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Category: Taxation

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Titus, Cohen, Ciscomani Introduce Bipartisan Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    WASHINGTON – Today Representative Dina Titus, a Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, reintroduced the bipartisan Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025, along with Reps. Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).

    In efforts to control equine populations, the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently directed to “humanely capture” wild free-roaming horses and burros and set them up for adoption. To assist in the roundup, or “gathering”, of wild horses and burros, the BLM contracts directly with private enterprises, including helicopter companies, to pursue equines over long distances, creating situations that can be frightening and even deadly to the animals.

    These roundup practices also come at a steep cost to taxpayers. In the past five years (2020-2024), at least $36.7 million has been spent on roundups, including over $6 million paid to helicopter roundup contractors in fiscal year 2022 alone. Scientific research has shown that more humane and cost-effective alternatives, like fertility control, are equally effective in controlling equine populations. The BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program, however, currently spends less than four percent of its budget on these methods. Rep. Titus’s Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025 would more effectively advance the BLM’s directive to humanely capture horses while providing significant savings for taxpayers.

    “Nevada is home to more wild horses than any other state in our country. Tragically, these animals are subjected to taxpayer-funded helicopter roundups and removals that are all too often costly, ineffective, and inhumane,” said Rep. Titus, a Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus. “My legislation would eliminate the use of helicopters in BLM wild horse gathers and require a report to explore the benefits of alternative methods for humanely gathering horses and the workforce opportunities for traditional cowboys. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan proposal that would protect these icons of the American West which remain a source of pride for Nevada residents.”

    “As one of the founding co-Chairs of the Wild Horse and Burro Caucus, I’m pleased to co-lead the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act to improve accountability and transparency of how these icons of the West are managed by the Bureau of Land Management,” said Rep. Cohen.

    “For too long, wild horses and burros have been subjected to dangerous, cruel, and costly roundups that often result in the death of the animal,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, I’m proud to support this common sense, bipartisan legislation that would eliminate the use of helicopters during Bureau of Land Management roundups and encourage more humane and cost-effective alternatives to manage these iconic animals.”

    “The Bureau of Land Management is charged with humanely managing our nation’s federally protected wild horses, yet every year we see horrific fatalities during helicopter roundups — from wild mustangs running for their lives on broken legs to foals dying from exhaustion,” said Joanna Grossman, Ph.D., equine program director for the Animal Welfare Institute. “Taxpayer dollars should not be funding this abject cruelty. We are grateful to Reps. Titus, Cohen, and Ciscomani for their leadership on this critical bill that would end the use of helicopter roundups and prioritize a more sustainable, humane path forward.” 

    “We commend Representative Dina Titus for her leadership in introducing the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025. This bill is a critical step toward ending the cruel and unnecessary use of helicopters in wild horse roundups and bringing long-overdue transparency to the Bureau of Land Management’s operations through immediate implementation of onboard cameras,” said Suzanne Roy, executive director of American Wild Horse Conservation. “The American public overwhelmingly supports humane, accountable management of our iconic wild herds, and this legislation delivers just that.” 

    The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025 has been endorsed by the Animal Welfare Institute and the American Wild Horse Conservation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Titus, Cohen, Ciscomani Introduce Bipartisan Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    WASHINGTON – Today Representative Dina Titus, a Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, reintroduced the bipartisan Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025, along with Reps. Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).

    In efforts to control equine populations, the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently directed to “humanely capture” wild free-roaming horses and burros and set them up for adoption. To assist in the roundup, or “gathering”, of wild horses and burros, the BLM contracts directly with private enterprises, including helicopter companies, to pursue equines over long distances, creating situations that can be frightening and even deadly to the animals.

    These roundup practices also come at a steep cost to taxpayers. In the past five years (2020-2024), at least $36.7 million has been spent on roundups, including over $6 million paid to helicopter roundup contractors in fiscal year 2022 alone. Scientific research has shown that more humane and cost-effective alternatives, like fertility control, are equally effective in controlling equine populations. The BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program, however, currently spends less than four percent of its budget on these methods. Rep. Titus’s Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025 would more effectively advance the BLM’s directive to humanely capture horses while providing significant savings for taxpayers.

    “Nevada is home to more wild horses than any other state in our country. Tragically, these animals are subjected to taxpayer-funded helicopter roundups and removals that are all too often costly, ineffective, and inhumane,” said Rep. Titus, a Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus. “My legislation would eliminate the use of helicopters in BLM wild horse gathers and require a report to explore the benefits of alternative methods for humanely gathering horses and the workforce opportunities for traditional cowboys. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan proposal that would protect these icons of the American West which remain a source of pride for Nevada residents.”

    “As one of the founding co-Chairs of the Wild Horse and Burro Caucus, I’m pleased to co-lead the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act to improve accountability and transparency of how these icons of the West are managed by the Bureau of Land Management,” said Rep. Cohen.

    “For too long, wild horses and burros have been subjected to dangerous, cruel, and costly roundups that often result in the death of the animal,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus, I’m proud to support this common sense, bipartisan legislation that would eliminate the use of helicopters during Bureau of Land Management roundups and encourage more humane and cost-effective alternatives to manage these iconic animals.”

    “The Bureau of Land Management is charged with humanely managing our nation’s federally protected wild horses, yet every year we see horrific fatalities during helicopter roundups — from wild mustangs running for their lives on broken legs to foals dying from exhaustion,” said Joanna Grossman, Ph.D., equine program director for the Animal Welfare Institute. “Taxpayer dollars should not be funding this abject cruelty. We are grateful to Reps. Titus, Cohen, and Ciscomani for their leadership on this critical bill that would end the use of helicopter roundups and prioritize a more sustainable, humane path forward.” 

    “We commend Representative Dina Titus for her leadership in introducing the Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025. This bill is a critical step toward ending the cruel and unnecessary use of helicopters in wild horse roundups and bringing long-overdue transparency to the Bureau of Land Management’s operations through immediate implementation of onboard cameras,” said Suzanne Roy, executive director of American Wild Horse Conservation. “The American public overwhelmingly supports humane, accountable management of our iconic wild herds, and this legislation delivers just that.” 

    The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025 has been endorsed by the Animal Welfare Institute and the American Wild Horse Conservation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The Bangladesh delta is under a dangerous level of strain, analysis reveals

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Md Sarwar Hossain, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science & Sustainability, University of Glasgow

    The Ganges delta in Bangladesh. Emre Akkoyun/Shutterstock

    Bangladesh is known as the land of rivers and flooding, despite almost all of its water originating outside the territory. The fact that 80% of rivers that flow through Bangladesh have their sources in a neighbouring country, can make access to freshwater in Bangladesh fraught. And the country’s fast-growing cities and farms – and the warming global climate – are turning up the pressure.

    In a recent analysis, my colleagues and I found that four out of the ten rivers that flow through Bangladesh have failed to meet a set of conditions known as their “safe operating space”, meaning that the flow of water in these rivers is below the minimum necessary to sustain the social-ecological systems that rely on them. These rivers included the Ganges and Old Brahmaputra, as well as Gorai and Halda.

    This puts a safe and reliable food and water supply not to mention the livelihoods of millions of fishers, farmers and other people in the region, at risk.

    Water flow on the remaining six rivers may be close to a dangerous state too, due to the construction of hydropower dams and reservoirs, as well as booming irrigated agriculture.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The concept of a safe operating space was devised by Stockholm University researchers in 2009 and typically assesses the Earth’s health as a whole by defining boundaries such as climate warming, water use and biodiversity loss which become dangerous to humanity once exceeded. A 2023 update to this research found that six of the nine defined planetary boundaries have been transgressed.

    Since the Bangladesh delta is one of the world’s largest and most densely populated (home to around 170 million people), we thought it prudent to apply this thinking to the rivers here. We found that food, fisheries and the world’s largest intertidal mangrove forest, a haven for rich biodiversity, are all under strain from water demand in growing cities such as Dhaka.

    The knock-on effects

    During all seasons but winter, river flows in the Bangladesh delta have fallen over the past three decades.

    No river in the Bangladesh delta is within its safe operating space.
    Kabir et al. (2024)

    Our analysis highlights the limits of existing political solutions. The ability of the Ganges river to support life and society is severely strained, despite the Ganges water sharing treaty between India and Bangladesh, which was signed in 1996.

    Rivers in Bangladesh have shaped the economy, environment and culture of South Asia since the dawn of human civilisation here. And humans are not the only species suffering. Hilsha (Tenualosa ilisha), related to the herring, is a fish popular for its flavour and delicate texture. It contributes 12% to national fish production in Bangladesh but has become extinct in the upper reaches of the Ganges due to the reduction of water flow.

    Excessive water extraction upstream, primarily through the Farakka barrage, a dam just over the border in the Indian state of West Bengal, has also raised the salinity of the Gorai river. A healthy river flow maintains a liveable balance of salt and freshwater. As river flows have been restricted, salinity has crept up, particularly in coastal regions that are also beset by sea level rise. This damages freshwater fisheries, farm yields and threatens a population of freshwater dolphins in the Ganges.

    Low river flows and increasing salinisation now threaten the destruction of the world’s largest mangrove forest, the loss of which would disrupt the regional climate of Bangladesh, India and Nepal. It would also release a lot of stored carbon to the atmosphere, accelerating climate change and the melting of snow and ice in the Himalayan mountain chain.

    Resilience to climate change

    Solving this problem is no simple task. It will require cooperation across national boundaries and international support to ensure fair treaties capable of managing the rivers sustainably, restoring their associated ecosystems and maintaining river flows within their safe operating spaces.

    The mighty Ganges is running dry in some parts of Bangladesh during the hotter months.
    Md Sarwar Hossain

    This is particularly challenging in the Bangladesh delta, which contains rivers that drain many countries, including China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. The political regimes in each country might oppose transboundary negotiations, which could nevertheless resolve conflict over water which is needed to sustain nearly 700 million people.

    There have been success stories, however. The Mekong river commission between Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam is a useful template for bilateral and multilateral treaties with India and Nepal for the Ganges, and China and Bhutan for the Jamuna river.

    Tax-based water sharing can help resolve conflicts and decide water allocation between countries in the river basin. The countries using more water would pay more tax and the revenue would be redistributed among the other countries who share rivers in the treaty. Additionally, water sharing should be based on the historical river flow disregarding existing infrastructure and projections of future changes.

    Reducing deforestation, alternating land use and restoring wetlands could enhance resilience to flooding and drought and ensure water security in the Bangladesh delta. Ultimately, to secure a safe operating space for the rivers here is to secure a safe future for society too.

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

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

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

    – ref. The Bangladesh delta is under a dangerous level of strain, analysis reveals – https://theconversation.com/the-bangladesh-delta-is-under-a-dangerous-level-of-strain-analysis-reveals-241097

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI: Ripple’s XRP Meets AI Mining: PFMCrypto Launches Zero-Hardware XRP Cloud Mining with Daily Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Ripple’s XRP ecosystem gains global momentum, PFMCrypto is proud to introduce a major leap in accessible crypto mining: the launch of XRP-focused cloud mining contracts. Now available on both web and mobile platforms, these flexible short-term contracts allow users to mine XRP remotely and receive daily XRP rewards—no mining hardware, no complex setup, and no prior experience required. For the first time, retail participants can engage with the XRP economy through a streamlined, fully integrated platform.
    Explore the PFMCrypto website or download the app today.

    XRP Cloud Mining Is Here—Simple, Smart, and Rewarding
    Traditionally known for its role in cross-border payments and institutional finance, XRP now enters a new chapter with PFMCrypto’s latest innovation: easy-to-use cloud mining. Users can mine XRP directly or leverage PFMCrypto’s intelligent AI engine to automatically switch between the most profitable assets—including BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDC, and more—for optimized returns. All earnings are paid out daily in your chosen cryptocurrency, providing reliable income regardless of market fluctuations.
    Designed for both everyday users and professional investors, this platform empowers users to generate consistent crypto earnings from anywhere, at any time.

    Key Features of PFMCrypto’s XRP Cloud Mining Contracts
    –  Full XRP Integration: Deposit, purchase, mine, and withdraw XRP directly within the platform.
    –  Multi-Coin Mining Support: Mine and receive earnings in BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDC, USDT, SOL, LTC, and BCH.
    –  AI Revenue Optimization: Proprietary algorithms automatically allocate mining power to the top-performing assets to maximize returns.
    –  100% Remote Access: No mining equipment needed—fully accessible via the PFMCrypto mobile app or browser.
    –  Capital Protection: All contracts include full principal return upon maturity, reducing risk while growing crypto assets.

    Mining Contracts for Every Budget and Strategy:
    PFMCrypto offers a broad range of mining contracts that support XRP-based deposits and withdrawals. Each contract is crafted for flexibility, predictable income, and effective risk management:
    $10 Contract – 1 Day – Earn $0.66 (Free with signup bonus)
    $100 Contract – 2 Days – Earn $3.00 daily + $2 reward
    $500 Contract – 5 Days – Earn $6.15 daily
    $5,000 Contract – 30 Days – Earn $78.50 daily
    $20,000 Contract – 45 Days – Earn $380.00 daily
    Whether you’re testing the waters or building a long-term portfolio, PFMCrypto provides low-risk, high-transparency contracts that deliver stable daily income in XRP.
    Click here to explore more XRP cloud contracts.

    Why PFMCrypto’s XRP Mining Stands Out?
    –  Accessible to Everyone: No mining rigs, no setup, no complexity—just tap and earn.
    –  XRP-Native Integration: Deposit, mine, and withdraw XRP in one seamless ecosystem.
    –  Stable Returns, Smart Allocation: An AI-powered engine dynamically adjusts mining strategies to maximize rewards and ensure daily income across all supported coins.
    –  Multi-Asset Flexibility: Mine XRP directly or diversify earnings into other top digital assets—all with one contract.
    –  Instant Setup, Global Access: Mine from anywhere using your phone or browser—securely and remotely.

    Get Started Today in 3 Easy Steps:
    1.  Sign Up – Create your account and receive a $10 welcome bonus
    2.  Choose a Plan – Select a short- or long-term contract (1–60 days available)
    3.  Start Earning – Track daily profits and withdraw in the token of your choice

    Start mining XRP now at: https://pfmcrypto.net 
    Or download the PFMCrypto mobile app (available for iOS & Android).

    XRP Mining for a Digital Future
    Since 2018, PFMCrypto has helped millions of users around the world generate passive crypto income through secure, smart, cloud-based mining. With the introduction of XRP mining, the platform offers the ideal combination of institutional-grade infrastructure and retail accessibility. Now, users can choose to earn directly in XRP or diversify into major digital assets—all within a secure, fully remote environment.
    “XRP has always been fast, efficient, and scalable,” said a PFMCrypto spokesperson. “Now, it’s also mineable—securely, remotely, and profitably. We’ve eliminated the barriers so anyone can participate in XRP’s future growth.”
    Markets may shift—but daily mining income can remain steady.
    Join the XRP mining revolution today at: https://pfmcrypto.net 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Blasts GOP for Excluding Airline, Railroad Workers from Overtime Tax Deduction

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    The IAM Union is calling out Republican leadership in the U.S. Senate for abandoning the working men and women who keep our transportation system moving. In the recently passed reconciliation bill, a key overtime tax deduction provision left out millions of transportation workers — including railroaders, aviation professionals, seafarers, truckers, and other critical workers.

    The IAM Union, as well as the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), urged every senator to support U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell’s (D-Wash.) Amendment #2613, which would have corrected this injustice by extending the overtime tax deduction to aviation and railroad workers. Republican leaders blocked the amendment from moving forward, ignoring the needs of working families in one of the most demanding sectors of our economy.

    “Airline and railroad workers often log irregular schedules, overnight shifts, and weeks away from home,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Their dedication has kept our economy afloat in the face of supply chain disruptions and global pandemics. To single them out for exclusion is not just unfair — it’s disgraceful.”

    The overtime tax deduction included in the law provides for a temporary deduction (2025–2028) of up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) on qualified overtime compensation. The deduction phases out when a taxpayer’s Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeds $150,000 ($300,000 for joint returns).

    The provision was included in a larger piece of legislation that includes tax breaks for billionaires, the slashing of health insurance for millions, and massive cuts to infrastructure funding that will lead to significant job loss.

    The post IAM Union Blasts GOP for Excluding Airline, Railroad Workers from Overtime Tax Deduction appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Must Lead the Charge to Reverse Global Fossil Fuel Financing Bans

    Source: APO


    .

    The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) – the voice of the African energy sector – is urging OPEC member states and their allies to take decisive action to reverse global bans on fossil fuel financing and champion Africa’s right to develop its oil and gas resources. As the 9th OPEC International Seminar convened on Tuesday in Vienna, the Chamber reiterated that it is time to urgently put upstream financing back on the table and push back against policies that deny African nations the capital needed to industrialize, grow and lift millions out of poverty.

    For too long, Africa has borne the brunt of contradictory global energy policies. While developed nations continue to fast-track public and private investments into natural gas to bolster their own energy security, multilateral institutions enforce blanket bans on upstream oil and gas financing that disproportionately restrict African countries. In 2019, the European Investment Bank announced it would end fossil fuel financing by 2021, a position echoed by several European development agencies and financial institutions. The World Bank followed suit, gradually phasing out support for oil and gas and culminating in a near-total exclusion of upstream fossil fuel investments. While these policies may align with net-zero targets in wealthy economies, in Africa, they are actively obstructing access to energy, job creation and industrial growth.

    Yet even as development finance dries up abroad, Europe has made clear exceptions for itself. Under its 2022 Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities, the EU classified certain natural gas and nuclear investments as “transitional” – opening the door for continued funding within its borders. The result is a glaring double standard: natural gas is deemed essential for energy security in Berlin and Brussels, but off-limits in Lagos or Dakar. This hypocrisy must be addressed if the global energy transition is to be just and equitable.

    Africa holds more than 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and over 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, yet over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, and more than 900 million lack access to clean cooking fuels. In this context, African nations need robust investment in oil and gas infrastructure – not ideological restrictions that ignore the realities on the ground.

    “What Africa needs right now is to drill, baby, drill. Most of our multilateral institutions don’t finance oil and gas – they say it’s wrong. It’s extremely hypocritical. Denying fossil fuel investment is denying economic justice, food security and a pathway out of poverty for millions,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “We can’t keep apologizing for oil. No country in the world has developed through renewables alone. OPEC members must pressure institutions like the World Bank to lift their financing bans and support Africa’s right to industrialize.”

    At the OPEC Seminar, the AEC urged producing countries to rally around three urgent financial priorities. First, OPEC members must press the World Bank and other multilateral institutions to lift harmful financing restrictions on fossil fuels. It is untenable that the World Bank – originally established to support post-war reconstruction and global development – continues to deny funding for upstream oil and gas projects across Africa. With recent signals from Bank leadership hinting at a possible policy shift, now is the time for oil-producing nations to push for a reversal that puts energy access and economic transformation in the Global South at the center of development finance.

    Second, OPEC countries – with their sovereign wealth funds and surplus revenues – are uniquely positioned to create a dedicated investment vehicle for fossil fuel development in underfunded markets. An OPEC-led facility focused on financing strategic upstream projects could prove instrumental in unlocking capital for bankable ventures across Africa. Such a fund would not only accelerate production but also help stabilize global supply and pricing.

    Finally, the Chamber emphasizes the need for a pragmatic, dual-track approach to the energy transition that recognizes the differing realities of the Global North and South. While developed nations move toward decarbonization, Africa must prioritize industrialization and energy security. Natural gas – abundant, reliable and cleaner-burning than coal – offers a critical bridge fuel to power fertilizer production, manufacturing, petrochemicals and regional electricity networks.

    True climate justice must include energy justice, which means recognizing Africa’s right to harness its resources, grow its economies and meet the needs of its people on its own terms. Africa does not need charity; it needs capital. As the voice of Africa’s energy sector, the Chamber stands firm in its call for OPEC producers and the World Bank to help deliver it.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Stakeholder Support for the Big, Beautiful Bill Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Stakeholder Support for the Big, Beautiful Bill Act

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, President Trump signed H.R. 1, the Big, Beautiful Bill Act, into law. This legislation delivers tax relief for working families and small businesses, protects nuclear energy investments, and strengthens the agriculture industry. 

    Here’s what they are saying about the Big, Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1): 

    Michelle Hennings, Executive Director, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, said, “We want to recognize Congressman Newhouse’s efforts to make sure our growers have the support they need to continue supplying the nation and the world with top quality wheat. The increase in the wheat reference price will more closely match the actual cost of production, giving much-needed support to growers who are struggling to make a profit when prices are low. We are also appreciative of the Congressman’s work to protect crop insurance, making it more affordable for farmers to adequately cover their crops in the face of drought or other natural disasters.” 

    Bob Schuetz, CEO, Energy Northwest, said, “I am pleased that Congress acknowledges the key role of nuclear power for America’s energy future. While policymaking involves hard choices, Representative Newhouse has consistently championed the U.S. as a leader in advanced nuclear technology. I am excited about actively pursuing the expansion of carbon-free and reliable electricity, marking the next chapter for nuclear energy in America.” 

    Former Congressman Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said, “The One Big Beautiful Bill not only prevented the largest tax increase on the American people in history, it made permanent critical pro-growth provisions that will enable businesses of all sizes, especially small businesses, to grow and thrive. This will strengthen America’s economy and result in greater economic prosperity for all. We thank Congressman Newhouse for his leadership and for supporting this crucial legislation.” 

    David Reeploeg, Vice President for Federal Programs, TRIDEC, said, “Congressman Newhouse worked incredibly hard to prevent nuclear energy tax credits from being removed from H.R. 1. Retaining these tax credits will help our existing nuclear energy facilities while also supporting advanced nuclear development, which is an area where we see huge opportunities for the Tri-Cities. Not only do the power plants create direct jobs, they also provide the baseload energy needed to attract industry and create even more family wage jobs. We sincerely appreciate Congressman Newhouse’s understanding of how important these tax credits, and nuclear energy, are for his district.” 

    Ted Tschirky, 2025 President, National Potato Council, and grower from Pasco, said, “We give great credit to Congressman Newhouse and the Chairmen of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees for taking the opportunity to deliver on key priorities for the specialty crop industry. The tax certainty provided by the bill, coupled with the historic enhancements in essential Farm Bill programs serving specialty crops will significantly improve our competitiveness against foreign competition well into the future.” 

    Clay Sell, CEO, X-energy, said, “For next-generation advanced nuclear companies, tax credits are more than just financial incentives—they’re a catalyst for market entry. For early movers, these credits significantly reduce capital risk, unlock private investment, and enable us to compete on a level footing with other energy technologies. Without them, commercialization slows and investor confidence erodes. With them, we’re positioned to scale faster and deliver reliable, always-on abundant power to the market.” 

    Bill Lampson, Chairman and CEO, Lampson International LLC, said, “Congressman Dan Newhouse’s support of the Big Beautiful Bill was essential for all Americans to avoid the Largest Tax Hike in history, which would have crippled future investments of all types. In our case, we have watched the construction industry struggle with the high cost of overly burdensome regulations, costly and lengthy permitting process and high taxes of all types.  The Big Beautiful Bill will allow the construction industry to flourish and create real jobs for many that would have otherwise gone without opportunity.   We are so thankful to have a Congressman who truly cares about the ability of his constituents to make a decent living and care for their families.

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ponte Vedra Beach Man Pleads Guilty In Fraud Scheme Involving COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that James Elliott Davis, II (36, Ponte Vedra Beach) has pleaded guilty to bank fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and theft of mail. Davis faces up to 30 years in federal prison on the bank fraud count, up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud count, up to 10 years in prison on the money laundering count, up to 5 years in prison on the theft of mail count and payment of restitution to the victims he defrauded. Davis has agreed to forfeit between $6.7 and $8.8 million, which are traceable to proceeds of the crimes he committed. No sentencing date has been set.   

    According to court documents, from March 2018 through 2022, Davis ran a purported medical supply company named Medisale Inc. Using false representations, Davis enticed individuals and business entities to invest large sums of money in Medisale. He falsely represented to victim-investors that Medisale was making significant profits on the sale of COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). He claimed to have contact with CEOs at various hospitals and that Medisale had contracts with hospitals to sell large volumes of N95 masks and other PPE. In convincing victim-investors to give him money, Davis showed fraudulent bank statements with large balances, claiming the money was from the sale of PPE.

    In reality, Medisale had no such contracts and had no true revenue from the sale of PPE. Instead, Davis kited checks and conducted fraudulent ACH/wire transfers between multiple financial institutions in order to artificially inflate the apparent balances on his bank accounts. Utilizing victim-investor funds, Davis paid off previous debts, paid other investors purported profits from the sale of PPE, and paid personal expenses. This included Davis using victim-investor money to purchase a membership at a luxury club in Ponte Vedra Beach and spending more than $27,000 on custom clothing. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by visiting the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www. justice. gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Protection Fund in June 2025 Hits $716 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has released its monthly report on Protection Fund which has reached a high of $716 million in June 2025, more than doubling its original benchmark of $300 million. The fund, designed to serve as a safeguard for users in extreme market conditions, maintained a consistent 6,500 BTC balance throughout the month. Its value fluctuated with market prices, with the average monthly valuation settling at around $687 million.

    The highest daily valuation was recorded on June 9, driven by BTC prices topping $110,000. At its lowest on June 22, the fund stood at approximately $655 million, still well above the pledged minimum. This level of reserve reflects a stable security buffer that operates independently of insurance or third-party guarantees.

    Since its launch, the fund has been monitored in real-time through publicly visible wallet addresses, offering full transparency into its assets. It is held entirely in BTC and USDT, allowing it to remain liquid and responsive to market shifts. Bitget has kept the fund for emergencies, positioning it strictly as a protective reserve in case of major incidents such as hacks, exploit attempts, or abnormal losses on the platform.

    Originally launched with a $300 million reserve, the fund has grown by over 140%, aligned with the appreciation of BTC holdings and Bitget’s strategic focus on market insurance. The fund’s value fluctuates in accordance with the price of Bitcoin, with May’s performance boosted by BTC trading above $110,000 on multiple occasions.

    June’s figures arrive at a time when crypto markets continue to move unpredictably, and user trust is tied more closely than ever to platform security. The Protection Fund has quietly grown into one of the largest exchange reserves of its kind, offering users reassurance without the need for claims or long settlement processes.

    In an industry where security promises are often tested after the fact, the Bitget Protection Fund remains one of the few safety nets that is not only pre-funded and on-chain but also well above its original target. The June 2025 update shows that user protection is not just an afterthought it’s a standing reserve, ready as needed.

    With monthly Merkle Tree audits verifying full asset backing and ISO 27001:2022 certification asserting best-in-class protocols, the platform integrates SSL encryption and an advanced risk control system that actively monitors suspicious activity. This combination of rigorous standards and real-time protection has kept Bitget breach-free since 2018 and contributed to its AAA security rating and helped reinforce user confidence to set a benchmark for transparency across the industry.

    For more information and monthly updates on the Protection Fund, visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4912037-6e64-41b5-b8f6-27d998f661e4

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2bb7ca57-9e45-4f79-8879-352cc552965f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NextNRG Reports Preliminary June 2025 Revenue Growth of 231% Year-Over-Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AI-Driven Energy Pioneer Delivers Sixth Consecutive Record Month

    Company on Clear Path to $100 Million Revenue Run-Rate with Canadian Acquisition

    MIAMI, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextNRG, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy innovation transforming how energy is produced, managed, and delivered through its Next Utility Operating System®, smart microgrids, wireless EV charging, and mobile fuel delivery, today announced preliminary unaudited financial results for June 2025.

    June 2025 Highlights:

    • Revenue: $6.98 million, up 231% year-over-year and 6% month-over-month
    • Gallons delivered: Over 2.04 million gallons, up 270% year-over-year and 4% month-over-month
    • Year-to-date revenue through June reached approximately $35.87 million, representing a 33% increase over full-year 2024 revenue of approximately $27 million

    “We’re thrilled to report our sixth consecutive record month, with June’s 231% year-over-year revenue growth demonstrating the scalability of our AI-driven energy platform and strong market demand for our integrated solutions,” said Michael D. Farkas, Executive Chairman and CEO of NextNRG. “With our pending acquisition of ReFuel Mobile in Canada and expanding domestic operations across six U.S. states with 144 active fuel delivery trucks, we are positioned to achieve $100 million in forward 12-month revenues. More importantly, our improving operational efficiency and recurring revenue contracts provide a direct pathway to profitability in 2026 – a critical milestone that will transform NextNRG from a high-growth company into a sustainable, cash-generating enterprise. The combination of our proven mobile fueling platform, microgrid pipeline, and strategic international expansion creates multiple revenue streams that support both our near-term growth targets and long-term profitability objectives.”

    NextNRG’s robust growth continues to be driven by strong adoption from commercial fleets and strategic partnerships in its mobile fueling operations. The company is also preparing to deploy its Next Utility Operating System®, AI-powered microgrid systems, and wireless EV charging products in key markets to diversify its revenue streams.

    The pending acquisition of ReFuel Mobile, Canada’s #36 fastest-growing company with 1,166% three-year revenue growth, is expected to close by August 1, 2025, and will immediately contribute to NextNRG’s recurring revenue base while providing a strategic platform for international expansion.

    Note on Preliminary Results
    The financial results for June 2025 are preliminary and unaudited. Final results may differ and will be confirmed upon the completion of standard month-end closing procedures.

    About NextNRG, Inc.
    NextNRG Inc. (NextNRG) is Powering What’s Next by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into renewable energy, next-generation energy infrastructure, battery storage, wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging and on-demand mobile fuel delivery to create an integrated ecosystem.

    At the core of NextNRG’s strategy is its Next Utility Operating System®, which leverages AI and ML to help make existing utilities’ energy management as efficient as possible, and the deployment of NextNRG smart microgrids, which utilize AI-driven energy management alongside solar power and battery storage to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs and improve grid resiliency. These microgrids are designed to serve commercial properties, healthcare campuses, universities, parking garages, rural and tribal lands, recreational facilities and government properties, expanding energy accessibility while supporting decarbonization initiatives.

    NextNRG continues to expand its growing fleet of fuel delivery trucks and national footprint, including the acquisition of Yoshi Mobility’s fuel division and Shell Oil’s trucks, further solidifying its position as a leader in the on-demand fueling industry. NextNRG is also integrating sustainable energy solutions into its mobile fueling operations. The company hopes to be an integral part of assisting its fleet customers in their transition to EV, providing fuel delivery while advancing efficient energy adoption. The transition process is expected to include the deployment of NextNRG’s innovative wireless EV charging solutions.

    To find out more visit: www.nextnrg.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement describing NextNRG’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions, or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Words such as “expect,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to NextNRG’s business and macroeconomic and geopolitical events. These and other risks are described in NextNRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. NextNRG’s forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NextNRG’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by NextNRG. Except as required by law, NextNRG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact
    NextNRG, Inc.
    Sharon Cohen
    SCohen@nextnrg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Trump’s ‘big’ bill gives millions of taxpayers a new charitable tax break, but whether it will help nonprofits is unclear

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Daniel Hungerman, Professor of Economics, University of Notre Dame

    Tax policy changes can influence how much Americans donate. Douglas Rissing/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    The multitrillion-dollar bill that President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4, 2025, will change how the U.S. tax code treats charitable donations. It also has several tax provisions that affect some colleges, universities and other nonprofits. The Conversation U.S. asked Daniel Hungerman, an economist who studies charitable activities and public policy, to explain how these tax policies could influence charitable giving and affect nonprofits.

    What will change for donors?

    The consequences generally vary depending on how much money a donor gives to charity. They also depend on whether a donor claims the standard deduction – as about 90% of U.S. taxpayers have done since the 2017 tax reforms took effect during the first Trump administration – or itemizes their tax returns.

    Anyone taking the standard deduction, which will rise in 2025 to US$15,750 for an individual and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly, will get a new broadly available tax break of up to $1,000 for giving to a charitable nonprofit if they file on their own. Married couples filing jointly may deduct $2,000 from their taxable income if they give at least that amount to charity. To put this into sharper perspective, the average middle-income household gives about $3,300 annually.

    Americans who give a bit more than the typical donor – say, between $5,000 and $20,000 – will see major changes too. In some places, it will become easier for people to deduct more of the amount they pay in state and local taxes from their federal taxes – at least for a few years. Those taxpayers may also deduct their charitable giving from their income when they file their taxes.

    But there’s a new catch. People who itemize their taxes can’t claim the charitable deduction unless they give at least the equivalent of 0.5% of their adjusted gross income to charity. For example, someone who earns $100,000 a year would have to donate at least $500 to qualify for this tax break.

    A similar new catch will apply to corporate donations: Unless corporations give at least 1% of their taxable income to charity, they will no longer get a charitable tax deduction.

    The tax law also revises a rule that limits how much the biggest donors can give to charity and still get a tax break.

    What could that mean for charitable giving?

    Based on my research on tax policies and donations, I don’t expect the $1,000 charitable deduction for taxpayers who take the standard deduction to boost giving. The government has tried this before.

    The first time was in the 1980s. Starting in 1982, people taking the standard deduction could take a charitable deduction. The amount changed annually. In 1984, for example, it was $75 – $236 in 2025 dollars. Congress ended this experiment with the 1986 tax reforms.

    There was also a temporary $300 charitable deduction for people who took the standard deduction in 2020.

    The results were underwhelming both times, for two reasons.

    First, the maximum size of those tax breaks was too small in those earlier efforts. Many people were already giving enough to max out this new benefit. When that happens, the government is giving up tax revenue without encouraging people to donate more.

    To be fair, there are a couple of reasons that things might be better this time. First, $1,000 in 2025 – or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly – is more money than the $300 deduction in 2020. Also, this time it is permanent. A permanent provision gives charities time to publicize the bill and people time to learn about it.

    Another concern with this bill is that Americans who have not given to charity in the past might not begin to open their wallets but will still try to get the new $1,000 charitable deduction anyway by lying about it on their tax returns. There is evidence that a growing number of taxpayers try to game the tax system this way. The only way to stave off that sort of tax evasion would require additional work by the IRS, costing more tax dollars.

    This part of the tax law also sends a message that giving is not just for the wealthy, but that everyone can do it and get a tax break for it. That could help halt or reverse a decline in gifts from people who aren’t rich. And it makes me wonder whether a charitable deduction for people who don’t itemize their tax returns will work better this time around.

    What’s happening to higher education?

    The government will raise its tax on the income earned by the endowments held by some colleges and universities from 1.4% to as much as 8%. The system is complicated and hinges on how large an endowment is per student enrolled. Colleges attended by fewer than 3,000 students don’t have to pay this tax.

    Endowments are pooled financial investments that belong to a nonprofit. Those assets usually come from donations, and the income they earn typically flows into the nonprofit’s budget.

    Several prominent schools are bracing for higher taxes. Yale University, for example, says it will have to pay $280 million once this goes into effect.

    The higher endowment tax is unlikely to raise a whole lot of tax revenue, but it could force some schools to scale back financial aid, hike tuition or freeze hiring.

    What about K-12 schools?

    Perhaps the most significant change will be a new federal K-12 educational tax credit. Starting in 2027, it will be available to help offset the cost of private K-12 school tuition or other educational expenses, such as homeschooling. If someone makes a $1 gift to a nonprofit scholarship-granting organization – which would then deliver those funds to the school the donor designates – the government will cut their tax bill by $1. This tax credit can be worth up to $1,700 per year.

    Many details about how this system would work are yet to be determined.

    I believe that this provision could mark another step in the transformation of how private schools are funded in the United States. Beyond that, many private schools are run by churches, and many churches running schools already get large amounts of their funding from vouchers issued by state and local governments. Ultimately, private K-12 education could become an increasing source of revenue for churches.

    What about nonprofits that provide social services?

    Even if the megabill boosts charitable giving, nonprofits providing social services are likely to find themselves financially squeezed.

    That’s because the bill also cuts spending and tightens eligibility restrictions on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, and Medicaid, the public health insurance program that mainly covers people who are low-income or have disabilities.

    I have researched the effects of the welfare reforms President Bill Clinton signed into law in 1996. One of my findings was that when the government cut spending on safety net programs by a dollar, charities, including churches, stepped in to provide 25 cents of services or more. But for every extra dollar needed to compensate for lost government spending, donors only gave 5 cents more.

    Another concern is that this bill makes permanent increases in the standard deduction – which I’ve found to have historically lowered charitable giving considerably. Perhaps the deduction for people who don’t itemize their tax returns, together with the state-and-local-taxes change, will counteract this trend. But it is certainly possible that Americans will give less to charity starting in 2025 compared with a world where there were no Trump tax reforms at all.

    Daniel Hungerman is a professor at the University of Notre Dame, and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.

    – ref. Trump’s ‘big’ bill gives millions of taxpayers a new charitable tax break, but whether it will help nonprofits is unclear – https://theconversation.com/trumps-big-bill-gives-millions-of-taxpayers-a-new-charitable-tax-break-but-whether-it-will-help-nonprofits-is-unclear-260379

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The task force on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Trade Liberalisation Scheme (TLS) has held a meeting to take stock of eight years of action in the field

    Source: APO


    .

    The Task Force on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (TLS) met from the 1st to 3rd of July 2025, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to take stock of the eight years of field missions across the ECOWAS Member States.

    The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the TLS Task Force, Dr Mohamed Ibn CHAMBAS, the ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Ms Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, members of the first and second teams of the TLS Task Force, executives from the Customs Union and Taxation Directorate, and representatives of associations lobbying for the free movement of people and goods in West Africa, including AOCTAH/WACTAF, the Borderless Alliance, ENDA-CACID, NANTS, and ROPPA.

    In his welcoming remarks, the Chairman of the TLS Task Force, Dr Mohamed Ibn CHAMBAS, recalled the main objective of the meeting, which is not only to take stock of the actions of the TLS Task Force since the installation of the first team in 2016 up to the present day, to analyse without complacency the strengths and weaknesses of the said actions, but also to make relevant proposals likely to reinforce the gains made and correct the weaknesses, with a view to eliminating obstacles to intra-regional trade.

    Opening the meeting on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandjé LITSE-TOURE, welcomed the key role played by the TLS Task Force in deepening intra-community trade through the free movement of people and goods. She praised the leadership of Dr CHAMBAS, who has brought a number of trade facilitation reforms to the attention of the region’s highest authorities, with tangible results.

    The plenary session, which lasted three days, enabling participants to make proposals to allow the TLS Task Force to be more effective in its future actions. The participants also recommended that the TLS Task Force should advocate for the strengthening of Member States’ commitment to regional integration through the appointment of a Special Adviser to the Cabinet of each President of the Republic or Prime Minister. This Special Adviser to the President or Prime Minister should, as a matter of priority, monitor the application by national administrations of Community texts on the free movement of persons and goods. It was also recommended that the TLS Task Force should step up its lobbying of governments on the issue of speeding up the digitisation of customs and trade procedures in order to facilitate the flow of goods along the various ECOWAS trade corridors.

    Beyond the question of the mandate of the Task Force on TLS, the participants seized the opportunity of this review meeting, in connection with the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of ECOWAS, to make proposals to be fed back into the reflection on the ECOWAS of the future. These include the creation of an ECOWAS solidarity fund to promote balanced development within the community. ECOWAS should launch federative infrastructure projects (roads, railways, energy, interconnectivity, etc.) based on endogenous resources. Finally, a panel of eminent personalities will be set up to review the ECOWAS Treaty, with a view to strengthening the roles of the Parliament and the Community Court of Justice.

    The Chairman of the TLS Task Force, Dr Mohamed Ibn CHAMBAS, will shortly be travelling to Abuja to report to the Chairman of the Commission on the results of the Abidjan meeting.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Eddie Yue: Unlocking value through China’s resilience

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning. It is an honour to join you today as we celebrate the 8th anniversary of the Bond Connect. The theme today, “Unlocking Value through China’s Resilience,” could not be more timely. The global capital markets are undergoing profound transformation, driven by a host of factors including increasing trade tensions, geopolitical and economic shifts, and changing investment appetite and patterns. These changes are reshaping the way capital flows across the world, creating both new opportunities and challenges for market participants. Now, let me first share some observations about the macro trends.

    Macro trends:

    The first trend is global diversification. Global capital markets have been on a roller-coaster driven by shifting policies and economic uncertainties. In light of these unpredictable swings, diversification stands out as the most essential investment strategy. Indeed we are now in a world of unprecedented choice and many more institutional investors are looking to further diversifying their portfolios. The strong investor response to the Hong Kong Government’s recent issuance of HK$27 billion in green and infrastructure bonds is telling of the diversifying trend. This multi-currency issuance attracted participation from a wide spectrum of investors from more than 30 markets across Asia, Europe, Middle East, and the Americas, with total order at about 9 times of the issuance size. In particular, the 30-year HKD government bond was offered for the first time, further extending the HKD yield curve. The 20-year and 30-year RMB government bonds, which were first introduced last year, also received overwhelming support, doubling in issuance size from last year. 

    Against this backdrop of global trend for diversification, China’s bond assets have emerged as a particularly compelling choice.

    • First, China’s bond market is the second largest in the world. Chinese bonds have the market depth and liquidity to become an increasingly important asset class among global investors.
    • Secondly, China has a relatively low debt level, with the general government debt-to-GDP ratio at around 84%, which is much lower than some major advanced economies.1
    • Thirdly, the low correlation between China’s onshore market and major global markets, at just 0.1 over the past 10 years, makes China bonds a very good diversifier.2
    • Fourthly, the risk-adjusted return of China bonds is relatively attractive. Onshore RMB bonds had an annualised volatility of around 1.3% over the past year, significantly lower than the volatility in other advanced markets during the same period.3

    This combination of features of China’s bond market as an attractive asset class for global investors seeking high-quality investments. In fact, according to a recent survey on central banks, over 30% of the respondents expect to increase their RMB holdings in the next five years.

    The second trend is Mainland China’s rapid wealth accumulation, particularly in institutional capital, which is creating new opportunities for their outbound investment. For example, China’s national pension reserve fund grew to around USD 400 billion by the end of 2023.4 Recent policy discussion also reaffirms that China encourages the national pension fund to cooperate with high-quality overseas investment managers to optimise its investment approach.5 The new private pension scheme has already attracted over 60 million participants since its inception in 2022, with this rapidly growing pool of capital projected to reach nearly USD 1 trillion by 2030.6 As Mainland institutional investors increasingly seek to diversify their portfolios and expand overseas asset allocation, there is significant potential for future growth in the Southbound Bond Connect, through Hong Kong’s platform to invest overseas.

    These two-way trends — global investors’ growing interest in RMB-denominated bonds and Mainland investors’ expanding overseas allocations — underscore the critical role of the Bond Connect as a gateway to facilitate cross-border capital flows between the Mainland and global financial markets. In a rapidly changing global financial landscape, the ability to adapt and innovate is key. Bond Connect exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing the changing needs of investors, as it continues to evolve over the years.

    Policy work:

    In the past year, we have been working closely with relevant Mainland authorities, especially with the People’s Bank of China, to step up efforts to enhance the Bond Connect and its ecosystem. I wish to take the opportunity to make the following three announcements:

    • First, under the Northbound channel, investors can already use Bond Connect bonds as collateral for the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)’s RMB Liquidity Facility, margin collateral for OTC Clearing Hong Kong Limited (OTCC) derivative transactions, and for conducting offshore RMB bond repurchase (repo) transactions. We are expanding the offshore RMB repo business to also support re-hypothecation and cross-currency repo, and the CMU OmniClear will enhance the operational arrangements accordingly. These enhancements will be implemented in late August 2025. 
    • Secondly, the Southbound Bond Connect investor scope is expanded to include securities firms, fund companies, insurance companies and wealth management companies, formally effective from today. This will open up more channels to meet the growing demand from Mainland investors, addressing their needs for diversified asset allocation. It will also bolster the development of Hong Kong’s bond market by widening the investor base and enhancing market liquidity, hence increasing Hong Kong’s attractiveness to bond issuers and global investors.
    • Thirdly, further to the announcement in May 2025, 30-year interest rate swaps (IRS) contracts have already gone live early last week (on 30 June) under the Swap Connect, and IRS contracts using the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) as reference rate will be launched in the coming months.    

    Besides, we have been working on strengthening Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure to support greater efficiency in the Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese bond markets. For example, the recent signing of a MoU between CMU OmniClear and LCH could facilitate the wider use of CNH bonds as collateral in the international market. This highlights the unparalleled role of Hong Kong’s infrastructure in supporting investment in CNH-denominated debt securities by investors from all over the world. 

    Looking ahead:

    As investors navigate geopolitical changes and search for greater diversification, the Bond Connect will continue to serve as a key platform connecting China’s bond market with the world. The HKMA will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the platform will meet these changing needs — by enhancing market liquidity (such as cross-border repo in the pipeline), strengthening risk management (with offshore CMOF bond futures under preparation), and further broadening the investment channels. The continuous development of Bond Connect will not only deepen market integration but also reinforce Hong Kong’s unique role as a gateway between China and the international financial market. Thank you!

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Africa’s richest four hold more wealth than half the continent – Oxfam

    Source: Oxfam –

    • In 2000, Africa had no billionaires. Today it has 23 whose combined wealth has soared by 56% in just the past five years, reaching a staggering $112.6 billion. 

    • Africa’s richest 5% hold nearly $4 trillion in wealth – more than double the combined wealth of the rest of the continent. 

    • Despite soaring poverty, African governments show least commitment to reducing inequality, and that commitment has declined since 2022. 

    • An extra 1% tax on wealth and 10% tax on income of Africa’s richest 1% could raise $66 billion annually, more than enough to close the funding gaps for free quality education and universal access to electricity. 

    Today, just four of Africa’s richest billionaires hold $57.4 billion in wealth — more than the combined wealth of 750 million people, or half the continent’s population, according to a new Oxfam report.  

    The report – Africa’s inequality crisis and the rise of the super-rich – launched ahead of the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, warns that the explosive concentration of wealth is accelerating inequality, driven by policies that enrich elites while starving public services. 

    Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Director, Oxfam in Africa, said:  

    “Africa’s wealth is not missing. It’s being siphoned off by a rigged system that allows a small elite to amass vast fortunes while denying hundreds of millions even the most basic services. This is an utter policy failure —unjust, avoidable and entirely reversible.’’   

    Africa is one of the most unequal regions in the world and has some of the highest poverty rates. Nearly half (23) of the world’s 50 most unequal countries are African, while extreme poverty has soared: seven in ten people living in extreme poverty today are in Africa, compared to just one in ten in 1990. Hunger is also worsening, with nearly 850 million Africans experiencing hunger — an increase of 20 million since 2022.   

    Despite deepening poverty and widening inequalities, African governments remain the least committed globally to narrowing the gap — slashing budgets for public services like education, health and social protection, while imposing some of the world’s lowest wealth taxes on the ultra-rich.  On average, the continent collects just 0.3% of GDP in wealth taxes. This is less than any other region and well below Asia (0.6%), Latin America (0.9%), and OECD countries (1.8%). Over the past decade, that already meagre share has dropped by nearly 25%. 

    For each dollar African countries raise from personal income and wealth taxes, they collect nearly three dollars from indirect taxes like Value Added Tax (VAT) — levies that deepen inequality. 

    The consequences are glaring. Half of Africa’s population live in 19 countries where income inequality has worsened or stagnated over the past decade. The richest 5% in Africa now hold nearly $4 trillion in wealth, more than double the combined wealth of the remaining 95% of the continent’s population. 

    Fatouma, a mother of 10 children who sells vegetables in El Afweyn, Somalia says: “Meat is a luxury we cannot afford in many homes. I earn about two dollars a day while the price of one kilo of flour has tripled.” 

    “Africa’s wealth is not missing. It’s being siphoned off by a rigged system that allows a small elite to amass vast fortunes while denying hundreds of millions even the most basic services. This is an utter policy failure —unjust, avoidable and entirely reversible.’’ 

    Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Director, Oxfam in Africa

    Oxfam International

    The report also finds that:  

    • In just three days, someone in Africa’s richest 1% earns what it takes a person in the poorest half an entire year to make.
    • Even if they lost almost all their wealth (keeping just 0.01%) Africa’s five richest men would still be 56 times richer than the average person on the continent.
    • Men in Africa own three times more wealth than women, the widest gender wealth gap of all regions in the world.
    • Over the past five years, African billionaires have increased their wealth by 56%.  

    As debt burdens mount, governments across the continent are squeezing the poor – gutting essential public services – while shielding the wealthiest from fair taxation. An earlier report by Oxfam and Development Finance International found that 94% of African countries with active World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans (44 out of 47 countries) have slashed spending on education, health and social protection in 2023-2024 to repay debt. This significantly undermines the AU’s goal of reducing inequality by 15% over the next 10 years.  

    “The solution is not far-fetched: tax the rich and invest in the majority. Anything less is a betrayal. If African leaders are serious about their commitments, they must stop rewarding the few and start building economies that work for everyone,” added N’Zi-Hassane.  

    Some African governments are already proving that fairer economies are possible. Morocco and South Africa collect 1.5% and 1.2% of their GDP from property taxes, respectively — among the highest in the continent. In Seychelles, the poorest 50% have seen their income share grow by 76% since 2000, while the richest 1% have lost two-thirds of theirs. The government also guarantees universal healthcare, free quality education, along with a robust welfare system for the most vulnerable.   

    A modest tax on Africa’s richest – just 1% more on wealth and 10% more on income – could generate $66 billion a year for the continent (2.29% of Africa’s GDP), according to the report. This would be more than enough to close the funding gaps needed to deliver free quality education and provide electricity to every home and business still in the dark.  

    ‘‘Every African woman, man and child deserves to live in dignity. When a handful of billionaires are allowed to hoard obscene wealth while millions are trapped in poverty, the system becomes not just broken but morally bankrupt. As leaders meet for AU Summit, delay is indefensible. Taxing the super-rich isn’t just fair — it’s essential for building the Africa we want,’’ said N’Zi-Hassane.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Africa’s richest four hold more wealth than half the continent – Oxfam

    Source: Oxfam –

    • In 2000, Africa had no billionaires. Today it has 23 whose combined wealth has soared by 56% in just the past five years, reaching a staggering $112.6 billion. 

    • Africa’s richest 5% hold nearly $4 trillion in wealth – more than double the combined wealth of the rest of the continent. 

    • Despite soaring poverty, African governments show least commitment to reducing inequality, and that commitment has declined since 2022. 

    • An extra 1% tax on wealth and 10% tax on income of Africa’s richest 1% could raise $66 billion annually, more than enough to close the funding gaps for free quality education and universal access to electricity. 

    Today, just four of Africa’s richest billionaires hold $57.4 billion in wealth — more than the combined wealth of 750 million people, or half the continent’s population, according to a new Oxfam report.  

    The report – Africa’s inequality crisis and the rise of the super-rich – launched ahead of the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, warns that the explosive concentration of wealth is accelerating inequality, driven by policies that enrich elites while starving public services. 

    Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Director, Oxfam in Africa, said:  

    “Africa’s wealth is not missing. It’s being siphoned off by a rigged system that allows a small elite to amass vast fortunes while denying hundreds of millions even the most basic services. This is an utter policy failure —unjust, avoidable and entirely reversible.’’   

    Africa is one of the most unequal regions in the world and has some of the highest poverty rates. Nearly half (23) of the world’s 50 most unequal countries are African, while extreme poverty has soared: seven in ten people living in extreme poverty today are in Africa, compared to just one in ten in 1990. Hunger is also worsening, with nearly 850 million Africans experiencing hunger — an increase of 20 million since 2022.   

    Despite deepening poverty and widening inequalities, African governments remain the least committed globally to narrowing the gap — slashing budgets for public services like education, health and social protection, while imposing some of the world’s lowest wealth taxes on the ultra-rich.  On average, the continent collects just 0.3% of GDP in wealth taxes. This is less than any other region and well below Asia (0.6%), Latin America (0.9%), and OECD countries (1.8%). Over the past decade, that already meagre share has dropped by nearly 25%. 

    For each dollar African countries raise from personal income and wealth taxes, they collect nearly three dollars from indirect taxes like Value Added Tax (VAT) — levies that deepen inequality. 

    The consequences are glaring. Half of Africa’s population live in 19 countries where income inequality has worsened or stagnated over the past decade. The richest 5% in Africa now hold nearly $4 trillion in wealth, more than double the combined wealth of the remaining 95% of the continent’s population. 

    Fatouma, a mother of 10 children who sells vegetables in El Afweyn, Somalia says: “Meat is a luxury we cannot afford in many homes. I earn about two dollars a day while the price of one kilo of flour has tripled.” 

    “Africa’s wealth is not missing. It’s being siphoned off by a rigged system that allows a small elite to amass vast fortunes while denying hundreds of millions even the most basic services. This is an utter policy failure —unjust, avoidable and entirely reversible.’’ 

    Fati N’Zi-Hassane, Director, Oxfam in Africa

    Oxfam International

    The report also finds that:  

    • In just three days, someone in Africa’s richest 1% earns what it takes a person in the poorest half an entire year to make.
    • Even if they lost almost all their wealth (keeping just 0.01%) Africa’s five richest men would still be 56 times richer than the average person on the continent.
    • Men in Africa own three times more wealth than women, the widest gender wealth gap of all regions in the world.
    • Over the past five years, African billionaires have increased their wealth by 56%.  

    As debt burdens mount, governments across the continent are squeezing the poor – gutting essential public services – while shielding the wealthiest from fair taxation. An earlier report by Oxfam and Development Finance International found that 94% of African countries with active World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans (44 out of 47 countries) have slashed spending on education, health and social protection in 2023-2024 to repay debt. This significantly undermines the AU’s goal of reducing inequality by 15% over the next 10 years.  

    “The solution is not far-fetched: tax the rich and invest in the majority. Anything less is a betrayal. If African leaders are serious about their commitments, they must stop rewarding the few and start building economies that work for everyone,” added N’Zi-Hassane.  

    Some African governments are already proving that fairer economies are possible. Morocco and South Africa collect 1.5% and 1.2% of their GDP from property taxes, respectively — among the highest in the continent. In Seychelles, the poorest 50% have seen their income share grow by 76% since 2000, while the richest 1% have lost two-thirds of theirs. The government also guarantees universal healthcare, free quality education, along with a robust welfare system for the most vulnerable.   

    A modest tax on Africa’s richest – just 1% more on wealth and 10% more on income – could generate $66 billion a year for the continent (2.29% of Africa’s GDP), according to the report. This would be more than enough to close the funding gaps needed to deliver free quality education and provide electricity to every home and business still in the dark.  

    ‘‘Every African woman, man and child deserves to live in dignity. When a handful of billionaires are allowed to hoard obscene wealth while millions are trapped in poverty, the system becomes not just broken but morally bankrupt. As leaders meet for AU Summit, delay is indefensible. Taxing the super-rich isn’t just fair — it’s essential for building the Africa we want,’’ said N’Zi-Hassane.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: Trifork and Deloitte selected for Swiss Federal Office of Public Health’s DigiSanté framework agreement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release

    Trifork and Deloitte selected for Swiss Federal Office of Public Health’s DigiSanté framework agreement

    Zurich – 10 July 2025

    Trifork Switzerland has been selected as subcontractor to Deloitte Switzerland on the framework agreement for the lot “Expertise in the field of standards (author and developer) in the healthcare sector” under the DigiSanté program, led by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH/BAG).

    This lot is part of the broader “DigiSanté – Health Business, Standards, Data Science, IT- and Data Security” framework, designed to strengthen the Swiss digital health infrastructure through standards-based development, secure data architecture, and modern health IT practices.

    The agreement covers up to 144,000 hours over nine years across five awarded consortia, amounting to CHF 27.7 to 38.8 million. Specific tasks will be awarded through mini-tenders. While the total scope will depend on these future mini-tenders, this framework positions Deloitte and Trifork to contribute to high-impact healthcare digitalisation projects throughout the contract period.

    “We are pleased to support the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health with our combined expertise in standards, interoperability, and healthcare system architecture. The DigiSanté framework is a cornerstone in the continued digital transformation of the Swiss healthcare system, and we look forward to collaborating closely with Trifork and health authorities.”
    — Rolf Brügger, Partner, Government & Public Services Industry Leader of Deloitte Switzerland

    Trifork brings deep experience from regulated health software development, including CE-marked applications, shared care platforms, and interoperability services across European markets. In Switzerland, the company is actively involved in supporting nationwide initiatives such as the electronic patient dossier (EPD) and broader healthcare ecosystem projects. This builds on Trifork’s growing local presence through digital health partnerships and strategic investments.

    “This collaboration is a natural extension of our commitment to digital health in Switzerland, and we’re excited to collaborate with Deloitte in this fascinating task. Our experience in standards implementation and healthcare-specific technology complements Deloitte’s strategic expertise, positioning us well to support FOPH’s long-term goals.”
    — Fabio Vena, CSO Trifork Switzerland

    More information
    Official award notice: https://www.simap.ch/de/project-detail/0cf68475-d125-4c8b-b4a9-dc379e3ceb71?lot-id=null#zuschlag

    Press contact
    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, Head of IR & PR
    frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 7317

    About the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH / BAG) (bag.admin.ch)
    The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), part of the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs, is responsible for public health in Switzerland. The FOPH develops and implements national healthcare policy, ensures access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, and promotes the health and well-being of Switzerland’s population. As the lead authority behind the DigiSanté program, FOPH plays a key role in advancing Switzerland’s digital health infrastructure, setting standards for health data, and enabling secure, efficient and patient-centred health services across the country.

    About Deloitte Switzerland (deloitte.ch)
    Deloitte offers integrated services that include Audit & Assurance, Tax & Legal, Strategy, Risk & Transaction Advisory, and Technology & Transformation. Its approach combines insight and innovation from multiple disciplines with business and industry knowledge to help clients excel anywhere in the world. With around 2,700 employees at six locations in Basel, Berne, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano and Zurich (headquarters), Deloitte serves companies and organisations of all legal forms and sizes in all industry sectors. Deloitte AG is an affiliate of Deloitte North South Europe (NSE), a member firm of the global network of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL) comprising around 460,000 employees in more than 150 countries. 

    About Trifork (trifork.com)
    Trifork (Nasdaq Copenhagen: TRIFOR) is a pioneering global technology company, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative digital products and solutions. With 1,215 professionals across 71 business units in 16 countries, Trifork specializes in designing, building, and operating advanced software across sectors such as public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. In Switzerland, Trifork is deeply involved in the healthcare tech ecosystem. The Group’s R&D arm, Trifork Labs, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic, high-potential technology companies.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Who Ran $7-Million-Dollar Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme Sentenced To Four Years In Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – Douglas Jae Woo Kim was sentenced today to 48 months in federal prison for his scheme to defraud investors of over $7 million in cryptocurrency and other funds.  Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer handed down the sentence.

    At the conclusion of a three-week trial in February 2025, a federal jury convicted Kim, 32, of New York, New York, on 14 counts of wire fraud, international money laundering, and money laundering, and acquitted him on one count of international money laundering.  At today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Breyer dismissed one count of laundering of monetary instruments, one of the 14 counts on which Kim had been found guilty, on venue grounds.  

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between October 2017 and June 2020, after moving to San Francisco, Kim engaged in a scheme to defraud investors, many of whom were friends and acquaintances, of over $7 million in money and cryptocurrency by holding himself out as a legitimate trader of cryptocurrency.  Kim falsely represented that he was seeking short-term liquidity in the form of loans or investments for cryptocurrency trading or other legitimate business purposes, told victims that the loans carried no risk or very low risk, promised high rates of return on their loans, and claimed that he had sufficient funds to personally guarantee the loans.  

    In October 2017, Kim contacted a victim by text message and said he was looking for investors interested in making what he called a short-term loan for a “fairly modest operation.”  Kim represented that he was investing in a cryptocurrency operation in which he would make a profit from fees charged to a peer-to-peer network and from exchange transactions, and informed the victim that the operation “isn’t very risky to me.”  Kim obtained over a million dollars’ worth of funds from this victim over the course of the scheme, the majority of which went to offshore sports betting sites.

    In November 2017, Kim contacted another victim by email and said he was looking for cryptocurrency for a trading strategy.  Kim assured that the victim that “my activities are fairly low risk.”  In total, Kim obtained over $500,000 in funds from this victim, most of which he sent to offshore sports betting sites.

    In an agreement dated Jan. 1, 2018, Kim set out the terms of a similar investment with a third victim.  The agreement called for the victim to provide cryptocurrency valued at approximately $200,000 at the time.  The same day, Kim converted more than half of the funds to bitcoin and, in the following days, transferred substantially all the converted cryptocurrency to his account with an offshore casino.  Kim went on to obtain over $4 million in funds from this victim.

    Kim defrauded numerous other victims, including nine who testified at trial, until at least July 2020, when he was charged by federal complaint.

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Breyer sentenced Kim to a three-year period of supervised release.  A hearing will be scheduled to determine issues regarding restitution.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah Stern and Maya Karwande are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Veronica Hernandez, Maryam Beros, Andy Ding, Lynette Dixon, and Christine Tian. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Who Ran $7-Million-Dollar Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme Sentenced To Four Years In Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN FRANCISCO – Douglas Jae Woo Kim was sentenced today to 48 months in federal prison for his scheme to defraud investors of over $7 million in cryptocurrency and other funds.  Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer handed down the sentence.

    At the conclusion of a three-week trial in February 2025, a federal jury convicted Kim, 32, of New York, New York, on 14 counts of wire fraud, international money laundering, and money laundering, and acquitted him on one count of international money laundering.  At today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Breyer dismissed one count of laundering of monetary instruments, one of the 14 counts on which Kim had been found guilty, on venue grounds.  

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between October 2017 and June 2020, after moving to San Francisco, Kim engaged in a scheme to defraud investors, many of whom were friends and acquaintances, of over $7 million in money and cryptocurrency by holding himself out as a legitimate trader of cryptocurrency.  Kim falsely represented that he was seeking short-term liquidity in the form of loans or investments for cryptocurrency trading or other legitimate business purposes, told victims that the loans carried no risk or very low risk, promised high rates of return on their loans, and claimed that he had sufficient funds to personally guarantee the loans.  

    In October 2017, Kim contacted a victim by text message and said he was looking for investors interested in making what he called a short-term loan for a “fairly modest operation.”  Kim represented that he was investing in a cryptocurrency operation in which he would make a profit from fees charged to a peer-to-peer network and from exchange transactions, and informed the victim that the operation “isn’t very risky to me.”  Kim obtained over a million dollars’ worth of funds from this victim over the course of the scheme, the majority of which went to offshore sports betting sites.

    In November 2017, Kim contacted another victim by email and said he was looking for cryptocurrency for a trading strategy.  Kim assured that the victim that “my activities are fairly low risk.”  In total, Kim obtained over $500,000 in funds from this victim, most of which he sent to offshore sports betting sites.

    In an agreement dated Jan. 1, 2018, Kim set out the terms of a similar investment with a third victim.  The agreement called for the victim to provide cryptocurrency valued at approximately $200,000 at the time.  The same day, Kim converted more than half of the funds to bitcoin and, in the following days, transferred substantially all the converted cryptocurrency to his account with an offshore casino.  Kim went on to obtain over $4 million in funds from this victim.

    Kim defrauded numerous other victims, including nine who testified at trial, until at least July 2020, when he was charged by federal complaint.

    United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Breyer sentenced Kim to a three-year period of supervised release.  A hearing will be scheduled to determine issues regarding restitution.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah Stern and Maya Karwande are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Veronica Hernandez, Maryam Beros, Andy Ding, Lynette Dixon, and Christine Tian. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty To COVID-19 Employment Tax Credit Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – A Tennessee man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud, aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, and money laundering, for his role in a scheme to claim refunds based on false COVID-19 employment tax credits.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Ryan Glidewell conspired with others to file false tax returns seeking refunds based on the Employee Retention Credit and paid Sick and Family Leave Credit, both of which were created by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic.  Glidewell and co-conspirators created phony businesses, which lacked any employees or operations, for the sole purpose of falsely claiming the credits.  Glidewell filed numerous false tax returns for those businesses and directed the tax refunds to be mailed to addresses he and co-conspirators controlled.

    In total, the false returns claimed over $3.4 million in tax refunds, of which the IRS paid $1.8 million.

    Glidewell is set to be sentenced on Nov. 12, 2025.  He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for money laundering, and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Zachary A. Cobb of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Heavener for the Eastern District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.

                                                                                                                             ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty To COVID-19 Employment Tax Credit Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – A Tennessee man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud, aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, and money laundering, for his role in a scheme to claim refunds based on false COVID-19 employment tax credits.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Ryan Glidewell conspired with others to file false tax returns seeking refunds based on the Employee Retention Credit and paid Sick and Family Leave Credit, both of which were created by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic.  Glidewell and co-conspirators created phony businesses, which lacked any employees or operations, for the sole purpose of falsely claiming the credits.  Glidewell filed numerous false tax returns for those businesses and directed the tax refunds to be mailed to addresses he and co-conspirators controlled.

    In total, the false returns claimed over $3.4 million in tax refunds, of which the IRS paid $1.8 million.

    Glidewell is set to be sentenced on Nov. 12, 2025.  He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for money laundering, and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Zachary A. Cobb of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Heavener for the Eastern District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.

                                                                                                                             ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The One Big Beautiful Bill Invests in Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–The One Big Beautiful Bill Act invests in American families by making the Trump tax cuts permanent, enhancing the child tax credit and strengthening childcare assistance. Together, these measures make raising a family more affordable for hardworking taxpayers. 

    “This legislation not only prevents the biggest tax hike in history, but it also provides significant tax relief for hardworking families through measures like increasing and making the doubled child tax credit permanent, and enhancing tax benefits that make child care more affordable,” said Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).

    Key wins:

    • Permanent lower tax rates, letting Americans keep more of their hard-earned money.
    • Permanent increased and enhanced $2,200 child tax credit for tens of millions of families.
    • Permanent increased and enhanced standard deduction, claimed by over 90 percent of taxpayers.
    • Strengthens employer-provided childcare credit and boosts childcare assistance.
    • Establishes savings accounts for newborns, building financial security for the next generation.  

    What they are saying:

    “We applaud the Senate’s action to progress this critical legislation and expand upon President Trump’s tax relief for hardworking Americans. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill will protect families and small businesses from the largest tax hike in history and deliver No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and new tax cuts for seniors. The passage of this bill will deliver the permanence and certainty both individual taxpayers and businesses.” – U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

    “Passing an extension and permanency for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) out of the Senate is the next step in extending tax cuts for working Americans. The TCJA was an unmitigated success that benefitted American families, workers, and the overall economy.” – Americans for Prosperity

    Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Employee Retention Credit Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Tennessee man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud, aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, and money laundering, for his role in a scheme to claim refunds based on false COVID-19 employment tax credits.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Ryan Glidewell conspired with others to file false tax returns seeking refunds based on the Employee Retention Credit and paid Sick and Family Leave Credit, both of which were created by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Glidewell and co-conspirators created phony businesses, which lacked any employees or operations, for the sole purpose of falsely claiming the credits. Glidewell filed numerous false tax returns for those businesses and directed the tax refunds to be mailed to addresses he and co-conspirators controlled.

    In total, the false returns claimed over $3.4 million in tax refunds, of which the IRS paid $1.8 million.

    Glidewell is set to be sentenced on Nov. 12. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for money laundering, and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Zachary A. Cobb of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Heavener for the Eastern District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Employee Retention Credit Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Tennessee man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud, aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, and money laundering, for his role in a scheme to claim refunds based on false COVID-19 employment tax credits.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Ryan Glidewell conspired with others to file false tax returns seeking refunds based on the Employee Retention Credit and paid Sick and Family Leave Credit, both of which were created by Congress to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Glidewell and co-conspirators created phony businesses, which lacked any employees or operations, for the sole purpose of falsely claiming the credits. Glidewell filed numerous false tax returns for those businesses and directed the tax refunds to be mailed to addresses he and co-conspirators controlled.

    In total, the false returns claimed over $3.4 million in tax refunds, of which the IRS paid $1.8 million.

    Glidewell is set to be sentenced on Nov. 12. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for money laundering, and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Zachary A. Cobb of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Heavener for the Eastern District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Azerion announces definitive agreement with DoubleDown Interactive for the sale of Whow Games Company sharpens focus on digital advertising, cloud services and AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amsterdam, 9 July 2025 – Azerion, a leading European digital advertising platform, today announces the sale of its subsidiary Whow Games, the lion’s share of its Premium Games segment, to DoubleDown Interactive, part of South Korea-based DoubleUGames, for a total consideration of €65 million. The deal consists of an upfront payment of €55 million and an earn-out of up to €10 million, subject to customary adjustments.

    The transaction marks another significant step in Azerion’s strategy, a journey the company has been on for some years now, reinforcing digital advertising as the company’s core business. In addition, Azerion continues to expand into cloud infrastructure and AI-driven solutions.

    The sale follows a series of portfolio optimisations, including the divestment of its social card games portfolio in 2023 for €81.3 million. With a strong position as one of Europe’s most innovative players in digital advertising, Azerion is now also addressing growing European demand for scalable cloud and AI alternatives to large US providers. After more than 10 years of developing AI software and cloud services for its own use, Azerion is now offering these services to clients. This puts it in markets where many European companies are currently seeking an alternative to the American tech giants.

    Founded in the Netherlands in 2014, Azerion has grown into a major player in digital advertising through a series of strategic acquisitions. Listed on Euronext Amsterdam since February 2022, the company generated €551 million in revenue in 2024, up 7% year-on-year. Revenue guidance for 2025 is in the range of €600–650 million. In Q1 2025, the company reported EBITDA growth of 68% compared to the same period last year thanks to a continued focus on efficiency and profitability.

    Reinforcing digital advertising

    “We are excited to take this further step to strengthen our digital advertising business.” said Sebastiaan Moesman, Chief Strategy Officer of Azerion. “This sale enables us to dedicate even more resources and attention on realizing our growth and expansion plans. We are also demonstrating once again that our investment strategy can create long-term value for our shareholders.”

    Azerion recently launched Azerion Intelligence, a platform offering affordable and independent cloud hosting as well as access to a range of open-source AI tools. “Across Europe, companies and public institutions are increasingly looking to bring their data closer to home to be less reliant on one partner,” said Moesman. “While this desire is not new, we’re seeing a clear shift in priority. Organisations are now actively seeking alternatives to major cloud providers. At the same time, demand for local, cost-efficient AI services is on the rise. Azerion is well positioned to support organisations ready to take the next step in digital sovereignty.”

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Materials for the Government meeting on July 10, 2025.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The following issues are planned to be considered at the meeting:

    1. On the national report on the progress and results of the implementation in 2024 of the State Program for the Development of Agriculture and Regulation of Agricultural Products, Raw Materials and Food Markets

    The national report is presented by the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia and is a public form of reporting and monitoring of the implementation of the goals, objectives, indicators and targets of the state program.

    2. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 924067–8 “On Amendments to the Budget Code of the Russian Federation”

    The draft amendments are aimed at clarifying the provisions of the draft federal law adopted by the State Duma in the first reading.

    3. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 782260–8 “On Amendments to Part One of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and Articles 12 and 30 of the Federal Law “On Enforcement Proceedings”

    The draft amendments are aimed at taking into account the comments and suggestions made during the consideration of the bill in the first reading in the State Duma.

    4. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” (in terms of establishing additional grounds for reviewing court decisions that have entered into legal force)

    The adoption of the bill will bring the provisions of the Civil Procedure Code, the Arbitration Procedure Code and the Code of Administrative Procedure into line with the legal position of the Constitutional Court.

    5. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 487723–8 “On Amendments to Articles 194 and 202 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation”

    The draft amendments are aimed at improving the procedure for granting a license to carry out entrepreneurial activity in the management of apartment buildings.

    6. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia in 2025 for the provision of a subsidy from the federal budget to the budget of the Tula Region in 2025

    The draft order is aimed at co-financing the expenditure obligations of the Tula region arising from the implementation of measures to create the infrastructure of the innovative scientific and technological center “Innovative Scientific and Technological Center “Composite Valley”.

    Moscow, July 9, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

    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 Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 23).

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the national report on the progress and results of the implementation in 2024 of the State Program for the Development of Agriculture and Regulation of Agricultural Products, Raw Materials and Food Markets

    The national report is presented by the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia and is a public form of reporting and monitoring of the implementation of the goals, objectives, indicators and targets of the state program.

    2. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 924067–8 “On Amendments to the Budget Code of the Russian Federation”

    The draft amendments are aimed at clarifying the provisions of the draft federal law adopted by the State Duma in the first reading.

    3. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 782260–8 “On Amendments to Part One of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and Articles 12 and 30 of the Federal Law “On Enforcement Proceedings”

    The draft amendments are aimed at taking into account the comments and suggestions made during the consideration of the bill in the first reading in the State Duma.

    4. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” (in terms of establishing additional grounds for reviewing court decisions that have entered into legal force)

    The adoption of the bill will bring the provisions of the Civil Procedure Code, the Arbitration Procedure Code and the Code of Administrative Procedure into line with the legal position of the Constitutional Court.

    5. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 487723–8 “On Amendments to Articles 194 and 202 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation”

    The draft amendments are aimed at improving the procedure for granting a license to carry out entrepreneurial activity in the management of apartment buildings.

    6. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia in 2025 for the provision of a subsidy from the federal budget to the budget of the Tula Region in 2025

    The draft order is aimed at co-financing the expenditure obligations of the Tula region arising from the implementation of measures to create the infrastructure of the innovative scientific and technological center “Innovative Scientific and Technological Center “Composite Valley”.

    Moscow, July 9, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

    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 Security: Maryland Woman Charged with Tax Refund Fraud

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A federal grand jury in Baltimore, Maryland, returned an indictment, unsealed late last week, charging a Maryland woman with tax fraud, theft of government funds, and money laundering.

    The following is according to the indictment: between December 2019 and March 2020, Kendra Nicole Scarborough, of Oxon Hill, allegedly assisted with the preparation and filing of false tax returns in order to receive large refunds from the IRS to which she was not entitled. On those returns, Scarborough allegedly claimed nonexistent payments or withholdings and requested more than $1.1 million in refunds. As a result of one of the alleged false tax returns, the IRS issued refunds to Scarborough of more than $412,000.

    If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the money laundering charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the theft of government funds charge, and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each of the three charges of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Scarborough also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties, and restitution.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Assistant Chief Sarah Ranney and Trial Attorney Alexandra Fleszar of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: BitMart Launches Fast API with OAuth2.0 Integration — Powering the Next Generation of Global Brokers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mahe, Seychelles, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    BitMart, a premier global digital asset trading platform, is proud to announce the launch of its Fast API integration, now fully supporting the OAuth2.0 authorization protocol. This major technical upgrade sets a new benchmark in secure, high-performance connectivity for brokers, institutional partners, and algorithmic traders around the world.

    With the official release of the Fast API, BitMart is also introducing — for the first time publicly — its upgraded Broker Program, designed to provide an all-encompassing ecosystem for trading platforms, bot providers, hedge funds, and financial institutions.

    Fast API: Performance, Security, and Flexibility

    The Fast API with OAuth2.0 enables seamless and secure integration with the BitMart trading infrastructure. It offers:

    • Ultra-Fast Market Data: Millisecond-level data feeds for real-time market insights
    • High-Speed Trading Execution: Lightning-fast order placements and cancellations with minimized latency
    • Secure Authentication: OAuth2.0 ensures strong account and fund protection
    • Multi-Account Management: Unified control over assets and strategies across multiple accounts
    • Comprehensive Protocols: Full support for both RESTful API and WebSocket connections

    This upgrade is especially valuable for partners who require institutional-grade trading performance, data access, and security.

    Unlock New Opportunities with the BitMart Broker Program

    The BitMart Broker Program has been strategically revamped to better serve global partners. It offers:

    • Competitive Revenue Sharing: Up to 50% rebate on spot and futures trading commissions
    • Tiered Partnership Levels: From Standard to Premium and Exclusive levels, tailored to partner growth
    • Advanced Tools: Integrated dashboards, performance analytics, and real-time reporting
    • Dedicated Support: Priority response times and personalized assistance from institutional account managers
    • Marketing Collaboration: Co-branded campaigns and strategic joint promotions

    Who Can Join?

    BitMart welcomes a wide range of partners, including but not limited to:

    • Trading Bots & Platforms
    • Copy Trading Services
    • Crypto Wallet Providers
    • Hedge Funds & Asset Managers
    • Strategy Providers
    • Social Trading Networks
    • Swaps & DeFi Platforms
    • Exchanges and Aggregators

    This is a unique opportunity for partners looking to elevate their offerings with BitMart’s robust infrastructure and growing global user base.

    Build the Future of Digital Finance with BitMart

    “At BitMart, we are committed to building an open and mutually beneficial digital asset ecosystem,” said the BitMart Institutional Team. “With the Fast API launch and upgraded Broker Program, we’re enabling partners to scale faster, trade smarter, and connect more securely than ever before.”

    For partnership inquiries or to explore integration opportunities, please contact your account manager or email us at institution.vip@bitmart.com. 

    Learn more: BitMart Broker Program Website

    About BitMart

    BitMart is a premier global digital asset trading platform with more than 10 million users worldwide. Consistently ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, BitMart offers over 1,700 trading pairs with competitive fees. Committed to continuous innovation and financial inclusivity, BitMart empowers users globally to trade seamlessly. Learn more about BitMart at Website, follow their X (Twitter), or join their Telegram for updates, news, and promotions. Download BitMart App to trade anytime, anywhere.

    Disclaimer:

    The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any financial assets. All information is provided in good faith. However, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of such information.

    All crypto investments, including earnings, are highly speculative in nature and involve substantial risk of loss. Past, hypothetical, or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The value of digital currencies can go up or down and there can be a substantial risk in buying, selling, holding, or trading digital currencies. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital currencies is suitable for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. BitMart does not provide any investment, legal or tax advice.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BitMart Launches Fast API with OAuth2.0 Integration — Powering the Next Generation of Global Brokers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mahe, Seychelles, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    BitMart, a premier global digital asset trading platform, is proud to announce the launch of its Fast API integration, now fully supporting the OAuth2.0 authorization protocol. This major technical upgrade sets a new benchmark in secure, high-performance connectivity for brokers, institutional partners, and algorithmic traders around the world.

    With the official release of the Fast API, BitMart is also introducing — for the first time publicly — its upgraded Broker Program, designed to provide an all-encompassing ecosystem for trading platforms, bot providers, hedge funds, and financial institutions.

    Fast API: Performance, Security, and Flexibility

    The Fast API with OAuth2.0 enables seamless and secure integration with the BitMart trading infrastructure. It offers:

    • Ultra-Fast Market Data: Millisecond-level data feeds for real-time market insights
    • High-Speed Trading Execution: Lightning-fast order placements and cancellations with minimized latency
    • Secure Authentication: OAuth2.0 ensures strong account and fund protection
    • Multi-Account Management: Unified control over assets and strategies across multiple accounts
    • Comprehensive Protocols: Full support for both RESTful API and WebSocket connections

    This upgrade is especially valuable for partners who require institutional-grade trading performance, data access, and security.

    Unlock New Opportunities with the BitMart Broker Program

    The BitMart Broker Program has been strategically revamped to better serve global partners. It offers:

    • Competitive Revenue Sharing: Up to 50% rebate on spot and futures trading commissions
    • Tiered Partnership Levels: From Standard to Premium and Exclusive levels, tailored to partner growth
    • Advanced Tools: Integrated dashboards, performance analytics, and real-time reporting
    • Dedicated Support: Priority response times and personalized assistance from institutional account managers
    • Marketing Collaboration: Co-branded campaigns and strategic joint promotions

    Who Can Join?

    BitMart welcomes a wide range of partners, including but not limited to:

    • Trading Bots & Platforms
    • Copy Trading Services
    • Crypto Wallet Providers
    • Hedge Funds & Asset Managers
    • Strategy Providers
    • Social Trading Networks
    • Swaps & DeFi Platforms
    • Exchanges and Aggregators

    This is a unique opportunity for partners looking to elevate their offerings with BitMart’s robust infrastructure and growing global user base.

    Build the Future of Digital Finance with BitMart

    “At BitMart, we are committed to building an open and mutually beneficial digital asset ecosystem,” said the BitMart Institutional Team. “With the Fast API launch and upgraded Broker Program, we’re enabling partners to scale faster, trade smarter, and connect more securely than ever before.”

    For partnership inquiries or to explore integration opportunities, please contact your account manager or email us at institution.vip@bitmart.com. 

    Learn more: BitMart Broker Program Website

    About BitMart

    BitMart is a premier global digital asset trading platform with more than 10 million users worldwide. Consistently ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, BitMart offers over 1,700 trading pairs with competitive fees. Committed to continuous innovation and financial inclusivity, BitMart empowers users globally to trade seamlessly. Learn more about BitMart at Website, follow their X (Twitter), or join their Telegram for updates, news, and promotions. Download BitMart App to trade anytime, anywhere.

    Disclaimer:

    The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any financial assets. All information is provided in good faith. However, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of such information.

    All crypto investments, including earnings, are highly speculative in nature and involve substantial risk of loss. Past, hypothetical, or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The value of digital currencies can go up or down and there can be a substantial risk in buying, selling, holding, or trading digital currencies. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital currencies is suitable for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. BitMart does not provide any investment, legal or tax advice.

    The MIL Network –

  • India aims for energy independence by 2047 and net-zero by 2070: Hardeep Singh Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has outlined a bold roadmap for energy security and a sustainable future at the 9th OPEC International Seminar held in Vienna, Austria. Addressing global energy leaders and industry experts, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, emphasized India’s commitment to achieving energy independence by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070.

    Speaking on the theme ‘Oil Markets: Energy Security, Growth & Prosperity’, Puri detailed India’s extensive plans to expand hydrocarbon exploration. Under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Round-10, the government has opened 2.5 lakh sq km for exploration, with the target to scale this up to 0.5 million sq km by 2025 and 1 million sq km by 2030. He also highlighted India’s potential breakthrough in discovering a Guyana-scale oilfield in the Andaman Sea, positioning the country for major upstream growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Key policy reforms are driving this momentum. India has transitioned from a Production Sharing Contract regime to a Revenue Sharing Model under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and has amended the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948 to improve lease management, safety and dispute resolution.

    Notably, 99% of previously designated ‘No-Go’ areas have been opened, freeing over 1 million sq km for exploration. This expansion is underpinned by large-scale national data initiatives, including the National Seismic Program, the Andaman Offshore Project, Mission Anveshan, and the Extended Continental Shelf Survey.

    Highlighting India’s growing role in global energy markets, Puri noted that as the world’s third-largest energy consumer with daily demand of about 5.4 million barrels, India is both a structural growth engine and a stabilizing force in the oil market. “India will contribute nearly 25% of the incremental global energy demand growth in the coming years,” he said.

    To strengthen its energy security, India is diversifying its crude oil import sources from 27 to 40 countries, ramping up domestic production, advancing alternative fuels, and expanding its refining capacity to 310 MMTPA by 2028. The country also aims to boost its petrochemical sector, targeting a USD 300 billion industry by 2030.

    Despite global geopolitical tensions, Puri highlighted India’s success in ensuring affordable energy for its citizens. “India is the only major economy to reduce fuel prices even as global oil prices rose,” he pointed out.

    On the clean energy front, the Minister underlined the role of biofuels in India’s decarbonization pathway. The Global Biofuels Alliance — initiated by India — now has the support of over 29 countries and 14 international organisations. Domestically, the country is accelerating the use of ethanol, compressed biogas (CBG), biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). “India firmly believes the global energy transition must be just, inclusive and equitable. For 1.4 billion Indians and billions across the Global South, development must go hand in hand with dignity,” he said.

    He also shared the success of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), the world’s largest clean cooking programme. Since its launch, over 103 million LPG connections have been provided to women from economically weaker households, raising LPG coverage from 55% in 2014 to near-universal access today. Despite a 58% rise in global LPG prices, PMUY beneficiaries pay only $6–7 for a standard 14.2 kg cylinder — about 39% less than the international market price last year — supported by significant government subsidies and oil marketing companies absorbing $4.7 billion in losses.