Wales and quantum technologies in Scotland. 

    • Professional and Business Services – Ensuring our Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry, revolutionising the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI and working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Inclusive job fair to be held this week

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Labour & Welfare Bureau and the Labour Department will jointly stage the Talent-Wise Inclusive Job Fair in San Po Kong this Wednesday and Thursday, with more than 700 vacancies on offer to job seekers with disabilities.

    Industries represented at the fair include information technology, finance, transport, catering, hotel, property management and social services.

    More than 40 organisations will participate, with over 20 hosting booths and conducting recruitment each day.

    The positions on offer include systems analyst, accounting assistant, clerk, technician, marketing assistant, customer service officer, room attendant, warehouse worker, railway technical trainee, automotive mechanic apprentice, graphic designer, library material maintenance assistant, cook, waiter, multi-skilled cleaner, property service assistant, laundry steam presser, hair therapist, beauty salon assistant and receptionist.

    Job seekers can submit applications and may be selected for on-the-spot interviews. They can also make enquiries about and register for the employment services provided for persons with disabilities by the department’s Selective Placement Division at its counter.

    The job fair will be held from 10.30am to 5pm at G/F, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals’ TungPo, in San Po Kong, Kowloon.

    Admission is free, and the final admission time will be at 4.30pm each day.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tech innovators backed to set up and scale up in Britain through Industrial Strategy

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Tech innovators backed to set up and scale up in Britain through Industrial Strategy

    Ambitious Digital and Technologies Sector Plan to help deliver government’s modern Industrial Strategy to drive national renewal and our Plan for Change.

    • Ambitious Digital and Technologies Sector Plan to help deliver government’s modern Industrial Strategy to drive national renewal and our Plan for Change
    • £670 million in investment to accelerate impact of quantum computers from energy to healthcare
    • Engineering biology researchers in line for £380 million to advance cutting-edge research such as in life-saving medicines and sustainable food

    Innovators driving future technologies like quantum computers to deliver new life-saving medicines and semiconductors powering the next generation of mobile phones are being backed by well over £1 billion to set up and scale up their businesses in Britain, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has announced.

    Investment will include landmark funding for the UK’s mission to develop quantum computers that could unearth game-changing discoveries for our health and environment, the establishment of a new national semiconductor centre laser-focused on helping firms to scale-up, and new backing for engineering biology researchers working on everything from new vaccines to eco-friendly fuels.

    The package will drive the Digital and Technologies Sector Plan within our modern Industrial Strategy published today (Monday 23 June), a pivotal moment in the government’s agenda for national renewal and in supporting our mission as part of the Plan for Change to deliver the highest sustained economic growth in the G7.

    To ensure the UK is in pole position to make the most of quantum computing’s potential to improve our everyday lives, £670 million will be dedicated to accelerating the application of this revolutionary technology.

    It makes the National Quantum Computing Centre one of the first organisations to receive a 10-year funding settlement, providing long-term certainty to researchers that marks Britain as the place to do business when it comes to cutting edge tech.

    By 2035, the UK aims to develop quantum computers capable of outperforming conventional supercomputers, potentially meaning new drugs for incurable diseases or better carbon capture technologies, supporting our missions of building an NHS that is fit for the future and making Britain a green clean energy superpower as part of the plan for change.

    Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said:

    Britain is full of ambitious risk-takers driven by a desire to innovate and improve people’s everyday lives. It is on us in government to match that boldness by investing in our country’s immense potential and embracing businesses who can drive that change and grow our economy.

    From quantum computers that could revolutionise drug discovery and make the NHS fit for the future, to sustainable fuels that can make the UK a clean energy superpower, science and technology has a key part to play in delivering our modern Industrial Strategy to renew our country and support our Plan for Change.

    In engineering biology, a £380 million investment will support researchers working on everything from new life-saving medicines to cell-cultivated meats and climate-resilient crops, to protect our environment and strengthen food security.

    Of this, £184 million will help bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and commercial applications through infrastructure supporting innovators to scale up. The remaining £196 million will be invested in research and development through the National Engineering Biology Programme, bolstering the UK’s significant strengths in this field.

    Further initial investment includes:

    The commitment of £54 million to bring the world’s top science and tech talent to the UK. As the UK competes for the highest skilled individuals in priority industries, the launch of the government’s Global Talent Taskforce signals a greater focus on targeting and attracting the brightest and best talent to supercharge growth.

    A new UK Semiconductor Centre, backed by up to £19 million, will serve as a single point of contact for global firms and governments to engage with the UK semiconductor sector, helping our ambitious firms to scale-up, form new partnerships and strengthen the UK’s role in global supply chains – benefiting us all in helping to grow the economy.

    £35 million to scale up the recently announced Semiconductor Talent Expansion Programme – including new chip design courses for students, bursaries, schools outreach, and a proposed master’s conversion course to help more people move into the sector.

    £370 million for cutting-edge, UK-developed technologies to deliver advanced connectivity improving coverage for communities, providing connectivity across transport networks, and supporting defence applications – like drones.

    It includes a £240 million Advanced Connectivity Tech R&D programme, and a further £130 million will go towards strengthening the capabilities of the UK Telecoms Lab, enhancing the security and reliability of our networks.

    Building on a successful round of semiconductor Innovation and Knowledge Centres launched earlier this year, the government is providing funding for 2 additional centres, backed by £25 million.

    £10 million to expand Cyber ASAP supporting 25 academic teams annually, plus £2 million for Belfast’s Cyber AI Hub, aiming to support 28 academic spinouts by 2030.

    £6 million to extend Cyber Runway accelerator, supporting 60 startups annually with mentoring, skills development and networking to improve survival rates and growth.

    £24 million to promote CHERI blueprint adoption for designing secure next-generation chips.

    Find the full modern Industrial Strategy here.

    Notes to editors

    Further funding set out in the strategy includes:

    • Up to £330 million investment through the National Security Strategic Investment Fund for UK security and defence capabilities, plus a second year of the Science and Technology Venture Capital Fellowship to support digital and technology investments.
    • The Sector Plan also highlights AI as a frontier technology, following £2 billion committed at the Spending Review to implement the AI Opportunities Action Plan. The investment reaffirms the government’s commitment to deliver all 50 recommendations outlined in the Plan and underpins the Industrial Strategy’s approach to prioritise frontier technologies with the greatest growth potential.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPIEF-2025: GUU Reveals Secrets of Effective Interaction between Business and Youth

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On June 21, at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the State University of Management took part in the session “Investments in the Future: How Business Inspires and Supports Youth Initiatives.”

    The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova, Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev, heads of higher education institutions and representatives of major companies. The meeting was moderated by Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Pavel Pavlovsky.

    Those gathered discussed mechanisms for cooperation between business and education, the role of educational initiatives in training personnel, and new formats for interaction with young people in modern business.

    Vladimir Stroev spoke about the initiatives being implemented at the State University of Management, which are aimed at supporting and developing social entrepreneurship.

    “The State University of Management has developed a systemic approach to training future entrepreneurs, which begins at school. Thus, we are implementing a program of entrepreneurship classes, in key children’s educational centers, GUU employees conduct a practice-oriented educational intensive “Course on Business and Entrepreneurship”. Together with the united company Wildberries and Russ, we are implementing a project for an online school for future entrepreneurs, a children’s business school. The Olympiad on entrepreneurship is being developed. We believe that one can become an entrepreneur in any sector of the economy, the main thing is to teach the future entrepreneur the key mechanisms and tools.

    One of the most important areas for our university that improves the quality of life of citizens is social entrepreneurship. Thus, GUU has been the operator of the All-Russian competition for social entrepreneurs “My Good Business” for the third year already,” concluded Vladimir Stroyev.

    Taking this opportunity, the rector of the State University of Management invited everyone to the award ceremony for the winners of the competition, which will take place in the Central House of Entrepreneurs in Moscow on July 27.

    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 Banking: Development Asia: Cooling Without Warming: Policy Solutions for Asia’s Rising Cooling Demand

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Develop an effective legislative framework for climate-friendly cooling.

    For developing Asia, establishing a robust legislative framework is essential to enable climate-friendly cooling. Best practices from advanced economies, such as the European Union (EU), Japan, and the United States, can inform the development of integrated energy conservation and clean air legislation to support commitments to carbon reduction and the phaseout of high-GWP refrigerants. A strong legislative foundation allows for the phased implementation of more specific policies and measures.

    Within such frameworks, several countries and regions have developed sector-level strategies and action plans. Examples include the EU’s Heating and Cooling Strategy and the PRC’s National Green Cooling Action Plan, which enforce targeted measures and standards. Others have launched directives and programs focused on deploying low-carbon cooling technologies in buildings, households, and appliances, such as California’s Building Energy Benchmarking Program, Home Energy Rating System, and Energy Partnership Program. Some jurisdictions have also integrated cooling sector policies with renewable energy initiatives, such as the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive.

    Improve standards and labeling systems, and enhance compliance with efficiency standards.

    Governments across Asia should consider establishing minimum energy efficiency standards for cooling appliances and phasing out outdated or inefficient equipment. Japan’s Top Runner Program offers a valuable model—setting energy efficiency requirements based on the most efficient product currently available in the market. These standards should be regularly reviewed and progressively tightened. Benchmarking against the most stringent global standards and developing a clear timeline for alignment can help accelerate progress.

    Enforcing a mandatory labeling system is also highly beneficial. Energy labels provide consumers with essential information about the energy performance and refrigerant type of air-conditioning and refrigeration products, enabling more informed purchasing decisions. To be effective, this information should be prominently displayed and easily understood by the average consumer.

    Promote low-carbon cooling in public buildings.

    Governments can support this goal by implementing procurement policies that prioritize low-carbon cooling equipment in the public sector. For example, the government of the PRC maintains a catalog of recommended energy-saving products for government procurement, which includes high-efficiency air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Public institutions are encouraged to prioritize items from this list when purchasing energy-consuming equipment. Regular updates to the catalog are essential to ensure that selected products maintain optimal energy performance and continue to deliver environmental benefits.

    Governments can also introduce policies and pilot programs to integrate renewable energy into public sector cooling systems. For instance, regulations could require that a minimum percentage of available rooftop or surface area on public buildings be dedicated to photovoltaic (solar) power generation.

    Develop incentive policies to encourage behavior change.

    For low-carbon cooling projects that are not yet widely adopted but offer significant social and environmental benefits, governments should prioritize providing incentives and support to scale up their implementation. For example, the Japanese government has promoted the use of low-GWP natural refrigerants as alternatives to HFCs. However, adoption has been limited due to high upfront costs. To address this, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment offers subsidies covering a portion of the machinery and installation costs for companies that replace or install equipment using natural refrigerants, thereby encouraging the transition to more climate-friendly refrigeration technologies.

    Governments should design incentive policies that motivate individuals to adopt energy-efficient behaviors. The PRC, through its Green and High Energy Efficiency Cooling Action Plan, encourages local governments to introduce incentives for purchasing high-efficiency cooling appliances. These may include rebates for energy-efficient products and trade-in programs that allow consumers to exchange low-efficiency appliances for more efficient alternatives.

    Monitor and regulate refrigerants and cooling equipment from a life-cycle perspective

    Governments should require the registration of all stages of high-GWP refrigerant handling, including production, import, sale, and recycling. Additionally, mandatory regular leak inspections and maintenance record-keeping for existing cooling equipment should be enforced.

    Finance large-scale deployment.

    One effective strategy is to establish co-financing mechanisms through partnerships among the public sector, multilateral development banks, and private investors. By leveraging government incentive funds and concessional loans from development banks, these partnerships can unlock commercial capital and reduce financial barriers.

    Creating revolving loan funds dedicated to low-carbon cooling projects can also expand financing opportunities. These funds can provide continuous support for new initiatives by reinvesting repayments into future projects, thereby sustaining momentum and scaling up deployment across regions.

    Take an integrated approach and encourage collective efforts.

    Policy solutions for climate-friendly cooling should be designed as part of a holistic package. This means that regulations, policies, standards, and tools must be coordinated to support and reinforce one another, rather than functioning in isolation.

    For example, under its net-zero emissions commitment, the EU has implemented a suite of interconnected regulations including the Energy Efficiency Directive, Renewable Energy Directive, Industrial Emissions Directive, European Commission-mandated regulations, and governance regulations. These high-level frameworks are complemented by specific policy measures and initiatives that ensure effective implementation and alignment across sectors.

    Build capacity for low-carbon cooling.

    Capacity building and knowledge dissemination are key for promoting energy efficiency improvements. Governments in Asia can take policy measures (e.g., promoting the use of appropriate cost–benefit assessment tools) to help customers understand that the long-term economic losses from using low-efficiency equipment often outweigh the initial investment in high-efficiency alternatives.

    Poor operational management also contributes to unnecessary energy waste. Therefore, capacity-building efforts should focus on equipping users with the skills needed to manage and operate cooling equipment more efficiently.

    It is also necessary to strengthen the capacity of financial institutions to address the financing gaps that hinder the adoption of low-carbon cooling technologies.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • India goes green: landmark tender to fuel fertilizers with clean ammonia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a Navratna Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has floated a landmark tender for the offtake of green ammonia. The move marks a significant step towards decarbonizing the fertilizer sector, which is currently dependent on fossil fuel-based hydrogen for ammonia production.

    The tender, issued on June 7, 2024, invites bids for the supply of 7.24 lakh tonnes of green ammonia annually. It covers 13 fertilizer plants across the country and falls under Tranche I of Mode 2A of the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Scheme. The last date for bid submissions is June 26, 2025.

    Ammonia is a key input in the production of urea and other nitrogen-based fertilizers. At present, it is largely produced using hydrogen derived from imported natural gas, leading to considerable carbon emissions. SECI’s new tender seeks to change this by using renewable energy to produce green hydrogen and, consequently, green ammonia. The aim is to enable low-emission, domestically sourced fertilizer production.

    To make the transition financially viable, the government is offering production-linked incentives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. These include subsidies of ₹8.82 per kilogram in the first year, ₹7.06 in the second, and ₹5.30 in the third—amounting to a total support of ₹1,533.4 crore. A robust Payment Security Mechanism has also been put in place to safeguard suppliers from delays in payments by fertilizer companies.

    The tender process will follow SECI’s e-reverse auction model to ensure transparency and competitive price discovery. The contracts will run for a 10-year period, providing market certainty and encouraging long-term investment.

    India consumes approximately 17-19 million tonnes of ammonia annually, with more than 50% of its hydrogen requirement used in fertilizer production. However, most of this is derived from imported natural gas. SECI’s initiative is expected to drastically cut this dependence, reduce exposure to global gas price fluctuations, and lower the trade deficit. Producing green hydrogen emits less than 2 kg of CO₂ per kilogram, compared to up to 12 kg CO₂ from conventional grey hydrogen.

    The tender is seen as a solution to the “chicken-and-egg” problem that has stalled progress in the hydrogen sector. By aggregating demand and securing long-term offtake agreements, SECI is aiming to provide the necessary momentum to build a strong domestic green hydrogen and ammonia ecosystem. It is also expected to support investment in electrolyser manufacturing and other clean energy segments.