Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI China: China earmarks 150 million yuan for natural disaster response

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

    BEIJING, July 9 — China has earmarked 150 million yuan (about 20.97 million U.S. dollars) from its central natural-disaster-relief fund to support relief efforts in regions affected by flooding, typhoons and geological disasters, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said on Wednesday.

    An MOF statement said that emergency funds, allocated by the MOF and the Ministry of Emergency Management, were distributed to six provincial-level regions: Zhejiang, Fujian, Sichuan, Chongqing, the Xizang Autonomous Region and Gansu.

    As China has now entered its main flood season, certain regions have been hit frequently by flooding and geological disasters, and Danas — the fourth typhoon of this year — has impacted several southeastern coastal regions and caused secondary disasters, the MOF said.

    The funds will be used to support emergency rescue and relief efforts, focusing on search, rescue and relocation for residents affected by disasters. They will also be used for the detection of secondary disasters, and to repair damaged houses, among other tasks.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: State Grand Jurors issue rare report on continued problem of organized crime run from within state prisons using contraband cellphonesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    strong>(COLUMBIA, SC) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that the 34th and the 35th State Grand Jurors released a Grand Jury Report highlighting the problem of organized crime continuing to be run from within South Carolina prisons, typically by use of contraband cellphones. A recent State Grand Jury trial in Pickens County resulting in life without parole sentences against two inmates for narcotics trafficking highlights the severity of the issue and the efforts of the State Grand Jury to fight the problem.

    “Locking someone up doesn’t make us safer if they’re still running criminal empires from behind bars,” said Attorney General Wilson. “Inmates with contraband cellphones aren’t just continuing their crimes, they’re escalating them. We know how to stop this; the technology already exists and is being used in federal prisons. This is why I am calling on Congress and the FCC to give states the authority to jam these illegal communications and shut these criminal networks down, for good.”

    But it’s not just the public that’s still in danger.

    “Illegal contraband cellphones allow career criminals to prey on innocent victims and continue committing crimes from behind bars,” said Joel E. Anderson, Interim Director of the S.C. Department of Corrections. “The situation is highly dangerous for our staff, other inmates, and our communities. I thank the State Grand Jury for its work to bring this issue to light and Gov. McMaster and the S.C. General Assembly for funding measures to help us identify illegal cellphone signals and hold the criminals accountable.”

    “Las Señoritas” Multi-Defendant Jury Trial

    On Friday, June 27, 2025, following a weeklong joint trial, a Pickens County jury found Darrell (DJ) Foster McCoy, Matthew (Matt) David McCoy, and Randall (RJ) Gene Posey guilty in the “Las Señoritas” State Grand Jury investigation. All three defendants were convicted of Trafficking Methamphetamine, 400 Grams or More (Conspiracy). The trial was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Savanna Goude and Assistant Attorney General Walt Whitmire before the Honorable R. Scott Sprouse.

    Both McCoys were inmates in SCDC when they trafficked the methamphetamine in the Las Senoritas investigation, because they had previously been convicted of trafficking methamphetamine in the Family Tradition State Grand Jury case. Because of their extensive prior criminal records and their continued trafficking of methamphetamine while in prison for that very crime, the Attorney General’s Office had served both McCoys with Notice of Intent to Seek Life Without Parole. Following the jury verdicts of guilty, Judge Sprouse sentenced DJ McCoy and Matthew McCoy to life in prison without parole. Randall Posey, who was not an SCDC inmate, was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

    “The McCoys were so proud of the fact that they were convicted of drug trafficking in the Family Tradition case that they got tattoos that say, ‘Family Tradition.’ Well, they have a new family tradition: being in prison for life without parole,” said Attorney General Wilson.

    During the trial, the witnesses and evidence established that brothers DJ McCoy and Matt McCoy were leaders of an Upstate narcotics trafficking organization, using contraband cell phones within the South Carolina Department of Corrections to coordinate trafficking kilograms of methamphetamine in Pickens, Greenville, Laurens, Anderson, Oconee, and Abbeville Counties. The jury heard testimony that the McCoys directed their various dealers and co-defendants to travel to Atlanta to obtain as much as 30 kilograms a week of cartel methamphetamine for sale and use throughout South Carolina. The jury heard further testimony that Randall Posey was a distributor for the McCoy brothers. The Attorney General’s Office entered 2,849.57 grams of methamphetamine into evidence during the trial and conservatively estimates that over 630 kilograms of methamphetamine was brought into this state at the direction of the McCoys from 2021-2022.

    Three other co-defendants, who were additional narcotics distributors for the McCoy brothers, were also scheduled to stand trial but chose to enter guilty pleas. Joseph Edward Moore pleaded guilty to Trafficking Methamphetamine, 400 Grams or More (Conspiracy), Trafficking Methamphetamine, 400 Grams or More, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime, and Distribution of Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 27 years.

    Tony Eugene McCoy pleaded guilty to Trafficking Methamphetamine, 400 Grams or More (Conspiracy), Financial Transaction Involving Property Derived From Unlawful Drug Activity (Money Laundering), and Trafficking Methamphetamine, 28 Grams or More, But Less Than 100 Grams. He was sentenced to 20 years.

    Travis Mitchell Hendricks pleaded guilty to Trafficking Methamphetamine, 28 Grams or More, But Less Than 100 Grams (Conspiracy) and Financial Transaction Involving Property Derived From Unlawful Drug Activity (Money Laundering). He was sentenced to 20 years.

    “Clean Sweep” Guilty Plea

    On July 1, 2025, Abbygale El-Dier pleaded guilty to child abuse charges against her minor daughter in the Clean Sweep State Grand Jury case. El-Dier pleaded guilty to Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, First Degree, two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, First Degree, and one count of criminal conspiracy. Sentencing was deferred until a later date to be determined, when she will face a sentence of 31 years to imprisonment for life. El-Dier remains in custody.

    Jacob Lance, the alleged co-conspirator, is a Lee prison inmate who is alleged to have used contraband cell phones smuggled into the prison to perpetrate the abuse of the minor victim. He is currently charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor, First Degree (7 counts), Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, First Degree (11 Counts), Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Second Degree (12 Counts), and one count of criminal conspiracy. Given the severity of his prior record for which he is in SCDC, Lance has been notified by the Attorney General’s Office of intent to seek a sentence of life without the possibility of parole for qualifying offenses should a conviction be secured. The trial of Lance is expected to be scheduled in Greenville in the Fall of 2025, date to be determined.

    “Paper Route” Indictments

    In the State Grand Jury investigation Paper Route, SCDC Inmate Wayne A. Hollinshead has been indicted for various offenses, including trafficking marijuana 100 pounds or more, Money Laundering more than $100,000, Criminal Conspiracy, Intimidation of Witnesses, and Obstruction of Justice. Seized in the investigation were approximately $1,000,000 in assets allegedly derived from inmate Hollinshead’s illegal activities directed while in prison using contraband cellphones. These alleged illegally gained assets included balances in checking accounts, savings accounts, cash management accounts, CDs, cryptocurrency, and hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash.      

    Grand Jury Reports of the 34th and 35th South Carolina State Grand Juries

    The State Grand Juries that have been investigating these and other cases with a connection to organized crime and corruption in the prisons called on the FCC and the federal government to allow state prisons to jam contraband cellphones at their facilities. The State Grand Jury Reports stated: “Gang leaders continue to run their criminal organizations once sentenced to prison, and inmate leaders develop new ways to commit crime with organizations they run within the prison walls. These inmate organizations extend their reach into the community, committing complex crimes throughout South Carolina, the United States, and the world.” The Reports stated the inmates were able to do this with “[c]ontraband cell phones illegally smuggled inside the prisons.”

    While applauding the efforts of public officials and prison officers to stem the tide, the State Grand Jury Reports noted that inmate criminal organizations traffic in as much “fentanyl and methamphetamine and cocaine as they ever did,” commit fraud on government benefits “meant to help law-abiding citizens through tough times,” and engage in extortion of and scams on people on the outside. The reports also pointed to the inmates’ control of an extensive contraband trade within the prisons, concluding that “[m]illions of dollars are being made both inside and outside the wire — by the inmates and their associates on the outside,” including corrupt correctional officers and staff, “fellow gang members, friends, wives, girlfriends, and even people groomed by inmates.”  “Whether officer, staff, or just someone on the outside, they all work for the inmates, not the other way around.”

    The Reports noted that SCDC had invested heavily in trying to prevent contraband cell phones from entering the facilities, and while “SCDC is fighting the good fight, but it is not that simple to defeat the criminal mind when that criminal mind can make millions of dollars”.  In response to the outcry for a solution from prisons across the nation, the FCC did allow a managed access program that SCDC has adopted. “Managed access allows a facility to hire certified vendors who can identify unauthorized cell phones within the facility and request that they be ‘bricked’ by providers within two days.”  However, the Reports stated that while managed access has been “worthy of continued effort,” it is “not immediate,” and it is “complicated and requires new capabilities that would be more easily and effectively solved by targeted jamming.”  The report concludes, “[j]amming the cell phone communication of State inmates would immediately eliminate so much of the criminal activities within our state prisons.” 

    Law Enforcement and Prosecutorial Partners in these State Grand Jury Investigations

    The Las Señoritas case was investigated by the South Carolina State Grand Jury and prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Savanna Goude. The State Grand Jury was assisted in this case by a partnership of the Attorney General’s State Grand Jury Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General, the Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, Abbeville County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Laurens County Sheriff’s Department, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Clemson Police Department, Easley Police Department, and Travelers Rest Police Department. 

    The Clean Sweep case was investigated by the South Carolina State Grand Jury, which was assisted in this case by a partnership of the Attorney General’s State Grand Jury Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General, the Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the Simpsonville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Deputy Attorney General David Fernandez, Special Assistant Attorney General Margaret Scott, Assistant Solicitor Courtney Rea, and State Grand Jury Division Chief Attorney Creighton Waters. 

    The Paper Route case was investigated by the South Carolina State Grand Jury, which was assisted in this case by a partnership of the Attorney General’s State Grand Jury Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Deputy Attorney General David Fernandez, Special Assistant Attorney General Margaret Scott, Assistant Solicitor Courtney Rea, and State Grand Jury Division Chief Attorney Creighton Waters. 

    State Grand Jury Chief Attorney S. Creighton Waters thanked all the agencies for their hard work in the case.

    Attorney General Wilson stressed that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

    You can read the State Grand Jury Reports here and here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa: Countries unite to scale up South-South cooperation for agrifood systems transformation

    Source: APO


    .

    A regional event on strengthening South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) in Africa opened today with a call for greater collaboration to unlock shared benefits. Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and hosted by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the two-day event has brought together government ministers, technical experts, private sector leaders and development partners to promote more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems in Africa through South-South and Triangular Cooperation.

    South-South Cooperation is the exchange of resources, technology, and knowledge between developing countries in the Global South, while Triangular Cooperation involves a third party, often a resource partner or multilateral organization, that facilitates or supports these exchanges. Together, SSTC provides an innovative model to accelerate progress on agrifood systems transformation. 

    A strategic moment for collaboration

    As FAO marks its 80th anniversary, the Regional Policy Dialogue on Strengthening South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) for Agrifood System Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa offers a timely opportunity to advance partnerships that deliver concrete results at scale.

    Speaking at the opening session, Stephen Justice Nindi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture of the United Republic of Tanzania, highlighted the value of African-led solutions and inter-regional collaboration. “It is my great pleasure and honour to welcome all of you,” he said. “Accelerating sustainable food systems and agricultural transformation is a top priority for the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.”

    FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa Abebe Haile-Gabriel highlighted FAO’s long role in South-South Cooperation. “This dialogue is especially meaningful as FAO marks its 80th anniversary this year. SSTC is an expression of the solidarity and shared responsibility that FAO was founded upon.” He then shared three priorities to guide SSTC work: “One, SSTC needs to be embedded directly into national plans, budgets, and policies to ensure it is a core strategy, not a side project. Two, we must look beyond traditional donors to the private sector, academia, and farmer organizations to bring new energy and resources. And three, we should rigorously measure our results to prove their value and secure future investment.”

    Director of FAO’s SSTC Division Anping Ye highlighted that FAO Member Nations hold the solutions to many of the challenges the world faces, and FAO’s role is to support countries to work together. “It is the goal and the responsibility of the FAO South-South and Triangular Cooperation team to provide qualified or high-quality services to our member countries,” he said.

    A powerful solution in uncertain times

    The dialogue focuses on six key priorities: strengthening institutional coordination to consolidate SSTC policy frameworks and mobilise resources; promoting scalable innovations in agriculture through cross-country collaboration; enhancing climate resilience and food systems through SSTC mechanisms; facilitating multi-regional partnerships across Africa, Asia and Latin America; aligning SSTC with national strategies and FAO’s Country Programming Frameworks; and formulating practical roadmaps to support the institutionalisation of SSTC and improved inter-ministerial collaboration.

    Day one features country case studies and panel discussions on institutionalising SSTC in national and regional frameworks, including models from Uganda, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. Financing strategies and partnership models are also under discussion, including the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Programme, which has directly benefited over 100,000 people so far.

    Day two will focus on aligning SSTC with national plans, technology transfer and action planning. Breakout groups will work on monitoring, evaluation, and roadmaps for scaling up SSTC efforts within country frameworks.

    Expected outcomes include concrete policy recommendations, strengthened country partnerships, and commitments to follow-up actions such as the creation of inter-ministerial platforms or joint initiatives.

    FAO’s strong track record in Africa

    Sub-Saharan Africa is the region where nearly 80 percent of FAO’s SSTC efforts have taken place. Through partnerships with countries including Brazil, China, Morocco, Venezuela and Viet Nam, FAO has helped transfer knowledge, tools and technologies tailored to African priorities.

    Examples include the deployment of over 290 Chinese experts and 200 scalable technologies in Africa through the FAO-China Trust Fund; technology and knowledge sharing from Viet Nam, supported by Spain, to boost Namibia’s aquaculture sector; Brazil’s successful school meals model adapted in countries such as Senegal and Ethiopia; Moroccan technical support that helped Guinea and Eswatini improve agricultural monitoring and investment planning; and Venezuela-funded rice systems development projects that improved rice production in 10 African countries including Guinea and Nigeria.

    These projects demonstrate how SSTC can drive productivity, support smallholder farmers, and strengthen national institutions. As the Dialogue continues, FAO and its partners remain committed to expanding SSTC as a key mechanism for achieving sustainable development and resilient agrifood systems in Africa.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: CLEAR Launches Concierge – a New Premium, Personalized Airport Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CLEAR (NYSE: YOU), the secure identity platform, today announced CLEAR Concierge–a premium experience that gets travelers through the airport even faster, exclusive to CLEAR+ Members.

    Members can choose from two options: Concierge Express, where a dedicated CLEAR Ambassador meets you curbside and speeds you through the CLEAR+ Lane for a quick, stress-free start to your journey; and Concierge Gate Service, which includes all the benefits of Concierge Express, plus help with check in, bags, directions, and guidance all the way to your gate–perfect for traveling families or seniors.

    “Whether you’re catching a morning flight for work or traveling with your family on vacation, CLEAR Concierge helps you get through even faster every time,” said Caryn Seidman Becker, CEO of CLEAR. “It’s a premium experience that brings ease, predictability, and peace of mind to every journey.”

    CLEAR Concierge is now live at the following major U.S. airports within the CLEAR+ network, with more locations set to launch in the coming months:

    • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
    • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)
    • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
    • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
    • Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
    • Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
    • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
    • Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
    • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
    • Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
    • Denver International Airport (DEN)
    • Orlando International Airport (MCO)
    • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
    • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

    CLEAR Concierge is also expected to operate soon at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

    Travel is hard, and it’s only getting harder. By 2030, U.S. airports are expected to see an additional one million travelers every single day, adding more stress to an already complex journey. CLEAR Concierge is designed to meet this moment—giving travelers a faster, more predictable, premium experience when they need it most.

    CLEAR Concierge services are available for purchase only for CLEAR+ Members. Concierge Express is available for $99 per use and Concierge Gate Service is available for $179 per use. Travelers under 17 can join CLEAR+ Members in the Lane for free.

    Additional information on CLEAR Concierge can be found here.

    About CLEAR
    CLEAR’s mission is to strengthen security and create frictionless experiences. With over 31 million Members and a growing network of partners across the world, CLEAR’s identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether you are traveling, at the stadium, or on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you – making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and friction-free. CLEAR is committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell Member data. For more information, visit clearme.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that any and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those described in the Company’s filings within the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10- K. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

    CLEAR
    media@clearme.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derailment at Denbigh Hall South Junction

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Derailment at Denbigh Hall South Junction

    Investigation into a derailment at Denbigh Hall South Junction, near Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, 26 June 2025.

    The derailed train at Denbigh Hall South Junction (image courtesy of Network Rail).

    At around 12:27 on 26 June 2025, the front bogie of an out-of-service London Northwestern Railway passenger train derailed at Denbigh Hall South Junction on the West Coast Main Line. The derailment occurred on a switch diamond crossing at approximately 15 mph (24 km/h) as the train travelled north on the up slow line shortly after leaving Bletchley station. There were no reported injuries to the four members of staff on the train, however some lines through the junction remained out of use until 16:05 on 29 June 2025 for train recovery and infrastructure repair.

    The train had earlier encountered a technical problem, while forming a southbound passenger service, making it unable to depart southwards from platform 4 at Bletchley. However, it was operational if driven northwards from the opposite end, allowing it to be moved away from the platform. A failed on-track machine had been stabled earlier that day on the only signalled route from the north end of platform 4, so staff at Rugby Rail Operating Centre decided to allow the train to travel in the wrong direction on the up (southbound) slow line. This wrong direction movement required the signaller to instruct the driver to pass the north end platform signal at danger and travel to Denbigh Hall South Junction without the protection normally afforded by the signalling interlocking. The intention was the train would then cross onto the down slow line at the junction and return it to normal signal control for its onward journey northwards to Kings Heath depot near Northampton.

    Our investigation will determine the sequence of events which led to the derailment and will include consideration of:

    • the actions of those involved and any factors that may have influenced them
    • how out of course movements are determined and validated
    • the management of the staff involved in the accident, including the preparation through training and assessment of those undertaking such movements
    • any relevant underlying factors which might have contributed to the derailment.

    Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

    We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website. You can subscribe to automated emails notifying you when we publish our reports.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Kingpin Statute and Money Laundering in Connection with Arizona-Based Transnational Drug Trafficking Organization

    Source: US FBI

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Mexican national illegally residing in Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty in federal court on July 7, 2025, to charges of violating the federal “Kingpin” statute for operating a continuing criminal enterprise as well as money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    Marcos Monarrez-Mendoza, 55, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Monarrez-Mendoza was among 35 individuals charged through a Second Superseding Indictment unsealed in January 2024 for their participation in a domestic and international narcotics and money laundering conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine (read the Second Superseding Indictment news release here).

    In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, at various times from September 2022 to November 2022, Monarrez-Mendoza—a co-leader, along with his son Marcos Monarrez Jr., of the Phoenix-based Monarrez Drug Trafficking Organization—was intercepted over a federal wiretap obtaining hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, millions of fentanyl pills, and kilograms of cocaine from a Mexican national drug supplier. Monarrez-Mendoza provided the drugs to a network of subordinate drug distributors who redistributed them throughout the country, including into western Pennsylvania. Additionally, Monarrez-Mendoza provided over $100,000 in proceeds from the drug sales to couriers who smuggled the money into Mexico to promote the drug trafficking operation.

    Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for December 5, 2025. The law provides for a sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold P. Bernard Jr. and Tonya S. Goodman are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Monarrez-Mendoza.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: McKeesport Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

    Source: US FBI

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 37 months of imprisonment on his conviction of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Richard L. Edwards Jr., 49.

    According to information presented to the Court, Edwards was serving probation following a 2023 conviction for which he was sentenced to five years of county probation and 18 months of electronic home monitoring. While on approved grocery windows on both May 25, 2024, and June 1, 2024, Edwards stopped with his wife at a local firearms store, where his wife purchased a firearm on each occasion. In light of the two unauthorized stops, Westmoreland County Adult Probation conducted a search of Edwards’ residence on August 9, 2024, where they located multiple firearms and ammunition in Edwards’ bedroom and requested the assistance of the McKeesport Police Department. In total, law enforcement seized four firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, and numerous rounds of ammunition from Edwards’ bedroom. Edwards is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition based upon his prior convictions for robbery and simple assault—both of which involved his use and threatened use of a firearm.

    Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended Westmoreland County Adult Probation, the McKeesport Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Edwards.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Charli Capital Announces Proposed Transaction for Strategic Reverse Takeover

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CharliAI Inc. d/b/a Charli Capital (“Charli Capital” or the “Company”), a leading provider of AI-driven infrastructure for capital markets, today announced it has entered into a binding letter agreement (“Letter Agreement”) with 1348514 B.C. Ltd. (“ShellCo”), a reporting issuer in British Columbia and Alberta. The Letter Agreement outlines the proposed acquisition of Charli Capital by ShellCo, resulting in a reverse takeover of ShellCo, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals (the “Proposed Transaction”).

    Charli Capital is transforming capital markets with its breakthrough “Multidimensional AI” platform, delivering real-time, automated insights across both public and private markets. Purpose-built and designed for private investors, family offices, advisors, and fund managers, Charli Capital’s technology is engineered to:

    • Accelerate Diligence & Surface Smart Deals: AI-powered investor relations tools and instant scorecards for alternative investments.
    • Deliver Always-On Market Intelligence: Unified, automated access to financials, valuations, forecasts, and comparable data for both public and private companies.
    • Unlock Private Market Opportunity: Addressing the inefficiencies in private market data, Charli Capital empowers investors with actionable intelligence and transparency in a sector where 99% of companies are private and data is often fragmented or inaccessible.

    Charli Capital’s platform is built on years of advanced R&D in Agentic AI, data science, and leading-edge digital twin technologies to outperform traditional solutions in accuracy, reasoning, and speed.

    “The Proposed Transaction marks a pivotal milestone for Charli Capital,” said Kevin Collins, CEO of Charli Capital. “By becoming a public company through this reverse merger with ShellCo, we will significantly increase awareness of Charli Capital among key stakeholders, accelerate the scale of our AI-powered platform, and deliver next-generation market intelligence to a broader audience of investors, advisors, and institutions.”

    Eric Massie, CEO and Director of ShellCo, added, We are excited to partner with Charli Capital, whose innovative technology and vision align with our commitment to delivering value to shareholders and the broader capital markets ecosystem.”

    The Proposed Transaction positions Charli Capital to accelerate its mission of democratizing access to private and public market intelligence, and is also expected to:

    • Enhance transparency and trust for stakeholders.
    • Expand access to growth capital.
    • Enable broader adoption of Charli Capital’s AI-driven solutions in the global investment community.

    Overview of Proposed Transaction

    • Reverse Takeover Structure: ShellCo will acquire all issued and outstanding equity securities of Charli Capital, resulting in Charli Capital becoming the public entity.
    • Binding Agreement: The Letter Agreement creates binding obligations on both parties, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

    About Charli Capital
    Charli Capital is redefining the future of private investing with a first-of-its-kind dual-sided network, powered by Charli’s multidimensional AI. Our platform empowers investors to uncover hidden opportunities, access high-quality deal flow, and engage in a new era of data-driven, intelligent capital allocation. Charli Capital is where next-generation investment decisions begin.

    Cautionary Statements

    As noted above, completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

    Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular of the Company to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    Forward-Looking Information and Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information.

    Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “will continue”, “will occur” or “will be achieved”. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company will complete the Proposed Transaction; becoming a public company will enhance transparency and trust for stakeholders, expand access to growth capital, and enable broader adoption of Charli’s AI-driven solutions in the global investment community; the resulting issuer will carry out the business of Charli; and the Proposed Transaction will significantly increase awareness of Charli Capital among key stakeholders, accelerate the scale of its AI-powered platform, and deliver next-generation market intelligence to a broader audience of investors, advisors, and institutions.

    Forward-looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Company will have the ability to complete the Proposed Transaction; becoming a public company will give the Company the ability to enhance transparency and trust for stakeholders, expand access to growth capital, and enable broader adoption of Charli’s AI-driven solutions in the global investment community; the resulting issuer will have the ability to carry out the business of Charli; and the Proposed Transaction will have the ability to significantly increase awareness of Charli Capital among key stakeholders, accelerate the scale of its AI-powered platform, and deliver next-generation market intelligence to a broader audience of investors, advisors, and institutions.

    These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the Company will not complete the Proposed Transaction; becoming a public company will not give the Company the ability to enhance transparency and trust for stakeholders, expand access to growth capital, nor enable broader adoption of Charli’s AI-driven solutions in the global investment community; the resulting issuer will not have the ability to carry out the business of Charli; and the Proposed Transaction will not significantly increase awareness of Charli Capital among key stakeholders, accelerate the scale of its AI-powered platform, nor deliver next-generation market intelligence to a broader audience of investors, advisors, and institutions.

    Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

    Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company’s expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

    For media inquiries, please contact:

    Fatema Bhabrawala
    Director of Media Relations
    fbhabrawala@allianceadvisors.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. Announces Date of Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, N.C., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: LOB) today announced that it will report its second quarter 2025 financial results after U.S. financial markets close on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

    In conjunction with this announcement, Live Oak will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results and business outlook on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET.

    The call will be accessible by telephone and webcast using Conference ID: 25229. A supplementary slide presentation will be posted to the website prior to the event, and a replay will be available for 12 months following the event.

    The conference call details are as follows:

    Live Telephone Dial-In
    U.S.: 800.549.8228
    International: +1 646.564.2877
    Pass Code: None Required

    Live Webcast Log-In
    Webcast Link: investor.liveoakbank.com
    Registration: Name and Email Required
    Multi-Factor Code: Provided After Registration

    About Live Oak Bancshares
    Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: LOB) is a financial holding company and parent company of Live Oak Bank. Live Oak Bancshares and its subsidiaries partner with businesses that share a groundbreaking focus on service and technology to redefine banking. To learn more, visit liveoakbank.com

    Contacts:
    Walter J. Phifer | CFO
    910.202.6929

    Claire Parker | Investor Relations
    910.597.1592

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Banzai Appoints Dean Ditto as Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Banzai International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNZI) (“Banzai” or the “Company”), a leading marketing technology company that provides essential marketing and sales solutions, today announced the appointment of Dean Ditto, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective July 14, 2025. Mr. Ditto replaces Interim Chief Financial Officer, Alvin Yip, who will continue with the Company in the role of Chief Accounting Officer.

    Dean Ditto has over 30 years’ experience as a strategic financial leader with a track record of implementing critical business initiatives that drive profitable growth at both public and private companies. Prior to joining Banzai, Mr. Ditto was Chief Financial Officer of Akerna Corp. a SaaS technology company where he led a corporate restructuring plan that produced cost savings of $6 million annually. Previously, he was CFO of Mydecine Innovations Group, Inc., a biotech and life sciences company, where he raised $40 million through public and private offerings to support drug and IP development and operations. As CFO of Sigue Corporation, a closely-held Fintech provider, Mr. Ditto worked to improve the business planning, budgeting and financial analysis processes. He has also served in financial leadership roles at OSI Systems, Dental Lab Holdings, KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Countrywide Home Loans, Giant Bicycle USA, and Ford Motor Company. Mr. Ditto holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Management from Albion College, and holds a Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

    “On behalf of our board and management team, I would like to welcome Dean to the position. We are privileged to have someone of his caliber and financial skill set serve as our CFO,” said Joe Davy, Founder and CEO of Banzai. “I would like to thank Alvin for his contribution in leading us to this inflection point, and welcome Dean’s capabilities in scaling public technology companies. His achievements as well as expertise in financial management of listed companies will make a significant addition to the strategic operation and development of Banzai going forward.”

    Mr. Ditto added, “I am excited to be appointed as CFO as we prepare Banzai for the future in a rapidly evolving market. I look forward to working with Joe, the executive team, and the finance team as we continue to execute on our strategic and financial priorities focused on value-added growth and our commitments to all shareholders.”

    About Banzai

    Banzai is a marketing technology company that provides AI-enabled marketing and sales solutions for businesses of all sizes. On a mission to help their customers grow, Banzai enables companies of all sizes to target, engage, and measure both new and existing customers more effectively. Banzai has over 90,000 customers including RBC, Dell Technologies, New York Life, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thinkific, and ActiveCampaign. Learn more at www.banzai.io. For investors, please visit https://ir.banzai.io.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “target,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “propose,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar variations and expressions. Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding Banzai International, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”): future financial, business and operating performance and goals; annualized recurring revenue and customer retention; ongoing, future or ability to maintain or improve its financial position, cash flows, and liquidity and its expected financial needs; potential financing and ability to obtain financing; acquisition strategy and proposed acquisitions and, if completed, their potential success and financial contributions; strategy and strategic goals, including being able to capitalize on opportunities; expectations relating to the Company’s industry, outlook and market trends; total addressable market and serviceable addressable market and related projections; plans, strategies and expectations for retaining existing or acquiring new customers, increasing revenue and executing growth initiatives; and product areas of focus and additional products that may be sold in the future. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, investors should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the markets in which the Company operates, customer demand, the financial markets, economic, business and regulatory and other factors, such as the Company’s ability to execute on its strategy. More detailed information about risk factors can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors,” and in other reports filed by the Company, including reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

    Investor Relations
    Chris Tyson
    Executive Vice President
    MZ Group – MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    BNZI@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    Media
    Nancy Norton
    Chief Legal Officer, Banzai
    media@banzai.io

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Willis Aviation Services Limited Announces Long-Term Base Maintenance Partnership with Jet2.com

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COCONUT CREEK, Fla., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, announced today that its subsidiary, Willis Aviation Services Limited (“WASL”), a premier provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) services, has secured a commitment from leading leisure airline Jet2.com (“Jet2”) for two base maintenance lines for the upcoming season.

    This announcement follows the successful completion of a single maintenance line for Jet2 this year, highlighting the strong performance and capabilities of the WASL delivery team in Teesside. Building on that success, Jet2 has expanded its commitment by adding a second maintenance line. Both lines will be carried out at WASL’s new state-of-the-art facility located at Teesside International Airport in Northeast England.

    As aircraft maintenance services remain in high demand across the UK and Europe, WASL’s recently announced expansion plans at Teesside add essential capacity to the UK MRO sector to perform heavy maintenance checks, transitional activity and paint for airlines and lessors globally. Further, the new Teesside facility is expected to create a significant number of new highly skilled jobs and contribute to the pipeline of talent that supports both immediate operational needs and long-term skill development in the region.

    “We are thrilled to continue our work supporting Jet2’s fleet at our expanding Teesside facility,” said Austin C. Willis, WLFC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our investment in Teesside enables WASL to deliver essential services for airlines including Jet2 and reflects our commitment to driving local economic growth and creating skilled jobs in the UK aerospace industry.”

    “We are pleased with WASL’s engagement and performance with its base maintenance services for our fleet as we uphold the highest standards of safety, operational excellence and reliability for our customers,” said Chris Hubbard, Director of Engineering & Maintenance at Jet2.com. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with WASL in the 2025 and 2026 season.”

    Willis Lease Finance Corporation

    Willis Lease Finance Corporation (“WLFC”) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services. Willis Sustainable Fuels intends to develop, build and operate projects to help decarbonize aviation.

    Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing  and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

     CONTACT: Lynn Mailliard Kohler
      Director, Global Corporate Communications
      (415) 328-4798

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Little Pepe Surges Past $4.5M as Stage 4 Presale Ends Successfully and Stage 5 Begins

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Little Pepe ($LILPEPE) continues to make waves in the crypto market, officially closing Stage 4 of its presale with a remarkable $4.5 million raised in total. With each stage gaining more traction than the last, the project has now entered Stage 5, pricing its native token at $0.0014.

    The latest milestone makes Little Pepe’s position as one of the most talked-about meme coins of 2025—one that’s backed by real technological innovation.

    Little Pepe — A Meme Coin with Real Tech Power

    Little Pepe is redefining what a meme coin may be by blending cultural hype with serious blockchain generation. At the heart of the project is the Little Pepe Chain, a custom-constructed, Ethereum-based Layer 2 community engineered for speed, scalability, and low costs. This infrastructure allows both customers and investors to transact at high volumes without being laid low with the delays and high gas fees that regularly plague Ethereum’s mainnet.

    By integrating a lightning-speedy EVM Layer 2 protocol, Little Pepe positions itself as greater than only a viral sensation—it turns into a next-generation meme coin built to serve the evolving needs of crypto in 2025. It captures the energy of the meme culture while providing real, scalable infrastructure that helps long-term utility and adoption.

    LILPEPE Ecosystem

    Fueling the ecosystem is the $LILPEPE token, an ERC-20 asset that powers every transaction on the Little Pepe Chain. It’s the utility token at the heart of the project—responsible for gas fees, network operations, and the growing economic activity tied to the Little Pepe movement. With each presale round, demand for the token increases, supported by strong community growth and rising interest from retail investors.

    As Little Pepe continues to expand its presence across social platforms, $LILPEPE is evolving into more than a meme—it’s becoming a recognized asset with long-term potential.

    Stage 5 Now Live at $0.0014

    Following the successful completion of Stage 4, the Stage 5 of the $LILPEPE presale is now officially going on. Priced at $0.0014, $LILPEPE is available exclusively through the official website: littlepepe.com. With earlier phases filling rapidly, many investors are moving quickly to secure their allocation before the next price jump.

    Each presale stage marks a strategic step forward in the project’s roadmap, increasing not only token value but also anticipation for future exchange listings and ecosystem development.

    The Rise of Meme Coins with Utility

    In 2025, meme coins are entering a new phase—one where community appeal must be matched by real-world utility and scalability. Little Pepe exemplifies this evolution. By blending cultural branding with a fully operational Layer 2 blockchain, it stands out as a project that delivers on both hype and infrastructure. As other tokens fade after initial virality, $LILPEPE is building the tools and foundations to remain relevant far beyond its presale stages.

    With $4.5 million raised, a live Stage 5 presale, and an innovative EVM Layer 2 backbone, Little Pepe is proving it’s more than just another meme coin. It’s a high-potential crypto ecosystem built for today’s demands and tomorrow’s growth. As the presale continues, early adopters have a rare opportunity to be part of what could be the most iconic meme coin launch of the year.

    About Little Pepe

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

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

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

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b64e458b-ff9e-43ae-a170-9b19ffb4096b

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 70 percent of Chinese companies registered in Kazakhstan operate in Almaty — media

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Almaty, July 9 /Xinhua/ — Seventy percent of all Chinese companies registered in Kazakhstan operate in Almaty, the Kazinform news agency reported on Wednesday, citing a speech by Almaty Deputy Akim Olzhas Smagulov at the Qazaq Invest Forum-2025.

    The official said that Almaty is ready to become a key investment conductor for Chinese partners. The exemplary relations between the leadership of the two countries and the full support of the Almaty city administration create a solid foundation for long-term cooperation.

    “Today, about 70 percent of all Chinese companies registered in Kazakhstan are successfully operating in Almaty. More than a third of all trade in Almaty is with our Chinese partners, it exceeds 8 billion dollars,” O. Smagulov noted.

    He also reported that there is significant potential for expanding cooperation in absolutely all areas, primarily in the field of high-tech production with high added value. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS continues visit to Seoul, Korea (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to Seoul, Korea, today (July 9). He attended a seminar on the development of capital markets in Hong Kong and Korea, as well as a business luncheon cohosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also held several meetings respectively with the Chairman of the Financial Services Commission of Korea, Mr Kim Byung-hwan, and leaders in the investment sector to exchange views on the landscapes and developments of the financial markets and investment circles, and to promote further collaboration between the two markets.

    In the morning, Mr Chan attended and delivered a keynote speech at the Hong Kong-Korea Capital Markets Conference, organised by CSOP Asset Management. Conference participants included the Chairman of the Korea Financial Investment Association, Mr Seo Yoo-seok, as well as representatives from local pension funds, insurance companies, brokerage firms and other institutional investors and financial institutions.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom commits $101 million to jumpstart critical rebuilding efforts after LA Fires

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 8, 2025

    What you need to know: The $101 million being made available today will support the development of affordable multifamily rental housing in Los Angeles, prioritizing the needs of displaced residents in the fire-devastated regions.

    Los Angeles, California – Six months after the LA Fires, Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced the release of $101 million to help rapidly rebuild critically needed, affordable multifamily rental housing in the fire-devastated Los Angeles region. Thousands of families are still displaced by the wildfires that raged through the Greater Los Angeles Region in January 2025, placing an incredible strain on an already tight rental market.

    Tomiquia Moss, Secretary of the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency: “The State’s special Multifamily Finance Super NOFA will galvanize the collective public-private response to the wildfires in Los Angeles County, expediting and expanding opportunities to build affordable housing for low-income residents. By prioritizing affordable housing projects that are ready to go, these funds will accelerate household stability, climate and health outcomes in communities.”

    Today’s funding

    HCD’s Multifamily Finance Super NOFA (MFSN) allows affordable housing developers to apply to multiple funding programs through a single application. In February 2025, HCD released a MFSN Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) announcing $382 million available for development of affordable multifamily rental housing statewide. A separate $50 million Tribal MFSN was released in March 2025.

    The special MFSN NOFA announced today (MFSN-LA Disaster) provides an additional $101 million in funding to support recovery and rebuilding efforts from 2025 wildfires within Los Angeles County. This MFSN-LA Disaster NOFA has been designed to meet the immediate housing needs of disaster-impacted areas and residents in Los Angeles as quickly as possible by prioritizing projects that are: close to wildfire burn areas; ready to begin construction immediately upon award; and include a resident preference for households displaced by the Los Angeles County wildfires.

    HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez: “HCD has taken a program built on efficiency and further refined it specifically to help the Los Angeles region rebuild from unimaginable tragedy. Our team has gone above and beyond to ensure this program is designed to provide housing stability for fire-displaced families as quickly as possible.”

    This MFSN-LA Disaster NOFA provides a two-phase award process to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing. If funds remain after all applications for shovel-ready projects have been assessed, applications will continue to be accepted for all eligible projects until the funds are expended.

    Funding available through this MFSN-LA Disaster NOFA includes grants for the infrastructure needed to facilitate housing development with a focus on disaster resilience and mitigation, low-interest loans for the development of new multifamily units affordable to low-income and very low-income households, and operating subsidy reserves to support the long-term financial feasibility of the projects. All projects will be required to remain affordable for at least 55 years.

    Multifamily Finance Super NOFA (MFSN)

    This year marks the third round of MFSN, which provides applicants the opportunity to apply simultaneously for a combination of awards from the Multifamily Housing Program (MHP), Supportive Housing MHP, Infill Infrastructure Grant Program, Transit-Oriented Development Program, and Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Program. This is the first MFSN round to offer capitalized operating subsidy reserve funding through MHP to support operations.   

    MFSN makes funds more accessible to developers (including emerging and community-based developers), enables the funding to further serve the lowest-income Californians, and increases the range of potential applicants and target populations to achieve better outcomes in health, climate, and household stability.

    Application materials for MFSN-LA Disaster will be available July 21, 2025. Applicants applying for the first phase of funding must upload all required application documents to the HCD website no later than August 21, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. PDT.

    For more information, including webinars and workshops, please visit HCD’s Multifamily Finance Super NOFA webpage.

    Historic fire recovery 

    Today’s announcement builds on Governor Newsom’s broader efforts to cut red tape and expedite the rebuilding of homes and businesses to support disaster survivors.

    Yesterday, the governor announced the substantial completion of the public debris removal program from more than 10,000 fire damaged parcels — marking the fastest major disaster cleanup in American history. The Governor also signed an executive order removing more barriers to rebuilding homes and schools. He also joined local officials to unveil a new blueprint for recovery, a step-by-step plan to accelerate rebuilding and provide support to impacted families and communities. The near-completion of the public debris removal program comes months ahead of schedule.

    Recent news

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of an additional 18 highly skilled Urban Search and Rescue Team members to Texas to assist with ongoing response efforts related to severe flooding impacts.The deployment includes a total of four…

    News Perris, California — On June 18, 2025, the First Partner visited the Inland Empire to meet with California communities impacted by the Trump Administration’s federal immigration raids. The First Partner visited TODEC, a local nonprofit organization that’s become…

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of skilled Urban Search and Rescue Team members to Texas to assist with ongoing response efforts related to severe flooding impacts. “California stands with all those who have lost loved ones,…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DfE Update: 9 July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    DfE Update: 9 July 2025

    Latest information and actions from the Department for Education about funding, assurance and resource management, for academies, local authorities and further education providers.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Details

    Latest for further education

    Article Title
    Information Adult skills fund: updates to rules and guidance for 2025 to 2026
    Information Maths and English condition of funding
    Information English and maths continuing professional development available
    Information The further education workforce data collection
    Information Discover the latest updates to the Apprenticeship Service

    Latest information for academies

    Article Title
    Information Maths and English condition of funding
    Reminder PE and sports premium data collection
    Events and webinars Academy Finance Professionals July Power Hour: Academy Trust Handbook
    Events and webinars Academies technical update 2025 to 2026
    Events and webinars Financial management service (FMS) comparison matrix

    Latest information for local authorities

    Article Title
    Information Adult skills fund: updates to rules and guidance for 2025 to 2026
    Information Maths and English condition of funding
    Information The further education workforce data collection
    Information Discover the latest updates to the Apprenticeship Service
    Reminder PE and sports premium data collection

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 July 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax® ETFs Announces Distributions on ULTY, TSLY, LFGY, CRSH, YMAX, and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax® today announced distributions for the YieldMax® Weekly Payers and Group A ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF Ticker1 ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency
    Distribution
    per Share
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4
    30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC5 Ex-Date &
    Record
    Date
    Payment
    Date
    CHPY YieldMax® Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.3488 32.97% 0.04% 100.00% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    GPTY YieldMax® AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.2952 32.61% 0.00% 100.00% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    LFGY YieldMax® Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.4817 63.13% 0.00% 100.00% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    QDTY YieldMax® Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.1909 22.51% 0.00% 100.00% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    RDTY YieldMax® R2000 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.3040 34.13% 1.65% 100.00% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    SDTY YieldMax® S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.1398 16.22% 0.07% 100.00% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    ULTY YieldMax® Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly $0.0960 80.35% 0.00% 100.00% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    YMAG YieldMax® Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1263 43.26% 63.17% 90.54% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    YMAX YieldMax® Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1347 51.13% 82.40% 95.41% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    BRKC YieldMax® BRK.B Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.5029 –  –  35.53% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    CRSH YieldMax® Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.2156 56.91% 3.08% 91.57% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    FEAT YieldMax® Dorsey Wright Featured 5 Income ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $1.4445 50.97% 52.99% 0.00% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    FIVY YieldMax® Dorsey Wright Hybrid 5 Income ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $1.0277 33.52% 35.26% 0.00% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    GOOY YieldMax® GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.3077 33.16% 3.29% 0.00% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    OARK YieldMax® Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.3439 50.21% 2.88% 95.16% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    SNOY YieldMax® SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.4710 35.69% 2.27% 62.42% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    TSLY YieldMax® TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.3873 65.00% 2.76% 82.33% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    TSMY YieldMax® TSM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.6378 50.37% 2.87% 95.76% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    XOMO YieldMax® XOM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.3649 36.44% 3.62% 92.57% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    YBIT YieldMax® Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.3812 46.36% 1.54% 87.99% 7/10/25 7/11/25
    Weekly Payers & Group B ETFs scheduled for next week: CHPY GPTY LFGY QDTY RDTY SDTY ULTY YMAG YMAX BABO DIPS FBY GDXY JPMO MARO MRNY NVDY PLTY


    Standardized Performance and Fund details can be obtained by clicking the ETF Ticker in the table above or by visiting us at
    www.yieldmaxetfs.com

    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (866) 864-3968.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1 All YieldMax® ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX, FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. YMAG has a management fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.83% for a gross expense ratio of 1.12%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are on fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax® ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.40%, and a net expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026
    2 The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on July 8, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future. 
    3 The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended June 30, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period. 
    4 Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. 
    ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage indicates how much the distribution reflects an investor’s initial investment. The figures shown for each Fund in the table above are estimates and may later be determined to be taxable net investment income, short-term gains, long-term gains (to the extent permitted by law), or return of capital. Actual amounts and sources for tax reporting will depend upon the Fund’s investment activities during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year to tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax® ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax® ETFs. As such, these Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax® ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA, HOOD, BRK.B), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory, and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole. Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax® ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax® ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax® ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Lists Tanssi (TANSSI) for Spot Trading with 8,878,000 in Token Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the listing of Tanssi (TANSSI) on its spot trading platform. Tanssi is a decentralized infrastructure protocol. Besides being available for spot trading, Bitget will also launch an exclusive PoolX  campaign and a CandyBomb campaign.

    Trading for the TANSSI/USDT pair will begin on July 9, 2025, at 11:00 (UTC), with withdrawals available starting July 10, 2025, at 12:00 (UTC). Eligible users can participate in a PoolX campaign to earn a share of 888,000 TANSSI by locking a minimum of 100 TANSSI, up to a maximum of 10,000,000 TANSSI. The campaign will run from July 9, 2025, 11:00 to July 19, 2025, 11:00 (UTC).

    In addition, Bitget will launch a CandyBomb event offering a total of 7,990,000 TANSSI in rewards. The trading pool is divided into two segments: new users can trade TANSSI and SOL for a chance to win from a 5,330,000 TANSSI pool, while the general TANSSI trading pool offers 2,660,000 TANSSI for all eligible participants. The CandyBomb campaign will run from 9 July 2025, 11:00 till 16 July 2025, 11:00 (UTC).

    Tanssi is transforming the way developers deploy appchains by offering a streamlined, infrastructure-free approach backed by Ethereum-level security. Designed for use cases such as real-world assets (RWAs), stablecoins, and coordination protocols, Tanssi automates the full stack, handling validator orchestration, decentralized sequencing, RPCs, indexers, and explorers right out of the box. Developers can launch quickly with a prebuilt EVM chain or tailor a substrate-based runtime, gaining deterministic performance, rapid finality, and complete control over governance, fees, and upgrade logic.

    This flexible architecture enables teams to deploy sovereign chains without shared bottlenecks or external dependencies, accelerating time to market while maintaining full autonomy. With Tanssi, launching an appchain becomes as seamless as deploying a smart contract, offering both speed and scalability for today’s most ambitious Web3 applications.

    Bitget continues to expand its offerings, positioning itself as a leading platform for cryptocurrency trading. The exchange has established a reputation for innovative solutions that empower users to explore crypto within a secure CeDeFi ecosystem. With an extensive selection of over 800 cryptocurrency pairs and a commitment to broadening its offerings to more than 900 trading pairs, Bitget connects users to various ecosystems, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TON. The addition of Tanssi into Bitget’s portfolio marks a significant step toward expanding its ecosystem by embracing niche communities and fostering innovation in decentralized economies, further solidifying its role as a gateway to diverse Web3 projects and cultural movements.

    For more details on Tanssi, visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin priceEthereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: WebsiteTwitterTelegramLinkedInDiscordBitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f663baeb-175a-447f-aaf6-79b6eb4f8641

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: BTCS Inc. Further Increases Target Funding to $225 Million for Strategic Ethereum Purchases Using DeFi/TradFi Flywheel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Silver Spring, MD, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (“BTCS” or the “Company”) short for Blockchain Technology Consensus Solutions, a blockchain technology-focused company, today announced a funding target increase to $225 million to accelerate the Company’s Ethereum accumulation strategy.

    The Company’s vertically integrated operations, including solo staking through validator nodes and block building, are central to this approach. These activities not only generate recurring, crypto-native revenue but also enhance long-term value per share by compounding ETH-denominated returns.

    This is about scaling ETH per share, not just raising capital,” said Charles Allen, CEO of BTCS. “With a maturing crypto regulatory environment and increased institutional focus on Ethereum, now is the time to double down on our unique model—accumulating ETH through a capital-efficient strategy that avoids unnecessary dilution and strengthens shareholder alignment.

    The Company plans to issue a detailed update on recent Ethereum purchases later this week or next as it continues to execute its DeFi/TradFi flywheel.

    About BTCS:

    BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (short for Blockchain Technology Consensus Solutions) is a U.S.-based blockchain infrastructure technology company currently focused on driving scalable revenue growth through its blockchain infrastructure operations. BTCS has honed its expertise in blockchain network operations, particularly in block building and validator node management. Its branded block-building operation, Builder+, leverages advanced algorithms to optimize block construction for on-chain validation, thus maximizing gas fee revenues. BTCS also supports other blockchain networks by operating validator nodes and staking its crypto assets across multiple proof-of-stake networks, allowing crypto holders to delegate assets to BTCS-managed nodes. In addition, the Company has developed ChainQ, an AI-powered blockchain data analytics platform, which enhances user access and engagement within the blockchain ecosystem. Committed to innovation and adaptability, BTCS is strategically positioned to expand its blockchain operations and infrastructure beyond Ethereum as the ecosystem evolves. Explore how BTCS is revolutionizing blockchain infrastructure in the public markets by visiting www.btcs.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release, constitute “forward-looking statements” within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 including statements regarding plans to raise $225 million. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation market conditions, regulatory issues and requirements, as well as risks set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 which was filed on March 20, 2025. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    For more information follow us on:
    Twitter: https://x.com/NasdaqBTCS
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasdaq-btcs
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NasdaqBTCS

    Investor Relations:
    Charles Allen – CEO
    X (formerly Twitter): @Charles_BTCS
    Email: ir@btcs.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2025 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter opens for enrolment

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    ​The 2025 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter (MiCHK) opens for enrolment today (July 9). Hong Kong start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are welcome to join the contest, seizing the opportunity to expand into the Mainland market. The deadline for enrolment is August 20.
     
    The contest focuses on frontier innovation and technology (I&T) fields that drive the development of new quality productive forces, including fintech, AI and big data, intelligent devices and robotics, smart living and smart mobility, third generation Internet and metaverse, semiconductors and integrated circuits, biomedicine and health, low-altitude economy and aerospace, new energy and green technology, as well as new materials.
     
    The contest serves as a vital bridge for Hong Kong start-ups and SMEs to tap into the Mainland market, while also allowing Mainland investors and enterprises to know more about the local industry’s I&T products and solutions. The MiCHK 2025 Final will be held on September 25 this year, during which one-on-one business matching sessions will be arranged for the top 10 finalists to meet with investors and representatives of enterprises from the Mainland to promote financing and interfacing of businesses. In addition, the contesting teams will have the opportunity to receive support to participate in various start-up programmes and exhibition activities, and to showcase their potential innovative projects to different regions through multiple platforms. The champion, first runner-up and second runner-up will represent the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to compete in the national-level Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest Final to be held in Guangzhou in the fourth quarter of this year, when they will compete with the winning teams of other regional chapters for the championship and opportunities to gain multifaceted support in connecting with Mainland investors, setting up businesses in Mainland entrepreneurial parks, and receiving guidance on outcome transformation.
     
    The MiCHK 2025 is jointly organised by the Digital Policy Office of the HKSAR Government, the China Centre for Promotion of SME Development of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, and the China International Cooperation Association of SMEs. It is formulated by the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Angel Investment Foundation and the Guangzhou SME’s Promotion Association For Specialization Refinement Differentiation Innovation Development. For more details about the contest, please visit makerinchina.hk/.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at Korea-Hong Kong Business Luncheon (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Korea–Hong Kong Business Luncheon held in Seoul, Korea, today (July 9): 
     
    Mr Joo Yong-tae (Deputy Mayor for Economy, Seoul), Mr Kevin Lee (Director of the International Trade Division of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

         Annyeonghaseyo. Good afternoon. It is both a pleasure and honour to be here with you today in Seoul.
     
         Let me begin by extending my warmest greetings and heartfelt appreciation to the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and our ETO (Economic and Trade Office) colleagues for organising this luncheon.
     
    Hong Kong: good for business
     
         Allow me to start by offering a brief snapshot of where Hong Kong stands today.
     
         Hong Kong has been back on a path of growth following the global challenges of the pandemic.  In 2024, we recorded a GDP growth of 2.5 per cent. This year, despite continued global uncertainties from tariff war to geopolitical tensions, our economy recorded a 3.1 per cent growth in the first quarter. Our merchandise exports continued to register strong double-digit growth.
     
         Foreign businesses continue to cast a vote of confidence in our city. In 2024, the number of overseas and Mainland companies operating in Hong Kong reached an all-time high at nearly 10 000.  American and European companies rose by around 10 per cent, while Korean companies rose by 9 per cent year on year.  
     
         Hong Kong continues to shine in international rankings. We are among the world’s top three global financial centres. The latest IMD (International Institute for Management Development) World Competitiveness Ranking places us as the third most competitive economy worldwide. Last October, the Fraser Institute reaffirmed our position as the world’s freest economy. These accolades are no coincidence. They are the result of persistent hard work to drive our competitiveness forward, backed by transparent, consistent and predictable policies, market openness and global connectivity.
     
         A critical foundation of our success is a stable and secure environment. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. It restores law and order in Hong Kong and provides confidence to the international business community. Indeed, a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce (in Hong Kong) in January this year showed that (more than) 80 per cent of its members expressed confidence in Hong Kong’s rule of law.  And 70 per cent reported that the National Security Law had no impact on their business operations.
     
         Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong continues to be an open, diverse and international city. We are a free port, uphold a freely convertible currency pegged to the US dollar, ensure the free flow of capital, goods, information and talent, and practise the common law system.
     
         President Xi Jinping and the Central Government of China have made clear that the “one country, two systems” framework is here to stay for the long term. 
     
         Investor confidence is reflected in hard data. Our stock market, for example, rose by 18 per cent last year, and has gained another 20 per cent this year. Initial public offerings (IPOs) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange have raised about US$16 billion so far this year, making Hong Kong the top IPO venue globally to date. The total bank deposits grew by 7 per cent last year and another 7 per cent this year, now exceeding US$2.3 trillion, six times our GDP.
     
    The Greater Bay Area
     
         Meanwhile, Hong Kong is the international gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, or GBA, which is an economic powerhouse with 87 million people and a combined GDP of US$2 trillion. With a per capita GDP of US$23,000, or US$40,000 on a purchasing power parity basis, the GBA is not just a manufacturing base, but also a sophisticated, high-growth consumer market.
     
         The region is deeply interconnected. High-speed rail puts us just 15 minutes from Shenzhen and 45 minutes from Guangzhou. With seven international airports and a combined annual passenger throughput of over 200 million, the GBA sits within a five-hour flight radius of half the world’s population. Hong Kong International Airport, the world’s busiest cargo airport, now operates with a third runway and is gearing up to handle 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2035.
     
         The GBA is also a cradle of innovation. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster ranks second globally in innovation, and has done so for five consecutive years. Hong Kong excels in basic research, anchored by five universities ranked among the world’s top 100. Three of them are in the global top 20 for data science and AI; our two medical schools are ranked among the top 40. Meanwhile, Shenzhen and Guangzhou lead in commercialisation and advanced manufacturing. Together, the GBA is like fusing the financial power of New York with the innovation energy of Silicon Valley.
     
    Opportunities for Korean businesses
     
         So, what does this mean for Korean businesses?
     
         First, Hong Kong’s financial markets offer unparalleled connectivity and liquidity. We serve as a two-way platform, connecting international capital with Mainland markets and vice versa. Through our Connect Schemes, including Stock Connect, Bond Connect, and ETF (Exchange-traded Fund) Connect, and more, Mainland investors can access Hong Kong’s markets, while global investors can access the Mainland through Hong Kong.
     
         The recent surge in our stock market reflects two important trends. First, the rebalancing act of international investors to diversify risks out of global economic uncertainty, particularly in the US; and second, optimism about China’s technology prowess demonstrated by DeepSeek and others. Korean investors have already taken note. And they are apt in taking actions. In February this year, we saw the highest level of Korean investment into our stock market in over three years.
     
         Beyond the stock market, asset and wealth management is another area where we are seeing rapid growth. Hong Kong now manages over US$4 trillion in assets. With a growing ecosystem of related financial services, we are on track to become the world’s largest cross-border wealth management hub by 2028. For Korean firms in private banking and asset management, the opportunities are significant. Indeed, many American and European asset and wealth managers have been expanding their hiring and office accommodation in the city.
     
         Hong Kong also serves as a powerful springboard for Korean goods, not just into the GBA or the Chinese Mainland, but across the entire ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region. As a duty-free port with seamless customs clearance and unmatched connectivity, Hong Kong offers Korean exporters a fast, cost-effective and reliable route to high-growth markets. From electronics and cosmetics to food products and fashion, Hong Kong is your launchpad.
     
         In innovation and technology, Hong Kong is making strategic and forward-looking moves. We are placing particular emphasis on the development of key sectors such as artificial intelligence and biotech. In addition to our world-class research capabilities, Hong Kong is where Mainland and international data converge. This is a distinct competitive advantage for data-intensive industries.  
     
         Our close collaboration with other cities in the GBA is further accelerating this momentum.  Along our boundary with neighbouring Shenzhen, we are developing a joint innovation and technology park, where we are piloting innovative policies to facilitate the seamless flow of data, talent, capital and even biosamples. We have also established joint clinical trial centres to expedite drug development and streamline cross-boundary regulatory approvals. For Korean tech and pharmaceutical firms seeking expansion and collaboration opportunities, Hong Kong is your ideal location. 
     
    The pleasures of life
     
         Beyond business, Hong Kong is a city alive with culture, diversity, and global connectivity. We are a true melting pot of East and West.  Korean culture, from K-pop to kimchi, has found a warm and enthusiastic following in Hong Kong.  And we are glad that more and more Korean visitors are coming to our city to see for themselves our vibrancy. In the first half of this year, Hong Kong welcomes more than half a million of Korean visitors, a 25 per cent increase year on year.
     
         The pleasures of life are part of our fabric. With more than 200 Michelin-recognised restaurants, hiking trails minutes from the city, and a coastline that rivals the best in the region, Hong Kong offers not only opportunity, but quality of life. Above all, Hong Kong remains one of the safest cities in the world, a place you can walk freely, day or night.
     
         And we are just getting started. The newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park offers a world-class, multipurpose venue for sport and entertainment events. In January next year, we’re excited to welcome BLACKPINK to our stage. And who knows, NewJeans and aespa may not be far behind!
     
         Ladies and gentlemen, I hope I’ve been able to offer you a fresh perspective on Hong Kong, not just as a financial centre or trade hub, but as a dynamic, welcoming city filled with opportunity, energy and creativity. A city where Korean businesses, investors and talents can thrive.
     
         If I may, let me now share a short video that captures the vibrancy, openness and possibilities of Hong Kong today.
     
         That is Hong Kong – dynamic and welcoming. A city that means business, and a city that celebrates life. We look forward to welcoming you soon, to Hong Kong.
     
         Kamsahamnida. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Double success: the first graduates of SPbPU and Lanzhou University of Economics and Finance received diplomas

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of SPbPU hosted the first graduation of bachelors of the international educational double degree program with Lanzhou University of Economics and Finance (China).

    The defense of final qualification works in the direction of “Economics” (profile “Finance”) was held in English on the campus of Lanzhou University of Economics and Finance in Gansu Province. Students presented the results of their research on current issues of finance, economic analysis and investment management. The examination committee from SPbPU included the director of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics of IPMEiT Dmitry Rodionov, associate professor of VIES and program director Daria Krasnova, associate professors of VIES Ekaterina Burova and Evgeny Konnikov. The members of the committee highly appreciated the level of preparation of the graduates.

    Joint final assessment is a vivid example of successful academic cooperation. Each defense becomes not just an exam for students, but an important step in strengthening scientific and cultural ties between our countries. We highly value the partnership with our Chinese colleagues and are confident that it will develop, opening up new opportunities for students and teachers, – commented Dmitry Rodionov.

    During the award ceremony for the best graduates, student Zhang Liwen was awarded the badge of excellent student of the 3rd degree. Student Zhang Xinran received gratitude for the responsible performance of the duties of a class monitor during two years of study in St. Petersburg.

    This project confirms that international partnership in education opens up new opportunities for students and teachers. It was very nice to see the guys and take part in the defense of their research achievements. Joint defenses not only strengthen academic ties, but also allow for the exchange of best practices in training future financiers, says Daria Krasnova, head of the international educational program.

    “It is a great honor for me to participate in the joint defense of theses between our universities,” shared student Shan Yuhong. “It was an invaluable experience that allowed me not only to present the results of my research to an international commission, but also to get acquainted with Russian approaches to economics and finance. I would especially like to thank the teachers for their qualified comments and recommendations, which will help me in my future academic and professional activities.”

    A joint educational program with a Chinese university is not only an academic exchange, but also a bridge between cultures. Today’s defenses have shown how effective such a partnership is: students demonstrate unique competencies, and their research opens up new prospects for scientific cooperation. I thank all participants of this project for their contribution to strengthening international ties! – concluded the Director of IPMEiT Vladimir Shchepinin.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – A joint body to coordinate the reconstruction of Ukraine? – E-002036/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Ukraine’s ownership of the reform and reconstruction process is a basis for the Commission’s support. Through the Ukraine Facility[1], the Commission ensures that this process advances Ukraine’s EU accession.

    The Commission’s support for the new public investment management system is essential as it will embed Ukraine’s reconstruction in a framework of strategic planning, transparency accountability, and ensure alignment with pan-European strategies and EU accession requirements.

    The Commission recognises the role of cross-border cooperation for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. It therefore welcomes initiatives for cross-border cooperation to support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, including based on existing programmes: long-standing Romanian-Ukrainian cooperation supported by the Commission will soon extend to include Moldova-Ukraine cross-border actions.

    Cross-border initiatives of Chambers of Commerce and business associations can play an important role in reinforcing the Commission’s mobilisation of private sector investments for Ukraine’s reconstruction under the Ukraine Investment Framework — the investment arm of the Ukraine Facility.

    Cross-border partnerships, including of chambers of commerce, are traditional and very effective partners in the EU cooperation programmes.

    Trilateral cooperation can follow best practices in this area to further Ukraine’s reconstruction and help integration into the single market.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2024/792 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 February 2024 establishing the Ukraine Facility, OJ L, 2024/792, 29.2.2024.
    Last updated: 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Removing obstacles faced by small and medium-sized enterprises – E-001400/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As acknowledged by the Honourable Member, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the EU economy. There are 26.1 million SMEs in the EU, providing jobs to more than 89.8 million citizens.

    The Commission is paying particular attention to SMEs’ access to EU funding. The scale of SMEs’ involvement can be illustrated by their participation in EU programmes.

    Between 2021 and 2024, Horizon Europe[1] funded around 10 077 SMEs, of which approximately 1 450 (14%) funded under the European Innovation Council[2], with a total of EUR 7.4 billion in grants (of which EUR 3.9 billion for SMEs only).

    InvestEU[3] has supported over 55 000 SMEs in its first two years. The SME Pillar of the Single Market Programme[4] has provided assistance to 292 000 SMEs through the European Enterprise Network[5] alone.

    In the 2023 calls under the European Defence Fund[6] (EDF), SMEs represented around 50% of the total number of entities, requesting approximately 30% of the total grant amount. For the period 2023-2027, the EDF is expected to fund SMEs with up to EUR 840 million.

    The Commission sees SMEs as a priority target of its policies. The recently published Single Market Strategy[7] sets out a number of actions, including to address SMEs’ difficulties in accessing sustainable finance.

    Finally, the recently published EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy[8] contains a comprehensive set of measures to improve framework conditions, including access to finance for startups and scaleups, many of whom are the most promising SMEs.

    Furthermore, the Commission pays particular attention to the specific needs of SMEs with international ambitions and deploys several tools to support them trade internationally, such as the Access2Markets platform[9] or dedicated SME chapters in trade agreements.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32021R0695.
    • [2] https://eic.ec.europa.eu/about-european-innovation-council_en.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02021R0523-20240301&qid=1749143262375.
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32021R0690.
    • [5] https://een.ec.europa.eu/.
    • [6] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02021R0697-20240301.
    • [7] European Commission: The Single Market: our European home market in an uncertain world A Strategy for making the Single Market simple, seamless and strong — 21.5.2025 COM(2025) 500 final.
    • [8] European Commission: The EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy Choose Europe to start and scale — 28.5.2025 COM(2025) 270 final.
    • [9] https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/home.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of Israeli colonial exploitation and extractivism on Palestinian agriculture – E-002150/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU has been consistently clear in its position that settlements are illegal under international law and has repeatedly condemned Israel’s settlement policy and the occupation of the Palestinian territory that began in 1967.

    EU positions and policies are fully aligned on the United Nations resolutions regarding the status of the o ccupied Palestinian territory (OPT)[1] and are overall consistent with the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice of 19 July 2024[2] as regards the duty of non-recognition, the duty to distinguish in the dealings with Israel between its territory and the OP T , and the duty of non-assistance .

    The EU differentiation policy implies that goods, including agricultural products, originating from Israeli settlements in occupied territories since June 1967 do not fall within the scope of the EU-Israel Association Agreement[3] and therefore cannot benefit from trade preferences under the Agreement.

    Moreover, in 2015, the Commission adopted an Interpretative Notice to provide guidance on the labelling of goods, including agricultural products, from Israeli settlements in the OP T and how the existing legislation on labelling should be applied[4]. The approach of the Interpretative Notice was confirmed by a judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU in 2019[5]. Official controls on the labelling of imported goods are primarily the responsibility of Member States, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls on the agri-food chain[6].

    • [1] https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/ltd/n24/266/48/pdf/n2426648.pdf.
    • [2] Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024 , https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/186/186-20240719-adv-01-00-en.pdf.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:411c0668-144d-44a1-a5e3-dd2342f7a5b5.0017.02/DOC_1&format=PDF.
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52015XC1112(01).
    • [5] Judgment of 12 November 2019, Organisation juive européenne and Vignoble Psagot Ltd v Ministre de l’Économie et des Finances, C 363/18, EU:C:2019:954, https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf;jsessionid=A16C97FD2EEC535918F5478A663AC7D6?text=&docid=220534&pageIndex=0&doclang=en&mode=req&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=8005913.
    • [6] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj.
    Last updated: 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Consequences of the anti-dumping case brought by Imerys S.A. (C/2024/7049) – E-002084/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    For the Commission to impose measures, the investigation assesses if there is dumping which is causing material injury to the EU industry and if imposing measures would be against the EU’s interest.

    As part of the assessment of the EU interest, the Commission considers carefully the interests of all interested parties which includes the users of the product under investigation.

    The objective is to restore a level playing field, not to exclude legitimate competition from the market or to favour individual companies. Investigations are evidence-based and conducted in line with the relevant legislation, ensuring that the instrument is not used to distort competition or facilitate market monopolisation by any individual company.

    In the EU interest assessment, the interests of the stakeholders concerned, including users, importers, and consumers are considered. In this context, representations from companies importing and using fused alumina, such as the abrasives industry, are taken into consideration to decide if any anti-dumping measures are warranted.

    However, the scope of the Commission’s current anti-dumping investigation remains limited to imports of fused alumina originating in China. Imports of downstream products, including abrasives materials, do not fall within that scope.

    An investigation into downstream products from China would require the submission of a substantiated complaint in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036[1].

    The relocation of companies within the EU does not fall within the scope of the investigation. The EU interest test concerns the overall economic impact of the measures on the EU as a whole, rather than on individual Member States.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/1036/oj/eng.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Housing emergency in Italy for vulnerable groups and students – E-002620/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002620/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Valentina Palmisano (The Left)

    In Italy, a worsening housing emergency is severely affecting vulnerable households, individuals with disabilities, people struggling socio-economically and university students. Despite the use of EU resources (National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)), many municipalities are reporting delays to public housing and urban regeneration projects, with particularly serious effects in the south.

    At the same time, the right to study is being severely undermined by the high cost of renting: in the main Italian university cities, average rent for a single room exceeds EUR 600, making attending university increasingly less accessible to people from low-income families.

    In the light of these problems:

    • 1.What is the state of play of the NRRP-funded university housing programme and what steps have been planned to ensure it has been implemented in full by June 2026?
    • 2.What steps will be taken to ensure that European Investment Bank and cohesion policy funds have a tangible impact on housing supply in towns and cities experiencing high housing pressure, and is a social impact assessment being planned?
    • 3.Why are municipalities not fully involved in the affordable housing initiative decision-making processes, and will their operational and financial role be stepped up?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    Last updated: 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government to publish strategy for planned disaster risk management

    Source: Government of South Africa

    With the Southern African region experiencing a growing number of climate-related disasters, government says it will increase its focus on reducing the fiscal and human cost of disasters by planning for them instead of reacting to them.

    “When disasters strike, government is forced to reallocate funds from other priorities to respond, often at the cost of long-term development. This cycle of crisis and reallocation is unsustainable,” the Deputy Minister of Finance, Ashor Sarupen, said on Tuesday in Parliament. 

    Through the finalisation and publishing of a National Disaster Risk Financing Strategy in the 2025/26 financial year, government’s strategy will shift from reactive funding to proactive, planned disaster risk management.

    The strategy will:

    • Introduce disaster risk financing instruments, including climate insurance products, to improve response time and predictability of funding;
    • Embed disaster risk management in grant frameworks, particularly those for infrastructure and local government, and
    • Support line departments and municipalities in mainstreaming climate risk into their financial planning and investment decisions.

    “Climate change is not a future threat. It is a present reality, and our budget frameworks must reflect that,” Sarupen said while tabling the National Treasury’s Budget Vote.

    Spending for Growth

    As part of National Treasury’s broader macroeconomic framework reforms to drive structural economic transformation and attract investment, public infrastructure spending will exceed R1 trillion over three years. 

    “This represents the fastest-growing area of government expenditure and is aimed at easing supply-side economic constraints and improving social service access. 

    “The Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) is being reconfigured to attract private sector participation through multiple appraisal windows, separated investment and financing decisions, and diversified financing instruments including guarantees, build-operate-transfer structures, and concessional loans,” the Deputy Minister said. 

    New public-private partnership (PPP) regulations, effective 1 June 2025, have reduced procedural complexity, with supporting frameworks for unsolicited proposals and fiscal commitments to be published soon, while municipal PPP regulations will be finalised before the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.

    “A single National Treasury-overseen structure will be established this year to systematically crowd-in private sector finance and expertise, consolidating large-scale project preparation, providing PPP technical support, improving data management, and enhancing private sector engagement,” he said.

    Rebuilding local government finances

    In an effort to address service delivery breakdowns, fiscal mismanagement, and governance failures at municipalities, National Treasury is responding with targeted support and structural financial reforms.

    National Treasury’s approach focuses on the following key areas:

    • Adoption of Funded Budgets: Municipalities can no longer adopt unfunded budgets based on wishful projections. Treasury is enforcing the requirement for credible, funded budgets as the basis of municipal financial planning.
    • Revenue Value Chain Reforms: Treasury is supporting municipalities to improve billing systems, strengthen collection rates, and protect revenue integrity. Without this, no budget can be sustainable.
    • Capacity Building: Through direct technical support, Treasury is building the financial management skills of municipal officials, particularly CFOs and budget managers.
    • Financial Recovery Plans: For municipalities in financial distress, Municipal Financial Recovery Services (MFRS) provide tailored recovery plans. These are not generic interventions, they are grounded in the real financial position of each municipality.
    • mSCOA Implementation: The Municipal Standard Chart of Accounts (mSCOA) brings transparency and uniformity to local government finances. It allows us to compare apples with apples — across municipalities, across provinces, and across time.
    • Consequence Management: Treasury is working closely with the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) to ensure that financial misconduct is addressed swiftly. Public money must be protected. Where there is wrongdoing, there must be consequences.

    Reforming the auditing profession

    After years of audit failures in both the public and private sectors, National Treasury is currently reviewing the Auditing Profession Act.

    The Act provides for the establishment of the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors; the education, training and professional development of registered auditors; the accreditation of professional bodies; the registration of auditors, and the regulation of the conduct of registered auditors.

    “The proposed amendments are designed to strengthen the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) and align our regulatory framework with international best practice. These reforms are not just technical changes; they are about fostering trust, integrity, and public confidence in the profession. The auditing profession plays a critical role in financial markets and public accountability,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Trade Minister welcomes developments in Vodacom-Maziv merger

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has welcomed the agreement reached between the merging parties and the Competition Commission in the Vodacom-Maziv merger deal.

    “The substantial public interest commitments made by the merging parties will significantly improve access to affordable internet for underserved communities, thus enabling easier participation in economic activity, particularly for young people,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) said on Wednesday.

    In October last year, the Minister noted the order issued by the Competition Tribunal prohibiting the proposed merger between Vodacom (Pty) Ltd and Maziv (Business Venture Investments No. 2213 (Pty) Ltd).

    The order followed the Competition Commission’s initial recommendation to prohibit the merger, citing significant concerns that it could substantially reduce competition in critical markets, particularly within the 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and fibre infrastructure sectors.

    READ | Minister notes Competition Tribunal’s decision on Vodacom, Maziv merger

    In a statement on Tuesday, the Competition Commission said it had reached an agreement with the parties on revised conditions that substantially remedy the competition concerns raised by the Commission in its recommendation to the Tribunal that the Vodacom/Maziv merger be prohibited.

    This agreement follows constructive engagements between the Commission and the merger parties to remedy the deficiencies in the previous conditions identified by the Tribunal in its prohibition of the merger.

    There were three primary competition concerns that were not adequately addressed by the proposed conditions at the time of concluding the Tribunal hearings.

    The first of these was the horizontal reduction in competition between Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Fibre to the Home (FTTH).

    According to the Commission, the revised conditions address these shortcomings by improving the capex commitment by Maziv and extending it to a five-year period post-merger to ensure that Maziv remains incentivised to service third party network operators.

    The second issue was the horizontal overlap in FTTH infrastructure and potential price increases post-merger.

    “The previous conditions were inadequate insofar as they included a ‘weak’ divestiture condition that did not adequately incentivise the merging parties to divest the overlapping infrastructure. The revised conditions put in place a standard divestiture arrangement whereby the failure to sell the assets within a particular period result in a trustee divestiture process to ensure the assets are divested and pre-merger competition is restored,” said the Commission.

    It further added that the condition follows the standard formulation used in other merger transactions and requires that a transparent and competitive process be followed to identify a proposed purchaser.
    The third issue was over vertical foreclosure concerns with the commission stating that although there were fairly comprehensive conditions in place to address foreclosure, there were notable challenges with monitoring and enforcing the conditions with the resulting concern that action would not be sufficiently timely to prevent foreclosure from occurring and harming competition.

    “The revised conditions introduce some structural changes to Maziv’s governance structure that limit the merged entity’s incentives to foreclose competitors. The conditions now also incorporate an enhanced fast-track interim relief process that will address potential foreclosure concerns while the lengthier formal process to investigate any alleged foreclosure is underway. This ensures that any attempt to get a first-mover advantage that will have an enduring effect in the market can be prevented through fast-track interim relief,” it said.

    Public interest

    The Commission added that there are significant improvements to the public interest commitments which increase the substantiality of these commitments.

    These include additional capex spend to roll-out new (Fibre-to-theBusiness (FTTB), FTTH and Fibre-to-the-Site (FTTS) infrastructure, free access to 1Gigabit per second fibre lines for public libraries and clinics passed by FTTH infrastructure, an increase in the number of police stations that Vodacom will provide with FWA products, an additional commitment to enterprise development and an increase in the employee share ownership plan previously agreed.

    “Access to reliable, high-speed internet is the cornerstone of a dynamic economy and a democratic society. The Commission is confident that the revised conditions agreed with the merger parties will ensure that South Africa will benefit from the continued competitive prices and product choices in this critical sector,” Commissioner Doris Tshepe said.

    This as Minister Tau further welcomed the investment committed by parties.

    “This commitment will ensure that South Africa participates meaningfully in the global economy through new sectors like Generative Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and other ICT related sectors which will propel the world into the future.

    “The matter will proceed, unopposed, at the Competition Appeal Court where the agreement will be placed before the Court for its final consideration. The Minister thanks all parties involved for their constructive engagement throughout this process,” said the dtic.

    The Commission as one of the the three independent statutory bodies established in terms of the Competition Act to regulate competition between firms in the market, it is the investigating and prosecuting agency in the competition regime while the Tribunal is the court. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Mobile Mining Debuts on LBank with Revolutionary App

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — If you asked a crypto investor in 2018 whether mobile mining would ever be a thing, most would have laughed. Fast forward to 2025, and not only is it real, it’s live, global, and profitable thanks to Bitcoin Solaris. The long-awaited Solaris Nova App has officially debuted alongside the token’s upcoming listing on LBank, bringing with it a completely reimagined way to mine crypto.

    In a world where most mining is still monopolized by expensive rigs and massive electricity bills, Bitcoin Solaris is flipping the game on its head. The goal is clear: make mining accessible, eco-friendly, and incredibly profitable for anyone.

    The LBank Listing: Why It Matters for Miners

    LBank is one of the fastest-growing centralized exchanges catering to early-stage altcoins and breakout tokens. Bitcoin Solaris’s listing there is more than a visibility boost. It’s a liquidity moment for miners and holders alike. The listing solidifies BTC-S’s legitimacy and enables real-time conversion from mined tokens to stablecoins or other assets. That means every token mined through your device or laptop suddenly becomes more than a number on a screen, it becomes accessible capital.

    LBank’s integration also simplifies wallet transfers and paves the way for mass adoption through mobile platforms. Whether you’re mining from a basic Android phone or a high-end gaming rig, the upcoming LBank listing turns your BTC-S into liquid gold.

    Meet the Solaris Nova App: Mobile Mining, Reimagined

    The Solaris Nova App is the centerpiece of Bitcoin Solaris’s Universal Mining model. It’s not just another mining program, it’s an entire ecosystem packaged into one simple interface. The app supports Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and even browser-based mining.

    Key features include:

    • One-tap mining functionality with built-in wallet support
    • Adaptive algorithms that calibrate for energy efficiency
    • Support for smartphones, laptops, and professional mining rigs
    • In-app tutorials for beginners and advanced customization for experts
    • 99.95% lower energy consumption than traditional Bitcoin mining
    • 2-second transaction finality powered by dual-consensus architecture

    What sets it apart is how easily it integrates mining into everyday life. You don’t need to be a blockchain engineer or own an expensive ASIC setup. If you have a phone and a few minutes, you’re in the game.

    Presale Status: Time Is Ticking

    Bitcoin Solaris has officially entered Phase 11 of its blazing-fast presale. The current price sits at $11, with the next phase holding steady at the same rate before the anticipated $20 launch price. With less than 4 weeks to go, this is shaping up to be one of the shortest and most explosive presales in recent memory.

    More than 13,900 unique users have already joined, pushing total contributions past the $6.3 million mark. The momentum is undeniable, and now, it’s being supercharged.

    Real Tech, Real Speed, Real Impact Only on Bitcoin Solaris

    In an unprecedented move, Bitcoin Solaris is introducing a limited-time Rollback. For a very short window, the price will drop to just $5. This rollback isn’t just generous, it’s rare. The team is recognizing the extraordinary support BTC-S has received, and opening the door for more participants to enter at an unbeatable rate. It’s a one-off opportunity that early believers simply shouldn’t ignore.

    To receive your tokens on launch day, Bitcoin Solaris recommends using Trust Wallet or Metamask for seamless delivery. These wallets are only for receiving tokens, not required for purchasing or joining the presale.

    Why Mining BTC-S Is Catching Fire

    Bitcoin Solaris mining isn’t just a gimmick. It’s tied into one of the most advanced consensus models in the crypto world. The hybrid Proof-of-Work and Delegated Proof-of-Stake system allows anyone to participate while supporting blazing speeds and low fees. That blend also enables real decentralization and network security without killing your device or your power bill.

    Here’s what makes it appealing:

    • Global access from any device, anywhere
    • Seamless validator rotation keeps things efficient
    • Reward potential scales with contribution, not wallet size
    • Participation feeds directly into network health

    Oh, and if you want to see how much you can make, check the official BTC-S mining calculator.

    In addition, Bitcoin Solaris introduced daily mini games for its holders for a chance to earn daily rewards, checkout all the details here.

    What’s the Catch?

    Honestly, there doesn’t seem to be one. Bitcoin Solaris has already passed audits from both Cyberscope and Freshcoins, reinforcing its credibility. And with an active community buzzing across Telegram and X, the network effect is snowballing.

    Final Verdict

    Bitcoin Solaris isn’t just riding the mobile mining trend, it’s leading it. By merging energy-efficient mining, accessible tech, a powerful app ecosystem, and a huge exchange listing, BTC-S delivers what old-school Bitcoin miners never could: simplicity and profitability for the everyday user.

    And now with the LBank listing just around the corner, the barrier between mining and real profit is officially gone.

    For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:

    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
    Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
    X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact:
    Xander Levine
    press@bitcoinsolaris.com
    Press Kit: Available upon request

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/36e37bde-7820-4a25-8f91-0a5e64b8bb99

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cee6b647-44c7-4e7d-ba90-e36ee65f07de

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/016af116-e53f-44e3-9cf8-248d7aa53ffa

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c7a009f-2ec3-4f50-a811-9941df7f9d5a

    The MIL Network