NewzIntel.com

Category: Technology

  • MIL-OSI: Soitec : Information Relating to the Total Number of Voting Rights and Shares Forming the Share Capital

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bernin, on July 7, 2025

    INFORMATION RELATING TO THE TOTAL NUMBER
    OF VOTING RIGHTS AND SHARES
    FORMING THE SHARE CAPITAL

    (Article L. 233-8 II of the French Commercial Code and article 223-16 of the General Regulation of the French financial markets authority (AMF))

    Corporate name and address of the company: SOITEC
    Parc Technologique des Fontaines – Chemin des Franques
    38190 Bernin (FRANCE)

    Statement date Total number of shares forming the share capital Total number of voting rights
    06/30/2025 35,727,041(1) Number of theoretical (gross) voting rights (2): 45,640,854
    Number of exercisable (net) voting rights (3): 45,564,582
    1. 35,727,041 ordinary shares of €2.00 par value each, listed on the Euronext Paris regulated market under ISIN code FR0013227113 and the mnemonic “SOI”.
    1. The total number of theoretical voting rights (or “gross” voting rights) is used as the basis for calculating the crossing of shareholding thresholds. In accordance with article 223-11 of the General Regulation of the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers – AMF), this number is calculated on the basis of all shares to which single or double voting rights are attached, including shares without voting rights (for example, treasury shares, liquidity contract, etc.).
    1. The total number of exercisable voting rights (or “net” voting rights) is calculated after taking into account the number of shares entitled to double voting rights, and after deduction of the shares without voting rights (for example, treasury shares, liquidity contract, etc.).

    *****

    About Soitec

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

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

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

    *****

    Media Relations: media@soitec.com

    Investor Relations: investors@soitec.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WTW appoints Alena Kharkavets as Head of Claims in North America

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a global advisory, broking and solutions company, today announced that Alena Kharkavets has been appointed North American Head of Claims in its Insurance Consulting and Technology (ICT) business.

    Kharkavets comes to WTW from Intact Financial Corporation (TSE: IFC), Canada’s largest provider of property and casualty insurance, where she held progressively senior roles and spent nearly twenty years building deep, end-to-end expertise in pricing, claims, underwriting, M&A, digital distribution and strategy.

    Kharkavets will work with clients to advance their claims analytics, embedding data science and AI into claims processes to create better claims outcomes for carriers and their customers. She will also collaborate on projects outside of claims, including leading on the provision of strategic advice to clients on the most effective use of data and analytics to improve decision making across their organizations.

    Laura Doddington, Head of Personal and Commercial Lines, North America, Insurance Consulting and Technology, WTW, said: “Alena is a recognized leader in insurance pricing and claims analytics and we are excited to have her join our team. Her deep expertise, technical skills and commitment to data-driven decision making will be major assets to our clients, as we continue to strengthen our position as the leading consulting and technology solutions provider for the insurance industry.”

    Alena Kharkavets said: “I am excited to be given the opportunity to work with WTW’s hugely experienced and talented ICT team. I look forward to harnessing and extending WTW’s market-leading technology capabilities and innovations to deliver solutions that generate exceptional value to our clients and build upon WTW’s reputation for excellence.”

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organisations sharpen their strategy, enhance organisational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximise performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.

    Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media Contact
    Andrew Collis: +44 7932 725 267 | Andrew.Collis@wtwco.com

    Arnelle Sullivan: +1 (718) 208-0474 | Arnelle.Sullivan@wtwco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WTW appoints Alena Kharkavets as Head of Claims in North America

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a global advisory, broking and solutions company, today announced that Alena Kharkavets has been appointed North American Head of Claims in its Insurance Consulting and Technology (ICT) business.

    Kharkavets comes to WTW from Intact Financial Corporation (TSE: IFC), Canada’s largest provider of property and casualty insurance, where she held progressively senior roles and spent nearly twenty years building deep, end-to-end expertise in pricing, claims, underwriting, M&A, digital distribution and strategy.

    Kharkavets will work with clients to advance their claims analytics, embedding data science and AI into claims processes to create better claims outcomes for carriers and their customers. She will also collaborate on projects outside of claims, including leading on the provision of strategic advice to clients on the most effective use of data and analytics to improve decision making across their organizations.

    Laura Doddington, Head of Personal and Commercial Lines, North America, Insurance Consulting and Technology, WTW, said: “Alena is a recognized leader in insurance pricing and claims analytics and we are excited to have her join our team. Her deep expertise, technical skills and commitment to data-driven decision making will be major assets to our clients, as we continue to strengthen our position as the leading consulting and technology solutions provider for the insurance industry.”

    Alena Kharkavets said: “I am excited to be given the opportunity to work with WTW’s hugely experienced and talented ICT team. I look forward to harnessing and extending WTW’s market-leading technology capabilities and innovations to deliver solutions that generate exceptional value to our clients and build upon WTW’s reputation for excellence.”

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organisations sharpen their strategy, enhance organisational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximise performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.

    Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media Contact
    Andrew Collis: +44 7932 725 267 | Andrew.Collis@wtwco.com

    Arnelle Sullivan: +1 (718) 208-0474 | Arnelle.Sullivan@wtwco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • PM Modi meets Uruguayan President Orsi on sidelines of BRICS Summit in Rio

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Yamandu Orsi, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    During their meeting, the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations. They reviewed cooperation in areas such as digital collaboration, information and communication technology (ICT), Digital Public Infrastructure and Unified Payments Interface (UPI), defence, railways, health and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

    A major focus of their talks was on strengthening bilateral trade and investment. Both sides expressed keen interest in expanding the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement, aiming to unlock greater economic potential and harness trade complementarities between India and Uruguay.

    The Prime Minister also conveyed his gratitude to President Orsi for Uruguay’s strong condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and appreciated the country’s solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms.

    The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to build a forward-looking and robust bilateral partnership.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: First Next-Generation Ivolga 4.0 Train Launched on the Yaroslavl Line of the Moscow Railway.

    Russian Railways (RZD) and Central PPK have announced the launch of the first train of the latest Ivolga 4.0 model on the Yaroslavl direction of the Moscow Railway. This milestone marks another step in the large-scale modernization program for suburban transport in the Moscow region.

    A Technological Breakthrough for Passengers.

    The new Ivolga 4.0 trains represent a significant leap forward in the development of domestic railway transport.

    Key advantages of the new model include:

    – Increased capacity: Wider aisles and doorways, and more doors

    – Faster boarding and disembarking thanks to improved car configuration

    – 20% more passenger seats compared to previous models

    – 20% higher route speed, reducing travel time

    Comprehensive Modernization of the Line.

    The launch of Ivolga 4.0 is a logical continuation of the systematic development of the Yaroslavl line. In recent years, the following major infrastructure upgrades have taken place:

    – Additional main tracks were constructed through joint efforts of Moscow Metro and Russian Railways

    – Train intervals were reduced by one third

    – A major transport hub was created at Rostokino, with a transfer to the Moscow Central Circle (MCC)

    Ambitious Plans Through 2030.

    By 2030, 92 new Ivolga trains are planned to be launched on the Yaroslavl line, fully renewing the suburban train fleet. This program will make a significant contribution to the development of Russian engineering.

    Import Substitution and Support for Domestic Industry.

    Of special importance is the high degree of production localization: the Ivolga trains are 97% made from domestically produced components, manufactured at 600 enterprises across the country. Moscow accounts for 75% of orders for new metro and suburban train cars, driving growth in the Russian transport industry.

    The launch of Ivolga 4.0 on the Yaroslavl line opens a new chapter in the history of suburban transit, providing passengers with comfort, speed, and reliability on modern domestic rolling stock.

    On the instructions of Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, together with colleagues from Russian Railways (RZD), Central PPK, and Transmashholding, we are implementing a program to improve suburban transport. The rolling stock has already been fully renewed on D1, D2, and D3, and we are completing this process on D4. The Ivolga 4.0 train is comfortable, spacious, and fast. By 2030, we will completely renew the fleet on the Yaroslavl line, with plans to launch 92 trains, —  said Maksim Liksutov.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sidetrade: 20 years on the stock market, 20 times its IPO price

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sidetrade, the global leader in AI-powered Order-to-Cash applications, today celebrates 20 remarkable years as a listed company. Founded in Paris, France, the company has become a global leader in Order-to-Cash and has multiplied its market valuation twentyfold since its IPO on July 7, 2005.

    On July 7, 2025, in a moment filled with pride and emotion, Sidetrade’s Founder and CEO, Olivier Novasque, visited the Euronext Paris headquarters alongside some of the company’s historic figures to mark two decades of public listing. The traditional market opening bell ceremony highlighted two decades of uninterrupted growth and bold entrepreneurship that have established Sidetrade as a world leader in the Order-to-Cash space. Twenty years after its IPO, Sidetrade stands as a unique French tech success story, built on a foundation of performance, innovation, resilience, and independence.

    A founding vision: leveraging technology to power business cash flow
    When Olivier Novasque founded Sidetrade in 2000, his goal was to build a valuable, agile company ahead of its time. He foresaw the need to reinvent the financial relationship between customers and suppliers, moving away from a purely administrative model toward one driven by performance. Based on this vision, he laid the foundation for a technology platform designed to deeply transform cash flow generation. Going against the prevailing standards of the time, he rejected the dominant on-premises model and bet on SaaS from the very beginning, an audacious move that proved visionary.

    A former finance executive turned entrepreneur, Novasque made the rare choice to raise only essential funds. Instead, he prioritized self-financed growth, aiming to build a high-quality, industrial-grade, tech-driven business.

    “I believe the best companies aren’t necessarily those that raise the most money, but those that work tirelessly to execute their vision with rigor, creativity, and resilience,” said Olivier Novasque, CEO and founder at Sidetrade. “Today, I want to honor everyone, past and present, who has contributed to Sidetrade’s journey. I’m proud to be surrounded by an executive team united by a spirit of ambition, innovation, and excellence. Together, with all Sidetraders, we are ushering Order-to-Cash into the age of the Agentic Revolution.”

    For years, tech company success was often measured by the size of their fundraising rounds rather than their ability to sustain a viable business model. Sidetrade took a different route, rooting its growth in self-financing. Aside from €2 million raised pre-IPO and a €4.5 million capital increase at IPO, Sidetrade has never resorted to public fundraising or shareholder dilution.

    As of today, the company holds nearly €50 million in cash and treasury shares. This performance is the result of a sustained growth strategy and over a decade of investment in artificial intelligence, funded entirely by the company’s ability to generate cash year after year. In 2024, the company delivered a standout performance:

    • Revenue growth of +26% (+16% on a comparable basis)
    • Operating margin of 15%
    • Net income of €7.9 million
    • Free cash flow of €8.7 million

    This financial discipline has in no way compromised shareholder value creation. Listed at €12.50 in 2005, Sidetrade’s share price has increased twentyfold, reaching €249 as of July 4, 2025. This represents a stock market performance of over +1,800%, more than 11 times that of the CAC Mid & Small index, which rose by +164% over the same period.

    A recognized technology leader

    Innovation is part of Sidetrade’s DNA. In 2025, the company’s innovation capabilities were recognized by some of the most respected rankings in the sector:

    • Named a Leader in Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for the third consecutive year
    • Identified by IDC as a key player in financial automation
    • Ranked among Europe’s 150 Most Innovative Companies by Fortune

    These accolades highlight the uniqueness of Sidetrade’s technology foundation, which includes a cloud-native architecture, proprietary action-oriented AI, and a one-of-a-kind payment behavior Data Lake, enriched with over $7.2 trillion in intercompany transactions.

    From its humble beginnings in a Paris office to a global presence, Sidetrade has followed a trajectory of organic growth reinforced by nine acquisitions. The company has rigorously executed its model while expanding geographically across Germany, the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, and of course, France. Today, with 65% of revenue generated outside France, Sidetrade supports major enterprises in 85 countries as a partner in their financial transformation.

    Sidetrade’s inclusion in the Euronext Tech Leaders index in June 2025 marks more than institutional recognition; it affirms the rise of a European tech champion capable of combining breakthrough innovation with profitable growth to power the next generation of enterprise finance.

    “Congratulations to Sidetrade on 20 years of public listing on Euronext,” said Delphine d’Amarzit, Euronext Paris Chairwoman and CEO. “Sidetrade’s remarkable stock market journey is a testament to its sustained growth and demonstrates the power of Euronext to help local SMEs become global mid-cap players while preserving their independence. It perfectly embodies the synergy between entrepreneurial ambition and the excellence of European capital markets, recently underscored by Sidetrade’s entry into the Euronext Tech Leaders index.”

    Sidetrade’s unique trajectory, combining technological innovation, financial performance, and capital discipline, is now catching the attention of American institutional investors. “Sidetrade’s stock performance reflects a remarkable growth journey and a robust business model built on high revenue recurrence, operational excellence, and cash generation,” said Jean-Pierre Tabart, Senior Analyst at TP ICAP Midcap. “Above all, we believe the group still holds significant upside potential. Beyond the strength and durability of its fundamentals, a substantial valuation gap remains compared to North American SaaS players. Moreover, the current share price does not reflect the stock’s strategic value, driven by its scarcity—there are very few opportunities in the European market to gain exposure to a true SaaS company—and by Sidetrade’s lead in artificial intelligence, which is expected to further reinforce its technological leadership in the Order-to-Cash space.”

    Sidetrade is one of the few long-term success stories on the Euronext stock market. With a robust and exportable model, the company has established itself as a global leader with solutions deployed across multinational companies. This trajectory, built with discipline and vision, is now entering a new chapter: one of AI-augmented finance, where more intelligent, more autonomous, and entirely focused on the AI agent revolution.

    Next financial announcement
    First Half Year Revenue for 2025: July 16, 2025 (after the stock market closes)

    Investor & Media relations @Sidetrade

    Christelle Dhrif               +33 6 10 46 72 00          cdhrif@sidetrade.com

    About Sidetrade (www.sidetrade.com)
    Sidetrade (Euronext Growth: ALBFR.PA) provides a SaaS platform designed to revolutionize how cash flow is secured and accelerated. Leveraging its new-generation agentic AI, nicknamed Aimie, Sidetrade analyzes $7.2 trillion worth of B2B payment transactions daily in its Cloud, thereby anticipating customer payment behavior and the attrition risk of 40 million buyers worldwide. Sidetrade has a global reach, with 400+ talented employees based in Europe, the United States, and Canada, serving global businesses in more than 85 countries. Among them: AGFA, BMW Financial Services, Bunzl, DXC, Engie, Inmarsat, KPMG, Lafarge, Manpower, Morningstar, Page, Randstad, Safran, Saint-Gobain, Securitas, Siemens, UGI, Veolia.
    For further information, visit us at www.sidetrade.com and follow @Sidetrade on LinkedIn.

    Contact Euronext

    Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella       fbornancin-tomasella@euronext.com

    About Euronext

    Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway, and Portugal. As of March 2025, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal host nearly 1,800 listed issuers with around €6.3 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices. 
    For the latest news, follow us on X (x.com/euronext) and LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/euronext).
     In the event of any discrepancy between the French and English versions of this press release, only the English version is to be taken into account.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and Interstellar unveil African Currency Marketplace eliminating $5 Billion trade bottleneck

    Source: APO – Report:

    Building on the successful rollout of its groundbreaking continental payment infrastructure, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), in strategic collaboration with Interstellar, a leading African deep-tech company, have announced the launch of the PAPSS African Currency Marketplace (PACM). The launch was announced on the sidelines of the 2025 Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com) Annual Meeting (AAM2025) held in Abuja from June 25 – 28.

    This next-generation Financial Market Infrastructure (FMI) represents a bold evolution of the PAPSS mission, addressing Africa’s longstanding challenge of currency inconvertibility and enabling seamless, sovereign currency exchange for intra-African trade.

    For decades, Africa’s economic momentum has been hindered by a fragmented financial landscape. The continent’s 41 currencies, diverse regulatory environments, and lack of convertibility have created significant friction. To trade with neighbouring countries, African businesses have often relied on external (hard) foreign currencies for foreign exchange, creating what experts call the “hard and costly currency bottleneck.” This workaround drains an estimated $5 billion annually in fees, delays, and opportunity costs, undermining the competitiveness of African enterprises and slowing progress toward realising the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    “PAPSS African Currency Marketplace is fully transparent, order book-driven, and operates with trusted counterparties, strictly adhering to local regulatory frameworks and global best practices,” affirmed Mike Ogbalu III, CEO of PAPSS. “By creating a single, continent-wide liquidity pool, PACM serves as a powerful liquidity engine for intra-African commerce.” This launch marks a major strategic evolution in the PAPSS journey. According to Mr Ogbalu, since its official launch in 2022, PAPSS has enabled real-time cross-border payments across 17 countries, connecting 14 national switches and over 150 commercial banks. Initially piloted in the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), PAPSS rapidly expanded to become the core settlement layer of the AfCFTA’s financial infrastructure. But while payment rails were laid, a deeper issue remained.

    “We soon realised that solving for payments alone was not enough,” explained Mike Ogbalu. “Corporations, airlines, reinsurance firms, and multinationals operating across Africa still faced a persistent hurdle: trapped capital, arising from limited currency convertibility and overreliance on hard currencies.” For example, he explained, over $2 billion is currently ‘trapped’ in African countries where airlines operate, unable to repatriate their funds due to exchange restrictions or depreciation of local currencies. “The PAPSS African Currency Marketplace is the answer to that problem — an extension of our commitment to building sovereign, frictionless financial infrastructure for Africa.” He added.

    The PAPSS African Currency Marketplace jointly developed by PAPSS and Interstellar, enables the direct exchange of African currencies without passing through hard currencies. As a transparent, continent-wide, peer-to-peer platform, it allows businesses to trade directly in local currencies in near real-time while remaining compliant with national regulations. It unlocks liquidity, releases trapped capital, eliminates excessive foreign exchange costs, and supports the continent’s long-term goal of financial sovereignty. In partnership with PAPSS, the PAPSS African Currency Marketplace is built on Interstellar’s enterprise-grade, blockchain-agnostic infrastructure, which enables the use of permissioned blockchain technology while ensuring institutional grade-security, scalability, and near instant settlement.

    “This is not just about technology, it is about fulfilling a continental vision,” said Ernest Mbenkum, Founder and CEO of Interstellar during a fireside chat at the launch. “PAPSS African Currency Marketplace was built from the ground up to serve Africa’s specific needs. PAPSS and Interstellar are not just collaborators, we are co-architects of a new financial future, aligned in purpose and committed to transformation.”

    Ernest Mbenkum further emphasised, “African currencies deserve a better place in the world. With this marketplace, your local currency is no longer just a medium of exchange, it becomes a vehicle of opportunity.” He also highlighted that this is only the beginning of Interstellar’s vision, stating, “We’re building a future where Africa no longer needs to wait for foreign rails to move value. Our infrastructure will power Africa’s financial renaissance.”

    Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, noted: “The PAPSS African Currency Marketplace gives us the power to transform trade dramatically, bringing us to trade with each other with a major benefit that we can now accept each other’s currency.”

    The impact is already being felt. During its pilot phase, more than 80 African corporates transacted across 12 currency pairs, with all transactions settled in local currencies. For example, a company like Kenya Airways, which earns Nigerian Naira from ticket sales, can now use PACM to directly exchange Naira for Kenyan Shillings—without converting through a third currency. Early adopters include ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company) and Access View Africa, which called the platform “a dream come true.”

    PAPSS African Currency Marketplace liberates trapped capital, eliminates excessive FX costs, and transforms multi-week settlement delays into near real-time execution. PAPSS CEO Mr. Ogbalu noted that following positive experiences of some early adopters, PAPSS had received interest from institutions outside Africa seeking to join the ecosystem. “This demand proves the value of what we’ve built,” he said.

    With over 150 banks already connected through PAPSS and growing demand across the continent, PAPSS African Currency Marketplace stands as a game-changing financial tool for a more unified, sovereign, and efficient Africa.

    Concluding his opening keynote, Mr. Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President – Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank reiterated: “Africa will not rise by ideas. Africa will rise by actions. “

    The PAPSS African Currency Marketplace is now open to eligible corporations, financial institutions, and other market participants across the continent.

    – on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Media Contact:
    Papa Thiongane 
    communications@papss.com

    Website:
    marketplace@papss.com

    About PAPSS:
    The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System – PAPSS is a centralised Financial Market Infrastructure that enables the efficient flow of money securely across African borders, minimising risk and contributing to financial integration across the regions. PAPSS collaborates with African central banks to offer payment and settlement solutions that commercial banks and licensed payment service providers (switches, fintechs, aggregators, etc.) across the continent can connect to, making these services accessible to the public. To date, PAPSS has developed and launched 3 payment solutions: PAPSS Instant Payment System (IPS), PAPSS African Currency Marketplace (PACM), and the PAPSSCARD.

    Afreximbank and the African Union (“AU”) first announced PAPSS at the Twelfth Extraordinary Summit of the African Union held on July 7, 2019, in Niamey, Niger Republic, therefore adopting PAPSS as a key instrument for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Further, in its thirteenth (13th) extraordinary session, held on December 5, 2020, the assembly of the African Union directed Afreximbank and the AfCFTA secretariat to finalise, among others, work on the Pan-African Payments and Settlements System (PAPSS). The 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU further directed the AfCFTA and Afreximbank to deploy the system to cover the entire continent. PAPSS was officially launched in Accra, Ghana, on January 13, 2022, thus making it available for use by the public.

    About Interstellar:
    Interstellar Inc. is Africa’s leading enterprise blockchain infrastructure company —enabling secure cross-border transactions, stablecoin integration, and next-generation financial solutions across the continent. Its core platform, STARGATE, is a critical blockchain-agnostic, enterprise-grade infrastructure that empowers major institutions to build and scale secure, high-performance financial applications, including tokenization platforms and payments solutions.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First ARU Peterborough undergrads set to graduate

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Peterborough’s historic cathedral is the venue for ARU Peterborough’s graduation ceremony on 11 July

    The first cohort of ARU Peterborough students to join the city’s new university in 2022 are preparing to celebrate their graduation this week, with many having already secured skilled jobs in the local area.

    Peterborough Cathedral will host this year’s graduation ceremony for ARU Peterborough students at 2pm on Friday, 11 July.

    Students who have studied undergraduate degrees, degree apprenticeships, postgraduate courses and professional development qualifications will cross the cathedral stage to mark the formal completion of their studies.

    “Congratulations to all our graduates on their success. This graduation ceremony marks a historic milestone for ARU Peterborough. It is a celebration of the achievements of our first cohort of students and reflects our mission to create opportunities, drive social mobility, and deliver high level skills tailored to local and national needs.

    “This graduation also signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our university and community, as we expand our academic offer with a range of new courses available to start this September.”

    Principal of ARU Peterborough, Professor Ross Renton

    The first graduation is a landmark moment for the city, which until the opening of ARU Peterborough, was known as a higher education “cold spot”. The university has provided opportunities for many students to develop their skills – opportunities they might not have had otherwise.

    James Johnson, 26, is to start work after graduation at local firm ParkAir as an Embedded Software Engineer. The Applied Computer Science graduate from Yaxley said: “It’s unlikely I would’ve attended university if it wasn’t for ARU Peterborough. I was 24 when I enrolled and going further afield wasn’t an option.

    “Finding a local job straight after graduation means a lot. At the start, I was a little uncertain if university was right for me. This proves going to ARU Peterborough was the right thing to do.”

    Faaizah Hussain, who lives in Peterborough and has studied for a BSc (Hons) degree in Accounting and Finance at ARU Peterborough, will give the Vote of Thanks speech at the graduation ceremony on 11 July.

    Faaizah, who has now enrolled on a Postgraduate Certificate in Education to become a teacher, said: “I had already secured an apprenticeship and hadn’t planned on going to university until I found out about ARU Peterborough. I wasn’t keen on moving away or commuting long distances, and I didn’t realise there was a university here until my mum came across an advert and told me about it.

    “Studying at ARU Peterborough has far exceeded my expectations. The one-to-one support has helped shape both my confidence and my character. University turned out to be so much more than I imagined – there wasn’t just academic guidance, there was genuine care from the tutors.

    “Throughout my time here, I’ve taken on so many different roles. I co-founded a student society, was elected as a student governor, became a course representative, and worked as a student ambassador, which I absolutely loved. ARU Peterborough really gives you the platform to grow and get involved in ways that make a lasting impact on not just your own student experience, but the university’s future as a whole.”

    Kazim Raffiq-Fazal, from Peterborough, has been a student ambassador during his computer science degree course and has just started a job at a Cambridgeshire software development company.

    Kazim, 20, said: “I did my A-levels here in Peterborough and I knew university would be the next step for me. I went to a few open days at other institutions but I knew I wanted to study close to where I was living. I went to an open day at ARU Peterborough, met some of the lecturers and saw what the course contained, and it was everything I was looking for.

    “I don’t think I would have had the same experience if I had gone to university elsewhere. Studying close to home has allowed me to spend less time commuting and I have been able to take part in more study and activities.

    “In my second year I did an internship at a software company and that led to an offer to work for them after I graduated.”

    ARU Peterborough is a partnership between Anglia Ruskin University, Peterborough City Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

    “Huge congratulations to the first ever graduates of ARU Peterborough. This is both a personal achievement for each student and a landmark moment for our city. 

    “ARU Peterborough is transforming lives, tackling the higher education cold spot we faced, and building a pipeline of talent that meets the needs of local businesses. It’s helping people gain the skills and confidence to succeed and thrive in our local economy. 

    “This day is another example of what can be achieved through ambition and partnership between the City Council, ARU and the Combined Authority. And it marks just the beginning of ARU Peterborough’s growing role in the city’s regeneration and success.” 

    Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

    “Firstly, a huge congratulations to all those who will be graduating on 11 July.

    “When the concept of ARU Peterborough was created, its vision was to teach skills businesses in Peterborough are calling out for – andfor these to be skills needed for careers of the future.

    “These are the very first set of graduates who will be leaving ‘job ready’. It will help ensure we retain our brightest and most hard working students, delivering confident and capable employees to our businesses and helping our city to flourish for years to come.”

    Councillor Nick Thulbourn, cabinet member for growth and regeneration at Peterborough City Council

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Sex Trafficker Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

    Source: US FBI

                WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announces that James E. Coleman, 29, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for trafficking a 14-year-old victim from Virginia in 2020 for commercial sex with strangers, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                Coleman pleaded guilty on May 17, 2022, to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a child, to production of child pornography, and to first-degree child sexual abuse. In addition to the 360-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss ordered Coleman to serve 15 years of supervised release, to register as a sex offender and to pay $25,000 in restitution to the victim.

                According to court documents, Coleman worked with a co-conspirator with the goal of trafficking the victim for commercial sex and knew that the victim was a minor. Beginning on June 30, 2020, Coleman took sexually explicit photographs and videos of the victim to market her on websites advertising commercial sex services.

                Coleman gave the victim directions regarding how much to charge for sexual services, with specific monetary amounts for increments of time she spent with the commercial sex customers. Coleman then pocketed the payments for sexual services the victim provided. He told the victim to tell commercial sex clients she was 21 years old, if she was asked.

                Coleman also used his cell phone to record a video of himself engaging in sex acts with the victim.

                In July of 2020 Coleman ordered the victim to give him money. When she refused, he beat her with a broomstick, assaulted her with a knife, cut off her clothing, and left her nude in the hallway of his building.

                Coleman was arrested by U.S. Marshals on Oct. 22, 2020, and has been held without bond since.

                This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caroline Burrell, Meredith Mayer-Dempsey, and Angela Buckner.

                This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    21cr210

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: InvroMining launches intelligent AI cloud mining platform to achieve stable daily income

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

     Hot News

     Core Scientific share price surge sparks renewed global interest in the value of cloud computing power
    In June 2025, shares of US mining giant Core Scientific soared more than 30% in a single day on rumours of a takeover. As the core of digital asset infrastructure, the value of “arithmetic power” is being reassessed by the capital market. At the same time, InvroMining is providing global users with a new path to crypto income without hardware by using AI cloud mining model.

     InvroMining: AI-driven Next Generation Intelligent Cloud Mining Platform

     InvroMining is a global intelligent cloud mining platform that allows users to participate in the daily mining of major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Dogcoin (DOGE), Ethereum (ETH), and other cryptocurrencies without the need for any mining equipment. New users can get a $15 experience bonus for signing up, and the platform automatically allocates arithmetic power through AI algorithms, realising a truly “low-threshold, automated” mining experience.

     Platform core highlights

    1.  Sign up to get $15 experience gold
       2. AI real-time allocation of arithmetic power, automatically increase revenue
      3. Support iOS / Android / PC multi-platform operation.
      4. Green energy mining, in line with ESG environmental standards
      5. Global legal compliance operation, users feel more at ease.
      6. 24/7 multi-language customer service support.
       7.Support over 10 mainstream cryptocurrency contracts.

     How to start earning potential income with InvroMining?

    1.Visit the official website: https://InvroMining.com
    2. Sign up for an account and receive a $15 bonus.
    3. Choose the right mining plan and activate it.

     InvroMining offers a wide selection of short and long term investment contracts :
    ①. BTC Basic Contract: $100 investment, 2-day cycle, $4 daily return, $108 total return.
    ②.DOGE Classic Contract: $5,000 investment, 20-day cycle, daily return of $77.5, total return of $6550
    ③.BTC Super Contract: $100,000 investment, cycle 55 days, daily return $1,950, total return $296,250
    4. Check your earnings daily and withdraw cash after the contract ends.
    5. Refer a friend to get extra bonus

     Why choose InvroMining?

     1. Global compliance, safe and reliable.
    2. Green energy mining, support carbon neutral goal.
    3. AI algorithm-driven, better returns
    4. Double encryption to ensure asset security
    5. Flexible contract configuration to suit different needs.

     Conclusion

     As Core Scientific’s market capitalisation soars, the strategic value of cloud computing power in the global capital market is becoming more and more prominent. invroMining is making it easy for ordinary users to participate in the digital asset economy with its leading AI cloud mining model. If you are looking for a stable, efficient and environmentally friendly crypto revenue solution, InvroMining is undoubtedly the most trustworthy choice in 2025.

    For more information, please visit the official website: https://InvroMining.com
    For the convenience of users to operate and manage their accounts, please visit the official website or click here to download the APP

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Liberty Agents Seeks Strategic Backers to Power AI and Data Infrastructure Across the WLFI + USD1 Ecosystem

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    From the team behind Assimilate, MacroEdge, and AIaaS – Liberty Agents is preparing to launch as the coordination layer for sovereign builders aligned with liberty-first principles.

    LONDON, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LibertyAgents.io, the AI and data coordination layer for the WLFI + USD1 ecosystem, is preparing to launch – and is now seeking strategic backers to help activate the next phase of decentralised infrastructure.

    Built by the team behind, MacroEdge.ai, Assimilate.News, and AIaaS.io, LibertyAgents.io provides verified agent deployment, macro and stablecoin dashboards, curated data feeds, and KYC-ready onboarding tools for sovereign project launches – all operating on a stack already shipped, tested, and integrated.

    “You can’t scale liberty with narratives,” said M0R84N, CEO at Assimilate Corp. “You scale it with infrastructure. Liberty Agents is how we do that.”

    Built on a Proven, Bootstrapped Stack

    LibertyAgents.io is not a concept. It’s a surface layer built on top of an operational intelligence stack shipped by Assimilate Corp over the last 8+ months:

    • MacroEdge.ai – Real-time macro terminal with 80+ indicators, ETF tracking, AI agents, and native WLFI / USD1 dashboards

    • Assimilate.cc – Terminal for agent deployment, coordination, and signal overlays

    • AIaaS.io – 500+ deployable tools for AI agents, dashboards, and strategy execution

    • Assimilate.News – Curated updates across macro, tech, and decentralised systems

    • USD1Bot – Lightweight sentiment and USD1 stablecoin tracker on X

    These tools are already in market – live, modular, and designed for liberty-aligned systems. Not Just Another Meme-Agent Generator

    In an era where AI and crypto are often reduced to gimmicks – meme-bots, prompt wrappers, speculative agent launches – Liberty Agents takes a radically different approach.

    This platform isn’t built to mint hype.
    It’s built to surface signal, deploy usable intelligence, and support builders who treat liberty not as a theme – but a principle worth designing for.

    Liberty Agents is about infrastructure that lasts – not noise that trends.

    Strategic Backers Wanted

    Liberty Agents is now in pre-launch alignment mode and we’re speaking directly with strategic backers.

    Backers who recognise the opportunity:

    • A live, working AI + macro stack

    • A coordination layer aligned with WLFI / USD1

    • A route to support verified builders, onchain signal, and permissionless deployment

    What backers receive:

    • Early access to the Liberty Agents deployment layer and stack-wide integrations

    • Strategic influence on dashboards, data services, and new agent tooling

    • Visibility as a launch supporter (optional)

    • Optional access to deal flow from emerging agents and sovereign deployments

    If you’re deploying capital into liberty-first infrastructure or want to help unlock the ecosystem these tools were built for, we’re ready to talk.

    LibertyAgents Patron NFTs

    For institutions or high-net-worth individuals who resonate with the mission, there is another (faster) way to participate:

    Aligned supporters can mint a Liberty Agents Patron NFT – a symbolic, non-financial access pass. Four Patron tiers are available in strictly limited numbers. NFT minting is denominated in USD1.

    These NFTs offer tiered access to the Liberty Agents ecosystem and demonstrate alignment with decentralised, sovereign infrastructure. More details available at LibertyAgents.io.

    Whether you’re ready to engage or simply ready to signal – we’re ready.

    Token-Agnostic Agents. Payments in USD1. And a Liberty Fund

    Liberty Agents does not assume every tool or project needs a token.

    The platform will support verified, tokenless deployments, as well as modular access tiers powered by USD1.

    From premium agent capabilities to real-time data feeds, USD1 can serve as a clean, stable medium of exchange – enabling payment, licensing, and contribution without introducing volatility or governance overhead.

    In parallel, Assimilate Corp is preparing the groundwork for a Liberty Fund – a discretionary pool designed to support WLFI aligned developers, projects, and coordination tools that advance the ecosystem.

    WLFI & USD1 Alignment by Design

    While currently unaffiliated with World Liberty Financial or USD1, the platform is directly aligned with both:

    • WLFI + USD1 dashboards already live on MacroEdge.ai

    • USD1 flows integrated into early-stage agents and feeds

    • WLFI-native tooling in development, including ETF overlays and launch modules

    • USD1 considered for settlement, agent access, and data monetisation use cases

    About the Team

    Assimilate Corp is led by contributors with deep Web3 and protocol experience, including a successful metaverse ecosystem exit in late 2024. The team has built every piece of infrastructure to date without external funding – and LibertyAgents.io is the next logical evolution.

    Explore the Initial Stack

    • Global macro terminal: https://MacroEdge.ai

    • Agent tools & AI sentiment: https://Assimilate.cc

    • AI as a Service platform: https://AIaaS.io

    • Emerging tech news curation: https://Assimilate.News

    • Coordination layer: https://LibertyAgents.io

    TL;DR

    • LibertyAgents.io is a soon-to-launch coordination layer for WLFI + USD1 ecosystems

    • Built by the team behind Assimilate, MacroEdge, AIaaS, and more

    • Not a meme factory – real infrastructure: agents, dashboards, data services

    • USD1-enabled payments and USD1 AI agent liquidity pairing

    • Launching with a Liberty Fund to support aligned projects and grass roots builders

    • Seeking strategic backers – the stack is ready, the application process open

    • Tiered Patron NFTs for those of a HNW who wish to support the mission

    Media Inquiries / Access:

    team@libertyagents.io

    Lorene George
    Communications Manager
    Liberty Agents is a trading style of Assimilate Corp Assimilate Corp, Panama City

    Web: www.libertyagents.io
    X (Twitter): @LibertyAgents
    CEO: @M0R84N

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by LibertyAgents. 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/9f8d1214-5747-438f-a39d-e4040229861e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why are we so obsessed with bringing back the woolly mammoth?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Rebecca Woods, Associate Professor, Institute for the History & Philosophy of Science & Technology, University of Toronto

    A photograph of a steppe mammoth on display at the Australian Museum in Sydney. (Unsplash/April Pethybridge), CC BY

    In just the last several months, de-extinction — bringing back extinct species by recreating them or organisms that resemble them — has moved closer from science fiction to science fact. Colossal Biosciences — an American for-profit de-extinction startup headed by geneticists George Church and Beth Shapiro — announced two major achievements almost back-to-back.

    In the first, scientists spliced part of the woolly mammoth’s genome into mice to create “woolly mice,” incredibly cute pom-pom like rodents sporting coats that express the genes of long-extinct woolly mammoths.

    Reuters reports on the woolly mice developed by Colossal Biosciences.

    Just a few weeks later, Colossal announced an even bigger achievement, claiming to have brought back the dire wolf, a contemporary of the woolly mammoth who, like their Ice Age proboscidean co-travellers, last roamed the Earth roughly 10,000 years ago.



    Read more:
    Colossal Bioscience’s attempt to de-extinct the dire wolf is a dangerously deceptive publicity stunt

    Mammoth popularity

    Woolly mammoths are at the forefront of these controversial de-extinction efforts. Despite a deep bench of more recently extinct species — the dodo, the moa, passenger pigeons, the bucardo, quagga, thylacine, aurochs and a whole host of others — readily available to take centre stage in de-extinction efforts, woolly mammoths figure prominently in de-extinction stories, both scientific and popular.

    Woolly mammoths featured prominently in the imagery of Revive & Restore, a “genetic rescue” conglomerate of scientists and futurists headed by tech-guru Steward Brand; in 2021, Colossal “established ownership” over woolly mammoth revival. Colossal’s own logo visualizes CRISP-R, the gene-splicing technology that facilitates de-extinction, and the signature spiralled tusks of Mammuthus primigenius.

    In popular culture, woolly mammoths have been a source of fascination for the last several centuries. Thomas Jefferson famously held out hope that live mammoths would be found beyond the frontier of American colonialism in the late-1700s, while early excavations of American mastodons were major events in the early 1800s. American painter Charles Willson Peale captured the first such excavation in oils, and later capitalized on that mastadon’s skeleton in his Philadelphia museum.

    More recently, Manny the mammoth featured in the ongoing Ice Age animated film franchise, first launched in 2002.

    Climate icons

    At the same time, woolly mammoths have also become an emblem of the contemporary climate crisis. During the recent wave of defacing famous artwork in order to draw attention to the climate crisis, environmental activists painted the (fortunately artificial) tusks of the Royal B.C. Museum’s woolly mammoth model bright pink.

    In a 2023 publicity stunt, the Australian cultured-meat startup, Vow, unveiled a mammoth meatball produced out of the woolly mammoth’s genome with sheep DNA as filler. Not for sale, the mammoth meatball was scorched before an audience at the Dutch science museum, Nemo.

    The stunt was intended to call attention, again, to the plight of the Earth’s climate, the unsustainability of industrialized food systems and the potential for lab-grown meat to square this particular circle.

    Model animals

    For a creature that no human being has ever seen live and in the flesh, woolly mammoths certainly get a lot of media exposure. How did this long-extinct species become the emblem of contemporary extinction and de-extinction?

    People have been interacting with the remains of woolly mammoths for hundreds of years. Dig a hole deep enough almost anywhere in the northern hemisphere, and you are apt to come across the bones or maybe the tusks of extinct mammoths or mastodons.

    In early modern Europe, mammoth fossils were famously interpreted as the bones of unicorns and giants before being recognized as belonging to elephant-like creatures around 1700. Only around 1800 were mammoths recognized as a distinct and extinct species of proboscidea.

    Elsewhere in Arctic regions, especially Siberia, Indigenous Peoples were familiar with mammoth remains preserved by permafrost. As rivers and their tributaries surged during annual thaws, whole carcasses of mammoths (and woolly rhinos) were sometimes exposed.

    Local peoples who came across these remains, apparently recently dead but belonging to creatures they never saw walking the Earth’s surface, surmised that they were great burrowing rodent-like animals that tunnelled through the ground and perished if they accidentally came into contact with atmosphere.



    Read more:
    Ancient DNA suggests woolly mammoths roamed the Earth more recently than previously thought

    Around the Arctic, including in Alaska, permafrost prevented the fossilization of mammoth tusks as well as bodies, and this ice ivory was — and remains — an important element of Arctic economies, carved locally and exchanged into historically regional, and now global, markets.

    Continued relevance

    Despite their association with the distant past, woolly mammoths have long resonated with modern human cultures as their fossilized or preserved body parts entered economic practices and knowledge systems alike. But as the extinction of once numerous species like the passenger pigeon, the American bison and African elephant began to loom over the late 19th century, woolly mammoths took on new meanings in the context of modern extinction and emergent understandings of human evolution.

    A mural by by paleoartist Charles R. Knight depicting wooly mammoths, displayed at the American Museum of Natural History.
    (United States Geological Survey)

    Revolutions in geology, archeology, paleontology and related disciplines were changing long-held assumptions about the origin of humankind.

    Narratives of the rise of “man the hunter” arose in natural history institutions such as the American Museum of Natural History and the Field Museum in Chicago. These origin stories were explicitly connected to the presumed extinction of woolly mammoths and their evolutionary relatives, the mastodons.

    These led to some of the most powerful expressions of mammoths in visual form, like the frescoes and paintings produced by renowned paleoartist Charles R. Knight.

    At the same time, cave paintings in France, Spain and elsewhere came to light in the early 20th century. For example, the 40,000-year-old frescoes at Rouffignac, France clearly depicting woolly mammoths were interpreted as further evidence of this deep and powerful historical connection.

    It is this connection — the association of the rise of modern humankind with the decline and extinction of the woolly mammoth — that feeds today’s continued fascination. Notions of human complicity in extinction stories have long been embedded in modern scientific understandings of woolly mammoths. It is no accident that woolly mammoths are so central to de-extinction projects and climate activism alike.

    Rebecca Woods received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Why are we so obsessed with bringing back the woolly mammoth? – https://theconversation.com/why-are-we-so-obsessed-with-bringing-back-the-woolly-mammoth-253432

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMCA, MTS, and OCIMF publish landmark guidance on dynamic positioning safety and assurance

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

    Headline: IMCA, MTS, and OCIMF publish landmark guidance on dynamic positioning safety and assurance

    The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), The Marine Technology Society Dynamic Positioning Committee (MTS DPC), and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) are pleased to announce the release of  

    This milestone publication presents a unified approach setting out how the global offshore industry can assure DP vessels are capable of delivering safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations with predictable outcomes. 

    The publication is the result of a collaborative effort among IMCA, MTS DPC and OCIMF, as well as classification societies, DP assurance providers, vessel operators, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). 

    The JDP01 publication refocuses industry best practice on a core principle: proving single fault tolerance (SFT) in absolute terms. Its guidance introduces a comprehensive, transparent framework for assessing redundancy integrity and implementing evidence-based validation into every stage of design, testing, and operation.

    The publication will serve as a critical reference for vessel designers, shipyards, assurance providers, charterers, and operators. By bringing together MTS’s academic and technical leadership, IMCA’s contractor-driven focus, and OCIMF’s commitment to operational excellence and safety, this collaboration is designed to enhance maritime safety through consistency and standardisation.  

    “This initiative reflects the best of our industry coming together, with purpose, discipline, and vision to address complex safety and environmental challenges,” said Suman Muddusetti, Chairman of the MTS DPC. “With JDP01, we are not only enhancing station-keeping reliability but also supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, enabling confidence in more efficient operational configurations.” 

    Richard Purser, Technical Adviser – Marine, at IMCA, said: “This new guidance represents a transition from ‘tick-box’ compliance to comprehensive, systems-engineered assurance in DP safety and dependability. It highlights that single fault tolerance is the key to safe DP operations and that all stakeholders – vessel owners, equipment manufacturers, vessel designers, and DP practitioners – have a role to play in ensuring that vessels have single fault tolerance in multiple configurations of DP systems to ensure safe DP operations.  

    “We expect this guidance will support standardisation across the industry and improve assurance outcomes for all stakeholders.” 

    The Dynamic Positioning Committee is one of 15 committees under the umbrella of the Marine Technology Society, a professional society that advocates for marine technology and resources while promoting member success and public understanding. 

    OCIMF is a voluntary association of oil companies with an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas. It promotes best practice in the design, construction and operation of tankers, barges and offshore vessels, and their interfaces with terminals. 

    JDP01 – A Unified Approach to Verification, Validation, and Assurance of Single Fault Tolerance in DP Systems is available to download here. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMCA, MTS, and OCIMF publish landmark guidance on dynamic positioning safety and assurance

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

    Headline: IMCA, MTS, and OCIMF publish landmark guidance on dynamic positioning safety and assurance

    The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), The Marine Technology Society Dynamic Positioning Committee (MTS DPC), and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) are pleased to announce the release of  

    This milestone publication presents a unified approach setting out how the global offshore industry can assure DP vessels are capable of delivering safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations with predictable outcomes. 

    The publication is the result of a collaborative effort among IMCA, MTS DPC and OCIMF, as well as classification societies, DP assurance providers, vessel operators, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). 

    The JDP01 publication refocuses industry best practice on a core principle: proving single fault tolerance (SFT) in absolute terms. Its guidance introduces a comprehensive, transparent framework for assessing redundancy integrity and implementing evidence-based validation into every stage of design, testing, and operation.

    The publication will serve as a critical reference for vessel designers, shipyards, assurance providers, charterers, and operators. By bringing together MTS’s academic and technical leadership, IMCA’s contractor-driven focus, and OCIMF’s commitment to operational excellence and safety, this collaboration is designed to enhance maritime safety through consistency and standardisation.  

    “This initiative reflects the best of our industry coming together, with purpose, discipline, and vision to address complex safety and environmental challenges,” said Suman Muddusetti, Chairman of the MTS DPC. “With JDP01, we are not only enhancing station-keeping reliability but also supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, enabling confidence in more efficient operational configurations.” 

    Richard Purser, Technical Adviser – Marine, at IMCA, said: “This new guidance represents a transition from ‘tick-box’ compliance to comprehensive, systems-engineered assurance in DP safety and dependability. It highlights that single fault tolerance is the key to safe DP operations and that all stakeholders – vessel owners, equipment manufacturers, vessel designers, and DP practitioners – have a role to play in ensuring that vessels have single fault tolerance in multiple configurations of DP systems to ensure safe DP operations.  

    “We expect this guidance will support standardisation across the industry and improve assurance outcomes for all stakeholders.” 

    The Dynamic Positioning Committee is one of 15 committees under the umbrella of the Marine Technology Society, a professional society that advocates for marine technology and resources while promoting member success and public understanding. 

    OCIMF is a voluntary association of oil companies with an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas. It promotes best practice in the design, construction and operation of tankers, barges and offshore vessels, and their interfaces with terminals. 

    JDP01 – A Unified Approach to Verification, Validation, and Assurance of Single Fault Tolerance in DP Systems is available to download here. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Topnotch Crypto Launches Smart Cloud Mining Platform and Disruptive Features

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Los Angeles, California, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Topnotch Crypto announced the launch of an innovative cloud mining platform dedicated to lowering the barrier to entry for users in the crypto mining field. The new system is fast, automated, environmentally friendly and easy for novices to operate, allowing users to easily control and optimize the efficiency of digital assets.

    What are the upgrade highlights of Topnotch Crypto’s new system?

    A series of new generation features designed to enhance the mining experience:

    • Fully automatic smart cloud mining platform
    • AI-driven computing power scheduling, optimizing system operation and resource allocation.
    • All new users can enjoy free welcome bonus
    • Military-grade security system
    • Energy-saving infrastructure to support sustainable mining
    • Mobile dashboard for easy mining anytime, anywhere

    These tools combine to provide you with a truly modern mining solution with zero technical barriers.

    Smart cloud mining: no equipment required

    Say goodbye to expensive mining machines or noisy fans. With Topnotch Crypto’s cloud platform, all operations are run in a secure data center. No software to download, no hardware to maintain, and no electricity bills to pay. Once your account is activated, you can automatically start mining in the cloud. This is the fastest and easiest way to get cryptocurrency in 2025.

    AI-driven: automatic scheduling, improved operational efficiency

    At the heart of this update is AI-based mining intelligence. This proprietary engine analyzes blockchain data in real time and automatically adjusts mining strategies based on factors such as:

    • Market profitability
    • Energy consumption
    • Network difficulty

    This means that your mining output is always optimized without manual input.

    Multiple protection mechanisms to build a stable digital asset environment

    Security is a highlight of the latest version of the platform. Upgraded protection features ensure that your account and digital assets are always safe. The security suite includes:

    • End-to-end encryption protection throughout the process
    • Real-time monitoring and early warning of logins and operations
    • Intelligent abnormality identification and risk prevention and control system

    The system protects your account and operation security around the clock, no matter where you are.

    Born for the Earth: A new era of energy-saving mining

    Topnotch Crypto leads the way in sustainable development, fully adopting green energy infrastructure to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. This innovative eco-first model proves that cryptocurrencies can grow without harming the planet. This is not only a responsible way to mine, but also a best practice for performance and environmental protection.

    Smart dashboard built for mobile experience

    Whether you use a smartphone, tablet or desktop, the responsive design ensures that you can easily control the entire mining process anytime, anywhere. The intuitive interface allows you to view real-time data and manage account settings, which is simple to operate without any technical background.

    Key features at a glance

    • Free registration bonus – open your exclusive gift package immediately
    • Real-time account status – start using as soon as your account is activated
    • User dashboard – conveniently track account activity and data

    Everything is designed to bring convenience and efficiency to users from day one. Just one step: visit the official website to create a free account. Once your account is activated, you will immediately get platform tools and rewards without repeated settings.

    Conclusion: The future of mining is here

    Topnotch Crypto has successfully redefined cloud mining in 2025. By combining automation, artificial intelligence, green energy and unparalleled security, it brings a seamless experience to all users. If you’re ready to explore crypto mining the smart way, Topnotch is the platform you can trust.

    Get started now: https://topnotchcrypto.com
    Contact customer service: info@topnotchcrypto.com

    Mine smarter, profit faster. Join Topnotch!

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Topnotch Crypto Launches Smart Cloud Mining Platform and Disruptive Features

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Los Angeles, California, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Topnotch Crypto announced the launch of an innovative cloud mining platform dedicated to lowering the barrier to entry for users in the crypto mining field. The new system is fast, automated, environmentally friendly and easy for novices to operate, allowing users to easily control and optimize the efficiency of digital assets.

    What are the upgrade highlights of Topnotch Crypto’s new system?

    A series of new generation features designed to enhance the mining experience:

    • Fully automatic smart cloud mining platform
    • AI-driven computing power scheduling, optimizing system operation and resource allocation.
    • All new users can enjoy free welcome bonus
    • Military-grade security system
    • Energy-saving infrastructure to support sustainable mining
    • Mobile dashboard for easy mining anytime, anywhere

    These tools combine to provide you with a truly modern mining solution with zero technical barriers.

    Smart cloud mining: no equipment required

    Say goodbye to expensive mining machines or noisy fans. With Topnotch Crypto’s cloud platform, all operations are run in a secure data center. No software to download, no hardware to maintain, and no electricity bills to pay. Once your account is activated, you can automatically start mining in the cloud. This is the fastest and easiest way to get cryptocurrency in 2025.

    AI-driven: automatic scheduling, improved operational efficiency

    At the heart of this update is AI-based mining intelligence. This proprietary engine analyzes blockchain data in real time and automatically adjusts mining strategies based on factors such as:

    • Market profitability
    • Energy consumption
    • Network difficulty

    This means that your mining output is always optimized without manual input.

    Multiple protection mechanisms to build a stable digital asset environment

    Security is a highlight of the latest version of the platform. Upgraded protection features ensure that your account and digital assets are always safe. The security suite includes:

    • End-to-end encryption protection throughout the process
    • Real-time monitoring and early warning of logins and operations
    • Intelligent abnormality identification and risk prevention and control system

    The system protects your account and operation security around the clock, no matter where you are.

    Born for the Earth: A new era of energy-saving mining

    Topnotch Crypto leads the way in sustainable development, fully adopting green energy infrastructure to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. This innovative eco-first model proves that cryptocurrencies can grow without harming the planet. This is not only a responsible way to mine, but also a best practice for performance and environmental protection.

    Smart dashboard built for mobile experience

    Whether you use a smartphone, tablet or desktop, the responsive design ensures that you can easily control the entire mining process anytime, anywhere. The intuitive interface allows you to view real-time data and manage account settings, which is simple to operate without any technical background.

    Key features at a glance

    • Free registration bonus – open your exclusive gift package immediately
    • Real-time account status – start using as soon as your account is activated
    • User dashboard – conveniently track account activity and data

    Everything is designed to bring convenience and efficiency to users from day one. Just one step: visit the official website to create a free account. Once your account is activated, you will immediately get platform tools and rewards without repeated settings.

    Conclusion: The future of mining is here

    Topnotch Crypto has successfully redefined cloud mining in 2025. By combining automation, artificial intelligence, green energy and unparalleled security, it brings a seamless experience to all users. If you’re ready to explore crypto mining the smart way, Topnotch is the platform you can trust.

    Get started now: https://topnotchcrypto.com
    Contact customer service: info@topnotchcrypto.com

    Mine smarter, profit faster. Join Topnotch!

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: How startups are using AI to support healthcare providers and patients

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: How startups are using AI to support healthcare providers and patients

    Healthcare is constantly evolving, driven by the need to improve patient outcomes and in so doing the delivery of healthcare itself. With the power of AI, the potential to leverage health data in a meaningful way grows exponentially, both in terms of our ability to understand health-related data as well as the potential impact that deeper understanding holds for the delivery of patient care.

    “If all of this data is being captured already, then why is it that still up to 90% of the patients are being left untreated or undertreated?” said Vibhor Gupta, PhD, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pangaea Data. “For me, it was important to do something about it.”

    Pangaea Data is at the forefront of using AI at the point of care, leveraging cutting-edge technology to address some of the most pressing challenges. Harnessing the power of Microsoft Azure and NVIDIA, the startup ensures that healthcare providers are empowered to diagnose and treat their patients more effectively—and more personally.

    “An AI-powered clinician will only be a better clinician,” said Monica Mok, Biomedical Analyst at Pangaea Data. “It’ll be a clinician that has more brain capacity to actually talk to you, to understand you, to be more empathetic, to actually think, and be supported in the decision making and personalize their treatments for you.”

    Combining the practice of medicine with the power of AI

    Pangaea Data’s flagship AI platform, PALLUX, is designed to mimic the decision-making process of physicians, integrating vast amounts of medical knowledge and patient data to provide real-time insights. This technology empowers clinicians to make informed decisions, helping patients receive the best care possible.

    By leveraging technology to help surface insights—in real time—at the point of care, Pangaea Data enables clinicians to focus on building human connections with their patients.

    “As we think about how healthcare needs to evolve, this will be a critical component,” said David Rhew, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Microsoft. “We know that technology can help. We know that Pangaea Data solutions work. But we also have to find ways to make this workflow compatible. And that means we have to think about how all these different systems work together.”

    Microsoft Azure and NVIDIA GPUs play a crucial role in enabling PALLUX to perform complex reasoning and deliver real-time responses to clinicians. The combination of Azure’s compliance across different countries and territories and NVIDIA’s powerful GPUs ensures that the platform is both trusted and efficient. 

    Learn more about how Pangaea Data, supported by Microsoft Azure and NVIDIA graphics processing units (GPUs), is revolutionizing healthcare by providing innovative solutions that improve patient care and streamline processes. Their work exemplifies the power of technology in transforming industries and making a positive impact on people’s lives.

    Interested in hearing from other Catalysts?

    True innovation happens when startups are able to harness the power of Microsoft Azure Infrastructure coupled with NVIDIA AI solutions to spark industry-disrupting breakthroughs. Watch the Catalyst series to see how today’s boldest innovators are building the future, unlocking what is possible—and to provide inspiration for your startup to catalyze change.

    Get started with Microsoft for Startups today 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: How startups are using AI to support healthcare providers and patients

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: How startups are using AI to support healthcare providers and patients

    Healthcare is constantly evolving, driven by the need to improve patient outcomes and in so doing the delivery of healthcare itself. With the power of AI, the potential to leverage health data in a meaningful way grows exponentially, both in terms of our ability to understand health-related data as well as the potential impact that deeper understanding holds for the delivery of patient care.

    “If all of this data is being captured already, then why is it that still up to 90% of the patients are being left untreated or undertreated?” said Vibhor Gupta, PhD, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pangaea Data. “For me, it was important to do something about it.”

    Pangaea Data is at the forefront of using AI at the point of care, leveraging cutting-edge technology to address some of the most pressing challenges. Harnessing the power of Microsoft Azure and NVIDIA, the startup ensures that healthcare providers are empowered to diagnose and treat their patients more effectively—and more personally.

    “An AI-powered clinician will only be a better clinician,” said Monica Mok, Biomedical Analyst at Pangaea Data. “It’ll be a clinician that has more brain capacity to actually talk to you, to understand you, to be more empathetic, to actually think, and be supported in the decision making and personalize their treatments for you.”

    Combining the practice of medicine with the power of AI

    Pangaea Data’s flagship AI platform, PALLUX, is designed to mimic the decision-making process of physicians, integrating vast amounts of medical knowledge and patient data to provide real-time insights. This technology empowers clinicians to make informed decisions, helping patients receive the best care possible.

    By leveraging technology to help surface insights—in real time—at the point of care, Pangaea Data enables clinicians to focus on building human connections with their patients.

    “As we think about how healthcare needs to evolve, this will be a critical component,” said David Rhew, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Microsoft. “We know that technology can help. We know that Pangaea Data solutions work. But we also have to find ways to make this workflow compatible. And that means we have to think about how all these different systems work together.”

    Microsoft Azure and NVIDIA GPUs play a crucial role in enabling PALLUX to perform complex reasoning and deliver real-time responses to clinicians. The combination of Azure’s compliance across different countries and territories and NVIDIA’s powerful GPUs ensures that the platform is both trusted and efficient. 

    Learn more about how Pangaea Data, supported by Microsoft Azure and NVIDIA graphics processing units (GPUs), is revolutionizing healthcare by providing innovative solutions that improve patient care and streamline processes. Their work exemplifies the power of technology in transforming industries and making a positive impact on people’s lives.

    Interested in hearing from other Catalysts?

    True innovation happens when startups are able to harness the power of Microsoft Azure Infrastructure coupled with NVIDIA AI solutions to spark industry-disrupting breakthroughs. Watch the Catalyst series to see how today’s boldest innovators are building the future, unlocking what is possible—and to provide inspiration for your startup to catalyze change.

    Get started with Microsoft for Startups today 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025 Great New York State Fair Tickets on Sale, July 7

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul announced that admission and parking for The 2025 Great New York State Fair went on sale today. Packed with value, a single admission ticket costs $8 and includes access to all grounds entertainment and the Chevrolet Music Series, while parking costs $12. In addition, a Frequent Fairgoer ticket option is available for $25. Admission remains free for those aged 65 and older along with children 12 years old and under, continuing to ensure that The Fair is one of the most affordable fairs in the nation, providing an accessible space for the whole family to get offline and get outside.

    For those superfans who are planning to be at The Fair at least four days over its 13-day stretch, the Frequent Fairgoer option again allows the ticket holder to enter The Fair once a day, every day during The Fair. A Frequent Fairgoer ticket is non-transferable and is available exclusively online.

    “The Great New York State Fair is a time-honored tradition and a cornerstone of our summers here in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “People shouldn’t have to break the bank to have fun. As of today, tickets for this affordable, family-friendly event are now on sale. New Yorkers – get your tickets today and I’ll see you at The Fair this summer!”

    New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Summer means one thing – it’s time for The Great New York State Fair! I encourage everyone to get their tickets now and start planning their trip to learn about New York agriculture, sample some delicious foods, check out some fantastic entertainment, and so much more.”

    New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave said, “The 2025 Great New York State Fair is just 43 days away, so now’s the time for fairgoers to start planning a day (or 13!) of unforgettable summer fun. From animals, to hundreds of commercial attractions, scores of exciting midway rides, and dozens of big-name entertainers, The Fair has something in store for the whole family and so many great memories waiting to be made. We strongly encourage fairgoers to make their ticket and parking arrangements before arriving at the grounds. With close to 100,000 people in the vicinity of the Fairgrounds daily, purchasing in advance helps to keep lines to a minimum and ensure fairgoers move through the gates as quickly as possible to experience all the fun that The Fair has to offer! From our Fair family to yours – we can’t wait to see you soon!”

    Fair admission includes the ability to watch dozens of national recording acts in the Chevrolet Music Series, including Grammy winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performers, and so many more. There will be a daily 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. concert at Chevy Court (located near Gate 1) with an extra show at 9:00 p.m. on Friday nights, as well as a daily 8:00 p.m. concert at Suburban Park (located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway).

    Updated concert schedules are available on The Fair’s website at pages dedicated to Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

    HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS AND PARKING TO THE GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR

    There are three ways to buy admission tickets and/or parking: online, over the phone, and in-person from August 20 through September 1.

    • Online: The link to purchase admission tickets and parking will go live at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, at The Great New York State Fair’s website.
    • Over the Phone: Starting July 7, tickets and parking may also be purchased over the phone by calling Etix toll-free at 1-800-514-3849 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
    • At the Gate: Beginning Wednesday, August 20, kiosks positioned at all gates will be available for electronic ticket purchases. To minimize waiting time for the kiosks, large signs featuring QR codes will also be available at all entrances and in parking lots so fairgoers can use their smartphone to purchase tickets.

    Including fees, the total cost for fairgoers will be:

    • Admission: $8.32 per ticket ($8 admission, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 18 cents)
    • Frequent Fairgoer: $25.70 ($25 Frequent Fairgoer pass, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 56 cents; note that the Frequent Fairgoer passes are available exclusively online)
    • Parking: $12.41 per vehicle ($12 parking, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 27 cents)

    Upon arrival to The Fair, drivers must show their parking ticket to lot attendants electronically on their phones or through a printed copy. Please note that again this year, EZPass Plus is not an option for parking. Parking passes may be purchased with a credit card at the lots. Please note that cash is not accepted.

    There will be no cash sales at The Fair’s entrance gates or in parking lots. Machines that can convert cash into a usable card will be positioned at The Fair’s Main Gate for those fairgoers bringing cash to the grounds.

    HOURS OF OPERATION

    The Great New York State Fair begins on Wednesday, August 20 and continues through Labor Day, September 1. The Fair’s hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day, except for Labor Day, when The Fair closes at 9:00 p.m. Gates open to the public at 9:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. every day except for Labor Day, Monday, September 4, when no entry will be permitted after 8:00 p.m.

    Parking Hours: The Orange parking lot opens at 9:00 a.m. daily, with the Brown and Pink lots opening daily at 6:00 a.m., and the Gray lots opening daily at 8:30 a.m. The Willis Ave parking lot opens at 10:00 a.m., but will only be accessible only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day.

    Trams: For the convenience of fairgoers, trams will run continuously on the Fairgrounds, stopping at 10 stops from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.* every day. Plus, a dedicated ADA shuttle runs between the Gray Accessible Parking lot, located outside Gate 10, to Tram Stop #3 at the rear entrance of the Horticulture Building from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.* each day.

    *Note, on Monday, September 1, the trams stop running one hour earlier.

    CENTRO’S PARK-N-RIDE DIRECT SHUTTLE SERVICE TO AND FROM THE FAIR

    Centro’s Park-N-Ride direct shuttle service will provide passengers with transportation from the Centro Transit Hub Downtown, Long Branch Park, and Destiny USA to and from the Fairgrounds with drop-off and pick-up points to the left of the Main Gate. To ride the shuttle one way, the fee is $1 for adults, and 50 cents for senior citizens, children six to nine years old, and those who are living with disabilities. The last shuttle leaves the Fairgrounds each day at 11:15 p.m. Shuttles will run on a limited schedule after 9:00 p.m. on September 1 as The Fair closes earlier that day.

    WADE SHOWS MIDWAY: TICKETS ON SALE SOON

    Advance tickets for The Fair’s famous Midway, operated by Wade Shows, will go on sale in the coming weeks. Stay up-to-date with The Fair’s social media and website to be the first to hear when these tickets are available for purchase.

    ABOUT THE GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR

    Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

    The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Announces That All Traders Can Use 100x Leverage for Crypto Futures Trading with Double Deposit Bonus and NO KYC Required

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BexBack Exchange has launched an aggressive new promotion to empower both new and seasoned crypto traders: All eligible new users receive a $50 welcome bonus and a 100% deposit bouns match. As the crypto market braces for another period of high volatility, BexBack is making futures trading more accessible and profitable than ever. With up to 100x leverage, zero KYC requirements, and support for over 50 digital assets, the platform provides an ideal environment for those seeking to capitalize on market swings without large upfront capital.

    Advantages of 100x Leverage Crypto Futures

    1. Amplified Profits: Control large positions with a small amount of capital, capturing more profits from market fluctuations.
    2. Low Capital Requirement: Participate in high-value trades with minimal investment, lowering the entry barrier.
    3. Increased Market Opportunities: Profit quickly from price fluctuations, especially in volatile markets.
    4. High Capital Efficiency: Leverage enables better use of your capital, expanding your investment potential.
    5. Profit from Both Up and Down Markets: Adapt to any market conditions, with opportunities to profit whether the market goes up or down.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering up to 100x leverage on futures contracts for BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and over 50 other digital assets. Headquartered in Singapore, the platform also operates offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. Like many top-tier exchanges, BexBack holds a U.S. MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. The platform accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe, with zero deposit fees and 24/7 multilingual customer support, delivering a secure, efficient, and user-friendly trading experience.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign Up Now on BexBack — Break the 100x Leverage and KYC Barriers, Get Double Deposit Bonus and $50 Welcome Bonus Instantly

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c4d1085-dfc5-4d96-a3e1-20d8439031b3

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/593f7159-c39a-4579-a262-20f47c850c72

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a2e2f6c-81b6-45f6-bdc7-b6d3166e8b61

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa14d60a-eabd-456a-ad08-bdb461b889da

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Locafy Launches AI-Driven SEO Product Suite for FY26

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Locafy’s AI Search Platform Powers Visibility Across Organic and AI Search

    New Product Lineup Tailored to Local, National, and e-Commerce Businesses

    AI-Powered Tools Designed to Automate Engagement and Accelerate Online Presence

    PERTH, Australia, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Locafy Limited (NASDAQ: LCFY, “Locafy”), a globally recognized leader in location-based digital marketing, today unveiled its FY26 suite of AI-powered SEO products. These solutions, now commercially available following successful market testing, are designed to deliver measurable improvements across organic, AI, and marketplace search results.

    Locafy initially outlined its AI-powered publishing roadmap in December 2024, promising to streamline content production and improve cost-effective online visibility for businesses.

    “We are excited to announce that we’ve delivered on that promise,” said Gavin Burnett, CEO of Locafy.

    All of Locafy’s publishing and SEO products are designed to drive visibility in search engines and, increasingly, AI-driven search tools and marketplaces. Recent research shows these optimizations extend across both traditional and emerging search platforms.

    “We’ve evolved our technology to influence not only search engine rankings but also AI search results,” said Burnett. “Our platform helps position our clients’ websites as authoritative sources for high-value keywords, across local, national, and e-commerce campaigns.”

    Burnett added, “We’ve also automated the creation of AI-search-ready landing pages, opening up a greenfield opportunity for scaled monetization. Our U.S. directory includes more than 9.68 million direct business listings, and our citation management partners publish more than 28 million business listings across our directories. Each of these represents either a direct sales opportunity or a chance to collaborate with partners using the data we already publish on their behalf.”

    Locafy is focused on three primary solution categories:

    1. Online Business Listings
    2. Local SEO
    3. AI-powered engagement tools

    Online Business Listings
    Locafy continues to assert that online business listings form the cornerstone of successful Local SEO. These listings supply structured data that fuels automated SEO product generation. Locafy currently publishes more than 9.5 million listings in the U.S. and remains focused on partnerships with citation management firms and multi-location businesses. It is also exploring acquisitions of databases, directories, and citation management assets.

    The Total Addressable Market (TAM) for the Local SEO solution in their key target markets of USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK is more than 40 million businesses.

    “We currently host more than 63 million business listings worldwide, of which more than 40 million are in the U.S., Canada, Australia and the UK,” said Burnett. “However, our direct sales opportunity is more than 11.4 million, plus we have more than 28 million listings that we publish on behalf of partners, who can now connect to our Platform to automate the production of our Local SEO products for their clients.”

    Country Partner Added* Claimed*
    Australia 2,145,707 652,351
    Canada 1,533,479 289,274
    United Kingdom 3,458,205 802,003
    United States of America 33,076,154 9,684,329
    TOTAL 40,213,545 11,427,957

    Local SEO
    The flagship solution, Localizer, integrates listing syndication, AI-search optimization, review management, and Google Map Pack enhancement.

    “We haven’t seen another product that combines these capabilities—at a price point starting around $690/month,” said Burnett. “Our customers get centralized control of reviews, consistent online presence, and high rankings in local map results, often within a short timeframe. Recent automation upgrades have made this level of value possible.”

    AI-powered Engagement Tools
    In addition to improving search visibility, Locafy has developed a scalable, cost-effective AI Voice Concierge that can serve as a virtual receptionist, product expert, or customer service agent.

    “This is our first step into AI-enabled customer engagement,” said Burnett. “Our Voice Concierge acts like a digital team member—it can take bookings, provide answers, and interact 24/7. Just feed it your business documents and it learns. We record and transcribe every interaction, giving clients full transparency.

    “This kind of capability once felt like science fiction, but it’s here now—and Locafy is helping businesses adapt and thrive in an AI-powered world.”

    Over the past six months, Locafy has streamlined its product suite, automated key production processes, and validated product performance through live testing. With this foundation in place, the Company is poised for commercial growth in FY2026.

    While the company still offers solutions for National SEO and e-Commerce, it believes the immediate opportunity afforded by its breakthroughs in AI Search represents a larger and more scalable revenue opportunity with far greater automation already in place.

    About Locafy
    Locafy (Nasdaq: LCFY, LCFYW) is a globally recognized software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology company specializing in local search engine marketing. Founded in 2009, Locafy’s mission is to revolutionize the US$700 billion SEO sector. The company helps businesses and brands improve search engine relevance and visibility in proximity-based search through a fast, easy, and automated platform. For more information, please visit www.locafy.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Matt Glover
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    (949) 574-3860
    LCFY@gateway-grp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Toobit Futures Upgrades Trading with New BBO Feature for Faster, Optimized Execution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Toobit, the award-winning global cryptocurrency exchange, today launches its Best Bid Offer (BBO) feature for Futures traders, designed to combine the speed of market orders with the precision of limit orders, offering users faster and more effective trade execution.

    In volatile markets, manual price entry for limit orders can lead to costly delays, missed trades, and unfavorable slippage. In 2023, Bitcoin, the leading digital asset, experienced an annualized volatility rate of over 80%, with average daily price swings of around 4%. For instance, a mere 0.5% slippage on a $10,000 trade can result in an immediate $50 loss, a common frustration for active traders.

    Toobit Futures’ new BBO feature gives traders an edge by eliminating the need to manually enter prices. Instead, traders can place limit orders that automatically reference live market data, matching the most competitive bid or ask levels directly from the order book.

    Toobit Futures BBO feature in action, showing the Counterparty 1 option selected for a BTCUSDT limit order.

    “With BBO, traders don’t have to choose between speed and control,” said Mike Williams, Chief Communication Officer at Toobit. “This feature empowers users to act fast without compromising on price accuracy, especially during high volatility.”

    Here’s how BBO works:

    Toobit BBO orders allow traders to instantly place a limit order based on real-time market levels, using preset options such as:

    • Counterparty 1: Matches the top of the opposing order book.
    • Queue 1: Matches the top of the same side of the order book.
    • Counterparty 5 / Queue 5: Reference the fifth-best bid/ask to offer additional control and strategic positioning.

    To place a BBO order, users simply select their desired price level (e.g., Counterparty 1, Queue 5) and click “Open Long” or “Open Short.” This smart order placement greatly increases the chance of immediate execution, making it ideal for traders who need to move quickly in fast markets.

    The BBO feature is now available for all Futures limit orders on the Toobit platform.

    About Toobit

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

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

    Contact: Davin C.
    Email: market@toobit.com
    Website: www.toobit.com

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b8677101-0e15-4e57-9931-d00d7ca48125

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e994c53f-5a58-44a8-9aea-28c55f7634ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Explore Modern Monarchies through the Law Library’s Newest Story Map

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    The Law Library is pleased to announce the publication of a new Story Map: Modern Monarchies Around the World. With contributions from former interns Kate Krause and Sam Walkow, this is the 12th Story Map to join the Law Library’s collection.

    The title page of the Modern Monarchies Story Map.

    Each country mapped is one of three types of monarchies: absolute, constitutional, or mixed. Each pop-up on the interactive map also includes links to our Guide to Law Online: Nations of the World for further learning.

    A screenshot from the interactive map feature of the Story Map, demonstrating the pop-up feature.

    You can learn more about how these monarchies change over time through the CIA World Factbook.

    We hope you enjoy the newest addition to our Story Map collection. Tell us any interesting facts you learn during your research, or what other topics you might like to see in future Story Maps!

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it is free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • 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.com

    Eyal Cohen, CEO
    +972-542525925
    eyalc@boscom.com

    Safe 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.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Let’s talk about Russia: Polytechnic’s study guides for Mariupol students

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    From September 1, students of the Priazovsky State Technical University (PSTU) will begin studying the key course “Fundamentals of Russian Statehood” using the unique practical manual “Let’s Talk About Russia”. It was developed by employees of the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

    In recent years, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation has been actively working to reform the humanitarian block of disciplines in the country’s universities. One of the main innovations of the 2023-2024 academic year was the introduction of a patriotic-focused academic subject, “Fundamentals of Russian Statehood”. The need to develop the discipline was especially emphasized by Russian President V.V. Putin at a meeting of the State Council “On the implementation of youth policy in modern conditions”. The head of state pointed out the critical importance of this step in the context of escalating information confrontation, noting the increased vulnerability of the younger generation to targeted attacks from outside. The task has been set to give young people reliable guidelines and reliable knowledge through a fundamental academic course on the “History of Russia” and “Fundamentals of Russian Statehood”.

    In response to the appeal of the teachers of the Priazovsky State Technical University to the Vice-Rector for Educational Activities of SPbPU Lyudmila Pankova, an additional print run of the textbook “Let’s Talk About Russia” was promptly printed and sent to Mariupol. The presentation ceremony took place at the A. A. Zhdanov Memorial House-Museum in Mariupol – a branch of the State Memorial Museum of the Defense and Siege of Leningrad.

    The practical manual was prepared by a team of authors — teachers of the Higher School of Social Sciences of the Humanitarian Institute. The main feature of the publication is its innovative structure, which allows for an organic combination of theoretical training in the course “Fundamentals of Russian Statehood” with various analytical, project and creative tasks.

    By studying the fundamental principles of statehood, value and ideological attitudes of a citizen of the Russian Federation, students will not only learn the information, but also comprehend it through dialogues, discussions, project work and the completion of creative tasks.

    For example, when studying the topic “Diversity of Russian Regions”, students are offered tasks in the form of fillwords and anagrams. The game approach turns the acquisition of material into a fascinating search, developing attentiveness and analytical thinking. Working on the topic “Victories and Trials of Russia”, students create a virtual art gallery of works dedicated to the trials or victories of Russia. Reflecting on the traditional values of Russian society, students analyze how values and moral ideals are reflected in language, works of art, and are fixed in the form of quotes, images, and characters. The children select quotes and suitable images from works of literature and popular culture that most vividly demonstrate the manifestation of a specific value. It is the synthesis of theory and interactive tasks that allows us to form a meaningful personal attitude to the principles and values of Russian statehood, making the learning process as productive and engaging as possible.

    At the present time, the Higher School of Social Sciences of the Humanitarian Institute is completing work on a collective monograph, “Russia’s Civilization Path,” within the framework of a single educational and methodological complex on “Fundamentals of Russian Statehood.” The monograph will become an additional resource for integration processes aimed at forming the socio-cultural sovereignty of our country.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE adopts new regulation for emergency lane keeping system and guidance on data storage for automated driving

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    In an effort to harness advanced technologies to strengthen road safety, the UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) has adopted a new regulation on emergency lane keeping system, and it endorsed the guidance document on data storage for automated driving. 

    The emergency lane keeping system (ELKS) is a driver assisting system that provides warning to the driver and corrects the trajectory only when the driver is unintentionally leaving the lane. Unintentional drifting over lane markings typically happens during long and monotonous journeys and can be particularly dangerous if another vehicle is in the adjacent lane at the moment of changing lanes. If the driver does not react in time, ELKS can actively and quickly steer the vehicle back into its own lane, thus avoiding an accident. 

    The new UNECE regulation establishes uniform provisions for ELKS fitted to passenger vehicles and vans. It stipulates that the system will automatically detect a potential lane departure, provide the driver with an appropriate warning and correct the vehicle’s trajectory when the driver unintentionally leaves the lane. The driver can maintain control and override the system at any time by taking a deliberate action, such as steering or other control inputs. 

    The regulation will enter into force in February 2026.  

    Guidance on data storage for automated driving  

    The data storage system for automated driving is a device or a function that records and stores a set of data (timestamped flags) during the automated driving sequences of any vehicle equipped with level 3, 4 and 5 automated driving systems (ADS) to provide a clear picture of the interactions between the driver and the system whenever an important safety related event occurs. It is used to establish whether the driver or the system was requested to be in control of the driving task, and who was actually performing the driving task. 

    The guidance on data storage for automated driving endorsed by UNECE’s World Forum provides recommendations to enable the evaluation of ADS performance. It proposes what data elements (e.g. data pertaining to sensing and perception, planning and decision, and control) should be recorded and how they should be stored, with provisions regarding access and confidentiality. It suggests that all of the stored data should be readily accessible to entities as defined under national law, and that the manufacturer should ensure the data is promptly available in a standardized and readable format through an electronic communication interface, preferably an internationally recognized standard. 

    The adoption of this guidance document took place in the context of the development of a global regulation on automated driving system, and discussions have already taken place to cover DSSAD in the new regulation currently in development. 

    In another decision that is expected to improve road safety, the World Forum adopted a new series of amendments to the UN Regulation No. 175 on Acceleration Control for Pedal Error (ACPE) to prevent sudden acceleration when the vehicle is driving very slowly (creeping) and to extend the scope of application to vans in addition to passenger cars with automatic transmission.  

    Note to editors   

    About the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations  

    The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, hosted by UNECE, is a unique global platform responsible for the regulatory frameworks regarding the safety and environmental performance of vehicles, their subsystems and parts.   

    The World Forum manages three global agreements on vehicles: 1958 Agreement (UN Regulations); 1998 Agreement (UN Global Technical Regulations); and 1997 Agreement (UN Rules on Periodic Technical Inspections). Any country that is member of the United Nations may participate in the activities of the World Forum and accede to the Agreements.  

    Image credit: Adobe Stock Images by Livinskiy (AI generated)

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Social media can support or undermine democracy – it comes down to how it’s designed

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lisa Schirch, Professor of the Practice of Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame

    A protester calls out Facebook for facilitating the spread of disinformation. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

    Every design choice that social media platforms make nudges users toward certain actions, values and emotional states.

    It is a design choice to offer a news feed that combines verified news sources with conspiracy blogs – interspersed with photos of a family picnic – with no distinction between these very different types of information. It is a design choice to use algorithms that find the most emotional or outrageous content to show users, hoping it keeps them online. And it is a design choice to send bright red notifications, keeping people in a state of expectation for the next photo or juicy piece of gossip.

    Platform design is a silent pilot steering human behavior.

    Social media platforms are bringing massive changes to how people get their news and how they communicate and behave. For example, the “endless scroll” is a design feature that aims to keep users scrolling and never reaching the bottom of a page where they might decide to pause.

    I’m a political scientist who researches aspects of technology that support democracy and social cohesion, and I’ve observed how the design of social media platforms affects them.

    Democracy is in crisis globally, and technology is playing a role. Most large platforms optimize their designs for profit, not community or democracy. Increasingly, Big Tech is siding with autocrats, and the platforms’ designs help keep society under control.

    There are alternatives, however. Some companies design online platforms to defend democratic values.

    Optimized for profit

    A handful of tech billionaires dominate the global information ecosystem. Without public accountability or oversight, they determine what news shows up on your feed and what data they collect and share.

    Social media companies say they are in the business of connecting people, but they make most of their money as data brokers and advertising firms. Time spent on platforms translates to profit. The more time you spend online, the more ads you see and the more data they can collect from you.

    This ad-based business model demands designs that encourage endless scrolling, social comparison and emotional engagement. Platforms routinely claim they merely reflect user behavior, yet internal documents and whistleblower accounts have shown that toxic content often gets a boost because it captures people’s attention.

    Tech companies design platforms based on extensive psychological research. Examples include flashing notifications that make your phone jump and squeak, colorful rewards when others like your posts, and algorithms that push out the most emotional content to stimulate your most base emotions of anger, shame or glee.

    How social media algorithms work, explained.

    Optimizing designs for user engagement undermines mental health and society. Social media sites favor hype and scandal over factual accuracy, and public manipulation over designing for safety, privacy and user agency. The resulting prevalence of polarizing false and deceptive information is corrosive to democracy.

    Many analysts identified these problems nearly a decade ago. But now there is a new threat: Some tech executives are looking to capture political power to advance a new era of techno-autocracy.

    Optimized for political power

    A techno-autocracy is a political system where an authoritarian government uses technology to control its population. Techno-autocrats spread disinformation and propaganda, using fear tactics to demonize others and distract from corruption. They leverage massive amounts of data, artificial intelligence and surveillance to censor opponents.

    For example, China uses technology to monitor and surveil its population with public cameras. Chinese platforms like WeChat and Weibo automatically scan, block or delete messages and posts for sensitive words like “freedom of speech.” Russia promotes domestic platforms like VK that are closely monitored and partly owned by state-linked entities that use it to promote political propaganda.

    Over a decade ago, tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, and now Vice President JD Vance, began aligning with far-right political philosophers like Curtis Yarvin. They argue that democracy impedes innovation, favoring concentrated decision-making in corporate-controlled mini-states governed through surveillance. Embracing this philosophy of techno-autocracy, they moved from funding and designing the internet to reshaping government.

    Techno-autocrats weaponize social media platforms as part of their plan to dismantle democratic institutions.

    The political capture of both X and Meta also have consequences for global security. At Meta, Mark Zuckerberg removed barriers to right-wing propaganda and openly endorsed President Donald Trump’s agenda. Musk changed X’s algorithm to highlight right-wing content, including Russian propaganda.

    Designing tech for democracy

    Recognizing the power that platform design has on society, some companies are designing new civic participation platforms that support rather than undermine society’s access to verified information and places for public deliberation. These platforms offer design features that big tech companies could adopt for improving democratic engagement that can help counter techno-autocracy.

    In 2014, a group of technologists founded Pol.is, an open-source technology for hosting public deliberation that leverages data science. Pol.is enables participants to propose and vote on policy ideas using what they call “computational democracy.” The Pol.is design avoids personal attacks by having no “reply” button. It offers no flashy newsfeed, and it uses algorithms that identify areas of agreement and disagreement to help people make sense of a diversity of opinions. A prompt question asks for people to offer ideas and vote up or down on other ideas. People participate anonymously, helping to keep the focus on the issues and not the people.

    The civic participation platform Pol.is helps large numbers of people share their views without distractions or personal attacks.

    Taiwan used the Pol.is platform to enable mass civic engagement in the 2014 democracy movement. The U.K. government’s Collective Intelligence Lab used the platform to generate public discussion and generate new policy proposals on climate and health care policies. In Finland, a public foundation called Sitra uses Pol.is in its “What do you think, Finland?” public dialogues.

    Barcelona, Spain, designed a new participatory democracy platform called Decidim in 2017. Now used throughout Spain and Europe, Decidim enables citizens to collaboratively propose, debate and decide on public policies and budgets through transparent digital processes.

    Nobel Peace Laureate Maria Ressa founded Rappler Communities in 2023, a social network in the Philippines that combines journalism, community and technology. It aims to restore trust in institutions by providing safe spaces for exchanging ideas and connecting with neighbors, journalists and civil society groups. Rappler Communities offers the public data privacy and portability, meaning you can take your information – like photos, contacts or messages – from one app or platform and transfer it to another. These design features are not available on the major social media platforms.

    Rappler Communities is a social network in the Philippines that combines journalism, community and technology.
    Screenshot of Rappler Communities

    Tech designed for improving public dialogue is possible – and can even work in the middle of a war zone. In 2024, the Alliance for Middle East Peace began using Remesh.ai, an AI-based platform, to find areas of common ground between Israelis and Palestinians in order to advance the idea of a public peace process and identify elements of a ceasefire agreement.

    Platform designs are a form of social engineering to achieve some sort of goal – because they shape how people behave, think and interact – often invisibly. Designing more and better platforms to support democracy can be an antidote to the wave of global autocracy that is increasingly bolstered by tech platforms that tighten public control.

    Lisa Schirch receives funding from the Ford Foundation. I know the founder of Pol.is and Remesh platforms, mentioned in this article, as well as Maria Ressa of Rappler Communities.

    I will not benefit in any way from describing their work.

    – ref. Social media can support or undermine democracy – it comes down to how it’s designed – https://theconversation.com/social-media-can-support-or-undermine-democracy-it-comes-down-to-how-its-designed-257103

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sanya’s Qianguqing Park Expands Range of Interactive Programs for Russian Tourists

    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

    HAIKOU, July 7 (Xinhua) — A preliminary familiarization tour of the “Qianguqing Carnival” was held recently at the major Qianguqing (Millennium Romance) theme park in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, during which Russian tourists were offered various interactive activities.

    According to the park’s representative, Huang Jia, Russian tourists were taught Chinese idioms, introduced to China’s intangible cultural heritage, and involved in traditional folk dances. This initiative helped to effectively overcome language and cultural barriers, allowing Russian guests to visually and deeply become acquainted with the charm of traditional Chinese culture and the distinctive color of Hainan Province.

    According to the data, following the results of the first 5 months of this year, Russian tourists were consistently leading in number among foreign guests of Sanya, demonstrating a trend towards a younger contingent. Moreover, almost 80% of travelers from Russia stayed in the city for more than four days. At the same time, Russians traditionally make up the main category of foreign visitors to the Qianguqing theme park, the number of visits to which has been rapidly growing in recent years.

    According to Huang Jia, in order to deepen international cultural exchanges, expand overseas markets and improve service quality, the park has installed signs in Russian, trained guides fluent in Chinese and Russian, and invited Russian artists to participate in performances. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –