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  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/24/2025 Blackburn, Warner, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect American Taxpayers from Stolen Tax Refund Checks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced the bipartisan Recovery of Stolen Checks Act, which would allow American taxpayers who have their paper checks from the U.S. Department of Treasury lost or stolen in the mail to receive their payment by electronic deposit:

    “An outdated IRS policy is leaving Tennesseans vulnerable to having their tax refund checks repeatedly lost or stolen in the mail,” said Senator Blackburn. “When those refunds don’t arrive on time, it puts real strain on hardworking families. The Recovery of Stolen Checks Act would allow taxpayers to receive a direct deposit from the Treasury Department rather than another check a criminal could intercept.” 

    “With check fraud costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, it makes no sense for the federal government to keep reissuing vulnerable paper checks after they have already been stolen or gone missing,” said Senator Warner. “This bipartisan bill offers a smart, secure fix by letting taxpayers opt for direct deposit so they can get their money faster and more safely.”

    The Recovery of Stolen Checks Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). 

    This legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is sponsored by Representatives David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), and Terri Sewell (D-Ala.).

    BACKGROUND

    • Tax refund theft is on the rise, with two postal workers charged in May in connection to a $63 million scheme to steal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) refund checks. 
    • Criminals take stolen IRS refund checks and sell them on the dark web. One investigation found 4,000 to 5,000 stolen checks for sale every month.
    • The total loss for American taxpayers for stolen mail is hundreds of millions of dollars.
    • Currently, if an IRS refund check is stolen, a taxpayer can only be issued a replacement paper check. This leaves the taxpayer vulnerable to having their refund check stolen again.

    THE RECOVERY OF STOLEN CHECKS ACT

    The Recovery of Stolen Checks Act would require Department of the Treasury to establish a secure, streamlined process that allows eligible taxpayers to receive their replacement refunds electronically via direct deposit, helping reduce the risk of theft, delays, and fraud.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy introduces bill to open door to homeownership for American families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today introduced the Build Now Act, which would incentivize new home construction by tying federal funds to cities’ rates of homebuilding. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, joined Kennedy in introducing the bill.

    “In my book, homeownership shouldn’t be a pipe dream for the average American family. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with me. Government overregulation has brought homebuilding to a grinding halt and left ordinary people twisting in the wind as existing home prices went through the roof. I’m proud to introduce the Build Now Act to discourage pointless roadblocks and incentivize cities to help make the American Dream possible again,” said Kennedy. 

    “Americans are suffering under sky-high housing prices caused by a worsening housing shortage. The Federal government should use the tools at our disposal to reward communities that are taking bold action to build more housing and reduce families’ biggest monthly expense. It’s time for Congress to act—and this bipartisan proposal is a call to action to communities across the country to build housing now,” said Warren.

    The United States today faces a housing crisis. Since 2021, the annual income needed to qualify for a mortgage has increased by 60%, driving the median age of a first-time home buyer to a record-high 38 years old.

    By May 2025, new home construction rates had collapsed to their lowest level since the pandemic. On an annual basis, new home construction has fallen nearly 5%. 

    Currently, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) provides annual grants to states, cities and counties irrespective of their rate of homebuilding.

    The Build Now Act would:

    • Require HUD to remove 10% of CDBG funding from cities that fail to improve their rate of homebuilding above the national median.
    • Order HUD to proportionally reallocate those CDBG funds to cities that exceeded the national median rate of homebuilding. Under the Build Now Act, cities with the highest rates of growth would receive larger shares as funds are reallocated.
    • Allow metropolitan areas two years to start building homes before HUD determines their level of CDBG funding.

    The bill would not apply to cities where the median home value is below the national median or cities that issued an emergency disaster declaration in the last year.

    In his role on the Senate Banking Committee, Kennedy has championed the cause of making homeownership easier for families, raising the issue frequently during recent hearings:

    • In Jan. 2025, Kennedy questioned then-HUD Secretary nominee Scott Turner about the failures of previous affordable housing policies. During this hearing, he suggested an approach that would incentivize localities to allow more new home construction without affording excessive power to the federal government.
    • At a hearing one week later, Kennedy outlined a potential “carrot-and-stick” system that would spur new home construction while allowing local governments to determine their exact means of doing so.
    • In Feb. 2025, Kennedy questioned then-Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency nominee Bill Pulte on the consequences of Americans borrowing large amounts of money to buy homes, noting that “we’ve got a house of cards here.”

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 25, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Jul 25, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Fri Jul 25 00:59:42 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 250059

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0759 PM CDT Thu Jul 24 2025

    Valid 250100Z – 251200Z

    …THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM PARTS OF
    KS/NORTHWEST OK NORTHEASTWARD INTO THE LOWER GREAT LAKES…AND ALSO
    ACROSS THE HIGH PLAINS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Locally damaging thunderstorm wind gusts remain possible tonight
    from parts of Missouri into the lower Great Lakes region. Isolated
    hail and strong to severe gusts are also possible across parts of
    the central and northern High Plains.

    …Parts of MO into the lower Great Lakes…
    A loosely organized MCS has developed across parts of northeast MO
    this evening. This system may continue moving east-northeast along a
    surface boundary tonight, aided by very rich downstream moisture and
    moderate buoyancy (as observed in the 00Z ILX sounding). While this
    system has largely remained subsevere thus far, and low/midlevel
    flow is forecast to remain relatively modest, locally damaging gusts
    cannot be ruled out as it approaches parts of central/northern IL
    and northwest IN later tonight.

    Farther east, convection has generally weakened or moved into
    Ontario from southern lower MI this evening. Strong storms remain
    over parts of southeast Ontario, and these storms may approach parts
    of western NY with isolated strong to locally damaging gusts before
    subsiding.

    …Central/northern High Plains…
    Widely scattered strong to locally severe storms may continue
    through at least dusk across parts of the central and northern High
    Plains, within a moderately unstable environment. Effective shear of
    25-35 kt will support potential for hail with the strongest discrete
    cells, while isolated strong to severe gusts also remain possible,
    especially if any notable outflow consolidation occurs later this
    evening.

    ..Dean.. 07/25/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

    .html”>Latest Day 2 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC MD 1775

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mesoscale Discussion 1775

    Mesoscale Discussion 1775
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0813 PM CDT Thu Jul 24 2025

    Areas affected…portions of northeast Missouri into west-central
    Illinois

    Concerning…Severe potential…Watch unlikely

    Valid 250113Z – 250245Z

    Probability of Watch Issuance…5 percent

    SUMMARY…A couple of damaging gusts may occur with a
    cold-pool-driven MCS over the next few hours. A WW issuance is not
    expected.

    DISCUSSION…A cold-pool-driven MCS has recently organized into a
    quasi-bowing structure oriented roughly normal to the 20-30 kt
    effective bulk shear vectors. Surface observations suggest 10-20 F
    surface temperature deficits behind the main line. Given modest
    forward propagation of the MCS noted into a favorable airmass
    characterized by 2500+ J/kg MLCAPE, a couple of damaging gusts
    cannot be ruled out along locally stronger surges of the cold
    pool/convective leading line. Nonetheless, the severe threat will be
    isolated at best, so a WW issuance is not expected.

    ..Squitieri/Mosier.. 07/25/2025

    …Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…

    ATTN…WFO…ILX…LSX…

    LAT…LON 40029196 40149090 39838994 39348977 39039008 38939041
    38969103 38989145 38989182 39059223 40029196

    MOST PROBABLE PEAK WIND GUST…UP TO 60 MPH

    Top/All Mesoscale Discussions/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Fri Jul 25 02:05:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated:  Fri Jul 25 02:11:05 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid

    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Inter-civilizational dialogue among SCO countries highlights mutual trust

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

    TIANJIN, July 24 — The Inter-Civilizational Dialogue among Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Countries 2025 has been held in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, highlighting enhanced mutual understanding and trust.

    Centered on the theme “Promoting the Global Civilization Initiative and Building a Beautiful Common Home of the SCO,” the event on Wednesday drew over 300 delegates from government departments, think tanks, and cultural, artistic, and educational sectors across 10 SCO countries.

    Sohail Khan, deputy secretary-general of the SCO, said that people-to-people exchanges and civil diplomacy are important topics explicitly included in the organization’s founding documents, noting that this dialogue embodies the SCO’s commitment to providing Eurasian nations with a platform for mutual learning and respect.

    Zainidin Kurmanov, vice-rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, said that against a backdrop of global turbulence, the Global Civilization Initiative’s principles — respecting civilizational diversity, championing shared human values, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening international exchanges — align closely with the “Shanghai Spirit,” and offer wisdom for addressing contemporary challenges through civilizational dialogue and are integral to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

    Dmitry Novikov, first deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs and deputy chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, expects to further practice new-model civilizational dialogue, promoting mutual learning, inspiration, and respect.

    “As the SCO family continues to grow, we need to expand exchange platforms for media, think tanks, cultural circles, and youth communities. This will fully mobilize the enthusiasm and initiative of all sectors in contributing to SCO friendship initiatives, ensuring our bond endures across generations,” said Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group.

    Parallel sessions focused on sustainable development, cultural heritage, and exchanges of diverse visual arts. The event also released a report titled “Building a Community with a Shared Digital Future: China’s Initiative and the Future of SCO,” and an initiative named “SCO Youth in Action: Tianjin Initiative for Upholding the Diversity of Civilizations.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Railway Express key link for China-Europe trade

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

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. The China-Europe Railway Express has now surpassed 110,000 trips, becoming a vital golden corridor linking Asia and Europe. The service currently reaches 229 cities across 26 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian nations. It is without a doubt a key engine of Eurasian trade. CGTN’s Huang Yaohui has more.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: President Xi on China-EU relations

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

    Editor’s note: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, calling for openness, cooperation and the proper managing of difference. With the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 25th China-EU summit both taking place this year, China.org.cn presents a selection of President Xi’s key remarks on China-EU relations.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cambodia, Thailand trade accusations

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

    Cambodia and Thailand on Thursday traded accusations following the escalating situation along the border areas.

    Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday urged the United Nations Security Council to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the matter.

    In a letter to Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, whose country assumed the rotating presidency of the Security Council for July, Hun Manet said that since early Thursday, Thai armed forces have launched attacks on Cambodian positions.

    The attacks violated fundamental principles of international law, he said.

    Hun Manet said Cambodia calls on Thailand to immediately cease all hostilities, withdraw its forces to its side of the border, and refrain from any further provocative actions which could escalate the situation.

    On Thursday, Thailand’s foreign ministry said the Thai government called on Cambodia to take responsibility for the incidents, cease attacks against civilian and military targets, and stop all actions that violate Thailand’s sovereignty.

    Otherwise, said the Thai foreign ministry in a statement, the Thai side is prepared to intensify self-defense measures in accordance with international law and relevant principles.

    The Thai embassy in Cambodia has urged Thai nationals to leave Cambodia.

    The situation escalated following skirmishes which began Thursday morning when Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire at a disputed area.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump visits Fed headquarters, keeps calling for lowering interest rates

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump kept talking about lowering interest rates when visiting the Federal Reserve’s headquarters in Washington on Thursday afternoon.

    Photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows the U.S. Federal Reserve building in Washington, D.C., the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump visited the Federal Reserve on Thursday. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

    “We have to get interest rates lower … Our country is the hottest in the world right now,” Trump said in response to questions from the media after touring the Federal Reserve building. “People are pretty much unable to buy housing, because the interest rates are too high.”

    “We have no inflation, we have a lot of cash coming in … We should have the lowest interest rate of any country,” he added.

    “We can speak for everybody, frankly, we want to see interest rates come down. Our country is booming, and the interest rate is a final little notch,” Trump said.

    Trump said he had “a very productive talk” about rates with Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. “He’ll be able to tell you at his next meeting, but I will say that he did say the country is doing really well,” Trump added.

    “I believe that the chairman is going to do the right thing. I mean it may be a little too late as the expression goes, but I believe he’s going to do the right thing,” he added.

    Local media all see Trump’s visit to the Federal Reserve as the Trump administration’s effort to step up pressure on Powell to lower interest rates. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel condemns France’s decision to recognize Palestinian state

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

    Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday night condemned French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state.

    The French president wrote on the social media platform X earlier in the night that, “consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.”

    Macron added that he will make this “solemn announcement” before the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly

    In a statement from his office, Netanyahu said, “Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became.”

    “A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel, not to live in peace beside it,” he said.

    In a statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said, “A Palestinian state will be a Hamas state, just as the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip twenty years ago led to Hamas taking control of it.”

    Macron’s move follows his earlier declaration in April, saying that France would recognize the Palestinian state during an international conference on Palestine, co-chaired with Saudi Arabia in New York in June. But under pressure from the United States, the international conference has been postponed until the end of July. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Death toll in Thailand rises to 14 in border clashes with Cambodia: Official

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

    Evacuated residents are pictured in Surin Province, Thailand, following Thailand-Cambodia border clash on July 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Fourteen Thai people were killed and 46 others injured in military clashes near the Thailand-Cambodia border as of 9:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, the deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Health said.

    Cambodia had not released any information on its casualties as of Thursday evening.

    The situation escalated following skirmishes that began Thursday morning. Each of the two sides blamed the other side for violating international law.

    Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet urged the UN Security Council to convene an urgent meeting to discuss the matter.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Milan agree deal with Flamengo for Emerson Royal

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

    Flamengo has reached an agreement with AC Milan to sign right-back Emerson Royal, according to media reports in Brazil.

    Jude Bellingham (R) of Real Madrid vies with Emerson Royal of AC Milan during the UEFA Champions League football match between Real Madrid and AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

    The 26-year-old will arrive in Rio de Janeiro for a medical on Saturday, having agreed in principle to a deal running until December 2028, local press said on Thursday.

    Flamengo reportedly agreed to pay nine million euros to release the defender, who had three years remaining on his Milan contract.

    Emerson made 26 appearances across all competitions for the Italian Serie A club following his August 2024 move from Tottenham.

    He is set to be the second signing for Flamengo since Brazil’s mid-season transfer window opened on July 10, joining former Spain international midfielder Saul.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Barcelona’s Ter Stegen to undergo back surgery

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

    Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be out for at least three months after the FC Barcelona goalkeeper announced on Thursday that he will undergo surgery for a back injury.

    FC Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen (3rd L) saves the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan in Barcelona, Spain, Oct. 2, 2019. (Xinhua/Joan Gosa)

    The news comes at a difficult time for the German international, who missed nearly all of last season with a torn cruciate knee ligament.

    Barcelona signed Wojciech Szczesny to cover his absence and renewed the Polish goalkeeper’s contract earlier this month. The club has also activated the 25 million euros release clause to bring in Joan Garcia from Espanyol, casting doubt on ter Stegen’s place in the squad as the club looks to trim its wage bill.

    “Today is a personally difficult day for me,” ter Stegen wrote on Instagram, adding that he felt “in very good shape, although unfortunately I am not free from pain.”

    “After intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery.”

    This will be the goalkeeper’s second back operation. He noted that he missed 66 days after the first procedure, but that “this time, the doctors believe about three months will be necessary as a precaution, to avoid any risks.”

    The operation means ter Stegen will be sidelined until at least the end of October, making it unlikely that Barcelona will register him in the first-team squad for the first half of the season. It also all but rules out a transfer before the window reopens in January 2026.

    Meanwhile, Barcelona’s planned tour of Asia is in doubt after the squad failed to fly to Japan on Thursday as scheduled, due to unresolved issues with the tour contract. The itinerary includes one match in Japan and two in South Korea.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, EU leaders chart course for future cooperation amid global challenges

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

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are in China for the 25th China-EU Summit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

    As China and the European Union mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping has made new propositions on how the two sides can navigate a fast-changing and turbulent world through partnership, cooperation and multilateralism.

    China-EU relations have come to another critical juncture in their history, Xi said on Thursday, calling on Chinese and European leaders to once again demonstrate vision and leadership, and to provide more stability and certainty for the world through sound, steady China-EU relations.

    The Chinese leader made the remarks when meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, both of whom are in Beijing to attend the 25th China-EU Summit.

    For the future development of China-EU relations, Xi made three proposals: The two sides should uphold mutual respect and consolidate the positioning of China-EU relations as partnership; uphold openness and cooperation and properly manage differences; practice multilateralism and uphold international rules and order.

    On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang co-chaired the summit with Costa and von der Leyen, with both sides pledging to promote cooperation on the economy, trade and investment.

    After the summit, Li and von der Leyen attended the China-EU Business Leaders Symposium, at which some 60 business leaders were present.

    UPHOLDING MUTUAL RESPECT

    Xi said that China and the EU should uphold mutual respect and consolidate the positioning of China-EU relations as partnership.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are in China for the 25th China-EU Summit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

    The current challenges facing the EU do not come from China, and there are no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical contradictions between China and the EU, Xi said. The fundamentals and prevailing trend of China-EU relations featuring cooperation over competition and consensus over differences have remained constant.

    China has regarded the EU as an important pole in a multipolar world, and consistently supported European integration and the strategic autonomy of the EU, he said, voicing hope that the EU will respect the path and system chosen by the Chinese people, respect China’s core interests and major concerns, and support its development and prosperity.

    He called on both sides to deepen strategic communication, enhance understanding and mutual trust, and foster a correct perception of each other.

    Echoing the Chinese leaders’ remarks, the EU side affirmed its commitment to deepening EU-China relations, managing differences in a constructive manner, and achieving more positive outcomes in bilateral cooperation that is balanced, reciprocal and mutually beneficial.

    ADHERING TO OPENNESS, COOPERATION

    China and the EU should uphold openness and cooperation, and properly manage differences and frictions, Xi said, adding that history and reality show that interdependency is not a risk, and convergent interests are not a threat.

    He said that “reducing dependency” should not lead to reducing China-EU cooperation, and the bilateral economic and trade relationship, which is by nature complementary and mutually beneficial, can indeed achieve dynamic equilibrium through development.

    China’s high-quality development and opening-up will provide new opportunities and potentials for China-EU cooperation, Xi noted.

    It is hoped that the EU can remain open in trade and investment market, refrain from using restrictive economic and trade tools, and foster a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises investing and operating in the EU, he stressed.

    China welcomes more European businesses to invest and pursue long-term operations in China, Premier Li said, calling on the EU to provide a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese enterprises investing in Europe.

    Li said both sides can forge an “upgraded version” of the China-EU export control dialogue mechanism to ensure the stability of industrial and supply chains between China and Europe.

    The EU side noted that the EU does not seek “decoupling and severing supply chains” and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Europe.

    Feng Zhongping, director of the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that China-EU cooperation aligns with the fundamental interests of both sides, carries profound global significance, and will provide certainty and stability for the world.

    PRACTICING MULTILATERALISM

    Confronted with the critical choice between war and peace, competition and cooperation, or seclusion and openness, multilateralism and solidarity-based cooperation remain the only viable approach, Xi said.

    He said that China and the EU should practice multilateralism, and uphold international rules and order.

    Xi said China and the EU should jointly uphold the international rules and order established after World War II, advance a more just and equitable global governance system in keeping with the times, and work together to address global challenges such as climate change.

    He said China stands ready to strengthen coordination with the EU to ensure the success of this year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Belem (COP30), and contribute more to global climate response and green transition.

    The EU leaders called on the two sides, faced with a turbulent and uncertain world, to uphold multilateralism, safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, address global challenges such as climate change, facilitate resolutions to regional hotspot issues, and safeguard world peace and stability.

    On the same day, leaders of China and the EU issued a joint statement on climate change, in which they recognized that strengthening China-EU cooperation on the issue will impact the well-being of people on both sides, and is of great and special significance to upholding multilateralism and advancing global climate governance.

    Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, said that China-EU relations go beyond mere bilateral ties and are of great importance to safeguarding international law and order, and to upholding the international system with the UN at its core.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: SIMPPLE Ltd. Fully Regains Compliance with Nasdaq’s Continued Listing Requirements

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Singapore, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SIMPPLE Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPPL) (“SIMPPLE” or “the Company”), a leading technology provider and innovator in the facilities management (FM) sector, today announced that it has received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that the Company has regained compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s minimum stockholders’ equity requirement and annual shareholder meeting requirement, as required by Nasdaq Listing Rules.

    As previously reported in the Company’s Form 6-K dated January 21, 2025, the Company did not comply with the minimum stockholders’ equity of $2,500,000 as required for continued listing on Nasdaq set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1).

    The Company has since filed a Form 6-K dated July 7, 2025, stating that the Company had executed a series of securities purchase agreements with investors to raise aggregate gross proceeds of $2.0 million resulting from the sale of 1,333,334 shares through a private investment in public equity (PIPE). As a result of the closing of the private placement on June 30, 2025, the Company’s shareholders’ equity exceeded $2.5 million. SIMPPLE intends to use the net proceeds from the PIPE to advance development of its technologies, extensive pipeline, and global expansion.

    On July 22, 2025, Nasdaq notified the Company that the Company complies with the Listing Rule 5550(b)(1), subject to the Company’s disclosure in a Form 6-K no later than July 25, 2025, providing a description of the completed transaction or event that enabled the Company to satisfy the stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing. Nasdaq will continue to monitor the Company’s ongoing compliance with the stockholders’ equity requirement and, if at the time of its next periodic report, the Company does not evidence compliance, it may be subject to delisting. At that time, Staff will provide written notification to the Company, which may then appeal Staff’s determination to a Hearings Panel.

    “We are pleased to have successfully regained compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements and consider this latest notification a key milestone that underscores our broader business objectives” said Norman Schroeder, SIMIPPLE’s chief executive. “We believe it’s an important outcome that goes to SIMPPLE’s credibility, and best interest of our valued investors, partners, and stakeholders, as we continue to invest in our technology advancements and global growth objectives.”

    The Company will continue to monitor its ongoing compliance with all applicable Nasdaq listing standards and will provide further updates as and when required.

    About SIMPPLE LTD.

    Headquartered in Singapore, SIMPPLE LTD. is an advanced technology solution provider in the emerging PropTech space, focused on helping facilities owners and managers manage facilities autonomously. Founded in 2016, the Company has a strong foothold in the Singapore facilities management market, serving over 60 clients in both the public and private sectors and extending out of Singapore into Australia and the Middle East. The Company has developed its proprietary SIMPPLE Ecosystem, to create an automated workforce management tool for building maintenance, surveillance and cleaning comprised of a mix of software and hardware solutions such as robotics (both cleaning and security) and Internet-of-Things (“IoT”) devices. 

    For more information on SIMPPLE, please visit: https://www.simpple.ai

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.

    Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Criticizes VA Nominee for Harmful “Ready, Fire, Aim” Contract Terminations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), questioned a Trump Administration nominee about the reckless approach it’s taking to contract and staff reductions at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). In his exchange with John Bartrum, Nominee to be Under Secretary for Health, King reasoned that it is virtually impossible to make dramatic, across-the-board reductions with thought, care and precision while protecting care for veterans because of the speed in which the reductions are happening.
    Senator King began, “I’ve done a little examination, this is full of contracts for nursing services, nursing home services you mentioned prosthetics, probably a dozen prosthetics contracts being canceled. It is hard for me to believe that all of these are unnecessary contracts. $13 billion worth of contracts. It worries me is that there seems to be a pattern of ready, fire, aim at Veterans’ Affairs. You started with hiring freeze applying to everybody, then, oh no, it doesn’t apply to medical people. That was a good decision, but it should not have been, it shouldn’t have been made in the first place. Then it was 83,000 people are going to be fired by the end of the year, now it is 30,000, not fired, but we are going to downsize by 30,000. And I just wonder if upon review, I can’t believe all 16,000 of these contracts, and then the email, of course, lists three or four ones that we would all say, okay, those probably aren’t necessary but prosthetics contracts, nursing contracts, nursing home contracts, it really bothers me. Mr. Bartrum, you mentioned we don’t have a good staffing model. That may well be true, but I think you should start with the staffing model and then decide what the right size of the staff is. Not start with 30,000 or a month ago, it was 83,000 and work backwards. Do you see what I’m saying? Analyze the staff, do the staffing model, determine what you need and then make those decisions instead of starting with what amounts to a quota, and reverse engineering. Give me some thoughts about that.
    “Senator King, I don’t disagree with the way using analytics to determine what you need for staffing, building to the staffing, which is why my earlier comment was, I really want to work on our staffing and what the staffing should be. On your question about the contracts, a lot of those we also found that we had multiple contracts in multiple areas for similar things and we could also consolidate into more regional and national contracts. Where you see some contracts that might be terminated on the list, there may be additional contracts expanded out or scope changed to renegotiate it into a regional contract because you have the same contractor in some cases providing service in certain areas,” Bartrum replied.
    Senator King replied, “It is hard for me to believe in the time we have had in the last few months, this list of 16,000 contracts has had the kind of careful review that, I will predict, that a month or two from now there will be another memo saying, well, there are a bunch of contracts we are not going to cut or eliminate. I want to see more planning before the decisions are made that could so significantly affect veteran care.”
    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans’ personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans’ medical records stored in VA’s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.
    Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” Senator King also recently joined his colleagues in raising concerns over proposed plans to terminate 83,000 VA employees, and participated in a special investigative SVAC hearing to question witnesses who were terminated due to DOGE cuts. In May, Senators King and Blumenthal wrote again to Secretary Collins demanding an explanation for DOGE cuts to cancel contracts at VA that would impact health care for Maine veterans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Hip hip hooray – government finally updates antiquated funding formula – Genaro

    Source:  General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

    25 July 2025 – General practice owners are delighted that the Government is modernising the way it funds community doctors to better reflect the needs of patients.

    Cabinet has broadened the range of factors which influence funding from just age and sex, to include deprivation, multi-morbidity, and rurality.

    “The capitation system, which determines how general practices are funded, hasn’t been meaningfully updated since it was established in 2002,” says Dr Angus Chambers, Chair of the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro).

    “Despite numerous reviews and the widely supported recommendations of the 2022 Sapere report, little progress had been made. This lack of action by successive governments perpetuates inequities and undermines the sustainability of primary care.”

    “GenPro has been calling for a funding review for years, so hats off to Health Minister Simeon Brown for finally getting it done and implemented from July next year.

    “In particular we support the addition of funding criteria such as deprivation – a marker of high health needs – and rurality, as rural areas have less access to health services under the current formula. GenPro also supports regular updates of capitation every five years, starting in 2028.

    “GenPro also welcomes Minister Brown’s announcement of increased funding to support general practitioners in training, and putting more structure around feedback from the sector. We invite him to work with GenPro to design a health target so we can see patients as soon as we can.

    “GenPro is also pleased with the announcement of a group to advise the minister on primary care. We believe that decisions made by successive ministers have suffered from poor advice from the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand leading to the current workforce and funding crisis affecting General Practice. Better advice will be essential to a high performing system in the future.

    “These are all positive signs and, along with recent funding increases announced in the Budget, indicate improvements that will make a real difference for patients.”

    GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – ProCare welcomes announcement from Minister to strengthen primary care funding and access

    Source: ProCare

    Leading healthcare provider, ProCare, has today welcomed the announcement from Health Minister Simeon Brown which outlines a number of initiatives aimed at improving access to primary care, particularly in rural and high-needs communities.

    The proposed update to the capitation funding model—set to take effect from 1 July 2026—is particularly encouraging.

    Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare says: “The current model has been long overdue for reform. By factoring in multimorbidity, rurality, and socioeconomic deprivation, the new approach promises to better reflect the realities faced by general practices and the whānau and communities they serve.

    “This is a positive step forward for the health system and for patients across Aotearoa, and we’re pleased to see the Government recognising the critical role primary care plays in delivering timely, equitable, and community-based healthcare,” continues Norwell.

    “Additionally, the Minister stated that some practices would not see a benefit from re-weighting capitation, and whilst this might be so, we will be advocating hard to make sure additional money is invested in the new formula to avoid any practices going backwards through this change. It would be a shame to lose ground after such a successful PSAAP round only a month ago”

    ProCare also supports the introduction of a new national health target to ensure more than 80 percent of people can access a GP within one week.

    “As we’ve said time and time again, primary care is the fence at the top of the cliff, rather than the ambulance at the bottom. Timely access to care is essential for preventing more serious health issues and reducing pressure on hospitals. We look forward to working with the Government to help shape this target in a way that is both ambitious and achievable, and that works for both patients and practices,” says Norwell.

    “We also remain committed to recognising and mitigating unintended consequences of targets on the health system. We are well aware of issues when similar targets have been introduced in hospitals in NZ, and overseas in general practice, and will work on our members’ behalf to mitigate these”.

    The additional investment in general practice training is another welcome move.

    “Funding the full pathway for GPEP trainees is an absolute game-changer. We know how difficult financially it is for GPEPs, and anything that can be done to ease the financial burden and cover costs will be welcomed by those trainees.

    “The funding for GPEPs also s

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – PM must act to end tobacco industry interference in his Government – Health Coalition

    Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

    Health Coalition Aotearoa is calling on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to show leadership and strip NZ First of the tobacco and vaping portfolio, following damning revelations of collusion between NZ First and tobacco giant Philip Morris.

    A detailed RNZ investigation uncovered documents showing Philip Morris provided NZ First with a draft piece of regulation which the Deputy Prime Minister at the time Winston Peters supported.
    Winston Peters was described by JUUL representatives as “industry friendly and highly geared towards commercial interests.” NZ First reportedly assured Philip Morris they would “put that draft into the policy mix.”
    The World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which New Zealand signed in 2005, explicitly warns of the “irreconcilable conflict” between the goals of public health and the interests of the tobacco industry. Under this treaty, governments must protect health policy from tobacco industry interference.
    “By allowing tobacco industry influence, this Government is breaching its obligations under the World Health Organization convention, says Professor Chris Bullen, Health Coalition Aotearoa tobacco spokesperson and University of Auckland professor.
    “These documents confirm what many have long feared: tobacco companies are influencing health policy in Aotearoa. The Prime Minister must demonstrate he expects the highest standards of integrity from his Ministers and reallocate the tobacco and vaping portfolio,” says Professor Bullen.
    Tobacco companies’ intensive and covert lobbying comes as no surprise. However, evidence NZ First MPs have been complicit in these arrangements will shock the public, who expect higher standards from politicians.
    The evidence in the media today gives an explicit example of how officials are exposed to communications, meetings and relationships with a powerful industry on policy that is supposed to be protecting public health. And yet another example of this Government favouring commercial interests over people’s lives and health.
    Winston Peters told reporters yesterday “I’ve always been industry friendly”. Matching rhetoric of NZ First Minister Shane Jones last year confirmed Philip Morris External Relations Manager Api Dawson was involved in ‘soundings’ about the party’s tobacco policy.
    Professor Bullen says the revelations offer Luxon a clear opportunity to put New Zealanders’ health ahead of dirty politics.
    “This is a test of leadership. He must reassign the tobacco and vaping portfolio to someone with no ties to the industry. New Zealanders expect transparency and a Government that acts with integrity.
    “The Government has already damaged Aotearoa New Zealand’s international standing by repealing popular, widely acclaimed smokefree measures – a move that has seen a stall in the decline of smoking prevalence, while inequities persist.
    “The RNZ revelations show serious lack of judgement by this Government. It must end now. We are spending billions treating preventable diseases caused by smoking, while politicians allow the industry to keep selling the products that cause these harms. It’s reckless and it’s wrong,” says Professor Bullen.
    Health Coalition Aotearoa is calling for:

    • Immediate reassignment of the tobacco and vaping portfolio from NZ First to a politician free of any ties to the industry, and who will prioritise New Zealanders’ health over corporate profits.
    • The Ministry of Health to exclude the nicotine industry from policy processes, interact only when necessary, and document all interactions in alignment with the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to which Aotearoa is a Party.
    • Stronger rules on lobbying and conflicts of interest across government. Health Coalition Aotearoa is running a campaign to mitigate the harmful impact of industry involvement in public health policy.
    • The Government to prioritise the advice and expertise of those working to reduce tobacco and nicotine harm when changing tobacco policies.
    “All the current Government’s coalition parties have links to the tobacco industry. That must end,” said Professor Bullen. “The Prime Minister has a choice: run a government based on integrity or stoop to a new level of dirty politics. He must act now.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Does artificial intelligence help uni students learn smarter or just faster?

    Source:

    25 July 2025

    New research from the University of South Australia has revealed that tertiary students’ learning habits are deeply connected to how they engage with generative artificial intelligence tools.

    Surveying 435 students from Australia and Canada, the study investigated how confidence, motivation, and effort regulation influence perceptions of AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT.

    Researchers found that self-regulated learning skills play a significant role in whether students adopt AI as a meaningful learning aid or merely a quick solution for academic tasks.

    The findings show that university students who use AI for academic purposes benefit more than those using it for work or personal tasks. They also show that student who feel confident in their abilities are more likely to use Ai to benefit their learning.

    Lead researcher, UniSA’s Associate Professor Negin Mirriahi, says that the way students approach AI tools reflects their broader learning strategies.

    “Some students see AI as a shortcut, using it to finish assignments more quickly, but our research suggests that those with strong self-regulation skills actually harness it for deeper learning,” Assoc Prof Negin Mirriahi says.

    “It’s not just about speed; it’s about how students engage with knowledge.

    “When students feel confident in their capabilities, they are more likely to engage with and effectively use technological tools.”

    The study highlights a distinction between students who use AI for university studies and those who engage with it for non-academic purposes such as work or entertainment.

    Those using AI for learning were more likely to find it useful, reinforcing the connection between structured self-regulation and effective AI adoption.

    Assoc Prof Mirriahi says the findings should inform how universities integrate AI into education.

    “Artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education, and our study shows that students who are motivated and confident in their learning benefit the most from AI tools,” she says.

    “The challenge for universities is to ensure AI fosters independent thinking rather than becoming a crutch for students who lack self-regulation.

    “We need to help students develop the skills to critically engage with AI, not just rely on it for convenience.”

    The researchers say that universities should model AI use in classrooms, demonstrating ways that students can engage with the technology to strengthen their critical thinking and independent learning.

    “We need to see more engagement with AI in university environments, so that teachers can demonstrate how AI can benefit student learning,” Assoc Prof Mirriahi says.

    “This might include showcasing how AI can generate ideas, explain complex concepts, or even critique their work.

    “Importantly, through direct and guided engagement, students will learn how they can confidently and responsibly engage with AI to enhance their learning experiences, without cheating.”

    Study co-author, UniSA’s Associate Professor Vitomir Kovanović, says that while AI adoption is increasing, there is a risk that some students may rely on it superficially, rather than using it to refine study skills and deepen understanding.

    “The concern isn’t just whether students use AI, it’s about how they use it,” Assoc Prof Kovanović says.
    “If they approach AI critically and actively evaluate its responses, they can enhance their learning.

    “But if AI simply becomes a shortcut to completing tasks, we may see gaps in how students develop their problem-solving skills.”

    Assoc Prof Kovanović says that universities should focus on fostering self-efficacy and effort regulation in students.

    “Students who have confidence in their learning abilities and persist through challenges tend to find AI genuinely useful,” he says.

    “Universities must equip students with strategies to use AI effectively so that it enhances their critical thinking, rather than replacing it.

    “AI is already embedded in education, and it’s only going to become more prevalent. Our responsibility is to ensure students are equipped with the right strategies to navigate it effectively.”

    ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

    The full paper is available here: Mirriahi, N., Marrone, R., Barthakur, A., Gabriel, F., Colton, J., Yeung, T. N., Arthur, P., & Kovanovic, V. (2025). The relationship between students’ self-regulated learning skills and technology acceptance of GenAI. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology.

    ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contacts for interview:  Associate Professor Negin Mirriahi E: Negin.Mirriahi@unisa.edu.au
    Associate Professor Vitomir Kovanović E: Vitomir.Kovanovic@unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Responding to Notice of intents

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    When members submit a valid Notice of Intent (NOI) to claim or vary a tax deduction for their personal super contributions, you must provide them with an acknowledgment of the NOI.

    You must also report the NOI to claim a deduction to us in line with the Member Account Transaction Service (MATS) Business Implementation GuideExternal Link.

    For information regarding NOI including accepting notices, variations, timeframes and acknowledging notices, see Notice of intent to claim a deduction.

    If you identify any reporting issues, you should follow the Amendments protocol.

    We can only answer fund enquiries regarding your contributions reporting and are unable to discuss taxation matters regarding your members for privacy reasons.

    Looking for the latest news for Super funds? You can stay up to date by visiting our Super funds newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly Super funds newsletter and CRT alerts.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia and Business – Intelligent Monitoring Group Results

    Source: Intelligent Monitoring Group

    Quarterly Activity Report and Appendix 4C

    Quarter ended 30 June 2025 – Intelligent Monitoring Group Limited (“Intelligent Monitoring”, “IMG” or “the Company”) (ASX: IMB) is pleased to provide its Quarterly Market Activity Update.

    Highlights

    • Reported net operating cash flow of $17.0m for 4Q 2025
    • First “clean” quarter post-debt refinance and acquisitions. 
    • Underlying operating cash flow for FY25 of $32.4m pre-refinancing, acquisition, and ADT/JCI transition costs
    • Unaudited EBITDA for FY25 $38.6m – timing of several large service contracts outstanding and expected early in FY26. Between $38-40m guidance
    • Unaudited underlying earnings growth of +8.2% for FY25
    • $24.0m cash in bank plus $35m acquisition facility available
    • IMG to prepare an on-market share buy-back capability

    Financial Update

    IMG is pleased to report an operating cash flow of $17.0m for 4Q FY25. This result confirms and validates the inherent cash flow strength of IMG.

    Cash in the bank grew $11.1m in the quarter.

    As expected, Q4 saw a strong step upward, driven by growth in underlying earnings and the cessation of non-recurring costs, including the earlier refinancing, ADT transition, and M&A-related costs and working capital drags.

    Unaudited underlying full year EBITDA of $38.6m, whilst around the middle of the guidance range, was a little behind the company’s target as some work under discussion and pending award took longer than expected to be realised. Whilst disappointing, the shortfall is primarily timing related, and this work contributes to a healthy and growing pipeline for FY26. The acquisition of DVL (Dec) and Kobe (March) contributed above expectations.

    Underlying earnings growth on FY24 (i.e. before acquisitions and adjusted for prior period capitalisation policies) was 8.2%. The business run rate in Q4, combined with the pipeline in hand, anticipates a strong growth result in FY26.

    The company will give further FY26 guidance at its AGM in late October.

    The underlying operating cash flow for the year was $32.4m, reflecting a year of investment in new service lines (and related products) and working capital, as DVL and Kobe were acquired and integrated into the IMG fold.

    Outside of further inventory or growth investments, EBITDA and operating cash flow are expected to converge closer to each other during FY26.

    Investing cashflow for the quarter was $4.0m with the majority (75%) relating to the NZ 4G telephony upgrade program (which was at its peak level during the half and is expected to tail off over the next six months). Other capital expenditures were less than $1m including project-related IT costs of $0.5m.

    In light of the strong and reliable cash flows and growing cash balance, the IMG board has determined to put in place the mechanics for an on-market share buyback, with Morgans Financial to be appointed as manager. It will assess the use of this facility against all other capital allocation options over coming periods to maximise shareholder returns and value creation.

    Operational and Management Comment

    The business remained highly productive during the fourth quarter.

    During Q4:

    IMG refined its go-to-market strategy in Australia to ADT: Direct, Signature: Industry Partnerships, and IMS: Bureau/Wholesale provider of monitoring services.

    Combined its service and installation tech base in Australia under a program #techsunite. Creating one of, if not the biggest, groupings of security technicians across Australia and NZ.

    Created a new internal service and operational model in Australia around shared HR, IT, Monitoring, and operations, employing new leaders in HR and Procurement, in particular.  

    Completed the successful introduction of ADT Guard across the Australian and NZ ADT business.  The group has assisted the police in apprehending over 30 criminals in the act, due to this new, highly effective service. It is now protecting over 300 sites around Australia.

    We are also immensely proud to announce that, after three years of hard work and platform investment and integration, IMG subsidiary Intelligent Monitoring Solutions (IMS) has achieved an ASIAL certified A1/R1A redundant grading in both its IMS control rooms.

    With instantaneous backup in case one room fails, IMS is at the top of the industry and in a position that few will be able to match. This provides a critical advantage to all IMS security partners, and we will seek to utilise this further with the launch of the Signature Security partner program for select partners in August.

    IMG has had a remarkable 2025 financial year.  With a refinanced balance sheet, positive operational cash flow, clear target markets, and a strong competitive position, IMG is now well positioned to grow and generate increasing returns for shareholders in FY26 and beyond.

    We look forward to providing further details at the full-year results release and presentation, scheduled for 26 August 2025.

    For more information please visit: https://intelligentmonitoringgroup.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia and Business – Intelligent Monitoring Group Results

    Source: Intelligent Monitoring Group

    Quarterly Activity Report and Appendix 4C

    Quarter ended 30 June 2025 – Intelligent Monitoring Group Limited (“Intelligent Monitoring”, “IMG” or “the Company”) (ASX: IMB) is pleased to provide its Quarterly Market Activity Update.

    Highlights

    • Reported net operating cash flow of $17.0m for 4Q 2025
    • First “clean” quarter post-debt refinance and acquisitions. 
    • Underlying operating cash flow for FY25 of $32.4m pre-refinancing, acquisition, and ADT/JCI transition costs
    • Unaudited EBITDA for FY25 $38.6m – timing of several large service contracts outstanding and expected early in FY26. Between $38-40m guidance
    • Unaudited underlying earnings growth of +8.2% for FY25
    • $24.0m cash in bank plus $35m acquisition facility available
    • IMG to prepare an on-market share buy-back capability

    Financial Update

    IMG is pleased to report an operating cash flow of $17.0m for 4Q FY25. This result confirms and validates the inherent cash flow strength of IMG.

    Cash in the bank grew $11.1m in the quarter.

    As expected, Q4 saw a strong step upward, driven by growth in underlying earnings and the cessation of non-recurring costs, including the earlier refinancing, ADT transition, and M&A-related costs and working capital drags.

    Unaudited underlying full year EBITDA of $38.6m, whilst around the middle of the guidance range, was a little behind the company’s target as some work under discussion and pending award took longer than expected to be realised. Whilst disappointing, the shortfall is primarily timing related, and this work contributes to a healthy and growing pipeline for FY26. The acquisition of DVL (Dec) and Kobe (March) contributed above expectations.

    Underlying earnings growth on FY24 (i.e. before acquisitions and adjusted for prior period capitalisation policies) was 8.2%. The business run rate in Q4, combined with the pipeline in hand, anticipates a strong growth result in FY26.

    The company will give further FY26 guidance at its AGM in late October.

    The underlying operating cash flow for the year was $32.4m, reflecting a year of investment in new service lines (and related products) and working capital, as DVL and Kobe were acquired and integrated into the IMG fold.

    Outside of further inventory or growth investments, EBITDA and operating cash flow are expected to converge closer to each other during FY26.

    Investing cashflow for the quarter was $4.0m with the majority (75%) relating to the NZ 4G telephony upgrade program (which was at its peak level during the half and is expected to tail off over the next six months). Other capital expenditures were less than $1m including project-related IT costs of $0.5m.

    In light of the strong and reliable cash flows and growing cash balance, the IMG board has determined to put in place the mechanics for an on-market share buyback, with Morgans Financial to be appointed as manager. It will assess the use of this facility against all other capital allocation options over coming periods to maximise shareholder returns and value creation.

    Operational and Management Comment

    The business remained highly productive during the fourth quarter.

    During Q4:

    IMG refined its go-to-market strategy in Australia to ADT: Direct, Signature: Industry Partnerships, and IMS: Bureau/Wholesale provider of monitoring services.

    Combined its service and installation tech base in Australia under a program #techsunite. Creating one of, if not the biggest, groupings of security technicians across Australia and NZ.

    Created a new internal service and operational model in Australia around shared HR, IT, Monitoring, and operations, employing new leaders in HR and Procurement, in particular.  

    Completed the successful introduction of ADT Guard across the Australian and NZ ADT business.  The group has assisted the police in apprehending over 30 criminals in the act, due to this new, highly effective service. It is now protecting over 300 sites around Australia.

    We are also immensely proud to announce that, after three years of hard work and platform investment and integration, IMG subsidiary Intelligent Monitoring Solutions (IMS) has achieved an ASIAL certified A1/R1A redundant grading in both its IMS control rooms.

    With instantaneous backup in case one room fails, IMS is at the top of the industry and in a position that few will be able to match. This provides a critical advantage to all IMS security partners, and we will seek to utilise this further with the launch of the Signature Security partner program for select partners in August.

    IMG has had a remarkable 2025 financial year.  With a refinanced balance sheet, positive operational cash flow, clear target markets, and a strong competitive position, IMG is now well positioned to grow and generate increasing returns for shareholders in FY26 and beyond.

    We look forward to providing further details at the full-year results release and presentation, scheduled for 26 August 2025.

    For more information please visit: https://intelligentmonitoringgroup.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI: Troller Cat Enters Stage 14 of Presale with $400K Raised, Announces Ethereum-Based Staking Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Troller Cat, a meme-inspired cryptocurrency project built on Ethereum, has officially entered Stage 14 of its 26-stage presale. With over $400,000 raised and more than 1,500 holders onboard, the project continues to gain traction amid rising demand for community-driven blockchain tokens.

    Stage 14, titled “The Balloon Boy Hoax”, marks the latest chapter in Troller Cat’s uniquely themed presale, which draws from internet history and viral culture. The current token price is $0.00009667, with the next stage offering a nearly 10% price increase, according to the official website.

    The Troller Cat team has also launched a 69% APY staking program, designed to incentivize early supporters and long-term holders. Staking rewards are locked for two months following token launch to promote sustainability and reduce post-listing volatility.

    “We built Troller Cat to capture both the humor of internet culture and the utility of decentralized finance,” said a project spokesperson. “Each presale stage is a nod to an iconic internet moment, with deflationary mechanics and staking rewards giving the token real value for participants.”

    Key Highlights:

    • Presale Progress: Now in Stage 14 of 26, with over $400,000 raised
    • Current Price: $0.00009667, with a scheduled increase of 9.96% at the next stage
    • Blockchain: Built on Ethereum, allowing for greater compatibility and scalability
    • Staking Yield: Up to 69% APY, with a two-month lock period after listing
    • Liquidity Lock: Liquidity will be locked for 2 years, supporting long-term investor confidence

    Troller Cat’s Ethereum base enables wallet interoperability, smart contract integration, and future centralized exchange (CEX) listings. The token also includes a deflationary model and buyback mechanism, designed to reduce supply over time.

    The project’s roadmap includes community voting, NFT integrations, and gamified reward mechanics. Each presale stage references a different internet-era stunt or hoax, contributing to a gamified, narrative-driven experience.

    About Troller Cat ($TCAT):
    Troller Cat is a meme-inspired crypto project combining internet culture, gamified presale stages, and Ethereum-powered DeFi utilities. With a 26-stage presale and deflationary tokenomics, the project aims to balance entertainment with value-building mechanisms.

    To Participate in the Presale or Learn More:
    Website: https://www.trollercat.io/
    Buy Now: https://www.trollercat.io/buy-now/
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/trollercat_

    Media Contact:
    Troller Cat Team
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    Admin@trollercat.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Belarus estimates volume of recoverable hydrocarbon reserves at 46 million tons

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    MINSK, July 24 /Xinhua/ — Belarus has 46 million tons of recoverable hydrocarbon reserves, of which 56 percent are hard to recover, Deputy Director General for Geology of the Belarusian state company Belorusneft Pyotr Povzhik said on Thursday. The relevant information was published by the online publication sb.by.

    “The volume of hydrocarbon production in our region will only grow every year. In this regard, our task is to increase competencies, knowledge and technological breakthroughs, to acquire and implement the best world practices so that we can continue to improve the quality of development and increase the volume of extraction of hard-to-recover reserves,” noted P. Povzhik.

    In Belarus, in the first half of this year, the increase in the volume of oil produced compared to the 2024 level amounted to more than 4.5 percent. The task for 2025 is to exceed the oil production level of 2 million tons, which Belorusneft reached more than 30 years ago. By 2030, annual oil production is projected to increase to 2.3 million tons.

    The production association “Belorusneft” was established in 1966. The enterprise conducts exploration, prospecting and development of oil fields, drilling wells, producing oil and associated petroleum gas in Belarus, and operates in the oil sector of other countries. –0–

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Key Indicators of China’s Economic Development in the First Half of 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Russians. Ori.org.KN | 25. 07. 2025

    Key words: China’s economy

    Source: russian.china.org.cn

    Key Indicators of China’s Economic Development in the First Half of 2025 On July 15, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China released data showing that China’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the first half of 2025 was 66.0536 trillion yuan.

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Makes Important Contribution to Green Development – Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) — China is willing to work with all parties to comprehensively implement the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and promote the building of a fair and reasonable global climate governance system for win-win cooperation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Thursday.

    Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular briefing, commenting on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of states with respect to climate change. On July 23, the International Court affirmed that the UNFCCC system is the primary legal instrument guiding international efforts to address the global problem of climate change, and clearly outlined the rights and obligations of countries under international environmental law. Several states said this marked a critical moment in advancing global climate justice.

    “The Chinese side noted that the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice stated that the UNFCCC system is the main legal instrument regulating international efforts to address the global problem of climate change, and also confirmed that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, the principle of sustainable development and the principle of equity serve as guiding principles for the interpretation and application of relevant international law,” the official representative said.

    Guo Jiakun noted that the conclusion emphasizes the leading role of developed countries in combating climate change and the commitment of states to strengthen international cooperation. According to the Chinese diplomat, the conclusion reflects the long-standing position and approach of developing countries, including China, which has positive implications for maintaining and promoting international climate cooperation.

    China actively participated in the preparation of this advisory opinion, Guo Jiakun emphasized. The diplomat pointed out that, as the largest developing country, China is a staunch supporter and important participant in green development, and is actively and confidently working to realize its goals of achieving peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality.

    “We will achieve the world’s largest reduction in carbon intensity and move from peak emissions to carbon neutrality in the shortest time in world history,” Guo Jiakun said.

    At the same time, China’s high-quality and low-cost clean energy technologies and products greatly reduce the costs of the global green and low-carbon transition, the official noted, adding that China also provides maximum assistance to other developing countries through South-South cooperation channels.

    No matter how the world changes, China will not slow down its actions to combat climate change, will not reduce its support for international cooperation, and will not stop its efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind, Guo Jiakun said. –0–

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Summer Scenery of Inner Mongolia National Wetland Park

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Russians. Ori.org.KN | 25. 07. 2025

    Key words: Inner Mongolia

    Source: russian.china.org.cn

    Summer Scenery of Inner Mongolia National Wetland Park This photo shows the picturesque summer scenery of Mianduhe National Wetland Park in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xinhua signs cooperation agreements with several media organizations at SCO Media and Think Tank Summit

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    ZHENGZHOU, July 24 (Xinhua) — China’s Xinhua News Agency signed cooperation agreements with a number of foreign media organizations on Thursday at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province.

    These agreements are aimed at promoting cooperation in such areas as the exchange of news and information, exchanges and mutual visits of employees, and integrated development of mass media.

    Xinhua Director General Fu Hua, together with Deputy Director General of the Turkish news agency Demiroren Media Abdullah Kose, Director General of the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Mohammed Al Yami and Director General of the Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BELTA) Irina Akulovich took part in the ceremony of signing and exchanging copies of cooperation documents.

    During the event, foreign media leaders expressed their willingness to work with Xinhua and other colleagues to give full play to the unique role of news broadcasting and think tank research in strengthening dialogue among civilizations and deepening mutual understanding and trust, so as to contribute to bringing people together and advancing world peace and development.

    A. Kese stated that the signing of the cooperation agreement between the two agencies marks the rise of Turkish-Chinese media cooperation to a new height, opening a new multi-channel window for audiences in Turkey and neighboring countries and regions to better understand China.

    M. Al Yami noted the broad prospects for strengthening cooperation with Chinese media organizations and expressed hope for strengthening cooperation with Xinhua in such areas as exchanging news and information in order to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship, and contribute to each other’s development and prosperity.

    I. Akulovich expressed her readiness to further strengthen cooperation with Xinhua, deepen exchanges and jointly contribute to strengthening the voice of the Global South in the international community.

    The SCO Media and Think Tank Summit, jointly organized by Xinhua, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Henan Provincial People’s Government under the leadership of the State Council Information Office, is being held in Zhengzhou from July 23 to 27. –0–

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –