Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank Approves $474.6 Million Loan to support South Africa’s Infrastructure Governance and Green Growth

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $474.6 million loan for South Africa’s Infrastructure Governance and Green Growth Programme (IGGGP). This financing marks a significant milestone in the country’s transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

    This IGGGP is the second phase of the Bank’s strategic support for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. It builds on the success of the $300 million Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme, approved in 2023, which delivered key reforms that bolstered financial stability and increased renewable energy capacity.

    Structured around three interconnected pillars: enhancing energy security through power sector restructuring, supporting a low-carbon and just transition, and improving transport efficiency – the IGGGP is designed to accelerate South Africa’s green transformation and promote inclusive, resilient growth. South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana,  described the Bank’s support as valuable. 

    “Our country faces the significant challenge of energy shortages, leading to loadshedding, as well as significant transport bottlenecks, which have been detrimental to growing our economy and achieving our developmental aspirations. With your partnership, our government has committed itself to stay the course and implement these critical reforms in the energy and transport sectors, while endeavoring to achieve our international commitments on climate change and our JET objectives,” he said.

    The IGGGP also places strong emphasis on green industrialization, skills development, and job creation, including support for electric vehicle manufacturing and green hydrogen production. Recent estimates from the IMF show that South Africa’s Just Energy Transition could boost the country’s GDP growth by 0.2 to 0.4 percentage points annually between 2025 and 2030.

    “This approval represents more than financing — it’s a blueprint for Africa’s energy future,” said Kennedy Mbekeani, African Development Bank Group’s Director General for Southern Africa. “South Africa’s success in building a just, green, and inclusive energy system demonstrates that sustainable development and economic growth can go hand in hand.”

    This financing includes targeted grant components to promote energy efficiency initiatives and advance rail sector reforms. Key priorities include accelerating vertical separation and establishing an investment framework to revitalize South Africa’s freight and logistics systems. These efforts are expected to strengthen competitiveness of the transport sector and contribute to regional integration and economic growth across the Southern African Development Community.

    As an advanced economy in Africa and a regional power hub, South Africa’s success in its energy transition could catalyze similar transformations across the continent. Its experience integrating renewable energy, modernizing its grid, and implementing just transition policies will provide valuable lessons for other African nations pursuing sustainable development goals.

    The initiative incorporates comprehensive environmental and social safeguards, with a particular focus on gender and youth empowerment. Women will constitute 70% of the beneficiaries of the expanded Social Employment Fund, and dedicated youth skills programmes will equip the next generation for emerging opportunities in the green economy.

    The success of the IGGGP will contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13).

    The African Development Bank’s support forms part of a historic $2.78 billion international financing package that includes $1.5 billion from the World Bank, €500 million from Germany’s KfW, up to $200 million from Japan’s JICA, and an expected $150 million from the OPEC Fund. This coordinated financing underscores the global significance of South Africa’s energy transition, particularly under its G20 presidency. The programme aligns with South Africa’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, which targets reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 398–510 million tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2025 and 350–420 million tons by 2030.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Additional Image: https://apo-opa.co/3G4EecH

    Media contact:
    Emeka Anuforo,
    Communication and External Relations Department,
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GAIA AFRICA Appoints Mena Imasekha as General Manager

    GAIA AFRICA (https://GAIAAfricaClub.com ), the premier private business club for Africa’s most influential women leaders, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Mena Imasekha as General Manager, effective immediately. Since its founding in 2018, GAIA AFRICA has become a leading force in the empowerment of female decision-makers across Africa. The Club has facilitated over $10 million in member-to-member business value since 2021, reflecting the power of intentional community and strategic collaboration. 

    Mena joined GAIA AFRICA in June 2021 as Business Development & Operations Manager, where she played a pivotal role in the club’s growth, member engagement, and optimising operations across core business units. Her appointment reflects GAIA AFRICA’s ongoing commitment to excellence in leadership and community-building for women across the continent. 

    An accomplished strategist with a strong background in operations, Mena brings over 15 years of experience spanning wellness, e-commerce, non-profit, and financial services. Her multidisciplinary career has included leadership roles in online sales strategy, social impact fundraising, and executive wellness programming, all with a consistent focus on systems thinking and growth. 

    She previously served as Strategy & Communications Manager at the crowdfunding platform 234Give.com, where she led successful CSR campaigns in partnership with top corporates including FBN Capital, Stanbic IBTC, and Sterling Bank. She has also held advisory and executive positions at Women Impacting Nigeria and Mega Plaza. 

    Mena holds a BSc in Biology from Imperial College London, with further certifications in Integrative Health Coaching and CMAE’s Club Management MDP 1 & MDP 2. Her approach to leadership is rooted in a passion for strategic thinking, wellness and social transformation. 

    “Mena’s deep operational insight and commitment to GAIA’s vision of empowering and supporting female decision makers, make her the right leader for this next chapter,” said Olatowun Candide-Johnson, Founder and CEO of GAIA AFRICA. “She brings not only technical excellence but commitment and a powerful sensitivity to the evolving needs of our members.” 

    In her new role, Mena will oversee day-to-day operations, strategy, and strategic partnerships across GAIA AFRICA and its affiliated lifestyle brand, GABY Lagos. She will report to the CEO, who continues to lead on broader strategic initiatives and future growth for the company. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Gaia Africa.

    Media Contact: 
    GAIA AFRICA Communications 
    Email: bizops@gaiaafricaclub.com  
    Website: https://GAIAAfricaClub.com 

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Launch of new body to harness innovative tech for the UK’s Armed Forces

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Launch of new body to harness innovative tech for the UK’s Armed Forces

    Innovative technology will reach the hands of military personnel faster, as the work of the new UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) organisation kicks off today with its formal establishment.

    • UK Defence Innovation begins work today to streamline delivery of innovative technology to Armed Forces personnel.
    • £400 million annual budget will help create high-skilled jobs in the dual-use technology sector and turbocharge growth, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
    • UK Strategic Command will be renamed Cyber & Specialist Operations Command to reflect its evolved role and enhanced responsibilities following the SDR.

    UKDI will be the focal point for innovation within the Ministry of Defence, backed by a ringfenced annual budget of at least £400 million – supporting the government’s Plan for Change by driving defence as an engine for UK growth and creating high-skilled jobs in the dual-use technology sector.   

    It follows the government committing to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% by 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament.  

    The new body will simplify and streamline the innovation system within MOD – as outlined in last month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). It will take a new approach by moving quickly and decisively, using different ways of contracting, to enable UK companies to scale up innovative prototypes rapidly, by setting out a clear pathway, working with the rest of government, from initial production to manufacturing at scale.     

    UKDI will make the UK a defence innovation leader, funding and supporting firms of all sizes to take state-of-the-art technology from the drawing board to the production line, and into the hands of our Armed Forces. It will ensure cutting-edge innovations get into the hands of our Armed Forces faster, enhancing military capability while driving economic growth.  

    This announcement comes alongside another significant development, with UK Strategic Command being renamed as the Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC). This change reflects the Command’s evolved role and enhanced responsibilities following the SDR, particularly its leadership of the cyber domain, which the SDR demanded a greater focus on across defence and government as a whole. It also follows the MOD having to protect UK military networks against more than 90,000 ‘sub-threshold’ attacks in the last two years.   

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:   

    Defence is only as strong as the industry that stands behind it and through UKDI we’re putting innovation at the heart of our approach.    

    This shift represents a crucial part of our commitment to change defence, backing the high-growth UK firms developing pioneering technology of the future to boost our national security and make defence an engine for growth – fundamental to our Plan for Change and delivering on the SDR.

    The new name firmly places leadership of this crucial domain for defence and the Armed Forces with the new Command. It also better represents CSOC’s ‘Lead Command’ responsibilities for those specialist capabilities critical to operational success, including Intelligence, Special Forces, deployed medical capabilities, and Command and Control through the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ).    

    General Sir Jim Hockenhull, Commander, Cyber & Specialist Operations Command, said:

    The transition to Cyber & Specialist Operations Command is far more than a change in name – it is a clear statement of purpose. It reflects our leadership in the cyber domain, the integration of specialist capabilities, and our commitment to delivering effects across Defence. This new identity captures the essence of who we are: a community of experts, united by mission, operating at the forefront of modern warfare.

    The defence sector is a major contributor to the UK economy, with the industry supporting over 430,000 jobs nationwide – equivalent to one in every 60 UK jobs. 

    As part of UKDI’s launch, two key initiatives have been established:   

    • A new Rapid Innovation Team (RIT) enabling innovation at ‘wartime pace’ by utilising commercially available dual-use technology to address the most urgent operational problems.

    • Regional Engagement Teams across the UK to identify and support dual-use innovation from SMEs and academic spin-outs, delivering targeted outreach and business development support.

    The SDR highlighted the rapidly evolving threat landscape and the critical need for the UK to maintain its technological edge. UKDI will play a pivotal role in implementing the SDR’s recommendations by breaking down barriers between defence and commercial innovation, ensuring that game-changing technologies can be rapidly identified, developed, and deployed to the front line.   

    The organisation has been formally established today and will develop over the next 12 months, with further design, transition and implementation work, while determining the optimal workforce structure needed to achieve its long-term ambitions. UKDI will be fully operational by July 2026.   

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Allister tables motion in the Commons expressing concern at Equality Commission becoming a cheerleader for trans activism

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    TUV North Antrim MP Jim Allister said:

    “I have today tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to express my deep dismay at the conduct of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland in the wake of the Supreme Court’s clear and authoritative ruling on the meaning of the terms “woman” and “man” in law.

    “The Supreme Court could not have been clearer: biological sex—not self-declared gender identity—is what determines whether someone is legally considered a man or a woman for the purposes of the Equality Act. This is not a matter of personal opinion or political fashion; it is settled law. And yet, astonishingly, we now see the Equality Commission exploring ways to circumvent that ruling—an action which, in my view, is legally indefensible and ideologically driven.

    “The Commission is meant to be a neutral enforcer of equality law, not a cheerleader for trans activism. Its role is to uphold the law as it stands, not to reinterpret it in line with fringe ideology. When a statutory body—funded by the public purse—starts behaving as if it is above the UK’s highest court, then democracy and legal certainty are both placed in jeopardy.

    “There must be no ambiguity: the Supreme Court ruling applies fully in Northern Ireland. Any suggestion otherwise is an affront to the rule of law and to the constitutional order of the United Kingdom. Devolution does not give license to ignore the UK’s apex court or to rewrite legislation by stealth.

    “This is why I have tabled this motion—to send a clear message to the Equality Commission and to any other public body tempted to place ideology above legality: the law is not optional. Biological reality cannot be wished away. And the rights of women—based on sex, not gender identity—must be defended without compromise.”

    Note to editors

    Mr Allister’s Early Day Motion reads:

    NI Equality Commission and Supreme Court ruling

    Jim Allister (North Antrim)

    That this House expresses dismay at the attempts by the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland to find ways to circumvent the very clear ruling by the Supreme Court on biological sex being the determinant in regard to the terms ‘woman’ and ‘man’; regrets that the Commission has allowed itself to become a vehicle for pro-trans ideology; and repudiates the suggestion that the Supreme Court ruling might not be followed in Northern Ireland.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Part of the former industrial zone in Yuzhnoye Butovo will be reorganized under the KRT program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Part of the former industrial zone Yuzhnoye Butovo, located in the South-West Administrative District of the capital, will be reorganized. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “The city has signed an agreement with the company on the redevelopment of two sections of the former industrial zone Yuzhnoye Butovo with a total area of 30.7 hectares. The contract price was 109.6 million rubles. The developer intends to transform the former depressed site into a new comfortable urban space. The emphasis will be on creating a balanced development: along with housing, social, public and business, industrial and municipal infrastructure facilities will be built there. Investments in the development of the site are estimated at more than 106 billion rubles, and the annual budget effect will be at least 1.7 billion rubles. As a result of the project, more than four thousand jobs will be created,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The only participant trades The Moscow company “Specialized developer “Grad Pekhotnaya”” won the right to conclude an agreement on the integrated development of the territory (IDT). Both sites, which it will redevelop, are located near the Butovo station of the second Moscow Central Diameter. One of them is adjacent to 2-nd Melitopolskaya Street, the other is located closer to Varshavskoe Shosse.

    “As part of the project, about 27 thousand square meters of housing will be built to implement the renovation program. An educational complex will be built next to the new buildings. It will include a school for 900 students and a kindergarten for 200 children. The investor will also build a sports center with a swimming pool, a multifunctional public complex with a hotel, facilities for two court areas and other real estate on the territory. Improvement and landscaping work will be carried out in the new city block. Thus, part of the former industrial zone will turn into a self-sufficient, attractive residential area,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    According to the KRT program, multifunctional city blocks are being created, where roads, comfortable housing and all the necessary infrastructure are being designed on the sites of former industrial zones and inefficiently used areas. Currently, 302 projects for the integrated development of territories with a total area of about 4.2 thousand hectares are at various stages of development and implementation in Moscow. This work is being carried out on behalf of Mayor of Moscow.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered an increase implementation rates renovation programs twice as much.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/156051073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI China: Flag-raising ceremony, reception held to mark 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to motherland

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

    Flag-raising ceremony, reception held to mark 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to motherland

    HONG KONG, July 1 — The government of China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday held a flag-raising ceremony and a reception to celebrate the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland.

    Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Leung Chun-ying, Chief Executive of the HKSAR John Lee, and Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, as well as officials from the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, and the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, attended the flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square on Tuesday morning.

    As the Hong Kong Police Silver Band performed “Ode to the Motherland,” the flag-guarding team marched in unison, escorting the national flag of the People’s Republic of China and the flag of the HKSAR into the Golden Bauhinia Square.

    With the majestic national anthem playing, the flag bearers raised the national and regional flags skyward, and the vibrant rose slowly, fluttering in the wind. Attendees stood in solemn attention, singing the national anthem. A helicopter flew over Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour, displaying the national and regional flags, while a fireboat from the Hong Kong Fire Services Department performed a water salute in the harbor.

    Following the ceremony, a grand reception was hosted by the HKSAR government in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

    Addressing the reception, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said that since taking office, the current HKSAR government has forged ahead with reforms to build a safe and stable Hong Kong, and striven to develop the economy and improve people’s livelihood, and such efforts are gradually delivering results.

    Looking ahead, Lee pledged to safeguard high-quality development with high-level security, speed up the development of the Northern Metropolis, and improve people’s livelihood proactively.

    “As long as we are determined to fully seize the opportunities, keep enhancing our value and competiveness, undertake reforms for progress and foster innovation, I am confident the wisdom and experience of the people of Hong Kong will help our Pearl of the Orient shine brighter than ever on the world stage,” Lee said.

    Earlier in the morning, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, and the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, also held flag-raising ceremonies.

    MIL OSI China News

  • Sensex, Nifty end with slight gains as investors remain cautious

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock markets ended flat with a slight positive bias on Tuesday, as investors stayed cautious ahead of the US reciprocal tariff deadline on July 8.

    The focus remained on trade negotiations between India and the United States, with a potential trade deal expected this week.

    After touching an intraday high of 83,874.29, the Sensex finally closed at 83,697.29, gaining 90.83 points or 0.11 per cent.

    Similarly, the Nifty added 24.75 points, or 0.1 per cent, to settle at 25,541.8.

    Among the 30-share index, BEL emerged as the top gainer, closing 2.51 per cent higher. Other notable gainers included Asian Paints, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, Infosys, Titan, and Bharti Airtel.

    On the flip side, Axis Bank, Trent, Eternal (formerly Zomato), Tech Mahindra, ICICI Bank, and TCS were among the top losers.

    The broader market showed mixed signals. The Nifty Midcap100 index ended flat, while the Nifty Smallcap100 slipped slightly, down 0.10 per cent.

    Among sectoral indices, Nifty PSU Bank, Metal, Oil & Gas, Consumer Durables, Healthcare, and Pharma closed in the green. However, sectors like Auto, IT, Energy, FMCG, Media, and Realty declined.

    The total market capitalisation of all listed companies on the NSE stood at Rs 5.36 trillion.

    On the volatility front, the India VIX — which measures market uncertainty — dropped 2.01 per cent to close at 12.5, indicating reduced fear among investors.

    Gold traded positive as continued dollar weakness supported prices. Comex Gold surged by $30 to $3,345, while MCX Gold rose by Rs 1,200 to settle around Rs 97,300.

    “The sentiment remains buoyant this week, driven by expectations around key US economic data, particularly the Non-Farm Payrolls, unemployment figures, and ADP non-farm employment change,” said Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities.

    Additionally, the rupee traded positive, gaining 0.28 per cent to close at 85.51, supported by a weaker Dollar Index trading below 97.00 and sustained weakness in crude oil prices.

    “Rupee is expected to trade in a range of 85.20 to 85.80,” Trivedi added.

    -IANS

  • Union Cabinet approves Rs 1,853 crore 4-lane highway project in Tamil Nadu

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the construction of a 4-lane highway between Paramakudi and Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, covering a stretch of 46.7 km along National Highway 87 (NH-87). The project, estimated at ₹1,853 crore, will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).

    The upgraded highway aims to ease congestion along the busy Madurai–Rameshwaram corridor, which currently relies on a 2-lane NH-87 and adjoining state highways. The new 4-lane section will enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and support the growing mobility needs of rapidly developing towns such as Paramakudi, Sathirakudi, Achundanvayal, and Ramanathapuram.

    Strategically designed, the alignment connects with five major National Highways and three State Highways, ensuring seamless travel across southern Tamil Nadu. The corridor also links with key multi-modal transport hubs, including Madurai and Rameshwaram railway stations, Madurai Airport, and the ports of Pamban and Rameshwaram.

    Once completed, the project is expected to significantly boost regional trade, tourism—especially to pilgrimage sites like Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi—and economic development. It is also projected to generate 8.4 lakh person-days of direct employment and 10.45 lakh person-days of indirect employment, contributing to inclusive growth in the region.

  • Union Cabinet approves National Sports Policy 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a move aimed at transforming India’s sporting ecosystem, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025. The policy replaces the National Sports Policy of 2001 and sets a comprehensive roadmap to establish India as a leading sporting nation, with a particular focus on preparing for the 2036 Olympic Games.

    The National Sports Policy 2025 is the culmination of extensive consultations involving Central Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, National Sports Federations, athletes, experts, and public stakeholders. It lays out a strategic framework for developing sports in the country across multiple dimensions, including excellence, economic growth, social development, mass participation, and educational integration.

    The policy aims to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem from grassroots to elite levels, focusing on early talent identification, building competitive leagues, expanding infrastructure in rural and urban areas, and enhancing training, coaching, and athlete support systems. It also seeks to modernize governance within National Sports Federations and promote the use of sports science, medicine, and technology to boost performance.

    Recognizing the economic potential of sports, the policy promotes sports tourism, international event hosting, and the development of a robust sports manufacturing and startup ecosystem. It calls for greater private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships, Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and innovative financing mechanisms.

    Social inclusion is another key pillar, with targeted programs to increase sports participation among women, tribal communities, economically weaker sections, and persons with disabilities. The policy also aims to revive indigenous and traditional games, promote dual-career pathways, and engage the Indian diaspora through sports.

    To foster a culture of fitness and make sports a mass movement, National Sports Policy 2025 proposes nationwide campaigns, the introduction of fitness indices in schools and workplaces, and improved access to sports facilities. In line with the National Education Policy 2020, it emphasizes integrating sports into school curricula and equipping educators with specialized training.

    The policy outlines a robust implementation strategy, including a national monitoring framework with defined performance benchmarks and timelines. It will serve as a model for states and union territories to align their sports policies with national goals. The “whole-of-government” approach aims to mainstream sports across various departments and schemes, ensuring a unified and impactful strategy.

    With this ambitious and forward-looking policy, the government aims to position India not only as a global sporting powerhouse but also to promote healthier, more inclusive, and empowered citizens through sports.

  • Union Cabinet approves National Sports Policy 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a move aimed at transforming India’s sporting ecosystem, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025. The policy replaces the National Sports Policy of 2001 and sets a comprehensive roadmap to establish India as a leading sporting nation, with a particular focus on preparing for the 2036 Olympic Games.

    The National Sports Policy 2025 is the culmination of extensive consultations involving Central Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, National Sports Federations, athletes, experts, and public stakeholders. It lays out a strategic framework for developing sports in the country across multiple dimensions, including excellence, economic growth, social development, mass participation, and educational integration.

    The policy aims to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem from grassroots to elite levels, focusing on early talent identification, building competitive leagues, expanding infrastructure in rural and urban areas, and enhancing training, coaching, and athlete support systems. It also seeks to modernize governance within National Sports Federations and promote the use of sports science, medicine, and technology to boost performance.

    Recognizing the economic potential of sports, the policy promotes sports tourism, international event hosting, and the development of a robust sports manufacturing and startup ecosystem. It calls for greater private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships, Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and innovative financing mechanisms.

    Social inclusion is another key pillar, with targeted programs to increase sports participation among women, tribal communities, economically weaker sections, and persons with disabilities. The policy also aims to revive indigenous and traditional games, promote dual-career pathways, and engage the Indian diaspora through sports.

    To foster a culture of fitness and make sports a mass movement, National Sports Policy 2025 proposes nationwide campaigns, the introduction of fitness indices in schools and workplaces, and improved access to sports facilities. In line with the National Education Policy 2020, it emphasizes integrating sports into school curricula and equipping educators with specialized training.

    The policy outlines a robust implementation strategy, including a national monitoring framework with defined performance benchmarks and timelines. It will serve as a model for states and union territories to align their sports policies with national goals. The “whole-of-government” approach aims to mainstream sports across various departments and schemes, ensuring a unified and impactful strategy.

    With this ambitious and forward-looking policy, the government aims to position India not only as a global sporting powerhouse but also to promote healthier, more inclusive, and empowered citizens through sports.

  • Railways launches ‘RailOne’ app as one-stop solution for passenger services

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major step toward enhancing passenger experience, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday launched the ‘RailOne’ app at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, marking the 40th Foundation Day of the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). Designed to be a comprehensive, all-in-one platform, the RailOne app aims to streamline and simplify access to a range of railway passenger services through a user-friendly interface.

    Available on both Android and iOS platforms, the RailOne app integrates key services such as booking unreserved and platform tickets with a 3% discount, live train tracking, grievance redressal, e-catering, porter booking, and last-mile taxi services. While reserved ticket bookings will continue through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation platform, RailOne is authorized by IRCTC and joins a list of partner apps offering railway services.

    The app supports single sign-on via mPIN or biometric login and allows seamless access using existing RailConnect and UTS credentials, eliminating the need for multiple apps and offering a space-saving solution for users.

    Speaking at the event, Vaishnaw praised the CRIS team for their continued efforts in strengthening Indian Railways’ digital infrastructure. He also provided updates on the development of the Modern Passenger Reservation System (PRS), expected to be launched by December 2025. The upgraded PRS will be multilingual, agile, and scalable, with the capacity to handle up to 1.5 lakh ticket bookings and 40 lakh enquiries per minute. It will include advanced features like seat selection, fare calendar, and dedicated options for Divyangjan, students, and patients, among others.

    The launch of RailOne, along with the upcoming modernization of PRS, underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive, efficient, and world-class passenger services. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming Indian Railways into the engine of India’s development journey.

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia’s new energy innovation venture Enscryb secures partner and first two customers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Nokia’s new energy innovation venture Enscryb secures partner and first two customers

    • Enscryb is partnering with NODES, a Norwegian technology company, and will be offering services to Nanuq, a charging infrastructure company, and Smartecon, a utility scale renewable energy construction / EPC company.
    • Enscryb is a platform that uses digital twins and stream processing technology to enable real-time distributed energy orchestration in an era of increasing market volatility, demand and renewable production.
    • Enscryb can simulate distributed energy systems of any size and complexity from grid, to meter, to connected assets.

    1 July 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced its latest venture, Enscryb, an energy innovation platform, is partnering with NODES, an energy trading company. In addition, Enscryb has also secured and onboarded two customers: Nanuq, a charging infrastructure company, and Smartecon, a renewable energy provider.

    Enscryb is an innovative digital toolbox that enables real-time distributed energy flexibility orchestration in an era of increasing market volatility, demand and renewable production by simulating electricity systems of any size and complexity. The Enscryb toolset also provides energy flexibility forecasting for battery energy storage systems and solar hybrid assets. By analyzing data from both markets and clients’ own infrastructures, Enscryb enables more accurate and bankable financial modeling for renewable energy projects.

    Based on technology from Nokia Bell Labs, Enscryb is the latest Nokia venture to engage external partners and customers. These collaborations stem from Nokia’s internal venture incubator dedicated to innovation and new commercialization paths for Nokia Bell Labs technology.

    By contributing to reducing energy expenses, increasing grid resiliency and transitioning toward Net Zero, Enscryb also emphasizes Nokia’s commitment to sustainable businesses.

    NODES facilitates the trading of flexibility resources and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) between System Operators and Flexibility Service Providers, aggregators and large Industrial and Commercial assets. This activity supports the sustainability sector and contributes to the development of emerging energy flexibility and congestion markets.

    Nanuq helps its industrial customers transition to electrified fleets. They plan investment and operation of fleets with local generation resources and charge points to ensure maximum efficiency by lowering energy operation expenses.

    Smartecon is a pan-Baltic EPC company specializing in utility-scale renewable energy projects. It helps developers and asset owners bring solar, battery, and hybrid power plants from concept to grid connection, with a strong focus on grid compliance, technical design, and hands-on project execution.

    Chris D. Jones, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Nokia, said: “Enscryb is the latest proof-point that our venture incubator is finding new ways to commercialize Nokia Bell Labs technology. Nokia is very proud of Enscryb and its first partner and customers. We are looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable energy future by helping the energy industry transition through digitalization.”

    Svein Jørgen Sønning, Head of Technology at NODES, said: “This collaboration strengthens the foundation for a more resilient and dynamic flexibility market. Enscryb’s ability to optimize DERs investment decisions and operations by using real-time orchestration and advanced value stack strategies complement NODES’ market design. This synergy helps stakeholders unlock greater value from their energy assets.”

    Hannes Aus, Chief Development Officer and co-founder of Smartecon, said: ” At Smartecon, we don’t just build — we help clients make sense of complexity. Enscryb complements our approach by turning market and infrastructure data into actionable insights. With this partnership, we can deliver not only bankable energy systems but also smarter planning and better performance from day one.”

    Resources and additional information
    Web Page: Nokia Bell Labs
    Web Page: Nokia Ventures

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About Enscryb
    Enscryb is an innovative new venture incubated within Nokia to provide simplicity in an increasingly complex energy system. It is a powerful digital engine that enables the creation of digital twin energy systems and deploys new steering mechanisms to maximize the value of energy flexibility for industrial and commercial consumers.
    Website: Enscryb
    LinkedIn: Enscryb

    About NODES
    Nodes is a service-minded company that works with our partners to develop a liquid marketplace for trading flexibility. We provide an innovative market design, which is helping unlock the value of flexibility and accelerating the energy transition. We continually strive to develop new products and services, which can be used to further the development of flexibility services.
    Website: NODES

    About Nanuq
    Nanuq develops holistic charging infrastructure concepts that combine technology, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. From data-driven planning to smart grid solutions and the integration of renewable energies – we are rethinking electrification and making it future-proof.
    Website: Nanuq

    About Smartecon
    Smartecon is a leading pan-Baltic utility scale renewable energy and construction company that has extensive experience in designing and constructing over 1,000 solar battery and hybrid power plants across five countries. It is a key player in the renewable energy sector and its partnership with Nokia further strengthens its commitment to innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
    Website: Smartecon

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia’s new energy innovation venture Enscryb secures partner and first two customers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Nokia’s new energy innovation venture Enscryb secures partner and first two customers

    • Enscryb is partnering with NODES, a Norwegian technology company, and will be offering services to Nanuq, a charging infrastructure company, and Smartecon, a utility scale renewable energy construction / EPC company.
    • Enscryb is a platform that uses digital twins and stream processing technology to enable real-time distributed energy orchestration in an era of increasing market volatility, demand and renewable production.
    • Enscryb can simulate distributed energy systems of any size and complexity from grid, to meter, to connected assets.

    1 July 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced its latest venture, Enscryb, an energy innovation platform, is partnering with NODES, an energy trading company. In addition, Enscryb has also secured and onboarded two customers: Nanuq, a charging infrastructure company, and Smartecon, a renewable energy provider.

    Enscryb is an innovative digital toolbox that enables real-time distributed energy flexibility orchestration in an era of increasing market volatility, demand and renewable production by simulating electricity systems of any size and complexity. The Enscryb toolset also provides energy flexibility forecasting for battery energy storage systems and solar hybrid assets. By analyzing data from both markets and clients’ own infrastructures, Enscryb enables more accurate and bankable financial modeling for renewable energy projects.

    Based on technology from Nokia Bell Labs, Enscryb is the latest Nokia venture to engage external partners and customers. These collaborations stem from Nokia’s internal venture incubator dedicated to innovation and new commercialization paths for Nokia Bell Labs technology.

    By contributing to reducing energy expenses, increasing grid resiliency and transitioning toward Net Zero, Enscryb also emphasizes Nokia’s commitment to sustainable businesses.

    NODES facilitates the trading of flexibility resources and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) between System Operators and Flexibility Service Providers, aggregators and large Industrial and Commercial assets. This activity supports the sustainability sector and contributes to the development of emerging energy flexibility and congestion markets.

    Nanuq helps its industrial customers transition to electrified fleets. They plan investment and operation of fleets with local generation resources and charge points to ensure maximum efficiency by lowering energy operation expenses.

    Smartecon is a pan-Baltic EPC company specializing in utility-scale renewable energy projects. It helps developers and asset owners bring solar, battery, and hybrid power plants from concept to grid connection, with a strong focus on grid compliance, technical design, and hands-on project execution.

    Chris D. Jones, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Nokia, said: “Enscryb is the latest proof-point that our venture incubator is finding new ways to commercialize Nokia Bell Labs technology. Nokia is very proud of Enscryb and its first partner and customers. We are looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable energy future by helping the energy industry transition through digitalization.”

    Svein Jørgen Sønning, Head of Technology at NODES, said: “This collaboration strengthens the foundation for a more resilient and dynamic flexibility market. Enscryb’s ability to optimize DERs investment decisions and operations by using real-time orchestration and advanced value stack strategies complement NODES’ market design. This synergy helps stakeholders unlock greater value from their energy assets.”

    Hannes Aus, Chief Development Officer and co-founder of Smartecon, said: ” At Smartecon, we don’t just build — we help clients make sense of complexity. Enscryb complements our approach by turning market and infrastructure data into actionable insights. With this partnership, we can deliver not only bankable energy systems but also smarter planning and better performance from day one.”

    Resources and additional information
    Web Page: Nokia Bell Labs
    Web Page: Nokia Ventures

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About Enscryb
    Enscryb is an innovative new venture incubated within Nokia to provide simplicity in an increasingly complex energy system. It is a powerful digital engine that enables the creation of digital twin energy systems and deploys new steering mechanisms to maximize the value of energy flexibility for industrial and commercial consumers.
    Website: Enscryb
    LinkedIn: Enscryb

    About NODES
    Nodes is a service-minded company that works with our partners to develop a liquid marketplace for trading flexibility. We provide an innovative market design, which is helping unlock the value of flexibility and accelerating the energy transition. We continually strive to develop new products and services, which can be used to further the development of flexibility services.
    Website: NODES

    About Nanuq
    Nanuq develops holistic charging infrastructure concepts that combine technology, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. From data-driven planning to smart grid solutions and the integration of renewable energies – we are rethinking electrification and making it future-proof.
    Website: Nanuq

    About Smartecon
    Smartecon is a leading pan-Baltic utility scale renewable energy and construction company that has extensive experience in designing and constructing over 1,000 solar battery and hybrid power plants across five countries. It is a key player in the renewable energy sector and its partnership with Nokia further strengthens its commitment to innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
    Website: Smartecon

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Banzai Secures New Debt Financing of up to $11.0 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Initial Financing Tranche of $2.2 Million Provides Additional Operating Liquidity and Financial Flexibility to Support Acquisitions and Growth

    SEATTLE, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Banzai International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNZI) (“Banzai” or the “Company”), a leading marketing technology company that provides essential marketing and sales solutions, today announced the completion of an $11.0 million dollar debt facility with an institutional investor to support acquisitions and ongoing operations.

    The financing includes an initial tranche of $2.2 million (the “Note”), which matures on June 30, 2026, bears interest at 10% per annum, and is secured by the Company’s assets. The principal amount of the Note is payable in cash or convertible in whole or in part into common shares at the holder’s discretion at 115% of the price of the common stock immediately preceding the Closing Date. The company has the right to draw subsequent tranches, provided that certain conditions are met or waived.

    Banzai intends to use the net proceeds from the facility for working capital, acquisitions, and general corporate purposes to support its future growth.

    Rodman & Renshaw LLC acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Banzai.

    Further details on the Note will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that the Company intends to file with the SEC by July 3, 2025.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

    About Banzai

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

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

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes AMAROQ MINERALS LTD. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced AMAROQ MINERALS LTD. (TSX-V: AMRQ; AIM: AMRQ; XICE: AMRQ; OTCQX: AMRQF), an independent mine development corporation, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. AMAROQ MINERALS LTD. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

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

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

    Eldur Olafsson, Amaroq CEO, commented: 

    “We have enjoyed a strong level of support from U.S. investors to date, and we hope that with the increased visibility of a quotation on the OTCQX, this will continue to grow and expand our global reach, as we execute on our strategy of becoming the proxy for Greenland’s growing mining and infrastructure industries.”

    About AMAROQ MINERALS LTD.
    Amaroq’s principal business objectives are the identification, acquisition, exploration, and development of gold and strategic metal properties in South Greenland. The Company’s principal asset is a 100% interest in the Nalunaq Gold mine. The Company has a portfolio of gold and strategic metal assets in Southern Greenland covering the two known gold belts in the region as well as advanced exploration projects at Stendalen and the Sava Copper Belt exploring for Strategic metals such as Copper, Nickel, Rare Earths and other minerals. Amaroq Minerals is continued under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) and wholly owns Nalunaq A/S, incorporated under the Greenland Companies Act.

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

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets. OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS™ are each SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

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

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitfarms Announces Results of Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s second amended and restated prospectus supplement dated December 17, 2024, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated November 10, 2023.

    TORONTO, Ontario, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (Nasdaq/TSX: BITF) (the “Company”), a global vertically integrated Bitcoin data center company, today announces the results of its annual general and special meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”), held virtually on June 30, 2025. A total of 224,085,154 common shares, representing 43.9% of the issued and outstanding common shares (“Common Shares”) of the Company, were represented at the Meeting in person or by proxy. All items of business set forth in the Management Information Circular dated May 23, 2025 (the “Circular”) were approved by shareholders at the Meeting.

    Based on the proxies received and the votes cast at the Meeting, six directors (the “Directors”) were elected for the ensuing year. The following is a tabulation of the votes submitted:

    Nominee Votes For Votes Withheld*
    Brian Howlett 151,857,664 6,458,730
    Andrew J. Chang 151,870,218 6,446,175
    Amy Freedman 151,872,656 6,443,738
    Ben Gagnon 151,064,598 7,251,797
    Edie Hofmeister 151,042,254 7,274,141
    Fanny Philip 149,617,634 8,698,761

    *Proxies representing a total of: (i) 85,768,759 Common Shares were not voted in respect of the elections of Benjamin Gagnon, Edith Hofmeister, and Fanny Philip as director; (ii) 85,768,760 Common Shares were not voted in respect of the elections of Brian Howlett and Amy Freedman as director; and (iii) 85,768,761 Common Shares were not voted in respect of the elections of Andrew J. Chang as director.

    Shareholders also voted in favor of reappointing PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and authorized the Directors to fix their remuneration, with votes “For” totaling 236,832,671 Common Shares and votes “Withheld” totaling 7,252,479 Common Shares.

    With votes “For” totaling 131,083,589 Common Shares and 27,232,799 “Against”, shareholders voted in favor of an ordinary resolution approving the Company’s new omnibus incentive plan and the unallocated entitlements thereunder for a period of three (3) years, as more particularly described in the Circular.

    With votes “For” totaling 202,494,926 common shares and 41,590,225 “Against”, shareholders voted in favor of a special resolution to approve a future consolidation of the Common Shares on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation Common Share for up to ten (10) pre-consolidation Common Shares, if, and at such time following the date of the Meeting up to and including June 30, 2027, as may be determined by the board of directors of the Company in its sole discretion, as more particularly described in the Circular.

    About Bitfarms Ltd.
    Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a North American energy and compute infrastructure company that develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated data centers. Bitfarms currently operates 15 data centers situated in four countries, which currently mine Bitcoin: the United States, Canada, Argentina and Paraguay.

    To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:

    www.bitfarms.com
    https://www.facebook.com/bitfarms/
    http://x.com/Bitfarms_io
    https://www.instagram.com/bitfarms/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitfarms/

    Forward-Looking Statements  
    This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are covered by safe harbors under Canadian and United States securities laws. The statements and information in this release regarding the results of the Meeting, adoption of the Company’s new omnibus incentive plan, the consolidation of the Company’s common shares, growth opportunities and prospects for the Company, and other statements regarding future growth, plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking information.

    Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “prospects”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on assumptions and estimates of management of Bitfarms at the time they were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Bitfarms to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors, risks and uncertainties include, among others: an inability to apply the Company’s data centers to HPC/AI opportunities on a profitable basis; a failure to secure long-term contracts associated with HPC/AI customers on terms which are economic or at all; the construction and operation of new facilities may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion of existing facilities may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; an inability to satisfy the Panther Creek location related milestones which are conditions to loan drawdowns under the Macquarie Group financing facility; an inability to deploy the proceeds of the Macquarie Group financing facility to generate positive returns at the Panther Creek location; the construction and operation of new facilities may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion of existing facilities may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; new miners may not perform up to expectations; revenue may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; the ongoing ability to successfully mine digital currency is not assured; failure of the equipment upgrades to be installed and operated as planned; the availability of additional power may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; the power purchase agreements and economics thereof may not be as advantageous as expected; potential environmental cost and regulatory penalties due to the operation of the former Stronghold plants which entail environmental risk and certain additional risk factors particular to the former business and operations of Stronghold including, land reclamation requirements may be burdensome and expensive, changes in tax credits related to coal refuse power generation could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and future development efforts, competition in power markets may have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and the market value of the assets, the business is subject to substantial energy regulation and may be adversely affected by legislative or regulatory changes, as well as liability under, or any future inability to comply with, existing or future energy regulations or requirements, the operations are subject to a number of risks arising out of the threat of climate change, and environmental laws, energy transitions policies and initiatives and regulations relating to emissions and coal residue management, which could result in increased operating and capital costs and reduce the extent of business activities, operation of power generation facilities involves significant risks and hazards customary to the power industry that could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations, and there may not have adequate insurance to cover these risks and hazards, employees, contractors, customers and the general public may be exposed to a risk of injury due to the nature of the operations, limited experience with carbon capture programs and initiatives and dependence on third-parties, including consultants, contractors and suppliers to develop and advance carbon capture programs and initiatives, and failure to properly manage these relationships, or the failure of these consultants, contractors and suppliers to perform as expected, could have a material adverse effect on the business, prospects or operations; the digital currency market; the ability to successfully mine digital currency; it may not be possible to profitably liquidate the current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on operations; an increase in network difficulty may have a significant negative impact on operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; the anticipated growth and sustainability of hydroelectricity for the purposes of cryptocurrency mining in the applicable jurisdictions; the inability to maintain reliable and economical sources of power to operate cryptocurrency mining assets; the risks of an increase in electricity costs, cost of natural gas, changes in currency exchange rates, energy curtailment or regulatory changes in the energy regimes in the jurisdictions in which Bitfarms operates and the potential adverse impact on profitability; future capital needs and the ability to complete current and future financings, including Bitfarms’ ability to utilize an at-the-market offering program ( “ATM Program”) and the prices at which securities may be sold in such ATM Program, as well as capital market conditions in general; share dilution resulting from an ATM Program and from other equity issuances; the risks of debt leverage and the ability to service and eventually repay the Macquarie Group financing facility; volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance; the risk that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting could result in a misstatement of financial position that may lead to a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements if not prevented or detected on a timely basis; risks related to the Company ceasing to qualify as an “emerging growth company”; risks related to unsolicited investor interest, takeover proposals, shareholder activism or proxy contests relating to the election of directors; risks relating to lawsuits and other legal proceedings and challenges; historical prices of digital currencies and the ability to mine digital currencies that will be consistent with historical prices; and the adoption or expansion of any regulation or law that will prevent Bitfarms from operating its business, or make it more costly to do so. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to Bitfarms’ filings on www.sedarplus.ca (which are also available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC“) at www.sec.gov), including the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, management’s discussion & analysis for the year-ended December 31, 2024 and the management’s discussion and analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Although Bitfarms has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including factors that are currently unknown to or deemed immaterial by Bitfarms. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Bitfarms does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any other securities exchange or regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Laine Yonker
    lyonker@bitfarms.com

    Media Contact:
    Caroline Brady Baker
    cbaker@bitfarms.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Close-Up International Appoints Jim Barone as Executive Vice President of Business Solutions to Continue Launch into US Pharma CRM Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PRINCETON, N.J., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Close-Up International, a global leading provider of CRM and data technology solutions for the life sciences industry is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Barone as Executive Vice President of Business Solutions. In this role, Jim will lead efforts to expand Close-Up’s footprint across the U.S. CRM market and drive strategic growth initiatives.

    Jim brings over 30 years of experience in the life sciences sector, with a strong background in pharmaceuticals, data, and emerging technologies. Throughout his career, Jim has been at the forefront of innovation in CRM strategy and advanced analytics solutions. Prior to joining Close-Up, Jim held key leadership roles which included Senior Director of Product Strategy at Veeva Systems and Area VP of Sales at Komodo Health, where he led strategic initiatives to align CRM product development with the needs of key accounts teams and the launch of a market access and claims integration platform tailored for emerging and mid-size pharmaceutical companies, respectively. He was also President and CEO of BusinessOne Technologies for 15+ years and successfully led teams to develop and implement data-driven CRM platforms, delivering scalable and impactful solutions to the pharmaceutical industry.

    “Jim’s proven record and deep industry expertise make him an invaluable addition to our executive team,” said Robert Thomas, CCO of Close-Up. “His vision and leadership will be key as we continue to grow our CRM presence in the United States and deliver market-leading solutions to pharmaceutical companies.” With the current Salesforce and Veeva CRM disruption, we have a tremendous opportunity to provide Pharma companies a proven AI CRM solution with over 245 active CRM clients in over 50 Counties.”

    “I’m excited to join Close-Up at such a transformative moment for our industry,” said Jim Barone. “Close-Up has an exceptional CRM platform and is the only 5-star peer reviewed pharma CRM solution on Gartner in 2025. I look forward to collaborating with the team to further enhance our solutions and support clients in achieving commercial excellence.” Jim’s appointment reflects Close-Up’s continued commitment to innovation, client success, and further expansion in the US pharma CRM technology landscape.

    About Close-Up Intl.,
    Close-Up International is a leading provider of AI-powered CRM, data analytics and business intelligence solutions for the global life sciences industry. With 55+ years in the market, we serve 650+ healthcare clients in over 50 countries with 47,000+ active CRM users and top 3 global pharma CRM providers. Our AI-powered CRM platform enhances engagement with healthcare professionals, identifies real-time opportunities and threats, while boosting overall productivity. Designed for seamless adoption, it offers an intuitive user interface, flexible data integration, and long-term cost benefits to pharmaceutical companies. For more information, visit www.closeupus.com or email us at info@closeupus.com
    Contact:
    Robert Thomas | Close-Up Intl,
    rthomas@closeupus.com
    closeupus.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Amalgamated Financial Corporation Welcomes Steven S. SaLoutos and Tony Wells to its Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amalgamated Financial Corp. (“Amalgamated” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: AMAL), today announced the addition of two new board members to their Board of Directors, Steven SaLoutos and Tony Wells. They will also serve on the Board of Directors of Amalgamated Bank.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Steven and Tony to our Board of Directors,” said Lynne Fox, Chair of the Board. “Our board has always included industry experts who know that profitability and social impact are not mutually exclusive. Steven and Tony have demonstrated this throughout their respective careers, and we know that they both will make valuable contributions to our board and future growth.”

    Mr. SaLoutos brings extensive expertise in the banking industry and a strong background in directorship. He is presently the Chief Financial Officer of ProSight Financial Association, following a distinguished 38-year career at U.S. Bank, N.A. His most recent position there was Executive Vice President and Midwest Regional Executive in Consumer and Business Banking.

    An active community supporter, Mr. SaLoutos is a member and former Chairperson of Wisconsin Women Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) focused on startup and early-stage business lending for and education of women and minority-owned businesses throughout Wisconsin. Mr. SaLoutos holds a BBA degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and an MBA, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

    Mr. Wells brings nearly four decades of executive leadership across highly regulated industries including banking, payment services, telecommunications, and energy. He currently serves as a Venture Partner at AZ-VC, Arizona’s largest venture capital fund, and sits on the boards of publicly traded Nexstar Media Group (NASDAQ: NXST), Yelp (NYSE: YELP) and private ad-tech company TripleLift.

    Previously, Mr. Wells served as Chief Media Officer at Verizon from 2021 to 2023, and as a senior marketing executive at USAA from 2017 to 2021, culminating in his role as Chief Brand Officer. While at USAA, he also chaired both the USAA Foundation and the USAA Education Foundation, advancing initiatives in financial literacy, diversity, and customer trust. A former Marine Corps infantry officer, Mr. Wells holds a B.S. from the United States Naval Academy and a Management Certificate from Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business.

    “Both men bring a wealth of expertise across multiple industries and disciplines, along with powerful strategic perspectives. Their insights will be invaluable as we continue to accelerate our growth and expand our impact.” said Priscilla Sims Brown, CEO of Amalgamated Bank

    “The passion and purpose they’ve demonstrated align with those of Amalgamated, and we are excited to welcome them as valued members of our board.”

    About Amalgamated Financial Corp:
    Amalgamated Financial Corp. is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Amalgamated Bank. Amalgamated Bank is a New York-based full-service commercial bank and a chartered trust company with a combined network of five branches across New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, and a commercial office in Boston. Amalgamated Bank was formed in 1923 as Amalgamated Bank of New York by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, one of the country’s oldest labor unions. Amalgamated Bank provides commercial banking and trust services nationally and offers a full range of products and services to both commercial and retail customers. Amalgamated Bank is a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and is a certified B Corporation®. As of March 31, 2025, our total assets were $8.3 billion, total net loans were $4.6 billion, and total deposits were $7.4 billion. Additionally, as of March 31, 2025, our trust business held $35.7 billion in assets under custody and $14.2 billion in assets under management.

    Investor Contact:
    Jamie Lillis
    Solebury Strategic Communications
    shareholderrelations@amalgamatedbank.com
    800-895-4172

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Prospect Capital Corporation Acquires QC Holdings, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospect Capital Corporation (“Prospect”) (NASDAQ: PSEC) has announced the closing of the acquisition of QC Holdings, Inc. (“QC Holdings”), a provider of consumer credit, by Prospect on June 30, 2025. In accordance with the previously announced definitive merger agreement, Prospect has acquired QC Holdings in an all-cash transaction for a total enterprise value of approximately $115 million.

    The common stock for QC Holdings is no longer listed on a stock exchange. QC Holdings, as a portfolio company of Prospect, will remain headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas. The QC Holdings management team members, led by Darrin Andersen, President and Chief Executive Officer, will continue to lead QC Holdings post-acquisition in their current roles.

    QC Holdings has been advised that stockholders of record on June 30, 2025 (i) with certificated shares will be mailed a letter of transmittal for submission of stock certificates within 3-5 business days and (ii) holding shares through direct registration with Computershare, the stock transfer agent for QC Holdings, should receive payment of the merger price per share held by each such stockholder from Computershare, as Paying Agent, within 3-5 business days. Investors holding shares through brokerage accounts should contact their broker regarding timing of receipt of payment.

    Blank Rome LLP served as legal advisor to Prospect. Stinson LLP served as legal advisor to QC Holdings.

    About Prospect Capital Corporation
    Prospect is a business development company lending to and investing in private businesses. Prospect’s investment objective is to generate both current income and long-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments.

    Prospect has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Prospect has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

    About QC Holdings, Inc.
    QC Holdings specializes in consumer-focused alternative financial services and credit solutions and, for more than 40 years, has been providing credit options for people underserved by traditional banking institutions. Its core products include a variety of short-term loans and financial services. In the United States, QC Holdings operates as “LendNation” through more than 325 retail locations in 12 states. In Canada, QC Holdings offers loans through 19 retail locations and online.

    For further information, contact:

    Grier Eliasek, President and Chief Operating Officer, Prospect Capital Corporation
    grier@prospectcap.com
    (212) 448-0702

    Darrin J. Andersen, President / Chief Executive Officer, QC Holdings, Inc.
    Darrin.andersen@qcholdings.com
    (913) 234-5122

    Joshua C. Ditmore, General Counsel, QC Holdings, Inc.
    Joshua.ditmore@qcholdings.com
    (913) 234-5174

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Marex completes acquisition of FX specialist Hamilton Court Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marex Group plc (‘Marex’ or the ‘Group’; NASDAQ: MRX), the diversified global financial services platform, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of foreign exchange (FX) specialist Hamilton Court Group. The acquisition expands the Group’s FX offering, bringing new capabilities onto the platform, consistent with its strategy to diversify earnings.

    The acquisition will bring around 170 employees across London, Milan, Madrid and Toronto to Marex.

    About Marex:
    Marex Group plc (NASDAQ: MRX) is a diversified global financial services platform providing essential liquidity, market access and infrastructure services to clients across energy, commodities and financial markets. The Group provides comprehensive breadth and depth of coverage across four services: Clearing, Agency and Execution, Market Making and Hedging and Investment Solutions. It has a leading franchise in many major metals, energy and agricultural products, with access to 60 exchanges. The Group provides access to the world’s major commodity markets, covering a broad range of clients that include some of the largest commodity producers, consumers and traders, banks, hedge funds and asset managers. With more than 40 offices worldwide, the Group has over 2,400 employees across Europe, Asia and the Americas. For more information visit www.marex.com.

    Enquiries please contact:

    Marex:
    Nicola Ratchford / Adam Strachan
    +44 778 654 8889 / +1 914 200 2508
    nratchford@marex.com/ astrachan@marex.com

    FTI Consulting US / UK
    +1 716 525 7239 / +44 797 687 0961
    marex@fticonsulting.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Marex completes acquisition of FX specialist Hamilton Court Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marex Group plc (‘Marex’ or the ‘Group’; NASDAQ: MRX), the diversified global financial services platform, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of foreign exchange (FX) specialist Hamilton Court Group. The acquisition expands the Group’s FX offering, bringing new capabilities onto the platform, consistent with its strategy to diversify earnings.

    The acquisition will bring around 170 employees across London, Milan, Madrid and Toronto to Marex.

    About Marex:
    Marex Group plc (NASDAQ: MRX) is a diversified global financial services platform providing essential liquidity, market access and infrastructure services to clients across energy, commodities and financial markets. The Group provides comprehensive breadth and depth of coverage across four services: Clearing, Agency and Execution, Market Making and Hedging and Investment Solutions. It has a leading franchise in many major metals, energy and agricultural products, with access to 60 exchanges. The Group provides access to the world’s major commodity markets, covering a broad range of clients that include some of the largest commodity producers, consumers and traders, banks, hedge funds and asset managers. With more than 40 offices worldwide, the Group has over 2,400 employees across Europe, Asia and the Americas. For more information visit www.marex.com.

    Enquiries please contact:

    Marex:
    Nicola Ratchford / Adam Strachan
    +44 778 654 8889 / +1 914 200 2508
    nratchford@marex.com/ astrachan@marex.com

    FTI Consulting US / UK
    +1 716 525 7239 / +44 797 687 0961
    marex@fticonsulting.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Video: Sweden in MINUSMA: A Decade of Lessons from the Ground Up (2013-2024)

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    The LCM Dialogue Series was designed to highlight Member States’ experience and showcase innovative capacity-building approaches and success stories in preparing and deploying uniformed personnel to UN peace operations. By promoting the exchange of lessons learned and best practices among troop- and police-contributing countries and capacity-building providers, this initiative aims to strengthen the preparedness and operational effectiveness of UN peacekeepers.

    The Light Coordination Mechanism (LCM) is a shared service of the Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DPET) managed by the Integrated Training Service (ITS) in the UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The LCM facilitates partnerships between Member States and capacity-building providers to help deploy well-trained and well-equipped military and police personnel to peace operations. Areas of cooperation include training, equipment, infrastructure, logistics, technical support and knowledge management.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h9qfIyxuWs

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Audiences

    Source: The Holy See

    Audiences, 01.07.2025

    This morning, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience:
    – Archbishop Odelir José Magri, M.C.C.J., of Chapecó, Brazil;
    – Archbishop Gil Antônio Moreira of Juiz de Fora, Brazil;
    – Archbishop Gilberto Alfredo Vizcarra Mori, S.J., of Trujillo, Peru;
    – Bishop Giovanni d’Ercole, F.D.P., emeritus of Ascoli Piceno, Italy;
    – His Eminence Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., emeritus of Huancayo, Peru, president of the Ecclesial Conference of Amazonia (CEAMA);
    – His Eminence Cardinal Jaime Spengler, O.F.M., archbishop of Porto Alegre, Brazil, president of the Latin American Episcopal Conference (CELAM), with: His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri António Sebastião do Rosário Ferrão, archbishop of Goa and Damão, India, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC); His Eminence Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, O.F.M. Cap., archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM); Bishop Lizardo Estrada Herrara, O.S.A., titular of Ausuccura, auxiliary of Cuzco, Peru, secretary general of CELAM; Msgr. Josef Sayer:
    – His Eminence Cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, United States of America;
    – Members of the Ordinary Synod of Bishops of the Syriac Patriarchal Church of Antioch.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Audiences

    Source: The Holy See

    Audiences, 01.07.2025

    This morning, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience:
    – Archbishop Odelir José Magri, M.C.C.J., of Chapecó, Brazil;
    – Archbishop Gil Antônio Moreira of Juiz de Fora, Brazil;
    – Archbishop Gilberto Alfredo Vizcarra Mori, S.J., of Trujillo, Peru;
    – Bishop Giovanni d’Ercole, F.D.P., emeritus of Ascoli Piceno, Italy;
    – His Eminence Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., emeritus of Huancayo, Peru, president of the Ecclesial Conference of Amazonia (CEAMA);
    – His Eminence Cardinal Jaime Spengler, O.F.M., archbishop of Porto Alegre, Brazil, president of the Latin American Episcopal Conference (CELAM), with: His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri António Sebastião do Rosário Ferrão, archbishop of Goa and Damão, India, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC); His Eminence Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, O.F.M. Cap., archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM); Bishop Lizardo Estrada Herrara, O.S.A., titular of Ausuccura, auxiliary of Cuzco, Peru, secretary general of CELAM; Msgr. Josef Sayer:
    – His Eminence Cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, United States of America;
    – Members of the Ordinary Synod of Bishops of the Syriac Patriarchal Church of Antioch.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on behalf of the 14th Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Statement on behalf of the 14th Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board

    The fourteenth Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board met on 26th June 2025.

    The Secretary of State for Wales, Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, in her role as Chair of the Transition Board sought endorsement from the Board for the development of an £11.67 million Economic Growth and Investment Fund.  £6.67 million will be provided by UK Government and £5 million from Tata Steel UK. This joint funding is aimed to boost inward business investment in the region and to support longer-term growth by supporting businesses and helping to create new jobs. A period of engagement will take place to design the fund over the coming weeks, with the fund going live in the autumn.

    Today’s release of money marks the full allocation of the UK Government’s £80 million contribution from the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board fund. This funding has been delivered in just under a year, clearly demonstrating this Government’s commitment to the community impacted by Tata Steel UK’s transition to greener steelmaking. We are already seeing the positive impact of this investment to those impacted. The Board will continue to monitor the progress of the funds and ensure the right support continues to be administered to the region.

    The Board also received updates on:

    • Tata Steel UK’s decarbonisation programme;
    • The Department of Business and Trade’s plans for a steel strategy;
    • Mental health and well-being;
    • The Transition Board funds that have already been announced.

    Those in attendance included: Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, Secretary of State for Wales; Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy & Planning in the Welsh Government; Alex Norris MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for MHCLG; Cllr Steven Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council; Frances O’Brien, CEO of Neath Port Talbot Council; Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK; Chris Jaques, Chief HR Officer, Tata Steel UK; Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberafan Maesteg; David Rees, MS for Aberavon; Tom Giffard, MS & Luke Fletcher MS for the region of South Wales West; Anne Jessopp CBE, Sarah Williams-Gardener & Katherine Bennett CBE, independent members of the Board; Alun Davies, National Officer for Steel & Metals, Community Union; Tom Hoyles, Politics, Press and Research Officer, GMB Wales & Jason Bartlett Regional Officer of Unite the Union Wales.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Community Energy in Focus: Just Transition Lab Leads Regional Conversation Last Friday, a diverse group of community members, renewable energy practitioners, academics, and policy-makers gathered at the University of Aberdeen for “Community Renewables in the North East of Scotland: Looking Back, Moving Forward”, a timely event focused on advancing community-led energy initiatives in the region. The event explored how communities…

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Last Friday, a diverse group of community members, renewable energy practitioners, academics, and policy-makers gathered at the University of Aberdeen for “Community Renewables in the North East of Scotland: Looking Back, Moving Forward”, a timely event focused on advancing community-led energy initiatives in the region. The event explored how communities can play a central role in Scotland’s energy transition.
    Organised by the University’s Just Transition Lab and Centre for Energy Law, the event was the outcome of the collaboration under the Just Transition Communities Project (JTCP). The JTCP, commissioned by the Scottish Government, is designed to support a fair and inclusive transition in the North East of Scotland. Led by the North East Scotland Climate Action Network Hub (NESCAN Hub), the project brings together with partners including the Just Transition Lab.
    The event opened with a session on community energy and the just transition, featuring insights from Fraser Stewart of Regen, alongside Daria Shapovalova and Tayo Gbemi from the Just Transition Lab. Their contributions addressed the role of community energy in achieving a Just Transition in the UK, and in the North East of Scotland specifically.
    This was followed by a panel offering institutional perspectives, with Rachel Yule from Local Energy Scotland sharing the latest developments. Emma Murphy from Aberdeen City Council and Christine Webster from Aberdeenshire Council participated in the panel sharing the local authorities’ experiences and strategies for supporting community energy.
    After a networking lunch, the final session brought together practitioners from the region’s most notable community energy projects. Speakers from Donside Hydro and Udny Wind shared practical lessons, challenges, and successes from their work, offering valuable insights into what it takes to build and sustain community-led renewable initiatives.
    Throughout the day, participants discussed the growing momentum behind community energy, fueled by recent funding announcements from the Scottish Government and Great British Energy. However, the event also highlighted the persistent barriers, particularly in urban areas, such as lack of appropriate funding, limited capacity, and institutional challenges.
    The event concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration, building local capacity, and ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition are equitably distributed across all communities in the North East.

    Related Content

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cost of Primary Care Services to reduce by £1001 July 2025 ​​​​From 1 July 2025, Islanders will benefit from a new £10 subsidy on appointments with Nurses, Pharmacists, Paramedics, Health Care Assistants, and for telephone consultations in general practice.… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    01 July 2025

    ​​​​From 1 July 2025, Islanders will benefit from a new £10 subsidy on appointments with Nurses, Pharmacists, Paramedics, Health Care Assistants, and for telephone consultations in general practice. 

    This follows previous reductions in the cost of GP appointments, which saw £20 removed in 2023 and £30 in 2024, to make primary care more affordable for Islanders. 

    Reducing GP service fees is a government priority helping to ease financial pressures on households and supporting Islanders to access GP care early, without fear of high costs.

    The expanded subsidy does not apply to out-of-hours services provided by Jersey Doctors on Call, as well as patients in the Health Access Scheme who pay fixed reduced fees for GP services. 

    The Minister for Social Security, Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, said: “I’m pleased to introduce this new support, which extends financial relief to patients accessing a broader range of primary care professionals, including nurses and telephone consultations. 

    “I’m grateful to general practice for working with us to deliver this important expansion. Together, we are working to strengthen a high-quality, accessible, and flexible primary care system for all Islanders.” 

    Dr Gordon Callander from the Primary Care Body said: “Costs for providing healthcare continue to rise. Practices continue to do all they can to minimise the impact on patients.

    “Many practices now offer consultations with other healthcare professionals who can often meet patients’ needs. It is great that the important work of practice nurses, healthcare assistants, paramedics and pharmacists is recognised by Employment, Social Security and Housing ​to allow the evolution of services offered to patients. 

    “In addition, the use of remote consultations by phone or video has proved invaluable to a number of patients. We are grateful to government for recognising and encouraging new ways of working which reflect modern General Practice.”​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The NHS plan to genetically test all newborns sounds smart – until it creates patients who aren’t sick

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Luca Stroppa, Postdoctoral fellow (“borsista di ricerca) at the University of Turin, former Postdoctoral Fellow on the project “Early Diagnosis – Handling Knowing”, University of St Andrews

    The current heel-prick test checks for nine rare genetic conditions, antibydni/Shutterstock

    By 2030, every baby born in England could have their entire genome sequenced under a new NHS initiative to “predict and prevent illness”. This would dramatically expand the current heel-prick test, which checks for nine rare genetic conditions, into a far more extensive screen of hundreds of potential risks.

    On the surface, the idea sounds like an obvious win for public health: spot problems early, intervene sooner and save lives. But genetic testing on this scale carries real risks, especially if the results are misunderstood or poorly communicated.

    The new plan builds on a recent NHS pilot study that sequenced the genomes of 100,000 newborns in England to identify more than 200 genetic conditions. However, these tests don’t provide clear cut answers. They don’t offer a diagnosis or certainty, just an estimate of risk.

    A genetic result might suggest a child has a higher (or lower) probability of developing a certain disease later in life. But risk is not prediction. If parents, or even clinicians, misinterpret that nuance, the consequences could be serious.

    Some families may come to see a child flagged as “at risk” as a patient-in-waiting. In extreme cases, they may treat a probability as a certainty; assuming, for instance, that a child “has the gene” and will inevitably become ill. That assumption could reshape how children are raised, how they’re treated and how they could see themselves.

    Alarming language

    This isn’t speculation. Research shows that while some people understand risk scores accurately, many struggle with statistical information. Words like “high risk” or “likely” are interpreted differently by different people and often more seriously than intended. Even trained doctors can overestimate what a positive test result means. When it comes to genomics, the line between “you might get sick” and “you will get sick” can blur quickly.

    Policymakers haven’t helped this confusion. Government messaging refers to “diagnosis before symptoms even occur” and “leapfrogging disease.” But this language overpromises what genomic data can do and downplays its uncertainty.

    When testing is indiscriminate and communication unclear, the fallout can be wide ranging. Children identified as “high risk” may undergo years of monitoring, unnecessary medical appointments, or even treatment for diseases they never develop. In some cases, this leads to physical harms, from unnecessary medications to procedures with side effects. In others, the damage is psychological: shaping a child’s identity around an anticipated future of illness. These psychological effects can be lasting. Being told you’re likely to develop a condition like dementia may influence how a person plans their life, even if that illness never materialises.

    False positives

    There are also broader issues with applying this kind of screening to everyone. Risk based testing works best when it’s targeted; for example, among those with symptoms or a strong family history. But in the general population, where most people are healthy, false positives can far outnumber accurate results. Even well designed tests can produce misleading outcomes when applied at scale.

    This is a well-known statistical effect, discussed during the COVID pandemic. In populations where a disease is rare, even highly accurate tests produce more false positives than true ones. If DNA screening is rolled out universally, many families will be told their child is at risk when they are not. These false positives can lead to a cascade of further tests, stress and unnecessary clinical interventions; all of which consume time and resources and may cause real harm.

    This issue already affects adult testing. For example, Alzheimer’s tests that measure early changes in the brain work well in memory clinics, where patients already show symptoms. But when these same tests are used on the general population, where most people are healthy, they produce false positives in up to two-thirds of cases. If genetic screening in newborns is rolled out in the same way, it could lead to similar problems: mislabelling healthy children as sick, and causing unnecessary worry and follow-up tests.

    So what’s the solution? It’s not to abandon genetic testing altogether – far from it. When used carefully, genomic data can offer real benefits, particularly for patients with symptoms or in research settings. But if we’re going to roll this out to every newborn, the surrounding infrastructure needs to be robust.

    That includes:

    • Clear, consistent communication: Risk scores must be explained in ways that emphasise uncertainty, not oversold as definitive predictions.

    • Support for parents: For consent to be truly informed, parents need help understanding that a genetic flag is not a diagnosis – and that many people with elevated risk never go on to develop the condition.

    • Training for clinicians: Many doctors still lack the tools to interpret and explain genetic information accurately and responsibly.

    • A national network of genetic counsellors Genetic counsellors are essential for supporting families through testing and interpretation. But current numbers in the England fall far short of what universal newborn screening would require.

    Genomic data holds great promise. But using it as a blanket tool for all newborns demands caution, clarity, and investment in communication and care. Without these safeguards, we risk turning healthy babies into patients-in-waiting.

    Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that every baby born in the UK could have their genome sequenced under a new NHS initiative. In fact, the initiative applies to England only.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. The NHS plan to genetically test all newborns sounds smart – until it creates patients who aren’t sick – https://theconversation.com/the-nhs-plan-to-genetically-test-all-newborns-sounds-smart-until-it-creates-patients-who-arent-sick-259816

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Air quality isn’t just bad in cities – here’s why and how we’re tracking pollution from upland fires

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rebecca Brownlow, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science, Sheffield Hallam University

    Peatland burns over the reservoir in Langsett, a village in South Yorkshire. Wendy Birks, CC BY-NC-ND

    Early one October afternoon in 2023, thick grey smoke drifted across Sheffield’s western skyline. As much of the city became blanketed, residents turned to social media to complain about “bonfire smoke”, while others were forced to leave the city due to breathing difficulties.

    However, this smoke did not originate within the city. It was drifting in from the Peak District, more than nine miles away, where controlled heather burning was taking place on the moorlands. For around six hours, levels of fine particulate matter (known as PM2.5), tiny airborne pollutants known to harm human health, exceeded 40 micrograms per cubic metre of air (µg/m³) and peaked at 70µg/m³, well above the guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization.

    This single incident points to the wider and largely invisible problem of the routine burning of the UK’s uplands. This can be a serious source of air pollution, but because most official air pollution monitoring concentrates on urban areas, the effects are overlooked. This is why we have started monitoring upland fires and the pollution they cause.

    Prescribed burning is a longstanding land management practice often used to control vegetation for grouse shooting or livestock grazing. It happens across a range of upland landscapes. Many of the areas being burned sit on deep peat, an organic-rich soil made from layers of slowly decomposed plant material formed over thousands of years in waterlogged conditions.

    Peatlands are incredibly important. They are one of the most carbon-rich ecosystems on the planet. In the UK, they cover around 12% of the land area and store an estimated 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon. This is equivalent to all the forests of Germany, France and the UK combined. Most of the UK’s peat is found in Scotland, but notable areas in England include the Peak District and North York Moors. However, their value goes well beyond carbon.

    Around 70% of Britain’s drinking water comes from upland areas that are largely peatland, and healthy peatlands help reduce flooding by slowing the flow of water from hills to towns and cities. They also provide vital habitats for birds, insects and rare plants, forming the UK’s largest area of semi-natural habitat.




    Read more:
    Wildfire smoke can harm human health, even when the fire is burning hundreds of miles away – a toxicologist explains why


    Despite their ecological importance, more than 80% of English peatlands are classified as degraded, often through historic air pollution, draining, overgrazing and, importantly, repeated burning.

    One hidden consequence of that burning is air pollution. These burns are often viewed as isolated rural events, but their effect on regional air quality can be substantial. On that day in Sheffield, pollution levels briefly rivalled those seen across the city during bonfire night, a well-known peak in urban air pollution.

    In response to that October event, our research team launched a new pilot monitoring network across part of the Peak District national park. This FireUp project combines air quality sensors, satellite data and community observations to detect and measure pollution from upland fires.

    Planned burning event in the Peak District captured via Copernicus Sentinel-2 data (2024), retrieved from Copernicus SciHub and processed by European Space Agency.
    CC BY

    By using a mix of technologies and local reporting, we have documented spikes in PM2.5 pollution that would have otherwise been missed. Our system offers a clearer picture of when and where fires occur, and how far their smoke spreads, opening the door for better planning and stronger protections for public health. But the problem is not just a lack of data, it is also a failure of regulation. England’s current upland burning regulations are limited on four fronts.

    Heather and grass burning regulations introduced in 2021 prohibit burning only on peat deeper than 40cm inside designated sites. That means 60% of upland peat is excluded from these protections.

    With more than 95% of PM2.5 monitors located in urban areas, smoke from moorland fires in remote rural locations is rarely registered on official networks.

    The resources for organisations responsible for enforcing regulations have shrunk over the last decade. Natural England, one of the government’s statutory bodies responsible for environmental protection, has experienced a 4% decrease in funding for 2024-25 compared to the previous year.

    Prosecutions for illegal burning are exceptionally rare, with satellite analyses pointing to a higher level of unlicensed activity than official records suggest.

    In short, narrow legal scope, limited monitoring coverage and under-resourced enforcement leave many prescribed burns undetected and unaccounted for, along with the health and environmental risks they carry.

    Our FireUp system improves fire detections and helps quantify the effects of air pollution from these burns. As the UK government reviews regulations as part of the 2025 heather and grass burning consultation for England, and as upland fire risk increases, this kind of evidence is essential, not just to track what is happening, but to help shape a healthier and better future for the UK’s uplands.

    Our next step is to develop a citizen science app that makes it easier for people to report peatland fire incidents and upland burning to help improve regulation and log the effects of changes in air quality.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.


    James is a member of the Welsh Government Clean Air Advisory Panel, and Promoting Awareness of Air Quality Delivery Group. James also sits on the Scottish Government’s Air Quality Advisory Group.

    Maria Val Martin receives funding from UKRI and is a member of the DEFRA Air Quality Expert Group.

    Rebecca Brownlow 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. Air quality isn’t just bad in cities – here’s why and how we’re tracking pollution from upland fires – https://theconversation.com/air-quality-isnt-just-bad-in-cities-heres-why-and-how-were-tracking-pollution-from-upland-fires-258034

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  • MIL-OSI Analysis: With fresh songs and a spectacular set, Disney’s Hercules musical goes the distance

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emma Stafford, Professor of Greek Culture, University of Leeds

    “Whose daring deeds are great theatre? Hercules!” So sing the Muses, as they close act one of Disney’s Hercules, which opened at London’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane last week.

    The 1997 Disney animation this new show is based on is, of course, already a successful musical film. The hit song Go the Distance was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. The new West End version includes all the film’s familiar musical numbers, notably The Gospel Truth (which is reprised as many as six times) but also I Won’t Say (I’m In Love), Zero to Hero and A Star is Born.

    There are plenty of new original songs, too, by the composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel.

    Some of the changes to the film’s story, however, are puzzling. In place of adoptive mortal parents Amphitryon and Alcmene, Hercules is born to a single mother, who is given a new (modern Greek) name and her own song: Despina’s Lullaby.


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    More understandable is the skipping over of Hercules’ childhood, allowing Luke Brady’s engaging Hercules to emerge fully grown not too long into the show.

    Likewise, Meg (Mae Ann Jorolan) is made even feistier than her 1990s incarnation. Instead of being in the clutches of the centaur Nessus when Hercules first meets her, she has two Hydra-venom traders in a headlock, and she sings “let me tell you a little something about saving women who don’t need to be saved” in the great new duet Forget About It.

    Fans of the film may be disappointed that Pegasus – Hercules’s trusty flying steed – has been written out. Though he is nicely referenced through a topiary cameo. But there was effective use of puppetry for a suitably dramatic Hydra – the monster who grows two more heads for every one Hercules cuts off.

    Other highlights of stage-trickery include the contributions of air sculptor Daniel Wurtzel. The spirits of the dead are represented by light material floating in a stream of air, and statues of Zeus and Hera appeared to come to life – I really don’t know how they did it.

    In another controversial change, the shape-shifting comedy sidekicks Pain and Panic have been downgraded to the humans Bob (Craig Gallivan) and Charles (Lee Zarrett). They are an endearing pair nonetheless, who get their own new song Getting Even.

    Indeed, there’s more of an emphasis on both humanity and community throughout the show. In place of Danny de Vito’s satyr Philoctetes, with his hero-training facility based on a remote island, Phil (Trevor Dion Nicholas) operates out of his local pub – Medusa’s bar – with the help of a whole bunch of neighbours from Hercules’ hometown of Thebes.

    Also toned down is Hades, at least compared to James Wood’s flamboyant character in the animated film. Stephen Carlisle (previously seen as Scar in Lion King) plays Hades more in the tradition of the upper-class British villain we all love to boo. At the end of the show, however, he becomes literally larger-than-life as a giant puppet. The animation’s battle of the gods against the Titans is turned into a highly stylised confrontation between this turbo-charged Hades and everyone else.

    The trailer for Hercules.

    The show’s visuals, masterminded by Dane Laffrey, are undeniably impressive. Even before the curtain goes up, the theatre’s usual proscenium arch has been transformed into a monumental Greek temple facade. Thereafter the sets are dominated by four massive pairs of Doric columns, which glide smoothly into different formations. The backdrop to the gods’ home on Olympus is a giant gold sunburst motif, and everything to do with the gods is golden.

    Video-projected backgrounds (by George Reeve) feature further temples and a mosaic texture – really a Roman touch. But a more properly Greek element is the use of vases in the Attic black-figure style. These are seen especially in the early “young Hercules” scene in the market-place and again to go with the Zero to Hero line “they slapped his face on every vase”.

    And finally, the real stars of the show are the five Muses (played by Sharlene Hector, Brianna Ogunbawo, Robyn Rose-Li, Kamilla Fernandes and Kimmy Edwards the evening I attended).

    Their role – as a cross between the chorus of a Greek tragedy and a gospel choir – is even bigger here than in the animation, of which they were such an innovative feature. They must spend the whole evening on costume changes, appearing in a series of fabulous frocks (designed by Gregg Barnes and Sky Switser), each more spectacular than the last.

    Some early reviews have been critical of the show as lacking in emotional depth, and it’s true that the more serious theme of “finding where I belong” is subservient to the high-octane razzmatazz – but I suspect this won’t matter to the majority of West End audiences. Disney’s Hercules is indeed great (musical) theatre.

    Emma Stafford has received funding from the AHRC for the Hercules Project (https://herculesproject.leeds.ac.uk/).

    ref. With fresh songs and a spectacular set, Disney’s Hercules musical goes the distance – https://theconversation.com/with-fresh-songs-and-a-spectacular-set-disneys-hercules-musical-goes-the-distance-260024

    MIL OSI Analysis