Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)
Pfluger Fly-By: July 3, 2025
Washington, July 3, 2025
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Category: Middle East
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MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Fly-By: July 3, 2025
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MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Sidhu meets with Alberta counterpart and industry leaders to discuss trade, innovation and investment
Source: Government of Canada News (2)
July 7, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, spent 3 days in Calgary, Alberta, working with provincial leaders and business representatives to strengthen trade and investment opportunities for Canadian businesses.
On Thursday, July 3, Minister Sidhu met with Joseph Schow, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. They discussed how the federal and provincial governments can work together to advance trade diversification and promotion, including through Team Canada trade missions.
Minister Sidhu delivered remarks at the Canada-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Business Council board meeting, highlighting recent progress in the growing Canada-UAE trade relationship.
On Friday, July 4, the Minister toured local facilities that are at the forefront of using advanced technologies. At Carbon Upcycling Technologies, he saw world-leading carbon-capture and conversion technology in action. He then toured Carbonova, an innovative company that turns greenhouse gases into valuable products for a range of industries. The Minister also visited De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited’s leading manufacturing facility and saw first-hand their proud Canadian operations, including the production of aircraft headed to the EU and Colombia. He then led a round-table discussion with aerospace and defence industry leaders.
During the Calgary Stampede, Minister Sidhu met with members of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to discuss key trade priorities, particularly those of interest to Western Canadian business leaders.
Throughout the trip, Minister Sidhu highlighted the advantages of Canada’s economic resilience and global trade relationships, as well as how the Trade Commissioner Service can help Canadian businesses explore international markets and opportunities.
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Trump unveils 25% tariffs on goods from Japan, South Korea in letters to leaders
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
President Donald Trump said on Monday the U.S. would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Japan and South Korea beginning Aug. 1 as he unveiled the first two of an expected 12 letters to trading partners outlining the new levies they face.
“If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 25% that we charge,” Trump said in letters to the leaders of the two Asian countries, which he posted on his Truth Social platform.
Later, Trump also announced the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on Malaysia and Kazakhstan, 30% on South Africa and 40% on Laos and Myanmar.
The rate for South Korea is the same as Trump initially announced on April 2, while the rate for Japan is 1 point higher than first announced. A week later, he capped all of the so-called reciprocal tariffs at 10% until July 9 to allow for negotiations. Only two agreements have so far been reached, with Britain and Vietnam.
There was no immediate response from the Japanese or South Korean embassies on the announcement.
About12 countries will receive letters from Trump, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing without identifying them. She said Trump would sign an executive order on Monday formally delaying the July 9 deadline to August 1.
“There will be additional letters in the coming days,” Leavitt said, adding that “we are close” on some deals.
The European Union will not be receiving a letter setting out higher tariffs, EU sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Monday.
U.S. stocks fell in response, the latest market ruction since Trump unleashed a global trade war on his return to office in January. His moves have repeatedly whipsawed financial markets and sent policymakers scrambling to protect their economies.
U.S. stocks were driven to near bear-market territory by his cascade of tariff announcements through the early spring but quickly rebounded to record highs in the weeks after he put the stiffest levies on hold on April 9.
The S&P 500 on Monday was down nearly 1%, its biggest drop in three weeks. U.S.-listed shares of Japanese automotive companies fell, with Toyota Motor down 4.1% at mid-afternoon trading and Honda Motor off by 3.8%. The dollar surged against both the Japanese yen and the South Korean won.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier on Monday he expected several trade announcements to be made in the next 48 hours, adding that his inbox was full of last-ditch offers from countries to clinch a tariff deal by the deadline.
Bessent did not say which countries could get deals and what they might contain. Trump has kept much of the world guessing on the outcome of months of talks with countries hoping to avoid the hefty tariff hikes he has threatened.
Countries have scrambled to hammer out deals before the Wednesday deadline. South Korea and Indonesia dispatched representatives to Washington, while Thailand submitted a new trade proposal offering zero tariffs on many U.S. goods.
“We’ve had a lot of people change their tune in terms of negotiations. So my mailbox was full last night with a lot of new offers, a lot of new proposals,” Bessent said in an interview with CNBC. “So it’s going to be a busy couple of days.”
BRICS THREAT
For its part, the European Union still aims to reach a trade deal by July 9 after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump had a “good exchange,” a Commission spokesperson said.
It was not clear, however, whether there had been a meaningful breakthrough in talks to stave off tariff hikes on the United States’ largest trading partner.
Adding to the pressure, Trump threatened to impose a 17% tariff on EU food and agriculture exports, it emerged last week.
Trump had said on Sunday the U.S. was close to finalizing several trade pacts and would notify other countries by July 9 of higher tariff rates. He said they would not take effect until Aug. 1, a three-week reprieve.
He also put members of the developing nations’ BRICS group in his sights as its leaders met in Brazil, threatening an additional 10% tariff on any BRICS countries aligning themselves with “anti-American” policies.
The new 10% tariff will be imposed on individual countries if they take anti-American policy actions, a source familiar with the matter said.
The BRICS group comprises Brazil, Russia, India and China and South Africa along with recent joiners Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump’s comments hit the South African rand.
EU SEEKS EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO TRUMP
The EU has been torn over whether to push for a quick and light trade deal or back its own economic clout in trying to negotiate a better outcome. It had already dropped hopes for a comprehensive trade agreement before the July deadline.
“We want to reach a deal with the U.S. We want to avoid tariffs,” the spokesperson said at a daily briefing.
Without a preliminary agreement, broad U.S. tariffs on most imports would rise from their current 10% to the rates set out by Trump on April 2. In the EU’s case, that would be 20%.
Von der Leyen also held talks with the leaders of Germany, France and Italy at the weekend, Germany said. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has repeatedly stressed the need for a quick deal to protect industries vulnerable to tariffs ranging from cars to pharmaceuticals.
The German spokesperson said the parties should allow themselves “another 24 or 48 hours to come to a decision.”
Germany’s Mercedes-Benz MBGn.DEsaid on Monday its second-quarter unit sales of cars and vans had fallen 9%, blaming tariffs.
Russia said BRICS was “a group of countries that share common approaches and a common world view on how to cooperate, based on their own interests.”
“And this cooperation within BRICS has never been and will never be directed against any third countries,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
(Reuters)
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MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation,’ UN chief declares at BRICS summit
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
Speaking at the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he emphasised the human impact of environmental devastation and climate change. And as environmental disasters increase, the sustainable development goals are also being left behind.
“Across the world, lives and livelihoods are being ripped apart, and sustainable development gains left in tatters as disasters accelerate,” Mr. Guterres said.
“The impact on human health is atrocious… The vulnerable and the poorer pay the highest price.”
BRICS was founded by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2006. South Africa joined in 2011 and Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined the group since. Collectively, these eleven States represent over half of the world’s population and approximately one-third of the world’s GDP.
Artificial intelligence must benefit all
On Sunday, Mr. Guterres addressed a session on strengthening multilateralism, economic-financial affairs and artificial intelligence, where he called for efforts to “minimize the risks and maximize the potential” of the breakthrough technology.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and societies. The fundamental test is how wisely we will guide this transformation, how we minimize the risks and maximize the potential for good,” he said.
To maximize the potential, the Secretary-General argued that AI cannot be “a club of the few but must benefit all,” calling for the “real voice” of developing countries to be included in global AI governance.
He also said that human rights and equity must be the guiding principles which shape any international governance structure for AI.
“We cannot govern AI effectively – and fairly – without confronting deeper, structural imbalances in our global system,” he said.
Collaboration is key
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the need for peace amid conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar.
He called for urgent reform of global institutions, noting that bodies like the Security Council and international financial systems were “were designed for a bygone age, a bygone world, with a bygone system of power relations.”
“The reform of the Security Council is crucial,” he said, highlighting also calls from the recent financing for development conference in Sevilla.
Priorities include greater voice for developing countries in global governance, effective debt restructuring, and tripling multilateral bank lending – especially in concessional and local-currency terms.
Call for reform
Mr. Guterrs concluded his remarks highlighting the power of cooperation and trust.
“At a time when multilateralism is being undermined, let us remind the world that cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation,” he said.
“Let us rise to this moment – and reform and modernize multilateralism, including the UN and all the systems and institutions to make it work for everyone, everywhere.”
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MIL-OSI: Norwood Financial Corp Extends its Pennsylvania Presence with Strategic Acquisition of PB Bankshares, Inc.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
HONESDALE, Pa. and COATESVILLE, Pa., July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Norwood Financial Corp (“Norwood Financial”) (NASDAQ: NWFL), headquartered in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and PB Bankshares, Inc. (“Presence”) (NASDAQ: PBBK), headquartered in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, jointly announced today that both companies’ boards of directors have unanimously approved an agreement and plan of merger (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which Presence will merge with and into Norwood.
Norwood Financial is the bank holding company for Wayne Bank, which operates 30 banking offices in Pennsylvania and New York. As of March 31, 2025, Norwood Financial had consolidated assets of $2.4 billion. Presence is the bank holding company for Presence Bank, which operates four banking offices, one loan production office and one administration office in Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Presence had assets of $467 million as of March 31, 2025. In connection with the merger of the holding companies, Presence’s subsidiary, Presence Bank, will be merged into Wayne Bank. The combined company will have approximately $3.0 billion in assets and will be a premier Pennsylvania community bank operating in Northeastern, Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
This strategic combination represents a substantial expansion of Norwood Financial’s geographic footprint into higher growth markets in Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania, while enhancing Presence Bank’s capacity to provide exceptional service and solutions to its existing customers in the markets it serves.
A joint announcement of the transaction was made today by James O. Donnelly, President, CEO and Director of Norwood Financial, and Janak M. Amin, President, CEO and Director of Presence. Mr. Donnelly stated, “I am very pleased to announce our merger with Presence Bank, a nearly 106-year-old institution which shares the same values, culture, and commitment to high quality customer service found at Wayne Bank.” He continued, “Presence is a growing and respected institution located within the most demographically attractive markets in Pennsylvania. Joining these institutions provides Wayne Bank with the opportunity to deepen Presence Bank’s relationships with its customers, given our broader product mix and larger balance sheet. We look forward to working with Janak and his team to improve the financial lives of the businesses and individuals operating in Presence Bank’s communities.”
“We are equally excited for this strategic partnership and the opportunity to gain market share in Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania” commented Mr. Amin who will be joining Wayne Bank as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer upon closing of the transaction. “We have admired the leadership of Jim and his team, the similar culture and values we share, and the reputation of Wayne Bank as a premier Pennsylvania-based community bank. This combination will provide our customers and communities with greater access to additional products and services. This will result in an enhanced customer experience for our commercial base and the opportunity to augment the retail portion of our business with their product set and consumer verticals.”
Under the terms of the merger agreement, 80% of Presence’s common shares will be converted into Norwood Financial common stock while the remaining 20% will be exchanged for cash. Presence’s shareholders will have the option to elect to receive either 0.7850 shares of Norwood Financial common stock or $19.75 in cash for each common share of Presence they own. The election is subject to proration to ensure that, in the aggregate, 80% of the transaction consideration will be paid in the form of Norwood Financial common stock. All options to purchase Presence’s common stock will be cashed out upon completion of the merger. Based on the closing price $26.65 for Norwood Financial Common Stock on July 3, 2025, the transaction would have an aggregate value of approximately $54.9 million. The purchase price reflects a multiple of 106.6% of Presence’s March 31, 2025, tangible book value and a 2.3% core deposit premium. Following completion of the transaction, Presence shareholders who elect to receive common stock share consideration will receive a quarterly cash dividend equal to approximately $0.24 per Norwood Financial share of common stock based on Norwood Financial’s current quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share of common stock. This dividend reflects a yield of 3.6% based on Norwood Financial’s closing price of $26.65 on July 3, 2025.
Holders of Presence’s common stock prior to the consummation of the merger will own approximately 14% of Norwood Financial’s common stock outstanding immediately following the completion of the merger. The merger is expected to be approximately 10% accretive to earnings per share in 2026, while resulting in 4.2% tangible book value dilution as of the closing date and a tangible book value earn back of 2.5 years.
The parties have agreed that two non-employee Presence Bank board members will be joining the Norwood Financial and Wayne Bank boards, with one member joining for a term of two years and the other joining for three years. Concurrent with the entering into of the Agreement, Presence President and CEO, Janak M. Amin, entered into an Employment Agreement and a Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation agreement with Norwood Financial and Wayne Bank. In addition, selected Presence executives are expected to continue employment with Norwood Financial moving forward.
The merger is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of customary regulatory approvals and approval by Presence’s shareholders. It is expected that the transaction will close in either late 4th quarter of 2025 or early 1st quarter of 2026.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC is serving as financial advisor and rendered a fairness opinion to Norwood Financial and Jones Walker LLP, Washington, DC, and Meeks Butera & Israel PLLC are serving as Norwood Financial’s legal counsel. Stephens Inc. is serving as financial advisor and rendered a fairness opinion to Presence and Barley Snyder LLP is serving as Presence’s legal counsel.
About Norwood Financial Corp
Norwood Financial Corp, through its subsidiary, Wayne Bank operates sixteen offices in Northeastern Pennsylvania and fourteen offices in Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego and Yates Counties, New York. As of March 31, 2025, Norwood Financial had total assets of $2.4 billion, loans outstanding of $1.8 billion, total deposits of $2.0 billion and total equity capital of $221 million. The Company’s stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NWFL”.
About PB Bankshares, Inc.
PB Bankshares, Inc. is the holding company for Presence Bank. Presence Bank was founded in 1919 and currently operates four banking offices and one loan production office in Chester, Lancaster and Dauphin Counties, Pennsylvania.
Cautionary Notes on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about (i) the benefits of the merger between Norwood Financial and Presence, including anticipated future results, cost savings and accretion to reported earnings that may be realized from the merger; (ii) Norwood Financial and Presence’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this presentation that are not historical facts; and (iii) other statements identified by words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” or words of similar meaning.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results expressed in the forward-looking statements: the businesses of Norwood Financial and Presence may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer than expected; the cost savings from the merger may not be fully realized or may take longer than expected; operating costs, customer loss and business disruption following the merger may be greater than expected; governmental approvals of the merger may not be obtained, or adverse regulatory conditions may be imposed in connection with governmental approvals of the merger or otherwise; the stockholders of Presence may fail to approve the merger; the interest rate environment may further compress margins and adversely affect new interest income; the risks associated with continued diversification of assets and adverse changes to credit quality; and difficulties associated with achieving expected future financial results. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in Norwood Financial’s reports (such as the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the proposed transaction or other matters attributable to Norwood Financial or Presence or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Except as required by law, Norwood Financial and Presence do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statement is made.
Additional Information about the Proposed Transaction
Norwood Financial intends to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the proposed merger, which will include a prospectus for the offer and sale of Norwood Financial common stock as well as the proxy statement of Presence for the solicitation of proxies from its shareholders for use at the meeting at which the merger will be considered. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. SHAREHOLDERS OF PRESENCE ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE MERGER WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. You may obtain a free copy of the registration statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus (when it becomes available) and other relevant documents filed by Norwood Financial with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and the filings with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference in the proxy statement/prospectus can also be obtained, free of charge, by directing a request to Norwood Financial Corp, 717 Main Street, Honesdale, Pennsylvania 18431, attention: John M. McCaffery (570) 253-1455, or PB Bankshares, Inc., 185 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, Pennsylvania 19320, attention: Mackenzie Jackson, Corporate Secretary, (610) 384-8282.
Norwood Financial, Presence and their respective directors and executive officers may, under the rules of the SEC, be deemed to be “participants” in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders of Presence in connection with the proposed merger. Information concerning the interests of the persons who may be considered “participants” in the solicitation will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Transaction. Information concerning Norwood Financial’s directors and executive officers, including their ownership of Norwood Financial common stock, is set forth in its proxy statement previously filed with the SEC on March 18, 2025. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents from Norwood Financial or Presence using the sources indicated above.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
For more Information please contact:
Norwood Financial Corp.
John M. McCaffery
EVP & Chief Financial Officer
(570) 253-1455PB Bankshares, Inc.
Janak M. Amin
President & CEO
(610) 384-8282 -
Iran’s president says Tehran open to dialogue with US, accuses Israel of assassination attempt
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he believes Iran can resolve its differences with the United States through dialogue, but trust would be an issue after U.S. and Israeli attacks on his country, according to an interview released on Monday.
“I am of the belief that we could very much easily resolve our differences and conflicts with the United States through dialogue and talks,” Pezeshkian told conservative U.S. podcaster Tucker Carlson in an interview conducted on Saturday.
The Iranian leader urged U.S. President Donald Trump not to be drawn into war with Iran by Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting Washington on Monday for talks at the White House.
“The United States’ president, Mr. Trump, he is capable enough to guide the region towards the peace and a brighter future and put Israel in its place. Or get into a pit, an endless pit, or a swamp,” Pezeshkian said. “So it is up to the United States president to choose which path.”
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said she was not sure if Trump had seen the Iranian president’s comments, but agreed he was the right man to move the region towards peace.
Pezeshkian blamed Israel, Iran’s arch-enemy, for the collapse of talks that were in place when Israel began its strikes on Iran on June 13, starting a 12-day air war with Israel in which top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists were killed.
“How are we going to trust the United States again?” Pezeshkian said. “How can we know for sure that in the middle of the talks the Israeli regime will not be given the permission again to attack us?”
Pezeshkian also said that Israel tried to assassinate him.
“They did try, yes,” he said. “They acted accordingly, but they failed.”
Israel did not immediately respond to the allegation. A senior Israeli military official said last month that Israel killed more than 30 senior security officials and 11 senior nuclear scientists in its attack on to Iran’s nuclear sites.
Trump said he expected to discuss Iran and its nuclear ambitions with Netanyahu, praising the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as a tremendous success. On Friday, he told reporters that he believed Tehran’s nuclear program had been set back permanently, although Iran could restart efforts elsewhere.
Iran has always denied seeking a nuclear weapon.
-Reuters
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MIL-OSI Africa: Call for stronger BRICS, G20 synergy to champion developing nations
Source: Government of South Africa
By Gabi Khumalo
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – President Cyril Ramaphosa says Brazil’s leadership of BRICS and COP30, together with South Africa’s Presidency of the G20, provides a unique opportunity to send a strong signal of unity and solidarity in support of the rights and interests of developing economy countries.
“Our concurrent leadership of these bodies must emphasise the pressing need to close the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) implementation gap and the climate ambition gap and ensure that just transitions pathways leave no one behind,” President Ramaphosa said.
He was delivering a keynote address during the “Environment, COP30 and Global Health” session of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Monday.
The President highlighted that BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – was a key platform to shaping a new model of multilateral cooperation based on equity, sustainability and inclusive development.
He called for the bloc to be used to drive climate-resilient development across Africa and the Global South.
President Ramaphosa underscored the importance of using BRICS’ collective voice to advance reforms to modernise multilateral development bank mandates and ensure they better reflect the voices and priorities of developing countries.
He called for scaled-up concessional financing for climate action to catalyse investments in early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, community-led adaptation, and people-centred just transition pathways.
“At the same time, we need to drive the global health agenda towards inclusive, equitable, innovative, and sustainable health solutions. Global health financing is being severely impacted by the substantial and sudden withdrawals of official development assistance.
“Many of the programmes that were supported through this assistance were for disease elimination and targeted towards the most vulnerable populations, like young women and girls, children and adolescents,” the President said.
While acknowledging the countries great strides made towards Tuberculosis, Malaria and HIV elimination, through the support of organisations like the Global Fund, President Ramaphosa warned these gains are being threatened by political attention and reduced financing.
As the co-host of the Global Fund’s 8th replenishment campaign together with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Ramaphosa called on countries, businesses and the wider donor community to contribute to the fund in the interests of global health security.
“If we achieve the target of US$18 billion for the 2027 to 2029 cycle, it is estimated that the Global Fund can save 23 million lives, reduce the combined mortality rate by another 64% relative to 2023 levels, and prevent around 400 million infections.”
He reiterated that investing in the Global Fund was also an investment in health system strengthening and universal health care, especially for vulnerable countries in the Global South.
“As we confront these and other development challenges, BRICS needs to be at the forefront of a new inclusive multilateralism. Let us use our growing voice to advance a global order that improves the lives of all the world’s people and safeguards the planet for future generations,” the President said.
The two-day summit, held from 6 to 7 July 2025, highlighted the ongoing humanitarian impact of Israeli military action in Gaza and in conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, and Iran; and advocated for the sustainable resolution of conflicts through diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to the United Nations Charter.
It also explored ways of expanding tangible trade, tourism, investment, and financial cooperation within BRICS and with BRICS partner countries. – SAnews.gov.za
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MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza: ‘Unbearable’ suffering continues, UN official tells Security Council
Source: United Nations 4
Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East Khaled Khiari said more than 1,000 Palestinians had been killed since mid-June alone, many of them while seeking aid.
Citing figures from the Gazan health authorities, he reported that the total number of Palestinian fatalities since 7 October 2023 had surpassed 56,500.
“The level of suffering and brutality in Gaza is unbearable,” Mr. Khiari said. “The continued collective punishment of the Palestinian people is unjustifiable.”
Killed trying to access aid
Mr. Khiari cited multiple incidents involving the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) opening fire near food distribution points.
On 17 June, at least 50 people were killed and 200 injured in Khan Younis when an IDF tank opened fire on a crowd waiting for UN World Food Programme (WFP) aid trucks.
Once again a week later, IDF troops reportedly opened fire near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites, this time killing 49 Palestinians and injuring 197 others.
“We strongly condemn the loss of lives and injuries of Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza,” Mr. Khiari said. “We call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held accountable.”
He emphasised that the UN “will not participate in any aid delivery modality that does not comply with the fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality,” a sentiment which other UN officials have repeatedly said as well.
Strong condemnation
Mr. Khiari reiterated the UN’s strong condemnation of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups for their attacks in Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and led to more than 250 being taken hostage. Fifty hostages, including one woman, remain in captivity.
“Nothing can justify these acts of terror. We remain appalled that hostages may be subjected to ongoing ill-treatment and that the bodies of hostages continue to be withheld,” he said.
At the same time, he also condemned “the widespread killing and injury of civilians in Gaza, including children and women, and the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and mosques.”
Rising violence in the West Bank
In the occupied West Bank, Israeli raids and settler violence have escalated.
Mr. Khiari reported that a 15-year-old boy and an elderly woman were killed in separate incidents on 25 June. Armed settlers also killed several Palestinians during attacks in Surif and Kafr Malik.
“The escalating violence in the occupied West Bank is alarming,” Khiari said, warning that military operations and settler expansion are leading to fatalities, displacement and destruction.
Iran-Israel ceasefire brings hope to the region
Mr. Khiari concluded his briefing with comments on the wider Middle East region, particularly the recent flare-up between Israel and Iran.
He welcomed the 24 June ceasefire agreement between the two countries, announced by US President Donald Trump, and credited US and Qatari mediation.
“We hope that this ceasefire can be replicated in the other conflicts in the region – nowhere is this more needed than in Gaza,” he said.
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MIL-OSI Video: Texas, Ukraine, Russia & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (7 July 2025) | United Nations
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
Secretary-General/BRICS
Deputy Secretary-General
Texas
Ukraine / Russia
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Sudan
South Sudan
Syria
Haiti
Myanmar
Kiswahili Language Day
Financial ContributionSECRETARY-GENERAL/BRICS
The Secretary-General is in Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, where he is attending the 17th Summit of the BRICS countries. This morning, addressing an outreach session on “Environment, COP30 and global health”, Mr. Guterres warned that our environment is being attacked on all fronts.
The Secretary-General pointed out that across the world, lives and livelihoods are being ripped apart, and sustainable development gains left in tatters as disasters accelerate. He said that the most vulnerable and the poorer pay the highest price and stressed that we need to tackle the point where climate and health meet.
The Secretary-General emphasized we need governments to build on the progress of last year’s biodiversity COP, particularly reaching an ambitious agreement on finance, adding that we need to make COP30 a success, and as you know COP30 will be held in Brazil this year.
Yesterday, addressing an outreach session on “Strengthening multilateralism, economic-financial affairs and artificial intelligence”, the Secretary-General said that artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and societies, and that the fundamental test is how wisely we guide this transformation.
The Secretary-General also emphasized that AI cannot be a club of the few, but must benefit all, and in particular, developing countries which must have a real voice in the governance of artificial intelligence.
The Secretary-General is also expected to hold a number of bilateral meetings with some leaders who are attending BRICS. We will share the readouts with you as we receive them.DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Deputy Secretary-General, over the weekend, was representing the Secretary-General at the official commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Cabo Verde.
Today, she is in The Gambia where she met with President Adama Barrow and other senior government officials to strengthen the relationship between the United Nations and the Gambia. She also discussed with him national efforts to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Deputy Secretary-General is currently meeting with youth and women stakeholders, and she is expected to highlight the importance of investing in youth skills and women’s economic empowerment as a strategic lever for advancing the SDGs.
Tomorrow, she will travel to Cameroon to also represent the Secretary-General and this time she will be representing him at the International Conference on the Sustainable Blue Economy in the Gulf of Guinea.Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=07%20July%202025 -
MIL-OSI Africa: Bulgarian President Meets Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Source: Government of Qatar
Sofia, July 07, 2025
HE President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev met with HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.
At the outset of the meeting, HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs conveyed the greetings of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to HE the President of the Republic of Bulgaria along with His Highness’ wishes of good health and happiness for His Excellency, and continued progress and prosperity for the people of Bulgaria.
For his part, HE the President of the Republic of Bulgaria entrusted HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs with his greetings to HH the Amir, wishing His Highness good health and happiness, and further development and growth for the Qatari people.
The meeting discussed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to enhance and develop them, in addition to a host of topics of common interest.
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MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Kean Accepting Applications for Fall 2025 Internship Program
Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)
Contact: Riley Pingree
(July 7, 2025) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today,Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced that his offices in Washington, D.C. and Lebanon Borough, NJ, are now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 Internship Program. This competitive program offers college students a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the fast-paced environment of a congressional office.
Interns will play an essential role in the daily operations of the office, working alongside experienced staff on a range of responsibilities—including legislative research, constituent services, communications, and more. Participating students will also gain valuable insight into the legislative process and the ways in which a Member of Congress serves the residents of their district.
“My team and I are excited to offer this opportunity to students who are eager to learn about government and dedicated to public service,” said Congressman Kean. “Interns in my offices—both in Lebanon Borough and Washington, D.C.—play an essential role in our day-to-day operations. They help support the work we do on behalf of the people of New Jersey’s Seventh District and build skills that will serve them in future careers—whether in government, law, communications, or community advocacy. It is always inspiring to watch the next generation of leaders grow through this program, and I look forward to welcoming a new class this fall.”
Interested students must be currently enrolled in college and should complete the online application form at kean.house.gov/services/internships. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 25 at 5:00 PM. Positions are available in both the Washington, D.C. and District offices.
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MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, in the margins of the BRICS Summit. The Secretary-General and the Minister discussed the strong partnership between the United Nations and Türkiye. They also exchanged views on the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the next round of meetings on Cyprus.
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MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Wednesday, 9 July 2025 – Strasbourg
Source: European Parliament
88 Objection pursuant to Rule 114(3): amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 to add certain countries to the list of high-risk third countries, and to remove other countries from that list – Amendments Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 83 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Deforestation Regulation – list of countries presenting a low or high risk – Amendments Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 25 Amending Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing
Thomas Bajada (A10-0070/2025)– Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 48 Draft amending budget no 1/2025: entering the surplus of the financial year 2024
Victor Negrescu (A10-0116/2025)– Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 52 Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Moldova relating to floods that occurred in September 2024 and Bosnia and Herzegovina relating to floods that occurred in October 2024
Andrzej Halicki (A10-0114/2025)– Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 53 Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: Application EGF/2025/000 TA 2025 – Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission
Jean-Marc Germain (A10-0115/2025)– Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 27 Product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports
Salvatore De Meo (A10-0133/2025)– Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Thursday, 3 July 2025, 13:00 19 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania
Andreas Schieder (A10-0106/2025)– Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 18 2023 and 2024 reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ondřej Kolář (A10-0108/2025)– Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 46 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia
Thomas Waitz (A10-0118/2025)– Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 17 2023 and 2024 reports on Georgia
Rasa Juknevičienė (A10-0110/2025)– Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 28 Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals in view of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum
Robert Biedroń, Nikolas Farantouris (A10-0125/2025)– Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least, Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 60 The human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression: the situation of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war, and the continued bombing of civilians – Motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 13:00 80 Case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 81 Arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 82 Urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Thursday, 10 July 2025 – Strasbourg
Source: European Parliament
80 Case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 81 Arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 82 Urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 56 Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 as regards obligations of economic operators concerning battery due diligence policies
Antonio Decaro (A10-0134/2025)– Amendments; rejection Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 16:00 37 Future of the EU biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector: leveraging research, boosting innovation and enhancing competitiveness
Hildegard Bentele (A10-0123/2025)– Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 84 Tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – Motions for resolutions Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 12:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00 – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Border management with regard to Lebanon and Syria – E-001464/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Commission pursues a comprehensive approach in cooperation on migration with partner countries, based on a whole-of-route approach and includes a broad-spectrum of topics, such as return and readmission, border management and prevention of irregular arrivals, legal migration, fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings, international protection.
The Commission supports Lebanon in strengthening border management capacities and enhancing border governance, including with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. This is done in line with EU and international standards and through a human rights-based approach.
Support in the broader area of security aims to contribute to long-term capability of Lebanon’s security forces, including the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). In 2025, a measure worth EUR 60 million was adopted through the European Peace Facility to support the LAF[1].
The Commission supports the people in Syria through an inclusive, peaceful, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led transition and is committed to play a proactive role in the stabilisation, socioeconomic recovery and future reconstruction of Syria. A package of EUR 175 million for 2024-2025 will be provided for recovery inside Syria.
The EU aims to allow all Syrians, in the country and in the diaspora, to have an opportunity to reunify, stabilise and rebuild their country.
- [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/01/21/european-peace-facility-council-adopts-the-third-assistance-measure-in-support-of-the-lebanese-armed-forces/.
Last updated: 7 July 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strengthening EU support for Cyprus in market surveillance of electrical appliances – E-001416/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
1. Member States are responsible for organising and carrying out market surveillance as provided for in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and product compliance[1]. The Commission helps with coordination and advice, e.g. through the EU Product Compliance Network, and with joint actions. The Commission also designates EU testing facilities[2].
2. Most unsafe products are sold via online marketplaces and directly imported in large volumes of individual parcels. The Commission is pursuing Priority Control Area controls in cooperation with all Member States to assess these products’ compliance with EU regulations at the border and will use all existing tools to enforce them.
The Commission has proposed an ‘EU Customs D ata Hub’, a secure and cyber-resilient set of electronic services and systems to handle logistic and commercial data at EU-level. This will enable customs to proactively identify risks in e-commerce supply chains at EU-wide basis and take control and mitigation measures including the possibility of issuing ‘do not transport’ instructions to prevent non-compliant goods entering the EU. Through the implementation of the Customs Control Equipment Instrument, the Commission is supporting Member States with funding to enhance control capacities at border crossing points and in laboratories. To this end, two grant agreements were recently signed with Cyprus[3]. In the future, for products requiring a Digital Product Passport, customs will retrieve and use the information included therein also for risk analysis.
3. According to Article 41 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, Member States shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to non-compliance, that must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
- [1] OJ L 169, 25.6.2019, p. 1-44.
- [2] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/building-blocks/market-surveillance_en.
- [3] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-results?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=es_SortDate&isExactMatch=true&frameworkProgramme=43251534&countries=20000871.
Last updated: 7 July 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strengthening EU support for Cyprus in market surveillance of electrical appliances – E-001416/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
1. Member States are responsible for organising and carrying out market surveillance as provided for in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and product compliance[1]. The Commission helps with coordination and advice, e.g. through the EU Product Compliance Network, and with joint actions. The Commission also designates EU testing facilities[2].
2. Most unsafe products are sold via online marketplaces and directly imported in large volumes of individual parcels. The Commission is pursuing Priority Control Area controls in cooperation with all Member States to assess these products’ compliance with EU regulations at the border and will use all existing tools to enforce them.
The Commission has proposed an ‘EU Customs D ata Hub’, a secure and cyber-resilient set of electronic services and systems to handle logistic and commercial data at EU-level. This will enable customs to proactively identify risks in e-commerce supply chains at EU-wide basis and take control and mitigation measures including the possibility of issuing ‘do not transport’ instructions to prevent non-compliant goods entering the EU. Through the implementation of the Customs Control Equipment Instrument, the Commission is supporting Member States with funding to enhance control capacities at border crossing points and in laboratories. To this end, two grant agreements were recently signed with Cyprus[3]. In the future, for products requiring a Digital Product Passport, customs will retrieve and use the information included therein also for risk analysis.
3. According to Article 41 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, Member States shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to non-compliance, that must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
- [1] OJ L 169, 25.6.2019, p. 1-44.
- [2] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/building-blocks/market-surveillance_en.
- [3] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-results?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=es_SortDate&isExactMatch=true&frameworkProgramme=43251534&countries=20000871.
Last updated: 7 July 2025 -
MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in the margins of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and discussed the situation in the Middle East. The Secretary-General noted the importance of the consolidation of the ceasefire to lay the groundwork for the resumption of negotiations.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Dry cargo ship Magic Seas sank in the Red Sea – Houthis
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SANAA, July 7 (Xinhua) — The bulk carrier Magic Seas has completely sunk in the Red Sea about a day after it was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, Houthi spokesman Yahya Saria said on Monday.
“The bulk carrier Magic Sea sank completely in the depths of the Red Sea after it was attacked by our armed forces,” Yassir Saria told the Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah TV channel. The spokesman added that the attack was a response to the ship’s owner’s “repeated violations” of the Houthi-imposed ban on entering Israeli ports.
“The latest of these violations was the entry of three of the company’s ships into occupied Palestinian ports last week, despite warnings from our navy,” said Saria, adding: “The moment of the sinking was recorded in audio and video.” –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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MIL-OSI: Little Pepe Raises $4 Million in Presale and Unveils Layer 2 Blockchain for Meme Coin Ecosystem
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Little Pepe, a new entrant in the crypto space blending meme culture with scalable blockchain infrastructure, today announced it has successfully raised $4 million in its presale and launched a custom EVM-compatible Layer 2 blockchain. The milestone marks a major step forward for the project as it positions itself as a next-generation meme coin ecosystem on Ethereum’s Layer 2 landscape.
The presale, currently in its fourth phase, has seen increasing investor demand, with tokens priced at $0.0013 and available exclusively via the project’s website: LittlePepe.com. The funds raised are being used to further develop the Little Pepe Layer 2 network, which is now operational and optimized for fast, low-cost transactions.
“Most meme tokens exist as basic ERC-20 assets. We’ve taken it a step further by creating a fully functioning Layer 2 chain designed specifically for meme-based applications,” said a spokesperson for Little Pepe. “This infrastructure is what sets us apart.”
Custom Layer 2 Blockchain Built for Memes
The Little Pepe blockchain is a dedicated Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 chain that brings high speed, minimal fees, and seamless developer compatibility to the meme coin space. Designed with scalability and community use in mind, the network aims to support social dApps, NFT platforms, and other meme-driven utilities, offering developers a purpose-built alternative to congested mainnets.
Unlike many meme coins that rely purely on social media hype, Little Pepe’s approach is centered on building an actual ecosystem—complete with EVM compatibility and room for technical growth.
Organic Growth and Community Momentum
In contrast to high-budget token launches, Little Pepe has opted for an organic growth model fueled by grassroots support on platforms like Telegram and X (formerly Twitter). The project’s community-first approach has attracted attention across crypto circles for its blend of humor, utility, and long-term potential.
A New Category: Infrastructure-Backed Meme Coins
Little Pepe is part of a rising trend of “infrastructure-backed meme tokens,” combining internet culture with robust blockchain architecture. The project continues to embrace its fun, irreverent identity—complete with Pepe-inspired visuals—while building serious tools for long-term growth.
“People don’t expect meme coins to come with their own chain. We’re changing that expectation,” the spokesperson added.
About Little Pepe
Little Pepe is a next-gen Layer 2 blockchain project designed to merge meme culture with high-speed, low-cost decentralized infrastructure. Built for scalability, security, and developer flexibility, Little Pepe supports EVM-compatible applications and is powered by the $LILPEPE token. Its mission is to create a meme coin environment where community engagement meets serious tech innovation.For More Information:
Website: https://littlepepe.com/
Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken
Twitter: https://x.com/littlepepetokenContact Details: COO- James Stephen Email: media@littlepepe.com
Disclaimer: This content is provided by Little Pepe. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3189d7ac-5c09-4fef-8ce5-dc46830e5e3d
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MIL-OSI: Little Pepe Raises $4 Million in Presale and Unveils Layer 2 Blockchain for Meme Coin Ecosystem
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Little Pepe, a new entrant in the crypto space blending meme culture with scalable blockchain infrastructure, today announced it has successfully raised $4 million in its presale and launched a custom EVM-compatible Layer 2 blockchain. The milestone marks a major step forward for the project as it positions itself as a next-generation meme coin ecosystem on Ethereum’s Layer 2 landscape.
The presale, currently in its fourth phase, has seen increasing investor demand, with tokens priced at $0.0013 and available exclusively via the project’s website: LittlePepe.com. The funds raised are being used to further develop the Little Pepe Layer 2 network, which is now operational and optimized for fast, low-cost transactions.
“Most meme tokens exist as basic ERC-20 assets. We’ve taken it a step further by creating a fully functioning Layer 2 chain designed specifically for meme-based applications,” said a spokesperson for Little Pepe. “This infrastructure is what sets us apart.”
Custom Layer 2 Blockchain Built for Memes
The Little Pepe blockchain is a dedicated Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 chain that brings high speed, minimal fees, and seamless developer compatibility to the meme coin space. Designed with scalability and community use in mind, the network aims to support social dApps, NFT platforms, and other meme-driven utilities, offering developers a purpose-built alternative to congested mainnets.
Unlike many meme coins that rely purely on social media hype, Little Pepe’s approach is centered on building an actual ecosystem—complete with EVM compatibility and room for technical growth.
Organic Growth and Community Momentum
In contrast to high-budget token launches, Little Pepe has opted for an organic growth model fueled by grassroots support on platforms like Telegram and X (formerly Twitter). The project’s community-first approach has attracted attention across crypto circles for its blend of humor, utility, and long-term potential.
A New Category: Infrastructure-Backed Meme Coins
Little Pepe is part of a rising trend of “infrastructure-backed meme tokens,” combining internet culture with robust blockchain architecture. The project continues to embrace its fun, irreverent identity—complete with Pepe-inspired visuals—while building serious tools for long-term growth.
“People don’t expect meme coins to come with their own chain. We’re changing that expectation,” the spokesperson added.
About Little Pepe
Little Pepe is a next-gen Layer 2 blockchain project designed to merge meme culture with high-speed, low-cost decentralized infrastructure. Built for scalability, security, and developer flexibility, Little Pepe supports EVM-compatible applications and is powered by the $LILPEPE token. Its mission is to create a meme coin environment where community engagement meets serious tech innovation.For More Information:
Website: https://littlepepe.com/
Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken
Twitter: https://x.com/littlepepetokenContact Details: COO- James Stephen Email: media@littlepepe.com
Disclaimer: This content is provided by Little Pepe. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3189d7ac-5c09-4fef-8ce5-dc46830e5e3d
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MIL-OSI: Planned Transition of Clenera’s CEO
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
BOISE, Idaho, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clenera, the U.S. subsidiary of Enlight Renewable Energy (TASE: ENLT.TA; NASDAQ: ENLT), today announced a planned leadership change.
Jared McKee, currently serving as Chief Commercial Officer of Clenera, will transition to CEO on October 1st 2025, as Adam Pishl, Clenera’s CEO and Co-founder, steps into the new role of Vice Chair of the company’s Board.
Pishl has successfully led Clenera through a transformative period of growth, evolving the company from a founder-led developer into an integrated development platform and independent power producer, operating as a U.S. subsidiary of Enlight Renewable Energy, a global publicly traded company.
In his new role as Vice Chair of the Clenera Board and advisor to the executive team, Pishl will continue to support the company’s strategic direction. He also plans to expand his giving back philosophy through other organizations that align with his values.
McKee’s near decade of leadership roles at Clenera included key contributions to Clenera’s development momentum. In his role as Chief Commercial Officer, Jared also led cross-functional teams around execution initiatives guiding Clenera’s growth trajectory.
“One of my greatest accomplishments has been assembling a team of exceptional professionals and building the culture, processes, and structure to support their talents,” said Pishl. “Clenera’s success is a direct reflection of that work. Jared is one of many standout leaders who have grown within the organization. I’ve watched his development over the years—he is a strong, thoughtful leader, a strategic thinker, and deeply committed to Clenera’s mission,” said Pishl. “I’m excited to see him take on this new role and confident that he, along with the broader Clenera team, will continue to drive our growth strategy forward. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to remain part of the Clenera and Enlight family as we continue to build on a strong foundation and deliver reliable, affordable clean energy to communities across the country.”
“Adam has played a foundational role in Clenera’s evolution and will continue supporting its long-term growth as Vice Chair of the Board,” said Gilad Yavetz, Enlight CEO. “We’re grateful for his years of leadership and dedication, both as CEO and since Clenera’s early days. His strategic discipline and focus on team building helped establish the strong platform we’re building on today. Jared’s appointment reflects the strength and continuity of Clenera’s leadership. He brings nearly a decade of experience within the company, a clear strategic vision, and a strong track record of execution. I’m confident in his leadership and look forward to working closely with him and the broader team as we continue advancing our ambitious plans across North America.”
About Clenera
Clenera, LLC (“Clenera”), a subsidiary of Enlight Renewable Energy, develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale solar farms and energy storage facilities throughout the United States. Combining breakthrough technology with a deeply integrated team approach, Clenera provides reliable, affordable energy systems and helps its utility partners become clean energy leaders in their communities. Learn more at clenera.com.About Enlight Renewable Energy
Founded in 2008, Enlight develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects. Enlight operates across the three largest renewable segments today: solar, wind and energy storage. A global platform, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 10 European countries. Enlight has been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 2010 (TASE: ENLT) and completed its US IPO (NASDAQ: ENLT) in 2023. Learn more at enlightenergy.co.il.
Investor Contact
Yonah Weisz
Director IR
investors@enlightenergy.co.ilErica Mannion or Mike Funari
Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC
+1 617 542 6180
investors@enlightenergy.co.ilMedia Contact
Jake Melder
Clenera Public Relations Manager
Jake.melder@clenera.comCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations relating to the Project, the PPA and the related interconnection agreement and lease option, and the completion timeline for the Project, are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “forecasts,” “aims” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to site suitable land for, and otherwise source, renewable energy projects and to successfully develop and convert them into Operational Projects; availability of, and access to, interconnection facilities and transmission systems; our ability to obtain and maintain governmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits; construction delays, operational delays and supply chain disruptions leading to increased cost of materials required for the construction of our projects, as well as cost overruns and delays related to disputes with contractors; our suppliers’ ability and willingness to perform both existing and future obligations; competition from traditional and renewable energy companies in developing renewable energy projects; potential slowed demand for renewable energy projects and our ability to enter into new offtake contracts on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake contracts expire; offtakers’ ability to terminate contracts or seek other remedies resulting from failure of our projects to meet development, operational or performance benchmarks; various technical and operational challenges leading to unplanned outages, reduced output, interconnection or termination issues; the dependence of our production and revenue on suitable meteorological and environmental conditions, and our ability to accurately predict such conditions; our ability to enforce warranties provided by our counterparties in the event that our projects do not perform as expected; government curtailment, energy price caps and other government actions that restrict or reduce the profitability of renewable energy production; electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including the effects of climate change, could adversely affect wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; our dependence on certain operational projects for a substantial portion of our cash flows; our ability to continue to grow our portfolio of projects through successful acquisitions; changes and advances in technology that impair or eliminate the competitive advantage of our projects or upsets the expectations underlying investments in our technologies; our ability to effectively anticipate and manage cost inflation, interest rate risk, currency exchange fluctuations and other macroeconomic conditions that impact our business; our ability to retain and attract key personnel; our ability to manage legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk across our global corporate structure; our ability to protect our business from, and manage the impact of, cyber-attacks, disruptions and security incidents, as well as acts of terrorism or war; changes to existing renewable energy industry policies and regulations that present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to renewable energy projects; the reduction, elimination or expiration of government incentives for, or regulations mandating the use of, renewable energy; our ability to effectively manage our supply chain and comply with applicable regulations with respect to international trade relations, the impact of tariffs on the cost of construction and our ability to mitigate such impact, sanctions, export controls and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; our ability to effectively comply with Environmental Health and Safety and other laws and regulations and receive and maintain all necessary licenses, permits and authorizations; our performance of various obligations under the terms of our indebtedness (and the indebtedness of our subsidiaries that we guarantee) and our ability to continue to secure project financing on attractive terms for our projects; limitations on our management rights and operational flexibility due to our use of tax equity arrangements; potential claims and disagreements with partners, investors and other counterparties that could reduce our right to cash flows generated by our projects; our ability to comply with tax laws of various jurisdictions in which we currently operate as well as the tax laws in jurisdictions in which we intend to operate in the future; the unknown effect of the dual listing of our ordinary shares on the price of our ordinary shares; various risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel; the costs and requirements of being a public company, including the diversion of management’s attention with respect to such requirements; certain provisions in our Articles of Association and certain applicable regulations that may delay or prevent a change of control; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and our other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC.
These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Bulgarian Foreign Minister
Source: Government of Qatar
Sofia, July 7, 2025
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met here on Monday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, Georg Georgiev.
Discussion during the meeting, focused on cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, in addition to a host of topics of mutual interest.
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MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar, Bulgaria Hold Round of Political Consultation
Source: Government of Qatar
Sofia, July 7, 2025
A round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Bulgaria was held in Sofia today.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi headed the Qatari side, while HE Bulgarian side was headed by HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Angelieva.
The political consultations round dealt with cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to a host of topics of common interest.
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MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Artificial Intelligence Needs a Multilateral Response Grounded in Equity, Human Rights’, Stresses Secretary-General, in Remarks to BRICS Summit
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the BRICS [Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa] Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, today:
Prezado Presidente Lula, muito obrigado pelo seu amável convite e pela sua hospitalidade tão amiga.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies and societies. The fundamental test is how wisely we will guide this transformation. How we minimize the risks and maximize the potential for good.
I am particularly concerned with the weaponization of AI, in a world where peace is more necessary than ever.
Peace in Palestine, based on building the two-State solution, starting by an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, free and unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery, and the ending of the crippling annexation and violence in the West Bank.
A just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in line with the Charter of the United Nations, international law and relevant UN resolutions.
Silencing the guns in Sudan, where civilians have also suffered too much. And the list goes on, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Somalia, from the Sahel to Myanmar.
Artificial intelligence needs a multilateral response grounded in equity and human rights.
The Pact for the Future, approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations, calls for a new architecture of trust and cooperation — starting with the establishment by the UN of an independent international scientific panel on artificial intelligence.
This panel should provide impartial, evidence-based guidance available to all Member States.
The Pact also calls for a periodic global dialogue on AI within the UN, with all the Member States and relevant stakeholders.
AI can’t be a club of the few, but must benefit all, and in particular developing countries, which must have a real voice in global AI governance.
I will also soon present a report outlining innovative voluntary financing options to support AI capacity-building in developing countries, and I urge the BRICS’ support and your support for these efforts.
But we cannot govern AI effectively — and fairly — without confronting deeper, structural imbalances in our global system.
We are in a multipolar era. Power relations are shifting.
A multipolar world requires multilateral governance — with global institutions tuned for the times, in particular the Security Council and the international financial architecture. They were designed for a bygone age, a bygone world, with a bygone system of power relations. The reform of the Security Council is crucial.
The message from the Financing for Development Conference last week in Sevilla was clear: Ensuring that developing countries have a greater participation in global economic governance and its institutions; putting into place an effective debt restructuring mechanism; and tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, in particular, with concessional funding and in local currencies.
All this is crucial for countries, especially in the Global South — to bridge the digital divide and fully harness artificial intelligence’s potential, making AI a powerful driver for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
At a time when multilateralism is being undermined, let us remind the world that cooperation is humanity’s greatest innovation. That begins with trust, and trust begins with all countries respecting international law without exceptions.
Let us rise to this moment — and reform and modernize multilateralism, including the UN and all the systems and institutions to make it work for everyone, everywhere.
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MIL-OSI Banking: ICC champions multilateralism at BRICS Business Forum
Source: International Chamber of Commerce
Headline: ICC champions multilateralism at BRICS Business Forum
Speaking on behalf of more than 45 million companies worldwide, Mr Denton took part in a high-level panel looking at sustainable financial strategies for the BRICS Development Agenda, underscoring the urgent need for cooperative solutions to global challenges.
During his visit to Brazil, on 4 July, Mr Denton contributed to the closing sessions of the BRICS Business Council’s Working Groups, including an intervention in the Trade and Investment Working Group. He also took part in the 10th Annual Meeting of the New Development Bank (NDB)’s Board of Governors.
ICC’s first time participation in the BRICS Forum comes at a pivotal moment for the Group. A new ICC report conducted in partnership with Oxford Economics presents a sobering assessment of the risks posed by the erosion of the multilateral trading system – particularly for BRICS economies.
Projected impacts include:
- Sharp export losses: Non-fuel goods exports could fall by 45% in Brazil, 41% in India, 36% in China, 34% in South Africa, 26% in Indonesia, and 21% in Egypt.
- Economic contraction: GDP losses ranging from 3.5% to 6% across these economies.
- Decline in foreign investment: FDI reductions of up to 6% in the most exposed markets.
This underscores the imperative for BRICS and other economies to take action and revitalise the multilateral trading system, something Mr Denton underscored throughout his engagements in Brazil.
Mr Denton said:
“ICC’s engagement with the BRICS business community reinforces its role as the voice of the real economy, ensuring business drives solutions for peace, prosperity and opportunity across emerging markets.”
4 ways ICC has engaged in the BRICS process in 2025
- Participation in BRICS Business Council Working Groups
Several ICC leaders contributed to BRICS Business Council Working Groups, shaping policy recommendations in areas including trade and investment, manufacturing, energy and climate, financial services and infrastructure, transport, and logistics.
- BRICS Business Council Secretariat policy support
ICC provided business insights for the 2025 BRICS Business Council Annual Report, which aligns with ICC’s international policy priorities, particularly regarding the revitalisation of the multilateral trading system.
- Joint BRICS-ICC Initiative on SME Trade Integration
ICC and BRICS Business Council Trade and Investment Working Gorup collaboration resulted in the launch of a joint initiative aimed at enhancing the integration of BRICS SMEs in international trade, leveraging the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship and ICC One Click gateway for trade tools, solutions and guides for SMEs to export and grow globally.
- Supporting the BRICS Solutions Awards
ICC promoted the BRICS Solutions Awards through its global network of national committees and chambers of commerce. These Awards recognise innovative projects advancing climate change mitigation, environmental sustainability, and the responsible use of natural resources across BRICS countries.
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We will define BRICS in new form under India’s chairmanship: PM Modi in Brazil
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India would redefine the BRICS grouping under its upcoming chairmanship.
Addressing the BRICS Summit in Brazil, PM Modi said, “Under India’s BRICS Chairmanship, we will define BRICS in a new form. BRICS would mean ‘Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.’”
PM Modi affirmed that India would carry forward the spirit of people-centric progress during its leadership of the bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
“In the coming year, under India’s BRICS Chairmanship, we will continue close cooperation on all subjects,” the PM said.
The Prime Minister underlined how India’s presidency of the G20 elevated the concerns of the developing world and promised a similar approach for BRICS.
“Just as during our G-20 Presidency, we ensured inclusivity and prioritised issues of the Global South in the agenda,” he said. “In the same way, during our BRICS Chairmanship, we will take this forum forward with a people-centric approach and the spirit of ‘Humanity First.’”
This message of unity and collaboration was reflected earlier in the day, as Prime Minister Modi, along with other BRICS leaders, partners, and outreach invitees, gathered for the traditional family photo at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday morning (local time).
The summit brought together leaders and representatives from BRICS nations and partner countries to discuss cooperation and strategic partnerships, marking a moment of unity and collaboration among the countries the grouping represents.
Hosted by Brazil from July 7 to July 9, the summit saw leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia come together for the event. Prime Minister Modi participated in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, 2025, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.
During the summit, the leaders held productive discussions on various issues on the BRICS agenda, including the reform of global governance, enhancing the voice of the Global South, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, development issues, and Artificial Intelligence.
PM Modi thanked the President of Brazil for his warm hospitality and the successful organisation of the summit.
(ANI)
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We will define BRICS in new form under India’s chairmanship: PM Modi in Brazil
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India would redefine the BRICS grouping under its upcoming chairmanship.
Addressing the BRICS Summit in Brazil, PM Modi said, “Under India’s BRICS Chairmanship, we will define BRICS in a new form. BRICS would mean ‘Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.’”
PM Modi affirmed that India would carry forward the spirit of people-centric progress during its leadership of the bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
“In the coming year, under India’s BRICS Chairmanship, we will continue close cooperation on all subjects,” the PM said.
The Prime Minister underlined how India’s presidency of the G20 elevated the concerns of the developing world and promised a similar approach for BRICS.
“Just as during our G-20 Presidency, we ensured inclusivity and prioritised issues of the Global South in the agenda,” he said. “In the same way, during our BRICS Chairmanship, we will take this forum forward with a people-centric approach and the spirit of ‘Humanity First.’”
This message of unity and collaboration was reflected earlier in the day, as Prime Minister Modi, along with other BRICS leaders, partners, and outreach invitees, gathered for the traditional family photo at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday morning (local time).
The summit brought together leaders and representatives from BRICS nations and partner countries to discuss cooperation and strategic partnerships, marking a moment of unity and collaboration among the countries the grouping represents.
Hosted by Brazil from July 7 to July 9, the summit saw leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia come together for the event. Prime Minister Modi participated in the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, 2025, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.
During the summit, the leaders held productive discussions on various issues on the BRICS agenda, including the reform of global governance, enhancing the voice of the Global South, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, development issues, and Artificial Intelligence.
PM Modi thanked the President of Brazil for his warm hospitality and the successful organisation of the summit.
(ANI)
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MIL-OSI Submissions: Nations are increasingly ‘playing the field’ when it comes to US and China – a new book explains explains why ‘active nonalignment’ is on the march
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Jorge Heine, Outgoing Interim Director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future, Boston University
Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, center, flanked by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaks at the summit of Group of 20 leading economies in Rio de Janeiro on Nov. 19, 2024. Mauro Pimentel/AFP via Getty Images In 2020, as Latin American countries were contending with the triple challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, a global economic shock and U.S. policy under the first Trump administration, Jorge Heine, research professor at Boston University and a former Chilean ambassador, in association with two colleagues, Carlos Fortin and Carlos Ominami, put forward the notion of “active nonalignment.”
Polity BooksFive years on, the foreign policy approach is more relevant than ever, with trends including the rise of the Global South and the fragmentation of the global order, encouraging countries around the world to reassess their relationships with both the United States and China.
It led Heine, along with Fortin and Ominami, to follow up on their original arguments in a new book, “The Non-Aligned World,” published in June 2025.
The Conversation spoke with Heine on what is behind the push toward active nonalignment, and where it may lead.
For those not familiar, what is active nonalignment?
Active nonalignment is a foreign policy approach in which countries put their own interests front and center and refuse to take sides in the great power rivalry between the U.S. and China.
It takes its cue from the Non-Aligned Movement of the 1950s and 1960s but updates it to the realities of the 21st century. Today’s rising Global South is very different from the “Third World” that made up the Non-Aligned Movement. Countries like India, Turkey, Brazil and Indonesia have greater economic heft and wherewithal. They thus have more options than in the past.
They can pick and choose policies in accordance with what is in their national interests. And because there is competition between Washington and Beijing to win over such countries’ hearts and minds, those looking to promote a nonaligned agenda have greater leverage.
Traditional international relations literature suggests that in relations between nations, you can either “balance,” meaning take a strong position against another power, or “bandwagon” – that is, go along with the wishes of that power. The notion was that weaker states couldn’t balance against the Great Powers because they don’t have the military power to do so, so they had to bandwagon.
What we are saying is that there is an intermediate approach: hedging. Countries can hedge their bets or equivocate by playing one power off the other. So, on some issues you side with the U.S., and others you side with China.
Thus, the grand strategy of active nonalignment is “playing the field,” or in other words, searching for opportunities among what is available in the international environment. This means being constantly on the lookout for potential advantages and available resources – in short, being active, rather than passive or reactive.
So active nonalignment is not so much a movement as it is a doctrine.
Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba, right, and Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser attend the first Conference of Non-Aligned Countries in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in September 1961.
Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesIt’s been five years since you first came up with the idea of active nonalignment. Why did you think it was time to revisit it now?
The notion of active nonalignment came up during the first Trump administration and in the context of a Latin America hit by the triple-whammy of U.S. pressure, a pandemic and the ensuing recession – which in Latin America translated into the biggest economic downturn in 120 years, a 6.6% drop of regional gross domestic product in 2020.
ANA was intended as a guide for Latin American countries to navigate those difficult moments, and it led us to the publication of a symposium volume with contributions by six former Latin American foreign ministers in November 2021, in which we elaborated on the concept.
Three months later, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the reaction to it by many countries in Asia and Africa, nonalignment was back with a vengeance.
Countries like India, Pakistan, South Africa and Indonesia, among others, took positions that were at odds with the West on Ukraine. Many of them, though not all, condemned Russian aggression but also wanted no part in the West’s sanctions on Moscow. These sanctions were seen as unwarranted and as an expression of Western double standards – no sanctions were applied on the U.S. for invading Iraq, of course.
And then there were the Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and the resulting war in the Gaza Strip. Countries across the Global South strongly condemned the Hamas attacks, but the West’s response to the subsequent deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians brought home the notion of double standards when it came to international human rights.
Why weren’t Palestinians deserving of the same compassion as Ukrainians? For many in the Global South, that question hit very hard – the idea that “human rights are limited to Europeans and people who looked like them did not go down well.”
Thus, South Africa brought a case against Israel in the International Court of Justice alleging genocide, and Brazil spearheaded ceasefire efforts at the United Nations.
A third development is the expansion of the BRICS bloc of economies from its original five members – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – to 10 members. Although China and Russia are not members of the Global South, those other founding members are, and the BRICS group has promoted key issues on the Global South’s agenda. The addition of countries such as Egypt and Ethiopia has meant that BRICS has increasingly taken on the guise of the Global South forum. Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a leading proponent of BRICS, is keen on advancing this Global South agenda.
All three of these developments have made active nonalignment more relevant than ever before.
How are China and the US responding to active nonalignment – or are they?
I’ll give you two examples: Angola and Argentina.
In Angola, the African country that has received most Chinese cooperation to the tune of US$45 billion, you now have the U.S. financing what is known as the Lobito Corridor – a railway line that stretches from the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Angola’s Atlantic coast.
Ten years ago, the notion that the U.S. would be financing railway projects in southern Africa would have been considered unfathomable. Yet it has happened. Why? Because China has built significant railway lines in countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia, and the U.S. realized that it was being left behind.
For the longest time, the U.S. would condemn such Chinese-financed infrastructure projects via the “Belt and Road Initiative” as nothing but “debt-trap diplomacy” designed to saddle developing nations with “white elephants” nobody needed. But a couple of years ago, that tune changed: The U.S. and Europe realized that there is a big infrastructure deficit in Asia, Africa and Latin America that China was stepping in to reduce – and the West was nowhere to be seen in this critical area.
In short, the West changed it approach – and countries like Angola are now able to play the U.S. off against China for its own national interests.
Then take Argentina. In 2023, Javier Milei was elected president on a strong anti-China platform. He said his government would have nothing to do with Beijing. But just two years later, Milei announced in an Economist interview that he is a great admirer of Beijing.
Why? Because Argentina has a very significant foreign debt, and Milei knew that a continued anti-China stance would mean a credit line from Beijing would likely not be renewed. The Argentinian president was under pressure from the International Monetary Fund and Washington to let the credit line with China lapse, but Milei refused to do so and managed to hold his own, playing both sides against the middle.
Milei is a populist conservative; Brazil’s Lula a leftist. So is active nonalignment immune to ideological differences?
Absolutely. When people ask me what the difference is between traditional nonalignment and active nonalignment, one of the most obvious things is that the latter is nonideological – it can be used by people of the right, left and center. It is a guide to action, a compass to navigate the waters of a highly troubled world, and can be used by governments of very different ideological hues.
Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Argentina President Javier Milei at the 66th Summit of leaders of the Mercosur trading bloc in Buenos Aires on July 3, 2025.
Luis Robayo/AFP via Getty ImagesThe book talks a lot about the fragmentation of the rules-based order. Where do you see this heading?
There is little doubt that the liberal international order that framed world politics from 1945 to 2016 has come to an end. Some of its bedrock principles, like multilateralism, free trade and respect for international law and existing international treaties, have been severely undermined.
We are now in a transitional stage. The notion of the West as a geopolitical entity, as we knew it, has ceased to exist. We now have the extraordinary situation where illiberal forces in Hungary, Germany and Poland, among other places, are being supported by those in power in both Washington and Moscow.
And this decline of the West has not come about because of any economic issue – the U.S. still represents around 25% of global GDP, much as it did in 1970 – but because of the breakdown of the trans-Atlantic alliance.
So we are moving toward a very different type of world order – and one in which the Global South has the opportunity to have much more of a role, especially if it deploys active nonalignment.
How have events since Trump’s inauguration played into your argument?
The notion of active nonalignment was triggered by the first Trump administration’s pressure on Latin American countries. I would argue that the measures undertaken in Trump’s second administration – the tariffs imposed on 90 countries around the world; the U.S. leaving the Paris climate agreement, the World Health Organization and the U.N. Human Rights Council; and other “America First” policies – have only underscored the validity of active nonalignment as a foreign policy approach.
The pressures on countries across the Global South are very strong, and there is a temptation to give in to Trump and align with U.S. Yet, all indications are that simply giving in to Trump’s demands isn’t a recipe for success. Those countries that have gone down the route of giving in to Trump’s demands only see more demands after that. Countries need a different approach – and that can be found in active nonalignment.
Jorge Heine does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Nations are increasingly ‘playing the field’ when it comes to US and China – a new book explains explains why ‘active nonalignment’ is on the march – https://theconversation.com/nations-are-increasingly-playing-the-field-when-it-comes-to-us-and-china-a-new-book-explains-explains-why-active-nonalignment-is-on-the-march-260234
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MIL-OSI: BOS Better Online Solutions Secures $425,000 in Orders from New Indian Customers
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
RISHON LE ZION, Israel, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BOS Better Online Solutions Ltd. (“BOS” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BOSC), a global integrator of supply chain technologies, today announced that it has secured orders totaling $425,000 from new customers in India.
The orders are for wiring and cabling products that BOS began offering at the end of 2024. These products complement the electromechanical connectors that BOS currently supplies, enabling the Company to increase its revenues, particularly within the defense sector.
Avidan Zelicovski, President of BOS, commented: “The Indian market is a major global hub for subassembly of harnesses for the defense and aerospace sectors. This order from a significant subcontractor in India is a strong indication that we have the right offering in place for the Indian market. We view India as a substantial driver of our future growth, and we intend to further increase our presence in the region.”
About BOS Better Online Solutions Ltd.
BOS integrates cutting-edge technologies to streamline and enhance supply chain operations for global customers in the aerospace, defense, industrial and retail sectors. The Company operates three specialized divisions:
- Intelligent Robotics Division: Automates industrial and logistics inventory processes through advanced robotics technologies, improving efficiency and precision.
- RFID Division: Optimizes inventory management with state-of-the-art solutions for marking and tracking, ensuring real-time visibility and control.
- Supply Chain Division: Integrates franchised components directly into customer products, meeting their evolving needs for developing innovative solutions.
For more information on BOS Better Online Solutions Ltd., visit www.boscom.com.
Contact Information
For additional information, contact:
Matt Kreps, Managing Director
Darrow Associates
+1-214-597-8200
mkreps@darrowir.comEyal Cohen, CEO
+972-542525925
eyalc@boscom.comSafe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The forward-looking statements contained herein reflect management’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of BOS. These risk factors and uncertainties include, amongst others, the dependency of sales being generated from one or few major customers, the uncertainty of BOS being able to maintain current gross profit margins, inability to keep up or ahead of technology and to succeed in a highly competitive industry, inability to maintain marketing and distribution arrangements and to expand our overseas markets, uncertainty with respect to the prospects of legal claims against BOS, the effect of exchange rate fluctuations, general worldwide economic conditions, the effect of the war against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hamas and other parties in the region, the continued availability of financing for working capital purposes and to refinance outstanding indebtedness; and additional risks and uncertainties detailed in BOS’ periodic reports and registration statements filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. BOS undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.