Category: Finance

MIL-OSI: Toobit Launches Up to 200x Leverage for BTCUSDT and XAUTUSDT Perpetual Contracts

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Toobit, an award-winning global cryptocurrency exchange, today announces the launch of up to 200x leverage for BTCUSDT and XAUTUSDT perpetual contracts. This enhancement will grant traders the ability to control larger positions with a smaller capital outlay, offering greater flexibility and precision in fast-moving markets.

The new leverage allows users to respond and profit more effectively from price movements. BTCUSDT, representing Bitcoin, the world’s most actively traded digital asset, and XAUTUSDT, a leading gold-backed token, now support advanced strategies through more dynamic position sizing and risk management.

“By extending leverage up to 200x, we’re giving our users more control over their capital and exposure,” said Mike Williams, Chief Communication Officer at Toobit. “Whether they’re navigating crypto volatility or seeking the stability of Tether Gold, traders now have the tools to act with greater agility.”

With 200x leverage, a trader can control a $20,000 position with just $100 in margin. This magnifies both potential gains and losses, making it a powerful tool for experienced traders looking to respond to fast-moving markets, hedge risk, or enhance short-term trading strategies.

This update builds on Toobit’s recent adjustment to maintenance margin requirements, which gave traders greater room to maneuver during volatile market conditions. Now, with higher leverage and more breathing space on margin, users can scale positions with increased efficiency and control.

To learn more or start trading with 200x leverage, visit www.toobit.com.

About Toobit

Toobit is where the future of crypto trading unfolds—an award-winning cryptocurrency derivatives exchange built for those who thrive exploring new frontiers. With deep liquidity and cutting-edge technology, Toobit empowers traders worldwide to navigate the digital asset markets with confidence. We offer a fair, secure, seamless, and transparent trading experience, ensuring every trade is an opportunity to discover what’s next.

For more information about Toobit, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Instagram

Contact: Davin C.

Email: market@toobit.com

Website: www.toobit.com

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Toobit. 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/08cefc49-ea31-4cf0-a148-c23bef27e92e

The MIL Network –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: AVAILABILITY OF THE 2024-2025 UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AVAILABILITY OF THE 2024-2025 UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT

Bernin (Grenoble), France, June 11, 2025 – Soitec (Euronext Paris) announces the filing today of its 2024-2025 Universal Registration Document in European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers – AMF) under number D.25-0439.

The 2024-2025 Universal Registration Document is made available to the public in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and a French and English version is available for consultation on the Company’s website (www.soitec.com under Investors section – Regulated Information – Financial reports and results & other regulated releases). A French version is also available on the website of the AMF (www.amf-france.org).

The 2024-2025 Universal Registration Document, comprising the annual financial report, notably contains:
- the management report, the consolidated and statutory financial statements and related Statutory Auditors’ reports, the information on the fees paid to the Statutory Auditors and the declaration by the person responsible for the Universal Registration Document ;
- the Board of Directors’ report on corporate governance;
- the description of the share buyback program ;
- the sustainability report;
- the explanatory notes and the draft resolutions submitted to the approval of the Annual General Meeting of July 22, 2025.
*****

Agenda

First-quarter 2025-2026 revenue: July 22, 2025, after market close.

Annual General Meeting: July 22, 2025.

*****

About Soitec

Soitec (Euronext – Tech Leaders), a world leader in innovative semiconductor materials, has been developing cutting-edge products delivering both technological performance and energy efficiency for over 30 years. From its global headquarters in France, Soitec is expanding internationally with its unique solutions, and generated sales of 0.9 billion Euros in fiscal year 2024-2025. Soitec occupies a key position in the semiconductor value chain, serving three main strategic markets: Mobile Communications, Automotive and Industrial, and Edge and Cloud AI. The company relies on the talent and diversity of more than 2,200 employees, representing 50 different nationalities, working at its sites in Europe, the United States and Asia. Nearly 4,300 patents have been registered by Soitec.

Soitec, SmartSiC™ and Smart Cut™ are registered trademarks of Soitec.

For more information: https://www.soitec.com/en/ and follow us on LinkedIn and X: @Soitec_Official

*****

Media Relations: media@soitec.com

Investor Relations: investors@soitec.com

Attachment
- Communiqué de mise à disposition_EN
The MIL Network –
June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Puerto Rican Man Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Prison For Trafficking Fentanyl into Maine

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PORTLAND, Maine: A Bayamon, Puerto Rico man was sentenced on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Portland for possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Rafael Omar Ojeda Lopez, 44, to a term of imprisonment of 57 months, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

According to court records, in September 2023, at the direction of agents of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a confidential source negotiated the purchase of a kilogram of fentanyl from Lopez for $40,000, following several smaller “test” buys. While Lopez and the source were working to finalize the transaction in Rockland, Maine, HSI agents arrested Lopez and seized the fentanyl, which was later lab confirmed to contain a mixture of fentanyl, caffeine, heroin, and xylazine, a powerful tranquilizer. The mixture of fentanyl and xylazine is particularly dangerous to drug users: because xylazine is not a narcotic, its effects cannot be reversed by naloxone, which serves to heighten the risk of overdose death.

HSI and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) investigated the case.

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. 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 –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement by council leader on central government Spending Review

Source: City of Leeds

Leeds City Council’s leader has given his response to the UK Government’s newly-published Spending Review 2025.

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“Today’s Spending Review is a big moment for the country and contains much that makes encouraging reading for both the council and the city of Leeds as a whole.

“The £39bn national investment in affordable housing announced by the Chancellor is welcome news for local authorities, and underlines the value of what we have already achieved as a council with the delivery of hundreds of new homes in Leeds.

“Confirmation of £2.1bn of funding support for a new tram network serving Leeds and other parts of West Yorkshire, meanwhile, is a vital boost for a scheme that will bring jobs and opportunities within easier reach of thousands of people.

“The £240m announced for work to increase capacity and ease congestion at Leeds City Station will also make a huge difference to our transport infrastructure.

“It was really pleasing, too, to hear that the Chancellor will be setting out plans in the coming weeks to take forward the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme.

“In addition, I’m delighted that Middleton Park Avenue has been named as one of 25 trailblazer neighbourhoods that will receive up to £20m over the next decade to support regeneration and renewal.

“Investment in areas such as school buildings, NHS technology and training for young people will also, I’m sure, have a positive impact on communities across cities like Leeds.

“It should be stressed, however, that we, in common with local authorities up and down the country, continue to face severe financial pressures following austerity-era cuts that saw our core government funding reduced by roughly £260m for each year between 2011 and 2023.

“This means, as we digest the full details and implications of the Spending Review, we will be working as hard as ever to keep delivering our frontline services in ways that meet the needs of the people of Leeds and are also cost effective.”

ENDS

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: CIC – Notice of Early Redemption (ISIN code: FR0000584377)
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (SEE “DISCLAIMER” BELOW).

Paris, June 11^th 2025

Notice of Early Redemption

To : (i)      The Noteholders of the below mentioned Notes;
(ii)      Euronext Paris
(iii)      Fiscal Agent.

Dear Sirs,

Crédit Industriel et Commecial S.A.,
Issuance of F 500 000 000 (€76 224 508),
Undated Subordinatede Notes
With the Isin code: FR0000584377 (the ‘’Notes’’);

Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A., (formerly “Compagnie Financière de Crédit Industriel et Commercial’’) is the issuer (the “Issuer’’) of the Notes.

In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes (the ‘’Conditions’’), the Issuer hereby gives notice that it is exercising in whole its right to redeem the Notes pursuant to the provision Redemption (‘’Remboursement’’) of the Listing Particulars (“Issuer Call Option”) of the Notes.

We, the Issuer, instruct you as Fiscal Agent, to authorise the French Central Securities Depository to cancel the Notes redeemed on 21 July, 2025 (“Early Redemption Date”).

For the purposes of the Issuer Call:

(i) the Issuer Call Date will be 21 July, 2025; and
(ii) the Optional Redemption Amount(s) or Early Redemption Amount excluding accrued interest is: 769.87 euros per Denomination.

Unless otherwise defined in this notice, capitalised terms used in this notice shall have the meaning given to them in the Listing Particulars (‘’Note d’Information’’) dated June, 1987, as applicable, relating to the Notes.

Yours faithfully,

For and on behalf of

Crédit Industriel et Commercial S.A.,

By Eric CUZZUCOLI

Duly authorized

DISCLAIMER
This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, the Instruments in the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan or in any other jurisdiction, including France. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves and observe any such restrictions. No communication may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction in which registration or approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction where such action would be required; CIC disclaims any liability for any violation by any person of such restrictions.

Contacts
Corporate Communications and Press Relations Department: +33 (0)1 53 48 26 00 – compresse@cic.fr
Investor Relations: bfcm-web@creditmutuel.fr

About CIC
CIC is a leading bank in France and internationally, and the bank of one in three businesses in France. It provides nearly 5.5 million customers with a French network of nearly 1,800 branches and 20,000 employees, as well as international branches in 37 countries. In order to meet the needs of all economic players and to build up a constantly efficient offer on a daily basis, it combines financial, insurance, telephony and cutting-edge technological services with a high level of financial solidity backed by that of its parent company, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. For more information, visit cic.fr

Attachment
- Issue Call Notice_CIC_TSDI_EN (11 06 2025)
The MIL Network –
June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Resilient, sustainable food systems are Canada’s best defence against American tariffs

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Érick Duchesne, Professeur, Département de science politique, Université Laval

Earlier this year, Donald Trump’s administration in the United States reimposed tariffs on Canadian items, including agricultural products, citing supposed national security concerns. Agricultural products have little to do with defence, and the move sent shockwaves through Canada’s farming community.

We are members of the Common Ground Network, a national initiative of about 100 scholars promoting collaboration for sustainable agriculture and food systems in Canada.

The Common Ground Network is closely monitoring the impact of tariffs and trade tensions on Canadian communities and the transition to a net-zero economy across all regions of Canada.

The consequences for Canadian and American agriculture run deep — and could prove long-lasting. According to RealAgristudies’s survey of 660 Canadian farmers, 59 per cent expected a negative impact on their business, rising to 88 per cent in the livestock sector.

Structural risk ahead if tariffs remain

Trump’s tariffs have sharply reduced Canada’s agricultural exports to the U.S., with beef, pork and canola hit hardest. U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows an eight to five per cent drop in beef and pork exports in early 2025 compared to 2024.

Fed cattle prices plummeted 22.6 per cent, with estimated revenue losses of C$4.02 billion. Canola exports are also expected to decline significantly.

If current tariffs persist, Canada is at risk not just of short-term disruption but long-term structural damage to its agri-food sector. Rising input costs, shrinking revenues and market volatility are squeezing farmers and weakening overall competitiveness. Some Canadian producers are already struggling with oversupply due to market disruption.

The tariffs could also threaten the economic sovereignty and food access of Indigenous farmers who rely on cross-border trade, and remote communities that depend on imported goods for food supply. If prolonged, these trade shocks could cut Canada’s GDP by three per cent, spark a recession and fuel lasting price volatility.

American farmers also feeling the pain

Ironically, Trump’s protectionism is also hurting American farmers. Canada, which supplies 20 per cent of agri-food imports to the U.S., has imposed retaliatory tariffs on goods like cheese and apples, prompting Canadian buyers to shift to other suppliers. That could result in long-term market share loss for U.S. producers.

Integrated supply chains are strained, with American processors now facing higher costs for Canadian products like canola oil, beef and pork. Combined with domestic issues like water restrictions and labour shortages, U.S. agriculture is under mounting pressure on various fronts.

Canada and the U.S. have built one of the world’s most integrated agri-food systems. In 2023, bilateral trade in the sector reached US$72.6 billion.

This interdependence matters: a hamburger might include Canadian beef raised in the U.S., processed in Ontario and served on a Canadian wheat bun. But tariffs and mistrust now threaten this co-operation. Once lost, these market positions may be hard to recover, even after tariffs are lifted, as rebuilding supply chains and cross-border trust will be slow.

Trade tensions are affecting food security and grocery baskets in multiple ways. Higher costs are passed on to consumers, creating lasting price increases — especially for goods with few substitutes, like coffee.

The Consumer Price Index shows that prices of food purchased from stores increased 3.9 per cent between January 2025 and April 2025, fuelled by tariffs. Infant formula increased by six per cent, coffee by about 10 per cent and some beef cuts by about 13 per cent.

Read more:
Trump tariffs have sparked a ‘Buy Canadian’ surge, but keeping the trend alive faces hurdles

Shortages from rising costs and reduced U.S. demand limit choices and drive prices up — especially hurting low-income households. These tariffs fuel food inflation and reduce access to essentials.

Tariffs are also shifting behaviour: Food Processing Skills Canada found that 67 per cent of Canadians are buying more local products, 76 per cent are avoiding U.S. goods and 43 per cent have changed their grocery habits significantly. These trends were echoed in Angus Reid’s February 2025 study.

The net-zero transition

The tariffs will probably disrupt Canada’s ability to meet its net-zero emissions targets by 2050. Food processors and farmers in Canada relying on U.S. machinery and clean-tech components now face higher costs, slowing the adoption of low-emission technologies and sustainable agricultural practices.

The tariffs are likely to undermine efforts to build a resilient, adaptive food system in Canada capable of withstanding climate-related disruptions. Dealing with the tariffs along with the need to reconfigure supply chains will likely increase Canada’s carbon footprint, whether that’s due to the increased transport emissions of distant markets or delayed or cancelled investments in carbon-reducing technologies.

These trade disruptions also risk diverting political attention away from long-term sustainability goals. The current political focus may prioritize short-term economic stabilization, potentially stalling the momentum needed for a transformative food system change in Canada.

Read more:
Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council: A collaborative approach to strengthening food systems

Canada needs to respond boldly

Canada can diversify exports through its 15 trade deals, including the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, known as CETA, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Canada’s 15 trade agreements provide access to 51 countries, representing 66 per cent of global GDP, which is the total value of all goods and services produced in the world during a specific time period.

Furthermore, Canada can pursue new trade agreements and partnerships in emerging markets and invest more to further help the agri-food sector expand globally.

Canada can challenge unfair trade practices through the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement’s state-to-state dispute panels and the binational panel review mechanism to challenge U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

Canada can also leverage trade alliances like the Ottawa Group — a 14-member coalition that works on addressing multilateral trade challenges — to voice its concerns on the global stage.

Investing in agricultural innovation can also boost productivity, reduce emissions, enhance global competitiveness and build resilience against tariff shocks.

Improvements to transportation networks, storage and processing facilities, and broadband connectivity are also critical for reducing supply chain bottlenecks and enabling rural producers to access broader markets.

Trump has repeatedly threatened Canada’s supply management system, which controls the dairy, egg and poultry industries. Supply management has been a reliable system for Canadian farmers and consumers. Easing interprovincial trade and supporting local food systems to reduce the unnecessary exports of dairy products and cold-climate fruits, beef and seafood could result in greater national self-reliance.

Dairy cows at a Québec farm.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Strategy over retaliation

In response to American tariffs, there has been a shift in consumer sentiment. This presents an opportunity to encourage consumers to support local producers, reduce dependence on imports and build national economic resilience.

Canada must rethink its trade and agricultural frameworks for the decades ahead.

The future of Canada’s farming sector — and by extension its food security, rural communities and economic sovereignty — will depend on its ability to turn today’s crisis into tomorrow’s opportunity.

Érick Duchesne is a member of the Common Ground Network, which is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Gregory Cameron is a member of the Common Ground Network, which is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Gumataw Abebe is a member of the Common Ground Network, which is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Monika Korzun is a member of the Common Ground Network. She receives research funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) as well as Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Monika Korzun is a board member of the Atlantic Food Action Coalition (AFAC).

– ref. Resilient, sustainable food systems are Canada’s best defence against American tariffs – https://theconversation.com/resilient-sustainable-food-systems-are-canadas-best-defence-against-american-tariffs-257946

MIL OSI Analysis –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spending Review presents challenges

Source: Scottish Government

Funding for Scotland falls behind UK Government departments.

The UK Spending Review fails to deliver for Scotland, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.

Spending levels for public services will fail to offset the impact of proposed cuts to welfare support and the rise in National Insurance contributions, the Finance Secretary warned in response to the Chancellor’s statement.

Shona Robison said:

“This Spending Review is business as usual from the UK Government, which is yet again treating Scotland as an afterthought and failing to provide us with the funding we need.

“Today’s settlement for Scotland is particularly disappointing, with real terms growth of 0.8% a year for our overall Block Grant, which is lower than the average for UK Departments. Had our resource funding for day-to-day priorities grown in line with the UK Government’s overall spending, we would have £1.1 billion more to spend on our priorities over the next three years. In effect, Scotland has been short-changed by more than a billion pounds.

“This all comes on top of the UK Government’s failure to fully fund their employer National Insurance increase, depriving us of hundreds of millions of pounds in funding, and their proposed cuts in support for disabled people that will push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children.

“It is also disappointing that despite apparent briefing to media in advance, we are still awaiting clarity on funding for the vital Acorn project in the North East of Scotland.

“We made extensive representations to the UK Government on our priorities for the Spending Review, including calls for an end to spending that bypasses devolution, but there has been limited opportunity to engage with them. It appears that the continuation of local growth funding – which fails to match the European Structural Funds it was supposed to replace – will come directly from Whitehall, yet again bypassing devolved governments.

“We will now take the time to digest the detail of this statement and will set out our formal response on 25 June as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Building Permit Growth Up 31.5 Per Cent, Leading the Nation

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on June 11, 2025

Province’s Strong Year-Over-Year Growth Ranks First Among the Provinces

Statistics Canada’s latest figures indicate a 31.5 per cent increase from April 2024 to April 2025 (seasonally adjusted) in the value of building permits issued in Saskatchewan. The value reached $290 million (seasonally adjusted) in April 2025.

“The continued rise in building permits demonstrates how our strong economy is delivering for Saskatchewan people,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Our stable business environment and competitive incentives are bringing jobs, investments and opportunities to everyone who calls this province home.”

Month-over-month figures also saw growth, with the value increasing 2.9 per cent from March 2025. Non-residential building permits increased by 57.1 per cent.

The total value of building permits represents the dollar value of construction permits for residential and non-residential buildings.

Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2024 real GDP reached an all-time high of $80.5 billion, increasing by $2.6 billion, or 3.4 per cent. This ranks Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.

Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces for growth. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.

Last year, the province released Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy, in conjunction with the launch of the investSK.ca website. These initiatives are positioned to amplify growth in Saskatchewan, serving as pivotal instruments in driving further development.

For more information, visit: InvestSK.ca.

-30-

For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: XRP Investors Diversify to Profitable Cloud Mining Platform, VNBTC

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

London, United Kingdom, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As of June 10, cryptocurrencies are in the green with Bitcoin rising to over $109K, Ethereum hitting $2,687, and XRP trading above $2.29. XRP’s rise specifically was expected following an activity-packed week, with XRP making headlines every day.

In the most recent news, Ripple announced the decision to provide $200,000 in funding to Japanese startups built on XRPL, the XRP ledger. Targeting Japan’s tech innovation and Web3 boom, Ripple could be setting XRP for a major price rally. XRP certainly makes one of the best cryptocurrencies to buy.

But what if making money doesn’t end up at buying and holding XRP? A popular Dogecoin cloud mining platform, VNBTC, has seen a significant surge of XRP holders purchasing its top cloud mining contracts.

“After discovering that I could safely turn my XRP holdings into a passive income stream with VNBTC Dogecoin cloud mining, my assets are making significant profits as I wait for the best time to sell,” said a happy VNBTC user.

XRP Holders Earning Over $10,000 Passive Income Using VNBTC Bitcoin and Dogecoin Cloud Mining

First, cloud mining with VNBTC does not require expertise or the need to own mining hardware. Being 100% hands-off, it’s the perfect crypto investment option for XRP holders simply looking to earn profits without additional effort. The investors who come on board only need to purchase a mining contract, the system starts working instantly and automatically updates daily earnings on user dashboards.

According to the sentiments of XRP holders, the daily profits are consistent with earnings exceeding $42,000 a month. The earning potential varies depending on the mining contract an investor chooses, but a consistent 100% monthly ROI is easily achievable.

VNBTC was founded in the UK in 2019 and has operated legally since. Relying on AI optimisation, the company owns over 100 mining farms that are energy efficient and profitable. This is how VNBTC manages to offer the highest ROI in the market renting hashpower to users through mining contracts. For many investors, Bitcoin and Dogecoin cloud mining is a reasonable way to boost your crypto returns.

A table showing VNBTC mining contracts and Expected Profits:

Why Choose VNBTC Bitcoin and Dogecoin Cloud Mining Over Others?

Since getting registered legally in the UK, VNBTC has built a proven track record of profitability and security for investor funds. So far, it has attracted over 11 million users, building a reputation for investor trust.

“Our platform is designed for transparency, with daily updates on earnings and automated settlement once a contract period expires. Investors’ principal is automatically returned alongside the profits,” commented a VNBTC spokesperson.

Looking at the user interface, users access a simple but comprehensive platform. It’s simple enough for beginners to navigate, start mining, track earnings, and withdraw without the need for guidance. Amazingly, you can get your settlement in XRP, BTC, DOGE, LTC, ETH, USDT, and others.

In Short

VNBTC Bitcoin & Dogecoin Cloud mining platform could be your bridge to making millions with crypto investments. Instead of repeatedly exiting and entering trades, XRP holders are choosing to channel their assets into a consistent money-making opportunity. With crypto trading, ensuring profitability every day is almost impossible. But through cloud mining, every day could be a green day.

Choose a sustainable way to make money with crypto investment, visit: https://vnbtc.com/mining-contracts

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

The MIL Network –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spending Review: Billions to back Scottish jobs
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Press release

Spending Review: Billions to back Scottish jobs

UK Government’s Plan for Change delivers record settlement for Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the SR period to deliver public services
Working people across Scotland will benefit from significant investment in clean energy and innovation, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and strengthening Scotland’s position as the home of the United Kingdom’s clean energy revolution. 

The UK Government has confirmed £8.3 billion in funding for GB Energy-Nuclear and GB Energy in Aberdeen. This is alongside an increased commitment to the Acorn Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage project, which will receive development funding.  

The Spending Review, outlined today, Wednesday 11 June, announces targeted investment in Scotland’s most promising sectors to grow the economy and put more money in working people’s pockets.  It delivers an extra £9.1 billion over Phase 2 of the Spending Review, through the Barnett formula.

The government also confirmed £25 million for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Freeport.  

These investments are part of a wider package, with funding for hydrogen production projects at Cromarty and Whitelee.

Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said: 

Putting more money in the pockets of working Scots by investing in the country’s renewal is at the heart of this Spending Review and our Plan for Change.

The Chancellor has unleashed a new era of growth for Scotland, confirming billions of pounds of investment in clean energy – including new development funding for Acorn – creating thousands of high-skilled jobs.

Scotland’s leading role at the heart of UK defence policy has been strengthened and there is also significant investment in our trailblazing innovation, research and development sectors.

And the Scotland Office will work with local partners to ensure hundreds of millions of pounds of new targeted support for Scottish communities and businesses goes to projects that matter to local people. This means that the UK Government is now investing almost £1.7 billion in dozens of important growth schemes across Scotland over 10 years.

To maximise the benefit of recent trade deals with India, US and the EU we are continuing the Brand Scotland programme to promote inward investment opportunities boosting Scottish exports of our globally celebrated products.

And we are delivering a record real-terms funding settlement for the Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the Spending Review period through the Barnett formula. That’s more money than ever before for them to invest in Scottish public services like our NHS, police, housing and schools.

This is a historic Spending Review for Scotland that chooses investment over decline and delivers on the promise that there would be no return to austerity.

Investment in Scotland to strengthen UK defence 

Speaking in the House of Commons today, the Chancellor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, backing our Armed Forces, creating British jobs in British industries, and prioritising the security of Britain when it is most needed. 

The long-term future of the Clyde is secured through an initial £250 million investment over three years which will begin a multi-decade, multi-billion pound redevelopment of HM Naval Base Clyde through the ‘Clyde 2070’ programme.  

Investing in innovation and R&D 

Scotland will also become home to the UK’s largest and most powerful supercomputer, with up to £750 million committed to its development at Edinburgh University. This world-class facility will give scientists across all UK universities access to extraordinary computer power, further strengthening Scotland’s research and innovation capability.  

The UK Government is backing Scottish industry with a share of increased UK-wide R&D spending set to grow from £20.4 billion in 2025-26 to over £22.6 billion per year by 2029-30. Scotland will also benefit from a £410 million UK-wide Local Innovation Partnerships Fund. 

Targeted support for Scottish communities  

The government is also investing £160 million over 10 years for Investment Zones in the North East of Scotland and in Glasgow City Region, and confirming £452 million over four years for City and Growth Deals across Scotland. 

A £100 million joint investment for the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth deal with the Scottish Government (£50 million from UK Government and £50 million from Scottish Government), demonstrating the UK Government’s continued commitment to the Grangemouth industrial area. 

A new local growth fund, and investments in up to 350 deprived communities across the UK, will maintain the same cash level as in 2025-26 under the Shared Prosperity Fund. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Scotland Office, will work with local partners and the Scottish Government, to ensure money goes to projects that matter to local people. This investment will help drive growth and improve communities across Scotland. 

Supporting Scottish businesses 

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is trialling a Strategic Partnership with Glasgow City Region to provide enhanced, hands-on support to help it develop and finance long term investment opportunities. The NWF has already made its first investment in Scotland with £43.5 million in direct equity for a sustainable packaging company, which is to build its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility near Glasgow. 

Through its Nations and Regions Investment programme the British Business Bank is delivering £150 million across Scotland to break down access to finance barriers and drive economic growth. 

The settlement also allocates £0.75 million each year to champion our ‘Brand Scotland’ trade missions to promote Scotland’s goods and services on the world stage and to encourage further growth and investment.

A record settlement for Scottish public services  

The Government has been clear that local decision-making against local priorities is central to delivering growth.  

The Scottish Government will receive the largest real terms settlement since devolution began in 1998, with an average £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29, enabling the Scottish Government to deliver for working people in Scotland.  This includes £2.9 billion per year on average through the operation of the Barnett formula, with £2.4 billion resource between 2026-27 and 2028-29 and £510 million capital between 2026-27 and 2029-30.

This investment and record settlement is made possible by the tough but necessary decisions taken in the October Budget.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 11 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 12, 2025
India’s PSUs and PSBs turn into wealth creators in last 11 years

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has strengthened India’s public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the last 11 years, turning them into wealth creators and making them integral to the nation’s growth, the data-focused X handle infoindata showed on Wednesday.

With focused reforms, strategic autonomy, and capital support, PSU market cap surged across the energy, power, and infrastructure sectors.

While NTPC saw its market cap reach Rs 3.27 lakh crore in 2025, from 0.99 lakh crore in 2014, Power Grid saw its market cap touch Rs 2.80 lakh crore in 2025, from 0.55 lakh crore in 2014 (till June 9), as per data sourced from the DIPAM and the Department of Public Enterprises.

Other PSUs like IOCL, Power Finance, BPCL, GAIL, NHPC, BHEL, etc, also saw a meteoric rise in their market caps in the last 11 years.

On the other hand, the market cap of public sector banks (PSBs) also surged in the last 11 years.

The SBI saw its market cap reach Rs 7.32 lakh crore in FY26, from Rs 1.51 lakh crore in FY16.

PNB saw its market cap touch Rs 1.29 lakh crore in FY26 from 0.06 lakh crore in FY16, while Bank of Baroda’s market cap reached Rs 1.28 lakh crore from 0.34 lakh crore in the same time frame, as per the data.

“In 11 years, the Modi government transformed public sector banks from the NPA crisis of the UPA era to record market capitalisation through structural reforms such as asset quality review, bank mergers, targeted recapitalisation, and measures to resolve bad loans,” said infoindata on X.

Meanwhile, India’s top public sector companies in the financial, power and energy sectors recorded a robust growth in profit during the January-March quarter of 2024-25, which is expected to further strengthen the government’s fiscal position.

The country’s largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), and insurance giant Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) led the charge with a net profit of Rs 18,643 crore and Rs 19,013 crore, respectively. SBI’s net profit for the financial year 2024-25 has now soared to Rs 70,901 crore, while LIC has recorded an impressive net profit of Rs 48,151 crore for the year.

In the energy sector, Coal India earned a net profit of Rs 9,604 crore during the fourth quarter, while Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) registered a net profit of Rs 7,265 crore, with upstream oil exploration giant ONGC registering a net profit of Rs 6,448 crore during the quarter.

In the power sector, the country’s largest electricity producer, NTPC, recorded a net profit of Rs 7,897 crore, while Power Finance Corporation (PFC), which also comes under the Ministry of Power, earned a robust Rs 8,358 crore. Power Grid Corporation of India also registered a strong profit of Rs 4,143 crore during the January-March quarter.

(IANS)

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Connecticut Child Sex Offender Sentenced To 30 Years In Federal Prison For Attempted Child Enticement

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Andrew Thomas Bull (37, Tolland, CT), a/k/a Andrew Thomas Picard, to 30 years in federal prison for attempting to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing photos of her own sexual abuse. The court also ordered Bull to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and forfeit the electronic device that he used to commit this offense. Bull is a convicted sex offender who was convicted of importation and possession of child pornography in Connecticut in 2013, and was on court-ordered probation when he was arrested on May 25, 2023. Bull was detained and transported to Jacksonville. He pleaded guilty on February 18, 2025.

According to court documents, on November 15, 2022, an FBI agent (UC) in the Jacksonville area was conducting an online undercover operation to identify adults seeking to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. The UC posted a text message in a public chat room on a social media application (app) indicating that the UC had access to an 11-year-old “child.” Later that same day, user “brdr1066,” subsequently identified as Bull, contacted the UC directly using the private online text messaging feature of the app. Bull asked the UC to confirm the age and sexual experience of the “child.” Bull sent the UC explicit photos of himself to show to the “child.” Between November 2022 and May 2023, during text conversations on the app, Bull confirmed his desire to have sex with the “child,” and he sent the UC photos depicting young children being sexually abused. He solicited the UC to take and send to Bull pornographic photos of the “child,” and directed the UC as to how the UC could accomplish this. On May 9, 2023, Bull asked the UC, “do i get live pics tonight? / before she goes to bed hopefully / you ask to see her [genitalia] yet?”

On May 25, 2023, FBI agents arrested Bull and executed a federal search warrant at his residence. A search of Bull’s cellphone revealed that it contained at least 15 videos and 40 photos depicting children being sexually abused, including an infant.

“Protecting kids from predators is among the most important work that we do at the FBI,” said Jason Carley, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “Let this case be a warning – the FBI is relentless in our efforts to identify and stop child predators from abusing our kids.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and New Haven, Connecticut. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys D. Rodney Brown and Kelly S. Milliron.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, locate, and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

MIL Security OSI –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Peters’ Bill to Shore up Funding to Address Toxic Wastewater in the Tijuana River Valley Passes in the House
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday evening, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed Representative Scott Peters’ (CA-50) legislation, H.R. 1948, to authorize the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to accept funding from other federal agencies as well as and non-federal sources for wastewater treatment, flood control projects, or other water conservation efforts. Currently, the IBWC relies almost solely upon annual appropriations from Congress or emergency funding to build and maintain its facilities.

Rep. Peters and the San Diego Congressional delegation have now secured a total of $650 million for IBWC, which is enough to fully repair and expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plan (SBIWTP). SBIWTP is the primary facility on the U.S.-side of the border responsible for treating cross-border sewage. Operations and maintenance projects are currently underway on both sides of the border to combat cross-border sewage pollution, and the region will see incremental improvements as each phase is completed. An increase in funding available from non-federal sources such as cities, states, or non-profits would support these projects, bolster future operation and maintenance of the SBIWTP, and strengthen coordination between local, federal, and binational agencies.

“I’ve worked with our Congressional delegation and local advocates for years to bring attention to cross-border sewage pollution, and we now have enough money to fix the SBIWTP and double its capacity,” said Rep. Peters. “Our state and local partners have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of this environmental and public health crisis. Additional funding pathways for the IBWC provide the flexibility we need to better invest in the long-term health and well-being of our region. I urge my Senate colleagues to quickly pass this commonsense legislation.”

“Together, our Congressional delegation has successfully secured over half a billion dollars in federal funds to combat cross-border pollution. Our legislation will open up additional funding pathways and help us send more resources to the Tijuana River Valley,” said Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52). “I’m glad to see this critical bill pass the House and hope to see it swiftly passed in the Senate as well.”

“Our San Diego congressional delegation has proudly brought home more than $650 million in federal funds to address the sewage and pollution flowing through the Tijuana River Valley – but we know it’s not enough,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51). “This fix would give the IBWC the permanent flexibility it needs for strategic, long-term investments to improve our health, well-being, and safety on both sides of the border.”

This bipartisan legislation would allow other federal agencies or non-federal entities like the Department of Defense, the State of California, the City of San Diego and others to provide funding to IBWC. Specifically, it would:
- Allow federal and non-federal entities to provide up to $5 million in funding to IBWC to invest in flood control infrastructure.
- Include important legislative safeguards to prevent foreign entities of concern from contributing to the agency.
“The passage of H.R. 1948 is a victory for our binational region. It provides the International Boundary and Water Commission with the long-needed ability to accept funding from federal, state, and local government agencies, unlocking resources to advance critical infrastructure that will help mitigate the ongoing transboundary pollution crisis,” said San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Chris Cate. “For far too long, communities in our region have faced devastating public health, environmental, and economic impacts from untreated sewage and urban runoff. With the passage of this bill, we take a meaningful step forward in safeguarding public health, protecting our shared environment, and supporting the region’s economy and community prosperity. We commend our congressional leaders for their ongoing leadership to address these issues.”

Letters of support from the City of San Diego can be found here and from the City of Coronado here.

A one pager of the bill can be found here.

Further Background:

Representative Peters has, for years, worked to address the cross-border pollution fouling San Diego’s coastal waters, including pushing for additional funding to fix and expand the dilapidated SBIWTP. The following are some recent actions:

2025
1. In March, Rep. Peters introduced legislation to authorize the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to accept funding from federal and non-federal entities for wastewater treatment, flood control projects, or other water conservation efforts.
2024
1. In January, Rep. Peters took to the House floor to demand that the President’s requested $310 million to fix and expand the dilapidated SBIWTP be included in any upcoming spending deal.
1. In February, Rep. Peters joined members of San Diego’s Congressional delegation to ask U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro about the effects of cross-border pollution on Navy operations.
1. In March, Rep. Peters celebrated the inclusion of $156 million, at his request, for the International Boundary and Water Commission’s (IBWC) construction budget in the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations bill. The IBWC is the federal agency tasked with operating and maintaining the SBIWTP.
1. In May, Rep. Peters joined Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16) in a bipartisan request for $278 million for the IBWC’s construction budget in the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations bill.
1. In August, Rep. Peters hosted Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma on a tour of the broken wastewater treatment plant.
1. In September, Rep. Peters joined members of San Diego’s Congressional delegation to reiterate their call for a federal state of emergency declaration amid high levels of toxic gases.
1. In December, Rep. Peters and the Congressional delegation successfully fought to include an additional $250 million to fully repair and expand the capacity of the SBIWTP in the government funding bill. This brought the total amount of funds secured to $650 million.
2023
1. In June, Rep. Peters led a letter with other members of the San Diego Congressional delegation to the governor of Baja California urging accountability for the Mexican government’s commitments to build wastewater treatment infrastructure.
1. In July, members of the San Diego congressional delegation requested that the Environmental Protection Agency assist with directing environmental justice funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to help stop the flow of pollutants and urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to tour the broken plant.
1. Also in July, they sent a letter to President Biden and submitted an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, calling on the administration to declare this crisis a federal emergency.
1. In August, he led two letters to the Office of Management and Budget and to OMB and the State Department, calling for urgent additional funding to confront this crisis.
1. In September, he proposed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill to boost U.S.- Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Grant Program funding. Additionally, he proposed two amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill to boost annual construction funding to the USIBWC to $100 million.
1. In October, Rep. Peters led a bipartisan letter to the Department of State demanding a complete account of how the SBIWTP fell into such a severe state of disrepair.
1. In December, he led a letter urging leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to include President Biden’s $310 million supplemental budget request to repair the SBIWTP in any upcoming funding package.
In previous years, Peters and colleagues have secured funding, introduced legislation, called for investigations, and arranged a visit by EPA Administrator Regan in response to the wastewater contamination crisis.

###

MIL OSI USA News –
June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to R&D elements of the Spending Review

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

June 11, 2025

Scientists comment on the R&D elements of the Spending Review, as announced by the Chancellor.

Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, said:

“The Chancellor has today backed British science with the commitment of £86bn over the next four years. This is a welcome show of support for the UK’s outstanding science base. In difficult circumstances this will give some certainty to those looking to lead research and invest in the UK.

“It is good to see the Government recognise the skills gap, but we need a fundamental reset to maths and data education, for all ages, to equip young people with the skills they need for modern well-paid jobs. The Chancellor’s speech also had a welcome emphasis on a clean and secure energy future for the UK.

“While today’s commitment to protecting the research and innovation budget is encouraging, we continue to lag behind our competitors in the G7 on research and innovation investment when we should be looking to lead. We must also go further to attract and retain global talent. The UK’s sky-high upfront visa costs are an unnecessary deterrent at a time when our competitors are rolling out the welcome mat for the brightest minds.”

Steve Bates OBE, CEO of the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA), said:

“The Chancellor’s investments in R&D through UKRI and scaling life science companies through the British Business Bank is a huge vote of confidence in our sector’s ability to drive economic growth.

“Investments into life sciences and AI will transform drug discovery and deliver greater NHS efficiency, the Health Data Research Service could make the UK the go-to destination for health innovation, while new funding for medicines manufacturing will help us attract internationally mobile investments to the UK and create well-paid rewarding jobs across the country.

“Greater operational freedom and budget for the British Business Bank will allow it to play an even greater role in boosting our venture capital ecosystem and complementing the Chancellor’s pension reforms to increase investment in Britain’s growth sectors. This is the critical element of the Chancellor’s Plan for Change that really must be delivered to the full, with no stone left unturned.

“We await the Industrial Strategy and Life Sciences Sector Plan later this month to see the full details of how the spending plans announced today will be delivered in reality, and look forward to working in partnership with Government to make every penny count for Britain’s economy, people and patients.”

Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, UKRI Chief Executive, said:

“This multi-year settlement confirms the government’s continued commitment to the critical role of research and innovation in delivering a high-productivity, high-growth economy, improving public services and creating high-quality jobs across the UK.

“Over the coming months we will work with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on the allocations process to ensure we can best support the research and innovation critical for the UK’s prosperity.”

Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of NCUB said:

“We welcome the Government’s ongoing recognition that research and innovation are at the heart of sustainable economic growth. The headline commitment to an £86 billion R&D budget over four years is critical. Our analysis shows that every £1 invested in research leverages an additional £4 from business in the long term — generating profound economic, social, and cultural benefits for the UK.

“The Spending Review shapes not only the scale of funding for research, innovation, and skills but also its strategic direction. We applaud the pledge to extend R&D impact across the whole UK — notably through the new Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in England and reforms following the Green Book Review. The guidance for developing Local Growth Plans in England rightly references the critical importance of involving local businesses, higher education providers and bodies such as UKRI.”

“The allocation of the £86 billion research budget reveals important priorities. The substantial increase in defence-related R&D spending — rising from £1.7 billion in 2025/26 to £2.4 billion in 2028/29 — signals a shift in the research landscape that will have significant implications for the kinds of projects funded.”

“While the commitment to R&D funding is welcome, it is vital that key risks within the research and innovation system are addressed. UK universities play an indispensable and multifaceted role but continue to face severe funding pressures. The Chancellor’s acknowledgement that our universities are a national asset was encouraging, yet proper, sustained investment is essential to enable universities to drive UK innovation and progress forward.”

Dr Alicia Greated, Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), said:

“The Chancellor’s speech today has brought welcome confirmation of the announcements made at the weekend that the UK R&D budget is being protected in tough fiscal circumstances. Supporting UK R&D is an essential way to generate growth in the economy, ensure excellence in UK universities and research institutes, stimulate private sector innovation, and improve lives and livelihoods across the UK.

“It is important that we now consider the full detail of the spending review publications, as well as, critically, future departmental allocations. CaSE will be working to analyse the plans and assess the impact they will have on the R&D sector, particularly as there are several promising new initiatives that will need accounting for alongside existing commitments””

Declared interests

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

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Spending Review locks in decades of austerity

Source: Scottish Greens

11 Jun 2025 Finance

Labour could choose to tax the rich, instead they’re making more cuts to vital sectors

More in Finance

The UK Labour Government’s Spending Review will lock in many years of austerity and drive people further into poverty and hardship, warn the Scottish Greens.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement saw £52 billion of spending in total promised for Scotland, but noted losses to the budgets for crucial devolved areas such as transport, environment and rural affairs, while increasing spending in reserved areas such as defence and nuclear energy.

Labour also made no indication of scrapping the harmful policies that exacerbate widespread poverty across Scotland and the wider UK.

Responding to the publication of the UK Government’s Spending Review, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

“The UK Spending Review should be a chance for the UK Government to ditch some of the most damaging policies that have driven people across the UK into poverty and hardship.

“Despite the shiny capital announcements made so far, Labour’s ideologically driven, self-imposed borrowing rules will still lock in austerity for many years to come.

“The UK Government could choose to tax the wealthiest in society – millionaires and billionaires – and raise more than £24 billion a year.

“Just like their Tory predecessors – Labour remain all too happy to balance the books through slashing support for some of our most marginalised communities – all while allowing the rich to get even richer. Scotland has had enough of mitigating bad decisions made by Westminster.

“The Scottish Greens are not scared of taking on vested interests and ensuring that the wealthiest in society and the big polluters pay their fair share.

“We’ll soon see what hand the Spending Review deals for Scotland’s budget.

“The Scottish Government must now show the boldness that’s been missing from both governments so far, especially on the action needed now to tackle the climate emergency, instead of relying on techno-fixes that are still on the drawing board.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Ireland

Source: IMF – News in Russian

June 11, 2025

The Irish economy has performed well and entered 2025 in a strong position.
The domestic economy is projected to continue growing, albeit at a slower pace in a highly uncertain global environment.
There are significant external downside risks to growth and public finances, which are vulnerable to external trade and tax policy shifts.

Washington, DC: On June 6, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV Consultation for Ireland.^{^[1]}

The Irish economy has performed well. The domestic economy, as measured by the Modified Gross National Income, is estimated to have grown by about 4 percent in 2024. Robust consumption and strong net exports, dominated by foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs), contributed positively to growth. Headline inflation has fallen to target, while service inflation has been more persistent. The labor market remains tight, although pressures appear to be easing. The general government balance continued to register a sizeable surplus in 2024, supported by large corporate income tax receipts from multinational enterprises. Bank lending growth has strengthened, largely driven by housing and consumer loans.

The domestic economy is projected to continue to grow, though at a slower pace in a highly uncertain global environment. The strong labor market and rising real incomes, as well as anticipated pick up in housing investment and government capital spending would support domestic demand. While the direct effect of the announced tariff measures is projected to be contained, heightened global uncertainty would though weigh on household and business spending decisions.

There are significant downside risks to the growth outlook. The concentration of activity in a small number of MNEs leaves the economy and public finances vulnerable to external trade and tax policy shifts and firm- or sector-specific shocks. More broadly, a sustained reversal of globalization would put at risk the Irish economic model which has benefitted from free trade and capital flows. Domestically, supply-side constraints could delay the attainment of infrastructure and housing goals.

Executive Board Assessment^[2]

Executive Directors welcomed the strong economic performance, which has been underpinned by robust domestic demand and prudent policies. Directors highlighted that while the outlook remains positive, there are considerable downside risks, given high global uncertainty and Ireland’s significant exposure to trade and investment shocks. Accordingly, Directors emphasized the need to maintain fiscal prudence, safeguard financial stability, and advance structural reforms to support resilience and growth.

Directors recommended that fiscal policy continue to focus on building buffers, stepping up public investment, and reducing revenue uncertainty. Noting that the economy is operating at full capacity, Directors agreed that a broadly neutral fiscal stance with increased capital expenditure is appropriate as it would allow Ireland to address infrastructure needs without adding to aggregate demand. Important measures include enhancing public spending efficiency and broadening the tax base to reduce reliance on uncertain corporate tax revenue. Directors agreed that Ireland would benefit from a strengthened national fiscal framework that further ensures long-term fiscal sustainability and enhances the credibility and predictability of fiscal policy.

Directors recognized the resilience of the financial sector, while underscoring the importance of continued close monitoring of financial stability risks. Noting the high global uncertainty, Directors emphasized the need for continued vigilance, as shocks to the non-bank sector could be transmitted to other parts of the financial system and the real economy. Directors agreed that the macroprudential stance is appropriate and that measures should continue to be reassessed as conditions evolve. While welcoming progress on reducing risks from the non-bank sector, Directors urged continued efforts to improve regulation and supervision and address data gaps in collaboration with international regulators and other jurisdictions.

Directors emphasized the importance of enhancing resilience and competitiveness, amid external policy shifts and deepening geoeconomic fragmentation. Measures to promote linkages between domestic and multinational firms in innovation cooperation and improve infrastructure would help foster increased competitiveness. Directors also encouraged continued engagement in the EU to further strengthen the single market. Noting the potential dividends for growth, Directors acknowledged that Ireland is well-positioned to harness the benefits of digitalization and AI. They also highlighted the need to address supply-side constraints in housing, including by boosting productivity in the construction sector and enhancing housing policy certainty.

Ireland: Selected Economic Indicators, 2021–30

			Projections
	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030

	(Annual percentage change, constant prices, unless otherwise indicated)

Output/Demand
Real GDP 1/	16.3	8.6	-5.5	1.2	3.2	2.1	2.1	2.2	2.1	2.3
Real GNI* (growth rate) 2/	13.9	4.6	5.0	3.7	2.4	2.2	2.0	2.2	2.3	2.3
Domestic demand	-16.4	8.0	6.0	-11.9	7.6	2.4	2.4	2.4	2.5	2.5
Public consumption	6.3	3.0	4.3	4.3	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5
Private consumption	8.9	10.7	4.8	2.3	2.3	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.1	2.1
Gross fixed capital formation	-39.4	3.7	2.8	-25.4	20.0	3.0	3.0	3.0	3.0	3.0
Exports of goods and services	14.1	13.5	-5.8	11.7	3.1	2.2	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5
Imports of goods and services	-8.7	16.0	1.2	6.5	4.9	2.4	2.8	2.7	2.8	2.7
Output gap	3.4	3.1	1.0	1.2	0.9	0.6	0.3	0.1	0.0	0.0

Contribution to Growth
Domestic demand	-13.1	4.7	3.5	-7.7	4.4	1.4	1.4	1.4	1.5	1.5
Consumption	3.0	3.0	1.6	1.1	1.0	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9
Gross fixed capital formation	-16.3	0.8	0.6	-5.9	3.4	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6
Inventories	0.2	0.9	1.3	-3.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net exports	29.1	3.3	-9.1	9.3	-1.0	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.7	0.8
Residual	0.3	0.6	0.1	-0.3	-0.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

Prices
Inflation (HICP)	2.4	8.1	5.2	1.3	1.9	1.7	1.8	1.9	2.0	2.0
Inflation (HICP, core)	1.6	5.0	5.1	2.4	2.1	2.2	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0
GDP deflator	1.1	6.8	3.6	3.3	1.9	1.4	1.8	2.1	2.0	2.0

Employment
Employment (% changes of level, ILO definition)	6.5	6.9	3.4	2.7	1.5	1.1	0.8	0.6	0.6	0.6
Unemployment rate (percent)	6.3	4.5	4.3	4.3	4.5	4.7	4.8	4.8	4.8	4.8

	(Percent of GDP)
Public Finance, General Government
Revenue	22.2	22.3	24.3	27.8	25.6	25.7	25.7	26.1	26.2	26.2
Expenditure	23.5	20.6	22.7	23.5	24.2	24.4	24.6	24.8	24.9	25.0
Overall balance	-1.4	1.7	1.5	4.3	1.4	1.3	1.1	1.3	1.3	1.2
in percent of GNI*	-2.7	3.3	2.7	7.4	2.4	2.3	1.9	2.3	2.3	2.0
Primary balance	-0.6	2.3	2.2	4.9	2.0	1.9	1.7	2.0	2.1	2.0
Cyclically adjusted primary balance	-1.6	1.4	1.9	4.4	1.7	1.7	1.6	1.9	2.1	2.0
Structural primary balance 3/	-0.6	-0.6	-0.4	-0.8	-0.9	-0.9	-0.9	-0.8	-0.7	-0.7
General government gross debt	52.6	43.1	43.3	40.9	36.4	34.4	33.1	31.6	30.2	29.0
General government gross debt (percent of GNI*)	102.3	84.2	75.9	70.0	62.8	59.3	57.1	54.5	52.1	50.1

Balance of Payments
Trade balance (goods)	37.5	39.4	30.6	33.1	36.6	36.1	35.7	35.6	35.8	35.8
Current account balance	12.2	8.8	8.1	17.2	12.2	11.6	11.1	10.6	9.9	9.2
Gross external debt (excl. IFSC) 4/	284.9	229.9	218.9	198.0	179.9	166.4	153.3	140.6	129.3	118.9

Saving and Investment Balance
Gross national savings	35.3	31.7	34.4	34.6	31.5	30.9	30.3	29.9	29.3	28.8
Private sector	35.5	29.0	31.8	29.2	29.1	28.6	28.4	27.7	27.2	26.8
Public sector	-0.2	2.7	2.6	5.3	2.4	2.2	2.0	2.2	2.2	2.0
Gross capital formation	23.1	22.9	26.3	17.4	19.3	19.2	19.3	19.2	19.4	19.5


Memorandum Items:
Nominal GDP (€ billions)	449.2	520.9	510.0	533.4	561.2	581.1	603.9	630.2	656.8	685.2
Nominal GNI* (€ billions)	230.8	267.0	290.9	311.8	325.3	337.0	349.8	364.9	380.7	397.2
Modified domestic demand (percentage change) 5/	8.0	8.8	2.6	2.7	2.1	2.1	2.2	2.2	2.3	2.3


Sources: CSO, DoF, Eurostat, and IMF staff estimates and projections.
1/ Real GDP growth is reported in non-seasonally adjusted terms.
2/ Nominal GNI* is deflated using GDP deflator as proxy, since an official GNI* deflator is not available.
3/ Excludes estimated windfall CIT receipts. In 2024 also excludes CIT receipts of 2.5 percent of GDP following judgment by the Court of Justice of the EU.
4/ IFSC indicates international financial services.
5/ Modified Domestic Demand (MDD) measures Ireland’s domestic economic activity by excluding certain capital investment items such as aeroplanes purchased by leasing companies in Ireland and Intellectual Property purchases of foreign-owned corporations from final domestic demand.

[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

[2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/10/pr25189-ireland-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation-with-ireland

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 12, 2025

MIL-OSI: Robust Operational Results from Lithium Facility Strengthen Summit Nanotech’s Commercial DLE Readiness
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DENVER, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Summit Nanotech Corporation (“Summit”) is proud to announce the one-year operating anniversary of its US direct lithium extraction (DLE) system, which integrates commercial-height columns and high-performance sorbent. The process includes a unique method of flow sequencing, which delivers high efficiency and reliability levels that are not possible in conventional ‘simulated moving bed’ (SMB) processes. Over the past year, the system has played a pivotal role in advancing Summit’s DLE technology, denaLi™, for commercial-scale deployment. It has enabled a direct translation of operating parameters to Summit’s field demonstration plant in Chile.

The Colorado DLE facility recently processed brines from a major South American salar, yielding impressive metrics and setting new performance benchmarks for the industry:
- Lithium recovery rate: >98%
- TDS rejection rate: >95%
- DLE-specific water makeup: 7 m³/t-LCE
This operational milestone follows independent, third-party testing of Summit’s proprietary sorbent, showing significantly higher capacity and a higher concentration product compared to leading competitors.

“All of these data support the commercial readiness of our lithium-selective sorbent and denaLi™ system,” said Amanda Hall, CEO and Founder of Summit. “We worked hard to get our DLE right, and that work has paid off, putting us in a leading position on all-in lithium cost.”

Looking ahead, the facility is now preparing to process live brine from the Smackover formation in the southern United States, which will further validate the versatility and efficiency of Summit’s technology across diverse assets.

Joe Arencibia, President & COO of Summit said, “Operating our Colorado facility at commercial-level complexity has allowed us to validate our DLE process on real-world brine. Our denaLi™ platform has delivered consistent results and it’s ready for scaled, global deployment.”

In the past year, the facility has drawn significant attention from across the lithium ecosystem, hosting visits from investors, industrial partners, university researchers, government, and industry associations. The steady flow of high-profile visitors highlights growing industry confidence in Summit’s technology.

DLE Done Right

Summit Nanotech has developed and deployed one of the most reliable and efficient direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies on the market. Its modular system and high-performance sorbent, engineered in North America and designed for commercial complexity, produce high-purity lithium from brines in Chile, Argentina, and the United States, with industry-leading water efficiency.

Summit is operating a field demonstration plant in northern Chile and a multi-column system in Colorado that enables rapid testing, process development, and sorbent optimization on customer feedstocks.

Summit is actively developing sorbent and technology supply agreements for projects over 5 kT/y LCE and scaling production to meet global demand. Learn more about how the denaLi™ platform reduces project costs, increases recovery rates, and delivers the lowest levelized cost of lithium at www.summitnanotech.com.

Media Contact:
Kristen Gray
Manager, Communications & Investor Relations
kristen.gray@summitnanotech.com

Commercial Sales:

Rodrigo Mery
Manager, Business Development
rodrigo.mery@summitnanotech.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a1434ff6-8e90-46ac-b78e-82749369318d

The MIL Network –
June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier Statement on Trump Administration Proposal to Eliminate Chemical Safety Board

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate the Chemical Safety Board and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), the independent agency responsible for investigating chemical disasters, including fatal fires and explosions.

“It is unconscionable that in his drive to amass more and more power, the President would dismantle an agency whose sole purpose is safety. Unfortunately, our community knows all too well what happens when safety is overlooked at oil refineries: death, injuries, unbreathable air, and more. Having spent my career fighting to regulate nearby refineries, I know the vital role the CSB plays in probing the root causes of chemical incidents and in issuing recommendations that have helped keep workers and communities safer. I will do everything possible in Congress to fight this dangerous executive overreach and protect the Chemical Safety Board.”

Congressman DeSaulnier is a senior member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce. During his tenure on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, he played a pivotal role in the Industrial Safety Ordinance and the Refinery Flare Rule for local refineries and chemical facilities following a deadly explosion at the Tosco refinery in 1997. When President Trump previously tried to eliminate the CSB in 2018 and Congressional Republicans proposed to reduce its funding, Congressman DeSaulnier successfully authored an amendment that passed into law to ensure it was fully funded.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: Ghana and Zambia have snubbed Africa’s leading development bank: why they should change course

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Misheck Mutize, Post Doctoral Researcher, Graduate School of Business (GSB), University of Cape Town

The governments of Ghana and Zambia recently took a decision that could have serious consequences for other African countries. The decision relates to arrangements on how the two countries will repay the debt they owe to Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

They have both taken decisions to relegate Afreximbank to a commercial lender from a preferred creditor. This means that the terms on which Afreximbank has lent money to these two countries will change. And it will lose certain protections. For example preferred creditors are repaid first, before any other lenders.

This protects preferred creditors’ balance sheets and enables them to continue lending during crisis periods when others cannot. In contrast, commercial banks get paid later or might not get paid at all. This higher risk factor means that they charge higher rates.

Based on decades of researching Africa’s capital markets and the institutions that govern them it’s my view that the long-term consequences of this precedent are detrimental. If other African borrowers follow suit, treating loans from African multilateral development banks as ordinary commercial debt during restructuring, it will erode the viability of these institutions. Investors who fund Afreximbank through bonds and capital markets may reassess its risk profile, pushing up its cost of funding and making future lending less affordable.

The ultimate losers will be African countries themselves, especially those with limited access to international capital. Afreximbank, along with other African financial institutions, is a lifeline for trade finance, infrastructure development, and crisis response. Undermining its legal protections weakens the continent’s capacity for self-reliant development.

Afreximbank was created under the auspices of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 1993. It was set up with a public interest mandate to develop African trade and promote integration. Its legal status and structural features place it closer to international multilateral development banks than to private creditors, justifying its treatment as a preferred creditor.

The decision by Accra and Lusaka signals lack of confidence in African financial institutions. It suggests that they do not trust them to the same extent as global institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. These are treated as preferred creditors, on the assumption that they will lend to countries in crisis or distress when commercial lenders retreat.

The actions of Ghana and Zambia set a dangerous precedent by sidelining African financial institutions in favour of external creditors. That risks weakening Africa’s financial institutions and undermining the very concept of African solutions to African problems. Investors will become more sceptical and pessimistic, demanding more interest.

The continent needs to develop an ability to independently design, finance and implement its economic development policies without support from external financial institutions. Afreximbank helps to achieve this through financing African-designed infrastructure and counter-cyclical lending.

Ghana and Zambia still have an opportunity to correct course. In my view they should do so for the sake of the bank, its member states and the future of African economic sovereignty.

The background

Ghana and Zambia have both defaulted on their external bonds in the last four years. Zambia in October 2020 and Ghana in December 2022. This forced them to negotiate new sustainable terms with creditors.

During their respective debt negotiations, both countries have announced that they would include African multilateral development banks such as Afreximbank and the Trade and Development Bank in the debt restructuring.

This followed private and bilateral creditors contesting unequal distribution of restructuring burdens, where they face losses while some multilateral institutions are shielded. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank, which are preferred creditors, do not fund infrastructure, they only offer balance of payments support.

The decision by Ghana and Zambia to relegate Afreximbank was made during an ongoing comprehensive debt restructuring. Ghana and Zambia have been negotiating with creditors for over a year in an attempt to resolve their sovereign debt crises.

The two countries were complying with International Monetary Fund supported restructuring terms. Bilateral creditors were also demanding fair burden sharing with African multilateral banks.

Afreximbank: not just another lender

Ghana and Zambia don’t have a legal leg to stand on.

Afreximbank’s preferred creditor status is not an informal privilege but derives from Article VX(1) of its founding agreement. The agreement has been signed and ratified by member states into national laws, including Ghana and Zambia.

This status is further reinforced by the bank’s diplomatic immunities and privileges and its ability to operate across African jurisdictions under protected legal frameworks. The role of Afreximbank, therefore, goes beyond that of a traditional commercial bank.

Preferred creditor status protects development finance institutions in a number of ways. The biggest protection is that lenders are prioritised for repayment. This protects their balance sheets, enabling them to continue lending when others cannot.

A preferred creditor status is accorded for a reason. It is to ensure that development finance institutions can lend in times of distress with confidence, on the guarantee that they will be repaid ahead of other creditors. Country actions that violate this principle disrupt the implicit covenant that enables counter-cyclical financing. This is breaking the financial lifeline that countries might need when nobody else is willing to help them. This is precisely the kind of support that Ghana and Zambia relied on during their respective debt crises in December 2022 and October 2020, respectively.

A bank that has consistently stepped up

It is worth recalling that during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2021) and again when global markets closed access to Eurobond issuances for African countries, investors didn’t want to lend African countries for fear of defaulting. Afreximbank was one of the few institutions that continued to lend to African sovereigns. This included US$750 million to Ghana and US$45 million to Zambia.

When Ghana, Zambia and other commodity export-dependent countries faced acute foreign currency shortages and tightening global liquidity caused by the 2015/16 commodity crisis of low prices, Afreximbank did not hesitate to deploy resources.

Zambia has also benefited significantly from Afreximbank’s trade and development finance in energy, agriculture and healthcare. These are areas that many commercial banks view as too risky or low-margin.

For Zambia and Ghana to classify Afreximbank in the same category as hedge funds, bondholders or purely commercial lenders, is ahistorical and unwarranted.

Restructuring loans from Afreximbank risks inadvertently raising the cost of capital for African countries. If Afreximbank can no longer be shielded under preferred creditor status norms, it may be forced to adopt more conservative lending practices, charge higher risk premiums or retreat from high-risk markets altogether.

The knock-on effect is reduced access to affordable, timely financing for countries that need it most.

Afreximbank has rejected the idea that its loans ought to be restructured.

Ghana and Zambia should correct course

Ghana and Zambia still have an opportunity to correct course. They can reaffirm Afreximbank’s preferred creditor status, exclude it from restructuring tables meant for commercial creditors, and honour their legal commitments.

In doing so, they would not only preserve their reputations as reliable debtors but also strengthen the broader fabric of African financial solidarity.

African countries must be cognisant that no one else will build their institutions for them. If they do not defend and respect them, they cannot expect the rest of the world to do so. The credibility, sustainability and legitimacy of Africa’s financial independence depends, in large part, on how they treat the institutions they have built.

The decision to treat Afreximbank and the Trade and Development Bank like commercial lenders is short-sighted and self-defeating. It must be reversed.

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

– ref. Ghana and Zambia have snubbed Africa’s leading development bank: why they should change course – https://theconversation.com/ghana-and-zambia-have-snubbed-africas-leading-development-bank-why-they-should-change-course-258467

MIL OSI Analysis –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: SIU freeze immovable property in the Zandrivierspoort farm
Source: South Africa News Agency

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a preservation order from the Special Tribunal to freeze the immovable property at Portion 15 of the Farm Zandrivierspoort in Limpopo.

“This action is part of an investigation into the misappropriation of funds from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), which were intended for the construction of old age homes,” the Special Investigating Unit said in a statement.

The SIU’s probe into NLC-funded projects uncovered a sophisticated scheme involving the hijacking of legitimate non-profit organisations (NPOs), falsified grant applications, and the diversion of funds to private entities and individuals.

The investigation focused on three NPOs, Matieni Community Centre, Lethabong Old Age Home and War Against Rape and Abuse (WAR RNA), which together received more than R66 million under false pretences.

“The SIU’s investigation revealed that Matieni Community Centre, a defunct NPO, was fraudulently revived to apply for NLC funding.

“The original members were unaware of the application and the individuals listed on the NLC application were not legitimate members,” the SIU said.

Lethabong Old Age Home and WAR RNA similarly had their identities misused, with falsified documents and unauthorised individuals submitting applications. Matieni received R23 million from the NLC, of which:
- R5.975 million was transferred to the Mbidzo Development Programme, which was linked to Collin Tshisimba, who has been fingered in other NLC investigations.
- R6.2 million was paid to Wa Rothe Construction, and Lethabong received R20 million, with R15 million diverted to Mbidzo’s bank account.
- WAR RNA received R20 million, with R5 million transferred to Mbidzo.
Mbidzo, controlled by Tshisimba, channelled funds to attorneys for the purchase of the Louis Trichardt Farm, Limpopo, registered under Promise Kharivhe, Tshisimba’s life partner.

The order of the Special Tribunal is part of implementing SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions because of corruption or negligence.

The order forms part of a broader investigation into corruption involving NLC grants intended for community development projects.

The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –
June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Omar Reintroduces Package of Police Accountability Legislation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

WASHINGTON—Following the five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder in her district, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) reintroduced a package of bills to address continued police brutality and misuse of force. The package includes crucial legislation that creates a federal agency to investigate misuse of force by police and a bill to protect protesters by making police violence against protesters a federal crime. It also includes a resolution condemning police brutality globally.

“In the wake of the five-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder in my district, it is clear we still need to pass bold legislation to address systemic racism embedded within policing,” said Rep. Omar. “It is our moral responsibility to do everything we can to prevent future killings and ensure that police are held fully accountable when they commit violence against civilians. This package will bring us one step closer to a future where no one will live in fear of police violence.”

The National Police Misuse of Force Investigation Board Act – This bill establishes a federal agency responsible for investigating all nationwide deaths occurring in police custody, officer-involved shootings, and uses of force that result in severe bodily injury. The agency will conduct unbiased, independent investigations and issue determinations of responsibility and recommendations for reform that will prevent future violence. Those findings will be admissible in court. Federal funding for law enforcement activities and equipment will be curtailed if a police department fails to take meaningful action on the Board’s policy and reform recommendations. You can read the bill here.

The Protecting Our Protesters Act – This legislation allows any officer who kills or causes bodily harm to a civilian during the response to a protest to be charged with a federal crime. We must ensure that the constitutional right to protest is duly protected, not threatened or stifled by law enforcement officers. You can read the bill here.

Global Police Brutality Resolution – The resolution calls on Congress to stand with peaceful protesters around the world in their calls for justice and condemns police brutality wherever in the world it occurs. You can read the bill here.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: CBAK Energy Engages FAW, one of China’s largest EV makers, in Strategic Talks on New EV Battery Model 46950

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DALIAN, China, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) (“CBAK Energy” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries and a provider of comprehensive electric energy solutions in China, today announced that members of its Research & Development and Sales teams recently visited China First Automotive Works (FAW) Group Co., Ltd. at the company’s headquarters in Changchun, Jilin Province.

The delegation was led by Mr. Suijun Shang, Principal of the Academy of Research & Development at CBAK Energy, and included senior managers from the Sales Department. They were received by the Principal of FAW’s own Academy of Research & Development. During the meeting, both parties exchanged insights on potential collaboration opportunities, including the prospective supply of CBAK Energy’s upcoming Model 46950 cell, which shares key design characteristics with the widely recognized Model 46800.

CBAK Energy’s Series 46 production line includes two variants of the Model 46950, utilizing either NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) chemistry or a hybrid of LMFP (Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate) and NCM. Specifically engineered for electric vehicle (EV) applications, these advanced cells deliver an energy density approximately 65.64% and 22.70% higher, respectively, than the Company’s current flagship cell, the Model 32140. Moreover, both versions of the Model 46950 support 4C fast charging, doubling the 2C charging capability of the Model 32140.

These innovative products are currently undergoing laboratory testing and are expected to be officially launched next year. With the introduction of the Model 46950, CBAK Energy is positioning itself to re-enter the EV battery market.

Zhiguang Hu, Chief Executive Officer of CBAK Energy, stated: “We are pleased to have engaged in meaningful discussions with FAW, one of China’s leading EV manufacturers. Reestablishing connections with former partners, especially with the forthcoming Model 46950, signals our strategic intention to return to the EV market. We anticipate that this type of industry dialogue will become increasingly frequent as we move closer to announcing the mass production of the Model 46950.”

About CBAK Energy
CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) is a leading high-tech enterprise in China engaged in the development, manufacturing, and sales of new energy high power lithium batteries and raw materials for use in manufacturing high power lithium batteries. The applications of the Company’s products and solutions include electric vehicles, light electric vehicles, electric tools, energy storage, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and other high-power applications. In January 2006, CBAK Energy became the first lithium battery manufacturer in China listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. CBAK Energy has multiple operating subsidiaries in Dalian, Nanjing and Shaoxing, as well as a large-scale R&D and production base in Dalian.

For more information, please visit ir.cbak.com.cn.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, strategy and plans, and our expectations for future operations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “should,” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Our actual results may differ materially or perhaps significantly from those discussed herein, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

For further inquiries, please contact:
In China:
CBAK Energy Technology, Inc.
Investor Relations Department
Email: ir@cbak.com.cn

The MIL Network –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. Announces Reverse Stock Split

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SOUTH SAN FRANSCISCO, Calif., June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., (Nasdaq: CERO) (“CERo” or the “Company”) an innovative immunotherapy company seeking to advance the next generation of engineered T cell therapeutics that employ phagocytic mechanisms, today announced that its board of directors has determined to effect a one-for-twenty reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”).

The reverse stock split will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on June 13, 2025, and the Company’s Common Stock will begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) as of the opening of trading on June 13, 2025. The CUSIP number of 71902K402 will be assigned to the Company’s Common Stock when the reverse stock split becomes effective.

When the reverse stock split becomes effective, every twenty (20) of the Company’s issued shares of Common Stock will be combined into one issued share of Common Stock, without any change to the par value per share. This will reduce the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock from approximately 10,321,839 shares to approximately 516,092 shares.

Proportional adjustments will also be made to the number of shares of Common Stock awarded and available for issuance under the Company’s equity incentive plans, as well as the exercise price and the number of shares issuable upon the exercise or conversion of the Company’s outstanding stock options and other equity securities under the Company’s equity incentive plans. Additionally, all outstanding shares of preferred stock will be adjusted in accordance with their terms, which will, among other changes to the preferred stock terms, result in proportionate adjustments being made to the number of shares issuable upon conversion of such preferred stock and to the conversion prices of such preferred stock. All outstanding warrants will also be adjusted in accordance with their terms, which will, among other changes to the warrant terms, result in proportionate adjustments being made to the number of shares issuable upon exercise of such warrants and to the exercise and redemption prices of such warrants.

No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split. Stockholders who would otherwise hold a fraction of a share of Common Stock of the Company will automatically be entitled to receive an additional fraction of a share of Common Stock to round up to the next whole share.

Stockholders with shares held in book-entry form or through a bank, broker, or other nominee are not required to take any action and will see the consequence of the reverse stock split reflected in their accounts on or after June 13, 2025. Such beneficial holders may contact their bank, broker, or nominee for more information.

The reverse stock split ratio approved by the board of directors is within the previously disclosed range of ratios for a reverse stock split authorized by the stockholders of the Company at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company held on May 29, 2025.

About CERo Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.

CERo is an innovative immunotherapy company advancing the development of next generation engineered T cell therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Its proprietary approach to T cell engineering, which enables it to integrate certain desirable characteristics of both innate and adaptive immunity into a single therapeutic construct, is designed to engage the body’s full immune repertoire to achieve optimized cancer therapy. This novel cellular immunotherapy platform is expected to redirect patient-derived T cells to eliminate tumors by building in engulfment pathways that employ phagocytic mechanisms to destroy cancer cells, creating what CERo refers to as Chimeric Engulfment Receptor T cells (“CER-T”). CERo believes the differentiated activity of CER-T cells will afford them greater therapeutic application than currently approved chimeric antigen receptor (“CAR-T”) cell therapy, as the use of CER-T may potentially span both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. CERo anticipates initiating clinical trials for its lead product candidate, CER-1236, in 2025 for hematological malignancies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains statements that are forward-looking and as such are not historical facts. This includes, without limitation, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations of CERo the timing and completion of the reverse stock split, and the acceptance and implementation of its proposed plan of compliance with Nasdaq continued listing standards. These statements constitute projections, forecasts and forward-looking statements, and are not guarantees of performance. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this communication, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. When CERo discusses its strategies or plans, it is making projections, forecasts or forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the beliefs of, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to, CERo’s management.

Actual results could differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements in this communication. Certain risks that could cause actual results to differ are set forth in CERo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on April 15, 2025 and its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the documents incorporated by reference therein. The risks described in CERo’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are not exhaustive. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict all such risk factors, nor can CERo assess the impact of all such risk factors on its business, or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. You should not put undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements made by CERo or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. CERo undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact:
Chris Ehrlich
Chief Executive Officer
cehrlich@cero.bio

Investors:
CORE IR
investors@cero.bio

The MIL Network –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks to the Opening of the Eighteenth Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [as delivered]

Source: United Nations secretary general

Welcome to the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

On behalf of the Secretary-General, I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you for all you do to advance the rights of persons with disabilities around the world.

A special welcome to civil society, and in particular, to the organizations led by persons with disabilities.

Your presence fills this Hall with purpose.

Advancing equality and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities is not only close to my heart – it is central to the vision of the Secretary-General and the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy.

It is a test of our common values. Inclusion of persons with disabilities is also a testament to common sense.

When persons with disabilities can fully participate in society, communities and economies are stronger.

We know this. And so do all those who realize the Convention.

In an often-divided world, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities stands as a powerful declaration:

Disability inclusion is fundamental to human rights — and essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Yet today, we face a sobering truth.

Progress is not just slow – in some cases, it is reversing.

The UN Disability and Development Report found that nearly all SDG indicators for persons with disabilities are off track.

The message is stark:

Persons with disabilities face higher poverty, greater unemployment, deeper food and health insecurity, and more limited access to education, jobs and digital technologies.

And as this session reminds us, indigenous persons with disabilities face even greater exclusion.

This must change.

The Pact for the Future, adopted last year, reinforces the call for a more peaceful, inclusive, accessible and equitable world – one in which persons with disabilities play a full and equal role in advancing sustainable development, climate action and digital transformation.

We meet today on the threshold of two vital gatherings: the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, and the Second World Summit for Social Development.

Your deliberations will help shape those events.

This session focuses on three critical themes.

How we finance change.

How we harness technology.

And how we honour those most often left behind: Indigenous persons with disabilities.

Let me offer a few reflections.

First, on funding change.

Progress requires investment.

Yet today, global support for disability inclusion has been cut in half – falling from $500 million to $250 million in just two years.

Behind these figures are real lives.

Children with disabilities shut out of classrooms.

Adults with disabilities who cannot get to work, if they have work at all.

Families of persons with disabilities denied essential services.

Women and girls with disabilities are denied sexual and reproductive health and rights.

We need targeted investments and tailored solutions – such as microfinance, social impact bonds and public-private alliances – that address gaps in realizing the rights of persons with disabilities.

And we must unlock capital to fund inclusion today, and build sustainable, inclusive systems for tomorrow.

This requires advancing the Pact for the Future’s calls to recapitalize Multilateral Development Banks, provide debt relief, and reform the international financial architecture – so that developing countries can invest in systems that are inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.

Second, we must continue to harness the transformative power of technologies.

Artificial intelligence is the latest frontier – and it holds immense potential to advance inclusion.

AI can be the difference between isolation and participation.

And help individuals navigate the world through tools such as speech recognition, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning, screen readers, accessible navigation assistance and personalized support for daily tasks.

But this promise comes with a warning.

Biases are being hardwired into algorithms.

And regulations on accessibility of emerging technologies are sorely lacking.

Developed countries, in particular, have a responsibility to step up support.

Today about 70% of AI-powered assistive technologies are concentrated in developed economies.

Without global cooperation and fair technology transfer agreements, people in the poorest countries risk being excluded – again.

We must ensure that AI becomes a tool for humanity, not a mirror of entrenched inequalities.

Through the Global Digital Compact, countries have made their expectations clear:

AI technologies must empower all people, including persons with disabilities, and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.

Third, we must do more to uphold the rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities.

Persistent barriers in intersecting forms of discrimination are limiting their rights, and the disparities are stark.

In Latin America, for example, indigenous persons with disabilities attend fewer years of school, earn half as much income, and hold fewer leadership roles.

Indigenous women and girls with disabilities face greater rates of violence, isolation and lack of support services.

Legal services are not accessible or are not culturally adequate for equal access to justice.

This is not just neglect – it is erasure.

Realizing the rights of Indigenous Persons with Disabilities requires culturally appropriate approaches – and meaningful inclusion in decision-making.

The rallying cry has never been more fitting: Nothing about us without us.

Dear friends,

We’ve come a long way in 19 years.

Laws have changed.

Attitudes have shifted.

And political realities have shifted, too.

Armed conflict in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere is leaving countless civilians with sustained permanent injuries and deep psychological trauma.

Children with disabilities are especially vulnerable – Gaza alone has the highest number of child amputees in modern history.

Families are bearing the brunt of conflicts, and communities will require inclusive and accessible rebuilding.

Wars are draining budgets. And the foundations of multilateralism are being chiseled away by division and mistrust.

Yet this session is proof that the world can still come together – with purpose and resolve.

It is a reminder that we must make sure promises made are promises kept.

Let’s make the most of this conference – and the historic opportunities ahead – to drive action for persons with disabilities.

To build a world that is inclusive, accessible, and sustainable.

And to say in one voice:

Rights are not optional.

They are universal.

They are non-negotiable.

And they belong to all.

Thank you.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Ghana and Zambia have snubbed Africa’s leading development bank: why they should change course

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Misheck Mutize, Post Doctoral Researcher, Graduate School of Business (GSB), University of Cape Town

The governments of Ghana and Zambia recently took a decision that could have serious consequences for other African countries. The decision relates to arrangements on how the two countries will repay the debt they owe to Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

They have both taken decisions to relegate Afreximbank to a commercial lender from a preferred creditor. This means that the terms on which Afreximbank has lent money to these two countries will change. And it will lose certain protections. For example preferred creditors are repaid first, before any other lenders.

This protects preferred creditors’ balance sheets and enables them to continue lending during crisis periods when others cannot. In contrast, commercial banks get paid later or might not get paid at all. This higher risk factor means that they charge higher rates.

Based on decades of researching Africa’s capital markets and the institutions that govern them it’s my view that the long-term consequences of this precedent are detrimental. If other African borrowers follow suit, treating loans from African multilateral development banks as ordinary commercial debt during restructuring, it will erode the viability of these institutions. Investors who fund Afreximbank through bonds and capital markets may reassess its risk profile, pushing up its cost of funding and making future lending less affordable.

The ultimate losers will be African countries themselves, especially those with limited access to international capital. Afreximbank, along with other African financial institutions, is a lifeline for trade finance, infrastructure development, and crisis response. Undermining its legal protections weakens the continent’s capacity for self-reliant development.

Afreximbank was created under the auspices of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 1993. It was set up with a public interest mandate to develop African trade and promote integration. Its legal status and structural features place it closer to international multilateral development banks than to private creditors, justifying its treatment as a preferred creditor.

The decision by Accra and Lusaka signals lack of confidence in African financial institutions. It suggests that they do not trust them to the same extent as global institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. These are treated as preferred creditors, on the assumption that they will lend to countries in crisis or distress when commercial lenders retreat.

The actions of Ghana and Zambia set a dangerous precedent by sidelining African financial institutions in favour of external creditors. That risks weakening Africa’s financial institutions and undermining the very concept of African solutions to African problems. Investors will become more sceptical and pessimistic, demanding more interest.

The continent needs to develop an ability to independently design, finance and implement its economic development policies without support from external financial institutions. Afreximbank helps to achieve this through financing African-designed infrastructure and counter-cyclical lending.

Ghana and Zambia still have an opportunity to correct course. In my view they should do so for the sake of the bank, its member states and the future of African economic sovereignty.

The background

Ghana and Zambia have both defaulted on their external bonds in the last four years. Zambia in October 2020 and Ghana in December 2022. This forced them to negotiate new sustainable terms with creditors.

During their respective debt negotiations, both countries have announced that they would include African multilateral development banks such as Afreximbank and the Trade and Development Bank in the debt restructuring.

This followed private and bilateral creditors contesting unequal distribution of restructuring burdens, where they face losses while some multilateral institutions are shielded. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank, which are preferred creditors, do not fund infrastructure, they only offer balance of payments support.

The decision by Ghana and Zambia to relegate Afreximbank was made during an ongoing comprehensive debt restructuring. Ghana and Zambia have been negotiating with creditors for over a year in an attempt to resolve their sovereign debt crises.

The two countries were complying with International Monetary Fund supported restructuring terms. Bilateral creditors were also demanding fair burden sharing with African multilateral banks.

Afreximbank: not just another lender

Ghana and Zambia don’t have a legal leg to stand on.

Afreximbank’s preferred creditor status is not an informal privilege but derives from Article VX(1) of its founding agreement. The agreement has been signed and ratified by member states into national laws, including Ghana and Zambia.

This status is further reinforced by the bank’s diplomatic immunities and privileges and its ability to operate across African jurisdictions under protected legal frameworks. The role of Afreximbank, therefore, goes beyond that of a traditional commercial bank.

Preferred creditor status protects development finance institutions in a number of ways. The biggest protection is that lenders are prioritised for repayment. This protects their balance sheets, enabling them to continue lending when others cannot.

A preferred creditor status is accorded for a reason. It is to ensure that development finance institutions can lend in times of distress with confidence, on the guarantee that they will be repaid ahead of other creditors. Country actions that violate this principle disrupt the implicit covenant that enables counter-cyclical financing. This is breaking the financial lifeline that countries might need when nobody else is willing to help them. This is precisely the kind of support that Ghana and Zambia relied on during their respective debt crises in December 2022 and October 2020, respectively.

A bank that has consistently stepped up

It is worth recalling that during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2021) and again when global markets closed access to Eurobond issuances for African countries, investors didn’t want to lend African countries for fear of defaulting. Afreximbank was one of the few institutions that continued to lend to African sovereigns. This included US$750 million to Ghana and US$45 million to Zambia.

When Ghana, Zambia and other commodity export-dependent countries faced acute foreign currency shortages and tightening global liquidity caused by the 2015/16 commodity crisis of low prices, Afreximbank did not hesitate to deploy resources.

Zambia has also benefited significantly from Afreximbank’s trade and development finance in energy, agriculture and healthcare. These are areas that many commercial banks view as too risky or low-margin.

For Zambia and Ghana to classify Afreximbank in the same category as hedge funds, bondholders or purely commercial lenders, is ahistorical and unwarranted.

Restructuring loans from Afreximbank risks inadvertently raising the cost of capital for African countries. If Afreximbank can no longer be shielded under preferred creditor status norms, it may be forced to adopt more conservative lending practices, charge higher risk premiums or retreat from high-risk markets altogether.

The knock-on effect is reduced access to affordable, timely financing for countries that need it most.

Afreximbank has rejected the idea that its loans ought to be restructured.

Ghana and Zambia should correct course

Ghana and Zambia still have an opportunity to correct course. They can reaffirm Afreximbank’s preferred creditor status, exclude it from restructuring tables meant for commercial creditors, and honour their legal commitments.

In doing so, they would not only preserve their reputations as reliable debtors but also strengthen the broader fabric of African financial solidarity.

African countries must be cognisant that no one else will build their institutions for them. If they do not defend and respect them, they cannot expect the rest of the world to do so. The credibility, sustainability and legitimacy of Africa’s financial independence depends, in large part, on how they treat the institutions they have built.

The decision to treat Afreximbank and the Trade and Development Bank like commercial lenders is short-sighted and self-defeating. It must be reversed.

– Ghana and Zambia have snubbed Africa’s leading development bank: why they should change course
– https://theconversation.com/ghana-and-zambia-have-snubbed-africas-leading-development-bank-why-they-should-change-course-258467

MIL OSI Africa –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse, Gun Violence Prevention Leaders Call on Senate to Strip Effort to Deregulate Firearms Silencers from Republicans’ Budget Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Washington, D.C. — House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02), Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) led over 60 members of the Democratic Caucus in penning a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, urging they commit to removing language that eliminates excise taxes on firearm silencers and deregulates their use under the National Firearms Act currently included in the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

Neguse and his colleagues on the House Rules Committee exposed Republicans’ last-minute move to eliminate firearm silencer regulations during the panel’s marathon 21-hour hearing. A silencer, when attached to the barrel of a firearm, muffles the sound of gunfire—obstructing law enforcement efforts to respond to active shooters and making it more difficult to recognize the sound of gunfire and locate the source of gunshots quickly and effectively.

“In the dead of night, our Republican colleagues added a provision (Sec. 112029) to H.R.1 that would remove firearm silencers from the NFA. This change, which was ultimately included in the legislation, would be catastrophic to public safety and greatly impede law enforcement efforts to keep our communities safe,” wrote Neguse, Thompson, and Amo.

The lawmakers continued: “As you know, the so-called ‘Byrd Rule’ under the Congressional Budget Act makes clear that, in short, non-budgetary provisions cannot be included in reconciliation legislation. Removing the regulatory structure for firearm silencers is thus not only dangerous, but blatantly violative of the Byrd Rule. Put simply, the provision represents a clear attempt to make a significant policy change to a century-old law, and cannot be adopted through the reconciliation process on that basis alone.”

“Congress has long maintained strong regulations for firearm silencers under the NFA for good reason. Law enforcement has identified silencers in crimes across the country–including in mass shootings in Monterey Park, California, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and by a gunman that killed two police officers during a 10-day shooting spree in Southern California. Furthermore, according to data from the ATF, in 2023 alone, over 400 silencers were recovered and traced from violent crime scenes. It is with this in mind, that we strongly urge you to remove Section 112029, and any provision that would deregulate and eliminate excise taxes on firearm silencers as the Senate considers the FY25 reconciliation bill. If enacted, these provisions would place the public and our brave law enforcement officers in harm’s way. The American people and our law enforcement deserve better,” they concluded.

The full letter is available HERE.

It is supported by Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Giffords.

“The inclusion of the deregulation of silencers under the National Firearms Act in the budget reconciliation bill is unconscionable and demonstrates a complete disregard for public safety. In the wrong hands, silencers are extremely dangerous as they make it much more difficult for victims, bystanders, and law enforcement to recognize and react to gunfire and to identify shooters, even when in close proximity. Deregulating these under the NFA devices will enable mass shooters and other bad actors, putting the lives of law enforcement and the public at risk across the nation,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady.

“The silencer provisions in this bill will put law enforcement and our communities at greater risk from gun violence while costing taxpayers more than a billion dollars. We urge the Senate to remove these harmful provisions, and thank Rep. Neguse for his leadership on this issue,” said Monisha Henley, Everytown’s Senior Vice President, Government Affairs.

“Instead of fighting crime and keeping American families safe, House Republicans gave gun industry CEOs a $1.5 billion tax break to boost their bottom line. Silencers enable shooters to cause more violence without being detected. Law enforcement has opposed efforts to sell silencers without background checks for a reason — they make law enforcement’s jobs harder. We thank Rep. Neguse for his leadership on this issue, and urge the Senate to keep silencers out of the hands of dangerous people,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director of GIFFORDS.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amidst Push to Unlock Orange Basin Potential

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

Gil Holzman, President and CEO of independent oil and gas exploration company Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas, has confirmed his participation as a speaker at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference, scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 3, 2025, in Cape Town. As an independent with strategic assets in Namibia and South Africa, Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas’ Holzman is well-positioned to shape discussions around the opportunities within the African oil and gas sector.

Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas is accelerating exploration across several key assets in the Orange Basin, one of the world’s most promising exploration frontiers located offshore South Africa and Namibia. In June 2025, the company secured the exploration right and transfer of 75% interest in Block 1. The milestone follows an announcement made in May 2025 that the company acquired 2D and 3D seismic data for Block 1 offshore South Africa to support a future drilling campaign.

The block – where wells drilled in the 1980s indicated high-quality, commercial-scale oil and gas deposits – became part of Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas’ portfolio in June 2024 through the acquisition of a 75% working interest from Orange Basin Oil and Gas. According to Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas, the acquisition of the block is a testament to the firm’s commitment to unlock the vast hydrocarbon potential of the Orange Basin to drive a just and inclusive energy transition for the region. Meanwhile, Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas is also planning an intensive drilling program in South Africa’s Block 3B/4B, having raised CAD$11.5 million via a farm out deal in the block in January 2025. Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas holds a 5.25% carried interest in the block.

In Namibia, Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas continues to advance exploration activities across four Petroleum Exploration Licenses – PEL 97, 98, 99 and 100 – while actively seeking farm-out partners to increase funding and technical expertise. The company holds operatorship and an 85% interest in each PEL, which represent a combined total area of 28,593 km2 in the Walvis Basin. As a frontier basin, Walvis holds immense opportunities for play-opening discoveries. Holzman’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 provides a strategic opportunity to engage potential investors and collaborators to fast-track these developments.

“Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas is bullish about unlocking one of the world’s most prolific basins, the Orange Basin. The company’s commitment, investments and technical capabilities are vital to securing energy independence for South Africa, Namibia and the broader southern African region on the back of oil and gas exploitation,” stated Tomás Gerbasio, Vice President of Commercial and Strategic Engagement at the African Energy Chamber.

At AEW: Invest in African Energies, Holzman will participate in high-level discussions and showcase Eco Atlantic’s project pipeline, reaffirming the company’s commitment to Africa’s energy future. Holzman will join leading stakeholders to discuss how African oil and gas reserves – estimated at 125 billion barrels of oil and 620 trillion cubic feet of gas – can serve as critical enablers of energy access, industrialization and economic transformation across the continent. With over 600 million Africans lacking electricity and 900 million without access to clean cooking, hydrocarbons are vital for bridging the continent’s energy gap.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Media files

Download logo

MIL OSI Africa –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: The government is increasing the efficiency of forest inventory

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting devoted to forest management issues in Russia. The event was attended by the management of the Accounts Chamber, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Federal Forestry Agency, and heads of regions in which the forest industry complex has a significant impact on the economy.

Since 2020, on the instructions of the President of Russia, a large-scale reform of the forestry industry has been carried out, aimed at increasing the transparency and efficiency of its functioning.

Previously, forest resources were assessed by regions using the federal budget and their own funds. At the same time, forest management was carried out by businesses. Such decentralization had a negative impact on the efficiency of the system’s management.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that it was possible to improve manageability thanks to the transfer of forest inventory powers to the federal level in 2022. In particular, the areas covered by forest management have increased – in three years, work has been completed on almost 60 million hectares.

At the same time, Dmitry Patrushev noted that the pace of work in this area needs to be increased in order to involve forest resources in circulation.

During the meeting, the heads of the Arkhangelsk and Irkutsk regions, as well as Primorsky Krai, informed about the situation on the ground and presented their proposals for improving work and developing the regulatory framework.

Following the meeting, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Federal Forestry Agency were instructed to speed up work on improving legislation, including taking into account the noted proposals of the heads of regions. Additionally, it is necessary to improve the forest assessment planning system, including using modern technologies in the field of artificial intelligence and Earth remote sensing data.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 12, 2025
MIL-OSI: Inception Growth Acquisition Limited Announces Extension of Business Combination Period

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inception Growth Acquisition Limited (NASDAQ: IGTA, the “Company”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, announced today that at its annual meeting of stockholders on June 5, 2025 (the “Meeting”), the Company’s stockholders voted in favor of, among others, the proposals to amend (i) its amended and restated certificate of incorporation; and (ii) the investment management trust agreement with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, giving the Company the right to extend the date on which to commence liquidating the trust account established in connection with the Company’s initial public offering (the “Trust Account”) by four (4) times for an additional one (1) month each time from June 13, 2025 to October 13, 2025 by depositing into the trust account an aggregate amount equal to $0.075 multiplied by the number of common stock issued in the Company’s initial public offering that has not been redeemed for each one-month extension. The purpose of the extension is to provide additional time for the Company to complete a business combination.

Contact

Inception Growth Acquisition Limited
Investor Relationship Department
(315) 636-6638

The MIL Network –

June 12, 2025

MIL-OSI: Apollo Capital Releases Investor Presentation Highlighting Plan to Make MediPharm Labs the World’s Leading International Medical Cannabis Company

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Technology Capital Corporation (“Apollo Capital”), which together with its affiliates and associates collectively is one of the largest shareholders of MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (“MediPharm”, “MediPharm Labs”, or the “Company”), owning approximately 3% of the Company’s common stock, today issued a presentation to set forth their ambitious plan to grow your investment and help turn MediPharm around.


Outlines Commitment to Immediately and Aggressively Execute on Action Plan to 10X+ Share Price and Create Value for All Shareholders Details Specific and Measurable Initiatives to Save MediPharm Labs from Insolvency at the Hands of Greedy, Reckless, and Maligned Leaders Sets Forth Plan to Stop Exorbitant Executive Compensation Pay-for-Failure and End 3 Years of Value Destructive Actions

THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW. VOTE THE GOLD CARD TODAY.

SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO PROTECT THEIR INVESTMENT BY VOTING THE GOLD PROXY CARD “FOR” APOLLO CAPITAL’S SIX HIGHLY-QUALIFIED DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND DISREGARD MEDIPHARM LABS’ GREEN PROXY CARD.

TOGETHER LET’S SAVE MEDIPHARM AND DELIVER THE VALUE THAT SHAREHOLDERS DESERVE.

View the Presentation at https://www.curemedipharm.com/historical-filing/investor-presentation.

For more information on our detailed value creation plan and instructions on how to vote, please see our website www.curemedipharm.com.

Contacts

For Shareholders:
Carson Proxy
North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189
Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted)
E: info@carsonproxy.com

For Media:
media@curemedipharm.com

This solicitation is being made by and on behalf of Apollo Capital, who, as of the date of this Circular, beneficially owns or controls, directly and indirectly through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nobul Technologies Inc., 12,491,500 common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”), representing approximately 3% of the total Common Shares issued and outstanding, and not by the management of the Company.

Legal Disclosures

Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law

In connection with the annual general and special meeting (the “Annual Meeting”) of shareholders of MediPharm, Apollo Capital has filed an amended and restated dissident information circular dated May 15, 2025 (the “Circular”), as amended and supplemented by an addendum to the Circular subsequently filed by Apollo Capital and Patrick McCutcheon (together, the “Concerned Stakeholder”) dated June 4, 2025 (the “Addendum” and together with the Circular, the “Amended Circular”), each in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. The Concerned Stakeholder has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”) and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the Amended Circular, available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Amended Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of the Concerned Stakeholder’s director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Amended Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1.

SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE AMENDED CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, shareholders are also able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and other relevant documents by contacting the Concerned Stakeholder’s proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. (“Carson Proxy”) at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at info@carsonproxy.com. Finally, the Amended Circular is available on this website https://www.curemedipharm.com/historical-filing/investor-flyer.

Proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting.

The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by the Concerned Stakeholder and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting.

This press release and any solicitation made by the Concerned Stakeholder is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of the Concerned Stakeholder who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, the Concerned Stakeholder may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf.

Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Concerned Stakeholder for the Annual Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee from Apollo Capital not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP (“G&Co”) to act as communications consultant to provide the Concerned Stakeholder with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive, from Apollo Capital, a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that the Concerned Stakeholder’s nominees make up a majority of the board of directors of MediPharm (the “Board”) following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses.

No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company’s last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates. No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than setting the number of directors and the election of directors to the Board.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward‐looking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward‐looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of the Concerned Stakeholder and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and the Concerned Stakeholder disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which the Concerned Stakeholder hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law.

Hashtags: #ShareholderActivism #CorporateGovernance #InvestorProtection #Investor Alert #Investor Fraud #FinancialRegulation #CorporateCrime #FinancialCrime #HomelandSecurity #DHS #OpioidCrisis #OpioidEpidemic #OpioidLitigation #OpioidVictims #BMO #DEA #ONDCP

The MIL Network –

June 12, 2025

Category: Finance

Structural risk ahead if tariffs remain

American farmers also feeling the pain

The net-zero transition

Canada needs to respond boldly

Strategy over retaliation

Spending Review: Billions to back Scottish jobs

Share this page

Updates to this page

June 11, 2025

More in Finance

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

The background

Afreximbank: not just another lender

A bank that has consistently stepped up

Ghana and Zambia should correct course

The background

Afreximbank: not just another lender

A bank that has consistently stepped up

Ghana and Zambia should correct course